How do I apply for a provisional driving licence?
To be able to apply you need to be at least 15 years & 9 months old and be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away.
You will need to provide:
- an identity document unless you have a valid UK biometric passport
- addresses where you have lived over the last 3 years
- your National Insurance number if you know it
https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence
How do I prepare for my theory test?
The theory test consists of 50 questions and 15 hazard perception clips.
You can find many apps on your phone or tablet. we recommend the Official DVSA Theory Test Kit or Theory Test Pro although there are many others to choose from. If you prefer a written version, see below, We suggest you start learning your theory as soon as possible, even before you start driving lessons as it will provide with some helpful road and safety knowledge.
How do I book my theory and practical driving test?
Book your theory test here:
https://www.gov.uk/book-theory-test
Book your practical test here:
https://www.gov.uk/book-driving-test
When booking my practical test I am asked for an ADI number, what is this?
This is your Approved Driving Instructor’s number which allows the result of your test to be logged against your instructor’s record:
Claire 326021
Tony 264849
Warren 261411
Julie 808949
I have lost my theory test certificate, can I still book my practical driving test?
You will need your theory certificate number which you can obtain here:
https://www.gov.uk/find-theory-test-pass-number
What documents do I need to take with me to my practical test?
Take a look at this link on the gov.uk website for more information:
https://www.gov.uk/driving-test/what-to-take
I’ve lost my driving licence, can I still take my practical test?
Sadly not, you will need to apply for a replacement licence here:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-online-to-replace-a-driving-licence
I’ve have been disqualified from driving, what do I need to do to retake my driving test?
You will need to retake both your theory and practical tests which will be extended to 60 minutes. You will find everything you need to know here:
https://www.gov.uk/driving-disqualifications/disqualification-until-test-pass-or-extended-test-pass
I have recently moved to the UK and hold a driving licence from another country. What do I need to do to prepare for the UK driving test?
Take a look here to see if you are eligible to exchange your driving licence and if you’re not you can apply for a UK provisional licence:
https://www.gov.uk/exchange-foreign-driving-licence
I’m really nervous about starting to learn to drive, what can I do to help with my anxiety?
All the driving instructors at CM Driving School are calm and patient and will help you learn to drive at your own pace, they aim to teach you coping mechanisms to keep calm and focus on the control of the vehicle and the environment around you. They can also help you control your thoughts and feelings. You can sign up to a subscription to the Confident Drivers website too:
https://www.confidentdrivers.co.uk
I have a full driving licence but have not driven for many years, do you offer refresher drives?
Yes! We offer driving tuition for all levels of driving. Come and have an assessment drive and see how you feel.
Do you have both female and male instructors?
Yes. If you have a preference on who you would like to learn with, please just ask.
We’re thinking of buying an electric car and I’ve heard all electric cars are automatic, is there a benefit learning to drive a manual car?
The choice of learning in an automatic or manual car is a personal one. The benefit of learning in a manual car is that you will also be able to drive an automatic after you have passed the manual test without taking a separate test. If you pass in an automatic car, you wont have as much flexibility.
I’m really tall/short and I’m worried about the size of the car I will be learning in, can you offer any reassurance?
Absolutely. Our instructors have car will fully adjustable driver seats and booster cushions if necessary. We can arrange to visit for you to have a try out of the drivers position before lessons start.
How many lessons will I need to become safe on the roads?
That’s the million dollar question. Each driver learns to drive at a different pace and we will help you get on the road as quickly and as safely as possible.
The DVSA suggest the average time is 45 hours plus 22 hours of private practice. You’re looking at between a £1600 and a £2300 spend. Of course, this is just an average and it could be more or less.
I’m a parent and have been taking my son/daughter out in my car, is there a benefit to professional lessons?
Yes, certainly. Private practice will help support the skills learnt through professional driving lessons. Our CM Driving School instructors are more than happy to work with those who support learners and arrange homework as such. This will boost the learning curve and create a more independent driver.
Is there a benefit to having 2 hour lessons over 1 hour?
One of the things we notice is the progress learners make when they have 2 hour drives. With 1 hour drives, you’re driving home just as you start picking up a subject. With 2 hour drives we can introduce a subject, practice it and master it due to the extra time given. It also allows us to explore interesting road layouts and junctions in other towns/cities and to help our drivers read roads they have never driven on before.
Do you offer intensive driving courses?
This is not an area we specialise in at the moment as we run full diaries with a number of drivers. We can provide more than one lesson per week if we plan ahead and we can also recommend instructors who offer intensive courses.
What do I need in order to be prepared for my first lesson?
Take a look here for more information:
Before your first lesson, you will need a check code to give to your instructor so that they can check that your driving licence is valid:
https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence
How much notice do I need to give to arrange my first driving lesson?
As much notice as possible please. We run very busy diaries and book up to 6 weeks ahead so the further ahead you book the more likely we’ll be able to give you a choice of lesson times.
Following the return to the roads after lockdown 3, due to the backlog of theory/practical tests and new starters (who were due to commence lessons during the lockdown time) we are now booking up to 6 months ahead.
What kind of footwear do I need to wear?
Sensible footwear, no high heels, flip flops or big boots. If you are worried, bring a back up pair of shoes
I wear glasses for watching TV/reading, do I need to wear them for a driving lesson?
You need to be able to read a number plate from 20 metres. If you need to wear your glasses to do this, you will need to wear them for driving.
What happens if I’m unable to make a lesson?
We ask for 48 hours notice of any cancellation so that we can offer the slot to other drivers. Please note you may lose your fee if the cancellation is within this time. We are happy to rearrange your lesson date and time to suit your lifestyle where possible.
Can I have someone accompany on my lessons?
We welcome family and friends to sit in the back especially if they’re the ones helping you with private practice.
Can I bring my child/children on my driving lessons?
Yes you can. We ask that your children only join us once you have reached a confident and independent level of driving. If they need a child seat of any kind we ask that you supply this. It can be invaluable experience to find out what’s it’s like to have your concentration tested whilst driving.
If I get caught speeding on a driving lesson, who takes the penalty and foots the bill?
The responsibility lies with the driver for any points or penalties. Of course, your instructor will do everything possible to help you with your knowledge and understanding of the speed limits on different roads.
What are your pass rates?
We like to help learners of all abilities to learn to drive so our pass rates will reflect that. A majority of our drivers pass first or second time, although a pass is a pass and we will help you become safe, independent and confident. Should you have more than a few tests, we will support you until you have that wonderful pink licence in your hands.
Where can I find car insurance for when I’m learning to drive in my own car?
For good insurance deals try the following:
https://www.collingwood.co.uk/learner-driver-insurance/
https://www.wearemarmalade.co.uk/learner-insurance
https://www.veygo.com/learner-driver-insurance/
https://www.admiral.com/car-insurance/young-driver-amped
If you quote ‘Claire Fry’ and this instructor number (326021) it’s possible to get an extra discount with some of them. None of these insurance companies are endorsed by CM Driving School.
A few others that learner drivers have tried are:
Insure the box
Ingenie
Drive like a girl
Bell
We highly recommend a black box but not one with a curfew.
What should I do if I don’t get on with my instructor?
It’s so important you learn in a comfortable and friendly environment. We are fully aware that not every personality gels, so all you need to do is speak directly to your instructor who will be happy to recommend a swap to another member of the team.