A:  Yes. Although your very first driving lesson will be about entering and exiting the car safely and learning about the major controls  I will always aim to ensure your first lesson involves some driving of the car. Ideally I would encourage you to book for 1.5 or 2 hours on your first lesson to increase the time you get to drive!

A:  On your first driving lesson (whether you have driven before or not) you need to bring your provisional driving licence. Please also bring along any glasses/contact lenses if you need to wear them, and wear sensible footwear!

A:  Learning to drive takes a great deal of concentration, especially in the early stages. To maintain your concentration you must be comfortable when driving. Get ready in plenty of time so that you can spend a few minutes relaxing. If you have already started your lessons think back over the improvement areas you were working on last time. This will help you collect your thoughts and prepare yourself mentally for the lesson ahead.

You must concentrate all the time. You should not drive if you’re not feeling well. You'd be surprised how even a common cold can affect your concentration. Modern cars have very effective heating and ventilation systems that allow you to keep a comfortable temperature in the car whatever the weather, so there’s no need to wear heavy coats or jumpers. Wear light, comfortable clothes. You might find yourself getting ‘hot and bothered’ in the early stages no matter what you've chosen to wear. If this happens, open a window to get some fresh air to help keep you alert.

A:  Normally driving lessons are 1 hour, 1.5 hours or 2 hours long.

It is entirely up to you and your circumstances but longer lessons are recommended.

A:  Continuity of driving lessons is important. Depending on your goals for when you would like to pass your test. Ideally you will have between 2 and 4 hours per week.

A:  I want to teach you to drive safely for life, and will teach you to drive correctly, safely, and competently to a high standard.. On average the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) recommends around 45 hours with a qualified driving instructor. However this is purely a guide, and the actual number of lessons required varies enormously person to person. We are all individual and each of us learns differently and at varying speeds. This is why you should not try to compare yourself with friends and family and how they did..

A:  If you need to change or cancel a driving lesson that has already been booked you will need to do this ASAP, and please be aware of terms and conditions of booking. In normal circumstances 48 hours notice of cancellation is required as this time has been blocked out in the teaching diary and reserved for you.

A:  You need to give at least 48 hours notice to change or cancel a driving lesson,

or you may be charged.

A:  You should take advantage of my block booking discounts. These generally start at just 5 hours or more. See my website or ask for further details and current offers.

A:  You can pay for your lessons by cash or cheque. (facility for credit / debit cards will be available through online booking soon)

A:  Yes I do offer intensive driving courses. These can be anything from one week upwards. If you want an intensive course of lessons, I will arrange a two hour driving assessment and advise you of your best programme to reach test standard.

A:  No, and in fact it can be better to learn the theory whilst having practical lessons.  You will however need to pass the theory test before applying for the practical test.

A:  Ideally yes, but not a must. A lot depends on the period of time over which you are looking to do the See my website or ask for further details and current offers.

A:  Your theory test is valid for 2 years from the date you pass it. So you have 2 years to pass a practical driving test before you will need to re-take your theory test.

A:  I am able to recommend (and even loan you subject to availability) all the appropriate study support materials you will need and advise you where you might purchase these from. Study materials can cost as little as £2.50 up to £15 for books and DVD's.

A:  Yes, as long as you have already passed your theory test I will be happy to book driving tests for you providing I feel that you will be up to standard by test date.

A:  My current instruction vehicle is a  Ford Fiesta. The car is a 1.4 diesel and is fitted with a 5 Speed manual gear box. It has all of the modern driving aids, and is also fitted with the He Man dual control system for your added safety

A:  Yes, pupil’s normally use their instructor’s car for the test. It is also usual to have a 1 hour lesson immediately before your test to get you warmed up and mentally ready. I will accompany you to the test centre and you will have an option as to whether you would me to sit in the back seat and accompany you on your test.

A:  Most definitely yes !!

Pass plus is a registered scheme for continued training for new drivers (see Pass Plus elsewhere on this site)  whilst refresher lessons or specialist lessons can benefit any driver no matter how experienced. Some people take these when a change if circumstances dictate, others when they just to decide to address a particular problem.