Practical advice

 

The following page offers some practical advice on getting the best out of your driving lessons and preparing you to pass your driving test.

 

How long will it take me?

 

Learning to drive is a 'life skill' and the amount of time it takes to complete your training can vary depending upon:

 

The number of hours tuition you take each week

Your age

Your previous on-road experience

Your aptitude (ability to learn the skills required to pass the test)

Your knowledge of the rules of the road (Highway Code)

Your attitude and confidence level

Your driving instructor

 

An average pupil of 19 years old requires between 35 and 40 hours of tuition before presenting for the test. Some pupils require a little less and some a little more, but you can be sure that a pupil who takes a test before they are ready will fail. Pupils who take a course of lessons and listen to the advice of their instructor are much more likely to pass at their first attempt.

 

We also recommend that you practice with the help of a friend or family member in an automatic car, if this option is available to you.

 

Preparing for your 1st lesson

 

Find your provisional licence. You will need to present the plastic card licence and your NI number to your instructor.

 

Bring any glasses or contact lenses if you have been prescribed them

Wear shoes with a flat sole.

 

Don't worry, many learners are nervous before their 1st lesson, your driving instructor will put you at ease.

　

Pupil Commitment

To get the best out of your lessons you should understand the commitment you are making when learning to drive. You may have some ideas about what is required from friends who have already learnt to drive but try to remember the following points:

 

Turning up for lessons - Make sure you are at your agreed meeting point with time to spare. You are less likely to feel anxious or stressed and this will help your progress during the lesson.

 

Cancelling a lesson - If you have to cancel a lesson you should normally provide at least 24 hours notice. In the event that you cancel at short notice for any reason we may be forced to charge you for the lesson. If you are unwell you should contact us as soon as practicably possible.

 

Making payments - You can pay for your lessons either at the beginning of each lesson or by prepaying for a block of lessons at any point. Paying for a block of lessons is always cheaper and saves you time during the lesson.

 

Training & the theory test - Nowadays pupils must pass a theory test before sitting their practical test. We recommend that you have driving lessons while preparing for your theory test. This will help you put your knowledge into practice and you will learn faster as a result. You should also consider buying a dvd, app or a book covering the theory syllabus.

 

Regular lessons - having your lesson at a regular time and place makes it easier to remember and will help you make better progress throughout. We recommend having at least a 1½ hour lesson per week although we understand that this may not always be possible for everyone.

 

Time of day - Having lessons during rush hours or during dark evenings may hinder your progress at the early stages of learning to drive. Try to find a time to practice when the roads are quiet and practice in good daylight.

 

Candidates booking for a test will always be subject to the waiting time for the test centre in question and a practical test cannot be booked prior to passing the theory test. Although some cancellations are made available, these will be difficult to find in an area where the pupil has been practicing and therefore pupils are more likely to fail if they are unfamiliar with the roads

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As an alternative you should consider doing an intensive driving course. Intensive driving courses will normally see you complete the syllabus over a 2 week period. You will need to have completed your theory test and have your practical test booked before starting the course.