The road to success
Step 1 - make contact
Call Bev and she will match you up with one of our great instructors. They will contact you to arrange your first lesson and Bev will send you some details about learning to drive. Many people do 1 hour lessons each week, spreading the cost and time over several months. Others prefer an hour & half or 2 hour lessons, or more than one lesson a week - itʼs up to you.
Step 2 - 1st Lesson
Your instructor will come and pick you up as arranged. This can be from home, work, college, etc. and you can finish at the same place or somewhere different if thatʼs more convenient.
Your instructor will tailor the lesson to reflect any experience youʼve had. They will introduce the car, make sure youʼre comfortable and go from there. If youʼve not driven before they will drive you to a quiet place to start off. If youʼre not familiar with a carʼs controls there can be a bit of chat on the first lesson, but we will get you going!
Step 3 - next lessons
Each lesson will cover different aspects of the DSAʼs official syllabus, with the various systems, skills and techniques building on each other. Getting to grips with controlling the car can take a few lessons but most people are soon cruising along.
Your instructor has a modern, dual-controlled car, is highly trained and experienced, and will ensure you and other road users stay safe while youʼre learning. Quality instruction will mean you learn quickly but also have a good understanding.
Step 4 - learn the rules of the road
While your lessons continue, you should get started on revising for your Theory Test. This will give you a greater understanding of many aspects of driving, and the rules of the road. You can buy a DVD to help you learn and prepare for the tests, or even an iPhone app. Practise on the Direct Gov site.
Book your test here, which is the Governmentʼs official site - beware of other sites who will charge you to book it for you. If you need advice or help with your Theory Test, just ask your instructor or contact Bev. We offer a Theory coaching session if you are having problems.
Step 5 - practical test
As your lessons progress you will get more competent and more confident about handling different situations. After passing the Theory Test, and when you and your instructor feel you are ready, get your practical test booked, again on the Direct Gov site.
The test is about 40 mins long and involves a reversing manoeuvre, some independent driving following signs or directions, and a variety of road and traffic conditions. It can be a nervous experience for many but the examiner just wants to see that you know how to drive safely and with reasonable control. Weʼll make sure you are fully prepared both for the test and for safe driving beyond it.
Step 6 - post-test development
Learning to drive well doesnʼt have to stop when you pass your test. There is the Pass Plus scheme, which gives you a further six hours experience in various conditions, including night and motorway driving. You may get an insurance discount for completing the course and you may be eligible for a voucher from the Council for most of the cost. You could do a motorway training session, getting further afield onto different roads than are found in South Lakeland.
If you pass your test but donʼt start driving immediately, you might want to do a couple of refresher lessons when you do get your wheels. Make sure you havenʼt forgotten anything vital! If you want to go beyond ʻaverageʼ we can also teach you advanced skills. Whatever your driving needs, weʼre here to help. See our Options & Offers page for more details. Join the TopGear School of Motoring group on Facebook and say hello!
