Frequently Asked Questions
 

Probably the most important question of all! Well, at the moment, I am sole proprietor but I first qualified as a driving instructor in 1975 so I have many, many years of experience. I will treat you as an individual and tailor your tuition to suit your needs, whether you are 17 or 70.

Everyone is different and learns at different rates but on average the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) reckon people take around 35-40 hours minimum before being ready to take the test. However, if you need more than 50 hours there are usually some additional factors holding you back. Your instructor perhaps!!

Intensive courses may sound a good idea but most people need time to absorb and reflect on what they learn. Regular tuition is important and two or three lessons a week in the first few weeks is usually best.

Years ago, most people took lessons lasting one hour but two hour lessons are more productive for both the learner and the instructor. Each lesson has a start - the briefing, and a settling in period - and an end - the recap, evaluation of what has been achieved etc.- so the learning time on a two hour lesson is greater than in two one hour lessons. Sometime three hour lessons, or longer, can be best but it does depend on the individual learner.

I currently use a Ford Focus which has air conditioning, power steering and a 1.6cc engine. This provides a comfortable relaxed drive in a pleasant environment essential for effective learning. The slightly larger engine than some tuition cars have allow for easier control and less gear changing.

Your parents may have learnt to drive years ago when cars ' brakes were not as effective as they are now. Cars are designed so that you use the brakes to slow, and the gears to go! Unnecessary gear changes mean extra wear and tear on the clutch and gearbox, more time with only one hand on the wheel, something extra to fit in when approaching hazards and generally results in compromising safety. Smooth progressive braking provides more stability and better control and is therefore safer. In everything you do in the car safety should be paramount.

The national pass rate has hovered around 45-50% for years. Most people do not pass first time, always for one of two reasons. Either they have been taught incorrectly, or insufficiently. I will guarantee to teach you correctly - I know exactly what the examiner expects from you on test and you will too by the time you take the test if you choose me but cannot guarantee you will not have a lapse of concentration on that test. Life is not like that - beware of instructors who claim to have a 90+% pass rate. I will encourage you to have at least one mock test, with a different instructor, if possible, and if you follow my guidance you will indeed pass first time.

Yes. I strongly encourage all my pupils to take the DSA Pass Plus course. Although significant savings can me made on motor insurance for those who complete the course - it is not a pass or fail course - the real benefit is that you will be a safer driver after you complete the course than before. It is designed to cover areas of driving not dealt with in the driving test itself - motorway driving, night driving, higher speed overtaking etc.