Frequently Asked Questions

Below are a list of questions frequently asked to me. If you have a question which is not on here, feel free to get in touch.

‘I am ready to learn to drive, what do I need?’

To learn to drive you must be at least 17 years of age and hold a valid provisional driving licence. You will need to bring this license to every lesson. If you require glasses or contact lessons, please make sure that you bring these with you to each lesson.

‘What happens on the first lesson?’

Our first driving lesson will allow me to understand your current driving skill set. Some of my students have never driven before and so the first lesson will be spent exploring the mechanics and controls of the car, as well as basic practical theory. Other students may have had some driving experience and so the first lesson will be spent exploring their current competency. Either way, the first lesson is always relaxed and allows us to structure your learning experience moving forward.

'Do you recommend any driving theory phone apps?'

I recommend all my students the official DVSA Theory Test Kit App which is available on the Apple Store.

‘How long are the lessons?’

I favour an hour and a half lessons because I find an hour is not long enough to give students the chance to settle into the lesson and two hour lessons run the risk of the student losing concentration and focus. I am more than happy to plan the length of lessons with individual students. I am also dedicated to spending as much time with my students as they need me to.

‘How many lessons should I have a week?’

Typically my students have one or two lessons a week, depending on how quickly they wish to progress through their learning.

‘Can you be flexible with lessons?’

I like to offer my students as much flexibility as possible and am available during evenings and weekends.

‘What car will I be learning in?’

I teach my students in a Mini. The car is diesel powered and a good size for first time drivers.

‘When do I need to book my theory test?’

It’s a good idea to get some practical driving lessons under your belt before you sit your theory test, especially as the test contains a hazard perception element which is explored within practical lessons. I will be on hand to advise my students when to book their tests and can also advise on the best study resources to use.

‘What does the theory test involve?’

The theory test is split into two sections. The first section requires students to answer 50 multiple choice questions. Students must answer 43/50 questions correctly to pass this part of the test. The second part of the test is called the ‘Hazard Perception’. Students will be shown 14 video clips and will be asked to identify the developing hazards contained within them by clicking on the screen. There are 15 hazards to be detected and 1 clip will have 2 hazards. Points are awarded for the speed in which students spot the hazards with the maximum number of points for each clip being 5. The pass mark is 44/75. Once you have passed the theory, you are eligible to apply to sit your driving test.

‘How long is my theory test valid for?’

A theory test is valid for two years after you have passed it. If you do not pass your practical test within these two years, you will need to re-sit your theory test.

‘How do I book the theory test and where do I sit it?’

You can book the theory test here. The theory test centre in Oxford is located on St Aldates in Oxford City Centre.

‘What are ‘show me tell me’ questions and when will I learn these?’

When you sit your driving test, you will firstly be asked to read a car number plate from 20 metres, and secondly, you will be asked two ‘show me tell me’ vehicle safety questions’.

Your examiner will ask you one ‘show me’ questions in which you will be required to show the examiner how to carry out the requested vehicle safety check. You will then be asked a ‘tell me’ question in which you will be asked to explain how you would carry out the requested vehicle safety check.

A list of the possible questions is available and I will take all students through the questions at various points in their driving lessons to make sure that they know and understand the answers.

‘What is independent driving?’

Part of your practical driving test includes an element of ‘independent driving’ (around 10 minutes). At this point in the test, the driving examiner will ask you to follow traffic signs or verbal directions. This part of the test assesses your ability to make decisions. Your examiner will advise when the independent driving will commence and when it will finish.

I prepare my students for this aspect of the test during their lessons by simulating an independent driving scenario.

‘How will I know when to book my practical test and how do I do this?’

I advise my students when I think they are ready to book their driving tests. If the student is happy with my recommendation, booking the test is very simple and can be done online here

‘I’m a bit nervous about starting my driving lessons’

Learning to drive is not easy and it can be very intimidating to some people. I want you to feel at ease during our lessons whilst we build up your confidence and skills. I encourage open communication and will structure lessons to suit each individual and their learning style.

I often have pupils come to me from other driving instructors and some have even failed several tests already. I spend time working through the mistakes that they have made previously and help prepare and guide them in a way that works for them.