What do I need to be able to start driving lessons?
In the UK you need to have a provisional driving licence, and be at least 17 years old to start driving on the road. You can apply for your provisional licence when you’re 15 years and 9 months old. You can drive a car when you are 16 if you get, or have applied for, the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). All the criteria for getting your licence is fully outlined by Government (covering eyesight, costs and how to apply) . This information is on the .Gov website, the link is https://www.gov.uk/driving-lessons-learning-to-drive
How long will it take me to learn how to drive?
It is difficult to estimate how long each individual student will take to be test ready, because we all come with different experiences and ability, and we all learn in different ways. The Government (DVSA) say it takes most students 45 hours to learn how to drive plus around 22 hrs of additional private practice (with a supervising driver/parent).
Drive Hart Instructors provide additional support and help for students (on line revision materials) and supervising parents (youtube videos) to help advance your learning during private practice. See our social network links.https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFQdnMICPTB77ftm-3qnnEg?view_as=subscriber
Can I start to learn to drive before I have passed my Theory Test?
Yes you can start to learn to drive before you take your Theory Test. However, it is important to understand the rules of the road, signs and markings so we strongly recommend students start their theory test revision early. This will definately help to accelerate your learning, and get you test ready.
Remember, you cannot book your practical driving test until you have passed your Theory Test, and your Theory Test Certificate only lasts for 2 years.
Drive Hart can provide additional support for theory revision, but would recommend the official DVSA Learning Zone (which has complete / marked sets of multiple choice and hazard perception training). The link to the Learning Zone is: https://www.dvsalearningzone.co.uk/
When will it be safe for my parents to take me out in their car to practice?
The DVSA recommend at least 22 hrs of private practice with a full licence holder, who must be 21 or over, who has been driving for 3 years. Supervising drivers have responsibility for keeping students safe and often seek our advice on when to start private practice and what to cover. Drive Hart have a policy of allowing supervising drivers to sit in on a lesson and get free advice on the timing of practice. We also have online resources to help students/parents see the link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFQdnMICPTB77ftm-3qnnEg?view_as=subscriber
Drive Hart also run short in-car road-craft updates for supervising drivers, and find that this preparation can help both students and parents to make the most of their private practice and reduce costs of taught instruction. See link to .Gov advice for supervising a learner driver: https://www.gov.uk/driving-lessons-learning-to-drive/practising-with-family-or-friends
Can I learn to drive in my own, or my parents car?
Yes you can learn to drive in your own, or your parents car, providing proper insurance cover is in place and you display L plates to the front and rear of the vehicle. There are additional requirements if you want to take your test in your own car see link to .Gov below. Most students prefer to learn and take their test in an instruction car. Learning to drive, particularly in the early stages, presents challenges and the safety-net of having dual controls in an instructors vehicle provides greater safety and security. At Drive Hart we would recommend initial lessons take place in a dual controlled vehicle, and once car control has been gained, you can progress to a different car. We are happy to provide advice on this. https://www.gov.uk/driving-lessons-learning-to-drive/practising-with-family-or-friends
How will I be kept safe when learning to drive?
Drive Hart Instructors all have dual controls fitted which enables them to take control of the car from the passenger seat as and when necessary. This means that if you lose control of the car your instructor can safely take over. Each instructor has special instruction and public liability insurance covering you whilst you learn to drive.
Of particular concern to some students is the current pandemic and the risks of being in car with an instructor. Drive Hart have published a Covid Secure 6 point plan, but if you or your parents have any concerns just call Sarah Hart on 07919 .488360. Below is a link to a video covering our Covid Secure Policy can be found on: https://sarahhart239.clickmeeting.com/webinar-recording/6i46324b7?fbclid=IwAR10Ccq84zA4VZg_1zEeBpI-Ss352dXcU9y2Xethx53DY4LiUbqXbs5zXpg
How much is it going to cost to pass my test?
The hourly rate for driving instruction with Drive Hart ranges between £40-45, this range reflects the grade/experience of the different Instructors. The cost of learning to drive to test standard depends on the individuals ability as discussed above, but the more you practice the greater the chance of reducing your costs, see link on recording private practice: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/record-your-private-practice-when-youre-learning-to-drive
The other costs are – provision licence £34, Cost of Theory Test £23 and the actual Driving Test £62. Drive Hart offer friends and relatives the opportunity to buy students gift vouchers to contribute towards lessons. Call Sarah Hart on 07919488360.
I am interested in becoming a Driving Instructor how do I find out more?
To become a Driving Instructor you have to be 21 years old and have held full licence for 3 years (preferably clean). There are 3 exams: Theory Test, Practical Driving Test and a Test of Instructional Ability. Full details of this process to become an Approved Driving Instructor can be found on: https://www.gov.uk/become-car-driving-instructor
Drive Hart offer full training covering Parts 1, 2 and 3 to become an instructor. We also provide limited number of sponsorship opportunities for trainee instructors (subject to a selection process). . Drive Hart provides services under an “Association” where Instructors work independently under the Drive Hart brand/standards. Further details of this can be found in this site or call Sarah Hart on 07919 488360 – see our Instructor Training Playlists of free resources on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSRK1L2uKCNnb1D2a1PQ79nzd5X5-4nUu