Frequently Asked Questions
Learner Land School of Motoring is an Essex driving school with a difference offering driving tuition throughout Ilford, Romford, Dagenham, Barking and east London.
In this section we have attempted to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about learning to drive, driving tuition, the practical driving test and the driving school services offered by Learner Land School of Motoring.
About Learner Land
Q: Are all Learner Land driving instructors fully qualified?
A: Yes, the Learner Land team is made up of only fully qualified Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) and as well as that, they all have a bare minimum of two years experience in driving tuition, an above-average pass rate, minimum DSA Grade 4 and checkable references.
Q: Where can I find out more about Learner Land's driving instructors and promise?
A: Full details of our carefully selected instructors and our service guarantees can be found on our About page.
Q: Why should I choose Learner Land over other Essex driving schools?
A: Learner Land is dedicated to helping create safe, confident drivers with the ability to pass all aspects of the driving test. It is a driving school with a difference, with a carefully chosen selection of some of the best driving instructors in Essex. Learner Land driving instructors do not make additional charges on the day of your driving test; they are smart and punctual and have a friendly yet professional attitude. Learner Land also offers FREE classroom theory test training to all its pupils. For more information see Why Use Learner Land.
Q: Do you offer both manual and automatic driving lessons?
A: Yes, we offer a selection of modern, well presented driving tuition vehicles including both manual and automatic cars.
Q: Do you offer both male and female driving instructors?
A: Yes, our team is made up of fully qualified male and female Approved Driving Instructors and you may state your preference when arranging your lessons.
Q: Will there be anyone else in the car during my driving lesson?
A: Learner Land guarantees that there will never be another pupil in the car during your driving lessons. However, it is standard practice for driving instructors to be tested by the DSA every four years so there may be a rare occasion where a DSA examiner is present in the car during your lesson; but they will be testing your instructor, not you and you will always be informed in advance should this happen.
Q: Do I have to book a two hour lesson?
A: No, at Learner Land we do not insist that your lessons are any longer than one hour. However, if you wish to book a two hour lesson then you may do so.
Q: In what areas of Essex do you offer driving lessons?
A: Learner Land has a team of fully qualified male and female driving instructors covering Ilford, Romford, Dagenham, Barking and East Ham, and every area in between.
General
Q: How old do I have to be to start taking driving lessons?
A: For most people the minimum age is 17. However, if you receive Disability Living Allowance at the higher rate that includes the Mobility component, then you can start learning to drive at 16 years of age. You can apply for a Provisional licence when you are 16 years old in any case. Remember that you are not allowed to book or take any driving tests until you have your licence.
Q: How many driving lessons will it take for me to pass my test?
A: This is not an easy question to answer as it very much depends on personal ability and whether you are able to practice in between your driving lessons. There is no set number of hours in which you should become ready to take your practical driving test. However, there is a general DSA guideline of 40 hours of driving lessons, together with another 40 hours of private practice. Everyone will learn to drive at different rates and our aim above anything at Learner Land is to make you a safe and confident driver, not just a driver who has the ability to pass a practical driving test.
Q: How much will it cost me to learn to drive?
A: This will depend on the number of lessons you need (see question above). Make sure that you don't choose a driving school or driving instructor purely on price. Take care over your choice and make sure you get the very best for your budget. You will need an instructor that cares about making you a safe and confident driver and at Learner Land that comes as a guarantee with all our carefully chosen driving instructors. You can contact us to find out our current, very competitive rates for learning to drive with a trusted Essex driving school. Learner Land does not make additional charges on test day, nor if you choose to pay for your lessons by credit card.
Q: How can I tell if a driving instructor is fully qualified?
A: Approved Driving Instructors display a green badge in their car. Trainee driving instructors' badges are pink.
Learner Land offers quality, affordable driving lessons in Ilford, Romford, Dagenham, Barking and East Ham, and every area in between, then Learner Land can offer you a choice of highly experienced, fully qualified male and female driving instructors who match the strict criteria and rules laid down by its founder, experienced Approved Driving Instructor Steven Shefford.
The Practical Driving Test
Q: When can I book my practical driving test?
A: Your Learner Land driving instructor will use their experience and expertise of the levels required to pass the driving test, and will tell you when they think you are ready. In any case, you can only book your Practical Driving Test after having passed your Driving Theory Test.
Q: How do I book a practical driving test?
A: You can book a driving test by telephone, fax or post, or online. For more information visit our Practical Driving Test page.
Q: What happens after I book a driving test?
A: You should tell your Learner Land driving instructor immediately so that they can book you into their diary and arrange enough lessons leading up to the date of your test to make sure you have enough practice and a better chance of passing. You will receive a letter through the post confirming your test date and time and you should keep this safe as you will need to take it with you on the day of your test. Check to make sure that you have your theory test pass certificate and both parts of your photo card driving licence as you will also need to take those with you. If you have an old-style paper licence, you must take that with you together with a valid passport.
Q: What happens on the day of the practical driving test?
A: Your Learner Land driving instructor will pick you up at the arranged time and you will have at least one hours' tuition so that you can prepare yourself for the test. You can of course book more lesson time if you wish, and if the test time permits. You will be directed to the test centre where you will park the car and your Learner Land driving instructor will accompany you into the test centre. When it is time for your test, your name will be called by your allocated driving examiner and you will be required to produce the items listed above before accompanying the examiner to the car.
Q: What is involved in the Practical Driving Test?
A: The test begins with an eyesight check and if you fail this, your test cannot continue. You will be asked to read a number plate from a certain distance. Providing you are able to do this, you will then be asked two vehicle safety check questions which your Learner Land driving instructor will have covered during your tuition. You will then be examined on your general driving ability and this will include two of three possible reversing exercises which could be reversing around a corner, turning in the road or reverse parking. You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise. At the end of the test the examiner will tell you whether you have passed or failed your test. If you failed your driving test, you will be offered an explanation of the examiner's reasons for their decision.
Q: How long will the Practical Driving Test take?
A: Around 40 minutes.
Q: What happens after the driving test?
A: Your examiner will give you a pass certificate which you will need to send to the DVLA, together with the correct fee, in order to receive your full driving licence. After the test your Learner Land driving instructor will drive you home. If you have passed your driving test, your instructor will tell you about Learner Land's additional services aimed at making you an even safer driver: Pass Plus and Motorway Tuition. If you have failed, then you can book another driving test as soon as you wish.
Q: Can I drive home after my driving test?
A: No. Learner Land does not allow pupils to drive themselves home after their driving test, whether they have passed or failed. Pupils often lack concentration after a test due to the emotions experienced and we want to ensure that you return home safely.
Q: What happens if I misplace my driving licence?
A: You must apply for a replacement from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), which could take up to 15 days. For this reason, as soon as you book your driving test it is imperative that you check to make sure you know the location of your driving licence.
Learner Land: Specialists in all aspects of Driving Tuition.
© 2008 Learner Land School of Motoring. All Rights Reserved.
