“Thank you Anne, Abi is so chuffed she’s passed and that’s all thanks to you. I know she thoroughly enjoyed her lessons with you – you made her feel relaxed from the very beginning and helped her confidence grow so much. Thanks again, I will definitely be recommending you!” Sally – Abi’s mum

Provisional Licence

Before you think about learning to drive, check your eyesight! You must be able to read a new style number plate from 20 metres (with glasses or contact lenses if necessary).

You can apply for your provisional licence (it costs £34) before your 17^th birthday but you must have received your licence and turned 17 before you start to drive on the road. I will ask to see your licence at the start of your first lesson, so remember to bring it with you. Request your application form (D1) online at https://www.gov.uk/

Show Me, Tell Me Questions

Start looking at the Vehicle Safety ‘Show Me, Tell Me’ Questions which form part of the practical driving test. We will look at these in more detail in your lessons. They can be downloaded here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/car-show-me-tell-me-vehicle-safety-questions

Theory/Hazard Perception Test

You can start learning the theory behind driving as soon as you like. This will help you with your practical driving. There are lots of DSA official study aids, books, DVDs and apps available from Amazon or online at the DSA official shop: www.tsoshop.co.uk/dsa

As from the 14th April, 2020, the DVSA will be making the car theory test more realistic, and easier to access for people with difficulties such as dyslexia, learning disabilities or a developmental condition such as autism. The current written case studies will now be replaced by video clips. Candidates will watch the video clip, answering three questions relating to the clip. The questions will still have multiple choice answers. The video clip will relate to a driving situation in a range of environments. It is silent and can be paused and repeated if required. The study materials from the DVSA will not be changing, nor will the pass mark. The remainder of the test remains unchanged.

More information on the new video is available online at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/theory-test-changes-14-april-2020

When you are ready to take the Theory Test, book it directly through the official www.gov.uk website, costing £23. The theory section of the test consists of multiple choice style questions and is completed on a touch screen computer. You must score a minimum of 43 out of 50 in order to pass.

The Hazard Perception section of the test was first introduced in 2002 and contains a series of video clips in which you are required to ‘click’ when you identify the ‘developing hazard’. A developing hazard is something that may result in you having to take some action, such as changing speed or direction. You will be shown a total of 14 video clips containing 15 hazards in total. These clips will feature everyday road scenes similar to those experienced on your York-based driving lessons. You are able to score a maximum of 5 for each hazard. The sooner you click for the developing hazard the higher you will score. If you click continuously or in a pattern during a clip, a message will appear at the end. It will tell you that you have scored zero for that particular clip, so make sure you don’t overdo your clicking! The pass mark for this section is 44 out of 75.

Once you have completed and passed the Theory/Hazard Perception Test, it is valid for 2 years, allowing you ample time to complete your driving lessons and be at the required standard to pass the Practical Driving Test.

“How many lessons will I need?”

The DSA has calculated that, on average, 53 hours of professional training with a driving instructor plus 22 hours of private practise are necessary before you are ready to take the Practical Test, so around 75 hours in total. Some pupils will need a lot more than this, and others will need less. York is a challenging place to pass, and my average for a first-time pass is between 70-80 hours. Remember, you need to be ready to drive anywhere, on different types of roads, in different types of conditions. Driving lessons are not just about passing the test, they prepare you for safe driving for the rest of your life. You need plenty of time to be introduced to the mandatory skills, (see Key Skills) as well as time to practise and refine them. You also need to be able to make safe decisions independently.

How many lessons you will personally need is very difficult to answer as it is individual to you and depends upon your motivation and confidence, your ability to learn new skills, whether you have any existing driving experience and whether or not you have access to a car for private practice between lessons. My aim is to progress your lessons at the pace that is right for YOU and that takes into account your attitude and the level of your thinking and physical skill.

53 hours of professional tuition and test fees puts the average cost of driving lessons at around £2300, but realistically you should budget for £3000, then you won’t be disappointed. You could be driving for the next 60 years, and being able to drive opens up new opportunities for you, so time and money spent on learning to drive should be seen as a real investment towards a vital life skill.

Remember that learning to drive is not just about passing a test; it is about becoming a safe driver for the rest of your life.

“I could not speak more highly of my experience learning to drive with Anne. I’ve previously had a number of instructors and she was by far the best, providing me with both the skills and confidence to both pass my test first time, as well as drive independently afterwards. Thank you Anne!” Luke