Frequently asked questions
- What will I need to bring to my first driving lesson?
- I've never driven before and I'm extremely nervous what will I do on my first driving lesson?
- How long will my driving lesson last?
- What car will I be taking my driving lessons in?
- Will I have to drive with someone sitting in the back of the car?
- How long will it take me to reach practical driving test standard?
- What happens if I pass my theory test but fail my hazard perception test?
- How long does the practical driving test last?
- Which car will I take my practical driving test in?
- I'm a student at university and only come home during the holidays, is it possible to take my practical driving test quickly?
What will I need to bring to my first driving lesson?
You will need to bring both parts of your provisional driving licence with you to your first driving lesson. You are also required to read a car number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres so please bring with you glasses if you believe you would not be able to do this without them.
I've never driven before and I'm extremely nervous what will I do on my first driving lesson?
We understand that you will be nervous at driving for the first time and to help you with this we will take you to a quiet location, explain the controls of the car and allow you to get used to the vehicle before driving on major roads. Only when you feel ready to advance to the major roads will we do so.
How long will my driving lesson last?
The length of your driving lesson depends on the time you have available. At Ignition Driving School we are flexible as to the length of the lesson and the time of day it takes place and unlike other driving schools our hour driving lessons REALLY do last a FULL hour. We believe that the optimum concentration period is 2 hours therefore we recommend having either a one or two hour driving lesson at least once a week.
What car will I be taking my driving lessons in?
Ignition Driving School currently uses a various cars. If you have a preference as to which car you would like to learn in then please ask when making your booking, and we will do our best to meet your requirements.
Will I have to drive with someone sitting in the back of the car?
It is our policy to give one-to-one tuition and we do not allow passengers to sit in the back of the car whilst teaching. However, occasionally in order to ensure that our teaching is of the highest standard, we may have an external examiner from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) observing our driving lessons. When a check test is necessary we will ask for volunteers to assist and we respect your decision not to partake.
How long will it take me to reach practical driving test standard?
The DSA advises students take a minimum of 45 hours worth of professional tuition combined with at least 22 hours of private practice. We understand that this is different for each student and will depend on the frequency of driving lessons and ability to learn. We will endeavour to get you up to practical driving test standard in the shortest time possible.
What happens if I pass my theory test but fail my hazard perception test?
The minimum pass mark for the multiple choice theory test is 43 out of 50 and for the hazard perception test you must obtain a pass mark of 44 out of 75. You must pass both the theory test and the hazard perception test at the same time in order to get your theory test pass certificate. Should you fail either of these tests then you must re-sit both tests again. We have practice theory test papers and sample hazard perception clips to help you prepare for the test.
How long does the practical driving test last?
The practical driving test lasts approximately 35-40 minutes and will entail driving on different types of roads with various road conditions. In addition to this you will be asked to perform 2 reversing manoeuvres and potentially an emergency stop exercise. Your Ignition Driving School driving instructor will ensure that you are well prepared for all aspects of the practical driving test giving you the best chance possible of passing.
Which car will I take my practical driving test in?
You are able to take the practical driving test in your own car. To do this your car must be in a road worthy condition, have L-plates visible from the front and back of the car and a further interior mirror for the examiner's use. However, most students prefer to take the practical driving test in their driving instructor's car as this is the car that they will be most used to. Please be aware certain cars are not permitted to be used on a practical driving test. If you are planning to take your practical driving test in your own car, please check with the DSA that your car is suitable.
I'm a student at university and only come home during the holidays, is it possible to take my practical driving test quickly?
Our Intensive driving courses provide the ideal solution to students wishing to get up to practical driving test standard in a limited space of time. If you have a specific time frame in mind then please inform us in plenty of time to allow us to schedule the driving lessons effectively.
