Learning to drive FAQ

L earning to drive can be daunting so make sure you know all the answers before you start.

How do I find out the price of driving lessons in my area?
The price of our driving lessons are the same for lessons in Basildon, Chelmsford or Grays.  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 DVSA advises that it can take on average 45 hours of professional tuition and 25 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.

Why do I need to generate a driving licence code?
The paper counterpart to the photocard driving licence has now been replaced by an online service.  The paper counterpart included information about a driver's penalty points along with details of what vehicles they could drive. 

These details can now be viewed online and it's very easy to view and share your driving record with who need to see your details (such as an driving instructor).  Just go to GOV.UK and search for 'view driving licence'.  You can view your information electronically and generate a check code which you can then share with your driving instructor. 

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 dedicate a local driving instructor to you.
You can contact us about taking driving lessons by either phoning on a landline number, or completing a booking form

Are the driving instructors qualified?
Instructors have to display a badge in their windscreen to prove they're registered with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).  They display:

a green badge if they're a qualified driving instructor
a pink badge if they're a trainee driving instructor

Can I learn to drive in an automatic car?
Yes, probably.  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 offer Intensive (crash) driving 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 being able to accommodate and the practicality of location.  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 DVSA 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 telephoning the DVSA on 0300 200 1122.  However you need to have passed your theory test before you book your practical test.  Please avoid booking a test with companies that charge a booking fee.  The current driving test fees are; theory £23 and practical £62.

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 team 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 43% but Karen's instructors are typically higher.  Our instructors are encouraged to teach to a high standard and will complement the learning process with a mock driving test, conducted by an independent examiner.

Once you've passed

How can I find out more about Pass Plus?
Pass Plus was developed by the DVSA.  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*.

Contact
You can contact us about taking driving lessons by either phoning on a landline number, or completing a booking form
Otherwise you can stay updated on our social media sites. 

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