When can I start Learning to Drive?
You have to be 17 years old, unless you are in receipt of Disability Mobility Allowance which may mean you can start learning to drive as soon as you are 16, to give you extra independence. You will need to be able to read a car number plate from a distance of 20 metres.
You will need to have sent off your application form and received your Provisional Licence from the DVSA. You can apply for this up to two months before your 17th birthday (though it wont be valid till you turn 17) and you must keep it safely as it will be exchanged for a full Drivers Licence when you have passed both your Theory and Practical Tests.
You can study for and pass the Theory Test at any time either before you start taking Driving Lessons or, preferably, alongside your weekly lessons, which will help you put the theory into practise and enable you to learn quickly and remember the rules more easily.
Should I Learn to Drive in an Automatic or Manual car?
Most people prefer to learn to drive in a Manual car because when you pass your test you are then qualified to drive either a Manual or an Automatic. If you Pass your test in an Automatic you will then be restricted to driving only Automatic cars, unless you take a second test in a car with gears. My car is Manual but there are some local instructors who will teach you in an automatic if you decide that is what you'd prefer.
Why do some People Pass their Test more Quickly than Others?
How long it will take you depends on how quickly you learn and how much Time, Money and Effort you are prepared to put into Learning!! You can probably revise and practise for the Theory Test in a matter of weeks, especially if you have access to a computer so you can use the DVDs to practise both the Hazard Perception and Theory Test Questions. The waiting list for a Theory Test is usually only a fortnight or so but it is wise to make sure you are thoroughly prepared so that you have every chance of passing.
The number of Practical Driving Lessons you will need will again depend on many factors. Some people learn and pass with only about 20 hours of Professional Tuition, but these tend to be in the minority. Usually around 40 hours of Professional Lessons are recommended, together with as much private practise as possible with a parent or friend aged over 21 who has been driving for at least 3 years as a Full Licence Holder.
How do I book my Test and how much will it cost?
You can either book by phone (0300 200 1122) or on-line at www.gov.uk. The Theory Test currently costs £23.00 and the Practical Test is £62.00 for weekday appointments or £75.00 for evenings or Saturday mornings. Make sure you book both tests through the correct website as there are others that will charge you extra for making the booking for you.
Is it true that changes to the Driving Test will make it harder to pass?
Changes are regularly made to the Driving Test to keep it up to date and it currently includes 20 minutes of 'Independent Driving' where the examiner will ask you to follow instructions on road signs or a sat nav system which will direct you to another place. This may include finding your way to the Town Centre or to somewhere further afield so you will need to look out for these in the same way that you will be looking at information on other signs such as changes in speed limits or potential hazards.
We will practise this in your lessons so there is no reason to be worried about it and the examiner will give you plenty of warning at the beginning and end of this part of the test. There may also be some practical examples of pulling into a driving space and reversing out, or pulling up and moving away from the right hand side of the road.
You will only be asked to carry out one reversing manoeuvre instead of two, so you may even find it easier! Reversing manoeuvres currently include Parallel Parking behind a car, Bay Parking in a car park, either reversing in and driving out, or driving in and reversing back, and pulling up on the right hand side of the road, reversing back a few car lengths and re-joining the traffic.
What is Pass Plus?
Pass Plus consists of a minimum of 6 hours of extra Lessons taken after you have passed your Practical Test. This very useful and enjoyable course covers the following 6 areas, developing the skills you will have covered in your earlier Driving Lessons. It includes Motorways and Driving at Night and is an extension of what you will have learned when driving in a variety of different weather, road and traffic conditions.
Module 1 : Driving in Busy Town Centres
Module 2 : Driving in Adverse Weather Conditions
Module 3 : Driving on Rural Roads
Module 4 : Driving in the Dark
Module 5 : Driving on Dual Carriageways
Module 6 : Driving on Motorways
You may qualify for a discount on your Insurance Premium of up to 10%
PLUS there is no final Test to take
PLUS the extra Experience gained will be invaluable –
PLUS its also a lot of Fun!
What’s not to love!!
If you have any other questions please e-mail, text or phone me and I''ll do my best to help! If you need to contact me quickly, my mobile is the easiest way!
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