Learner Driver FAQs

We understand that pupils often have many unanswered questions regarding the process of learning to drive. The Learner Driver FAQs listed below have been produced to help answer some of your questions and understand better what is involved. These FAQs are relevent to current Smart1 pupils aswell as those looking to start tuition.

Click on the question to reveal the answer!

• How do I get a provisional driving licence?

  Provisional licence application forms are available from most Post Offices. You can also now apply for your first provisional licence online through the Directgov website - click here.

  The cost of the provisional licence is currently £45.

• How many lessons do I need?

  No-one can tell you exactly how many lessons you will need but it is generally accepted in the driving instruction profession that the older you are, the more lessons you will require.

  We have prepared the Lesson Calculator based on real Driving Standards Agency (DSA) statistics to give you a pointer to how many lessons you may need.

• Why choose an independant school, not national?

  As the national schools have higher overheads, their lesson rates are usually higher. Remember, your lesson fee must cover not only the instructor's wage and the costs of running his vehicle, but also the cost of running an office and paying its staff. The national schools may not always be able to provide you with the same instructor for each of your lessons and the instructor may not know your local area very well - a must if lessons are to be conducted there. Smart1 tutors have excellent local knowledge!

• How will I know when I'm ready to take my test?

  If you can drive without assistance (other than directions) in all traffic conditions, then you should be ready. If you still feel unsure or are a little hesitant in certain conditions, then you need further practice. Don't feel pressured by other people saying "Haven't you put in for your test yet?".

  The simple answer to the question is that you should always take the advice of your instructor. Your instructor is a trained professional whose experience should always be respected; he/she sees many learners during the course of a day's work and is best placed to advise you.

  There are several pages in the Pupil Resources section of this site that will help you prepare for the practical test (including the 'show and tell' element).

• What do I have to do about the theory test?

  All the information you need about the theory driving lesson can be found on the About the Theory Test page of this site.

• How long will I have to wait for a test date?

  At the moment, the waiting for an appointment for your Theory Test is around 2 to 3 weeks. Waiting times for practical Tests vary between Centres. Use your postcode on the DSA test centre locator to find the current waiting time at your local centre - there are several in and around Manchester. It may be possible to get a cancellation, where someone else has dropped out, but before confirming this, please ensure you are ready for the Test. If you cancel your Test within 2 weeks of the actual date, you will lose the fee which is currently £45.50 (or £55 for an evening or weekend test)!

• What do I need to take with me to the test?

  For both tests, you will need to take your provisional licence and some form of photographic ID. If you have one of the new style photo ID driving licences, this will serve both purposes. You should take the letter from the DSA confirming your test apointment. For the practical Test, you will also need to take your Theory certificate.

• Can anyone come with me on the practical test?

  Yes, you can take your instructor along if you so wish, but he/she is not allowed to speak during the Test or make any other contribution - they are there purely as an observer. You can also take an interpreter if you need one but this must NOT be a driving instructor.

• How long does the practical test last and what does it involve?

  All the information you need about the practical test can be found on the About the Practical Test page of this site.

• Is it true the examiners with only pass a certain number of candidates each week?

  Not at all. Whether you pass or not depends entirely on you. There is absolutely no truth in the rumours that examiners are only allowed to pass a certain percentage of candidates each week or that you are more likely to pass early in the week because the pass certificates run out by Friday! You will always be judged objectively on your performance and if you achieve the required standard, you will pass.

• Will my instructor be fully qualified?

  Smart1 is firmly committed to providing the best quality tuition to its pupils. Anyone providing driving tuition in return for payment in the UK must be registered with the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and display a licence in the windscreen of their tuition vehicle. There are two types of licences: A pink coloured trainee licence and a green coloured full licence. Smart1 only use fully qualified instructors and your instructor will display a green ADI badge in the windscreen of the tuition vehicle.

     

• I'm very nervous about learning to drive. Can you help?

  At Smart1 we believe that people learn more effectively if they’re relaxed and don’t feel under pressure. We want you to learn at your own pace and we’ll make your lessons enjoyable and fun, but at the same time effective. Everyone makes mistakes when they learn any new skill. This is completely natural and at Smart1 we ensure you never feel pressured or embarrassed. Good instruction and plenty of practice makes a productive lesson, worry and feeling stressed doesn’t!

• My last instructor shouted at me when I did things wrong. Do you do that?

  Learning to drive is one of life’s milestones. The ability to drive can affect many areas of your life such as employment, educational opportunities and your social life. Having an impatient, rude or unsympathetic instructor can very easily affect your confidence and as a result, you either don’t succeed or take longer than necessary to learn to drive. At Smart1 we believe that patience, courtesy and understanding are fundamental to the success of our pupils learning to drive. As company policy we will never shout, belittle you or undermine your confidence as this only has negative effects!

• How can I pay for my lessons?

  At present, we are only able to accept cash or personal cheque for lessons. If paying by cheque, please make these payable to A. Madlani. Please write your name, address & pupil reference number on the back of the cheque.

• Do I have to always start and finish my lessons at home?

  No. You can start and end your driving lessons anywhere within the area covered by your instructor. Please ensure you tell your instructor or the office in advance in order that your instructor allows enough travel time for the change.

• I'm really confused by car insurance! Can you help?

  Smart1 have put together a page of insurance advice for learner drivers. Click here for insurance advice.

If you would like more information on anything you read here, please don't hesitate to contact us.