FAQ
Here are some of the most common questions I’m asked by learners. I’ve put together clear, honest answers to help you understand what to expect — from getting started, to booking your test, to becoming fully test ready. If your question isn’t covered here, please feel free to get in touch.
Getting Started
Should I learn automatic or manual?
It’s a personal choice. Learning in an automatic or electric car can feel simpler — there’s no clutch or gear changes to worry about, leaving more space to focus on the road. Automatics also reflect the future, with no new petrol or diesel manual cars being sold in the UK after 2030. That said, a manual licence still offers flexibility, especially in the second-hand market. The right choice comes down to what suits your needs and feels most comfortable for you.
Do I need to pass my theory test before starting lessons?
No - you can start lessons straight away. But since there’s a backlog with practical driving tests, it's sensible to pass your theory as soon as you can. That way, we can secure a practical test date in advance while you continue learning, so you’re not left waiting for too long when you’re ready.
What car do you teach in?
I teach in a modern automatic/electric Kia Niro. It’s safe and comfortable, fitted with dual controls, and always kept clean and well-maintained so you can focus on your driving. Even if your first car isn’t electric, the experience will feel very similar to driving a petrol or diesel automatic. Every car has its own quirks, but once you’ve learned the core skills, adapting to different vehicles becomes much easier.
Lessons & Learning
Do you offer intensive courses or just weekly lessons?
I offer both, depending on availability. Weekly lessons suit learners who want to spread out the cost and make steady progress, especially if they can practise privately. Intensive lessons work well if you want to progress quickly, don’t have access to private practice, or already have a test booked. Many learners mix the two approaches — sometimes learning semi-intensively or switching between weekly and intensive depending on their stage. I’ll happily talk through the options with you so you can choose what’s most realistic.
Can I do lessons in my own car?
Yes, sometimes that's possible! Because your car won’t have dual controls, it’s at my discretion and only suitable once you’ve got enough control that I wouldn’t need to step in. You’ll need to keep your car legal, safe and insured — and check that your insurance allows a paid instructor to supervise (not all policies do). If you’d like me to be able to drive it, you’d also need to add me to your policy. Many learners wait until they’re closer to test, or have a few lessons after passing, to gain experience and build confidence in their own car.
How long does it take to learn to drive?
There’s no set answer, as everyone learns at their own pace. Some learners are ready in under 40 hours, while others need well over 100. Research shows the average is about 45 hours of lessons with an instructor plus 22 hours of private practice — and without practice, you’ll likely need more lessons.
Those who build up 100+ hours of lessons and focused practice are much safer on the roads in the long run. Learning to drive isn’t just about passing a 40-minute test — it’s about becoming a skilled, safe, competent driver for years to come.
💡 Tip: Budget for more lessons than you think you’ll need; if you need fewer, the spare money can go towards your first car or insurance.
How can I cut costs or learn quicker?
You’ll make faster progress when you take charge of your learning outside of lessons:
- Stay on top of theory — study the Highway Code, practise hazard perception, and arrive at lessons prepared for what you’ll be working on.
- Practise with purpose — if you have access to a car, don’t just “go for a drive.” Focus on specific skills from your lessons so they become second nature faster.
- No car to practise in? — You can still hone your skills in other ways: visualise yourself driving and mentally rehearse the skills you’ve been learning, observe how other drivers anticipate and interact on the road, or even treat intersecting supermarket aisles like mini-junctions with your trolley. Ask me for more ideas during your lessons!
The more effort you put in between lessons, the faster and more cost-effective your progress will be.
Tests & Test Prep
When should I book my test?
Most test dates are released around 6 months ahead, and go quickly. We’ll book early based on an estimate of your readiness, but it’s always better to allow more time than you think you’ll need, than to rush in under-prepared. If you’re ready sooner, we can spend the extra time building confidence and polishing your skills while keeping an eye out for cancellations. This gives you the best chance of passing first time — which saves money and avoids disappointment compared to cancelling late or retaking after a fail.
How can I book a driving test?
Once you’ve passed your theory test, you can book your practical test on the official government website. If you’re learning with me, I can also book on your behalf through the instructor portal (with your permission and licence details). If you book your own test, I ask you to use my reference number so I can make sure it fits with my diary — and so I can help you manage your booking if needed.
Do you teach the test routes?
No one can guarantee which route you’ll get on test day, as there are many and they’re regularly updated. Instead, I focus on helping you gain confidence on a wide variety of roads and situations, both near the test centre and further afield. That way, even if the exact route is unfamiliar, you’ll have the skills to handle whatever comes up — on test day and beyond.
When will I be test ready?
You’ll be ready when you can drive independently, confidently, and safely in all conditions. This means being fluent in the 5 core skills: car control, awareness, anticipation, planning, and judgement. I provide honest feedback throughout your learning and often recommend mock tests — not only to track your progress, but also to help you manage the pressure and emotions on test day.
What happens if I fail my driving test?
The most important thing is to learn from the feedback the examiner gives you. I won’t put you forward for your test in my car until I’m confident you’re ready, but nerves can affect performance on the day, and strong emotions may reveal any weaker areas in your driving. We’ll review what happened together, celebrate the examiner’s praise for what you did well, and make a clear plan to strengthen any weaker areas. While it can feel like a setback, most learners come out of it stronger and more confident in the long run. I usually sit in the back during the test (though it’s your choice), so I can give you detailed support and perspective afterwards.
Still got questions?
I’m always happy to help. If you can’t find the answer here, just get in touch and I’ll do my best to point you in the right direction.