So you are interested in Learning to Drive with The Vallé Driving School but haven't a clue where to start?.

Don't worry - I have put together this page to give you as much help and advice as possible about getting hold of your provisional licence and ultimately getting your FULL DRIVING LICENCE!

Simply follow the steps and links below - I have included lots of Questions & Answers at the bottom of the page and as always, if you have ANY questions or queries then please do not hesitate to contact me personally.    Steve@valleacademy.co.uk

I have received extensive instructor training with a National Driver Training School AND also from the highest level Local Driving Instructor Trainer possible:-

I have also undergone numerous hours training and exams. I have passed ALL the relevant Tests to be allowed to give Driving Instruction (achieveing the Second Highest Grading Possible) and I am a member of the Approved Driving Instructors (ADI).

Before you can learn to drive a car, you have to obtain a provisional driving licence. To apply for this, you must complete the application form D1 that's available from either the 'Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) form ordering service', or from your local Post Office. It takes about 4 weeks for your application to be processed and for your licence to be sent to you - so if you want to start learning as soon as you hit 17, make sure you apply early! Did you know that you can apply for your licence UP TO 3 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR 17th BIRTHDAY?

The Highway Code is essential reading for everybody learning to drive. It contains all of the rules and regs that relate to driving in the UK. As a driver, it's your duty to know these rules - and remember if you don't abide by them, you'll be breaking the law and could end up being prosecuted. This could lead to you losing your licence, so it's worth getting to know what's what!

The theory test is made up of two parts; a multiple choice section and a Hazard Perception test. The multiple choice part is delivered using a touch screen computer and mouse, while the hazard perception test records your responses through the use of a computer mouse button.

You'll need to pass both parts to successfully complete your theory test. If you pass one part and fail the other, you'll fail the whole test, and will have to take both parts again.

You can book your Theory test through the DSA (Driving Standards Agency) website. 

Once we have agreed that you are ready for your Test - what do you do now? You need to apply to take your test with your local DSA centre. You can do this online from the DSA website, but we strongly recommend you don't apply for your test until we agree that you're ready.

When you get notification of your test date - BOOK OUT OUR CAR! In the run-up to your test I can arrange for you to drive the ACTUAL TEST ROUTES that the examiners use as I have copies of everyone that is used for all the local test centres.

Before you do any driving you'll be asked to perform an eyesight check and then be asked some vehicle safety questions.

And they are ALL :-  HERE

You'll then be tested on your general driving ability, including two reversing exercises.

The actual 'driving' part of your test will last about 40 minutes. Throughout the test your examiner will be looking for evidence you've reached an overall safe standard of driving, as you carry out both general and specific manoeuvres. You can make up to 15 minor driving faults and still pass the test, but 16 or more minor faults results in a fail. However, if you commit just one serious or dangerous fault, you'll fail the test automatically.

You must bring the following items with you to the test (if you don't, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) may refuse to carry out the test and you may lose your fee):

• An appropriately insured and licensed vehicle, displaying L- Plates, that's suitable for the test - The Valle Driving School Car is perfect for this - don't forget to book it out early!

• The appropriate theory test pass certificate. 

• Your appointment letter confirming your test time and date.

• Both parts of your photo card licence. If you don't take both parts of your licence, your test will not take place and you'll lose your fee.

If you have an old-style paper licence, you must take your signed driving licence and separate approved photo identification with you.

Don't forget that you now need to notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and exchange your test pass certificate and provisional driving licence for a new 'Full' driving licence as soon as possible.

Q - How much are the lessons?
A - The lessons are £22.50 per hour.

Q - Why do most new drivers take driving lessons with an Instructor?
A - It is risky teaching a new driver in a vehicle not fitted with dual controls. The Vallé Driving School car has these fitted as a requirement of insurance. Any mistakes made will not endanger yourself or others and you may drive in traffic without disturbing other road users. 

