How do I start?
Before you can begin taking driving lessons you will require a mandatory provisional driving licence.
You can apply for your provisional driving licence a few months before your 17th Birthday. However, you must not drive on the road until you have the licence in your possession and you must wait until your 17th birthday.
How do I get my provisional licence?
To apply for your licence you need:
- To be 16 yrs 10 months of age
- A valid UK Passport or a passport size photograph signed by an approved person and an acceptable form of identification.
- A D1 application form. (Available from any main Post Office)
- The Driving Licence Fee
The Post Office also offers a form-checking service for a small fee. In addition to the D1 application form you also need an up-to-date passport sized colour photograph of yourself which must be taken against a light background, and signed on the reverse by a professional (e.g. teacher, accountant, doctor) who has known you personally for at least 2 years. You also need another form of original ID (e.g. valid passport or birth certificate).
Alternatively you can apply for your first provisional driving licence online using the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s (DVLA) website.
What about eyesight?
Before you begin you must be able to read a vehicle number plate with letters 79.4mm (3.1inches) high at a minimum distance of 20.5metres/67feet (about five car lengths). If you wear glasses or contact lenses to read the number plate you must wear them during the test and whenever you drive.
What will I do on my first lesson?
Many potential learners fear their first lesson, but at Stew’s Driving School we appreciate this. We won’t expect you to drive away from your home; we’ll take you to a suitable area, properly introduce ourselves and set out what we aim to achieve from the first session.
What car will I learn in?
At Stew’s Driving school we have chosen the manual Vauxhall Corsa for its reliability, comfort and easiness to drive. It is comprehensively insured for your use.
Will I get regular updates?
Yes. At the end of your lesson, your Instructor will discuss areas of your driving and will fill-in the relevant sections on your DSA style log book.
How will I know when I’m ready for my test?
Your Instructor will always keep you in touch with the tasks ahead and once you have been taught the syllabus, they will offer you a mock test.
What course will suit me?
Whether you want one lesson a week or 30 lessons in a week, it’s up to you, they are your lessons.
After passing you will be allowed to drive unsupervised using green “P” plates instead of the red “L” plates and on motorways.
It takes a lot of practise to become a skilled driver. Pass Plus and Advanced driving tuition are highly recommended.