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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How many lessons does it take to pass your driving test?

A.I am often asked this question. This is a question that is very difficult to answer. I relate learning to drive as a "skill". If you have never played football, tennis or been skiing and you wanted to develop your skills to play like Pele or Martina Hingis or ski like Alberto Tomba how many hours would it take? Would you have the ability to achieve these levels no matter how many hours of top training you put in and have the correct mental approach? There is only one Michael Schumacher and fortunately to pass the driving test we don't have to be as skilful as these top people and our ability for this skill varies considerably, as is evident in all these sports. So each person will learn according to his or her ability and on the day of the test must have the correct mental approach. Ok you want an answer to the question! (I am not a politician) my answer is anything between 25 and 45 lessons without any practice. I have some pupils who have passed within 8(no extra practice) and others in over 200

Q. How often do you increase your prices?

A. I try to keep my rates as competitive as possible and rarely increase prices, this will depend mainly on the increase in the price of fuel and the general economy, over the last two years I have only increased my prices once by £1

Q. How do you structure your lessons?

A.I try to structure my lessons and work on the principal that when you have developed sufficient skill in one field of learning to then move onto a different field still retaining some practice on past skills, so that you don't loose touch on what you have learnt.

Q. Do I have to drive others home during my driving lesson?

A. Not at first, usually I pick you up a little early so that the previous pupil can drive himself or herself back and then you can start without passengers. After a few lessons, when you feel confident you will drive people home. I feel this is good practice as: firstly, you are able to see others making the same mistakes that you make (people often think they are the only ones that make mistakes). Secondly, those that have reached the required standard give you an idea of your goal. Thirdly, it is worth getting used to an unfamiliar person in the car, as this is what will happen on the day of your test.

Q. Can I drive while I am waiting for my driving licence to arrive?

A. No. You must produce a valid provisional driving licence before you can drive and you must be able to read (with or without corrective lenses) a standard number plate at a minimum of 67feet away. You must inform me of any physical disabilities and any penalty points on your driving licence before you start. To obtain your driving licence you will need to obtain a form from the Post Office together with 2 passport size photographs and the relevant fee. It usually takes up to 3 weeks to obtain your driving licence; this can be applied for before your 17th birthday.

Q. What should I do about the Theory Test? What do I need? How do I apply for it?

A. The theory test is relatively easy providing you are well prepared for it. There are many books you can obtain, firstly you will need a copy of the Highway Code (obtainable when you apply for your driving licence or leading bookshops/newsagents) and I particularly recommend a book published by BSM which is called "Theory Test Questions & Answers" price around £5-£6

This book must be studied thoroughly, together with your Highway Code, as 90% of the people that fail have started to study the books and found the early parts relatively easy. They then decide to skim through the rest of the books and take the test, only to fail. No short cuts if you want to pass. This book can be obtained from most leading bookshops (e.g. W.H Smiths) and some newsagents, also from any BSM office. The AA publishes a similar good book.

I would also highly recommend the official theory CD ROM for car/motorcycle drivers (the contents of the disc are the same that will be used when you take your theory test which is by computer touch screen) obtainable from www.riva-4di.co.uk and another useful CD ROM to test you skills is called ROAD SKILLS making learning fun, also obtainable from the same people, email: riva@legend.co.uk

You can apply for the theory test by telephoning: 0870 0101 372 this is the Driving Standards Agency where you can obtain all details about both the theory and practical driving tests including costs. The local Theory test centers are located in the center of: Huddersfield, Bradford and Leeds. The practical driving test centers are at: Halifax (I usually use this center), Heckmondwike, Huddersfield, Bradford and Leeds.

Q. After passing the practical test how can I improve my driving skills, including motorway tuition, and obtain reduced insurance?

A. Pass Plus. This is a good way to improve your skills reducing the chances of an accident. I usually inform most people when they pass their driving test to be careful with regard to 2 points: (1) The chances of having an accident within your first year are much higher than when you have a few years of experience behind you, so be careful in that first year, as you lack experience (this is when you are really learning to drive on your own, which will continue through out your life). After your first year, you usually have improved your skills and the chances reduce considerably. (2) When you have passed your driving test you are on probation and if you obtain 6 penalty points on your licence within the first "two" years you will have to take both your theory and practical tests again. (As opposed to 12 points after 2 years and you may not have to retake your tests).

Pass plus will also obtain cheaper car insurance offered by certain insurance companies. E.G a young man of 18 years of age could only find the cheapest quote of £800 for insurance. After having passed his Pass Plus the cost reduced to around £400

Pass plus requires a minimum of 6 driving lessons and it is the Driving Instructor who will assess your progress and declare that you have reached the necessary standard. (It's not a test but an assessment together with tuition.) Well worth doing as it will pay for itself both in improving your skills (lessening the chance of an accident) and to your pocket. I run these courses.

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