You will start off by learning about all the hand and foot controls in the car. This explanation can be as basic or as technical as you like. Next you will learn to move off and stop. You will then learn all the required driving skills to pass the test and drive safely after passing including how to negotiate all types of junction, roundabout (we live near Milton Keynes!), pedestrian crossing, dual carragieways etc. You will also learn how to do the required manoeuvres for your test, turning in the road, reversing around a left corner, parallel parking, bay parking and stopping in an emergency. Dave has several ways that he can teach you to do these and can give you fully illustrated notes for his favourite techniques. Dave is currently putting the manoeuvre techniques online here.
A few lessons before you take your driving test Dave will give you a mock driving test. The mock test is designed to find if there are any minor problem areas that need practice. You will also get comfortable with the idea of being tested. A mock test will make you feel as relaxed as possible on the day of your test.
I will teach you at your own pace. It is very difficult to tell you in advance how long it will take but once we have been out for a couple of lessons I should be able to give you an idea of how many lessons you will need to get to the required standard. See "How Many Driving Lessons" on the Site Navigation bar above for more details.
Sometimes someone who already has a driving license loses their confidence for one reason or another, for example they haven't driven for a while or some incident or another has put them off. I am particularly sympathetic to such people because my mum, who was a very good driver, bumped a post and never drove again! It should only take a few hours to get confidence back and you on the move again. I can also provide lessons so that people can brush up on particular topics, for example parking or motorway driving. I can also provide assessments and training for company drivers, I already do this for Royal Mail.
It is well known that people who have just passed a driving test are at much higher risk of accidents than more experienced drivers. The statistic that is often quoted is that in the first year of driving, one driver in five is involved in an accident. As a measure to tackle this the Driver Standards Agency (DSA) has introduced Pass Plus, a group of six modules aimed to develope the skills of new drivers. Details of the scheme can be found on the Pass Plus web site. This initiative is backed by some insurance companies and they can give discounts greater than the cost of the pass plus course (or offer to pay for some of it), particularly for new (passed their test less than 12 months ago) and young drivers. Dave is registered to teach pass plus and is a supporter of the safety benefits as well as the insurance discounts.
All lessons are either a full hour (or two if that is what you booked) and strictly one to one. You will not be asked drop off the previous pupil or pick up the next one. We will not be stopping for fuel on lessons unless you want to experience filling up a car.
Dave has agreed to be bound by the "AA Instructor Code of Conduct" contained in the progress book given to all pupils and the Driving Standards Agency's "Voluntary Code of Practice".
Telephone 01280 815633 - Mobile 07903 197656
Email dave@daves-driving.com
© David Cruickshank 2011, all rights reserved.