Q - How many lessons will I need?
A - How long is a piece of string? People learn at different rates but as a VERY rough guide The Driving Standards Agency says the average learner takes 40 hours of tuition with 22 hours of private practice to be ready for the test. At The Vallé Driving School, we are achieving  considerably less than this.

Q - How long are the lessons?
A - EVERY lesson is 1 hour long and no less! It is recommended however to take the lessons in 2 hourly sessions to allow a more intensive lesson plus time to review thoroughly the lesson.

Q - Is there a minimum amount of lessons I have to book?
A - No. You can book lesson by lesson.

Q - What day or time of the week can I have a lesson?
A - Within reason...anytime! 

Q - Can I be picked up and dropped off in a different place?
A - Yes, why not be picked up at home and dropped off at The Studios for classes? (or vice versa?)

Q - Do you charge more for weekends and evenings?
A - No.

Q - What is your smoking policy?
A - STRICTLY no smoking by anybody inside the car.

Q - Can I have intensive driving tuition?
A - Yes, but we do need a little time to arrange a course of intensive lessons. 

Q - How old do I have to be to start driving a motorcar?
A - For most of us it is 17 years but if you are currently getting Disability Living Allowance at the higher rate (mobility component) you can start at 16.

Q - When can I apply for my Provisional Licence?
A - Normally, for car drivers, the earliest date your provisional licence can become valid is your 17th birthday. However, you can apply for the licence up to 3 months before your 17th birthday.

Q - Can I drive before my 17th Birthday?
A - If you apply for your provisional licence before your 17th birthday, you will still have to wait until your birthday before you can take driving lessons.

Q - When can I take my Theory Test?
A - You can take your Theory Test once your provisional licence becomes valid. Once you have passed your Theory Test you can take your Practical Test.

Q - How do I apply for a theory test & how much does it cost?
A - You can book online or by phone on 0870 0101372. You will need your driver number (from your provisional licence) and a credit/debit card to pay the appropriate fee. For more details of how the test is conducted, etc. visit the DSA site.

Q - Where can I get help/tips/training on my Theory Test?
A - CLICK HERE

Q - Can I start driving lessons before I have passed my theory test?
A - Yes - Its suggest that you do so that the theory test will make more sense.

Q - Do you provide Tuition in Automatic cars?
A - Not at the moment but please contact me for recommendation.

Q - How do I know when I am ready for my driving test?
A - If you can drive and control your car safely and competently, with due care and anticipation of other road users; weather;  traffic conditions and can competently complete all of the manoeuvres then, and only then are you ready to pass your driving test.

You must take advice from your instructor as to when you are ready - too soon and it can be a costly and confidence shattering.

However enthusiastic and keen you are, please bear in mind that your driving test will be the first occasion when you are let loose on your own - if the examiner intervenes then the test is automatically terminated. We therefore will have to assess how safe you are and also how safe our car will be in your hands. So please do not book a test before we advise that your ready - we do not like to have to refuse the use of our car for a test.

Q - Does 'Wearing green' or 'Examiners moods' affect my passing chances or is there a 'Quota of fails & passes' to adhere to?
A - No Quotas, no moods and no subliminal colour messages! When you first leave the Car Park on your test, you have no faults on your sheet. Only you can add faults and subsequently fail your test, not your examiner!

Q - What do I need to bring with me on my first lesson? 
A  - Your provisional driving licence, the payment for the lesson and a willingness to learn!

Q - What happens on the first lesson? 
A - Firstly I will check that you can read a number plate at a distance of 20.5 metres (i.e. 67 feet - about 5 car lengths) with glasses if normally worn. This is a legal requirement.

I will drive to a quieter, safe area and I will then describe all of the car controls to you and show you the important safety checks you will need to make every time you get into the car. I will then teach you how to move and (more importantly) how to stop the car and introduce you to the 'Mirror Signal Manoeuvre' routine. All lessons will be structured according to your ability and you will never be asked to perform an action beyond your capabilities.

Q - I have a questions but I cannot find the answer?
A - Contact me - I am here to help! 

Steve Wortley A.D.I .
steve@valleacademy.co.uk