Homepage School’s info F.A.Qs. Theory Test

COURSES OFFERED BY THE SCHOOL

Learner (Standard)

This course is suitable for all learners. It takes the form of hourly or two-hourly lessons each week (1.5 Hrs can be taken by arrangement if necessity dictates). The lessons can be arranged so that a regular day and time slot can be allotted. When the pupil is ready a Theory Test is taken and hopefully passed. Thereafter the Practical Test is applied for. An Assessment lesson at the start of the course can assist the pupil by giving the Instructor a good idea of how many lessons a pupil will need to get to Test standard.

Learner (Intensive)

This course is suitable for learners who are either “natural” drivers or who have had some previous experience of driving e.g. those who have taken some previous lessons or who have driven perhaps a motorcycle and have what is known as “road sense” or experience. The course takes the form of a series of lessons (minimum 15 maximum 30) which takes place over a period of between 1 and 2 weeks, depending on the number of hours required. At the end of the course the pupil takes the driving test. It can be seen therefore that before such a course is undertaken the Theory Test must have been successfully completed because a practical test cannot even be applied for without a Theory Test Pass Certificate Number.

For this course it is essential that an “Assessment Lesson” of 2 hours duration be taken in order for the Instructor to assess whether this course will suit the individual.

Pass Plus

This is a course for the pupil who has passed his/her test. It is run under a Government initiative to encourage new drivers to benefit from extra lessons in order to improve their skills in an ever increasingly busy road system. As an incentive the Government has encouraged Insurance Companies to offer discounts to those new drivers who can show their commitment to better driving. It is possible to obtain up to 30% off the cost of the first year’s premium!! In order to qualify for this discount a minimum of 6 hour’s extra lessons must be taken with a suitably qualified and registered Instructor. The course is of a modular type and covers Motorway driving, bad weather and nighttime driving as well as country road and town driving. You will be continually assessed with regard to your attitude to driving and other drivers, your appreciation of “hazards” on and around the road, your anticipation and reaction to the actions of other road users as well as many other aspects of driving which are so necessary on today’s roads. Full details of the course will be given to you in a booklet during your initial course of lessons as a learner driver.

Refresher

This course is designed especially for the person who has passed the test but who has not driven for some time or who has lost confidence in their abilities. The Assessment Lesson is again very useful prior to the start of this course. The course will cover every aspect of driving, including Motorways, but will take account of the nervous or inexperienced in how quickly the more complicated aspects of driving are introduced and dealt with.

Advanced (IAM) and/or Advanced (RoADA) *

“Advance driving is the ability to control the position and speed of the vehicle safely, systematically and smoothly, using road and traffic conditions to progress unobtrusively with skill and responsibility. This skill requires a positive but courteous attitude and a high standard of driving competence based on concentration, effective all round observation, anticipation and planning. This must be co-ordinated with good handling skills. The vehicle should be at the right place on the road at the right time. Travelling at the right speed with the correct gear engaged and can always be stopped safely on it’s own side of the road in the distance that can be seen to be clear” (DSA RoADA IAM 1997)

Both tests require that the candidate shows an ability to concentrate and anticipate “hazards”. He/she will also need to drive with courtesy and consideration showing restraint but not indecision. Correct use of the mirrors and acting properly to what is seen in them is also of paramount importance.

The IAM test is a “once only” test in that, if you pass, you are not required to be retested at a later date. The RoADA test however is a “graded” test (Fail, Bronze, Silver and Gold) and candidates are required to be re-tested every 3 years. The cost of re-testing is taken care of as part of your annual membership subscription.

* RoADA is part of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA)