Cartoons by Luke Insoll
Frequently asked questions.
Do I need a licence?
If you wish to drive on the public highway, yes, it is a legal requirement to have a licence. See ‘Getting Started’ in order to apply for this. Whilst learning, this will be a Provisional Licence, and when you have passed your driving test, this will be changed to a Full Licence. As you can see on the website, however, we run a number of courses that are off the public highway, at Dunsfold Aerodrome, and for these courses, no licence is required. They are usually aimed at the under 17s, but can easily be tailored to suit the over 17s if necessary.
How long are the lessons?
Lessons are normally 1 hour long. Some schools recommend 2 hour lessons, but we believe that is too long for a new driver. Studies have shown that the human brain works best for about 45 minutes when learning a new skill, so that would suggest the second hour would be less effective. If, however, the lesson was travelling some distance, (e.g. home to college), extra time may be needed for this. As a student nears the required standard for taking the Driving Test, 1 or 2 double lessons will be recommended to help improve the length of concentration, and to carry out mock tests with time for feedback.
Does it matter that I have never driven before?
To be honest, it is easier for us if you have never driven before. An actor on the TV show ‘Casualty’, once asked a real doctor, ‘having played a doctor for several years, do you think I now know enough to be a real doctor?’ The doctor replied, ‘No. You now know enough to be really dangerous.’
If you come to us with some experience, of course that is fine. We can look at your driving, congratulate you on what is working, and help you to identify and improve what isn’t.
If you come to us with no experience, we can start at the beginning and work at your pace.
Does it matter that I am nervous?
Not at all. We never shout, and we will go at your pace. Look at our motto.
Do I need insurance?
The simple answer is ‘yes’. Make sure that whoever is driving the vehicle is insured to drive it. It would be utterly foolish to drive without insurance, even if it were not a legal requirement, which of course it is. If you are driving with us, the vehicles are fully comprehensively insured for any driver, with up to £20 million of public liability.
Does your car have dual controls?
Yes. In the early stages, there is no way we would teach without them. Dual controls consist of brake and clutch. We can therefore easily take control of the car in case of danger. The only thing we can’t do is make the car go faster.
What are the 'Show and Tell' Questions?
Candidates will be asked two questions, one 'show me' and one 'tell me'. One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault being recorded.
B01 Show Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.
B02 Show Show me / explain how you would check that 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.
B03 Show Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.
Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
B04 Show Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear; make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle. Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
B05 Tell Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.
B06 Show Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).
B07 Show Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.
B08 Show Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators. (May need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine)
B09 Show Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine)
Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (May need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine)
B10 Tell Tell me how you would 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.
B11 Tell Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)
Explanation: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle. (As this is a
"Tell Me" question, there is no need to physically check the lights.)
B12 Tell Tell me where you would 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.
B13 Tell Tell me how you would 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 ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
B14 Show Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers
Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary.
B15 Show Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens
Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration
B16 Show Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle)
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on.
Explain use.
B17 Show Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car
Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light
B18 Tell 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. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable
B19 Tell Tell me how you would 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
What is PASS PLUS?
Pass Plus is a 6 hour course designed to give newly qualified drivers a head start on a safe driving career. The subjects covered are:
· Town Driving
· Out of town Driving
· All weather driving
· Night Driving
· Dual Carriageways
· Motorways
In many cases, the driver who has just passed his or her test finds it very difficult to see the benefit of further tuition, so it is worth considering 2 things.
The likelihood of a new driver having a crash in the first 500 miles of their driving career is statistically very high, so Pass Plus aims to address this and explore the reasons why.
Many insurance companies offer a reduction in the premium which can more than pay for the cost of the tuition itself.
Awaiting further update