FAQ’s
Q: 1. I am looking for the cheapest quote. Surely, the standard of tuition should be the same?
A: Many cheaper schools are cheap for a reason. They either do not have faith in their ability as an instructor. They may also not be good enough to generate recommendations therefore have to reduce prices to get work or some may use pupils for practice for trainee instructors.
It is worth considering that the larger instructor training schools are instructor focused because there is more profit from people training to become instructors to pay franchise fees. The pupils are a minor inconvenience. Many trainee driving instructors are granted a licence so they can gain experience before their qualifying examination.
However, a trainee instructor who is required to display a pink badge, may have had as little as four months' training, and no formal qualifications to teach learner driviers.
New driviers who learn with approved instructors rather than trainees pass with fewer lessons and will be more likely to pass first time.
Q: 2. How many driving lessons will I need?
A: Everyone is different and will need a different number of lessons. Other relevant factors may include whether you’ve ridden a motorbike and whether you will get practice in your own car in addition to your lessons. Most Instructors agree that for most people it is between 1 ½ & 2 lessons per year of your life. So a 20 year old could take between 30 & 40 lessons. Some Instructors and the Driving Standards Agency recommend a minimum of 45 lessons. Remember, it’s not just being able to control the car, but also about gaining experience in different situations. Also there is a basic syllabus of lessons that all Instructors teach that needs to be fully covered by everyone. It is unrealistic to expect to cover the syllabus in less than 20 lessons. Remember, Driving Instructors are expected to teach their pupils to be good drivers, not just to be able to pass the test.
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) are concerned that many candidates have not had enough lessons before taking the test. Their statistics show that the average is 45 lessons + lots of private practice.
Q: 3. How do I choose an Instructor?
A: See Instructors to select details of the instructor that has been recommended to you or for one in your area.
Q: 4. What if I feel I am not making good progress?
A: The best thing is to speak to your Instructor about this.
Q: 5. What if I disagree with the result of my test?
A: If you feel that your test was not conducted properly you can complain to the DSA. It is highly unlikely that your test result will be changed, but it may be worth making your feelings known!
Q: 6. Do I have to have an Instructor?
A: At present the answer is no. However, Driving Instructors are highly qualified and it is unlikely that you will pass without some professional help from an Instructor. Learner Drivers MUST be supervised by someone at least 21 years old who holds a full EC/EEA licence for that type of car (automatic or manual) and has held one for at least three years.
Law MV(DL)R reg 16
Q: 7. Do all Instructors teach the same things?
A: All Instructors know that there is a basic syllabus that needs to be covered. However, Instructors do have considerable freedom to teach people in the way that they find works the best. Be assured however, that Instructors are regularly check-tested by the DSA to ensure that their Instruction is up to scratch.
Q: 8. How much do lessons cost?
A: Cheap driving lessons? Prices of lessons vary considerably. The length of lesson (the length of lesson can vary between 45 minutes and a full hour) and the area can have an effect. It’s unlikely you can get lessons for less than £20, and some schools charge up to £28. Do remember, the cheapest may not be the best. It’s worth asking - if a Driving School has cheaper than the cost of an average driving lesson, ask yourself why are they so cheap? Expect to pay about £25 for a good quality, full hour’s lesson.
£25 for an hour is in fact very cheap when you consider the Instructor's overheads. The Driving Instructors Association calculates that to earn the national average wage an Instructor should be charging £30+.
Q: 9. Are intensive driving courses any good?
A: Certainly they work for some people but for others an intensive driving course (or crash course) is too intense! It will depend very much on the individual. But remember it's not a short cut. You still have to learn the same amount.
Q: 9. I've Passed my Driving Test; Now what?
10 Top Tips for After you`ve passed your Driving Test
Congratulations, you've passed your driving test! Now all those nerve wracking moments are behind you, you're free to drive a used car unaccompanied from now on, but it's important to take everything you've learned with you as you go. Here are the top ten tips for when you've passed your driving test.
1. You must exchange your pass certificate for your full driving licence right away. Usually the Driving Examiner will keep this and send it off for you. The pass certificate is valid for a period of two years and if it is not exchanged, you will have to take your test again. While it may seem that you have time on your side, it's easy to put the certificate in a drawer and forget so do it right away.
2. Obtain some probationary plates. This is purely optional but there are some advantages to displaying P-plates and letting other motorists know that you are new to driving. Most other drivers will display more patience when you are new to the road.
3. Avoid distractions. One of the biggest causes of accidents is the use of mobile phones while driving. While it may be tempting to use the phone as soon as you're on your own in the car, remember that it's illegal for a reason. Avoid using your mobile at all times.
4. Learn to be instinctive. Becoming an instinctive driver will come with time but you can start the learning process right away. Predicting the actions of other drivers can avoid accidents.
5. Advanced tuition. Motorway driving can make anyone nervous and as a new driver, you won't have any experience of this. Seriously consider some lessons in this respect as well as looking at the advantages to taking the advanced driving test.
6. Keep some basic tools in your car. A basic car tool kit can include jump leads, a jack and a set of spanners and screwdrivers. While it may be prudent to join a motoring organisation for major breakdowns, a few everyday tools can get you home.
7. General maintenance. Take care of the basics by checking oil and water levels and keep an eye out for the petrol gauge. It sounds like a cliché but if you look after the car it will look after you.
8. Drive defensively. If you encounter an aggressive driver just stay out of their way. Getting involved in senseless arguments or 'racing' should be avoided by motorists new and old.
9. Stay alert. For new drivers, it can take time to get used to longer car journeys and driving on your own requires levels of concentration that you've not experienced before. Make sure you get plenty of sleep the night before any journey and that you take plenty of rest stops at regular intervals when you undertake longer drives.
10. Remember all your lessons. Keep the good habits that you've learned from all those driving lessons and from the test itself. They were taught for a reason and when you adopt them as soon as you get behind the wheel on your own, they will help you to stay safe. These lessons are vital and if you keep in mind all that you've taken on board when you were learning, you should ensure life-long safe driving.