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Q: When can I start driving a car?
A: So long as you have both parts of your provisional driving licence and reached at least your 17th birthday then you can book your driving course with Jill Davis dsa adi (car).


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Q: How do I apply for a provisional licence?
A: Complete driving licence application form D1 and photo card application form D750 (available from most Post Offices).

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Q: What car will I learn to drive in?
A: Driving tuition is given in a 5 gear manual. It's the one pictured to the right. It's a dual controlled Ford Fiesta, which is a nice, easy car to train in. The car has easy operation, smooth control, comfort, and not to mention air conditioning on a hot day
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Q: What's Jill like? I'm nervous!
A: Jill will talk with you, and laugh with you; but when and where necessary be very firm to keep control and keep everyone safe. Road safety being first and foremost! Previous customers who have been really nervous love the learning process with Jill, she creates a very calm but learning and fun atmosphere. Learning to drive is a skill that will last you a life time. You will find learning to drive rewarding, and you will soon be able to take pride in your new driving skills. Learning to drive with Jill Davis DSA ADI (car) is an enjoyable experience, and one that you will look forward to. Jill creates a happy, fun but firm and relaxed atmosphere, and always happy to see you!

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Q: I've never driven before; would you advise me to try a driving simulator first?
A: Driving simulators can be useful, but nothing can replace in-car training with a professional instructor, and as previously stated Jill has the patience and understanding to help you through! She won't put you in any situation that you're not ready for!

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Q: How many lessons do I need?
A: This is a question which is asked time and time again. The simple answer is "How long is a piece of string?" With everyone of us being individual, varying in abilities to achieve. Whilst this may not be very helpful, it really does depend on You and how quickly you pick things up.
For example, a 17 year old who has been riding a motorbike for a year and really interested in driving, with an interest under the bonnet etc., is likely to need fewer lessons than a 17 year old who comes from a family where nobody drives and who is interested in baking or fishing.

The DSA state that an 'average' 17 year old learner will take 45 - 50 hours professional driving tuition and 23 hours private practice.

If you can only afford 1 hour lesson each week, that's ok, but you need to be aware it will take longer for you to pass your driving test: There is too much time between lessons, so you'll forget most of what is learnt.

It is much better to take 2 sessions per week at 1 hour or 2 hour lessons.

By doing your homework i.e. reading lessons leaflets/book and using your accompanying driver to practice your lessons means you are not wasting time or money on practicing with your driving instructor.

Remember that learning to drive costs money. There is no escaping that fact. If you have not got the funds available, the advice is not to start until you have funds. There is nothing worse than running out of money half way through your training. You will waste all the money you have spent and when you do come back to it, you will find that you have to go back over a lot of what you have already learnt. Driving lessons are to be paid before your lesson starts on the day, or paid upfront to receive a discount.

Remember this is only a guide, and it really depends on you, how quickly you pick things up.


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Q: Can I start driving lessons before I have passes my theory test?
A: Yes you can, and is recommend that you have a few lessons prior to applying for the theory test, as the practical driving experience will help make more sense from the theory. Occasionally we come across people who don't like doing the theory... you must understand that both theory and practical tests are as one, as they go hand in hand. It's all NEED TO KNOW stuff, and very important. When you pass the theory and hazard perception test, then you're half way to passing your driving test. Jill will push you to do your theory, as both theory and practical go hand in hand.

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Q: Who is allowed to teach or supervise me?
A: Driving lessons are best taken with a driving instructor, as they know exactly what dsa examiners are looking for, and have been highly trained themselves, keeping up to date with our roads and information needed. Very often taking C.P.D. (continued professional development) and tested by DSA to make sure ADI's keep skills up to date, and fit to remain on the register. Anyone who is at least 21 years old and have held a full EC motor car licence for at least 3 years can supervise your private practice. It is illegal for anyone else other than a registered driving instructor to charge money for teaching you to drive. Look for your instructors badge displayed on the left hand side of the windscreen.

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Q. How Do I know when I'm ready for my test?
A: You will be ready for the test when you show that you have reached the required standards following the DSA syllabus. You must be able to drive consistently well, with confidence and without help or guidance from your instructor. Those who pass the driving test have had, on average, about 45 hours of professional training, combined with 25 hours of private practice. Again this depends on age and previous experience. Candidates who combine professional instruction with private practice are also more successful on the test.
Your driving instructor has the knowledge and driving experience of 25 years plus, to advise you when this is. It is the responsibility of your ADI to ensure that you are capable and safe to drive alone, without supervision, and you will advise you as such when you are ready. If you book your test without your instructors prior approval, and if it is felt that you are not ready for test, then you can go to test, but, you will not be going to test in my car! It's not nice having to refuse; but the safety of the examiner, other road users and yourself, is your instructors primary responsibility. There are too many road traffic accidents (R.T.As.) on today's roads without sending you to test when you're not ready... This would be irresponsible, and therefore would NOT under any circumstances or persuasion allow this to happen. Learners Pass Driver Training like tears of laughter...not sadness and heartache, your instructor wouldn't be able to live with the knowledge just on a whim to please!

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Q: Are there any other pupils in the car?
A: Definitely not. We do not pick up or drop off other pupils in your time (known as 'piggy backing'). You will receive personal, one to one instruction.  Very occasionally you may have another instructor or maybe examiner in the car, but this will be okayed with you before it happens.

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Q: Will you come with me on test?
A: Learners Pass Driver Training encourages pupils to take along the instructor. It's very beneficial for you, as you still have the support of your driving instructor in the car with you. (although obviously your instructor will not be able to help you in any way whilst on test). Your instructor will be able to see how your performance is, and speak with you if necessary after the test. It's also good for your instructor, as it keeps your instructor up to date with how driving tests are performed and what the examiners are looking for. Some pupils prefer to go to test alone, and that's ok also if that's what you prefer, it's personal choice. Watch the video below to help you decide.

Helpful tips for accompanying drivers
To accompany a learner driver, you need to be at least 21, have held a full driving licence for at least three years and clearly display 'L' plates on the back and front of your car.
The roads we drive on and driving techniques have changed a great deal over the years; techniques that were expected on test years ago might well be frowned upon nowadays. It's been said time after time by parents and grandparents 'when I learned to drive, I only had 10 driving lessons.' Rightly so, but think back to the road situation, a lot less traffic for a start! Keeping our young and inexperienced drivers safe is what it's all about. Therefore the accompanying driver may well be in for a few shocks!

Allow your learner to practice what their driving instructor has taught them.
Never rush your learner, go at their pace. This might mean you are going round the same circuit again and again until they ‘get it’.
Cool, calm, and collect. If things get heated during the practice time, stop and come back to it another day!
Remember that driving a straight road into town everyday is great but does have it’s limitations. The test is not on a straight road!  Vary the routes as much as possible, but suited to the learners ability.
You are there for your learner to practice their homework what they learned with the instructor, not to introduce new topics.
Remember that there will be many different techniques your learner knows that are alien to you.
Buy yourself a mirror for the passenger seat. You also need to look and know what's behind you.
If you feel unsure about accompanying the learner, ask the instructor for advice.