Driving is a Life Skill. Do it properly.

Before and during your  experience of learning to drive you will probably have a number of questions you need answered. Here I have put together a helpful list of FAQ's. If you have any comments or other questions leave a note in the comments section at the bottom. 

What do I need to start learning to drive?

You need by law to be able to read a standard new vehicle number plate from a distance of 20m (66 feet) and be in possession of a valid provisional driving licence.

How do I obtain a provisional driving licence?

You can fill in and send off a D1 application form (obtainable from the Post Office) or you can order the “D1 pack” online - follow this link. A provisional licence costs £50 and covers the cost of converting your provisional into a full licence when you have passed your test.

When can I apply for my provisional licence?

3 months before your 16^th birthday. To drive a car on the road you need to be 17.

How many hours of lessons will I need?

Everyone is different and we all learn at different speeds. The important thing is to make sure that you are properly prepared for your test and that you have the confidence, skill and positive attitude that makes a good driver when you are out on the road by yourself. The Driving Standards Agency has carried out surveys and they suggest that the average is around 45 – 50 hours with an instructor and about 20 hours practice in your own vehicle. In my experience the average is around 35 hours of lessons particularly if you are lucky enough to be able to practice in your own car.

Who can teach me to drive?

Obviously a driving instructor has the training and skills to teach you to drive and their cars have dual controls to help out if things start to go really badly wrong (mind you a good instructor should rarely let you get into that sort of situation!)

You can drive with anyone who:

• holds a full licence,
• is over 21,
• has been driving for over 3 years.

Make sure that the car is correctly insured for a learner driver to practice (this will inevitably incur an increase in the insurance premium). Put L plates on the front and back.

What do I need to do to obtain my full licence?

Firstly you need to pass your theory test (see the menu on the left above) and once you have passed the theory test you can apply for your practical driving test.

How do I apply for a theory test?

Most people these days apply online. Follow this link and you only pay the cost of the test – there are no extra booking fees such as those found on some popular web sites. To book your driving theory test online you need your valid Great Britain or Northern Ireland provisional driving licence number and your credit or debit card details.

You can also book the theory test by phone Tel: 0300 200 1122 or you can apply by post. To download a postal application click on this link, then click on the "other ways to apply" tab and then download the postal application form.

When can I take my theory test?

You can take your theory test on your 17^th birthday. Even before you start driving if you like. However, there are two schools of thought as to when to take the test. It’s useful to know the rules before you start playing the game, so learning the theoretical aspect will help with your driving. On the other hand ,having had experience of driving, the theory will make a bit more sense and the test will be easier. Personally I’d recommend learning the theory before you start driving but only take the test after you have done about 15 hours driving.

How much does the theory test cost?

Currently the cost is £23.

Where can I take my theory test?

The nearest theory test centre is in Gloucester:

121-131 Eastgate Street

Glos.

GL1 1PX

Go down the road past Primark, it’s on the left near the leisure centre. You can usually get a test date within a couple of weeks. There are also test centres in Cheltenham and Bristol.

When will I know I’m ready for my test?

Discuss it with your Instructor. I do mock tests with my students. You should feel confident in your driving skills and you should require only minor help from your Instructor.

How do I book my practical test?

Firstly discuss it with your Instructor. This link takes you to the official booking site. To book the test you will need your valid Great Britain or Northern Ireland provisional driving licence number, your credit or debit card details, a theory test pass date and certificate number (if appropriate) and your driving instructor's personal reference number so you can check they're available - but you can book without doing this. If the waiting list is long, you may have to book the test before you are completely ready. Having booked the test the Instructor will expect to see you for your regular lessons and perhaps you will need to increase the number of lessons as you approach your test. You can defer the test any time up to 3 days before your test without penalty.

Where can I take my driving test?

I use the Gloucester test centre in Quedgeley. The waiting tme for tests varies considerably depending on demand in the area. Its usually shorter in winter.

How much does the normal driving test cost?

A weekday practical test is £62, a Saturday test is £75. You need to bring your driving licence and theory test certificate. It may seem obvious, but you need to bring a car!! Most pupils use their Instructor’s car but remember this will be an additional cost.

Can I learn to drive with you in an automatic car?

No. At present I only offer tuition in a manual car.

How can I pay for lessons?

I prefer payment by Direct Bank Transfer. Payments can also be made by cash or personal cheque. I will take payments by paypal but these incur a 5% surcharge. I cannot accept credit cards.