Frequently Asked Questions
We are often asked about learning to drive and our driving lessons. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Book your Driving Lessons
We are often asked about learning to drive and our driving lessons. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Book your Driving LessonsYou can contact us by phone on 07809 195 866 or send us an email at info@southmoltonsom.co.uk. Alternatively, complete our contact form and we'll get right back to you!
Anyone you pay to teach you to drive must be an approved driving instructor (ADI) or trainee driving instructor (PDI). All qualified instructors are regulated by the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). Anyone you practice your driving with (without paying them) must be over 21, be qualified to drive the type of vehicle you want to learn in, and have had their full driving licence for 3 years.
Our instructors cover a wide area and a number of towns including South Molton, Barnstaple, Bideford, and Torrington. Click here to see a map of the area we cover.
Yes, of course! You can even choose where you wish to be picked up from - usually your home or your workplace.
You can start driving as soon as you are 17 and have your provisional license. Bear in mind that the car you are driving must be taxed and insured to allow you to drive it legally. It must also display L plates clearly - one on the front and one on the back - to alert other drivers that you are a learner driver.
All South Molton School of Motoring driving instructors have a roof box displaying our company logo.
You can learn in your own car if you so wish. However, if you have had no driving experience we advise that you start your lessons in one of our driving instructor's cars. Once they feel you are confident enough that you can drive independently, you can learn in your own car alongside your driving instructor.
You can apply for your licence when you are 15 years and 9 months old.
The provisional licence will cost £50.
You can apply online or complete a D1 form available from the Post Office.
If you apply online, your licence should arrive within 1 week. If you apply through the Post Office, your licence should arrive within 2 weeks.
Yes. You need to bring your provisional licence.
There are a number of ways you can pay for your lessons. You can pay your instructor directly using cash. Alternatively, you can pay online via bank transfer - please ask your instructor for details.
Before starting the lesson your instructor will need to see your provisional licence. You will then learn about the cockpit drill routine and be fully introduced to the main car controls. On the first lesson we will usually start with moving off and stopping the vehicle.
Yes! If you book a block of 10 lessons you can benefit from a discount over our pay-as-you-go lessons.
To book further lessons, simply ask your driving instructor after a lesson, call us on 07809 195 866, or send us an email. We will then discuss times and dates for your further lessons.
If for any reason you need to cancel a lesson, you must give us 48 hours notice. If you cancel with less than 48 hours notice 50% of the lesson fee will be payable. If you cancel with less than 24 hours notice 100% of the lesson fee will be payable. If you fail to pay for your cancellation the lesson will not be rescheduled. If you are self-isolating due to Covid, fee’s will not apply, however we do require evidence of this to be able to reschedule lesson for a future date.
Yes. If you want to drive a car, you will need to pass your theory test before booking your practical test.
The multiple choice part takes a maximum of 57 mins. The hazard perception part is approximately 30 mins.
You can book your theory test online.
You will need to bring your provisional licence.
There are two parts to the theory test - multiple choice and hazard perception. You will need to pass both parts to pass the theory test.
The driving theory test costs £23.00
You can buy theory test apps, books and/or interactive CD-ROMs, all of which will help you prepare for your theory test. These are available online or in high street book shops. There are also free online training materials you can use.
You can book your practical test online. Please speak to your instructor before booking a practical test to ensure you are driving at test standard and our instructors have availability. You must have passed your theory test prior to booking a practical test.
The practical driving test should take around 40 minutes.
There are several parts to the practical driving test. You will first have an eyesight check, followed by 2 vehicle safety questions (also known as “Show Me, Tell Me”). You will then drive for approximately 40 minutes with the driving test examiner whilst following his instructions.
The practical driving test costs £62 for weekdays, or £75 for evenings, weekends, or bank holidays.
You will need to bring your provisional licence and your theory test certificate to your practical driving test.
Call us on 07809 195 866 or Send us an email
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