Sinclair School of Motoring

frequently asked questions

How many driving lessons will I need?

If you are complete beginner, you should budget for about 40 hours, allowing for a time-span of about 10 months. Take your lessons regularly -minimum of one a week and avoid interruptions. Most people learn more quickly and efficiently when they are young - the law entiltles you to drive a car (B category) at 17 years old. Supervised practice, leading up to the test, with an adult who has held a full licence for at least 3 years, increases the chances of passing first time.

How safe is learning to drive?

Most driving school cars are fitted with dual-controls, which makes learning to drive quite safe. Dual-controls consist of a footbrake and clutch pedal on the passenger side so that the instructor can easily stop the car if anything goes wrong. The driving instructor can also reach over to intervene on the steering wheel, if the steering goes awry. Your first drive will probably take place on a quiet back-road, and your instructor will talk you through minutely as you will not know what to do; contrary to popular expectation, car parks are seldom used for the first drive, because an appropriate one may not be within easy reach, and in any case driving is done mainly on roads, so rest assured, you'll be off to a head-start in steering away from car-parks to begin with!

Will I pass first time?

The reason most people don't pass the practical first time is that they are simply not ready. You are ready for to take the test when you can drive independently, with a minimum of prompting and guidance from your intructor - he or she should be giving route directions, but not much else. Yes, nerves can play a part, but if you have prepared sufficiently, experience should get you through despite a few jitters!

Should I learn in manual or automatic?

It's much better to learn in manual gear-change, not least because you won't be restricted to to driving automatics, and learning in manual will probably make you a more skillful driver. Only consider switching to automatic if you are really finding it a struggle in manual. Your instructor should be able to to advise you about the best course of action.

how should I go about choosing a driving instructor?

By law, fully qualified instructors have to display a 'green badge' with I.D. photo on the front windscreen. Partly trained and less experienced instructors display a 'pink badge'. If no badge is displayed, the instructor may not be qualified, and cannot legally receive payment for lessons. Always to check to see that a valid badge is dispalayed. Fully qualified intructors are 'check tested' from time to time to ensure that high standards are maintained, there are 3 grades: the highest is 6, then 5, and 4. A good way to find an instructor is by word of mouth - ask friends and contacts who have recently learnt to drive; don't just ask about prices, consider other factors such as amount of experience, pass rate, how old the tuition car is, and the instructor's check test grade. Don't neccessarily go for the swankiest multi-car driving school - often it's the one man operations that deliver a superior service, as they have to fend for themselves more and don't have a well-known brand-name to depend on for reputation!

what about supervised Practice?

Supervised practice with a friend or relative is beneficial, but not before you are half-way through your driving course, for two reasons, firstly: safety - you need to have got to the stage where you have mastered the basic skills to control the car. Secondly: you need to have reached a stage where your supervisor is not so much teaching you, as allowing you to put into practice techniques and skills that have been already taught to you by your instructor. This is not to say that supervisors can't teach and bring the wealth of their experience to bear, but avoid relying too much on your supervisor for training - you could be on thin ice if you do! By law, someone supervising you must be at least 21 years old, and have held a full driving licence (B category) for a minimum of three years.

What does the theory test involve?

The Theory Test must be passed before you take the practical exam. This is a multiple choice computer test, and there is a Hazard Perception Test - both elements have to be passed at one sitting. We can advise you on the learning materials required and we will be able to provide you with support at every stage. To book the Theory Test, you will need to contact The Driving Standards Agency (D.S.A.) on 03002001122 or online at www.dsa.gov.uk

How do I obtain a provisional licence?

Before you can learn to drive, you will need to obtain a Provisional Licence. You can apply for this from the Driving and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA). The application form (Form D1) can be obtained from your local Post Office. It costs £45.

Do I have to use a driving school car for the test?

No, you can use a friend or relative's, or your own car, if you have one already. If you are not using a driving school car, then you must ensure that it is taxed, roadworthy, and seatbelts in working order. Your insurance needs to cover you for the purposes of the test. Two regulation 'L' plates must be fitted to the front and the rear of the car, and a rear view suction mirror should be fitted to the front screen for the examiner's use. If you are learning with a driving school, then you will take the test in the car that you have learnt in - The DSA do not provide cars for the Test!

What is Pass Plus?

Stastistics show that new drivers are more likely to have accident in the first two years of passing their driving test than at any other time in their driving career. Age doesn't matter - it's basically down to lack of experience; that's where Pass Plus comes in - it's a short course of a about six lessons taken after passing the driving test which builds on existing skills and knowledge, but crucially must include motorway and dual-carriage driving. Because it reduces your risk of being in a road accident, insurance companies participating in the scheme offer significant discounts upon successful completion - you may even save more money than you paid for the course. Ask your instructor if they are registered to teach Pass Plus.

Are are all instructors equally qualified?

All fully qualified instrutors have to undergo exactly the same exams which are administered by the DSA. Therefore no professional driving school can claim having an advantage in this respect. However, instructors are checked about every 4 years to check standards are maintained. Three grades are given on the basis of the instructor's performance: grade 6 is the highest grade, then grade 5 and 4. Experience,as in any sphere of life, counts for alot. Ask how many years of experience and how long the business has been established.