Important Things to Note:

Eyesight

All drivers must meet the minimum eyesight standard for driving. In good daylight, drivers must be able to read a vehicle number plate (made after 1 September 2001) from 20 metres.

If you need glasses or contact lenses to meet this requirement, they must be worn whenever you drive. I will check that your eyesight meets the required standard during your first lesson.

How Many Lessons Will I Need?

The DVSA recommends approximately 45 hours of professional driving lessons, supplemented by around 22 hours of private practice.

This does vary from person to person and depends on previous experience, but it provides a useful guideline.

When Should I Book My Practical Test Date?

If you already have a practical test booked, please let me know the date. I generally prefer not to take on pupils who have tests booked within six weeks.

If you plan to take your test in my car (which is the usual arrangement), we’ll need to agree TOGETHER that you are ready. I want to be transparent from the outset: if I feel you are not ready to take your test on the scheduled date, I will ask you to postpone it until I believe you are ready. My rule is that you must pass two mock tests with me, before you can take your test!

If you are taking your test in your own car, I will still offer guidance and advice, but the final decision will, of course, be yours.

Things I’ll need from you:

Your Provisional or Full Driving Licence

I’ll need you to provide a Licence Check Code. You can find an explanation of what it is and how to get one here.

To get the code, you’ll need:

  • Your provisional or full driving licence number

  • Your National Insurance number

  • The postcode shown on your licence

Your Driving Experience

Please let me know whether you are a complete novice or if you’ve had some previous driving experience.

If you’ve had lessons before, an approximate number of hours is very helpful. Please also let me know if you’ve driven with family or friends and roughly how many hours of experience that involved.