Driving lessons in Hull
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Intensive Driving Courses around Hull and East Yorkshire
Driving Lessons in Hull and East Yorkshire
Why use an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)?
It is unlikely that anyone except an ADI would have the experience, knowledge and training to teach you properly. Learning safe driving habits from the start will improve your own and other road user's safety.
To become qualified, an ADI must pass a theory test, and strict tests of driving and instructional ability. All ADI's must maintain a high standard of instruction.
Fully qualified ADIs display a green certificate on the windscreen of the tuition vehicle. Trainee driving instructors are granted a trainee licence so that they can gain teaching experience before their final qualifying examination. Their licence is pink.
The standard of instruction of all ADIs is regularly checked by DSA. This is done by a DSA Supervising Examiner sitting in on a live lesson. The instructor is then graded:
- grade 4 is average
- grade 5 is good
- grade 6 is excellent
Ask your potential instructor for their grade before embarking on a course of lessons.
Your instructor should explain how your lessons will be structured and show you the syllabus that you will have to complete before you take your driving test (the syllabus is contained in the DSA publication The Official Driving Test).
Take advise from your ADI on all aspects of driving
- which books to read
- how to practise
- when you will be ready for your test
- further training after you have passed your test (Pass Plus)
How do I choose an ADI?
It is a good idea to ask friends and relatives. Look for someone who has a good reputation, is reliable and punctual and whose car suits you. Ask the instructor if they have signed up to the Voluntary Code of Practise, or is there a Company Code, and ask for a copy.
The code of practice has been agreed with the driving instruction industry and covers instructors' personal and professional conduct, advertising and their complaints procedure. For more information, call the DSA on 0115 901 2500.
What do I do if I am not happy with my ADI?
If you are not happy with your instructor tell him or her why and discuss the way forward. If you still can't reach an agreement, find another instructor. If you have any serious complaints about your instructor, contact DSA on 0115 901 2500.
Practising
There is no substitute for learning car-control skills and how to deal with different road situations with a professional driving instructor before going out to practise privately. When you have enough confidence, your instructor will tell you what and where to practise. Your instructor will also be able to talk to the person who is going to supervise you. Your accompanying driver must be 21 or over and have held (and still hold) a full licence for three years.
Practise on as many different types of road as you can, in all sorts of traffic conditions - even in the dark and on dual carriageways where there is a higher speed limit. You may be asked to drive on these types of road during the test. Don't just concentrate on the exercises involved in the test. When you practise, try not to slow down other traffic. Most drivers are tolerant of learners, but don't try their patience too much. Try not to annoy local residents, for example, don't practise emergency stops in the same quiet residential streets or reverse around the same corner over and over again.
To help you study
Books
- The Highway Code is essential reading. It explains the rules of the road and gives good advice about best driving practices.
- The Official Theory Test for Car Drivers and The Official Theory Test for Motorcyclists contain all the questions in the multiple-choice part of the theory test, together with the answers and explanations.
- Driving - the essential skills explains the best driving practices in more detail.
- Official Motorcycling includes details of basic machine handling for the compulsory basic training course and the full practical test syllabus.
- Motorcycle riding - the essential skills is the definitive guide for new and experienced riders.
- The Official Driving Test covers what you will need to do during the driving test and explains the full test syllabus.
- The Official Guide to Accompanying L-drivers gives very useful information to anyone who is supervising you while you practise.
Other media
- The Driving Test - Inside View 2 is a video explaining what the examiners expect to see and gives some practical tips.
- What If is an interactive video and workbook designed to improve your ability to think ahead to boost your awareness of hazards. There are separate versions for car drivers and motorcyclists.
- The Official Theory Test CD-ROM for Car Drivers and Motorcyclists contains all the questions and allows you to practise for the multiple-choice part of the theory test.
- RoadSense. In order to help candidates prepare for the hazard perception (HP) part of the theory test, we have developed a modular, multi-media training package called RoadSense. We have designed it for candidates to use with their instructor or trainer, and it can be incorporated into practical on-road training to maximise the positive road-safety benefits.
Your instructor will be able to tell you where you can get these from.
How will I know when I'm ready for my test?
You will be ready for the test when you show that you have reached the standards set in The Official Driving Test. Learners who pass first time do so because they are well instructed and get plenty of practice. They pass because they wait until they are ready. Your instructor has the knowledge and experience to tell you when this is.
Unfortunatly the pass rate for the practical car test is 43%. The reason for such a low success rate is because candidates are not properly prepared.
You must be able to drive consistently well, with confidence and without help or guidance from your instructor. If you can't, you aren't ready for the test. Waiting until you are ready will save you time and money.
How many lessons am I likely to need?
Research has shown that, on average, people who take about 40 hours' professional training, combined with plenty of extra practice, stand the best chance of passing their test. Some people need more lessons and practice than others.
The driving test
The driving test is in two parts - the theory test and the practical test. You can study for the theory test while you are learning to drive, but you must pass the theory test before you apply to take the practical test.
The theory test
Where do I go to take my theory test?
There are over 150 test centres throughout Great Britain. Most people have a test centre within 20 miles of their home, but this will vary depending on the population in your area.
What will I have to do?
The theory test is a computer-based test. Until 13 November 2002 the theory test is a multiple-choice test only. From 14 November 2002 the theory test has a multiple-choice part followed by a hazard perception part.
