Learners

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a provisional before starting my lessons?

Yes you will need to have your provisional licence before starting your lessons. You can apply for your lessons on the gov.co.uk website and it will cost £34 or you can do it by post but its £43
What are the main reasons people fail their test?

1. Observations at junctions - Ineffective observation and judgement

2. Use of mirrors - Not checking or not acting on the information

3. Lack of steering control - Steering too early or leaving it too late

4. Incorrect positioning to turn right - At junctions and in one way streets

5. Moving away safely - Ineffective observation

6. Response to Traffic lights - Ineffective awareness

7. Moving off - Lack of control

8. Incorrect positioning on the road - At roundabouts or on bends

9. Response to signs and road markings - Not taking appropriate action

10. Reverse parking - Ineffective observation or a lack of accuracy
Do I need tuition for my Theory Test?

Absolutely not! Your actual Theory Test will be done on a computer at a DVSA Test Centre. Your instructor should go though certain parts of the theory naturally in lessons anyway but beware of Driving Schools that offers tuition on actual theory lessons. "Theory Test lessons" are not necessary. That school might be trying to sell you more lessons than you actually need.
Do you have automatic cars available?

At the moment we can only offer the choice of MANUAL or AUTOMATIC lessons in Bedford. In all other areas we offer manual lessons only at this time...
Can I start my lesson here and end it there?

Yes - you can get picked-up at one location (maybe home) and dropped-off somewhere else (maybe school/college/work etc.) within reason.
Do you offer "intensive" courses"?

No we don't. Our instructors are too busy to fit in enough lessons to offer intensive courses. There are companies out there who specialise in this type of learning.
How do I know whether I'm making the right progress with my lessons and if when I'm ready for my test?

We've developed a Pupil Progress Card, which is filled-out at the end of each lesson and is kept by your Instructor. Like most good ideas, it's not rocket science but it's really effective! We've broken the huge subject known simply as "driving," into 35 separate (but inter-related) headings. There are 9 different "grades" for each subject; 1 means you've only just been told about a topic, 9 means you're Test-Standard. By using this simple, one page Pupil Progress Card, you can see EXACTLY where you're at on your learning curve. At the end of each lesson your Instructor will update the card, so you'll immediately see what progress you made on that lesson. Your Instructor will use the Card to plan each lesson, so that you can get the most out of it.

Probably even more importantly, he can use the Card to accurately forecast how long it will be before you are ready for your test, and save you a small fortune in the process.... Please see the next topic for more details!
My current driving instructor won't let me book a driving test "until he says I'm ready" -should I be worried?

Yes, very probably! Everyone in the driving business knows that most Test Centres have very long waiting lists. Currently up to 6 months thanks to Covid.

It therefore makes sense for an Instructor to get his/her pupil to book the test well before they are actually ready, making sure that they will be ready by the test date.
This all sounds great - how do I book a lesson?

Simply call us, or click "Book Now" in the main menu. Please note that the more flexible you can be with your availability, the more likely we'll be able to find an Instructor with a slot for you.
Who do I pay and how do I pay?

You pay your Instructor direct, by cash, bank transfer on a pay-as-you-go basis . I'm afraid we don't have the facility to take credit or debit cards at this time. Don't forget you don't need to pay a penny until you actually receive your first lesson, so book early to grab the slots you want!
Why do lesson prices vary so much? I've found a cheaper school.

This is very much a case of you often get what you pay for. If an instructor seems too cheap there may be a reason why. Many believe that all driving instructors are the same and we can assure you this is definitely not the case.

Pass Plus

You've passed your driving test - now you can drive on your own at last. But it doesn't stop there; this is just the end of the beginning...

Getting your own car will give you the independence you need. For a new driver, the cost of insurance can be sky high.

And the reason for this?

Statistics show that new drivers are more likely to have an accident in the first two years of passing their test than at any other time in their driving career.

Age doesn't matter – it's basically down to a lack of driving experience.

That's where PASS PLUS comes in!

When you successfully complete PASS PLUS you will usually qualify for a substantial discount on your motor insurance policy. The saving could more than cover the cost of training!

