Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions - learning to drive. Please feel free to get in contact should your answers not be listed in the FAQ's
When can I start taking driving lessons?
You can start learning to drive a car on public roads from the age of 17 if you hold a provisional driving licence. You can apply for your provisional licence when you are 15 years and 9 months old.
How do I get my provisional driving licence?
You must hold a provisional driving licence before you can start driving lessons. You can get your first provisional driving licence by applying to the DVLA online or by post.
Can I have a driving lesson without a provisional license?
No, you cannot start your driving lessons without a provisional licence. A provisional licence allows you the opportunity to start learning to drive a car. However, having a provisional licence does not allow you to practice without a driving instructor or someone else who fits the legal criteria to supervise you when driving on the road.
How long does it take until I get my provisional licence?
Your provisional licence should arrive within 3 weeks of the date of application. Contact DVLA if it has not arrived by then.
How long is the theory test valid for?
A theory test certificate is valid for two years from the date it was passed. Although this may initially seem like a long time, it can take some learner drivers many months of driving lessons to reach test standard.
What do driving instructors do?
Driving instructors teach people the skills and knowledge they need to drive safely and pass their driving test.
Can I have a driving lesson before I pass my theory test?
Yes – you can take practical lessons while preparing for your theory test. In fact, taking driving lessons whilst studying for the theory test is generally beneficial to the learning process.
Do I have to have driving lessons?
There are no legal requirements to take driving lessons prior to sitting driving test to gain a full licence. In practice, however, to meet the high standard required to pass a driving test it is highly recommended that you take professional tuition from a DVSA qualified driving instructor. The national standard for driving cars outlines what is required to do to pass the test. Best practice is to ensure that you can do everything without instruction.
How many driving lessons I need to take until I pass?
There are no minimum or maximum amount of hours tuition you must complete before you take a driving test. Everyone is different. According to DVSA statistics the average amount of lessons to be test ready is around 40 hours. With an additional 20 hours driving with a friend or relative.
You'll pass your test faster if you take multiple driving lessons each week. Budget for this in advance and it could save you money in the long run.
How many lessons a week should I take?
This is purely down to individual choice and financial circumstances. Best practice is to ensure continuity of driving lessons e.g. 2 hours per week. Ongoing progress should be regularly discussed with your driving instructor.
Do you charge for late cancellations?
Yes...This is because I have a commitment to you. I have allocated a time in my diary for your lesson. (I can only offer a few lessons each week). If you cancel with less than 48 hours notice I may charge you the whole lesson fee. However, where possible, with enough notice I can sometimes find another student who wants your lesson slot. In this situation I will not charge you as I am not losing money.
If more than 48 hours notice is given then there is no charge.