You need to be 17 years old and have a valid Provisional Licence ( you can apply for this a few months in advance) You also need to be able to read a number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres.  - you can apply for your provisional driving licence online here This currently cost £50 (although subject to change by the DVLA)

This is a very difficult question to answer as everyone is very different. The Driving Standards Agency ( The people who run the Driving test) says on average people that pass the test have had about 40hrs of professional tuition. In my experience on average between 30- 50 lessons for a complete beginner. Obviously if someone has some experience this figure would drop.

I would always recomend that pupils get as much practice as possible as it will increase confidence and make you feel more comfortable behind the wheel. However always ask Chris first as you would need to reach a standard of driving first where you would not be dangerous!   -I have dual controls-  your Parents don't!!!  You dont want to scare them off or they'll never offer to take you driving again!

On a serious note: your accompanining driver will need to be at least 21 years old and have held a full licence for 3 years. Make sure you display " L " plates when you drive and ensure you have insurance cover It's not worth taking the risk!!!

Click on this link to get a quote for learner drivers on your parents/ friends car without risk to their no claims bonus

Intensive courses cram in lots of hours of driving into a very short space of time. I have lots of regular pupils who have lessons on a weekly basis so I am unable to offer a course where you could start from scratch and pass in a week. However I am able to offer semi-intensive courses spread over perhaps several weeks if you are looking for a quick route to your licence.
Please call or Email for details

At present I don't have an Automatic tuition vehicle but in some circumstances you could use your own car if you have an automatic that you would like to learn in.
(If you take an automatic test your licence will be restricted to driving automatics)

Sure, if that suits you, providing that I can fit you in you could book in several lessons a week. It depends how intensively you would like to learn and how quickly you would like to pass the test.

Normally a Licence Issued in another Country will be valid for 1 year to drive in this Country. Then you would need to apply for a provisional Licence. This will vary depending on the Country issuing your licence the best advice can be found on the DVLA website ( the people that issue Licences.) Click here for info 

No, you can take the Theory test at any time. It's best to try and learn side by side- Theory and Practical. (Please explore the website for help with this subject.)

The theory test centre In Southampton Is CAPITAL HOUSE It can be found just behind Debenhams in the Town Centre. Click here for a map

This is something that will be discussed during the course of your lessons.
Normally I would suggest that you book the test yourself to get a time that is the most convenient for you, but help is available if required

You will use my car on the test so you will be used to it. If you have your own car it is possible to use that for the test but please speak to Chris first to make arrangements. There are very strict requirements laid down by the Driving Standards Agency for the cars used for practical tests.

The test itself currently costs £56.50 or £67.00 for an evening or weekend slot (see DSA website for more info). Normally pupils will have a 1 hour lesson immediately before the test to settle in, calm nerves etc.. and then you will be charged the equivalent price of an hours lesson for the use of the car during your test. So Normally £44 would be payable to your instructor on the day of your test.( This can be part of a block booking ) The lesson before hand isn't compulsory but highly recommended, similarly, if you wanted to have a 2 hour lesson before your test that wouldn't be a problem either.

Normal procedure is for the Examiner to keep hold of you Provisional licence.
Your new full Licence will then be sent to you in the post. Usually within 2-3 weeks.
You Are allowed to drive in the mean time using your blue pass certificate as proof of passing the driving test.

You will need both parts of your provisional licence( card and paper counterpart) in order to take both the theory and practical test. It is not normally a problem if you don't have your theory certificate. You have up until 3 working days in order to cancel your test without losing your money so if you don't have your licence don't lose your money cancel or rearrange your test. You can order a replacement licence online here

| Home | Prices & Services | Contact | Links |Show me Tell Me | Resources| FAQ |

Driving lessons Southampton