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Pupils need to be aware that they need a valid, signed provisional driving licence before starting lessons. However, if you have not yet recieved your licence you can still start lessons by contacting the DVLA and if your licence application has been dealt with they can give you your licence details. To drive as a learner you must be accompanied by a person over the age of 21 who has held a full driving licence for at least three years and who is not currently disqualified.
Contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency click here. DVLA
Other useful links
Reporting for your practical driving test
Buddy/Buddy scheme is for clients who may be too nervous to learn alone and may wish to learn at the same time with a friend. With one in the drivers seat and the other watching in the back before switching seats. The costs could also be split between the two pupils. If either or both friends start to feel more confident they could start taking lessons on thier own. Lessons are usually on a 1 to 1 basis but I also offer a Buddy/Buddy scheme.
Foreign drivers may bring along an interpreter if they wish.
Lessons are usually 1 or 2 full hours but I can be flexible. * It is essential to take 2 hour lessons under certain circumstances.
Lessons are normally taken at the following times.
9am - 8pm Monday to Thursday inclusive.
9am- 6pm Fridays.
10am - 5pm every second Sunday.
I don't normally give lessons on a Saturdays but I can and have done on some occasions .
Pupils are taught in a relaxed, patient, professional but friendly manner at the pupils own pace. Nervous pupils are always welcome.
I offer the following aspects of driver training.
Complete beginner to experienced learner
Theory Test / Hazard Perception training in car and theory discs
Mock test / Assessment for pupils who have learnt with friends or family
Hire of car for driving test for students who learnt to drive with friends or family
Refresher lessons
Motorway lessons
Pass Plus
Multiple Choice Theory Test
The theory test consists of two individual computer based tests. One is a touch screen test lasting for 57 minutes made up of 50 multiple choice questions. Most are a choice of 1 of 4 answers but some may need more than one answer, ie, answer 5 of 8. The pass mark is 43 out of 50.
READ THE QUESTIONS WORD FOR WORD.
You should have plenty of time to check your answers and change any if necessary at the end.
Currently the DSA publishes the official theory test questions and answers and they are available in various formats.
I do give my pupils lots of help and explain the answers where necessary. As of January 2012 the Driving Standards Agency will no longer publish the questions and pupils will have study a number of publications in order to pass the test. The following puplications are ideal.
The Highway Code
Know Your Traffic Signs
Driving The Essential Skills
The following link takes you to the page of the official DSA products for Learner Drivers. At this link you can download a useful APP for for IPODs and IPADs which contains an electronic version of The Highway Code, useful study aids, mock theory tests and hazard perception training.
Hazard Perception Test
The other part is the Hazard Perception Test, (HPT). This again is computer based consisting of 14 video clips as if taken from the viewpoint of the driver, each lasting about 1 minute. Whilst watching the clips you have to click the mouse key when you see a hazard developing. A hazard is anything that will cause you the driver to change direction or speed. This could be a pedestrian stepping into the road, reversing vehicles etc. The candidate is scored between 5 - 1 for each hazard, the sooner you see the hazard the more points you get. There is a maximum of 75 points and the pass mark is 44.
Note, there are 14 video clips but 15 developing hazards to find.
There may appear to be more than one hazard in each clip. The best thing to do is to click on whatever you think is a hazard but avoid rythmic tapping of the mouse or clicking constantly. This could result in not scoring for that particular clip.
YOU MUST PASS BOTH PARTS OF THE THEORY TEST BEFORE YOU CAN BOOK THE DRIVING TEST.
Booking or managing your test can be done at the following links.
Click the following link to learn your road signs.
There is also a facebook page.
Or by phoning 0300 200 1122.
Many websites can be used to book driving tests but most will charge a booking fee. Use the link above to get to the official DSA website.
To find your nearest test centre you can use the following link;
Note; you must pay for the test at the time of booking so a valid debit or credit card is required when booking by phone or online.
I help with the theory test and have FREE theory CD-ROMS/DVD for clients to work on from home. For those who wish to purchase their own CD-ROMs, I recommend a Driving Test Success ALL TESTS cd rom. This cd covers the theory test, HPT and driving test and much more. I also offer a Free test booking service for my paying clients.
There is a booking fee of £10 for non-clients.
Show me / tell me.
At the start of Driving test you examiner will ask you to show or tell them the answer to two of the following questions. Getting one or both wrong will constitute a driving fault but not necessarily result in failing the driving test. The questions are quite simple and I cover these to make sure pupils are well aware of what to do.
1 Open the bonnet and identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
A. Identify the dipstick and describe how to check the oil level against the min/max markers.
2 Open the bonnet and identify the engine coolant bottle and tell me how you would check the level.
A. Identify the high/low level markers on the tank where fitted or radiator filler cap and describe how to top up with coolant.
3 Identify the windscreen washer reservoir and tell me how you would check the level.
A. Identify screen washer bottle and check level.
4 Open the bonnet and identify the brake fluid reservoir and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of brake fluid.
