How old do I have to be to learn to drive? - You can start to learn to drive when you are 17 yrs old.
What must I do to prepare for lessons? - You must have your provisional licence which you can apply for when you are 16yrs of age. Then all you have to do is call us about 3 weeks before your 17th birthday (or earlier) to book your first lesson.
How many lessons will I need? - We all learn at different rates. You probably know someone who passed the test with only a few lessons, others may have taken many more. The average is around 30-50 hrs. Normally the older the student the more lessons required, the DSA recommendation is two hours per year of age.
Can I have lessons with a friend or family member? - Lessons with a friend or family member will help reduce the number of lessons required with an instructor but it is recommended that this is in conjunction with instructor supervised lessons not instead of. Anyone wishing to accompany a learner driver must be over 21yrs and have had a licence for over 3 yrs and of course the car must be insured for
the learner driver.
Do you run intensive courses? - We will run semi - intensive courses of 10 hours maximum in one week. You will be required to pay a deposit (£170) at least three weeks in advance during an initial assessment lesson. Your test will only be booked when your instructor has assessed your driving and has discussed a suitable date with you.
Is the car fitted with dual controls? - Yes our tuition vehicle is the Ford Fiesta (Diesel), known for its excellent safety record and its very low fuel consumption. The seat and steering wheel have a wide range of adjustment to suit all students making it an ideal car to learn in. Maintained to the highest standard by Birchwood Ford the car is clean, tidy and well presented. It has HE-MAN dual controls, power assisted steering, air conditioning and electric windows and mirrors.
Do you have an automatic car? - No but we can normally put you in touch with someone who does.
Driver training tailored to you
call us on - 01323 646189
Driver training tailored to you
Information
The number of vehicles on the road is increasing every day, as the number of vehicles increase so do the number of accidents. When learning to drive it is important that you receive quality driving tuition to prepare you for your driving test and for a lifetime of safe driving. DL driving is committed to ensuring you have the best possible training at the best possible price over the shortest possible time.
Driver training tailored to you.
All new students receive
tuition starter pack which include a student help sheet and drivers record so you can monitor your progress.
You get in-car theory and hazard perception training (Not all driving schools offer this) and a free highway code and starter pack on standard learner lessons.
As well as learner driver lessons we can provide refresher lessons and motorway training as well as Taxi driver courses.
We can do semi-intensive courses for those who find it difficult to do weekly lessons.
We can teach you beyond the driving test with the money-saving and potentially life-saving Pass Plus course.
We offer discounts for students or block bookings and an introduce a friend offer.
We have fully qualified DSA approved Instructors (ADI), that have passed a series of very comprehensive tests and are regularly check tested. They have also had criminal records checks (CRB).
We have fully comprehensive insurance that also covers you.
You Learn in a modern, clean, non-smoker car fitted with dual controls for your safety.
You get one to one tuition (no other pupils in car unless requested) and receive full one hour lessons.
You get in-car theory and hazard perception training (Not all driving schools offer this) and a free highway code and starter pack on standard learner lessons.
As well as learner driver lessons we can provide refresher lessons and motorway training as well as Taxi driver courses.
We can do semi-intensive courses for those who find it difficult to do weekly lessons.
We can teach you beyond the driving test with the money-saving and potentially life-saving Pass Plus course.
We offer discounts for students or block bookings and an introduce a friend offer.
We have fully qualified DSA approved Instructors (ADI), that have passed a series of very comprehensive tests and are regularly check tested. They have also had criminal records checks (CRB).
We have fully comprehensive insurance that also covers you.
You Learn in a modern, clean, non-smoker car fitted with dual controls for your safety.
You get one to one tuition (no other pupils in car unless requested) and receive full one hour lessons.
Adopting an eco-driving style is easy and once you've mastered it, not only will you start to make real savings, but you'll also be doing your bit for the environment. That's because eco-driving means driving your car more efficiently. Doing this means your car will produce less carbon dioxide (CO2), the main gas contributing to climate change.
Remember to follow the steps below and you'll soon be saving money and reducing your car's impact on the environment:
Remember to follow the steps below and you'll soon be saving money and reducing your car's impact on the environment:
- Check your revs - change up before 2,500rpm (petrol) and 2,000rpm (diesel).
- Anticipate road conditions and drive smoothly, avoiding sharp acceleration and heavy braking. This saves fuel and reduces accident rates.
