Here are some commonly asked questions and our responses.
How long and how many hours will it take me to pass my test?
This is a difficult question to answer as everyone learns at a different pace. Many factors have to be considered, such as what experience you have had.
The DSA would recommend 45 hours of tuition with an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) and 22 hours of private practice.
Factors that may reduce the amount of lessons you need:
- Having two hours or more a week.
- Having constant lessons.
- Having some private practice
- Listening to what you are being told
When picking a driving instructor it is very important to choose someone that your feel comfortable with. If you don't get on with oyur instructor for whatever reason it could hinder your learning process.
Why Learn with an instructor?
As the years go by learning to drive is becoming much harder; there is more traffic on the roads making them busier and much more dangerous. Being taught to drive by a professional, experienced driving instructor will build your confidence and knowledge of road and traffic situations. You will learn how to plan ahead, how to make judgements and anticipate other road users.
Should I learn with a friend/family member?
Some private practice with a friend or family member can be a great way of practicing skills already learnt with your instructor but be careful of conflicting information. What mum or dad was taught many years before may not be the correct procedure any more.
Hourly Lessons or Intensive. Which one is right for me?
Hourly lessons taken over a period of time are still a very popular way to learn to drive and the Driving Academy can arrange hourly lessons designed to fit in around your own personal lifestyle. Lessons can also be taken in one and a half hour and two hour sessions you can start learning to drive whilst you are preparing for your driving theory test.
The modern approach to learning to drive is to take an intensive driving course and this is becoming increasingly popular. It's the ideal way to learn to drive in a short period of time.
At the Driving Academy we have instructors who specialise in intensive tuition and our courses are structured to cater for individual needs. Wherever possible, the instructors initially carry out an assessment of your driving ability from which they are able to advise you of the type and length of course you need. This ensures that the tuition you receive fully prepares you to take and pass your driving test at the conclusion of the course.
Can you guarantee me to pass my test?
Anyone can guarantee you will pass your test eventually but they won't guarantee you when.
You are the only one who can guarantee you to pass your test first time and to make this possible you will have to do everything that is asked of you correctly and be able to deal with other road users and their mistakes (which usually comes with experience and practice).
If you have been offered a guaranteed pass then watch out for the catch, you will be paying for it in the long run, you will probably be having a lot more lessons than you actually need.
Again, watch for the catch if you have been offered a FREE re-test if you fail, you will be paying for in the cost of the course. NOTHING IS FREE.
The price of tuition should never be taken as the most important factor.
If you are being offered cheap driving lessons you could be making a sacrifice on the quality of your lessons and therefore you will be taking more lessons to compensate. Ask yourself why they are offing you cheap lessons?
If it is because they don't have enough work, then why don't they have enough work?
A trainee instructor may offer a discount for lessons - this is not necessarily a bad thing they are trained to DSA standard and they are just trying to get some experience before they take their final exam. Their knowledge is up to date and they have lots of enthusiasm
Remember: You are making an investment in your future and learning a skill for life. 
