Frequently Asked Questions
Do you teach Manual or Automatic or Electric?
I teach manual, once you pass your test in a manual, you will be able to drive manuals, automatics and electric vehicles.
I work with some very good instructors that teach in automatics, so we may be able to help you out, so please get in touch if this is what you require. If you pass your test in an automatic,
you will only every be able to drive an automatic. Electric cars are classed as Automatics.
What should I wear?
You can wear whatever you are comfortable in, with a few exceptions. Don't wear anything too revealing. Short skirts will ride up, constantly pulling them down is not safe, wear a longer skirt. Be careful that
long trouser legs don't get caught on pedals, again extra long sleeves could stop you holding the steering wheel correctly. Hoodies are fine, hoods must be down at all times so as not to restrict visibility.
Can I wear sliders \ flip flops \ sandals?
No. Whilst the UK has fairly relaxed laws on footwear, all footwear should allow you to have full control of the car, in the event of an accident proving that your shoe didn't slide off your foot so you
didn't have control could be difficult.
Can we practice the test routes?
Most of Plymouth is in the area that can be used for tests. While most routes are known, new ones are added and old ones adjusted to allow for roadworks and traffic flow. So rather than try to guess which
route you will drive you will be taught how to cope with all road types, and given some extra support to cover some of the more unusual junctions and road layouts in Plymouth. Please see the map of the
current known area that can be used for tests from the Plymouth Test Centre
Some parts of this image are copyright of Google 2023. Click for
a larger view.
Where are the test centres?
Theory tests in Plymouth are carried out in the city centre at Princess Court, 23 Princess Street, Plymouth, PL1 2EX.
Practical tests are carried out from the Ernesettle area at Ernesettle Lane, Plymouth, PL5 2EY.
How much are lessons?
Lessons are normally 1.5 hours long. An hour isn't long enough to allow access to all of the areas needed to be driven on, while two hours are often too long for a learner to concentrate for without getting
too tired. The current price of lessons are £40 per hour. Discounts are given if you buy a block of ten hours, a discount of £20 is given, so £380 for 10 hours.
Are discounts available for NHS or Students?
Yes. When buying a block of 10 hours and extra £10 discount will be given, so you pay £370.
Can I get a refund on any unused credit?
Yes. When you pass your test or stop lessons for any other reason any unused credit will be returned in full.
Can I practice in my own car?
Yes. Once you have mastered the basics it is safe for you to practice in your own car. This is recommended by the DVSA. Please speak to me about it before doing so though.
The person sitting beside you must be over 21 years old and held a licence for that vehicle for at least 3 years.
Can You recommend an insurance company for learning with?
When learning to drive in a parents or friends car it is often cheaper and better to use learner insurance rather than adding yourself to their insurance. This works as a separate insurance that is only
valid when you are driving the car, so the car must have it's own insurance as well, but doesn't risk their no claims bonus.
Here are a list of some of the main companies that provide this cover, I do not get any commission or discounts if you buy from these companies. I am not recommending them as I have never had to claim, please do your own research.
Adrian Flux
Veygo
Marmalade
Day Insure
Collingwood
What are the test wait times?
Current wait times for tests in Plymouth are;
Theory - 2 to 4 weeks, but could be up to 8 weeks if you want a certain day and time.
Practical - Currently around 6 months
Can I get a test quicker?
Yes, you can keep logging in to the DVSA website to check your booking and see if there have been any cancellations that you can have.
You can buy an app that does this for you, some of them can auto book a test when it comes up, within dates that you specify, or just get it to tell you whenever if finds one, so you can decide if you want to take it then or not.
The test may have been taken while you make up your mind.
Some companies are offering 'their' tests to the public for a fee, up to £300, DO NOT DO THIS. The selling of tests is illegal, and if the DVSA think that this has happened, they will cancel the test and you will lose your money,
and still not have a test date.
The main apps are Testi, Driving Test Cancellations Now and Driving Test Cancellations 4 All.
Testi is around £10 and will alert you when it finds a test, you then login to the DVSA site and change your booking.
Driving Test Cancellations Now is the only app I know of that can automatically book a new test for you and costs around £18.
Driving Test Cancellations 4 All is another app that will text or email you when it finds a new test date, reply to the text to book the new date, this costs round £20, but ask me for a code to get 40% off, so £12.
Can I book my own practical test?
Yes, but please check with me before doing so, I will tell you when I think you will be ready for your test. If you are not ready you will have to move your test date back if you want to use my car for the test.
The following dates and times are when I am not available to take you to test;
13-20 June - All Day - Possible Holiday Dates
23 June - PM - Test Booking
25 June - AM - Test Booking
01 July - AM - Test Booking
31 July-03 August - No lessons or tests during this time - I am volunteering at CreationFest
29 August - AM - Test Booking
13-17 October - All Day - Holiday Dates
What is your current availability?
I am currently fully booked. Please contact Lendrums Driving School to get put on to their waiting list.
Contact Dave Upcott - Instructor
Areas covered: Plympton, Plymstock and Plymouth
Phone: 0791 9800 791
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