What’s your destination?
The Journey Begins
All courses will begin with a one-to-one discussion during which I will assess what experience you have, review your goals and provide a bespoke programme of theory and practical sessions that fit your requirements and lead to you achieving your goal. Your goal may be obtaining your licence, boosting your confidence, building your skill bank or just a knowledge update.
Journey for absolute beginners
Licence
You can apply for a provisional driving licence once you are 15 years and 9 months old. This is your first step to learning to drive. Use this link for the application form. You will need to have received your licenece in order to book your theory test or start driving lessons.
Theory
You can start practical driving lessons before you take your theory test but you have to have passed the Theory Test before you can book a Practical Test. The Theory Test is a two-part test, both sections to be passed in the same sitting. The first part is a 50 question multiple choice exam with a pass mark of 43/50. The second part, Hazard Perception, consists of 14 video clips during which driving hazards develop and you need to identify them and click a computer mouse, the speed with which you identify the hazard determines your score. Theory can be studied independently if preferred, using books, the internet and apps. I also offer one to one theory lessons which offer a structured approach to covering all the necessary syllabus. You can take your theory test as soon as you’re 17 but it is recommended that you have taken some practical lessons before attempting your theory test, so that you can see the theory applied in the real world. You can take your theory test at any approved location, use this link to find locations, fees and availability.
Syllabus
The DVSA prescribe the syllabus to be covered before your test. You will begin at a suitable point based on your existing knowledge and experience. This may be an introduction to car controls or basic driving skills before moving on to the more complex junctions and manoeuvres. The pace will be set by you and the lessons planned for you to get the most value from your time in the car. After each lesson you will receive a debrief detailing what has been covered.
Practical Test
The Practical Test consists of an eye-sight check followed by approximately 40 minutes of driving demonstration with an approved examiner in the passenger seat. You must demonstrate many aspects of safe driving and manoeuvring skills, including a solid knowledge and application of the Highway code, consideration of other road users and the ability to either navigate via road signs or Satnav. On passing this test you can apply for your full licence and can drive unaccompanied. You then continue your learning journey throughout a life-time of safe driving – every day is a school day on the road! Further information can be found using this link .
Learning Aids
There are many websites, books and apps available to help you through all aspects of the Theory and Practical Tests – you can purchase them through your preferred retailer, from myself, or borrow the following books from my library;
- The Official Highway Code – Department Of Transport
- Know Your Traffic Signs – Department Of Transport
- The Oficial DVSA Theory Test For Car Driving
- The Official DVSA Learning To Drive
- The Official DVSA Guide To Driving – The Essential Skills
How long will it take?
That depends on you! You can learn gradually, with 1-3 hours of tuition per week, or do a more intensive course. All my courses are tailored to your individual needs and can be designed with your available time and funds in mind. On average, an absolute beginner obtains their licence after 45 hours of professional tuition and 22 hours of practice with a licence holder (over 21 and held a full licence for a minimum of 3 years). Use this link for latest DVSA stats. People who obtained their licence some time ago, last century perhaps, are surprised by these statistics. There used to be a very different syllabus and test and the average lessons taken used to be in the region of half what it is today.
We’re not all beginners
No! It's not all about passing tests and gaining licences! There are many, many, licence holders who would benefit from professional tuition. Perhaps you would like to feel more confident: behind the wheel? driving at night? on the motorway? with your vehicle? with basic maintenance? with modern junctions and regulations? with the local volume of traffic? Whatever your reason for honing your skills it is my aim to help you become a more CONFIDENT and COMPETENT driver.
Where do you begin?
It is essential that I am the right fit for you. That is why I offer to visit you at your home, or other convenient location, before starting in order to introduce myself, explain the course and answer any questions you might have. Choosing the right instructor is down to personal preference and no offence is taken if you don’t think I’m the right ADI for you!
To contact me
“It is possible to fly without motors, but not without knowledge and skill”