FAQs
FAQs
1. How old must I be to learn to drive?
The minimum age for a UK provisional licence is 17. You will need this before you can start taking lessons. Any car that you drive before passing your test must display L-plates front and rear.
If you are receiving Disability Living Allowance at the higher rate your provisional licence can come into effect when you are 16.
Disabled Drivers Information is a website that was set up to give information to disabled drivers.
2. What do I need before I start learning?
You cannot start to drive a car until your provisional driving licence has been accepted and in your possession. If you are in receipt of the higher rate of disability, you can start to learn how to drive when you reach your 16th Birthday otherwise you will have to wait until your 17th Birthday.
You can apply for your licence up to 3 months before your licence is due to start, but you MUST NOT drive on the road until your licence has arrived and not until the day of your 17th birthday.
If you have never held a driving licence before you will need to apply for a provisional licence. You must complete driving licence application form D1 and photocard application form D750 (available from most post offices) and send it off with the appropriate fee.
3. What will I do on my first lesson?
This depends on what experience you already have, if you are a beginner the first lesson will involve some paperwork, an eyesight check (you need to be able to read a standard number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres). Then I will get you comfortable in the car so that all the controls are within easy, useable reach and give you an understanding of what these controls do. Finally my aim is to get you moving the car by the end of the lesson (This isn't the most exciting driving lesson you will ever have but it does form the foundations of the rest of your driving career and best of all it will only cost £15 for an hour and half lesson, see "prices" for full details).
4. How many lessons will I need?
A question often asked and one to which there is no definite answer. The DSA state 1.5 hours of tuition with an ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) for every year of your age and private practice. These figures are an average so some people take longer, others not so long. I will be able to give you a better indication once I have seen you drive.
5. How will I know that I am ready for my test?
This will be an agreement between you and myself. I want all my pupils to pass first time and therefore I want to ensure you are fully prepared for your test and give you the best chance of passing bring my £12,000 car back in one piece.
6. Will there be other learners in the car while I'm having my lessons?
NO! All of my tuition is completely one to one.
7. What care will I learn to drive in?
The car is a 2005 Ford Fiesta with a 1.6 litre diesel engine, see "About the Tuition Vehicle" for more details.
8. What is the cheapest way of booking my lessons?
The cheapest way is to pay for 10 lessons at a time, once paid for these lessons can be used whenever you want. For full price list see "Prices"
9. Do I need to pass my Thoery test before I start to drive?
No you don't and sometimes it can help to be applying the theory in a practical way. I am here to aid you in anyway I can with your theory test preparation.
10. How can I book my first lesson?
The easiest way is to phone me on 07966037179 you could also e-mail me at christopherstephenwright@hotmail.com This does take me a little longer to get back to you as I only check each evening. I have my phone with me all day and even if I don't answer, leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as I finish teaching.
11. Are you fully qualified?
Yes I am. I display the green octagonal badge, which means I am fully qualified to give instruction in a motor vehicle (car). I have had a full CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check done to enable me to give instruction.
Partly qualified instructors display a pink triangle badge and this means that they haven't yet reached the required standard set out by the DSA to become a fully qualified instructor and are USING YOU TO PRACTICE ON!!
12. Do you teach automatic?
No, I use a 1.6 litre Ford Fiesta Diesel 5 speed manual car. For full details see "About the Tuition Vehicle"
13. Do you have female instructors?
No, the school at present is just me on my own. For full details see "About Me"
14. Are there discounts for block bookings?
Yes there are! 10 lessons paid for in advance are £195 instead of paying the full £205, when paid for separately. For full details see "Prices"
15. Can I use your tuition vehicle for my test?
Yes you can, if you have learnt in the car it is best to keep as much as possible the same for what is already a nervy day for you.
16. Do you disappear on holiday for 3 to 4 weeks at a time?
The three days that I will always have off are CHristmas Day; Boxing Day and New Years Day. I will also have a couple of breaks during the year, everybody needs a rest. I will keep you well informed of any holidays I have planned so that your lessons and learning don't suffer.
17. Where will you pick me up and drop me off?
Within reason anywhere! I won't restrict you to being picked up and dropped off at your home address. I will automatically use your home address unless previously arranged.
18. Can I have my lesson at the same time every week?
Yes you can, as this makes my week planning easier.
19. Will you answer your phone while teaching me to drive?
Not at all! You are paying me for my time and you will get 100% of my attention for that time.
20. Will I get full hour lessons?
Yes you will, I give 1 hour; 2 hour; 3 hour; or 4 hour lessons, 4 hour lessons are broken into 2 two 2 hour sessions with a break taken together. I won't turn up late and drop you off early so I can get to another lesson. If I am running late, which occasionally happens due to traffic I will always ring to let you know and make the time up at the end of the lesson.
21. Will the examiners make me do everything on my test?
No see "Practical Test" for full details of what is expected of you on test.