Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions about learning to drive, you can check here to see if someone else already asked the question about driving lessons.
How long have you been a driving instructor?
This Driving School was established 2005.
What qualifications do you have?
Fully qualified Approved driving instructor and a qualified vehicle technician.
Is automatic easier than manual to drive?
Yes, there is no clutch and the gears change themselves.
Driving Lessons
How do I book a lesson?
A first driving lesson can be arranged online. Once you have completed the booking form you will be contacted by the instructor. Subsequent driving lesson can be arranged either at the beginning or at the end of the first lesson. https://www.alechatwooddriving.co.uk/automatic-driving-lessons-2/
How long are lessons?
The standard driving lessons are 2 hours.
What car will I be learning to drive in?
A BMW 1 series 118d
Does the car I’m driving have dual controls?
Yes, the driving school car is fitted with dual controls.
How many lessons will I need?
Every person is different and it depends on your driving experience. The national average to learn to drive is around 47 hours of practice with an instructor from start to finish.
What do I need to bring with me on a first lesson?
Your provisional driving licence, and glasses or contacts if you need them to read a number plate at 20 metres.
How regularly will I have lessons?
You can choose how often you would like to have lessons, depending upon your budget and availability.
Where do my lesson start and finish?
Lessons can start or finish from anywhere you choose in the areas covered by this driving school, though if you want to start or finish from anywhere other than your normal pickup point you must notify the driving instructor at least 48 hours before the lesson to allow for the instructor to plan travel time.
How much are driving lessons?
Prices vary depending upon how many you buy at one time. https://www.alechatwooddriving.co.uk/price-list/
How do I pay for my lessons?
A first driving lessons should be paid online at least 48 hours before the first lesson via a link which you will receive. Subsequent driving lessons can be paid by link, card in car, bank transfer, or cash in car.
What do I do if I need to cancel a lesson?
You must give a minimum of 48 hour’s notice if you need to cancel a driving lesson, to avoid still need to pay for the cost of the driving lesson. You should call the driving instructor to ensure the message has been received.
Practice out of lessons
Should I practice driving with my parents and family?
The DVSA recommend taking private driving practice alongside your regular driving lessons with an instructor if possible. This will give you more driving experience before the test, it’s a good idea to ask your instructors advice first.
What else can I do to help me pass my driving tests?
Download the complete theory app, read up on the Highway code, know your traffic signs, Driving the essential skill and other DVSA publications.
What are the “show me tell me questions”?
At the beginning of the driving test the examiner will ask you one “Tell Me Question” about the car. Whilst driving along the examiner will ask you to demonstrate one “Show Me Question” about one of the functions of the car.
What can I do to stop myself getting into bad habits?
Keep up regular driving lessons practice. Ask the instructor if you don’t understand why something you are learning is an important good driving habit.
How will I know I’m ready for my theory test?
You can ask the advice of your instructor about the theory test. It is recommended you download a full App, which will give you a full list of categories to complete for the theory test.
How will I know I’m ready for my practical test?
Hopefully you will be able to assess yourself with the training you will receive, you should ask your instructor for feedback and help with planning a time scale. You will be kept up to date with your progress.
How do I book a test?
You can ask your instructor to advise you on a good time and date to choose.
How long are driving tests?
A standard driving test takes around 38 to 40 minutes, but it depends on road and traffic conditions.
What car will I be driving on my driving test?
You will take the test in your instructor’s car.
What happens on test day
You will normally have a warm-up lesson for an hour before the test so you can drive to the driving test centre. You and the instructor will be there around 10 minutes before the test time. You will wait the instructor in the waiting room. The examiner will come out and call your name. You will show them your provisional licence and sign the form to declare your health hasn’t changed. The examiner will ask you if you would like your instructor to come along on the driving test. You and the examiner will walk to the car. The examiner will ask you to read a number plate at 20m, they will also describe what will happen on the driving test. You will be asked one Tell Me question about the car. You will sit in the car. The examiner may bring a Sat Nav, you may need to follow it straight away or it may be switched on later in the test. You may be asked to follow signs or given directions. You can ask the examiner to repeat instructions or for clarification about the route. You won’t fail if you go the wrong way as long as you drive safely. You will be asked to do one reversing manoeuvre. At the end of the driving test, you will be told the result straight away and asked if you would like your instructor to listen. You will be given a pass certificate and the examiner will take your provisional licence. You will be sent an email with an explanation of your result.
Will my instructor be in the car during my test?
It is your choice, you can take any one person along on your driving test, who is over 16. You must not communicate with your witness during the test.