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Looking For Driving Lessons In Birmingham and the West Midlands With an Approved Driving Instructor?
Then Look No Further! 
Covering Most of the South Birmingham Area, Including Solihull & Hollywood 
"No Smoking", Air Conditioned Fiesta for Your Comfort During Driving Lessons
Learn to Drive with a Friendly Patient Instructor! |
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Driving Tuition Structured to suit your needs! |
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Fully Focused one to one Driving Training! |
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Full 60 minute driving lessons with just you & your instructor in the car
Pupils of All Levels Welcome
Nervous pupils & those with learning difficulties especially welcome
Door to Door Service
All books & materials provided to help you with the Theory Test and Hazard Perception Test |
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Pass Plus |
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Intensive Courses
Motorway Training |
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Refresher Lessons
Click Here for lesson prices |
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Click here to contact us for any more information
Information on booking Driving Tests |
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At The Moment, we have a special Introductory Offer for new Pupils,
Click here for more details |
We Provide Driving Lessons in all these areas of Birmingham and its surroundings : Solihull, Shirley, Hollywood, Hall Green, Sparkhill, Moseley, Kings Heath, Yardley Wood, Warstock, Maypole, Bournville, Kings Norton, Northfield, West Heath, Acocks Green, Yardley, Sheldon.
Below is a few FAQ's about the driving test.
Do examiners have a quota of passes?
No they don't. Examiners simply watch what you do, & if you commit any driving faults, they will mark them on the report sheet. So if you drive well, you will pass.
Should you change down the gears whilst slowing down in traffic or to stop at the side of the road?
No, you don't have to. The simple rule is the "gears are for going and the brakes are for slowing". Brake down to the speed you require, then go into a gear suitable for that speed. If you have stopped at the side of the road, the gear will be neutral, if in traffic with the prospect of moving almost immediately, it will be 1st gear.
Should I always signal when moving off from the side of the road?
If there is not the slightest chance of any-one being affected by you moving off, including oncoming traffic and pedestrians, there is no need to signal.
Will I have to do an emergency stop on my test ?
You have a one in three chance of being asked to do an emergency stop. The emergency stop is done at random, when the road conditions allow for it.
My friend had two examiners in the car on his test. Why is this?
To ensure that everyone gets a fair test, the examiners are regularly assessed themselves! You might have a senior DSA officer in the back of the car during your test; he/she will be there to make sure that your examiner conducts the test in a fair and appropriate manner. Try not to worry about the 'extra' examiner in the back, they are NOT assessing you, they are there to watch the examiner, & to make sure you have a 'fair' test.
Can anyone accompany me on the test?
You can request that a friend or your instructor be present, but they must not interfere in any way. You should bring an interpreter with you if you need one, but you must not use an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) for that purpose. Your interpreter must be 16 years or over and they must wear a seat belt. (unless medically exempt)
Can I use a car which is ‘automatic’ for the test?
Yes. However, if you do this, when you pass your practical test your full driving licence will only entitle you to drive an ‘automatic’ car. It will also act as a provisional licence for a car with a manual gearbox.
When you are waiting at the front of a queue at traffic lights do you have to wait in first gear or wait in neutral?
You can wait in first gear if you think the lights are about to change. Sometimes you can 'read' the lights by watching the changes from the other traffic lights. If you can see them about to change you can get yourself ready by selecting first gear.
I find it hard to go into second gear around roudabouts,is it okay to go around in first?
It all depends on your speed. It is no good going around the roundabout in first gear at 20 mph, the vehicle is not designed for that. If it is only a small roundabout and you have to drive around it very slowly then first gear would be OK. Practice makes perfect. Ask your driving instructor for help!
How should I drive during the test?
Drive in the exactly the same way that your instructor has taught you during your driving lessons. If you make a mistake, don’t worry. It might be a minor mistake and may not affect your result. Your examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard. You won’t fail for one minor mistake.
How long will the practical test take?
About 40 minutes. If you are taking the extended test for persons convicted of serious driving offences this will last approximately 70 minutes.
How many Driving Lessons will I need?
This depends on how quickly you learn, & how many lessons you take in a week. For example you will need fewer lessons overall if you take two or three a week, especially if you take 2 hour lessons. According to the DSA, - " Research shows that learners who have had about forty hours professional tuition plus plenty of practice, stand the best chance of passing". - We all learn at different rates, you may know someone who has passed the test with only a handful of lessons, others may take a hundred hours or more.
Can anyone guarantee that I will pass?
