Driver Learning FAQ’s

To start lessons you must be at least 17 and hold a valid Provisional Licence. If you don’t already hold a provisional license you can apply here NI Direct .

You can start lessons at 16 if you get, or have applied for, the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment ( PIP )

You don’t need to have passed your Theory Test to take lessons, but you will need to pass the Theory before taking the Practical Test.

There are a few things to consider.

In the early stages of learning to drive, manual cars can be slightly more challenging but can also be very rewarding. Once you’ve learned how to control the clutch & change gear. Most people get to grips with this after a few lessons and go on to achieve their goal of becoming a safe & competent driver.

As automatic cars remove the need to operate a clutch pedal & change gear this can alliviate a lot of fears that you may have. There are less controls to operate which will give you more time to concentrate on other tasks. This also generally reduces the amount of lessons required to become a safe & competent driver.

If you pass your test in a manual car you are permitted to drive both manual & automatic. If you pass your test in an automatic car you are required to pass another driving test should you decide to switch at a later date.

All our instructors are experienced, registered professionals who have been approved by the Driver Vehicle Agency. Our aim is to get you driving as quickly and safely as possible. We are qualified to deal with people of all abilities. Please feel free to ask questions if you are finding something difficult to understand. There’s no such thing as a stupid question.

Feel free to check put some of our Success Stories  here.

The amount of lessons needed vary from person to person. The important thing to remember is that you should go at your own pace. Learning to drive isn,t  about rushing to pass a driving test. It’s about learning to become a safe & competent driver.

The Driving Standards Agency recommend around 45 hours of tuition and 20 hours of private practise although most people feel qualified sooner than that.

Our lessons are on a one-on-one basis with the instructor and typically last between 1 and 2 hours. Read more here

The total cost will vary from person to person as everyone learns different rates. The length of time it takes to reach test standard depends on previous experience (if any). Learner Driver Prices

It might be better for a student to learn to drive in Belfast, rather than learning with an instructor in their home town.

Learning in Belfast means you learn to drive in a city and can adapt to changing lanes etc at your own pace. Having an instructor at your side is better than learning in a small town, then being overwhelmed on your first trip to the city!

No. You can arrange with your instructor to be picked up at work, school, home, university or wherever suits you. Also within reason you can choose where you’d like to end the lesson.

Yes you can practise with family members at home. You will need to be insured to drive the car. The accompanying driver must be over 21 and have held a full licence for at least 3 years.

Your instructor will let you know when they feel you are ready to take the test. You might want to have an extra lesson or two just to go over things you find difficult and to boost your confidence in general.

You can use the school’s car to complete your test, or a private car if you are fully insured.