| Frequently Asked Questions |
| Q: How many lessons will
I need before I take my test? |
| A: Driving
Standards Agency research suggests that about 40 hours of professional
training plus additional practice will give you the best chance of
passing. Like some people are natural swimmers you may be someone
who is a natural driver and therefore need fewer lessons. However
it is not uncommon for someone who lacks co-ordination, who is extremely
nervous and has no road sense to need a considerably large amount
of lessons. |
| Q: When should I take
my theory test ? |
| A: As
soon as possible, knowing your theory will help you with your driving.
I will advise you about the material you need to take your theory
test and give you as much support as you need. Learning your theory
is really down to you, do you really want to sit in my car while we
look at books, or would you rather spend the time improving your driving
skills? |
| Q: How will I know I'm
ready for my test? |
| A:
Once you have been taught all the syllabus you will be taken on test
routes to practise your new skills, once you have proved that you
can drive independently and have achieved a reasonable result on a
mock test you will be ready for your test. Remember when you go for
your driving test you should not rely on getting any help from the
examiner, if you still need any help at that time you should not be
taking your test. |
| Q: Who's
car will I take my test in? |
| A: You
will take your driving test in the car you have been taught in(mine).
On the day of the test you will have a lesson the hour before and
then take your test. Therefore the cost on the day is for 2 hours,
1 hour for the lesson before and 1 hour to take your test and get
back to your house. |
| Q: Can I
take my test in my own car? |
| A: Yes,
but your car must be insured, have headrests, have "L" plates
on the front and rear and have an internal mirror for the examiner
to use. If you turn up for your test in a car that is not roadworthy,
i.e. worn tyres, cracked windscreen, lights not working etc, he will
refuse to take you out on test. (Only fair really, would
you risk your life in a dangerous car.) |
| Q: Is it
true the examiners can only pass so many a week? |
| A: No,
you cannot fail without good reason. In my experience the vast majority
of pupils who have had the misfortune to fail their test have agreed
with the examiner’s decision. If you fail make sure your instructor
is present at the debrief at the end of the test. The instructor knowing
where you have made your mistakes is the only way to rectify them
ready for your next test. |
| Q: Why can't
I drive back from the test centre? |
| A: When
you pass your driving test you are filled with excitement and normally
very chatty. If you have the misfortune of failing your driving test
you will be upset and want to reflect on what went wrong. Either way
you will not have full concentration on your driving so it is therefore
safer for the instructor to drive you back home. Some instructors
may also only be insured to let people drive their car that are under
25 years of age unless they are recieving tuition or on a test. Therefore
if you have been fortunate to of passed your test the car will no
longer be insured for you to drive. |
| Q: Can I
take my driving test again straight away if I fail? |
| A: No,
not at the moment, although this may change in time. You have to wait
at least 10 clear working days before you can try again. |
