How old do I have to be to start driving?
For most people this is 17, but if you are
getting Disability Living Allowance at the higher rate (ie: Mobility component) then you can start at 16.
You can apply for a Provisional licence when
you are 16 (Because at that age you are able ride a moped). If not interested in riding a moped, then I would suggest
that you apply up to three months before your 17th birthday to ensure it arrives before your Birthday.
You won't be able to book or take any
tests until your licence arrives, so ensure you apply early.
What length of lessons?
We offer lessons from 1 to 3 hrs
duration(anything less than 1 hour does not give enough time to both practice and digest any new skill learned during the
lesson). The usual length for beginners is 2 hours, reducing in length to 1 or 1 1/2 hrs when at the practice stage.
Weekly lessons or Intensive course?
Many people find that the best way of learning
to drive is by taking individual lessons that can be arranged to suit you. Weekly lessons are great if you on a budget and
they also give more time to digest new skills under less pressure. However, if time is a problem, due to work or other commitments
then time off for an intensive course is sometimes the only option. The length of a course will usually depend upon the
waiting time at your local test centre, although short notice tests are often available. Courses can be booked for anything
from 1 to 6weeks duration.
I would always suggest that you take a trial/assessment
lesson prior to commiting to any course to ensure that we get on well and that you feel confident with your instruction.
Please bear in mind that a Practical test
cannot be booked until you Theory test is completed.
However if speed is what you are interested
in!
- Apply for your theory test today
- Start taking any an all available
lessons from tomorrow
- Given that it will usually take
take 2 weeks to study and pass your theory test, you can probably complete enough lessons by the time you've passed to at
least be approaching test standard.
- Then a short notice test can be applied for
once your ready.
How much will it cost?
This will depend on the number of lessons you
need (everyone learns at a different pace). however, a lot can be done to help keep your lessons to a minimum:-
- Get hold of a copy of " The Official DSA Guide to Driving
- the essential skills" - published by the DSA, it will explain
almost everything that will be covered in your lessons. So if you spend time learning beforehand, then we will be able to
spend less time explaining and more time practicing.
- Recap at the end of every lesson
to ensure you keep in mind everything you have learnt.
- Try to maintain a minimum of two
lessons a week.
- Driving today is all about anticipating
the actions of others (Defensive Driving) and one of the most common reasons for test failure. So even when you are out being
driven by others, keep thinking "What would i do/have done in that situation? Try to anticipate the actions of others and
plan what you would do if you where driving.
- Try and get as much practice with
Mum/Dad etc as possible. But be aware that they probably passed their test some years ago when the test standard required
was substantially less than the test requires today. We have many experiences of parents who only took 10 or 15 lessons and
expect their sons/daughters to do the same. Please ask them to take time to update themselves with current driving practices
or ensure that you only practice as taught in your lessons.
- Don't choose an instructor purely on price,
be careful and decide what you really want. Make sure you get the best deal for you and ensure that you choose the right instructor.
Make sure they are looking after your best interests and not just their own.
So the number of lessons you take and the price
you pay is very much down to you....
