What do I need to bring to my first lesson?
All you need to bring to your first lesson are both parts of your driving licence these are the photo card and the paper counter part, it is important you keep both these documents safe as you will need them when you take your test.

I have heard that driving instructors are graded, is this true?
Yes it is. To maintain high standards the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) check all driving instructors regularly to make sure we are teaching to the highest standards possible. Grades 5 and 6 are the top grades you can get and mean we have achieved the highest standard. I am currently on Grade 5.

Is it true that a trainee-driving instructor may teach me?
Yes, all driving instructors have to pass three exams to be registered. As preparation for the final exam a Provisional Driving Instructor  (PDI) may obtain a licence to teach for six months in which time he or she has to pass their final exam. You can identify the trainee instructors by a pink badge displayed in the windscreen. A fully qualified instructor will display a green badge. We are known as Approved Driving Instructors (ADI).  Although all driving instructors have to start somewhere you can be rest assured with Pirates Driving School you are getting a fully qualified instructor in me.

Will I be doing my test in the car I have done all my lessons in?
Yes, your training is done in my car a Peugeot 207 HDI that has been adapted for teaching with the dual controls. As long as you reach the required standards you will be using the same car for your test.

How many lessons will I need to pass?
The DSA recommend 45 hours professional tuition combined with 22 hours private practise. I structure all our lessons around individual needs and skills. Although the DSA recommend the hours stated above some people pick up the practical skills quicker than others so it really does depend on the individual. To pass your test you have to be able to show the examiner that you can drive unaided in a safe fashion. We will work together and decide on the best course of action for you so you stand the best chance of passing and gaining your licence.

I am very nervous about starting to drive, will this hinder me?
We are all only human and learning to drive can seem very daunting, but I structure all the lessons to help each individual and together we will make decisions on what we are going to learn. We will learn at a pace that will suit you and give you the confidence behind the wheel you need to achieve all your goals.

I have visions of driving instructors sitting next to me barking out orders, is this just a stereotype vision?
Yes indeed, we are all different and all teach in our own way.  I like to be laid back and relaxed with a friendly approach as this I hope will put you at ease and of course I want you to look forward to your next lesson not be scared stiff of me.

Will you accompany me on my practical test?
I can come with you on your practical test but I have to sit in the back and can play no part only observe. You also have to ask the examiners permission, which he will grant when you are called up for test. To be honest by the time you get to your test you will probably be glad to get away from me and have the car to yourself for a while.

I am struggling with my theory test, how can you help me?
During our practical lessons we will cover various topics and the theory behind each topic will be explained. This can be done on the move identifying hazards, road signs and general road user behaviour. This will help you study for your theory test and understand the reasons behind some of the rules we have on our roads.

I have a pc cd rom, which can be borrowed for a small returnable deposit, with theory test questions, and hazard perception video clips for you to practice. I also have a bank of comprehension questions on this website to help you read the Highway Code. The questions are designed for you to look up the answers in the Highway Code so you learn it better than just by reading the book. On this website you can also find a small quiz which tests your knowledge of road signs, road markings and signals.

Can I use my own car for lessons and the test?
As long as you are insured, you supply a mirror for the examiner as well as head restraints and the car is road worthy with L plates displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle you can use your own car for your test. I will conduct lessons in private vehicles after assessing your driving in my own car. This is purely as a safety precaution for both of us.

Do I need to know a lot about mechanics as I have been told you have to answer questions about the engine?
No, there are a list of the "show me tell me" questions on this website for you to look at and I will go through them with you as part of the training. They are simple checks that every driver should carry out daily or weekly just to make sure their car is road worthy, you do not need to be a mechanic to answer them.

What is Pass Plus and if I do it do I need to pass another test?
Pass Plus is a course that I am registered to do with no test at the end. It just takes your driving to another level hopefully making you a safer driver sooner rather than later. It involves some motorway driving that you would not have done before so that is a good experience. By completing the course we just sign some papers and you will be sent a certificate, which can lead to you receiving some massive savings on your car insurance, which is good. All the details are on the website just click on Pass Plus.