Learner driver
Driving lessons
o Manual or Automatic
o Friendly, patient and dedicated instructors
o Step by Step development
o Assessments against Driving Test Standards
o Realistic mock Tests with different instructors
o Start at Home, Work or College to suit travel arrangements
o Lesson time to suit your needs and requirements
o Theory training woven into practical lessons
We teach in both Manual and Automatic cars so if you are not suited to one
method and want to try the other that can be arranged easily. The cars are dual controlled and have air conditioning and power steering and
fully adjustable seats to keep you as safe and comfortable as possible.
Accompanying Learner Drivers
Here at Freeway, we believe in practice makes perfect. It is certainly true that those learners who practice regularly in their own
cars take fewer lessons and develop their road sense and awareness much more
quickly than learners who drive in lessons only.
Any driver of a driving school car is covered by that cars insurance and
therefore legally entitled to drive on the road. But learners wishing to drive outside of a driving lesson must be insured to
drive the car they are in, display clear L plates, both front and back, hold a
valid provisional licence and be accompanied by a full licence holder who has
held their UK driving licence for at least 3 years and be over 21 years of age.
The driving test
o Have the option of your instructor accompanying you
o Read a number plate at 20.5m
o Answer 2 “show me, tell me” questions
o Drive for 38-40 minutes
o Perform one reverse manoeuvre
o May include Emergency Stop
o Drive independently for 10 minutes
o Result given immediately the test has finished
The first driving test was conducted in Britain in 1935 and in the last 75 years
there have been many modernisations to reflect the changing scene of our roads
and make improvements to road safety.
Theory Lessons
o The theory test questions explained in “plain speak”
o Tips on how to score highly in the Hazard Perception test
o Free sample theory Questions to develop theory and practical driving skills
o Learn on your practical lesson or in the comfort of your home
o The latest study material at trade prices
The purpose of the theory test is to unite road users to the rules of the
Highway Code and provide a thorough grounding for anyone driving in Great
Britain. The test was first introduced in 1996 and has been a major step to
improving road safety and awareness by educating Learners in areas not
necessarily covered in the driving lessons.
Pass Plus
Topics include
o Town / City Driving
o Motorway Driving
o Dual Carriageways
o Driving at night
o Rural Roads
o Extreme weather conditions
Benefits are
o Increase experience on driving on different types of roads and conditions
o Enjoy reduced insurance premiums
o Evolve more quickly as a new driver to a good driver!
o Practice an intended long route with the experience and knowledge of your
instructor
Qualified Drivers
Driving instructor training
If you like driving, have a clean UK licence, which you’ve held for at least 3 years, are over 21 and are patient and good at explaining
things; you have all the qualities needed to become a driving instructor. The qualifying exam is in 3 successive parts and is conducted by the DSA. (see
their web site for further details). Part 1 is an extended and more thorough
version of the Learner theory test. Part 2 is a strict test of your driving ability. Part 3 is a test of your instructional ability.
To become an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) you must pass all 3 parts of the
exam within 2 years of passing part 1. However, you must pass parts 2 and 3 on or before the third attempt.
Taxi & chauffeur training
Many Local authorities now require all potential taxi drivers to pass an
additional driving test before a taxi licence is issued. Chauffeur drivers will also need this qualification to assure their prospective
employers of their highly professional standard of driving.
The test is conducted by the DSA and a higher level of driving is expected than
the L test to reflect the experience the driver should have attained. Fewer than 9 driving faults (none of which should be serious) need to be
recorded in order to secure a pass. A typical fault is failing to look over your shoulder (covering your blind spot)
before moving off. Candidates will also be expected to park and turn the vehicle around safely and
in full control, using forward and reverse gears and have a good understanding
of the extra responsibility involved in carrying fare-paying passengers.
Motorway driving
Motorways differ from ordinary roads in that they are designed to help large
volumes of traffic travel faster and in greater safety. They are statistically safer than other roads in relation to the number of
accidents occurring. However, when they do happen motorway accidents occur at high speed and involve
more vehicles. As a result, injuries are more serious, often with greater loss of life. Travelling faster means that conditions change even more rapidly therefore
drivers need to be ever alert and concentrating.
In the UK Learner drivers are not permitted to drive on the motorways but full
licence holders are permitted without the requirement of further testing. This means that many drivers have no professional practical instruction on
driving on motorways nor have practiced the skills necessary to stay safe and
alive, which only makes them more hazardous to other drivers.
Towing trailers B + E
If you passed your practical driving test on or after 1st January 1997 and wish
to tow a trailer that exceeds 750kg and the combined weight of the towing
vehicle and trailer exceeds 3.5 tonnes you will need to pass a practical B+E
(car+trailer) test. You will also need this category if the laden weight of the trailer exceeds the
unladen weight of the towing vehicle.
Your vehicle handbook will advise you on the maximum gross vehicle weight and
the maximum weight of a trailer suitable for that vehicle. The trailer manufacturer will advise you of the unladen weight of the trailer. However, you must consider the laden weight of the trailer (I.e. the trailer
plus the load).
This means in most cases towing a medium to large caravan or horse/boat/catering
trailer with a family size vehicle suitable for carrying this weight will need
the B+E category.
International & foreign licence holders
If you hold a licence valid in another country there are various rules and
regulations about its validity to drive in the UK. Visit the DVLA web site at www.direct.gov.uk/motoring and look under driver
licensing
Generally, you are permitted to drive for a period of 12 months but should apply
for a UK provisional licence and pass the UK driving test within 12 months of
residency to continue licence validity. If you do not attempt or pass the test within this time, you must display L
plates and be accompanied by a full UK licence holder as all provisional
licence holders.
To enjoy uninterrupted driving therefore, it is recommended you start lessons
well before your first attempt at the test within the first 9 months of
residency.
