Here you’ll find some of the most common questions that I have been asked:
How many hours will it take to pass my test?
According to the latest Government survey, people learning to drive in the UK buy on average 52 hours of professional driving lessons, in addition to private supervision from friends and family.
From this you will appreciate it can easily cost you over a £1,300 to learn to drive and can take up to a year to pass the practical driving test. With my training methods, the average number of hours to pass the test can be closer to 30 hours – a potential saving of up to 22 hours from the norm or about £570. This is why it is important to select the right driving school and training approach.
What hours do you work?
I currently work on Saturday mornings, between 9am and 1pm.
I can also offer some evenings, mainly during the summer and other times to teach specific topics (such as night driving and adverse weather conditions).
What do I need to do before I can start driving?
- You need to be at least 17 years of age.
- You should be in possession of a provisional driving license from the DVLA. You can do this online or by getting an application form from the post office.
- You must be able to read a number plate at 20.5m (with or without glasses). If you can’t, then you’ll need to have any eye test. If you need glasses or contact lenses to read the number plate, then you must wear them whenever you’re driving.
How much are driving lessons?
Driving lessons vary in price. See my price list page for my latest prices and discounts.
How often should I have my driving lessons?
Continuity of driving lessons is important and I recommend that you have between 2-4 hours per week. You will also progress much quicker if you have two hour lessons each time.
What is the cheapest way of booking my driving lessons?
You should take advantage of my block booking discounts. These apply on bookings of either 10 or 20 hours (or more).
Do you work outside your listed areas?
Yes, but travel time may be chargeable, or you may need to book longer sessions.
Do you offer intensive driving courses?
No, I do not offer intensive courses. I teach you to become a safe and responsible driver, not just to get you through a test.
Do I need to pass the Theory Test before I can start my driving lessons?
No, and in fact it may be better to learn the theory whilst having practical lessons. You will however need to pass the theory test before applying for the practical test.
What should I study to pass the Theory Test?
There are various books, online video clips and mock tests which contain sample DSA questions and hazard perception clips.
Where do I take my Theory Test?
There are several theory test centres but the nearest is in Slough, which is a short walk from the town centre.
What type of car will I be learning in?
See my The Learner Car page for more details, but I currently use a Vauxhall Corsa, which is fully maintained, taxed and insured. It also has dual controls.
How many hours will I need to past my test?
The official DSA answer would be 50+ hours on average, combining professional driving tuition with private practice. This is rather misleading as it depends very much on the individual, their age and ability to learn. Taking account of:
- how quickly you learn;
- how often you are taught;
- the length of your lessons; and
- the regularity of the practice you get.
What will I need to bring to my first lesson?
You will need your photo licence, or your licence and a passport for an old style licence. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you will need to bring them with you. You will also need to wear comfortable footwear, not boots or flip-flops.
Can I learn in an Automatic?
I cannot offer automatic driving lessons.
If you are experiencing difficulties with driving a car with a manual gearbox, it is normally better to adjust the lesson plan to cater for your learning needs.
If you learn to drive and pass your test in an Automatic car, you will only be licensed to drive an Automatic car. Should you wish to drive a manual vehicle, you will have to take and pass a driving test in a manual vehicle. No theory test would be required for this second driving test.
Will I need to book my Practical & Theory Tests myself?
The Practical and Theory Tests are an arrangement between you and the DSA.
I suggest booking the test when with me – this also reduces the chance of you booking a test when I am not available.
What do I need to take to my Theory Test?
You will need your photo licence, or your licence and a passport if you have an old style paper licence. You will also need the letter the DSA sent inviting you to your test. Do not forget – no licence, no Test!
What do I need to take to my Practical Test?
You will need your photo licence, or your licence and another form of ID if you have an old paper licence. You will also need the letter the DSA sent inviting you to your test and bring along your Theory Pass Certificate. Do not forget – no licence, no Test!
Can I book a two-hour lesson?
Yes. And they are recommended for a variety of reasons:
- For remote locations, they are essential.
- They give you time to practice not only a new subject but improve on subjects previously covered.
- When you first start, they enable you to carry on past a one-hour lesson and you will benefit from the longer duration when learning to use the pedals and hand controls.
- They also help in the final stages of preparation for test, enabling you to practice junctions, manoeuvres, dual carriageway driving and country lanes – a more all-round driving lesson.
I’m buying this as a gift, can I book a block of lessons in one go, and do you provide gift certificates?
Yes, of course. I will post an authenticated gift certificate to either your or the pupils address. You can book lessons as a block and receive a discount price.
Can I be collected from or dropped to a different address other than my home?
Yes, within the local area only. We are happy to collect you from an address other than your home and drop you somewhere else at the end of your lesson, if you prefer. All we ask is that you give us plenty of notice, as we would not want to be late for the next pupil’s lesson.
Do lessons in the evenings and at weekends cost the same?
The price quoted is the price you pay, regardless of the time of the lesson.
What are the average waiting times for a test?
For a Theory Test locally it is presently 2-3 weeks. For a Practical Driving Test it is approx. 5 weeks. This does vary from month to month.
Will I use the car I learn in to take my test?
Yes, you will take the test in your training car.
I am being taught by friends or family and I am not sure if I am ready to take my Test. Can you offer a Mock Test?
Yes, this can be easily arranged and is highly recommended.
You can experience how it feels to have your driving assessed by an instructor who will conduct your test to a standard similar to DSA Examiners. I may not be an examiner but I prepare pupils for examiners to assess.
Do you offer refresher lessons?
If you have already passed your test and would like to brush up on your skills, I can offer a short refresher course. These may be from as little as two hours, through to “as many as you need to feel confident driving”. You do not need to take a test and will generally know when you do not require our help any longer.
I have helped with motorway tuition, parking and changing vehicle, in addition to people that have not driven for many years who want to brush-up their driving skills, before taking to the roads again on their own.
Please contact me for details and to discuss your requirements.
If I feel unwell – can I cancel my lesson?
You must be medically fit to drive. Even a common cold could make it unsafe for you to drive. I put safety over business and would not ask you to drive if you feel unwell. Discuss it with me and we can rearrange your lesson for when you are well again. Jet-lag after a long haul flight from holiday can also affect driving, so take that into account when arranging a lesson after holiday.
I can’t make my appointment – what is your cancellation policy?
I require 48 hours notice of cancellation of lessons for non-medical reasons.
I have a physical disability – can I still learn to drive?
Yes you can, depending on the extent of your disability, but I’d recommend looking for a specialist driving school that will have specially adapted vehicles.
I have a mental disability/learning difficulties – can I still learn to drive?
Yes you can, I am patient and empathic to each pupils needs. Contact me so we can discuss your specific requirements.
None of the above answers my query. What do I do?
For more questions on the “learn to drive” process, email or call me with your query and I will do my best to answer any question as quickly as possible, or direct you to the answers.