FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions!
What shall I to bring on my first driving lesson and first meeting ?
You need to bring your provisional license, your progress/test report(if available) , your theory test certificate, cash/payment, as the instructor will check the details, name and correct address, and a quick eyesight check, so you should be able to read a number plate from 20 meters, bring glasses if you need them.
Can I start taking lessons before my theory test?
You can, as long as you have a valid provisional licence then you’ll be able to take driving lessons on or after your 17th birthday (or 16th if you are registered disabled).
When can I apply for my provisional licence?
You can apply for your provisional licence up to 3 months before your 17th birthday (or 16th if you are registered disabled) you can do this is online, go to the DVLA website for more info.
How long are the driving lessons ?
All lessons are 2 hours. Intensive courses/block bookings are either 4 hours, possibly 7 hours with small breaks in between.(so practice and revise for your ‘Show me, Tell me questions!).
What if I need more lessons ? How many lessons do I need ?
Everyone asks this very question. It is difficult to say, because everyone learns at different paces. People can pass a driving test with less hours of tuition than others, we can only go by how the candidate is doing, we go at your pace.
Can you teach me in my own car?
Yes, that’s not a problem, as long as the car is road worthy, taxed and insured, Driving Instructors can get a specific insurance to be able to do that, so please ask for more details.
What are the Pass Rates ?
Try not worry about the pass rates, you can have as much training as you need for the test, it all comes down to you. You can have the Instructor sit in the back on test to help with nerves or an accompanying driver to boost your confidence, just let the examiner know when he asks, don’t forget, treat it like a lesson, just drive as you normally would, and stick with what normally would do! You can do it!!
Can I talk to the Examiners? Can I ask for extra help or ask to repeat the instructions?
Yes, of course you can talk to them, they will try to put you at ease, and occasionally will not speak, so not to distract you from focusing or when the Sat Nav is giving guidance. They will also give help and instructions when the need arises, depending on certain circumstances of the drive. So, if you need to ask Examiners to repeat the instructions, ask in plenty of time!
Some candidates prefer to ‘talk themselves, through it’, and some may chat to the Examiners to calm their nerves. Everyone is different.
'Show me, Tell me' Vehicle Safety Questions
You will be asked 2 vehicle safety questions during your driving test, practice and learnthem thoroughly, they will help when you drive your own car, or any other vehicle in the future.
If the car is new to you or you’re unsure,check out the drivers manual, you will find all the relevant informationor check online.
Get to know how the buttons and dials operate, especially the vehicles with new touch screens.
Not sure? askyourparents/colleague/accompanying driver, even your instructor!
- ‘Tell Me’ question (where you explain to the examiner how you will carry out a safety task) at the start of your test.
- ‘Show Me’ question (where you show the examiner how you will carry out a safety task) while you’re driving.
We will be going through these ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ Questions…on your lessons!!
‘Tell Me’ Questions and Answers
Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey?
Just as you move off, operate the brakes. They should not feel spongy or slack and the carshould not pull to one side.
Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures forthis car and how tyre pressures should be checked?
Information will be found using the car manufacturer’s guide/manual. Check thetyre pressures by using a reliable pressure gauge when the tyres are cold. Don’t forget to regularly check thespare tyre and remember to refit the valve caps.
Tell me how you would make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it providesthe best protection in the event of a crash?
The head restraint should be adjusted so the centre part of the head restraint is atleast as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as iscomfortable. (some head restraints may not be adjustable).
Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depthand that their general condition is safe to use on the road?
A safe tyre will have no cuts or bulges on the sides. Legally, the tread depth mustbe at least 1.6mm across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outercircumference this can be measured using a tread depth gauge.
Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working?( You don’tneed to exit the vehicle)
Explain to the examiner that you would turn on the lights switch, turn on the car ignition if necessary, then walk around the vehicle to check all lights are operating.
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system?
The warning light should illuminate on the dashboard if there is a fault with the anti-lockbraking system.( Get it checked out asap!)
Tell me how you would check the direction indicators are working on this vehicle?
Explain to the examiner that you would activate the hazard warning lights and walk around the car to see if all the indicators are working correctly. (Note: Operating the hazardwarning lights is the preferred method as the ignition will not need to be switched on, or you can check them individually).
Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car?
Explain to the examiner that you will operate the brake pedal, make use of any reflectionsin windows or doors or ask someone to help.( no need to physically check them)
Tell me how you would check the power-assisted steering is working before starting ajourney?
If the steering becomes heavy, the power assisted steering may be faulty. So beforestarting a journey two checks can be made:
1) Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained whilst the engine is started, shouldresult in slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate.
2) Turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that thepower assisted steering is functioning correctly. Steering wheel should be lighter and easy to turn as the carbegins to move off.
Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would useit/them? (No need to exit the car).
Operate the switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Checkwarning light is on. Explain that fog lights must only be used in foggyconditions, when visibility is reduced to 100 meters or less, and then must be turned off when fog disperses.
Tell me how you would switch on your headlights from dipped to main beam and explainhow you would know that the main beam is on?
Operate light switch (ignition may need to be switched on, or engine started ifnecessary), activate main beam lights and check the blue main beam warning light is showing on the dashboard.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil?
Open bonnet, then identify the dipstick, explain that you would remove the dipstick and wipe/clean theend where the minimum and maximum level indicator is, then reinsert it back into the same location. Remove the dipstick again then check the oil level against the minimum and maximum markings. If oil levels arelow, top up with oil but be sure not to over-fill it.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficientengine coolant?
Identify the engine coolant tank and check the minimum and maximum levelindicator displayed on the side of the tank.
Open the bonnet and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level ofhydraulic brake fluid?
Identify the brake fluid reservoir, check level against high and low markings.
‘ Show Me ‘Questions on the Move
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
You will need to operate the relevant controls and demonstrate.
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the frontwindscreen?
You will need to operate the relevant controls and demonstrate.
When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you would switch on your dipped headlights?
You will need to demonstrate and operate the relevant controls/switch.
When it’s safe for you to do so, can you show me how you would set the rear demisterto clear the screen?
You will need to operate the relevant controls to demonstrate this.
When it’s safe for you to do so, can you show me how you would operate the horn?
You will need to demonstrate this while on the move.
When it’s safe for you to do so, can you show me how you woulddemist the front windscreen?
You will need to demonstrate by operating the relevant buttons/controls and set the air flow vents to the correct positions if required.
When it’s safe for you to do so, can you show me how you would open and close the side window?
You will need to operate the controls on your side panel door to demonstrate the correct way to open and close your window safely.