Frequently Asked Questions.
Learning to drive is one of the most important times in your life and most people have lots of questions they would like to ask about the process. Based on the sort of questions I'm asked when a prospective client phones me, I have listed some of the most common ones in the column on the right. If however you have a question that you would like answering personally, why not click on the "Contact" button located on the left to send me an E-Mail and I will try to answer your query. Alternatively, you can phone me and discuss your personal requirements. See the number on the 'contacts' page.
Where do I start?
You need to get a provisional driving licence. You can get one by filling in form D1 for a photocard licence which you can get from your local post office. The cost at time of writing is £50. If you are nearly 17 the licence will start from your 17th birthday and you can not go on the road until the licence start date. If you are a complete beginner you can have your first lesson off road to
prepare you.
So I've got my licence, now what?
You need to find yourself a qualified instructor.
How do I do that?
The best way is by personal recommendation. Ask your friends or family who they used and look for an instructor with a good reputation for quality tuition and who is reliable and punctual. But remember, what is perfect for one person may not suit another, so in the end the choice is yours. Think before you book and don't be swayed by price alone.
How much should I expect to pay for my lessons?
As with any service, prices can vary from one instructor to the next but expect to pay around £20-25 per hour for good quality tuition.
And remember the old adage 'you get what you pay for'. Don't just go for the cheapest rate quoted as it might cost you a lot more in the long run.
What should I look for in my prospective instructor?
There is no easy answer to that question but some of the following should be considered....
1. What make and model of car does the instructor use?
2. Does the instructor operate a piggy back system? (Some instructors finish a lesson as they pick you up, so you end up driving the last client home as part of your lesson).
3. What DSA grade is your prospective instructor? (Grading is 1 to 6 with 6 being the best!)
4. How long will my lesson last?
5. How long has the instructor been an ADI?
6. What days/hours do they operate?
7. How much does a lesson cost and do they offer any discounts for advance/block payments?
8. Is the school/instructor Pass Plus registered?
9. Are you receiving tuition from an un-qualified instructor on a pink triangle "training" licence?
10. If so, will you be offered a reduction in your hourly fee?
What if I take a lesson and don't like the instructor?
Your very first lesson can be a stressful time and there is lots to take in so don't be put off if you feel under pressure. Talk to your new instructor and be honest about what you expect from him/her, and if you don't feel like you are making progress, find another instructor!
I've tried taking lessons in the past but I just couldn't get the hang of changing gear properly! Do you offer tuition for a car with a automatic gearbox and would I find that any easier ?
Yes most instructors offer automatic tuition and you should find it far easier to master than a car with manual gearbox. For more information please call or E-Mail.
How will I know if I am making proper progress?
Your instructor should use a structured tuition, keep notes on topics covered and re-cap your performance at the start of each new lesson, before outlining the objectives and goals for that lesson.
Will my instructor help me with the theory test?
A good instructor should help you to work on your theory knowledge and hazard awareness as part of each lesson, but it is up to you to study at home in your own time to achieve the required standard to pass the test. In-Tuition customers can use DVD's and CD-Roms free of charge
to help prepare for the test!
How will I know when I am ready to take the test?
Be guided by your instructor. He/She will know how you are progressing and will suggest a suitable time for you to apply for the theory test. If you pass, discuss the next step with your instructor.
My friend says he passed his test after only 10 lessons! How many lessons will I need?
Ah, the $64,000 dollar question! Everyone learns at a different rate and there is no way to say how long it will take you. The Driving Standards Agency recommends that around 40 hours of tuition is the average needed to reach a good standard. Another "rule of thumb" is 1 to 2 hours for every year of your age. And don't forget that the driving test has changed a lot from what it used to be when mum, dad or uncle Tommy passed back in 19XX!
How do I book a test?
The theory and practical tests can be booked using a credit or debit card by logging on to the DSA website at www.dsa.gov.uk, (Just click the link on the "Contacts" page) or by telephoning 0300 200 1122. The cost of a practical test is £62 from 1st April 2009!
The cost of the theory test is £31 from 1st April 2009. The test lasts 57 minutes and there are 50 multiple choice questions to answer and the pass mark is 43. Once this is completed the candididate moves on to the hazard perception part of the test.
If you live in Scarborough theory tests are conducted at offices in St Nicholas Street. The practical test is taken from the DSA test centre on Cayton Low Road.
How long will I have to wait for a test?
The waiting lists for a theory test are pretty short at the time of writing with only a couple of weeks delay. Practical tests are usually available in around 4 to 6 weeks at Scarborough, but many factors can affect the waiting time so talk to your instructor and once again be guided by him/her. After all, he/she knows the area and your abilities better than anyone.
What is Show and Tell?
Also known as "safety checks" this is part of the the practical test introduced from 1st September 2003 and up-dated in 2008.It is intended to make sure the candidate has at least some basic mechanical knowledge. At the beginning of your practical test the examiner will ask you a couple of questions, one a "show me" and one a "tell me". The candidate may be required to lift the cars bonnet and identify area's for routine maintenance. Being un-able to answer or demonstrate correctly will result in a minor driving fault.
What is Pass Plus?
After you have passed the practical driving test you can further improve your standard of driving and gain valuable extra practical experience by taking a Pass Plus course. For more information, click on the "What's Pass Plus" link to the left.
Are there any discounts available for students?
As the bulk of learner drivers are aged around 17 the hourly rate of the driving school should reflect that,
so any further discounts are a matter of choice for the relevent instructor.
Are there any good web sites you would recommend for me to find out more?
Yes. One of the best is 2pass.co.uk
Its full of useful information. You can get to it directly by clicking on the 'contacts' page. There is also a link to the Driving Standards Agency site. You can also keep up to date with In-Tuition if you use 'Twitter'. Just search for 'Intuitiondriver' and follow us!
