When can I apply for a Provisional Driving Licence?

FAQ

You can apply for a provisional licence. once you are 15 years and 9 months old HOWEVER you normally need to be 17 to learn to drive a car.

You can learn to drive a car and take a test at 17.

If you already have a provisional licence to ride a moped, you do not need to reapply.

In England and Wales if you have a disability or long-term health condition you can learn to drive a car and take a test when you’re 16 if you get any of the following:

·     the ‘mobility part’ of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) at the higher rate

·     the ‘mobility component’ at the higher rate of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children and have applied for PIP - you must be receiving DLA before you turn 16 to be eligible

For more information and to apply for your UK Provisional Driving Licence use the link below to check on the Official GOV.UK Website

When can I book my driving test?

The first step is to prepare and practice for your Theory Test.

The are plenty of apps on both the Apple and Android App Stores that will help you prepare for the Theory Test but the one we like most at Wadhurst Wheels is "My Theory Test by James May" further details can be found by searching your App Store.

Once you have passed your Theory Test you have 2 years in which to pass the Practical Driving Test (if you don't get it done within 2 years then unfortunately you have to sit and pass the Theory Test again).

Speak to us and we will let you know when we think you'll be ready to take your Practical Driving Test.

For more information and to apply for your Practical Driving Test use the link below to check on the Official GOV.UK Website

WARNING: DO NOT USE THIRD PARTY WEBSITES AS THEY WILL CHARGE AN ADDITIONAL FEE TO BOOK YOUR TEST, ONLY USE THE OFFICIAL GOV.UK WEBSITE

What car will be used and does it have dual-controls?

All lessons are done in my dual-control car, a green Mini Clubman (manual gearbox), which you will see out and about.  For insurance reasons I cannot provide lessons in your own car.

How long is a lesson?

Normal & Refresher lessons are scheduled for 90 minutes, Driving Tests & Motorway lessons for a minimum of 2 hours

How many lessons will be needed?

It is not possible to answer this with any certainty however the DVSA have stated that on average they expect a test candidate to have had 45 hours formal tuition plus up to a further 20 hours driving experience with family / friends.

Every pupil and, if applicable, their parent will be kept up to date with their progress using the MyDriveTime app.

How long will it take to learn to drive?

There’s no minimum number of lessons you must have or hours you must practise driving however according to the DVSA it takes the average learner 45 hours of lessons plus 22 hours of extra practice to pass their driving test.

Some people may take a little less time whilst others perhaps a little more.

At Wadhurst Wheels we will let you know  when we believe you are ready to take your test.

For more information use the link below to check out "Learn to drive a car: step by step" on the Official GOV.UK Website

What to expect for your Driving Test?

There are 5 parts to the driving test which lasts for approximately 40 minutes:

​·     an eyesight check

·     ‘show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions

·     general driving ability

·     reversing your vehicle

·     independent driving

The test is the same for both manual and automatic cars

​For more information on what will happen on your driving test use the links below to check on the Official GOV.UK Website and the ‘Ready to Pass?’ Website

I've taken my test, what happens now?

First of all, congratulations if you have passed and commiserations if for some reason you have not meet the required standard this time.

Whatever the result you will receive an email directly from the DVSA showing how you got on.

In the event that you did not meet the required standard please forward us a copy of the DVSA email so that we can discuss it together and agree a plan of action. 

For more information use the link below to check out "Understanding your driving test result" on the Official GOV.UK Website

How much do lessons cost?

For the most up to date prices go to the Services tab at the top of the page or use the button below

Do you offer any discount for bulk buying lessons?

Learning to drive is a large commitment to make in both time and money.

To help out a discount is available when booking for 10 hours of lessons if paid upfront in one instalment.  Please get in contact for the latest prices.

Do you offer intensive driving courses?

This is not something that we currently offer but will keep it under review depending on demand.