In the UK you have to be 17 Years of Age to be able to obtain and take driving lessons.
If you are in receipt of full disability allowance and are at the age of 16 then you will also be elligable to take driving lessons.
The current driving test fees are;
In brief;
Car test £62.00 (weekdays) and £75.00 (weekends)
or Please follow the link to the DVLA'a Website
http://direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/LearningToDriveOrRide/DG_4022530
I cover the following and surrounding areas;
- Aviemore - Boat of Garten
- Coylumbridge - Drumullie
- Avielochan - Nethy Bridge
- The Polchar - Sky of Curr
- Kinveachy - Speybridge
- Kingcraig - Grantown on Spey
- Kingussie - Dulnain Bridge
- Newtonmore - Carrbridge
With Pass Plus, you have already proven that you can drive by passing your driving test with the DSA, so there is no need to take another test. What will happen is I will take you out on a number of different road conditions;
- Driving in TOWNS
- Driving in ALL WEATHER(s)
- Driving on RURAL ROADS
- Driving at NIGHT
- Driving on DUAL CARRIADGEWAYS
- Driving on MOTORWAYS
This usually takes around 6 hours training Minimum, at the end of your training I will grade you depending how you succeeded in each subject. I will then send the paperwork of to the DSA and you should receive your Certificate of completion within 21 days.
Highland Council’s Road Safety Unit in TEC Services which administers the scheme is currently encouraging new drivers in the Highlands to take part in Pass Plus. Candidates can apply now to register for the discounted course of six lessons from Castle Hills Driving Tuition and they will receive a £100 grant towards the Scheme.
You must be in possession of a provisional driving licence before you will be able to drive on a public road.
I also recommend Reading the Highway Code although this is not essential as Theory training can be given during lessons
Please follow link to the DVLA's Website as they have an online version
http://direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/index.htm
Yes I can pick up from places of work/school, please let me know in advance. This goes for when wanting to be dropped off at work/school.
Your driving licence is automatically revoked (withdrawn) if you build up six or more penalty points within two years of passing your first driving test. You will then have to re apply for your driving test and pass to get your driving license back.
If you get a letter explaining that your test has been cancelled usually they will give you a new test time straight away.
Applying for the exchange of your foreign driving licence
If you want or need to change your driving licence for a GB driving licence, you must complete the application form D1 that is available from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) form ordering service and Post Office® branches. You will need to enclose original documentation confirming your identity and a passport style colour photograph. Send your completed application and the appropriate fee to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BT.
Rules for exchange
The following conditions must be met before a licence can be granted in exchange for a GB one:
- you must be normally resident in GB and have a permanent address here
- if you are a community driving licence holder applying for a British test at the same time as exchanging your licence and you have moved to GB having recently been permanently resident in another state of the EC or EEA, you must have been normally resident in GB for 185 days in the 12 months prior to your application for a full driving licence
- licences from the designated countries must be current at the time the application for exchange is received at DVLA: licences from the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands are acceptable for exchange if issued after 01/04/91.Those issued in any EC or EEA country may be valid for exchange even if they have expired
- you must surrender your foreign licence which will be returned to the issuing authority
- international driving permits are not exchangeable
- test pass certificates are not exchangeable except for those issued in Northern Ireland or Gibraltar when the test was passed within two years of the date of the licence application
- Japanese licences must be accompanied by an official translation, available for a fee from the Consulate General of Japan at 101-104 Piccadilly, London W1V 9FN or 2 Melville Crescent, Edinburgh, EH3 7HW
- Republic of Korea licences must be accompanied by an official translation from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea at 60 Buckingham Gate, London, SW1E 6AJ
- motorcycle licences from the Republic of Korea and Faroe Islands are not exchangeable
South Africa
As there are two types of South African driving licences, the following will apply:- the book of life, which is a driving licence and identity document: the licence part of the book will be stamped to say the applicant has exchanged their licence and the book returned to the person; for the book of life to be acceptable for licence exchange the applicant will need a letter of authority from the South African licensing authority
- the photocard licence will be returned to the South African licensing authority
Canadian licences
If you are the holder of a Canadian licence you will receive automatic transmission only when exchanging for a British licence. This can only be upgraded to manual upon presentation of confirmation, from the relevant licensing authority, of a manual test being passed or a manual test is passed in this country.
NO. If you show for your driving test without BOTH parts of your driving license you will be unable to take the test and you will lose your test fee.
As your driving instructor I will ensure that you have these documents with you before you leave your place of pickup. It is also advised to take you Theory test certificate and also your letter of test confirmation just in case there are any issues at the driving test centre.
- I currently use an '08' reg Renault Clio Dynamique S (106 BHP) 1.5 Diesel
- Manual gearbox.
- Air Conditioning
- Keyless entry and Keyless START. (start/stop button)
- Automatic Windscreen Wipers / Automatic Lights
- Half Leather seats
- 5 Doors
- Electric Wing Mirrors
- Seat Height Adjustment and Steering wheel adjustment
You could get any combination of the following questions, usually one show me and one Tell me question. Click here for a printable view of these questions.
Q1. Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check the engine has the correct level.
Identify the coolant tank and check the min/max markings. If the coolant is below the min mark then more coolant will need to be added. To do this, unscrew the cap and pour in coolant until the max mark is reached.
Q2. Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify the brake fluid reservoir and check the fluid level against the min/max levels.
