Driving Lesson Preparation

As with most things, preparation for driving is the key to success.

Here we look at what preparation is required at each stage so that you can help yourself.

Before learning to drive

You must apply for your provisional licence and you can pick up a form at most Post Offices. You can apply for this up to 2 months prior to your 17th Birthday. You can also do this online.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/fs/en

This is also a good stage to be more conscious of the road, signs and other drivers' behaviour whilst you are travelling as a passenger.

Look at road signs and have a Highway code to hand so that you can familiarise yourself with road signs and general rules before you even take a lesson. The more you know before you come to us, the quicker you are likely to advance through Tuition and be ready for your test. Look at our support materials page for more guidance regarding what to read.

For example, do you fully understand the following signs that you probably see most days?

If you do, that's great. If not, check them out beforehand and give yourself a head start. It is also prudent at this stage to have an eye examination to ensure that your sight is sufficiently good to be taking to the Roads. This will be checked on test day by a driving examiner.

Before taking your driving theory test

We provide pupils with an information pack once they begin taking Lessons with us.

This pack will have Mock Theory Test papers and we can offer other support materials such as CD ROMS for purchase. Best and most simple advice - buy a Highway Code.

Before taking your practical driving test
The lessons you take with us are geared to you passing this Practical examination.

However, our approach is different from most - we don't just aim to get you through the test, we aim to teach you how to drive safely as a lifetime skill.

It would be easy to simply focus on those aspects we know your test will comprise, but we believe that the driving skills of a very good driver exceed those levels required to pass the test.

You could also aid this preparation by taking some private tuition with a parent or friend as this will help you practice what you have learnt with us. It helps you to build confidence and awareness.

Before driving on motorways
Strangely enough, if you pass your driving tests, there is nothing to stop you getting on the M6 at rush hour. Believe us though, it will not be an experience you are ready for.

You may be able to reverse around a corner but you won't find this too helpful when travelling faster than at any previous time surrounded by lorries and sales reps who will not give you the space or time you would like. Different and often unwritten rules seem to apply. With experience, driving on Motorways will be less daunting and we offer Motorway lessons to all of our pupils who pass with us. We cannot emphasise strongly enough how much we believe these lessons, even if just a couple, could benefit you greatly.