Frequently Asked Questions
Here you will find a list of complete and very practical answers. Don’t forget, our experts are best placed to answer your questions.
Am I able to have driving lessons in my own/family or friends car?
Under certain circumstances, customers may want to receive lessons in their own/family vehicle. This is a good idea where the car will be used for the Practical Driving Test. It is also a good idea when a learner has a new car and wishes to familiarise themselves with it prior to licensing. Petersfield Driving Instructor is able to offer customers training in their vehicle, provided the learner is competent and can keep the car safe while driving and the vehicle is registered, roadworthy and comprehensively insured.
Prior to any training being conducted in the customer’s vehicle, the instructor should inspect the vehicle for its roadworthiness. The inspection should include, but is not limited to, a check of the following items;
- the registration label is valid, current, intact and displayed appropriately
- the vehicle is comprehensively insured and the customer’s insurance company is notified that it will be used by a driving instructor to conduct training in
- The tyres:
- are correctly inflated (air pressures must reflect the manufacturer’s recommendation as a minimum).
- have appropriate levels of tread
- are not damaged
- all indicators, headlights and brake lights are working
- seats and seat belts are in good working order and are not damaged or twisted
- any loose items in the cabin of the vehicle are stowed in the cargo (boot) area
- the windows and interior are clean
- the vehicle has sufficient petrol to last the course of the lesson (minimum requirement – a quarter of a tank)
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 for life 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.
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.