Before you start – You will need to apply for your provisional driving licence by completing the D1 application form that is available from the DVLA form ordering service or Post Office® branches. You will also need to enclose original documentation confirming your identity, a passport style colour photograph and the fee of £50.00. Send your completed application and payment to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD or you may be able to use the premium checking service. Click here for further information.
Once you have your licence you may begin your lessons.
Upon booking your first lesson, we will send you a complete information pack about your driving lessons together with our terms and conditions. The pack will explain what to expect from your driving lessons and what to bring with you such as your licence and suitable footwear.
When you arrive for your first lesson, we will need to see both parts of your driving licence and ask you to read a number plate from a distance of:
20 metres for vehicles with a new-style number plate
20.5 metres for vehicles with an old-style number plate
New-style number plates start with two letters followed by two numbers, for example AB51 ABC.
Structured learning - Your driving lessons will be carefully structured to suit your own level of ability. Everyone learns new skills at a different rate. We will not hold you back if you are a quick learner nor will we push you if you need more time to develop your new skills.
Your lessons will follow the recommended Driving Standards Agency syllabus and you will be given a record of your progress to take away with you. We will give you written information and feedback on each lesson and so you know what to practice (if you are able) and what to prepare for the following lesson.
As a new learner, everything will be explained before you begin each new subject and you will be given the chance to practice as much as necessary before a new topic is introduced.
You will learn everything from how the controls of the car work, how to manoeuvre the car around, right through to driving on fast, busy roads. You will not be expected to drive until you feel confident that you know what you are going to do. So often we hear horror stories like, ‘my instructor just told me to drive and it frightened me!’ This is no way to start your driving career!
Driving is great fun and we will make it as enjoyable as we can, but, it can be a dangerous past time if you don’t learn properly!
Theory Test - We will recommend certain books and CD’s for your theory studying. From 23 January 2012 the DSA no longer use pre-published questions in a move to stop candidates from learning answers by heart. We are pleased about this because we have always maintained it is important to know your subject thoroughly before testing yourself or wasting the test fee by failing. We believe your practical driving will help you understand the theory of driving and suggest you only take the theory test when you are fully prepared and ready. Click here for more information.
Driving Test – When your instructor feels you are very close to test standard, we will carry out a mock test with you. This will either be with your instructor or if you preferwe may be able to arrange for another instructor to carry one out for you. A mock test will give you a guide as to how you will preform on the day and prepare you for the real thing. Once you reach the required standard to be presented to the DSA Driving Examiner we will book your test for you and prepare you for your big day!
We do not encourage our pupils to take a driving test, ‘just to see how you get on’. This can be both costly and demoralising if you fail. Obviously, we cannot account for what happens on the day but we will do our very best to prepare you to pass on the first attempt. Because of this our pass rate is well above average!
Click here for more information.
Pass Plus – Once you have passed your test you will be eligible to take a further course called Pass Plus. This is a 6 hour course and you will learn more advanced driving skills including motorway driving. Click here for more information.
Motorway driving – New laws to allow learners to practice on motorways with a driving instructor are being proposed this year (2012). See our blog section for the latest information.
Training Vehicles – You will learn to drive in one of our Peugeot 207 cars. They are all 5 door hatchbacks with power steering, fully adjustable drivers seat, (if you are under 5 ft or over 6 ft you will fit in!) twin airbags, ABS and all the usual mod cons! All our pupils find these cars comfortable and easy to drive.
