Frequently asked questions

Yes. You need a valid UK provisional driving licence before you can drive on public roads during a lesson.

No. You can start practical driving lessons before passing your theory test. It is a good idea to work on your theory alongside your practical lessons.

I provide automatic driving lessons. The tuition car does not have a manual gearbox, so lessons do not cover clutch control or manual gear changes.

I cover East Grinstead and selected surrounding areas. Include your postcode and usual availability in your enquiry, and I’ll let you know whether I can offer lessons in your area at the moment.

Yes. Beginner lessons start with the controls, safety checks, moving off and stopping, and we build from there at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

The simplest way is to message me on WhatsApp with your name, postcode, current driving experience and usual availability. You can also send an enquiry through the Contact page or call me directly.

You will need a valid provisional driving licence and any glasses or contact lenses required for driving. I will confirm any additional requirements when arranging the lesson.

The first lesson is about understanding your starting point and what you need from your lessons. If you’re a complete beginner, we’ll start with the basics, such as the car controls and simple driving routines, helping you feel comfortable and ready to take the next step. If you already have some experience, we’ll look at where you are now and decide what to focus on next.

Most lessons are 2 hours. This gives us time to introduce and discuss a subject, practise it, review what is working and what still needs attention, then put it into practice again. The aim is to move from more guidance at the start towards greater independence as the lesson progresses, without feeling rushed.

Current prices are shown on the Prices page. Please check that page or message me directly, as availability, test-day arrangements and specialist sessions may be priced differently.

Automatic cars are more comfortable to drive, especially in busy traffic and stop-start queues, because there is no clutch control or constant gear changing to manage. With fewer physical tasks to think about, you can focus more on observation, planning, positioning and what is happening around you from an earlier stage. For many learners, this makes the whole learning process feel calmer and more enjoyable.

There is no fixed number of lessons that suits everyone. A useful benchmark is around 50 hours of professional lessons alongside around 20 hours of private practice, but this is only a guide.

Some learners will need fewer lessons, while others may be closer to the guidance figure. Your progress will depend on factors such as previous experience, lesson frequency, private practice, confidence and how quickly different skills develop. I will give you honest feedback on your progress rather than promise a fixed number of lessons or an artificial timescale.

More frequent lessons can be arranged when suitable and when diary capacity allows. Please ask, as at the moment there is no fixed intensive course package.

It is also worth remembering that learning around a test date can sometimes create unnecessary pressure. The main aim should be to become a safe and competent driver, with the test coming as a natural next step rather than something you are rushing towards.

Yes. We will discuss your previous experience and use the first lesson to identify your current strengths, needs and the most useful next steps.

Yes. Nervousness is common and does not mean you cannot become a safe driver. We will break tasks down, agree an appropriate level of challenge and build confidence through understanding and successful practice.

Yes. Lessons can usually start from wherever is most convenient for you, whether that’s home, work, school or another agreed location. I’ll always try to be flexible, as long as it fits with my schedule and the area I’m teaching in.

No. My current insurance covers me, the learner and driving examiners, but it does not cover additional passengers during lessons.

Yes. Motorway and post-test lessons are available for qualified drivers who want to build confidence and experience on faster roads.

I will always give you honest professional feedback. My wider goal is to help you reach the point where you can assess your own driving realistically and recognise that you are able to drive safely and independently.

Yes. When they are appropriate for your stage of learning. A mock test gives you experience of driving under test-like conditions and helps us identify anything that still needs attention.

Yes. Test routes and roads around your chosen test centre can form part of your preparation. They give us a useful mix of different driving situations and experience, while also helping you become familiar with the local area.

Yes. This must be agreed in advance and depends on your readiness, the test centre and availability. Booking a test does not automatically reserve the tuition car.

No responsible instructor can guarantee a pass. I can provide structured preparation, honest feedback and opportunities to practise, but the examiner assesses your performance on the day.

Payment may be made via the Total Drive app (where applicable), bank transfer, or cash. Processing fees may apply for app payments.

ID Driving School operates a 48-hour cancellation policy. If you cancel with 48 hours or more notice, there is no charge. Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice may be charged up to the lesson value, reflecting reasonable financial loss. Where reasonably possible, I will try to refill a cancelled slot. If that time is successfully refilled, you will not be charged for it. Full details are in the Terms & Conditions.

If you are unwell, especially with contagious symptoms, please let me know as soon as possible. Lessons take place in a close environment, and illness could affect both me and other learners. I also have commitments to other pupils, including those preparing for tests, so avoiding unnecessary illness helps me keep lessons running reliably for everyone. We can then decide the most sensible option together.

Most lessons continue in normal UK weather because varied conditions are part of real driving. A lesson may be changed or cancelled if conditions create an unacceptable safety risk. I will contact you if this is necessary.