Pippa Caldecott Approved Driving Instructor Preparing You For The Road
Frequently Asked Questions
When am I allowed to start learning to drive?
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).
When can I apply for my Provisional Driving Licence?
You can apply for a provisional driving licence when you’re 16 years and 9 months old.
If you are 16 and you get, or have applied for, the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). In which case you can apply for your licence when you’re 15 years and 9 months old.
What do I need to do before my 1st lesson?
You need to get a code from the gov.uk website so I can check your licence prior to your 1st lesson. You can do this by following this link, which will take you to the gov.uk website. https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence
You will need your driving licence number, your National Insurance Number and the post code on your driving licence in order to do this.
You will not be able to have a driving lesson with me until I have checked your driving licence.
You will need to be able to read (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) a car number plate made after 1 September 2001 from 20 metres.
Do I have to pass my theory test before I can start learning to drive?
You can start learning to drive as soon as you have your provisional licence. It is a good idea to start studying for your theory whilst you wait for your provisional licence to arrive. I can support you with this and once you have booked your lessons with me you will receive free access to a theory study app.
How many lessons will I need?
There’s no minimum number of lessons you must have or hours you must practise driving before you are ready to take your driving test and everyone learns at a different pace. According to the DVSA (The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency) the average amount of time it takes is 45 hours of instruction and 22 hours of private practice.
Can I have private practise?
Yes, you can but there are some rules.
You must make sure any vehicle you drive is roadworthy and properly taxed and insured. You can view your driving licence on line to check which vehicles you can drive.
You must display L plates on the front and rear of the vehicle where they can be clearly seen when you’re driving.
You must be accompanied by a qualified driver who is over 21 and has held (still holds) a full car driving licence for at least three years in the category of car you wish to learn to drive in, for example, if you wish to learn in a manual car then the person supervising you must hold a manual licence.
Your family member or friend is not allowed to use a mobile phone while supervising you as this is illegal.
You are not allowed to drive on the motorway whilst being supervised by a friend or family member.
For more information you can check out the following links:
https://www.safedrivingforlife.info/node/4?policies-synced=synced
https://www.gov.uk/driving-lessons-learning-to-drive/practising-with-family-or-friends
What areas do you cover?
I cover Hayling Island, Havant, Emsworth, Warblington, Leigh Park, Cowplain, Waterlooville and the surrounding local areas.
How to I pay?
I accept cash or bank transfer. Payment must be made in full before the start of the lesson.
How do I cancel a lesson?
You are required to give at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel a lesson. Lessons cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will be liable to be charged at full rate.