Frequently Asked Questions
Are you a qualified driving instructor?
Yes. I have passed all three of the exams to become to be a driving instructor. In the UK to charge any money for driving lessons, even fuel costs, you must be licenced by the government. I am licenced, and my performance is monitored by the DVSA and
driveJohnson’s.
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 ever 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. 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. Lessons are £45 per hour, so £67 a week. Discounts are available for block bookings.
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 you help with the theory test?
Yes. I will send you links for lots of free resources to help with your learning, plus a free (to you) app for mock tests and hazard perception practice. I can also give you one to one help if you require it.
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.
If you don't have a car yet, to see my car buying tips click here.
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, 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 - this can be up to 3 months, but could be longer if you want a certain day and time.
Practical - Currently around 6 months, if it says there are none available, new dates are released at 6am on a Monday morning.
Can I get a test quicker?
Yes, but, DO NOT buy a test from anywhere except the genuine DVSA government website (here).
Once you have a test from the DVSA, keep logging in to the DVSA website to check your booking and see if there have been any cancellations that you can have.
You used to be able to buy an app to help find you a quicker test date. Recent changes to the DVSA booking system stopped this.
While these apps are not illegal, they are against the terms and conditions of access to the booking site, so if you use any of the apps, your test will be cancelled and your driving licence number will be restricted,
meaning that you will have to call the DVSA to book a new test, no online access.
I've heard the tests are changing, is this true?
Yes, both the theory and practical tests have recently been updated, and changes are happening to the booking system.
The theory test now includes more questions about first aid, including CPR and defibrillator usage.
Learn how to save a life by clicking here
Practical Tests - These now include fewer stops, reduced from 4 to 3 and less emergency stops, now down to 1 in 7 tests, to allow more time for driving. The amount of time of independent driving, either with sat nav or signs
maybe increased, and could last for the whole of the test rather than only for 10 to 20 minutes.
31 March 2026 - You are only allowed to make 2 changes to your booking, down from 6. A change is classed as adjusting the date, time or test centre. A change is only counted when you click save, so if you change all 3 in one go,
it's counted as one change, hence swapping with someone else is only counted as one change.
12 May 2026 - Tests may only be booked and managed by the candidate, not by myself, a parent, carer or any third party.
09 June 2026 - Tests may only be moved to the nearest 3 test centres. I only cover the Plymouth test centre, tests can be moved to or from Plymouth to Bodmin, Launceston and Newton Abbot test centres, if you move your test to one
of these places I will not be able to help you.
Want to know more? Please don't believe Karen on Facebook, just click here to see the latest correct information.
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;
29 July - AM - Test Booking
30 July - AM - Test Booking
06-09 August - No lessons or tests during this time - I am volunteering at CreationFest
10 August - AM - Travelling Back
15 August - PM - Test Booking
24 August - All Day - Family Booking
25 August - AM - Family Booking
28 August - AM - Test Booking
03 September - AM - Test Booking
05 September - AM - Test Booking
10 September - AM - Test Booking
23 September - AM - Test Booking
06 October - PM - Test Booking
12-16 October - No lessons or tests during this time - Family Holiday
23 October - PM - Test Booking
31 October - PM - Test Booking
What is your current availability?
I am currently fully booked. I don't expect to have any spaces before October, sorry. Please make an enquiry using this link. Please enter as much detail as possible to help me help you.
Areas covered: Plympton, Plymstock and Plymouth
Phone: 0791 9800 791
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