FAQ about Learning to drive Grays

D riving lessons Grays

How do I find out the price of driving lessons in my area?
The price of lessons can vary in different parts of the county.  Get a quote for Karen's driving lessons in your area.

How much does learning to drive cost?
The cost of learning to drive depends on a variety of factors, including the cost of lessons in your area, how much driving experience you already have, and how much private practice you do.

The Driving Standards Agency advises that it can take on average 45 hours of professional tuition and 22 hours of private practice to pass a driving test.

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 complete a D1 form up to three months before your 17th birthday, and you can either pick one up from the post office or apply online .

How much does it cost to get your provisional licence?
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency publishes the cost of obtaining a licence on it's website.

I have a foreign licence.  How can I find out if I can exchange it for a British one?
Driving licences from many countries can be exchanged for British licences, but the process varies depending which country you are from.  Check the advice online to see what you should do.

How do I find an instructor in my local area?
Please call us on 0845 257 9716 and we will do our best to find a local driving instructor for you.

Can I learn to drive in an automatic car?
Yes, anyone can learn to drive in an automatic car.  It is generally quicker and easier to learn than a manual, but once you have passed your test you can only drive automatic cars.

I have a three point penalty twice on my provisional licence.  Can I still take my practical test?
Yes, you can still take your practical test.  However, we encourage you to consider what lessons you can learn from the situations that caused you to get those points, and what changes you should make to your driving in the light of that.

What makes of car do you use for driving lessons?
If you learn to drive with Karen's Driving School, you'll learn in a modern dual controlled car ensuring you a smooth reliable drive.

Do Karen's do Intensive (crash) courses?
We can offer Intensive driving courses depending on your availability.  The number of hours per week, depend on individual circumstances and experience.  Our instructors work with their pupils to create tailored courses.  Call us on 0845 257 9716 to find out more.

Can I have lessons in my own car?
Your first lesson will be in a Karen's Driving School tuition car so that your instructor can assess your ability.  The instructor will then decide if you can drive your own car in your lessons.  Remember that our car's have dual controls, making it much safer if you're having an off-day!

Can I be picked up and dropped off in different areas?
You can, but it depends on your instructor.  You can arrange this with your instructor after you have had your first lesson.

Can I have evening and weekend lessons?
Yes.  Most of our instructors do offer lessons in the evening and at weekends, although these are the most popular times and tend to get booked up far in advance.

What happens if I don't get on with my instructor?
All of our instructors are fully qualified to the Driving Instructor Agency standard and adhere to a strict Code of Conduct.  It is really important that you get on with your instructor, so if you decide that you would like to change your instructor, we can arrange a new one for you.

Practical and theory tests

Do test examiners pass one then fail one for every test they do?
Myths about driving examiners abound, and this is one of them.  If you are worried about your practical examination, talk to your driving instructor about how the test works and what you may be asked to do on your route.

How do I book a practical test?
You can book your practical test online, or over the phone on 0300 200 1122.  However you need to have passed your theory test before you book your practical test.

Is it possible to use one of your cars for the practical test if I take lessons with you as well?
Yes, you certainly can use one our cars for your practical test.  What normally happens is that you have a short driving lesson just before your practical test and then drive to your test centre.  Your driving instructor will generally accompany you on the test.  The use of our driving school car is included within the lesson fee for the purpose of the driving test.

If you'd like to talk to one of our advisers about the benefits of learning to drive with Karen's, please call us on 0845 257 9716.  Or you can book your lessons online now, where you can find out the name of your new instructor.

How long is a theory pass valid?
Your theory test result is valid for two years.  If you haven't passed your practical test within that two-year period, you will need to sit your theory test again.

What is your pass rate?

The national average is only 47% but Karen's is typically far higher.  All of our instructors are encouraged to teach to a high standard and will compliment the learning process with a mock driving test.  This will be with an independent driving examiner so ensuring all round competence.

Once you've passed

How can I find out more about Pass Plus?
Pass Plus was developed by the Driving Standards Agency.  It is a six-part training course which helps new drivers get experience in towns, all weathers, out of town and rural roads, night driving, dual carriageway and motorways.
Each part lasts an hour and at the end of your module your instructor will pass you if he or she believes that you have met the right standard.

Do you offer motorway driving courses or refresher lessons to students who passed their driving tests some time ago?
Yes, we do offer refresher driving lessons.  To find an instructor in your area, get prices and book lessons, please call us on 0845 257 9716.

Discounts

What discounts do I get as a Karen's Driving School pupil driving school pupil?
As a Karen's Driving School pupil you are entitled to a variety of discounts on driving lessons and free to enter our competitions*.

Make a booking

*terms and conditions may apply