- Use air conditioning sparingly as it significantly increases fuel consumption.
- The most efficient speed depends upon the car in question but is typically around 45 - 50mph. Faster speed will greatly increase your fuel consumption.
- Drive away immediately when starting from cold - idling to heat the engine wastes fuel and causes rapid engine wear.
- Accessories such as roof racks, bike carriers, and roof boxes significantly affect your car's aerodynamics and reduce fuel efficiency, so remember to remove them when not in use.
- Avoid short journeys - a cold engine uses almost twice as much fuel and catalytic converters can take five miles to become effective.
- Plan your journeys to avoid congestion, road works and getting lost.
- Check your tyre pressures regularly - under-inflated tyres are dangerous and can increase fuel consumption by up to 3%.
- If you're stuck in a jam, switch the engine off if you expect to be there for more than a minute or two. Cutting the engine will save fuel and reduce emissions.
Weather in the UK is unpredictable, bad weather can strike suddenly so the best advice when severe weather hits is to stay off the road. If you must drive, make sure you are prepared for the conditions.
You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced. You may also use front or rear fog lights when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet), but you MUST switch them off when visibility improves.
In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads this is because your tyres have less grip on the road.
In winter it is even more important to check your vehicle is well maintained and serviced.
Wet weather:
Windy weather:
High-sided vehicles are most affected by windy weather, but strong gusts can also blow a car, cyclist, motorcyclist or horse rider off course. This can happen on open stretches of road exposed to strong crosswinds, or when passing bridges or gaps in hedges.
In very windy weather your vehicle may be affected by turbulence created by large vehicles. Motorcyclists are particularly affected, so keep well back from them when they are overtaking a high-sided vehicle.
Fog:
Before entering fog check your mirrors then slow down. If the word ‘Fog’ is shown on a roadside signal but the road is clear, be prepared for a bank of fog or drifting patchy fog ahead. Even if it seems to be clearing, you can suddenly find yourself in thick fog.
Ice and snow
In winter check the local weather forecast for warnings of icy or snowy weather. DO NOT drive in these conditions unless your journey is essential. If it is, take great care and allow more time for your journey. Take an emergency kit of de-icer and ice scraper, torch, warm clothing and boots, first aid kit, jump leads and a shovel, together with a warm drink and emergency food in case you get stuck or your vehicle breaks down.
Before you set off:
When driving in icy or snowy weather:
Drive extremely carefully when the roads are icy. Avoid sudden actions as these could cause loss of control. You should:
If you get in trouble do not use a mobile phone while driving. Stop somewhere safe or ask a passenger to make a call.
On a motorway, it is best to use a roadside emergency telephone, because the breakdown/emergency services will be able to locate you easily. If you have a mobile phone, make sure you know your location from the numbers on the marker posts on the side of the hard shoulder.
Abandoned vehicles can hold up rescue vehicles and snowploughs. To ensure that the road is cleared as quickly as possible, stay with your vehicle until help arrives. If you have to leave your vehicle to get help, make sure other drivers can see you.
You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced. You may also use front or rear fog lights when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet), but you MUST switch them off when visibility improves.
In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads this is because your tyres have less grip on the road.
In winter it is even more important to check your vehicle is well maintained and serviced.
- Keep the lights, windows and mirrors clean and free from ice and snow.
- Keep your battery fully charged.
- Add anti-freeze to the radiator and winter additive to the windscreen washer bottles.
- Make sure wipers and lights are in good working order.
- Check that tyres have plenty of tread depth and are maintained at the correct pressure.
Wet weather:
- You should keep well back from the vehicle in front. This will increase your ability to see and plan ahead.
- If the steering becomes unresponsive, it probably means that water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road. Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually.
- Rain and spray from vehicles may make it difficult to see and be seen.
- Be aware of the dangers of spilt diesel that will make the surface very slippery.
- Take extra care around pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders
- Don’t attempt to cross water that seems too deep
- If you have to then drive slowly in first gear but keep the engine speed high by slipping the clutch – this will stop you from stalling.
- Avoid the deepest water, usually near the kerb.
- Remember – test your brakes when you are through the flood before you drive at normal speed.
Windy weather:
High-sided vehicles are most affected by windy weather, but strong gusts can also blow a car, cyclist, motorcyclist or horse rider off course. This can happen on open stretches of road exposed to strong crosswinds, or when passing bridges or gaps in hedges.
