Frequently Asked Questions
Requirements before taking driving lesson.
Before you start, you must:
- have a valid provisional driving licence. apply here
- be the minimum driving or riding age. You can apply for a provisional driving licence when you’re 15 years and 9 months old. You can start driving a car when you’re 17. 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 ).
- be able to read (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) a car number plate made after 1 September 2001 from 20 metres. You must also meet the minimum eyesight standard for driving by having a visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) measured on the Snell en scale (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) using both eyes together or, if you have sight in one eye only, in that eye.
How many lessons will I need to learn to drive?
There’s no minimum number of lessons you must have or hours you must practice driving.
How many lessons you need will depend on how quickly you learn. On average learners take 40-45 hours of driving lessons.
This is only an average though and shouldn’t be something you feel you have to compare yourself to.
Some take fewer and some take longer to feel comfortable and ready to take their test – the important thing is to take the test when you are ready, not being the first one out of your friends to pass.
Your instructor will let you know when you are ready, but most of the time you will feel it too – when the time comes you can both come to the decision together and then discuss how best to prepare for your test.
Can I train in my local area?
The majority of Go Auto’s training is based locally, although in some circumstances it will take place in a mutually convenient location. We would often advise you to train where you are taking your practical tests. Bear in mind, the training is flexible and we always try our best to work around your other commitments. Contact Us to find out more!
Will the lessons fit around my work or family commitments?
Yes, we will always try our best to book your lesson at a time most suitable to you. If necessary, lessons can be booked in the evening or weekends. Contact Us to find out more on how to book or arrange your first lesson.
Are automatic cars easier to drive?
Should I learn to drive in an automatic or manual car?
Practicing with family or friends
Anyone you practise your driving with (without paying them) must:
- be over 21 years of age.
- be qualified to drive the type of vehicle you want to learn in, eg they must have a manual car licence if they’re supervising you in a manual car
- have had their full driving licence for 3 years (from countries in the European Union or European Economic Area)
You can be fined up to £1,000 and get up to 6 penalty points on your provisional licence if you drive without the right supervision.
You can drive with as many passengers as the vehicle can legally hold.
It’s illegal for your friend or family member to use a mobile phone while supervising you.
Insurance
You need your own insurance as a learner driver if you’re practising in a car you own. Your family member or friend will usually be covered on this.
If you’re practising in someone else’s car, you need to make sure their insurance policy covers you as a learner driver.
Some insurance companies require the person supervising you to be over 25 years old.
You can get an unlimited fine, be banned from driving and get up to 8 penalty points for driving without insurance.
Information taken from Gov.uk website. For more information visit this link
How do I apply for a provisional license and book my theory or practical driving test?
- Apply for your provisional license here
- Book your theory test here
- Book your practical test here