Help and FAQ's

How many lessons do I need to learn to drive?

The Driving Standards Agency says that an Average 17 year old individual with no previous experience and with average learning ability takes 46 hours professional instruction and 22 hours of private practice to pass their test. The overall amount of time required varies according to the individuals learning ability and the overall amount of time increases the older an individual becomes.
Can I do private practice in my own car?

Private practice is not available to everyone. If you are in a fortunate position to be able to drive in a private car with someone other than your instructor, then we recommend that you should wait until you have reached a standard that your helper is comfortable with. There is no point in trying to get to Blackburn if you have not learnt how to negotiate a roundabout or driven through a busy High Street, you may put your helper off going out with you again. Remember, whoever is helping you privately, they must be at least 21 years old and have held a driving licence for at least 3 years.

Private practice is by definition only practice. We recommend you use this time to practice what you learn with your instructor. If your private helper starts to teach you techniques you are not used to, then you may be undoing the correct techniques taught by your instructor.
How do I know my driving instructor is qualified?

If a driving instructor displays an official current green badge in his car, you can rest assured that he or she is qualified. A pink badge reflects the fact that the instructor is not qualified. They are fully trained but have yet to pass their DSA "instructional ability" exam. Once qualified, your instructor is graded 4, 5, or 6.
When am I ready for my test?

Before you can book your practical test you must pass your theory test and hazard perception test. You are ready for your practical test when you can drive consistently at a high standard, in other words once you have reached number 5, the Dsa's independent level, on your Driver Record. An Approved Driving Instructor is able to assess when this is.
Do you do crash courses?

Our instructors have up to 25 pupils at any given time. They do not have the time to accommodate one pupil for at least 30 hours in one week. Learning to drive is a life skill that takes time to acquire and in our opinion should not be rushed.

If you have a question that is not listed here and would like it answered, then e mail us on one of the links in the website. Dont worry, we will not keep your e mail address and we will not e mail you with junk....promise.