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Learning to Drive - Frequently Asked Questions Part 1

Looking to sit your UK driving test? There's lots of information to take in when you're learning to drive.  In this blog post we answer your most common FAQs about taking driving lessons and sitting your theory and driving test.

Call us today on 08000 151 642 or email info@roadwisedrivertraining.co.uk to arrange your lessons or get professional advice about your particular situation.

Getting Started with Driving Lessons

When can I start taking driving lessons?

You can start learning to drive a car on public roads from the age of 17 if you hold a provisional driving licence. You can apply for your provisional licence when you are 15 years and 9 months old.

Roadwise offers young people between age 14 to 17 an opportunity to build driving skills and experience prior to their 17 birthday through Headstart sessions. All Headstart sessions are conducted in a safe an off-road environment.

How do I get my provisional driving licence?

You must hold a provisional driving licence before you can start driving lessons. You can get your first provisional driving licence by applying to the DVLA online or by post. Get more information about provisional licence application process here.

Can I have a driving lesson without a provisional license?

You cannot start your driving lessons without a provisional licence. A provisional licence allows you the opportunity to start learning to drive a car. However, having a provisional licence does not allow you to practice without a driving instructor or someone else who fits legal criteria to supervise you when driving on the road.

How long does it take until I get my provisional licence?

Your provisional licence should arrive within 3 weeks of the date of application. Contact DVLA if it has not arrived by then.

Learning to Drive

What do driving instructors do?

Driving instructors teach people the skills and knowledge they need to drive safely and pass their driving test.

Can I have a driving lesson before I pass my theory test?

Yes – you can take practical lessons while preparing for your theory test.  In fact, taking driving lessons whilst studying for the theory test is generally beneficial to the learning process.

Do I need driving lessons?

There are no legal requirements to take driving lessons prior to sitting driving test to gain a full licence. In practice, however, to meet the high standard required to pass a driving test it is highly recommended that you take professional tuition from a DVSA qualified driving instructor. The national standard for driving cars outlines what is required to do to pass the test.  Best practice is to ensure that you can do everything without instruction.

How many driving lessons I need to take until I pass?

There are no minimum or maximum amount of hours tuition you must complete before you take a driving test. Everyone is different. According to DVSA statistics the average amount of lessons to be test ready is between 35 and 40 hours.

Manual or automatic driving lessons?

Generally, you can pass a driving test in an automatic vehicle in less time that in a vehicle with manual transmission.  This is primarily due to the fact that there is no clutch control required in an automatic. Also, if you have mobility issues, an automatic car can be a lot easier and more comfortable to drive.

A point to remember, however, that if you pass your test in an automatic car you will be restricted to driving automatic vehicles only.  You can upgrade your licence to driving a manual vehicle at a later stage.

How many lessons a week should I take?

This is purely down to individual choice and financial circumstances. Best practice is to ensure continuity of driving lessons e.g. 2 hours per week.  Ongoing progress should be regularly discussed with your driving instructor.

Questions about driving theory and practical tests will be covered in our blog post ‘Learning to Drive - Frequently Asked Questions Part 2’ and Part 3 will focus on how you can start your driving lessons with Roadwise.

 

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