PRACTICAL ADVICE

  • Beginner
  • Pass Plus*
  • Advanced Training
  • Refresher courses
  • Intensive courses
  • Motorway driving

Beginners

Students vary from complete beginners to those that only need a ’top up’ course. As a beginner you will start by learning your ABC’s…i.e. Accelerator, Brake, and Clutch.

You will learn manoeuvring skills, for example turn in the road, reverse around a corner, parallel parking, bay parking and stopping in an emergency. I will teach you simple and easy to learn methods of mastering these skills. I’ll even give you a pack of student handouts to help you learn new skills and drive safely.

Preparing for your driving test

A few weeks before your driving test we will arrange a mock teSt, ideally with another qualified driving instructor.

The mock test is designed to highlight any problems areas that you need to practice prior to your driving test. It will also help you get comfortable with the idea of being tested and be at ease with the person who will be your examiner.

They are there to ensure that you can drive in a safe and controlled manner.

They will make you feel as relaxed as possible on the day of your driving test.

I will teach you at your own pace. If you want to see what our pupils say click here for testimonials on learning to drive in St Albans

Tailor your lessons to suit you (click on + to read more)

The average lesson length is two hours. If you need to learn quickly, then we can schedule three or four hours or more a week. It’s up to you.

We train our pupils in a manual Citroen DS3. It is an excellent car to learn to drive in. It has a 1.6 engine with power assisted steering, anti-lock braking system, height adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, heated front and rear windscreens and superb all round vision to make manoeuvres that much easier.

Blind spot mirrors have also been fitted to assist when driving on dual carriageways and motorways. NB will only be able to drive on a motorway once you have passed your driving test. And if you do Pass plus many insurance companies will reduce your premium.

*The Pass Plus scheme was set up in 1996 by a group of insurers and is backed by insurance companies, Central Government and the Driving Standards Agency. Motor insurers that support the scheme will give you a no claims bonus for comprehensive, third party fire and theft and third party policies as soon as you insure your own car.

The scheme is specially designed to cover the following areas: driving in town, in all weathers, out of town, at night, on dual carriageways and on motorways.

 

Pass Plus Modules

Module 1: Town Driving

This concentrates on observation, judgement and awareness, consideration and cautiousness. Advice is also given on multi-lane junctions, unusual roundabouts, bus and cycle lanes, and under and over-passes.

Module 2: All Weather Driving

This is a theory session, with practice in other modules if the opportunity allows. It covers safe driving in rain, sleet and snow, mist and fog, as well as bright sunshine. Skidding is also covered.

Module 3: Out of Town and Rural Roads

This module concentrates on driving on all types of rural roads, with special emphasis on pedestrians, horse riders, sharp bends, slow moving vehicles.

Module 4: Night Driving

This is a practical night driving session which covers adjusting to dark, driving at dusk and dawn and judging speed and distance.

Module 5: Dual Carriageway Driving

This session takes place on 2 or 3 lane dual carriageways, and covers effective observation, judgement and planning, joining and leaving dual carriageways, overtaking and lane discipline.

Module 6: Motorway Driving

This is a practical session on a motorway covering joining and leaving the motorway,planning journeys in advance, safe speeds in different circumstances, motorway fatigue, breakdown procedures and everything you need to know to drive safely at speed. Motorway Driving Once you’ve passed your test you can now take lessons on motorways! Lessons on the motorway for new drivers allow you to gain experience of: 1. Pressures of volume of cars. 2. Speed of motorway traffic. 3. Driving at speed, in all weather. 4. Night driving. 5. Overtaking and awareness of other vehicles. 6. Joining and leaving motorways. 7. Keeping safe at speed, with good distance between you and other road users.