Services
Intensive Courses
We can offer you the option of taking lessons to complete an Intensive Course, enabling you to pass your driving test much more quickly. We have 3 basic intensive courses to choose from. Our experienced driving instructor will help you decide how many hours of lessons you need for your Intensive Course after you have had your free first hour lesson, which will form part of your Assessment Drive.
The practical driving test is usually organised to be taken at the end of the week. Depending on your personal preference, we also offer you the opportunity to take the driving test during the following week in order to accommodate your individual needs to the best of our ability. In order to avoid any disappointment of taking your practical driving test at the end of the course it is advisable to book the course and pass the practical theory test well in advance of the date you intend to start the course (i.e. at least a minimum of one months notice). It is however possible to arrange a driving test at short notice occasionally depending on availability.
10 Hour 2 Day Intensive Driving Course
20 Hour 4 Day Intensive Driving Course
30 Hour 5 Day Intensive Driving Course
Theory Tests
Information about the Theory Test
The car theory test is made up of two parts; the multiple-choice part and the hazard perception part. The multiple choice part is delivered using a touch screen computer and mouse and the hazard perception part records your responses through the use of a computer mouse button. You need to pass both parts to pass the theory test. If you pass one part and fail the other you will fail the whole test, and you will need to take both parts again
For the hazard perception test there are no separate versions for different vehicles, each vehicle category takes the same test, however the pass mark is different for different categories of tests.
Multiple Choice
Before the test starts you will be given instructions on how the test works.
You can also choose to go through a practice session of the multiple-choice questions to get used to the layout of the test. At the end of the practice session the real test will begin.
Hazard Perception
After the break you will then be shown a short tutorial video clip about how the hazard perception part works.
The hazard perception part is also delivered on a computer but you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. You will be presented with a series of 14 video clips which feature every day road scenes, in each clip there will be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards. To achieve a high score you will need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development. The maximum you can score on each hazard is five. You will not be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test; as on the road, you will only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard.
The pass mark for the hazard perception part of the theory test is 44 out of 75.
At the end of the test
At the end of the hazard perception part of the theory test you will be invited to answer a number of customer survey questions. You do not have to answer the questions if you do not want to, and any information given is anonymous and confidential. The survey questions do not affect the result of the test.
When you have finished the test you may leave the examination room. Once you have left the room, you will not be allowed to enter it again. You will then be given your result by the test centre staff.
Some boroughs, town, city or county councils offer discounts up to 50% of the full tuition costs. You’ve nothing to lose! So should this be of interest, then I will give full details of schemes in your area on application.
Practical Tests
Information about the Driving Test
The driving test consists of tests of eyesight, safety questions and driving technique. The test will last for 35 to 45 minutes. You must pass all parts of the test at the same time.
The eyesight test
You must be able to read in good daylight with the aid of glasses or contact lenses if worn, a motor vehicle registration mark containing letters and figures:
79 millimetres in height and 50 millimetres wide at a distance of 20 metres
– or –
79 millimetres in height and 57 millimetres wide at a distance of 20.5 metres
If you do not pass the eyesight test, you will not be allowed to take the driving test. The test will be marked as a fail.
Safety questions
After the eyesight test the examiner will ask you 2 safety questions.
The questions will be chosen from the following list: tyres, steering, brakes, lights, reflectors, direction indicators, audible warning device and the liquids used in the braking system, steering system, engine or elsewhere in the vehicle as a coolant, lubricant, cleaner or otherwise.
Click here for show and tell me questions
The driving test
After the safety questions you will then be examined on your general driving and on two reversing exercises. The reversing exercises will be chosen from:
- Reversing around a corner
- Turning in the road
- Reverse parking
You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise.
During the driving test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. Test routes are designed to be as uniform as possible and will include a range of typical road and traffic conditions.
Throughout the test you should drive in the way your instructor has taught you. If you make a mistake, don’t worry about it, it might be a less serious driving fault and may not affect your result. The examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving.
You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. If at any time your examiner considers you to be a danger to other road users your test will be stopped.
You are allowed to take someone with you on the test; this person must be over 16 years old and cannot take any part in the test.
After the practical test
When the driving test is over, the examiner will tell you whether you passed or failed. You can request feedback on your test from the examiner, who will then go through your performance during the test.
If you pass…
If you pass and have a photo card driving license issued after 1 March 2004 the examiner will ask you if you want your full driving license issued to you automatically.
If you want to use this service, the examiner will take your old license off you, scan the details and send them electronically to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You will then be given a pass certificate to prove you passed your test. DVLA will then send you your new full license by post within four weeks of you passing your practical test.
If you pass your test but do not want to use this automatic service, or have a license issued before 1 March 2004, you will be given a pass certificate by the examiner. On the back of the pass certificate it tells you what you need to do next. This involves sending your license and appropriate fee to DVLA who will then check your application and issue you with a new full license.
If you fail…
If you fail the test you should ask the examiner for some feedback to help prepare yourself for your next test. Your driving report form will also show you where you made any mistakes. You can take another practical test 10 working days later.
Pass Plus
What is Pass Plus?
Pass Plus is a DSA approved training course aimed at the 17 – 25 year olds. Designed to be taken after passing your L-Test. You will learn how to deal with various challenges that you may not have encountered during your pre-test lessons. Thereby helping you to be a safer, more confident driver.
Why Pass Plus?
Newly qualified drivers are much more vulnerable than they realise. Statistics show that new drivers are more likely to have an accident within the first two years after passing their driving test, than at any other time in their driving career. A quarter of those killed on the roads are under 21 years old. 95% of RTA’s are caused by human error, and the new driver’s comparative lack of experience often leads to these errors.
Who can take Pass Plus?
Anyone with a Full UK License can take Pass Plus. However, it is primarily aimed at the 17 to 25 age group, and is intended to be taken within the first year of passing their L-Test. You will not have to take a test at the end of the course but you will be continually assessed. You must successfully complete all the modules in the course to an achieved or exceeded standard.
What does it involve?
Pass Plus is made up of six practical modules which include:
- Driving in town
- Driving in adverse weather
- Driving on rural roads
- Driving at night
- Driving on dual carriage ways
Designed to be taken as 6 1hr lessons. However, this can be into two, three or four sessions. It offers professional instruction in the above areas helping them to:
- Gain quality driving experience (Safely)
- Become a more skillful driver
- Develop a positive driving style to make driving enjoyable, but safe.
- Reduce their risk of being involved in an accident.
What are the benefits?
In addition to their broader range of skills, greater confidence and reduced accident risk, all major insurance companies will offer a substantial discount on the cost of their insurance policies. This is usually in the area of 30% (similar to having a no-claims bonus, but in their first year of driving!) For example that is £300 off a £1000 premium. Many pupils benefit even more.
Driving on motorways
How much does Pass Plus cost?
Our fee for taking Pass Plus is £150.00. However, in light of the importance and success of the Pass Plus course several local authorities are helping pupils with the cost of the course.
Some boroughs, town, city or county councils offer discounts up to 50% of the full tuition costs. You’ve nothing to lose! So should this be of interest, then I will give full details of schemes in your area on application.
Show me / Tell me
| Q1: | Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check the engine has the correct level. |
| Identify the coolant tank and check the min/max markings. If the coolant is below the min mark then more coolant will need to be added. To do this, unscrew the cap and pour in coolant until the max mark is reached. | |
| Q2: | 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 the brake fluid reservoir and check the fluid level against the min/max levels. | |
| Q3: | Show me/explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey |
| If the steering becomes heavy the steering may be faulty. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. 1) Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained whilst the engine is started, should result in slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. 2) Turning the steering wheel after just moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assisted steering is functioning correctly. | |
| Q4: | Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level. |
| Identify the reservoir and explain how to check the level. | |
| Q5: | Open the bonnet identify, where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has enough oil. |
| Identify the dipstick, pull it out and check the oil level against the min/max markings. | |
| Q6: | Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only). |
| Press the horn and listen (turn on ignition if necessary). | |
| Q7: | 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) | |
| Q8: | Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey. |
| As you move off check the brakes. They should not feel spongy and the car should not pull to one side. | |
| Q9: | Tell me how you would check that the headlights and taillights are working. |
| Turn on lights (turn ignition if necessary), walk around car and check that the lights are on. | |
| Q10: | Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working correctly. |
| Activate the indicators or hazard warning lights and walk around the car to see if all the indicators are working correctly. | |
| Q11: | .Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked. |
| Information will be found using the car manufacturer’s manual. Check the tyre pressures by using a reliable pressure gauge when the tyres are cold. Don’t forget the spare and remember to refit the valve caps. | |
| Q12: | Tell me how you would check the tyres to show that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road. |
| A safe tyre will have no cuts or bulges. The tread depth should be at least 1.6mm across the central 3/4s of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference. | |
| Q13: | Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear. |
| Apply the parking brake. When it is fully applied it should secure itself. | |
| Q14: | 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. | |
| Q15: | 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). | |
| Q16: | 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. | |
| Q17: | 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 | |
| Q18: | 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. | |
| Q19: | 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. | |
|
Note: Failure on one or both of the show me tell me questions will result in one minor fault. |
Areas We Cover
Aston
Alum Rock
Bartley Green
Bearwood
Blackheath
Bordesley Green
Bournville
Birchfield
Castle Bromwich