Frequently Asked Questions

Learning to Drive

Q. What do I need to 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 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 practice with family while also taking lessons?
A. Yes. In fact it can help you learn much quicker as long as you practice just as you have been taught by your instructor.  Ensure you are properly insured and the supervising driver is over 21 and held a full licence for at least 3 years.

Driving Lessons

Q. What do I need to take with me?
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 or thick soles.

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 does the lesson last?
A. Lessons can be 1 hour, 1.5 hours or 2 hours. 1.5 hour lessons are recommended which give more time to learn a subject without becoming too tired.

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 lessons 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 subject being taught there will be some time required for briefing when introducing a subject or to explain something in more detail, but time by the side of the road is kept at 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 for test.

Q. Where will I take the test?
A. Normally you will take the test at a test centre nearest 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. Normally you will 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 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. If you are capable of passing the test you will be assessed on YOUR ability to drive.  The examiner can not make up faults if they do not exist.