Frequently Asked Questions

When can I start learning to drive?

To learn to drive you must be 17 years old and be in receipt of a valid signed provisional driving licence, if you receive the higher rate of disability allowance you can begin driving at 16.

I haven't got a provisonal licence, how/where do I get one?

To apply for a driving licence you'll need to pick up a D1 form from your local Post Office, alternatively, you can also apply online here

When can I start learning to drive?

To learn to drive you must be 17 years old and be in receipt of a valid signed provisional driving licence, if you receive the higher rate of disability allowance you can begin driving at 16.

What exactly is an Approved Driving Instructor?

To become an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) you must pass a stringent qualifying process consisting of three parts. Part One is a Theory & Hazard Perception Test, the first section is a multiple choice test which contains 100 questions, to pass you must answer 85% of the questions correctly, in addition to this the questions are split into four bands and you must achieve at least 80% in each band. The Hazard Perception test is the same as that taken by learner drivers however the pass mark is higher. As with the theory tests that learner drivers take, both parts of the test must be passed on the same sitting.

Potential ADIs must also take a Test of Driving Ability (Known as Part 2), this is an extended driving test where a higher level of competence is required, it lasts about one hour and no more than 6 Driver Faults are allowed, this test is limited to three attempts from the date you passed your Part 1 Theory Test.

Finally, Potential ADIs undergo a Test of Ability to Give Instruction (Part 3), for this test a Senior Examiner from the Driving Standards Agency will role-play two different drivers of different abilities and look to make sure that the potential driving instructor can teach and impart their knowledge to the "learner driver". This test lasts one hour and is split into two phases lasting half an hour each, as with the Part 2 test, this test is also limited to three attempts in the same two year period.

Once all the tests have been passed you are then a DSA Approved Driving Instructor (Car), but it doesn't stop there! Approved Driving Instructors undergo regularly tests (called Check Tests) to make sure that their level is still at an acceptable standard.

What car will I learn to drive in?

The car you'll learn to drive in is a fully maintained Ford Fiesta Zetec Blue TDCi. It is easy to drive and has good all round visibility, it is suitable for people of all heights thanks to the height adjustable driver's seat and benefits from power steering, automatic headlamps and wipers, electric mirrors and not forgetting the air conditioning for those sunny days! and if we have a quick freeze you'll find the QuickClear Front Windscreen really useful!

How many Driving Lessons will I need?

If only we got a pound for everytime we are asked this! There is no straight answer to this question because everyone is unique, it can vary so much from one person to the next. Factors include how many lessons you take a week, how quickly you can take in information, whether you receive private practice outside of your normal lessons, your age and many more factors! Research carried out by the Driving Standards Agency (the people who set the tests!) showed that those who passed first time on average had 45 hours of professional driving tuition and plenty of private practice! You must remember that the driving test is just the start of your driving career therefore you must be safe, in other words you should be a safe competent driver - not just pass your test!

What is "test standard"?

Test Standard is when you can drive and perform the required manoeuvres are a consistently high standard on your own (without the help of your instructor!). You should be able to demonstrate all the skills including in the Driving Test syllabus.

What car do I take my driving test in?

You'll use the tuition vehicle for your driving test.

I'm thinking of an intensive course, are they any good?

Intensive courses for the right person will work! Not everyone is capable of taking in and digesting so much in such a short space of time! I tend to recommend that drivers starting out at the beginning of their driving career start will regular driving lessons and then use an intensive course to build up their experience and to practise the skills.