Westdrive School of Motoring

		Conscientious :: Dedicated :: Professional Driving Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructor Telephone:01292 315104 Mobile: 07732167733 Email Address: james.donald1@tinyworld.co.uk
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Frequently Asked Questions
	What do I need to start learning to drive? Before you start to drive you must obtain a provisional driving licence. Send off your application in good time, your WestDrive Instructor will want to see it before he/she allows you to drive.
	Can I still learn to drive if I need to wear glasses or contact lenses? Yes. You must be able to read an old style vehicle number plate from 20.5 metres away in good daylight, or a new style number plate from 20 metres away. If you need to wear glasses or contact lenses to do this you must wear them at all times while driving. Your WestDrive Instructor will check your eyesight before you start to drive.
	Who can teach me? To accept payment for driving tuition the instructor must be approved by the Driving Standards Agency. A fully qualified Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) will display a green licence in the windscreen of the car.
	How many lessons will I need? This will depend on your ability and enthusiasm. Your lessons will be structured and your WestDrive Instructor will show you the key skills that you will have to complete before you take your driving test. Rest assured we at WestDrive will help you progress as quickly and safely as possible. The Driving Standards Agency state that on average about 35 hours of professional training combined with 22 hours of private practice will produce the most successful results.
	How will I know how well I'm doing? At the end of your lesson, your WestDrive Instructor will fill in the relevant sections on your WestDrive progress card and will discuss areas of your driving.
	What will I do on my first lesson? Many learners may feel apprehensive about their first lesson, but at WestDrive we appreciate this. You will be taken to a suitable area where your WestDrive Instructor will properly introduce themselves and set out the aims of your first lesson. So relax and enjoy the lesson.
	How will I know when I'm ready for my test? Once your WestDrive Instructor has taught you the syllabus, and you have reached level 5 on your WestDrive progress card, you should be ready for your test. At this time you will be able to drive consistently well, with confidence and without help and guidance from your WestDrive Instructor.
	My dad says it’s easy to pass the driving test. Has it changed over the years since he took it? The test is more rigorous than it used to be. It lasts longer, the roads are busier, the marking is tougher and there’s more extensive testing of manoeuvres. It takes longer to prepare for today’s test but it is still easy to pass for those who are fully prepared.
	How long will the test last? About 40 minutes with at least 35 minutes’ driving.
	Which manoeuvres will I have to do? You may be asked to do any of the following manoeuvres: reversing around a corner to the left or right; turning the car in the road; reverse (parallel) parking; moving off at an angle from behind a parked vehicle; and reversing into a parking bay, You may also be asked to perform an emergency stop (this is done in about one in three tests).
	What kind of roads will I drive on? The routes are designed to ensure that you can drive safely in a wide range of conditions. Wherever possible, the routes will include: town centres, suburban roads, dual carriageways and rural roads.
	How are my mistakes marked? The examiner will keep track of your drive on a form (Driving Test Report). The form lists a number of items that relate to your control of the car, its equipment and your procedure on the road. There are three categories of mistake that can be recorded. Dangerous faults: these are marked if your actions actually cause danger. Serious faults: these are faults that could be dangerous in a different set of circumstances or are habitual errors that are potentially dangerous. Driving faults: these are less serious errors that detract from ‘perfect drive’. A single dangerous or serious error will lead to test failure. You are permitted a maximum of 15 less serious errors although it is planned to reduce this number to 12.
	What happens if I fail? At the end of the test the examiner will explain the reasons for your result and give you a copy of his test report.
	What happens when I pass? The examiner will offer advice about your driving and issue a pass certificate – you are now licensed to drive on your own! Pass Plus is the next stage in experience and insurance discounts.

Last Updated: Jan 2008

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