Frequently asked questions
How old do I have to be to start driving a car?
You can start learning to drive at 17.
Can I start driving lessons before I have passed my theory test?
You don't need to have passed your Theory Test in order to start driving lessons. All you need is your provisional licence.
How do I apply for a provisional licence?
Application form D1 and photo card application form D750 must be completed. (available from most post offices). You can apply for a provisional licence up to 3 months before your 17th birthday to be valid on your birthday.
How do I apply for a theory test?
You can book online by clicking here to visit the DSA web site or by phone on 0870 0101372. You will need your driver number from your provisional licence and a credit / debit card to pay. You can find Cambridge Theory Test Centre address and location map by clicking here.
Please see our Theory Test page on what to expect during the test.
When can I take my Practical Driving Test?
Once you have your provisional licence and have passed your Theory Test, you can then apply for your Driving Test. You can book online with the DSA by clicking here. To book your test, you will need a valid UK provisional driving licence, your theory test certificate number and a valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted)
Please visit our 'What to expect on your driving test' page for more details.
How much do your lessons cost?
Our single driving lessons cost £23 per hour. Discounts are available for block bookings or intensive courses.
Do you have male and female Instructors?
Yes. We provide male and female Driving Instructors
What is Pass Plus?
Pass Plus is an extra six hour driving course for pupils who have passed the driving test. Pupils who reach a suitable standard are sent a certificate which may allow them cheaper insurance.
What payment do you accept?
We accept cash and cheque.
What types of car do you have?
The car we use is the new style Vauxhall Corsa. It's easy to drive and small, making it easier to perform all the manoeuvres.
Here's our guide to driving test manoeuvres:
Do I use the school car for my test?
Yes. You use the very same car you used in your lessons.
Do you provide automatic driving tuition?
At the moment we only provide
driving tuition using a manual gearbox.
Can I have more than one lesson a week?
Some pupils have 3 or 4 lessons per week. It really depends on how fast you wish to learn.
Can I be picked up and dropped off in a different place?
Lessons are conducted on a one to one basis with no car sharing. Pupils are collected from home, college or work place.
Can you teach me to drive in an automatic car?
At present we offer driving lessons in manual cars only.
How long is each lesson?
Lessons consist of 1, 1.5 and 2 hours. Most pupils tend to prefer 1.5 hour lessons as 1 hour isn't quite enough.
How long will it take me to learn to drive and how many lessons will I need?
Every learner is an individual. The DSA recommend around 40 hours of professional tuition and around 20 hours of private tuition for a 17 year old. This of course depends on if you have had any previous experience, frequency of driving lessons and if you have access to private tuition.
How do I know my instructor is fully qualified?
Driving Instructors must display their licence in the windscreen of the vehicle. A green licence is a fully qualified Instructor and a pink licence is a trainee Instructor.
What are the Show Me Tell Me questions?
Before your Driving Test starts, the Examiner will ask you 2 questions. 1 'Tell Me' question on car safety and maintenance which will require an explanation and 1 'Show Me' question that will require you physically check something.
For a list of all possible question and answers, please go to our Show Me Tell Me page.
Are there any Driving Test waiting times?
It varies through out the year. It can vary from 1 - 2 weeks, to over 2 months. For Cowley Road test centre, click here to see test availability and for Chesterton Road test availability, click here.
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