In very windy weather your vehicle may be affected by turbulence created by large vehicles. Motorcyclists are particularly affected, so keep well back from them when they are overtaking a high-sided vehicle.
Fog:
Before entering fog check your mirrors then slow down. If the word ‘Fog’ is shown on a roadside signal but the road is clear, be prepared for a bank of fog or drifting patchy fog ahead. Even if it seems to be clearing, you can suddenly find yourself in thick fog.
- Use your lights as required.
- keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front. Rear lights can give a false sense of security.
- You must be able to pull up well within the distance you can see clearly. This is particularly important on motorways and dual carriageways, as vehicles are travelling faster.
- Use your windscreen wipers and demisters.
- Beware of other drivers not using headlights.
- Do not accelerate to get away from a vehicle which is too close behind you.
- Check your mirrors before you slow down. Then use your brakes so that your brake lights warn drivers behind you that you are slowing down.
- Stop in the correct position at a junction with limited visibility and listen for traffic. When you are sure it is safe to emerge, do so positively and do not hesitate in a position that puts you directly in the path of approaching vehicles.
- Do not use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced as they dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights. You MUST switch them off when visibility improves.
Ice and snow
In winter check the local weather forecast for warnings of icy or snowy weather. DO NOT drive in these conditions unless your journey is essential. If it is, take great care and allow more time for your journey. Take an emergency kit of de-icer and ice scraper, torch, warm clothing and boots, first aid kit, jump leads and a shovel, together with a warm drink and emergency food in case you get stuck or your vehicle breaks down.
Before you set off:
- You MUST be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows.
- You MUST ensure that lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible and legible.
- Make sure the mirrors are clear and the windows are demisted thoroughly.
- Remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other road users.
- check your planned route is clear of delays and that no further snowfalls or severe weather are predicted.
When driving in icy or snowy weather:
- Drive with care, even if the roads have been treated.
- Keep well back from the road user in front as stopping distances can be ten times greater than on dry roads.
- Take care when overtaking vehicles spreading salt or other de-icer, particularly if you are riding a motorcycle or cycle.
- Watch out for snowploughs which may throw out snow on either side. Do not overtake them unless the lane you intend to use has been cleared.
- Be prepared for the road conditions to change over relatively short distances.
- Listen to travel bulletins and take note of variable message signs that may provide information about weather, road and traffic conditions ahead.
- Carry a spade, extra warm clothing, a blanket, a snack and a drink - especially if you are travelling through isolated areas.
Drive extremely carefully when the roads are icy. Avoid sudden actions as these could cause loss of control. You should:
- Drive at a slow speed in as high a gear as possible; accelerate and brake very gently.
- Drive particularly slowly on bends where loss of control is more likely. Brake progressively on the straight before you reach a bend. Having slowed down, steer smoothly round the bend, avoiding sudden actions.
- check your grip on the road surface when there is snow or ice by choosing a safe place to brake gently. If the steering feels unresponsive this may indicate ice and your vehicle losing its grip on the road. When travelling on ice, tyres make virtually no noise.
If you get in trouble do not use a mobile phone while driving. Stop somewhere safe or ask a passenger to make a call.
On a motorway, it is best to use a roadside emergency telephone, because the breakdown/emergency services will be able to locate you easily. If you have a mobile phone, make sure you know your location from the numbers on the marker posts on the side of the hard shoulder.
Abandoned vehicles can hold up rescue vehicles and snowploughs. To ensure that the road is cleared as quickly as possible, stay with your vehicle until help arrives. If you have to leave your vehicle to get help, make sure other drivers can see you.
Drivers aged between 17 and 21 make up 10% of all license holders but are involved in 20% of all injury accidents.
A young male driver is 7 times more likely to be involved in a fatal road accident than a middle aged man.
Every year 1000 people die in road accidents involving a young driver.
Pass Plus is a training scheme linked to insurance discounts that benefit you, the NEWLY QUALIFIED DRIVER, by saving you money on your car insurance premiums, showing you a positive driving style which is both enjoyable safe and helping you gain quality driving experience safely.
Our Pass Plus Course should cost you no more than £126 for the 6 hours training, the savings on your car insurance can be significantly more than that, ask your insurance company now. More importantly you will feel safe in the knowledge that you are better equipped to cope with any situation safely and confidently.
A young male driver is 7 times more likely to be involved in a fatal road accident than a middle aged man.
Every year 1000 people die in road accidents involving a young driver.
Pass Plus is a training scheme linked to insurance discounts that benefit you, the NEWLY QUALIFIED DRIVER, by saving you money on your car insurance premiums, showing you a positive driving style which is both enjoyable safe and helping you gain quality driving experience safely.
Our Pass Plus Course should cost you no more than £126 for the 6 hours training, the savings on your car insurance can be significantly more than that, ask your insurance company now. More importantly you will feel safe in the knowledge that you are better equipped to cope with any situation safely and confidently.
The Highway code offers little advice on the correct course of action to be taken upon seeing emergency vehicles traveling on an emergency callout.
Below is advice provided by driving magazine:
Kerbs:
Do not mount kerbs to avoid emergency vehicles. You may damage your vehicle, larger vehicles may damage the pavement and there is a risk for pedestrians.
Causing Obstruction:
Do not stop opposite vehicles or obstructions if such positioning would not allow the emergency vehicle to pass.
Junctions:
If you are about to emerge from a side road and see or hear an emergency vehicle on the major road, do not try to emerge until it passes.
Second emergency vehicle:
After one emergency vehicle has passed be aware that a second may be following. Check your mirrors and listen for more sirens. If two emergency vehicles are traveling together they will use different types of sirens to help other road users.
Double white lines:
If an emergency vehicle is approaching from behind whilst you are traveling along a double white line system, where the line nearer you is solid, maintain a safe speed and do not exceed the limit. The emergency vehicle will hang back from your vehicle and may even turn off his siren. If you see an obvious area to pull off the road signal your intention to do so. At the end of the white line system or where the lines change priority find a safe place to stop or slow to allow the emergency vehicle to pass.
Motorways or dual carriageways:
Where emergency vehicles are traveling on dual-carriageways or motorways drivers in front should move to their nearside lanes. This will allow the emergency vehicle to use the outer lanes. When moving into the nearside lane, drivers should signal their intentions take care not to pull directly in front of a vehicle already in that lane. Where the traffic is stationary, or very slow moving, the emergency vehicle may straddle the lane markings. Other road users should move in the appropriate direction to allow this to happen.
Traffic Lights and roundabouts:
If, whilst traveling across a traffic light controlled junction or roundabout, you become aware of an emergency vehicle approaching do not brake harshly, this may cause an accident. If you can not stop by gradual braking keep going. Emergency vehicles will give way to traffic crossing on a green light.
Below is advice provided by driving magazine:
Kerbs:
Do not mount kerbs to avoid emergency vehicles. You may damage your vehicle, larger vehicles may damage the pavement and there is a risk for pedestrians.
Causing Obstruction:
Do not stop opposite vehicles or obstructions if such positioning would not allow the emergency vehicle to pass.
Junctions:
If you are about to emerge from a side road and see or hear an emergency vehicle on the major road, do not try to emerge until it passes.
Second emergency vehicle:
After one emergency vehicle has passed be aware that a second may be following. Check your mirrors and listen for more sirens. If two emergency vehicles are traveling together they will use different types of sirens to help other road users.
Double white lines:
If an emergency vehicle is approaching from behind whilst you are traveling along a double white line system, where the line nearer you is solid, maintain a safe speed and do not exceed the limit. The emergency vehicle will hang back from your vehicle and may even turn off his siren. If you see an obvious area to pull off the road signal your intention to do so. At the end of the white line system or where the lines change priority find a safe place to stop or slow to allow the emergency vehicle to pass.
Motorways or dual carriageways:
Where emergency vehicles are traveling on dual-carriageways or motorways drivers in front should move to their nearside lanes. This will allow the emergency vehicle to use the outer lanes. When moving into the nearside lane, drivers should signal their intentions take care not to pull directly in front of a vehicle already in that lane. Where the traffic is stationary, or very slow moving, the emergency vehicle may straddle the lane markings. Other road users should move in the appropriate direction to allow this to happen.
Traffic Lights and roundabouts:
If, whilst traveling across a traffic light controlled junction or roundabout, you become aware of an emergency vehicle approaching do not brake harshly, this may cause an accident. If you can not stop by gradual braking keep going. Emergency vehicles will give way to traffic crossing on a green light.