A. Identify the the brake fluid reservoir and describe how to check the max and min levels.
5 Tell me how you would check the brake lights are working.
A. Operate brake pedal and check for reflections in a window or garage door or get someone to check the lights.
6 Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
A. Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. The car should not pull to one side.
7 Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressure and how tyre pressure should be checked.
A. In the manufacturers guide or in the drivers door frame there will be and information plate giving the recommended tyre pressure. Check the tyres with a reliable tyre pressure gauge when cold. Don't forget the spare.
8 Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure they have sufficient tread depth and that their condition is safe for use on the road.
A. No cuts or bulges and at least 1.6mm of tread across the central third of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire circumference.
9 Show me or explain how you would check the power steering is working before starting a journey.
A. If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel while the engine is running should result in slight movement of the steering wheel.
10 Show me how you would check the headlights and tail lights are working.
A. Turn on lights and walk round car to check.
11 Show me how you would check the indicator lights are working.
A. Operate the hazard warning lights and walk round car to check.
12 Show me how you would check that the horn is working. (Off road only)
A. Press horn. This can vary between cars. Some horns are on a stalk from the steering column some are in the middle of the steering wheel.
13 Show me how you check the parking (hand) brake for excessive wear.
A. Demonstrate by applying the hand brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself and is not at the end of its working travel.
14 Tell me how you would make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash. Note, it is not a HEAD REST.
A. The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close the back of the head as is comfortable. N.B. Some restraints might not be adustable. Also, if sitting in the back seats, make sure they are adjusted too.
15 Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-locking braking (ABS) system.
A. A warning light on the dashboard should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.
16 Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
A. Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen. You may need to switch the ignition on, however you should not start the engine.
17 Show me how you would set the dimister controls to clear the windows effectively; this should include both front and rear screens.
A. Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction/source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.
18 Show me how you would switch on rear fog lights and explain when you would use it. (no need to exit vehicle)
A. Operate fog light switch (turn on dipped headlights if neccessary). Check warning light is on. Explain when you would use foglights. ie, when visibility is less than 100m.
19. Show me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
A. Operate switch, this usually means pushing the light switch lever forward, however different makes of car may have different operations. When on, there is a main beam light on dashboard.
The Driving Test
In order to pass a driving test, pupils must be able to show that they can drive safely, confidently and legally over a 35 to 45 minute test in various traffic conditions. They will also need to demonstrate 1 reversing manoeuvre safely and legally. These include;
Reverse bay parking
Reverse parking between 2 cars, (parallel parking)
Reverse into a side road
Turn in the road, (the old 3 point turn)
They may also be asked to perform a emergency stop. To pass the test a candidate must commit No more than 15 Driving Errors and NO Serious or Dangerous faults.
A driving error is a less serious fault. An accumulation of these could result in failure.
From 4 October 2010 candidates will be asked to carry out about 10 minutes of Independent Driving. The candidate will be asked to follow a series of directions, traffic signs or a combination of both. The examiner may use diagrams to help explain this. It doesn't matter if you go the wrong way, you can always ask the examiner to remind you. It is a test of the candiates abililty to make their own decisions. To find out more about the independent driving section of the test go to Youtube via the following links.
Watch the updated playlist on YouTube
independent driving and riding section of the practical test: Directgov
For a more humurous take on the Independent Driving section of the test click the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phbD3oQwb6M
Click the following link to see the DSA Youtube video about eco-safe driving.
What is PASS PLUS?
Pass Plus is a course of lessons taken after passing your driving test.
New drivers are more likely to be involved in an accident, therefore the Pass Plus course was introduced to promote a positive attitude to driving and to provide the new driver with invaluable skills to make them much safer, more confident and much more all round better and safer driver.
This means taking responsibilty for your safety and the safety of other road users.
Taking care and consideration for vulnerable road users, older pedestrians, the young, cyclists, people with disabilities.
Maintaining concentration at all times.
Anticipation and awareness of potential hazards in order to prepare and avoid difficult situations.
Patience, stay calm, avoid being provoked, don't provoke others.
Confidence, being in control without being over confident.
This training is delivered with a minimum of 1 hour in each of the following subjects.
TOWN DRIVING - Junctions, roundabouts, one way systems, dealing with heavy traffic conditions etc
OUT OF TOWN DRIVING - Rural roads, country roads, dealing with farm vehicles, horses, etc
NIGHT DRIVING - Driving on various roads in darkness
ALL WEATHER DRIVING - Adverse weather conditions, rain, snow, ice. Sometimes this is can be theory based.
DUAL CARRAIGEWAY - Entering and exiting safely, rules, overtaking, dealing with faster moving vehicles.
MOTORWAY - Similar to dual carriageways.
There is NO TEST to take at the end of the Pass Plus course.
More details at www.passplus.org.uk/