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Learning to
Drive
Q. What do I need to do before taking lessons?
A. You must be at a legal age to drive and hold a valid Provisional Licence.
The minimum age that you can legally drive on a public road is 17. If you
receive mobility allowance, you can drive from the age of 16. Information on
applying for a Provisional Licence is available
here. You must
also be able to read an old style number plate at 20.5 metres or a new style
plate at 20 metres.
Q. Do I have to pass my theory before starting lessons?
A. No. But you must pass your theory to be able to take your practical test.
It is best to study for your theory and take it as soon as possible, then
you can put into practice what you have learned when taking your lessons.
Q. How long will it take, and how many lessons will I need?
A. That will depend on a number of things, such as the frequency of lessons.
Some people learn faster than others, people who have some experience such
as riding mopeds or having driven off road will learn quicker than someone who has
no experience. The Driving Standards Agency statistics suggest on average
around 45 hours tuition are required to pass the test. Pupils who take
2 or more hours per weak usually progress quicker. Pupils with
DKL
have passed in as little as 15 hours but that would be the exception, more
realistic is around 35 hours for beginners.
Q. Can I practise with family while also taking lessons?
A. Yes. In fact it can help you learn much quicker as long as you practise
just as you have been taught by your instructor. You must be insured
to drive the car you are
practicing in and the supervising driver must be over 21 and have a full
licence for at least 3 years.
Driving Lessons
Q. What do I need to take with me to my lessons?
A. Have both parts of your licence and be wearing any contact lenses or
glasses if required. Wear a comfortable pair of shoes, no high heals and
shoes with thick soles should be avoided.
Q. Can you collect me from work or home?
A. Yes, You can be collected at work or home or any pre arranged location if
it is agreed before the lesson. The finish point of the lesson need not be
the same as the pickup provided it is agreed at the beginning of the lesson.
Q. How long will the lesson last?
A. Lessons can be 1 hour, 1.5 hours or 2 hours.
Q. Will it be just me or do I share with an other pupil?
A. You will never share with anyone on a lesson. Piggy backing as it is
sometimes referred to is where one pupil is asked to collect the next pupil,
who then drives the first pupil home. Some driving schools use this practice
to save time and money. At DKL
you will have
the full lesson time to yourself.
Q. How much of the lesson is driving?
A. I believe in devoting as much time as possible to actual driving, it is
after all a Driving Lesson. Depending on the topic being taught there will
be some time required for briefing when introducing a new topic or to explain
something in more detail, but time by the side of the road is kept to a
minimum.
The Driving Test
Q. When can I take my Test?
A. When you are able to drive in all traffic conditions without being told
what to do by your instructor, then you should be ready to do the test.
Q. Where will I take the test?
A. Normally you will take the test at a test centre nearest to you. In
Belfast there are two, Balmoral of the Boucher Road and Dill Road in East
Belfast. It is also possible to use Lisburn test centre.
Q. What car will I use?
A. You can take the test in the school car you have been learning
in, it is also possible to take the test in a private car as long as it is
properly insured for the test and has been fitted with an extra interior
mirror for the examiner.
Q. What do I need for the test?
A. You must bring both parts of your Provisional Licence, theory certificate
and registration document for the car. If using our school car, the
registration document will be supplied by your instructor.
Q. How long does the test last?
A. The test lasts about 40 minutes and includes two of the manoeuvres and
possibly an emergency stop.
Q. Is it true the examiners are only allowed to pass so many
candidates
and if you take your test near the end of the week you are more likely to
fail if they have filled their quota?
A. No, Quotas are a myth. You will be assessed on your ability to
drive safely and to the required standard. The examiner cannot make up
faults if they do not exist. |
