What do I need to do before I can drive a car on the road?

When can I apply for my Provisional Licence?

I've never driven before and I'm extremely nervous what I will be doing on my first driving lesson?

How long does it take to learn to drive?

How much do the lessons cost, and do you have any special deals?

Can you pick me up from Home or Work, and can I be dropped off at a location of my choice?

Do I need to pass the theory test before I can start to drive?

Will there be anybody else in the car with me when I have my lessons?

Do I need to know anything about cars? I have never driven a car before?

• What do I need to do before I can drive a car on the road?

You cannot drive on the road without a Provisional Driving Licence. Take a look at the question below on how to apply for your licence.

Have a look at the Highway Code and watch how friends and family drive is one of the best preparation for lessons.

As a learner driver you must display 'L' plates ('L' or 'D' plates in Wales) in a conspicuous position on the front and rear of the vehicle you are driving.

If you want to practise your driving with an accompanying driver, the accompanying driver must be over the age of 21 and must have held (and still hold) a full licence, for a car, for three years. It is unlikely that anyone except an approved driving instructor (ADI) would have the experience, knowledge and training to teach you properly. Learning safe driving habits from the start will improve the safety of yourself and other road users.

Once you have your Provisional Driving Licence, call me to arrange some lessons, visit my Contact page.

• When can I apply for my Provisional Licence?

The earliest date you can apply for your provisional licence is up to three months before your 17th birthday. The licence only becomes valid on your 17th birthday, so if you apply for your provisional licence before you are 17 you will still have to wait until your birthday before you can take start driving or take your theory test. Apply here for a provisional driving licence (opens new window)

• I've never driven before and I'm extremely nervous what I will be doing on my first driving lesson?

I understand that you will be nervous at driving for the first time and to help you with this I will take you to a quiet location, but with a few other cars on the road. I will then explain the controls of the car and allow you to get used to the vehicle before driving on major roads.

• How long does it take to learn to drive?

Government figures show that most people pass their test first time after around 45hours of tuition, combined with 22 hours of private practice. The biggest mistake I see learners making is to take the test too soon and fail. This is both demoralising and in the end costs more (test fees) and takes longer. I can help you decide when is the best time to take your test.

• How much do the lessons cost, and do you have any special deals?

The cost of driving lessons are listed on my Prices page. We do offer a block booking discount, if you pay for 10 lessons in advance. The cost of the block booking is also listed on the prices page.

• Can you pick me up from Home or Work, and can I be dropped off at a location of my choice?

You can be collected at the start of your lesson from a location of your choice, within the area that I cover. I can then drop you off at a location of your choice, again in the location that I cover.

• Do I need to pass the theory test before I can start to drive?

There is no requirement saying that you have to pass the theory test before you start driving on the road, although it is a good idea to start reading the highway code and studying before you start driving, so that you can start to understand the rules of the road. I can help you with any questions you may have, or advice on the theory test.

• Will there be anybody else in the car with me when I have my lessons?

All lessons are carried out on a one to one basis, and there will only be you in the car during your lessons,(unless you request otherwise of course!).

• Do I need to know anything about cars? I have never driven a car before?

You do not need to know anything about cars, your first lesson be all about the controls of the car, so that you will start to understand what makes a car start and stop and how to control it.