You may have heard of the guaranteed pass course that some driving schools offer, or heard claims that you will pass in only 10 lessons. It sounds to good to be true doesn't it? Well you're right. No one can guarantee that when you take the driving test that you will automatically pass or that anyone who trains with them can pass in just 10 lessons. If you are good enough and have taken the amount of lessons needed you will pass. Take the driving test when you and your instructor both agree that you are ready, and then there should be no reasons for you not to pass.
Who can accompany me whilst driving as a learner driver ?
Anyone who holds a current full licence and has held that licence for at least 3 years and is over the age of 21.
If I have already taken a test, Is there a chance I will get the same examiner?
You could get the same examiner again. If you go to a large test centre with lots of examiners your chances become less. Examiners do not choose who they take on the test. This is already done for them by computer from the main booking office.
If I take a wrong direction given to me by the Examiner would I fail?
It all depends on the circumstances. If the examiner asks to turn right and you do all the correct procedures (including a left signal) and turned left you would not fail. Concentrate on the essentials. If you make a mistake, keep calm and concentrate on your driving. The mistake may not result in failure.
Do you need to pay any additional cost on the day of the test after your initial booking fee (ie insurance?)
The fee on initial booking pays for the Examiner to take you on the test. If you are going to the test in your instructors car you will have to pay for his time, (the lesson before the test and for the hire of the car for the actual test) (We charge for 2 hours at the normal lesson rate for tests). If you are taking the test in your own car, you have to make sure the car is insured for you to do this. You have to sign to say the car is insured, & of course be accompanied on the way to the test centre. You do not have to pay the DSA any more money on the day.
I can't find my Theory Test pass certificate. Can I book a practical test without it?
You will need to contact the customer service team at the DSA responsible for the theory test on 0161 855 7421 and they will be able to help you further. You will need to prove to the examiner that you have passed your theory test so you will either be issued with a letter to say that you have passed or you will be told what your certificate number is.
What do I need to do if I want to use my own car for my test?
Cars / vans presented for test must be a four wheeled vehicle capable of a speed of at least 100 kph and be fitted with;
- a passenger seatbelt
- passenger head restraint
- an interior mirror for the examiner's use
What is the chance that I will have to do a reverse parking during the driving test?
You will not have to do all the manoeuvres on the driving test. You will have to do 2 manoevres from the 4 possible, & maybe an emergency stop.
Should I signal when carrying out the reversing / parking manoeuvres ?
You do not need to make any signal when carrying out the reverse/parking manoeuvres. You will be stopped before carrying out these manoeuvres and you should only start the manoueuvre if it is safe to do so. By selecting reverse gear, the reversing lights will signal that you are going to reverse. If someone approaches you while doing manoeuvre and you are causing an obstruction you will need to move away to clear the way. This situation could require a signal to show you are moving off. After completing the manoeuvre you may need a signal to show you are moving off.
If there is a bus lane is it acceptable to use the bus lane when the time permits?
You must use the bus lane when time permits. Hundreds of candidates fail the test for not using the bus lanes at the permitted times. Read the blue signs on the approach to the lanes and act on the times that it says. If you do not use the bus lane in the permitted time you can fail. Quite simply, If the bus lane is not in its times of operation, then it is just a normal lane, & if it is on the left, then you should drive in it
When do you use the handbrake apart from when the car is parked. Do you always have to apply the handbrake when stopped on a hill?
The handbrake should be used to secure the car when you park it or are stationary for more than a few seconds. It is also used to help you time moving off into gaps in the traffic. You must make sure the car has stopped before applying the handbrake. Generally you should apply the handbrake if you are stopped on a hill. This will help you to then get your feet to get ready to move off again.
What about the questions I will be asked before the practical test?
At the start of the practical test, the Examiner will ask 2 questions, for example "Show me where you would check the engine oil level". This would be followed by a “Tell me”' question, for example . "Tell me how you would check that the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth". A candidate will NOT FAIL a Driving Test for a wrong answer however they will get ONE Driving Fault if they are wrong.
How do I book a practical test?
It's best not to apply for your practical test until your Instructor tells you you are ready. There is usually a waiting time for tests. The waiting time varies from place to place but can range from a few weeks to 12 weeks.
You can book by phone, on 0300 2001122, by post, or you can book online, at https://pt.dsa.gov.uk/tests/tests_E/pt/index.asp?test=pt
Or you can ask your instructor to book a test for you, we do not charge for booking tests, you just have to pay the DSA test booking fee, which is currently £56.50, or if you want a weekend test, the fee is £67.00.
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