Your questions

What do I need to do before I can start driving?

You must have a Provisional Licence. Application forms are available from most post offices

The minimum age which you can legally drive a car on the public roads is 17.

If you are disabled and in receipt of mobility allowance, the minimum age is 16.

Until the day you pass the practical part of the Driving Test you are not allowed to drive on your own.

It is also worthwhile having an eyesight test to check that you meet the minimum eyesight standard for driving.

How much are lessons?

This will depend on whether you are booking a single lesson or a course of lessons. Click here to view rates

How often should I have my lessons?

This will be entirely up to you but for maximum progress it is recommended that you have at least two one hour sessions or one 2 hour session per week

What is the cheapest way of booking my lessons?

The cheapest method is to 'block book' your lessons. Click here to view rates

How many driving lessons will I need to take?

Driving is a skill that some people learn quicker than others. For an absolute beginner the Driving Standards Agency, who conduct the tests recommend "at least 45 hours professional tuition plus plenty of private practice", there are those on the other hand that require no more than 16 hours because they perhaps have been driving for a while and need to 'brush up' on their skills before taking the test. We at Confidence School of Motoring have had students who have passed in less than 10 hours and one or two who have required more than 45. You will be assessed at the end of each lesson and given feedback on your progress. With help and guidance from your Confidence instructor, effective use of your free lesson handouts and commitment from yourself the amount of lessons required will be kept to a minimum.

Do I need to pass the Theory Test before I can start my driving lessons?

No. In fact it is a good idea to learn the theory whilst you are learning the practical as it can bring the subject alive making it easier to understand and remember.

What should I study to pass the Theory Test?

There are numerous books on the market. The AA Theory Test: The Official Questions and Answers for example includes all the official questions for car learner drivers from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) databank, with answers at the back of the book. Special features include an easy-to-use self-study aid for learner drivers and questions grouped under 14 key topic headings. The book, and many others, are available from www.amazon.co.uk

Where do I take my Theory Test?

In Northern Ireland, Theory Tests can be taken at any of the following locations: Belfast; Ballymena; Londonderry; Newry; Omagh and Portadown. The current price is £20.50 and tests can be booked by having your driver details and credit/debit card details to hand then phoning: 0845 600 6700. In addition there are Theory Test centres located all over the UK run by the DSA and a pass certificate from any of these is acceptable for Driving Tests in NI and vice versa. To find out where your nearest centre is click here

Now that there is a Theory Test, will I still be asked questions at the end of my Practical Test?

No. The Practical Test and Theoretical Test are now completely separate

Can a friend or relative teach me how to drive?

The Driving Standards Agency strongly recommends that you take lessons from an Approved Driving Instructor. If your friend or relative teaches you they must be over 21 years of age and have held a Full British Driving Licence for at least 3 years. It's worthwhile remembering too that learning with a friend or relative means you could pick up their bad habits

What happens on the day of my test?

The Practical Driving Test lasts 35 - 45 minutes and is conducted by a Driving Standards Agency Examiner.

It is conducted from your local driving test centre details of which you can find out from your instructor. First of all you are given an eyesight test to make sure you reach the minimum eyesight requirement. The examiner then assesses your ability to drive competently and safely and tests you on some of the manoeuvres you have covered in your lessons.

When I pass my test, do you provide any further courses?

Once you have passed your driving test it is recommended that you look at the 'Pass Plus' course which is designed to improve your driving skills in specific areas such as motorway driving, town, night and bad weather conditions. The full course is 6 hours duration and although not officially recognised in NI it is a valuable tool in ensuring that young drivers practise safe driving for life. We would recommend that new drivers in NI enrol at least for the motorway module. There is no test at the end of the course