
Mouse-over a questions
to see the answer
Before I start Learning
Getting a provisional
driving licence
Choosing a driving school
or driving instructor
Taking a driving test
After I have passed
Other Driving issues
Go back to the top
to see the answer
Before I start Learning
Getting a provisional
driving licence
Choosing a driving school
or driving instructor
Taking a driving test
After I have passed
Other Driving issues
Go back to the top
Alpha 1 Driving School Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs) about
learning how to drive
This page is under constant update; if you have a question or a driving test tip, not included here, let Alpha1 Driving School know, and we will be happy to answer it for you, whether you take driving lessons with our driving school or not.Before I start Learning how to drive
- There is no reason not to start preparing for your theory driving test before you start driving lessons. You will find the information you obtain during your driving lessons helpful in passing the theory driving test. Your driving instructor, during verbal briefings, should indicate when part of a driving lesson briefing, is relevant to the theory driving test.
At Alpha1 Driving School, we brief you fully on both the theory questions and the hazard perception parts of the theory driving test. We recommend that you use Focus Theory Driving Test Software (you can get this at a discount from Alpha1 Driving School) and the online (always up-to-date) Highway Code that is free to use. You do not have to buy the very expensive books some driving schools recommend. More details of how Alpha1 Driving School suggests you prepare for the Theory Driving Test.
Getting a provisional driving licence
-
You should apply directly to DVLA for your provisional driving licence. Some websites look like the official site but, if you apply for your driving licence there, will charge you extra for your application. The provisional driving licence should cost you no more than £50. This fee covers the provisional licence, and also the conversion to the full driving licence, once you have passed the practical driving test.
If you use the DVLA link in the Alpha1 Driving School site, it will avoid this expensive mistake.
Please note: the driving licence consists of two parts: the plastic identity card and the paper counterpart. Please do not throw away the paper part as this will be need for when you start your driving lessons and when you take theory and practical driving tests.
Choosing a driving school or driving instructor
- What questions should I ask when choosing a driving school?
- The questions Alpha1 Driving School advises you to ask a prospective driving school are these:
What is your driving school hourly rate?
How long are your driving lessons? (full 60 minute driving lessons?)
What is your average driving test pass rate (last 12 months?)
What is your average first-time driving test pass rate (last past 12 months?)
What is the average driving lessons to test for your driving school (last past 12 months?)
What complaints made against your driving instructors (last 12 months?)
What reliability guarantee do you offer?
Make sure you write down the answers that each drive school gives, so that you can make a proper comparison.
Alpha1 Driving School only gives 60 minute driving lessons, and for hourly rates click here
Over the past 12 months the Alpha1 Driving School average driving test pass rate is:
- The questions Alpha1 Driving School advises you to ask a prospective driving school are these: