Frequently Asked Questions

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I haven't had chance to organise these ‘frequently asked questions' just yet. I've left them all on here for you to browse if you need to. When I get the time I'll organise them into sections or categories so you can get straight to what you want. For now, if you go to the menu on your browser and click on the ‘edit' menu, you should have a ‘find' option. Select that option and type in a key word, such as “test”, then click the ‘find now' button. This way you'll be able to automatically go to any FAQ that relates to your query.

Q: How much are lessons with a Dash instructor?
A: Please see our training page for details of current prices. When you see our prices you'll no doubt realise that for the personal service and high standard of training we provide, you get exceptional value for money. Please call us to discuss any questions you may have.

Q: Do you provide Advanced Driving Courses?
A: Yes. Both Dave and Sharron are fully qualified to train you for the Pass Plus award or for the tests arranged by the advanced driving organisations. Dave is qualified to Roadcraft ‘Class One' Advanced Level. This is the same course completed by Police Traffic Patrol Officers throughout the UK, and is in fact a higher level than that achieved by some traffic officers. Dave can pass on his skills in advanced observations and ‘observation links', car control, driving plans and collision analysis. Give us a ring to discuss advanced driving, or if you have any questions, feel free to e-mail or text us. Complete Pass Plus or an Advanced Course with Dash and you'll learn far more than you would with lesser qualified instructors!!

Q: How can I tell that my instructor is fully qualified?
A: All driving instructors must display his or her Approved Driving Instructors badge (green card) in the windscreen of the car. A green badge shows that they are fully qualified; a pink badge means that they are training and haven't yet passed all their exams. Both Dave and Sharron are fully qualified DSA approved instructors. Just because someone has a pink badge does not mean that they will pass and become fully qualified. You may be learning with someone who'll never pass.

Q: Will it cost me any more money on the day of the test?
A: No. There are no extra charges or any hidden costs. You pay the DSA for your test, not us. Most of our pupils get a one hour ‘settling down' lesson before the test and full use of the school car FOR FREE!! (call for details). Make enquiries with other driving schools and see what you get. I'm sure you'll be calling us. We want you to be able to concentrate on your driving test, not on how much you're going to have to pay out.

Q: When I change gear, can I go straight from a high gear to a low gear?
A: Yes. Not only can you do this, but you actually should! For some reason, some instructors still teach students to change down through the gears . . . in other words, from 5th to 4th to 3rd to 2nd to 1st, on the approach to every turn. This is completely wrong. It takes away your attention from the road, makes you panic because you don't think you can get the gear change done in time and is completely unnecessary. In  modern cars, it is much better to use the brakes  than the clutch and gearbox to slow down . . . remember . . .”brakes are for slowing, gears are for going . . .”. The gear you are in is actually not that important. What I mean is that your speed is the most important thing. You don't need to look at the speedometer most of the time. As you drive towards a junction you just ‘get a feel' for the right speed. So, use the brakes first to get to the right speed, then change gear to whichever one will suit. This will usually be 2nd for an approach to a junction and 1st to emerge at t-junction.
However, you must remember to slow down before changing to a lower gear. Going into first gear at 40 m.p.h. is not a good idea. Always adjust your speed, then change down.
There are times when you should use the gears to help keep the car slow. For example, when descending a long steep hill, if the brake is applied hard for a long time, the brakes will overheat, and not work so well. Selecting a lower gear can help keep the car under control.

Q: I visit your site a lot. I can't believe how much good advice you give and the tutorials are superb. Why do you give away so much and offer the school car to test students for free? I wish I lived in Hull!
A: Thanks! Nice to be appreciated now and again. The truth is that we love doing this. I cannot explain how much pleasure we get from seeing our students develop into competent, safe drivers. We are only a small school and attention to detail and quality training are the most important thing to us.

Q: Do I have the same instructor for all my lessons?
A: Yes, usually. But quite often we have a swap round. We find it's a great benefit to the pupil to have a different view on things and it gives you the experience of driving with someone else.

Q: Will my instructor smoke during the lesson?
A: No, absolutely not. DASH cars are smoke free zones.

Q: Can I get picked up and dropped off at different places?

Q: Do you offer intensive courses?

Does you instructor give you handouts or have website links to original learning material? Does your instructor spend hundreds of hours carefully preparing lesson plans and student records?

ADI's please note . . . Dash will have no hesitation in seeking the revocation of your ADI registration if you are found to be copying our material. If you wish to use Dash copyright learning aids or need advice on the preperation of learning materials please drop me an e-mail.

Q: What do I need before I can start driving?
A: You must have a Provisional Licence first. You must fill in the driving licence application form D1 and photocard application form D750 (Available from post offices). The minimum age which you can drive a car on the public roads is 17. If you are disabled and in receipt of mobility allowance, the minimum age is 16. Until the you pass the practical Driving Test you are not allowed to drive on your own, you must be supervised.

Q: Can you help me apply for my Driving Licence?
A: Yes. You'll need to speak to your instructor who will help you complete the DVLA forms.

Q: How often should I have lessons?
A: How often you have lessons is entirely up to you. We recommend a minimum of at least 1 session of 1 hour per week. This is the most common option.

Q: How many driving lessons will I need to take?
A: Some people learn quicker than others. Your instructor will assess your skill level at the end of each lesson and record your progress on your Dash drivers record. Your instructor will be honest with you and will tell you how near test standard you are.

Q: Do I need to pass the Theory Test before I can start my driving lessons?
A: No. In fact it is a good idea to learn the theory whilst you are learning the practical as it can bring the subject alive making it easier to understand and remember.

Q: Where do I take my Theory Test?
A: There are Theory Test centres located all over the UK run by the DSA. Please see the learners area where you'll find a full list of all the test centres for both practical and theory tests.

Q: Now that there is a Theory Test, will I still be asked questions at the end of my Practical Test?
A: No. The Practical Test and Theoretical Test are now completely separate. Please remember, though, that you will be asked two ‘show me, tell me' questions at the start of your test. See the learners area for full details with answers.

Q: Can a friend or relative teach me how to drive?
A: The Driving Standards Agency strongly recommends that you take lessons from an Approved Driving Instructor. If your friend or relative teaches you they must be over 21 years of age and have held a Full British Driving Licence for at least 3 years. It's worthwhile remembering too that learning with a friend or relative means you could pick up their bad habits.

Q: Will you expect me to know the basics of learning to drive?
A: No. Absolutely not. It is essential that you learn everything correctly from the start. So you will be shown from ‘the foundations' up.

Q: Can I choose to have a female instructor?
A: Yes. Sharron would be delighted to hear from you.

Q: Do you provide tuition in Automatic Cars?
A: No, only to disabled students. This needs to be specially arranged and is not always available. We can usually arrange to provide training in your own automatic car if you wish.

Q: Do you provide tuition for people with disabilities?
A: Yes. Special modifications for cars are available. You would need to discuss this with us.

Q: Do you provide Refresher Courses for Qualified Drivers?
Yes, depending on your requirements there's a number of choices to help.

Q. What happens if I don't get on with my instructor?
A: Very unlikely. We're really nice!!

Q: Do you give motorbike training?
A: No, not at present, but if you have any questions concerning advanced riding techniques, Dave would be glad to hear from you.

Q: How do I learn about driving on motorways?
A: We offer two or three hour motorway courses for newly qualified drivers. Our Pass Plus course includes a comprehensive look at dual carriageway and motorway driving. As well as driving at higher speeds there are other important elements to motorway driving such as joining and leaving using slip roads and knowing how and when to overtake other vehicles or deal with roadworks. Do you know the major causes of motorway pile up's? You will when you train with Dash.

Q: What happens on the day of my test?
A: The Practical Driving Test lasts 35 – 45 minutes and is conducted by a Driving Standards Agency Examiner. It is conducted from your local driving test centre details of which you can find in our learners area. First of all you are given an eyesight test to make sure you reach the minimum eyesight requirement. Then you will need to answer a couple of ‘show me, tell me' questions. The examiner then assesses your ability to drive competently and safely and tests you on some of the manoeuvres you have covered in your lessons.

Q: When I pass my test, do you provide any further courses?
A: Once you've passed your test, you may want to have some extra training to sharpen your skills or practice new areas of driving. Give us a call or send a text to discuss.

Q: Where do I take a theory test?
A: At your local theory test centre. You can find your nearest one in the learners area.                                                                                                 
Q: Am I still asked theory questions at the end of my driving test?
A: No, they are now completely separate tests.

Q: What car do I take my test in?
A: You take your test in the car you learn in or any other that you provide. In many cases the cost to you for the school car is FREE! Please call for details.

Q: Do the examiners only pass so many each day?
A: No. If you're good enough you'll PASS.


Q: Can I use the bus lane?
A: We get asked this one hundreds of times! You can and should use the bus lane if the sign posted times apply to you. Read the signs on approach and decide.

Q: Can I drive on a motorway with L plates?
A: No. You must be a qualified driver to drive on the motorway.

Q: Do you help in preparing students for the theory test?
A: See the learners area for advice. We give full support to our driving students.

Q: Will I be taught to drive on a dual carriageway and motorways?
A: You will be taught to drive on dual carriageways but you have to pass your full driving test before we can teach you how to drive on motorways. Check out the pass plus section of the website.

Q: Do you have to move your head so that the examiner knows that you are using the mirrors ?
A: No. The examiner is a trained observer. Driving test routes include predictable hazards for which sensible mirror use is essential, if only to demonstrate that a situation has been recognised. Moving your head to check the interior mirror means that it must be wrongly set and will therefore cause a potential danger.

Q: Will the examiner mind if I cross my hands like experienced drivers do whilst steering round corners?
A: This is not recommended, the best practice is to feed the wheel using both hands. Also, you shouldn't let the steering wheel spin back after turning.

Q: What exactly is an examiner looking for on a driving test?
A: Your professional instructor teaches you the skills you need to drive. The DSA examiner's job is to make sure that you can demonstrate these unaccompanied. This means showing that you are fully aware of what's happening around you, responding safely and sensibly to situations with courtesy and consideration.

Q: Does the DSA have a quota of passes for driving test candidates?
A: No. All candidates who come up to the standard will pass.