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Getting on the Road
So you are now ready to drive. You may be about to turn 17 or you may have started a new job and have a little disposable income which you wish to use to learn to drive. Or maybe you had a few unsuccessful attempts at the test a while ago and are now ready to have another go.
Licence Requirements.
First you will need to apply for your provisional driving licence. This will involve obtaining and completing a form D1 obtainable either from the post office or by visiting the DVLA website (you can find a link on the links page on this website) . You should allow a couple of weeks for the licence to arrive.
Driving Lessons
Once you are in possession of your provisional licence you can arrange driving lessons. Ring around for prices and options. Remember to confirm that the instructor is fully qualified. Both local and national schools use trainee instructors. Check how old the car is and if the model will suit you. Give me a call once you have the licence and I will arrange a suitable appointment to get you started. The first lesson will involve collecting you from home, school. college or work as you require. You will then be driven to a quiet location where you will be introduced to the controls and workings of the car before you have your first drive which will involve moving away and stopping and perhaps a few corners. I will then return you to your required location. If you do not want to continue lessons or are in any way unhappy with the lesson NO CHARGE will be made.
Progression
On each lesson we will refresh the learned skills and progress onto corners, junctions, roundabouts, traffic lights, dual carriageways, manoeuvres and all other aspects of driving. Be assured that progress will only be at a pace at which you are happy to proceed. No pressure will be put on you to carry out any aspect of driving which you are not confident to carry out. After each lesson a progress sheet will be completed and a short written report provided. These will enable you to see your progress and help you focus on your acheivements.
Theory Test
Theory Test Centre, Oldham
We will discuss the theory and hazard perception test each time we are out so you will be learning for your test as your practical lessons progress. Once you decide you are happy to do the test I will book it for you if you wish. The test will involve a visit to the local test centre (Bolton, Manchester and Oldham are the local centres) and once you have been booked in you will sit in front of a computer to answer 50 multiple choice questions of which you must correctly answer 43. Following the questions you will view 14 videos showing 15 developing hazards. These will have a maximum score of 75 of which you must obtain 44 points to pass. Providing you pass BOTH parts on the same visit you will able to book your practical test as soon as you are ready. The cost of the theory test is currently £31.00.
You could combine your theory test with one or two lessons to get you there and back home if you wish to do so. Lessons could be arranged as a split-lesson if required to help keep down the cost.
Practical Test
Failsworth, Rochdale and Bury Test Centres
When you are ready for your test I will book it for you if you wish On the day I will collect you one hour before the test and you will drive to the test centre (Bury, Cheetham Hill, Failsworth, Hyde and Rochdale are the local test centres) carrying out a few manoeuvres on the way to get into the feel of the test. You will need to pay for a 2 hour lessons in addition to the test fee. We will arrive in good time to enable you to relax for the test.
Typical Test Centre Waiting Room
The examiner will introduce himself and after an eyesight test (you must read a number plate from 67 feet) and a couple of mechanical questions (see below) you will off and on your way. The test will be carried out in the car in which you have had your lessons and after about 40 minutes you will return to the test centre. During the test you will be allowed 15 driving faults, none of which must be serious or dangerous. You are allowed no seious or dangerous faults. If successful the examiner will take your provisional licence and provide you with a certificate stating that you have passed your driving test. A full licence will be forwarded to you soon afterwards. The cost of the practical test is £62.00
Show Me, Tell Me Questions for the Car Test
You will be asked two questions, one Show Me and one Tell Me.
NOTE:-One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault being recorded.
Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.
Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how the tyre presures should be checked.
Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with the anti-lock braking system.
Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
Show me how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear. make sure you keep control of the vehicle.
Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.
Show me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use them.
Show me how you would switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.
After the Test
If you pass you are now free to drive unaccompanied. You will be issued with a pass certificate whilst your licence is exchanged free of charge to a full licence. To insure your car will be an expensive item but you can get substantial reductions in the cost of premiums by completing a Pass-Plus course. Details of what is involved can be found on the Pass-Plus site by following the links on the links page. If you feel you do not wish to take the full course then short lessons can be given to give you the confidence and vital experience on motorways, country roads and in night driving. If you are unlucky enough to have failed then a retraining programme will be worked out based on the Driving Report Form which your examiner will leave with you after the test. If you have taken your test with another instructor and wish to have a change please ring me to discuss your test result. Together we will work out the best pssible retraining to help you acheive your desire to become a driver.
What to do NOW
Once you have decided to proceed with driving lessons please contact me, details are on the contact page. I look forward to meeting you shortly.
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