Learning to drive can be a daunting experience, especially if an instructor hasn't been personally recommended to you! Let me make it as pain-free as possible...

Firstly, you will need to obtain a Provisional Driving Licence. To apply for this you must complete an application form D1 which is available from Post Offices or you can apply online at www.direct.gov.uk You can apply before your 17th birthday, so that it becomes valid on the day of your 17th which makes a wonderful birthday present to have your first lesson then!

RECOMMENDED READING

To obtain your full driving licence you will need to pass a theory & hazard perception test. This can be taken at any time but you cannot book your practical driving test until you have passed both parts of the these tests. The Highway Code, is therefore, a highly recommended publication for everybody learning to drive. ''Essential Skills'' is a DSA publication which is about the skills of driving a car and will help new drivers with their driving lessons.

HAZARD PERCEPTION TRAINING

I offer an excellent CD which shows the format that the theory & hazard perception tests take and enable new drivers to practise these skills at home on their PC.  

THEORY & HAZARD PERCEPTION TEST

The theory test consists of two parts. The first part is a 50 question, multiple choice section. This bit is answered by using a touch screen computer & mouse.

The second part, the hazard perception, records how early you observe developing hazards on the road ahead by using a mouse.

Theory tests can be booked through the DSA's website. www.direct.gov.uk/drivingtest

The Practical Driving Test

Again, you can book your test on the DSA website or phone: 0300 200 1122

I will advise you when to do this. The average number of lessons required from an absolute beginner is 40. The DSA recommends combining this with private practice of a further 15-22 hours. Students who are able to do this fare the best on their test. For new starters who have had some prior driving experience, I will conduct an initial assessment session to gauge how many lessons I feel the student will require to reach test standard.

Before you do any driving you will perform an eyesight check and then be asked some basic vehicle safety questions. This is called the 'The Show Me/Tell Me.' You will then have the general driving test which takes about 35-40 minutes. You can have up to 15 minor faults and still pass but one serious or dangerous fault will be a failure.