SHIRE OAK DRIVING SCHOOL 

Providing Driving Lessons in Leeds, Wakefield and surrounding areas

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

When can i apply for my Provisional Driving Licence?

You can apply for your provisional driving licence up to 3 months before your 17th birthday (16 if you are registered disabled). You can apply using the relevant form from the Post Office, or apply online 

 

Can i start taking driving lessons before i do my theory test?

Yes, as long as you have a valid UK provisional driving licence, then you can take lessons anytime from your 17th birthday

 

Will i drive on my first lesson?

Yes. We always aim to book your first lesson for an hour and a half to give you time to have a drive!

 

What do i need to bring with me on my first driving lesson?

On your first driving lesson (whether you have driven before or not) you need to bring your photocard provisional driving licence, your progress log (this will be posted to you prior to your first lesson) and payment for the lesson (unless already pre-paid). Please also bring along any glasses/contact lenses if you need to wear them, and sensible footwear!!

 

How do i pay for my driving lessons?

You can pay for your lessons by cash or cheque to your instructor, or by debit/credit card. For card payments you will need to call the office on 0113 391 0442

 

How long are your driving lessons?

Driving Lessons can be 1 hour, 1.5 Hour or 2 Hour - it`s entirely up to you. We can even do 3 hour lessons, although these would be more suited to an Intensive Driving Course   

 

How many driving lessons will i need?    

We will teach you to drive properly, safely and competently on our complex, modern road systems. On average the DSA recommends around 45 hours with a qualified driving instructor, as well as additional private practice. This is, however, an average and you may well require fewer lessons than this or even a few more to get to the required driving test standard. There are various factors that come into this, mainly how frequent you take driving lessons as the longer gaps there are between lessons, the longer it will take you. Your driving instructor will assess your progress and advise you when to book your driving test

 

How do you assess my progress and when will i know when i`m ready to book my driving test?

At Shire Oak Driving School we have developed our own pupil progress logs, which you need to bring to every lesson. This tracks your progress for each area of your driving form being `introduced` to a subject through to becoming `Independent/Test Standard` in each area. This helps both yourself and your instructor track your progress and work on the areas that need improving. Your driving instructor will advise you when to book your driving test, taking into account the current waiting times for driving tests

 

Will i have the same driving instructor throughout my lessons?

Yes. We have a very low turnover of instructors at Shire Oak as most have been trained by our in-house instructor training company and stay with the company for many years. The only time you would change instructors is if you weren`t happy with your driving instructor, which is very rare!

 

Do i use my instructor`s car for my driving test?

Yes, you would use your instructor`s car for the test and he/she will do a lesson immediately before your test (we usually pick you up 1 hour before your test) and the instructor will accompany you to the test centre

 

Once i pass my theory test, how long is it valid for?

Your theory test is valid for 2 years from the date you pass it

 

What if i need to cancel or re-arrange a driving lesson that has been booked?

If you need to change or cancel a driving lesson that has already been booked, please contact your driving instructor

 

Will i be charged if i change or cancel a lesson at short notice?

You need to give at least 48 hours notice to change or cancel a driving lesson, or you may be charged by your driving instructor 

 

Do i need to have passed my theory test before starting an intensive driving course?

Ideally, yes but not a must. A lot depends on the period of time over which you are looking to do the course. Typically, the waiting times for the theory test is 2 weeks and for driving tests between 4 and 8 weeks. The practical driving test cannot be booked until the theory test has been passed

 

Can you book my practical driving test for me?

Yes, as long as you have already passed your theory test we will be happy to book driving tests for our pupils

 

Can you recommend any products to help me with my theory test and/or practical driving test?

Yes. For your theory test preparation you ideally need an Official Highway Code and a Theory Test CD-Rom. We also sell an excellent Learn to Drive DVD, priced at £9.99, which will help you massively in passing your driving test

 

If you have any more questions which aren`t listed here, please feel free to call us on 0113 443 8799, or e-mail us at info@shireoakdrivingschool.com

 

Driving Schools in Leeds

 

Shire Oak Driving School