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FAQs

Frequently asked questions are listed below. If you can not find the answer you are looking for, please do not hesitate to get in touch!

You might be a complete beginner looking to take driving lessons for the first time, or maybe you have had to have a break from driving for a while and wish to restart. Whatever your needs, we can help! Maybe you passed your driving test a while ago and have not driven since, but wish to take a refresher driving course? Or simply wish to gain some motorway driving experience? DRIVE SUSSEX is dedicated to improving your driving skills, offering high quality driving lessons and maintaining high standards of service for our learner drivers and trainee driving instructors.

• What do I need to get started?
  You need to have your Provisional Driving Licence.
  
  
• How do I get a Provisional Driving Licence?
  The Provisional Licence is £45.00 and there is No cost to change it to a Full Driving licence when you pass. You can apply on line at www.direct.gov.uk or by completing Form D1 from the DVLA or the Post Office who offer a premium checking service.
  
  
• How do I book my Theory Test ?
  Book your Theory Test on line at www.direct.gov.uk/drivingtest
  
  
• How does the Theory Test work?
  The Theory Test is in two parts and you must book it on line at www.theory-tests.co.uk. While the Theory Test must be passed before the Practical can be booked, it is a good idea to learn in the car how to drive at the same time. The first is a multiple choice of 50 questions covering all aspects of driving from road signs, to legal requirements. You must score 43 to pass. The second part is the Hazard Perception test, which is composed of 14 video clips taken from the front of a car during a real drive. 1 clip is 2 minutes long, all the others are 1 minute long. The object is to watch the clips and when you spot a hazard click on your mouse. There is a markable hazard for every minute, and you will score a higher mark out of 5 the earlier you spot the hazard developing. The pass mark is 44 out of 75.
  
  
• How can my instructor help me with my Theory Test?
  Your Instructor can help you with this, and you can hire the books and interactive PC/DVD from Drive Sussex. Lessons can start or end at work, home, college, station, etc. to help fit in with your life. As this will cover some of the routes that you are most likely to drive, it will be of great use to you. Before taking the Practical Driving Test your Instructor will conduct a mock test with you, so can have an idea of what the real test will entail.
  
  
• Do I have to pass the theory before starting to drive?
  No not at all, in fact it is beneficial to do both at the same time, as they help each other.
  
  
• Will I take my test in your car?
  Yes
  
  
• Do you do intensive courses?
  We can, but we recommend a calmer and more methodical approach as this will prepare you better.
  
  
• How long is the driving test?
  35-40 minutes
  
  
• Do you have automatic cars?
  Not yet
  
  
• Do you have any female instructors?
  Not yet
  
  
• What's the latest from the DSA about having an "Observer on Test" for the practical driving test?
  The following proposal is currently under review. We will update this page as soon as more information becomes available:
  
  "From October 2010, introduction of ‘observer on test’ for candidates taking a car practical test. We expect the observer to be the person who accompanies the candidate to the test centre. The observer could be a parent, guardian or friend who has taught the candidate to drive, but in most cases it will be their ADI. By observing the practical test, an ADI will see the drive at first hand, listen to the examiner’s feedback and discuss this with their pupil later. If pupils fail, the ADI can provide targeted remedial training, reducing the number of learners requiring several test attempts. When their pupils pass, the experience of seeing the test at first hand will help ADIs to offer the right guidance to their pupils to aid their ongoing development and lifelong learning."
  
  Find out more on http://www.dsa.gov.uk >>
  
  The DSA has joined YouTube so it can publish official road safety videos to a larger audiance. You can view the DSA's YouTube channel here >>