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FAQ


How do I start to learn to drive?

In order to learn to drive, you need to be 17 years old and have a valid provisional licence. You can take your theory test once your provisional licence becomes valid.

Normally, for car drivers, the earliest date your provisional licence can become valid is your 17th birthday, however you can apply for the licence up to three months before your 17th birthday.

So, if you apply for your provisional licence before you are 17 you will still have to wait until your birthday before you can take your theory test.

How much does it cost to get my provisional licence?

At present its £50.

Do I have to have passed my Theory Test before I can start to learn to drive?

No. You can start to learn to drive and learn the theory test alongside learning the practical side of learning to drive. However, you do need to have passed your theory test before you can apply for the practical test.

Can you give me help with my theory test?

Yes we can give you any help or advice you need to help you pass your theory  test.

What kind of car will I be driving?

We use the latest Vauxhall Corsa Manual cars with dual controls fitted as standard.

What car will I use for my driving test?

You will take your test in the same car that you have been using for your driving lessons so that you are comfortable and familiar with the car and it will be no different than a normal driving lesson with your instructor.

Can I do an intensive course?

Yes we offer intensive courses. Please contact us for more details.

Should I take 1 or 2 hour lessons?

We recommend 2 hour lessons as it will shorten the time it takes before you are ready for your test also it gives you time to drive for a longer period and be able to cover the test routes which are often some distance away,  however, if you prefer 1 hour lessons we are happy to provide these.

What is the pass plus course?

This course is designed to further improve your driving skills and become a more confident driver.  It has been designed by the Driving Standards Agency and must be taken within 12 months of passing your test.  Pass Plus aims to build upon your existing driving skills and its purpose is to make you a better driver and reduce your risk of being involved in an accident.  The 6 part course (6 hours in total) focuses on giving new drivers greater experience in the following areas.

  • Night Driving
  • Motorways and Dual Carriageways
  • Out of Town Driving
  • Rural Roads
  • All Weather Driving
  • In Town Driving

There is no test at the end of the course but in order to be signed off and issued with a Pass Plus Certificate from the DSA your instructor must be satisfied that you are competent in your new driving skills.

Drivers with a Pass Plus Certificate are considered to be more confident, better equipped and safer drivers thus being able to obtain lower car insurance premiums.  A list of companies will be given to you on completion of your course.

I am not a beginner and have had lessons before and want a change of instructor and/or have had a break in my learning and want to start up my lessons again, would you be able to help me?

This is no problem for us.  Because of our vast experience we recognise that some people have breaks in their learning.  Because our practical driving courses are structured we ensure that every part of the course is covered thoroughly building on your strengths and weaknesses.

I have already passed my test but have not driven since and don't feel confident enough to drive on my own.  Can  you offer refresher lessons to boost my confidence?

Surprisingly this is not uncommon, people pass their test then delay getting their car for many reasons and this can knock their confidence.  Our instructors are very patient and friendly and we find people soon regain their confidence on our refresher lessons and are then happy to drive on their own. We can also cover motorway driving if that is required.

Do you offer discounts?

The first lesson is £10 (1 hour) Also if you book 5, 10, 20 or 30 lessons you can get a discount which helps with the budget. (See our prices).

Will somebody be sitting in the back of the car during my lesson?

No.  All are lessons are on a one to one basis with no 'back seat passenger'. We believe you are paying for one to one tuition and that is exactly what you get.

What happens if I have to cancel?

Occasionally it may be necessary for you to cancel a pre-booked lesson.  On these occasions we ask that you give a minimum of 48 hours notice.  Failure to do this will result in you being charged in full for the lesson.

How many lessons will I need?

Everybody learns to drive at a different rate but according to the Driving Standard Agency Official website those who pass their driving test have had, on average, about 45 hours of professional training combined with 20 hours of private practice.  We find that people who have regular lessons with our instructors often pass their driving test in less time than this.

How will I know if I am ready for my test?

As your instructor is very experienced they will know when you are ready for your test and advise you.  We also carry out mock driving tests so you can see for yourself if you are ready for the real thing.

Hear what our pupils have to say about us.....

"My instructor was extremely organized. She has booking charts with plans and notes for each lesson about pupils, photos of various tricky junctions and roundabouts on test routes, charts and a model car for demonstrations. She always picked me up for the lesson on the dot.

She tells all the little things that the test officers may mark you on, things that I would have ignored, so that you can prepare adequately for the test. She is very kind and encouraging, and having driving lessons with her have always been fun."


Julia

"Before I came to First Wheels, I had started to learn to drive with two well known driving companies but each time lost interest because of their teaching methods and attitude. After my first lesson with First Wheels I was hooked on driving and determined to pass my test.

Tina is a brilliant teacher - she is patient, calm and never lets you feel that you are not in control. She is great at explaining the manoeuvres and helping you understand how the car moves. Tina prepared me thoroughly for my test and as a result of her brilliant teaching I passed first time!"


Laura

Tina is a brilliant driving instructor. She is kind, friendly and reliable. I passed my driving test first time thanks to Tina giving me the confidence to become a good driver. I would recommend her to anyone as she will go out of her way to help you. Thanks so much.

Carly

I would like to say that driving lessons at First Wheels driving school has been both fun and educational, I was thoroughly prepared for all the challenges I faced during the test, I took everything the instructor taught me to heart and I passed the test the first time around! It truly was a pleasure learning to drive with the instructor.

Souheil

My name is Ahmad and I passed in Greenford , I only made 5 minor mistakes. All the credit goes to your great teaching. Thank you for all your help and support for teaching me how to drive. If it was not for your great techniques and patience I would not have learnt and passed so quickly. My cousin is also very happy as she passed with you and I would definitely recommend you to anyone who wants to learn how to drive and pass fast. Again all I want to say is THANK YOU AND I AM SO HAPPY..

Ahmad