FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Driving Lessons in Crewe, Nantwich and Whitchurch Areas: FAQs
Q. I am a complete beginner, how many lessons will it take to learn to drive to a point where I am safe on the road and will pass my test?
A. Everybody learns a their own pace so it is a difficult question to answer. However, the national average is a total of 45-50 hrs professional driving tuition added to 22hrs of private practice with friends/family (DSA figures 2008). Depending on how well you respond during your driving lessons and put what you learn into practice, then you may be able to reduce this down by a few hours. Be prepared to spend a good 6 to 8 months at least, this way you will experience different weather and road conditions, in addition to spending enough time dealing with the various hazards on our busy roads.
Q. What are the top 10 reasons why people fail their driving test?
A. 1 - Observation at junctions. (Ineffective observation and judgement)
2 - Reverse parking. (Ineffective observation or lack of accuracy)
3 - Use of mirrors. (Not checking or not acting on the information)
4 - Reversing around a corner. (Ineffective observation or lack of accuracy)
5 - Incorrect use of signals. (Not cancelling or giving misleading signals)
6 - Moving away safely. (Ineffective observation)
7 - Incorrect positioning on the road. (At roundabouts or on bends)
8 - Lack of steering control. (Steering too early or leaving it too late)
9 - Incorrect positioning to turn right. (At junctions and in one-way streets)
10 - Inappropriate speed. (Travelling too slowly or being hesitant)
(information accurate as of October 2009, source from MSA (Motor Schools Association))
Q. What is the national average pass rate?
A. 43% of people taking tests pass. This figure includes first time/second time/third etc. All tests being taken by learners.
Our pass rate for 2009, was above 73% with first time pass rates being > 52%
Q. Does the DSA examiner provide a car for the test?
A. No. You pay the DSA for the examiner's time and the paperwork and admin costs of upgrading your licence etc. You either provide your own car or make use of the driving instructor's car. It is recommended that the tuition car be used as this has dual controls whereas, your car will not. If you sit the test in your instructor's car, you will normally pay for a 2hr slot: first hour being a warm-up lesson with your instructor and the second being the test, which lasts approx. 40mins, the remainder being the drive home. The instructor will normally drive you home as you will be either too excited to drive because you have passed, or if you have been unsuccessful, then too upset to drive.
Q. Where are my local test centres?
A. In the Crewe and Nantwich areas, the theory test centres are Stoke-on-Trent, or Chester. In the Whitchurch area, it is Shrewsbury. For the practical driving test for cars (Category B), the nearest are: Crewe or Whitchurch, with others being Congleton, Northwich, Newcastle, Shrewsbury.
We tend to use Crewe or Whitchurch, although the others may be considered if necessary.
Q. Where can I get more info about tests, their fees &/or theory learning material?
A. www.dsa.gov.uk and follow links to Tests, and for practice dvds/cd roms or book sources, TSO (The Stationary Office)
We can recommend what are cost effective options, just call or email to discuss.
Q. What are the pass marks required for the theory test sections?
A. It is curently 43 / 50 for the multiple choice questions section and 44 / 75 for the hazard perception clips. (There are 14 clips to view and spot the hazards in good time. The score is a max of 5 points for each hazard spotted).
Q. What car do you teach in?
A. We currently use the 1.4 TDi Skoda Fabia (80bhp). With 5 doors, air conditioning, electric windows, driver seat height adjustment, air bags, power assisted steering, pollen filters and of course, dual controls and a 4-star rating the Euro NCAP Safety Tests.
