FAQs
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FAQs
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Here's some common questions and answers. If you have a question that's not answered here or elsewhere, just send it to me by e-mail and I'll get an answer back to you within a few days. Can I start learning to drive before I've passed the Theory Test Yes, but you should know the rules of the road and the basics of driving before your start. Read the Highway Code and get to know the road rules and traffic signs. I will provide you with additional training material to help you pass the theory test once you start your practical lessons How soon can I take my Theory Test As soon as you reach your 17th Birthday. You can book it in advance once you have your provisional licence Can I borrow some training aids before I start learning with you Of course you can. In fact it's a very good idea to do some desk and PC-based training before you first get behind the wheel as it should reduce the number of lessons you need and so save you money. What does 'HPT' mean Hazard Perception Test - the second part of the Theory test where you have to identify 'developing hazards'. The ability to identify developing hazards is an essential competence of the 'safe driver'. The training aids I'll provide to help you prepare for the HPT test will assist you to develop the skill of hazard perception which we will refine on the road. However, many people believe, with good reason, that the HPT test itself is flawed. However - we don't make the rules - so there's little point in debating the merits or otherwise of this part of the Theory test. But you will need to practice for several hours using the training material on your home computer to master the techniques required to pass the HPT section of the Theory test. Remember you must pass BOTH parts at the same sitting to receive a Theory Test Pass. What's the best way to prepare for the Theory Test Study the 'Highway Code' and the DSA book 'Driving, the Essential Skills'. The former is available on-line, I can lend you a copy of the latter or you can get a copy on loan from a library. Once you've made progress with your study, take plenty of 'mock' tests. You should also prepare for the HPT (see the question on this topic above) If I fail the Theory Test, can I take it again There is no limit to the number of times you can take the test - but you will have to pay each time and there is a minimum period that must elapse between each attempt. If you prepare properly, you should pass the test first time without problem. When can I get my Provisional Licence You can apply 3 months before you reach Seventeen. If you receive disability allowance at the higher rate, you can be issued with a provisional licence once you are sixteen years old. How do I get a Provisional Licence Apply to DVLA. Forms are available from Post Offices or apply on line at www.dvla.gov.uk When you get the licence, do NOT destroy the paper part - it is an essential part of the licence and you will need to show BOTH parts on occasions - including when you take the practical driving test. Can I start driving before I receive my Provisional License NO ! To drive legally you MUST be in possession of the Licence and have signed it. You are not required to carry it with you. You must only drive when accompanied by a driver who is over 21 years of age and has held a valid licence for the vehicle you're driving for at least 3 years. I've got a motor bike licence - do I need a provisional car licence No. You can only have one licence. Your bike licence acts as a provisional car licence. I've got a full licence for a motor bike - do I have to take the Theory test Regrettably yes - unless you passed your bike test several years ago. Check the DVLA/DSA sites How many lessons will it take to pass my practical test No one can tell you that. See my comments here Do I need to buy any books or other training aids No - but you might like to. I will provide you with all the training aids you will need, but if you'd like to purchase additional material, I can give you a list of 'recommended books and training aids"' What's the maximum speed I may have to drive at on the driving test You will be expected to drive up to the speed limit where road and traffic conditions are suitable and it is safe to do so. Your driving test is likely to include some stretches of dual carriageway. Consequently, you may be expected to drive at up to 70mph during the test Is it true that I must drive to the speed limit when on test NO ! But you will be expected to drive at a speed that is appropriate for the road and traffic conditions at all times. When conditions are appropriate, you will be expected to drive at or just below the speed limit. Be especially careful to spot speed limit signs early - if the limit reduces, you must adjust you speed before you pass the new limit sign - but if the limit increases, you must not increase speed until after you have passed the sign. I find it hard to control the clutch and accelerator - how can I improve Many students find difficulty in controlling these pedals - especially in the early stages of learning. Clutch control should be effected with your ankle stiff, moving your left leg up and down to operate the clutch so your knee joint bends. The Gas pedal should be operated by flexing your ankle, but keeping the ankle muscles stiff to give close control over the movement of your foot. Must I put the handbrake on every time I stop No. Only when a stop becomes a wait - such as at traffic lights or pedestrian crossings - or when it is necessary to ensure control of the car - such as when on a hill or when the camber of the road might make the car roll forward or back - for example while performing a manoeuvre Must I stop at every junction No. You should take early observations as you approach a junction. If you do not have clear visibility of the other road in both directions as you near the junction, (termed a "closed" junction) then you may need to stop, but if you can see that it is safe to emerge (an "open" junction) and there is not a "STOP" sign, then you should not stop. If there is a "STOP" sign, then the car MUST come to a complete halt while you check in both directions. In most situations where there's a "STOP" sign, it is appropriate to apply the handbrake once the car comes to rest. (Never apply the handbrake while the car is moving !) If the car has ABS, will I still have to do an 'Emergency Stop' on test The Emergency Stop is carried out on 1 out of 3 tests - you may not have to demonstrate it. If you are asked to do it and your car has ABS, you will be expected to use the controls with that knowledge - so don't "feather" the brake or use "cadence braking". Try not to stall - but you will not fail the test if you do. You WILL fail of you don't "make the car safe" and and then take all-round observations before moving off ! Do I have to use 'push-pull' steering on the test It is the method recommended by the DSA and you are expected to use it. However you will not fail if you use an approved alternative steering method providing the car remains under full control at all times. I will teach you to use the Push-Pull method unless you are already a qualified driver from another country, were trained using an approved alternative steering method and are employing that technique correctly. Can I tow a caravan once I've passed my car driving test Not these days. You must take an additional trailer-towing test. How can I get practice on motorways You are not permitted to enter a motorway until you hold a full licence. During your training, we will spend time on busy dual carriageways where driving conditions and techniques are similar. When you've passed your test, I will offer you a Pass-Plus course which lasts for six hours and includes instruction and practical experience of driving in more demanding conditions, including at night and on motorways. Completion of the full Pass-Plus course entitles you to significant discounts on your motor insurance. If you prefer not to take the full Pass-Plus course, I can offer you just the motorway training element, but in this case you would not receive the Pass-Plus certificate and would not qualify for insurance discounts.
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