DRIVING LESSONS
Learning to drive is a valuable life skill. At Chicane School of Motoring, we will help you every step of the way to become a confident and safe driver. We will help you understand the rules of the road will coach you in safe driving techniques to pass your theory and practical tests.
We teach in a manual car, so you will learn how to drive with gears and a clutch pedal and be able to take the manual test to gain your full UK driving licence. Currently we use Ford Fiesta cars.
Theory test
For help with the theory test, all of our pupils can get access to Theory Test Pro for free. This allows you to practise real theory test questions in your own time. Theory Test Pro uses official content and questions from the DVSA, so you can be sure you're practising the type of questions that will come up in your written test.
As well as access to Theory Test Pro, we will also help you understand and prepare for your theory test as part of your practical driving lessons.
Can I drive an automatic car?
If you pass a manual test, you will also be able to drive an automatic transmission car in the future. But, if you learn in an automatic car and take an 'automatic' test (known as 'Category B auto') instead of a manual one, you won't be able to drive a manual car as well. If you later decide you'd like to 'upgrade' your automatic licence to a manual one, you will need to pass the manual driving test, which we can help you with.
We don't currently offer lessons for driving an automatic car but if you would like to know some local automatic instructors, contact us for recommendations.
Foreign licences
If you have a licence from another country, you can check whether you need to convert it to a GB licence using the DVSA's free checker tool.
If you need to convert yours, you can usually drive on your original licence for up to 12 months from when you arrive in the UK, after which time you'll need to take a UK driving test.
If you have a licence from an EU country or certain other countries, you may not need to apply for a GB licence. For guidance on EU drivers visiting or living in the UK after Brexit, see the Government's guidance here.
If you would like help to get ready for your UK driving test, contact us now.
MOTORWAY LESSONS
Having a motorway lesson or two will help you understand how to drive confidently and safely on these high speed roads. Since June 2018, learner drivers are allowed to have lessons on the motorway, as long as they are with an instructor in a dual-controlled car. We won't take you on the motorway until you are ready.
If you have already passed your test and would like some motorway practice, you can have a motorway lesson in our dual-controlled car or in your own car, if you prefer. You might also want to consider Pass Plus to improve your driving on motorways and other roads.
REFRESHER LESSONS
If you've not driven for a while or are not confident with some aspects of driving, a few refresher lessons will help you get used to being behind the wheel again.
We will practise in a variety of driving conditions, especially covering those you find most difficult or would like to master properly. You will be driving confidently and safely in no time. You can have refresher lessons in our dual-controlled learner car or in your own car.
PASS PLUS COURSE
The Pass Plus course helps you improve and develop your driving skills on a variety of roads and conditions. It's a government-backed practical driving course that lasts at least 6 hours and covers a range of driving conditions, including:
- town driving, especially challenging urban areas
- in all weathers (where possible)
- rural roads, including narrow country lanes
- night driving
- dual carriageways
- motorways
Our instructors are Pass Plus registered and will take you through as many of these conditions as possible during your Pass Plus course. Where it's not possible to experience some of the conditions in practical sessions (such as rain, fog or snow), we will cover the theory of these.
Do I have to take another test?
There's no test at the end of the Pass Plus course. Instead, you are assessed throughout by your instructor. You have to reach certain standards with each of the driving conditions to pass the course, so you might occasionally need more than 6 hours to complete it. On completion, you'll be given a form by your instructor to send off for your Pass Plus certificate.
Why should I do Pass Plus?
It's a great way to help you become a more confident driver and develop your skills beyond those required for your initial driving test. Holding the Pass Plus certificate may also mean you can get a discount on your car insurance. But do check with your insurer, as not all of them offer discounts or they may have certain conditions for it.
To find out more about Pass Plus, contact us or see the gov.uk website.