Q3. Show me/explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
If the steering becomes heavy the steering may be faulty. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. 1) Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained whilst the engine is started, should result in slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. 2) Turning the steering wheel after just moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assisted steering is functioning correctly.
Q4. Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine).
Activate the brake pedal and make use of reflections in garage doors etc to see if the brake lights come on or ask someone to help.
Q5. Open the bonnet identify, where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has enough oil.
Identify the dipstick, pull it out and check the oil level against the min/max markings.
Q6. Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
Press the horn and listen (turn on ignition if necessary).
Q7. Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine).
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine)
Q8. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
As you move off check the brakes. They should not feel spongy and the car should not pull to one side.
Q9. Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
Turn on lights (turn ignition if necessary), walk around car and check that the lights are on.
Q10. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working correctly.
Activate the indicators or hazard warning lights and walk around the car to see if all the indicators are working correctly.
Q11. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Information will be found using the car manufacturer's manual. Check the tyre pressures by using a reliable pressure gauge when the tyres are cold. Don't forget the spare and remember to refit the valve caps.
Q12. Tell me how you would check the tyres to show that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
A safe tyre will have no cuts or bulges. The tread depth should be at least 1.6mm across the central 3/4s of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
Q13. Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
Apply the parking brake. When it is fully applied it should secure itself.
Q14. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable.
Q15. Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary.
Q16. Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.
Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.
Q17. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.
Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.
Q18. Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.
Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.
Q19. Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle).
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.
I use both local test centres, Kingussie and Grantown on Spey. I am also willing to travel to inverness test centre if requested.
Kingussie Test centre pass rate for a car;
2006-2007 = 66.35%
2007-2008 = 55%
Grantown on Spey Test centre pass rate for a car;
2006-2007 = 47.93%
2007-2008 = 44.86%
YES I do.
Notice of 48 hours MUST be given or a cancellation charge will be imposed. (usually the amount of lessons booked for that day)
This is at my discretion.
No. If you were to use all the lessons in a 1 week period, that would be classed as an INTENSIVE. As I will have other pupils I cannot disrupt them too much so a few hours a week (2-4 hours) would be an acceptable amount.
Driving in Snow
When driving in snow, gentle manoeuvres are the key to safe driving. Use all of the car's controls - accelerator, brakes, clutch and steering - as gently (and progressively) as possible. Stopping distances are 10 times longer in ice and snow, so here are some more tips on safe driving:
- Select second gear when pulling away, easing your foot off the clutch gently to avoid a wheel-spin.
- Try to maintain a constant speed.
- To avoid having to change gear while climbing a hill, choose the most suitable gear in advance.
- To prevent skidding, choose third or fourth gear when driving downhill.
- Always apply your brakes gently. Release them and de-clutch if the car skids.
What else should I do?
Always:
- Ask yourself: is my journey really necessary?
- Tell someone at your destination what time you expect to arrive.
- Make sure that your car is well-maintained.
- Plan your route carefully.
- Check the latest weather forecast.
- Keep a full petrol tank (during a bad snow storm it may be necessary to turn back or change routes).
- Keep your windscreen and windows clear. Keep an ice-scraper handy, and use the car defroster or a clean cloth to keep the windows free of mist.
What does gritting the roads do?
If the roads have not been gritted, the first fall of snow is very dangerous. Once gritted, there should be enough grip for careful driving. However, when snow becomes compacted and refrozen overnight then the greatest care must be taken. Ungritted roads will become impassable by most vehicles and even gritted surfaces can remain extremely slippery.
What's the TEN seconds golden rule?
When driving in snow or ice, always allow more distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. At least TEN seconds.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable, dry shoes; snow-covered boots are liable to slip on the pedals, and can be cumbersome.
What should I have with me?
Carry an ice-scraper, de-icer, hot flask, food, blanket and (as part of your breakdown kit) a warning triangle and torch. Membership of a breakdown service is also advised. Also, pack some spare clothes and your mobile phone. It's a good idea to pre-load your phone with relevant numbers, such as those of local emergency services.
What if I get stuck?
Whatever you do, don't continue to spin your wheels; you'll just find yourself in a deeper rut. Instead:
- Straighten the steering.
- If possible, pour sand, salt or gravel around the drive wheels to give them something to grab onto and improve traction.
- Put a sack or old rug/carpet in front of the driving wheels - again to give the tyres some grip.
- To clear a pathway, shovel snow away from the wheels and out from under the car.
- To prevent piled up snow from falling onto your windscreen and obscuring your view, clear snow from the roof as well as from windows.
What if my vehicle skids?
Don't use the brakes. Ease off the accelerator and steer slightly into the direction of the skid until you gain control. Turn with steady motions.
What if I drive an automatic car?
Under normal driving conditions (motorways, etc.) it's best to select 'Drive' and let the gearbox do the work through the full gear range. In slippery snowy conditions, select '2' to make driving much safer by limiting the gear changes and making you less reliant on the brakes. Many modern automatics have a 'Winter' mode which locks out first gear to reduce the risk of wheel spin.
Some final tips...
- Keep to main roads as they are more likely to be gritted and will be patrolled by police.
- Never let other speeding drivers lull you into a false sense of security. • Only drive as fast as conditions allow.
- Don't try to overtake.
- If local conditions are particularly bad, be prepared to wait a little longer for assistance from the breakdown organisations, as cases have to be prioritised.