FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don't you work Sundays?
On occasions I may be available on Sunday afternoons, but with 3 young sons I need to spend some time with them!
Can you offer any better discounts?
Only for close friends and family OR for anyone who regularly attends my church or our parent church.
What car do you use?
Ford Focus Titanium - replaced every 8 months
How long have you been an instructor?
Having qualified as an ADI in 1993 (with BSM) I can claim to be one of the most experienced driving instructors in Kingston upon Thames and the surrounding area. Initially based at Putney, I covered a large part of SW &TW postcodes.
In 1996 I moved to AAnother national driving school, with whom I have remained for approaching 16 years.
Which Test Centres do you mostly use?
Tolworth, Chertsey & Isleworth - plus, on occasions
Morden, Sutton, Ashford, Guildford & Farnborough
How many lessons will I need?
The Driving Standards Agency advise that the national average is 46 hours of professional training, plus 22 hours of private practice. This, of course, covers all ages and abilities - which does mean that occasionally it is possible to reach Test standard with less than 30 hours. Your first lesson/s will establish the number of hours that ought to be appropriate.
What do pupils find most difficult when they start lessons?
Keeping the car in a straight line; preventing the car from stalling; using the correct speed; understanding junctions & roundabouts; forgetting how useful mirrors can be (or ignoring them totally!);not stopping at traffic lights or pedestrian crossings; avoiding parked cars; and making safe decisions in good time - just to mention a few!!
Do Examiners work to Test pass quotas?
No - when asked by a pupil recently (who did pass 1st time) during her Test, the Examiner replied "I don't fail anybody, the candidates will do that themselves - I just record the details".
What is your pass rate?
Recently I analysed my Test pass results for the period April 2002 - August 2010, the first half of which was spent in Northampton. From a total of 386 pupils:-
Over half passed first time - - - - - - more than 70% passed 1st or 2nd attempt
I regard helping my pupils to pass as far more important than boasting about impressive pass rates, which would be higher if those who struggle changed to a different instructor, but very few do!
Please see the Testimonials on a later page for a genuine appreciation from some of my recent pupils.
How can you help with Driving Theory Tuition?
Do have a good look at Drive iQ Pro- using the external links panel on the left -new pupils will be enrolled completely free and will have immediate access to comprehensive study resources.
There is now another on-line facility available (Theory Test Pro) for those not enrolling on Drive iQ Pro.
CD-Roms and other books are available at significant discounts - if not in stock they can be obtained within 2-3 days (and I don't add anything for the postage costs incurred).
During any lesson I can help with driving theory tuition,test on specific questions and explain the Case Studies and/or Hazard Perception - but mostly you will have to study at home and raise questions during lessons on whatever is proving difficult to understand. Drive iQ Pro will make the study at home very much easier.
How has the Driving Test changed?
Please see the separate page that explains in more detail