Learn to Drive

Automatic car tuition?

Only larger driving schools like Automatic Pass School of Motoring have a wide availability of automatic vehicles. Although most people choose to learn in a manual car, Automatics are becoming more popular especially if the learner has had difficulties with gears or has limited mobility.
When you do pass a driving test in a manual car and gain a full driving licence you can go on to drive a manual or automatic car in the future. If, however, you pass your test in an automatic that's the only sort of car you're then qualified to drive. In an automatic you don't have to learn to use the clutch and gears, it's a much simpler task and means you can give more of your attention to what's happening on the road.
If you have ever driven a car with an automatic transmission, then you know that there are two big differences between an automatic transmission and a manual transmission, if you haven't then you will need to know that:

There is no clutch pedal in an automatic transmission car. There is no gear lever in an automatic transmission car but instead a selector. Once you put the transmission into drive, everything else is automatic. Both the automatic transmission and a manual transmission (with its clutch) accomplish exactly the same thing, but they do it in totally different ways.

When driving an automatic car the usual layout for a gear selector is:

• P - Park - this locks all the gears and should be used when stationary.
• R - Reverse
• N - Neutral - No gear is selected.
• D - Drive - This is used for driving forward.
• 1 - First Gear.
• 2 - Second Gear.

Note: Some automatic cars may have extra selections than those shown above

Your first few driving lessons:

On your first driving lesson, you'll be given a copy of Automatic Pass School of Motoring progress record. This log book will help you to keep a record of your theory and driving progress and helps your instructor to tailor your driving lessons to a plan based on your progress. You'll be able to see how well you're doing, and how near to test standard you are. Your driving lessons will then be in suitable locations so that you can get to grips with the car. This should help you to feel more comfortable behind the wheel.

We'll give you a call after your first driving lessons to make sure you're happy with everything.

Do all driving schools provide one hour lessons?

No. When enquiring about driving lessons, check how long they are. The reason why some lessons seem so much cheaper than others is because you're being quoted for forty-five minutes, rather than an hour. We are happy to tailor lessons around you, so this may be for the traditional 1 hour lesson or perhaps 11/2 or 2 hours. The option of how often is yours. The instructor will be happy to advise as necessary.

Intensive driving courses?

Most driving schools provide intensive driving courses. If you want to learn more quickly, it could be possible with an intensive course. With an intensive course you can learn in anything from a week to a couple of months. Don't forget you'll need time to pass the theory test before you take the practical driving test and during this time you can be taking driving lessons. We can offer courses for those that need just a few lessons quickly having just failed a test perhaps or a more complete course for the complete beginner. These can range from 6-50 hours as a guide. Please see the pages on intensive courses for more detail.

If you fail to plan, plan to fail:

When you take driving lessons with Automatic Pass School of Motoring, you'll get your own personal lesson plan and progress record. Your instructor will put together a structured course to make sure that you will be given the best chance of passing your driving test and to drive safely afterwards.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) recommends that learners typically have about 40 hours of professional driving lessons and another 25 hours of practice to be ready for the driving test. With the huge increase in the volume of traffic on the roads, you will need more driving lessons now than was necessary in the past.

Theory - the reading bit
Some essential reading, like The Highway Code, is a great place to start before you start learning to drive. Also start to develop your Theory knowledge by reading Driving The Essential Skills and practice your Hazard Perception Skills with DSA's, Hazard Perception DVD. Boost your skills and improve your chances of passing both the Theory and Hazard Test. You'll find a range of materials designed to make learning as easy as possible in our Shop.

Remember, that although you might have passed the Theory Test, it is still a good idea to keep reading as this will help to develop your knowledge further and so helping your practical driving.