Useful Links and Info

Supervising a learner

So you've started your driving lessons and want to get some practice in at home,  it's a great idea to practice those skills you've learnt in your lessons and to build confidence on the road.

There are some important rules and regulations you must adhere to. Here is some further information that will help you along the way. 

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You can practice with friends or family, however they MUST:

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• be over 21

• be qualified to drive the type of vehicle you want to learn in, for example they must have a manual car licence if they’re supervising you in a manual car

• have had their full driving licence for 3 years (from the UK, the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein)

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If you don't follow these rules you you can be fined up to £1,000 and get up to 6 penalty points on your provisional licence if you drive without the  right supervision.

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It’s illegal for your friend or family member to use a mobile phone while supervising you.

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Passengers - You can drive with as many passengers as the vehicle can legally hold - however,  my  advice is be sensible, are they going to be a distraction? are you ready for extra passengers?

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Insurance

You need your own insurance as a learner driver if you’re practicing in a car you own. Your family member or friend will usually be covered on this.

If you’re practicing in someone else’s car, you need to make sure their insurance policy covers you as a learner driver.

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Some insurance companies require the person supervising you to be over 25 years old. 

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NEVER drive without insurance. You can get an unlimited fine, be banned from driving and get up to 8 penalty points for driving without insurance.

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All the above information is correct at time of publishing. For the most up to date information visit www.gov.uk/driving-lessons-learning-to-drive

Booking your Theory Test

Please only use this link to book your theory test.

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www.gov.uk/book-theory-test

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There are so many scams about. So please be careful. The test should only cost you £23.

When it comes to help with the theory test I will give all of my students free access to Theory Test Pro which gives them the theory tests questions and hazard perception videos.

Alternatively I recommend downloading the DVSA Theory app. It costs £7.49 for the whole app which includes, the highway code, theory test revision, questions, mock test and also hazard perception videos.

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When we agree its time to book your driving test I will book the test on your behalf. This ensures I am available  on the test date.

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I also have greater flexibility on  changing the test date.

Show Me Tell Me questions

During your practical driving test you will be asked 2 vehicle safety questions. The examiner will ask you one:

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• ‘tell me’ question (where you explain how you’d carry out a safety task) at the start of your test, before you start driving

• ‘show me’ question (where you show how you’d carry out a safety task) while you’re driving

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You’ll get one driving fault (sometimes called a ‘minor’) if you get one or both questions wrong.  Should your driving become dangerous or potentially dangerous during the 'show me' question this can be marked as a serious fault and you will fail your test. 

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Take your time to practice these ready for your test - I will make sure I help you in lessons too and show you were everything is on my car.  

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The 'Tell Me' Questions

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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, two 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

The 'Show Me' Questions

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1. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?

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2. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?

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3. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights?

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4. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?

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5. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?

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6. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?

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7. When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?

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Click here to see under the bonnet of my car and the dashboard.

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