Learning to Drive with ‘L’ on Wheels

If you are an absolute beginner:
We know that you will most likely be nervous. On your first driving lesson, we will take you to the nearest, quiet country road where there will be little traffic. Having checked your eyesight and provisional driving license, we then explain what you need to do to get yourself and the car ready to drive. This is called the ‘cockpit drill’. Then we go through the ‘explanation of controls’, i.e. what each of the major controls do and how to use them.

When that is done, take a deep breath and start the engine! Then, by following the routines on a specially prepared handout, we talk through how to move away, change gear, steer and stop. That done, you are ready to put it into practice and get moving! If all goes to plan, you will drive approximately 3 miles on your hour lesson.

We will explain how first, and then, while you are learning, ‘talk you through’ the various manoeuvres and situations. Where necessary, we will demonstrate and you will watch. As you gain confidence and show signs of independence, we will gradually give you less help until you can do everything yourself and take full responsibility for all your driving. It’s as simple as that!

If you have already had some driving experience:
If you have already had some lessons with another driving instructor or get private practice, we will assess your ability and standard of driving and start your training at the appropriate level.

Handouts:
Either as an absolute beginner or with someone with experience, we have a full range of handouts on each of the main aspects of driving to help us to teach and you to learn during your lessons. Handy for revision at home!

"How many lessons will I need?"
If we, as Instructors, got a £1 payment for every time we were asked this question, we would have long retired to the Bahamas by now! Unfortunately, it’s like asking “how long is a piece of string?” Everyone is different.

Just because your Dad only had 6 hours of lessons 20 years ago, it doesn't mean that it will be the same for you. There is a lot more to the driving test now anyway!

Your progress up to test standard depends upon how quickly you learn and how much private practice you get. Obviously, the more practice and experience you get, the better your chances of passing. By using the Driving Standards Agency’s Learner Drivers Record, you will see how well you are doing.

Two Points of Caution

  1. Usually, you will have good lessons where you will have learnt something new and not made too many mistakes. However, as Instructors we know that pupils unexpectedly have bad lessons. Why? – they just do, that’s why. Have a sense of humour, just come back next week and have another go.
  2. We cannot guarantee that you will pass your test within a certain number of lessons, within a specified time frame or how much it will cost you. Learning to drive just doesn't seem to work like that.

MOCK TESTS
(Let’s pretend it’s the day of your test)
Doing one or several mock tests is an excellent way to prepare for your real L test. By this stage of your learning you should be fully responsible for all of your driving actions, or, to put it another way – totally independent of instruction. As Instructors we can simulate how the examiner will act and talk on your test and take you on the type of route they may take you. This really helps you see how good you are, your weaknesses and how the test is conducted. Hopefully then, come the ‘big day’ you will feel pretty confident and focused upon what you have to do and what is expected of you.

As professional Driving Instructors we know well the standard of driving that the Driving Examiners will expect from you on your test.