FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions.....
Q. Do I have to have my provisional licence before I start my lessons?
A. Yes you do! You must be in receipt of this from the DVLA.
Q. Do I have to have passed my Theory Test before I start having lessons?
A. No! You can start having driving lessons as soon as you have your provisional licence. I can help you with your theory whilst taking practical driving lessons. This approach means that what you are learning in your theory revision can be applied in the car through real life driving.
Q. Do I have to have passed my Theory Test before I book my practical driving test?
A. Yes! As part of the learning to drive process, the theory test has to be taken and passed before you are allowed to apply for a practical driving test. Most students learn their theory while they are in the process of taking their driving lessons.
Q. What does the Theory Test consist of?
A. It is in two parts. The first part consists of 50 multiple choice questions with a pass mark of 43 and the second part consists of 14 clips of film where you have to click on the mouse to identify developing hazards. To pass this part the pass mark is 44 out of a possible 75 marks. You must pass both parts of the test at the same time to achieve a pass. At the end of the test you will be given a piece of paper advising you whether you have passed and your score. This is your pass certificate.
Q. What will I need to bring on my first lesson?
A. You will just need to bring your provisional licence.
Q. What areas do you cover?
A. I cover East Grinstead, Forest Row, Lingfield, Copthorne, Crawley Down.
Q. How do I pay for my lessons?
A. You can pay by bank transfer which must be paid before the lesson. For block bookings, you must pay up front in advance.
Q. How do I cancel my lesson?
A,. Just contact me directly to cancel and rearrange. Please give me 48 hours notice to cancel otherwise I may have to charge you for cancelling at short notice.
Q. What car will I have my lessons in?
A. A Vauxhall Corsa!
Q. Can I drive on a Motorway as a learner driver?
A. Yes you can! However you MUST be with an Approved Driving Instructor in a vehicle fitted with dual controls. You must NOT drive on a motorway with a trainee driving instructor or with your family or friends.
Q. Do you have terms and conditions?
A. Yes, please see the terms and conditions here on the website.
Q. How many lessons will I need?
A. Unfortunately, there isn't an easy answer to this question, I wish there was, but everyone really is different.
According to the DVSA, the 'average' learner will take 45 hours of professional driving lessons plus another 22 hours of private practice with parents/friends. The DVSA conducts 2 million driving tests every year, so they do know what they are talking about.
Some people will take less to pass, some people will take more.
I will never ask you to have more lessons that I actually think you need and if it becomes clear that you don't need as many as you booked, I will gladly refund the hours you don't need. On the other hand, I will not let you take a driving test in my car unless you are safe to do so. Driving in a friend or relative's car (i.e. private practice) in addition to your driving lessons can often make a really big difference, so I recommend doing this where possible.
Q. When can I book my driving test?
A. This will vary from student to student, but please speak to me as I will be able to give you a better idea as to when you will be ready.
Q. I'm really frightened of having an accident in your car!
A. Please, don't worry! I have the appropriate driving instructor insurance and, as a driving instructor, I do know that that it is inevitable that bumps, knocks and scratches will happen at some point. My tuition car does have dual controls and I will always do my best to prevent any incidents from happening for whatever reason. However, if an incident does happen, I will stay calm and definitely won't be annoyed. You won't be charged for any damage (unless you were purposely driving dangerously and ignoring my instructions). I can claim through my instructor insurance so it really isn't anything to worry about!