For the multiple-choice part, you choose your answers to 35 questions by simply touching the screen. The touch-screen system has been carefully designed to make it easy to use. You can practise for up to 15 minutes before the test starts. Only one question appears on the screen at a time. You can move backwards and forwards through the questions and go back to questions that you want to look at again. It is easy to change your answer. The system will alert you if you have not completely answered a question.
You will have 40 minutes to complete the multiple-choice part of the test and you must answer at least 30 questions correctly to pass.
Following the multiple-choice questions, there will be an optional break of up to three minutes before the HP part of the test starts.
The HP part is introduced by a short tutorial video that explains how the test works and gives you the chance to see a sample film clip. This will help you understand what you need to do.
You are shown a variety of driving scenes, seen from a driver's point of view. There are 14 film clips. Each film clip contains one or more developing hazards. There are 15 scoreable hazards in total.
You should respond by pressing the mouse button as soon as you see a hazard developing. Your response will not cause the scene in the video to alter in any way. However, a red flag will appear on the bottom of the screen to show that your response has been noted.
Before each clip starts, there will be a 10-second pause to allow you to familiarise yourself with the new road situation.
You should receive your result at the test centre within 30 minutes of completing the test. You will be given a score for the multiple-choice part and for the hazard perception part. You will need to pass both parts to pass the theory test. If you fail one of the parts, you will fail the test.
What happens if I fail?
If you fail your test you've shown that you aren't fully prepared. You will have to wait at least three clear working days before you can take the test again. Good preparation will save you time and money.
Equal opportunities
DSA are committed to equal opportunities for everyone, and provide facilities for candidates with special needs or physical disabilities.
These include the following.
- DSA will give you more time to complete your theory or practical tests.
- DSA will provide audio versions of the theory test to help candidates who do not understand or read English, or who want to take the test in their first language. These languages are Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, Dari, Farsi, Gujarati, Hindi, Kashmiri, Kurdish, Mirpuri, Polish, Portuguese, Pushto, Punjabi, Spanish, Tamil, Turkish, Urdu and Welsh.
- DSA will deliver the theory test in British Sign Language by an on-screen signer if you are deaf or have other hearing difficulties.
The practical driving test
The driving test is straightforward. You will pass it if you can show your examiner that you can drive safely, complete the set exercises, and show, through your driving, that you have a thorough knowledge of The Highway Code.
All examiners are trained to assess tests to the same standard. Test routes are designed and approved locally to include a range of typical road and traffic conditions.
On your test, you need to be able to drive safely and skillfully in various road and traffic conditions. You will be given directions clearly and in good time, and asked to carry out set exercises.
Your examiner wants you to do well and will try to put you at ease. Drive in the way that your instructor has taught you. If you make a mistake, keep calm and concentrate on your driving. The mistake may not mean that you fail your test. In Wales, your test may be carried out in Welsh if you ask for this when you book it.
Can anyone come with me on my test?
You can ask for a friend or your instructor to be present during your test, but they must not interfere in any way. If necessary, you can bring an interpreter or signer with you, but you must not use an approved driving instructor for this purpose. Anyone who comes with you on your test must be 16 or over and wear a seatbelt if one is available.
How long is the test?
The test will last about 40 minutes.
What do I have to do on my test?
Apart from general driving, the test will include an eyesight test and special exercises. You'll be asked to carry out two of the following.
- Reverse round a corner.
- A turn in the road.
- A reverse park (either into a parking space or behind a car on the road).
- You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop.
What if I don't understand what the examiner means?
Listen carefully to the explanation, but ask if you aren't sure about anything. Your examiner understands that you may be nervous and won't mind explaining again.
How does the examiner mark my driving?
Your examiner will assess any mistakes you make and, depending on how serious they are, record them on the driving test report form. You will fail your test if you commit a serious or dangerous fault. You will also fail if you commit more than a certain number of driving faults. At the end of the test, you will be offered an explanation of your driving test report. You might like to ask your instructor to listen while your examiner gives you the explanation.
Are the examiners supervised?
Are the examiners supervised?
Examiners are closely supervised and a senior officer may sit in on your test, but don't worry about this. The senior officer won't be examining you, but will be making sure the examiner is assessing you properly. They won't interfere with the test, so just carry on as if they weren't there.
Safe driving after the test
Passing the test is a great feeling but it's only the first step in learning to drive.
New drivers are at a greater risk of having an accident than experienced motorists. New drivers account for 10% of all drivers, but are involved in 29% of all accidents. You are more likely to have an accident in the first two years after passing the test than at any other time.
It is important to remember that safe driving is not just about passing the test but is about safety - your own as a driver and the safety of your passengers and other road users. You need to know how to drive safely, how to stay alive and how to avoid killing or injuring others. We make no apology for saying this. As a driver, you are responsible for making decisions that can affect other people's lives as well as your own.
Beware!
Once you have passed your test, you are on probation for two years. If you get six or more penalty points during this time, you will lose your licence. You will have to reapply for a provisional licence and have to take all the tests again. Since the New Drivers Act was introduced in 1997, over 53,500 drivers have lost their licences.
Improve your driving
This scheme is made up of six modules covering driving in and out of town, and driving in all weather, at night, on dual carriageways and on motorways. You do not have to take another test and at the end you will receive a certificate from us that may entitle you to a motor-insurance discount from certain insurance companies.