Copyright 2008

DRIVING SCHOOLS GATESHEAD

1. How many driving lessons will I need?

Everyone is different and will need a varied number of driving lessons. Some people learn faster

than others for instance, your age can play a big part in the number of driving lessons. Other

relevant factors may include whether you’ve ridden a motorbike and whether you will get practice

in your own car in addition to your driving lessons. Remember, it’s not just being able to control

the car, but also about gaining experience in different situations. Also there is a basic syllabus of

driving lessons that needs to be fully covered by everyone. Knowledge is wealth!

It is unrealistic to expect to cover the syllabus in less than 20 lessons. We at Luv2pass will cover

the full syllabus and you will become a safe and confident driver, not just someone who is able to

pass the test.

The DSA are concerned that many candidates have not had enough driving lessons before taking

the test. Their statistics show that the average is 45 qualified driving lessons + lots of private

practice.

2. How do I choose an Instructor?

Mostly by recommendations from friends or family. If you have to make the choice on your own,

read the answer to No. 7 to assist you.

3. What if I feel I am not making good progress?

You may not think that you are progressing, but you probably are. There are guidelines that your

instructor has to follow, you have to learn the basic skills before going on to the busy roads.

Taking you on the roads too early, could make you nervous and put you off driving.

4. What if I disagree with the result of my test?

If you feel that your test was not conducted properly you can complain to the DSA. It is highly

unlikely that your test result will be changed, but it may be worth making your feelings known!

5. Do I have to have an Instructor?

At present the answer is no. However, Driving Instructors are highly qualified and it is unlikely that you will pass without professional help from an Instructor.

6. Do all Instructors teach the same things?

All Instructors know that there is a basic syllabus that needs to be covered. However, Instructors do have considerable freedom to teach people in the way that they find works the best. Be assured however, that Instructors are regularly check-tested by the DSA to ensure that their Instruction is up to scratch.

7. How much do lessons cost?

Prices of lessons vary considerably. It’s unlikely you can get driving lessons for less than £17, and some schools charge up to £28. Do remember, choosing the most expensive, will not mean that you are getting the best. It is a competitive business, so the prices have to be competitive. All instructors have basically the same expenses, ie. fuel, tax and insurance, so the more you pay, the more their take home pay is. If you have 50 lessons at £16, the total cost is £800, at £28, the total cost is £1,400, that's giving your instructor £600 more in his pocket.

When you think about it, you pay your window cleaner £5 for 10 mins work, he has very little overheads, so he is being paid more an hour than your instructor.

8. How long should my driving lesson last?

If you pay for 1 hour, the driving lesson should last 1 hour, the hour should start when you are picked up and end when you are dropped off. if the instructor is late, your driving lesson should end later. If your driving lesson lasts less than an hour on more than one occasion, speak to the instructor, you should not be paying for his or her travelling time.

9. Are intensive driving courses any good?

We believe not, anyone who states that you can pass your test after driving for only one week is not thinking about you and how you can cope on your own if you are lucky enough to pass. It takes time and experience to be a good driver. The national average is about 50 lessons, me personally, could not take the high pressure of sitting taking instruction for the amount of hours required to take the test in one week.

Taking 1 hour per week is going to take nearly a year to get there. If you want to pass quicker, take more lessons per week. Taking 2 hours per week will get you through in about six months, so taking 4 hours per week will get you there a lot quicker.