Frequently Asked Questions - 1st steps

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You can apply via the DVLA website. You’ll need to be at least 15 years and 9 months old, and be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away.

To obtain a full driver's licence, you must be at least 17 years old* and pass a theory & hazard perception test, a vision check, and the practical driving test. 

*If you are on, or have applied for, the advanced mobility aspect of PIP (Personal Independence Payment) or DLA (Disability Living Allowance), you are allowed to drive when you're 16.

Book your theory test on the GOV.UK website.

After you pass the theory test, book your practical test on the GOV.UK website.

Yes. You just need a valid provisional driving licence.

For information, please visit the GOV.UK website.

Please see the Pricing page for details. 

My driving lessons are usually 2 hours long, but I'm happy to arrange shorter, 1-hour sessions if that's preferred. Each lesson includes a short break for your comfort.

I offer only manual transmission lessons. If you want automatic, I can connect you to an auto instructor.

It depends. I’ll provide an estimate after a few lessons.

Feeling nervous about driving is very common, especially when you’re learning. Here are some practical steps you can take to manage and overcome driving nerves:

1. Talk to me: Let me know how you’re feeling. I am experienced in helping nervous learners and can adapt lessons to your pace.
2. Take lessons at quieter times: Scheduling lessons during off-peak hours can help you feel less pressured.
3. Practice relaxation techniques: Engage in deep breathing exercises before and during lessons to help calm anxiety.
4. We start with the basics: Building confidence by mastering simple skills before moving on to more complex situations.
5. We can take regular breaks: If you feel overwhelmed, ask me for a short break during your lesson.
6. Visualise success: Picture yourself driving calmly and confidently to help change your mindset.
7. I encourage practising between lessons: If possible, practice with a family member or friend (following any applicable legal requirements) to reinforce your skills.
8. Stay positive: Remind yourself that making mistakes is a regular part of learning.

Over time, with practice and support, your confidence will grow, and your nerves should lessen.

You will need to bring your provisional driving licence and eyeglasses (if required).  

It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing that is neither too bulky nor too tight. Shoes should be fairly thin-soled. Training shoes are ideal. 

Yes. When I feel comfortable that you can drive competently, safely & in complete control. You would need to confirm that your insurance policy is valid for this purpose, and I would need to verify that your car is in a good legal condition.

To help you progress, I encourage students to practice the topics covered during lessons. 

If you're learning with a friend or family member, please ensure you're accompanied by a qualified driver who's over 21 and has held a full car driving licence for at least 3 years. The car you learn in should be taxed, insured, have a valid MOT, and display L-plates on the front and rear. 

For further information, please visit the  GOV.UK website.

I will advise you when I think that you are ready for your driving test. Please note that I will not permit my car to be used for the driving test unless I consider you ready to pass.

You can find the current driving test fee on the GOV.UK website.

Yes, but it is best to use your instructor's car for the practical test. It is advisable to take the test in the car you used for lessons, as this can help you feel comfortable and prepared. If you decide to use your own car it must be legal to drive and you will need to bring an additional rear view mirror for the examiner and display L plates front & rear.

To help you do your best on your driving test, avoid alcohol the night before, get a good night's sleep, and eat breakfast if your test is before lunchtime. Study the tell-me questions and try not to overthink or get too anxious.

On test day, arrive at the centre no earlier than 10 minutes before your time. Reverse-bay park into a bay so your car is ready to exit. Enter the waiting room and listen for your name to be called. The examiner will check your licence and ask you to sign an electronic tablet.

The examiner will ask if you want someone to accompany you during the test. (It is your choice if you wish the instructor or anyone else to accompany you on your test)

You will then go to the car park and be asked to read a number plate from 20 metres away.

The examiner will then ask you one of the "tell me" questions that you should have studied.

After a quick check to ensure that the car has no faults, the examiner joins you. Then they explain how the test will be conducted. You will be asked to drive approximately 20 minutes independently, either by a pre-selected Sat-Nav route or by following road signs, and this can be at the start of the test or partway through it. When not following Sat-Nav or signs, the examiner will direct you.

During the test, the examiner will ask a 'show me' question that you have practised. You will also perform one of the test manoeuvres. (Parallel park, pull up on the right & reverse or forward bay- park).

If you do not complete one of the above manoeuvres before returning, you will be asked to do a reverse bay-park in the test centre car park on your return. 

During your drive, you will also be asked to pull over to the left at least once, possibly more, in a safe, lawful, and convenient place. To make a stop on a slope/hill (Hill start), and to stop behind a parked vehicle (Angled start).

At the end of the test, the examiner will tell you if you have passed or if you have been unsuccessful. Any driving faults will be discussed at this point. It is important to take note of any driving faults that the examiner mentions.

If you have passed, the examiner will take your provisional licence and give you a pass certificate. You can use this as a temporary full licence and for insurance purposes. A full licence will be sent to your address, usually within 10 working days.

If you are unsuccessful, you can reapply for the test on a new date no earlier than 10 working days after your unsuccessful attempt. 

If you think you have made a mistake during your test, don't worry—just put it behind you. Stay positive and focus on doing your best for the rest of the test. Remember, it may not even be a fault, and even if it was, it may not affect the result. 

The top 10 reasons that people failed the car driving test between April 2024 and March 2025 are listed below. Examples and explanations can be found at the GOV.UK website.

1. Not making effective observations at junctions.
2. Not using mirrors correctly when changing direction.
3. Not moving off safely.
4. Incorrect positioning when turning right at junctions.
5. Not responding appropriately to traffic lights.
6. Not having proper control of the steering.
7. Not responding correctly to road markings.
8. Not responding correctly to traffic signs.
9. Poor positioning on the road during normal driving.
10. Not driving at a safe and reasonable speed.

You will be asked to carry out just one of the following manoeuvres during your test.

Pull up on the right & reverse 2 car lengths.

Parallel Park.

Bay-Park forward.

Bay-Park reverse.

During the test, you will also be asked to pull up on the left at least once, including on a slope or hill and behind a parked vehicle, so you have to move off at an angle.

You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop. This will be mentioned at the start of your test.

Black box insurance policies are often misunderstood.

Some see them as spying on your driving and automatically reporting you to the police.
Some believe a mistake means instant cancellation of insurance. None of this is true.

A black box simply monitors how your car is being driven, which may include. 

Braking, cornering, speed, acceleration. 

It does not call the police if you go over the speed limit. It does not listen to your conversations.

A few black boxes may include a curfew on nighttime driving (which is best avoided if you can).

A black box builds a picture of your driving style over time. Including.

Repeated speeding, speeding, harsh braking, aggressive cornering.

The behaviours below can positively affect your driving score and reduce your renewal cost considerably.

Keeping within the speed limits, smooth cornering, controlled braking & forward planning.

A black box can save new drivers money on insurance if the car is driven responsibly.

I always recommend insurance policies that offer a black box to my students.