FAQs Archive - Page 2 of 2 - Surrey Driving Force

Q: What about the theory test?

Details about the theory test can also be found on the DirectGov website . You can book a theory test here .

Q: What is the minimum age for driving lessons?

In the UK, the minimum age for driving on public roads is 17 and you must have a provisional driving license. You can apply for your provisional driving license 3 months before your 17th birthday (it will come into effect on your 16th birthday). The only exception to this is if you are receiving disability living (mobility) allowance at the higher rate. In this case you can apply for your provisional driving license 3 months before your 16th birthday (it will come into effect on your 16th birthday). To apply for your provisional driving license see below.

Q: Can I learn to drive in an automatic car?

Yes we have automatic vehicles if you would prefer to learn this way. Please bear in mind though that if you pass your driving test in an automatic car, you will only be able to drive an automatic vehicle, which may be restrictive. However there are a number of reasons why people learn to drive in an automatic car, such as medical reasons or the fact that you don't have to worry about the clutch and changing gears whilst driving, allowing you to concentrate more on the road.

Q: Can I practice between lessons?

Yes, you can also build up your experience by driving privately between lessons, when accompanied by a suitably qualified driver. This additional driving experience can help you progress quicker.

Q: How many lessons do I need to be ready for my test?

It's difficult to put an exact number of hours, as everybody learns at a different rate. The national average is 45 hours of professional training, but at Surrey Driving Force, we find many of our students pass in considerably less than that, especially if you can practice privately (see below).

Q: Can I just have lessons for 1 hour at a time?

We actually recommend lessons of two hours. Whilst you can have a standard 1 hour lesson, we find it more productive to have 2 hour lessons as your skills develop quicker because we don't have to cover old ground. Also we generally find that our students pass their test in less hours, meaning the overall cost is actually cheaper.