The Pass Plus Syllabus

The course lasts 6 hours (usually 2 X 3 hour sessions) and covers the Pass Plus Modules listed below. It is your Instructor's job to ensure that you reach the required standard. At the end you will be awarded the Pass Plus Certificate, which can earn you discounts from participating Insurance Companies. The saving could more than cover the cost of training!
Driving on Motorways

Motorways are like no other roads: learn how to drive on them safely and correctly under expert supervision.
Town driving

Driving in town can be daunting: rush hour traffic, complicated junctions and traffic systems... learn the skills to deal with all these and more.
All-weather driving

Rain, fog, bright sunshine, snow and ice: find out how to drive safely in all the different weather conditions you'll face on the road.
Driving out of town

Country roads can harbour all kinds of hazards, from sharp bends and potholes to farm vehicles and animals in the road.
Night driving

Dealing with dazzle, judging distance and speed, using your lights correctly - these are just some of the areas covered.
Driving on dual carriageways

To drive safely on fast, multi-lane roads you'll need all your skills of observation, concentration, anticipation and lane discipline.

Under the rules of the Pass Plus Scheme, you must take this course within 1 year of passing your Driving Test. If not, you may find that the participating Insurers will withdraw their incentive discount.

£270 for the 6-hour course with a Pass Plus registered ClickDrive Instructor.

Participating Insurers

When you successfully complete PASS PLUS you will usually qualify for a discount on your motor insurance policy.! Motor insurers who support the scheme offer discounts on

comprehensive

third party fire and theft

third party insurance policies

Show me, Tell me questions

‘Tell me’ Questions

(One of these will be asked BEFORE you set-off on test)

1. Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
2. Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
3. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.
4. Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre.
5. Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).
6. Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.

Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
7. Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), and then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).
8. Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.

Explain you’d operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.
9. Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, 2 simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
10. Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/ them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.
11. Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.

Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.
12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.

Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.
13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.

Identify high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings.

‘Show me’ Questions

(One of these will be asked DURING your drive)

1. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
2. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
3. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?
4. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?
5. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?
6. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?
7. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?

About the Driving Tests

Theory and hazard perception come first

You can start you driving lessons before you pass the theory & hazard perception test. However, you must have passed it before the DVSA will let you apply for your practical test.

If you're not with ClickDrive, make sure your Instructor isn't wasting your valuable lesson time by parking-up and going through "Theory Test Training". This is a common way of padding-out lessons and is totally unnecessary.

The best way to revise for the theory is to download the "Official DVSA theory test kit" app from your app store or equivalent on android devise. for £4.99 It has everything you will need and tracks your progress.

Getting a theory test booked

You will need a valid provisional driving licence to take your theory test. Once you've got that, you can book your theory and hazard perception tests online at Gov.co.uk and follow the links or by phone on 0300 200 1122.

The theory test is a 50-question multiple-choice test. To pass you must answer 43 or more questions correctly within 57 minutes. Questions are chosen at random from a bank of over 1,000 questions, and you answer by touching the screen. During the test you have the option to skip questions and return to them later.

How the hazard perception test works

Immediately after your theory test, you'll watch a series of 14 one-minute video clips, each showing potential developing hazards involving different road conditions, pedestrians or road users.

There are 15 hazards to identify and you can score up to 5 points on each one, depending on how quickly you identify them. You need to score 44 out of 75 to pass.

The practical test

In your practical test, you have 40 minutes to demonstrate everything you have learned in your driving lessons.

You need to show you can drive competently and safely in all kinds of driving situations.

You'll be asked to do 1 of the 4 reversing manoeuvres you've practised with your instructor, and possibly make an emergency stop.

You'll be asked to drive independently for up to 20 mins either following directions from a sat-nav or road signs.

You'll also answer two vehicle safety check questions, one 'show me' question carried out whilst driving and one 'tell me'. question carried out at the test centre.

To pass, you will have to complete the test with no serious faults, and you must have 15 or fewer minor errors.

For more information about the test, please visit the official government website

https://www.gov.uk/driving-test

Test Costs

The combined theory and hazard perception test costs £23.00

A weekday practical test costs £62.00. Evening or weekend tests cost £75.00

Please note the above costs are what you pay the DVSA for taking their Tests. In addition you need to allow for an hour's lesson as a warm-up to get you settled for your Test, plus the actual hour of the Test. Those 2 hours are charged at the normal lesson rate.