In order to start driving lessons you must be at least 17 years of age and hold a valid UK provisional driving license. You must also be able to read a Vehicle registration plate from a distance of at least 20.5metres.
Yes, yes, yes! Make sure you keep your license counterpart safe. You will need to take it to the test centre for your theory and practical tests and will not be allowed to take either test without it.
Not at all. Everyone has to start somewhere. Your lessons will be tailored to your ability and you will be taught at a pace that suits you.
This is one of the most commonly asked questions and has one simple answer… It depends! Different people learn at different rates. Some people take to driving like a duck to water and others struggle with nerves or co–ordination. The DSA guideline is that everyone learning to drive should receive 45 hours of training plus 20 hours of private practice. The most important thing is that when it gets to the day of your driving test you feel confident in your ability to drive safely and responsibly with no assistance from your instructor.
As above, it depends on how many lessons you have. These are tough times financially but it’s important that you select the right driving instructor for the right reasons. Remember you need to be taught by someone that is going to provide you with the level of service that will help you become a safe, competent driver. Not someone that will get you through the test as quickly and cheaply as possible.
That is your choice completely. Most people do one 2hour lesson per week but we offer intensive courses for people that want to get driving quicker.
No, we do recommend that you take the theory as soon as you’re ready to though as the practical test can have quite a long waiting time for bookings. You will be given theory training during your driving lessons as well.
For the multiple–choice test, you will be required to answer 50 questions covering topics that include alertness, attitude, safety, road signs, and much more. To pass this section of the test, you must answer at least 43 questions correctly in the allocated time of 57 minutes. Before the test begins you’ll be given full instructions on how the test works. It’s important to listen carefully so you know what to expect and can react accordingly. You also have the option of going through a practice session of the multiple–choice questions to get used to the layout of the test. If you choose to do this, your real test will begin at the end of your practice session. During the test, a question and several answers will appear onscreen and you have to select the correct answer by touching the screen. Some questions may require more than one answer. It’s important to read the questions carefully – particularly as some of the questions you are asked may be similar and you think you know the answer, when in fact it’s been worded differently and therefore your answer could be different. Some of the multiple–choice questions will be given as a case study. The case study will show a scenario that five questions will be based on. The subject of the scenario focuses on real life examples and experiences that drivers could come across when driving. You can navigate between questions and ’flag’ questions that you want to come back to later in the test. After the multiple–choice part you can choose to have a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception part starts. During the Hazard Perception Test, you must click the mouse button as soon as you see a hazard developing that would require you to take action, for example changing speed, road position or direction. The earlier you spot the developing hazard and respond, the higher you will score (up to a maximum of five points per clip). The Hazard Perception Test consists of a series of 14 video clips, each lasting about one minute. Shown from the driver’s viewpoint, the clips feature various types of hazards, such as vehicles, pedestrians or other road users. The Hazard Perception Test contains 15 scoreable hazards. This means that one of the clips contains two developing hazards; so don’t assume that you can relax once you have identified one hazard. Also, the hazard that you have identified may not necessarily be the one that the DSA have classed as the hazard. So you must pay attention throughout each clip and click the mouse button each and every time you see something you perceive to be a hazard. The pass mark for this part of the test is 44 out of 75.
On your driving test you need to be able to drive safely and skillfully in various road and traffic conditions. You will be given directions clearly and in good time, and asked to carry out set exercises. Before you can start the driving part of your test you must complete an eyesight check to ensure that you can read a number plate on a parked vehicle. You will also be asked vehicle safety check questions known as “Show Me, Tell Me”. Once you begin driving, there should be no surprises, as your instructor will have thoroughly prepared you for everything you’ll need to do. Simply keep calm and concentrate on your driving. If you make a mistake, don’t panic, it will make things worse! It’s more than likely a minor mistake and doesn’t necessarily mean you have failed your test. You will be required to complete one manoeuvre from the following:
Reverse around a corner
Turn in the road
Reverse parking – either into a parking bay, or parallel parking at the side of the road
Your driving test will also include Independent Driving, which will last for approximately 10 minutes. You will receive step–by–step instructions from the examiner, which you must follow, whilst proving that you can drive safely and make decisions independently. As you perform your test your examiner will be assessing your driving, and he or she will often be marking something down on a piece of paper. Again, this is nothing to worry about. They are simply making a record of your test and are required to mark down any driving faults you make. There are three different types of fault: Minor fault Serious fault
Dangerous fault
Providing you have not accrued 16 or more minor faults, or a single serious or dangerous fault, you will pass your test. On arrival back at the test centre your examiner will go through your driving test report. You may want to ask your instructor to come and listen to the explanation. Even if you’ve passed, it’s still worth listening to what the examiner has to say because they’ll be pointing out your minor faults. This way you’ll become aware of small mistakes you make whilst driving, enabling you to do your best to eliminate them and become a better driver.
Yes, and you will have approximately 1.5 hours of practice on the test day to get yourself prepared.
If you have any other questions that are not on this list please feel free to ask!!