Category Archives: Driving Test

People who have successfully passed their driving test with Drive Ahead School of Motoring

Don’t get caught out when booking driving tests online!

When you’re learning to drive there will come a time when you need to book your theory test and driving test. In this modern world, most people will choose to do this online. The official government websites for booking the test are as follows:

To book a theory test – https://www.gov.uk/book-theory-test

To book a driving test – https://www.gov.uk/book-driving-test

These websites work really well, and the booking system is really easy to follow. Unfortunately many people don’t use the correct website. This tends to be down to Google. Instead of finding the correct website, many people simply search ‘book theory test’ or ‘book driving test’ and the first results that come up are the sponsored adverts. Within these sponsored adverts appear a number of websites that are not associated with the DVSA (the official government department for driving tests). These websites offer promises of free retests if you fail your test, even though you will pay a premium for the privilege.

The problem with these websites is not many people read the small print. The lure of a retest, for what seems quite a reasonable price, draws many people into just booking without giving much though into what they’re actually going to get. I’ve looked at the small print on several sites, and the terms and conditions on all sites related to theory state that if you don’t pass because you failed the hazard perception section of your test then they will not rebook and you will lose out. You also have to have failed the multiple choice questions by only 2 marks, if you’ve failed by more than that, then yet again they won’t rebook you test for you and you will lose out.

So, if we look at the possible outcomes of using these sites:

You pass first time – You will lose out as you’ve paid more than correct rate in the first place

You pass the multiple choice section, but fail the hazard perception – You will lose out

You fail the multiple choice section by scoring less than 41 out of 50 – You will lose out

You fail the multiple choice section by scoring either 41 or 42 out of 50 and you pass your hazard perception – You will get your free retest and will have benefited from the offer

So, taking all of these outcomes into consideration, although the initial offer looks good, it’s more than likely you’re going to lose out. If the offer was as good as it seems then the companies making these websites wouldn’t make any money.

Failure to prepare is preparing to fail

My advice would also be to use the official sites I posted at the top of this blog, and make sure you’re prepared for your test so there’s a limited chance that you’ll fail in the first place. There’s loads of great resources for you to use, and all of our learners get free access to Theory Test Pro. For more information just give us a call on 01782 906010

Driving Test Passes – February 2014

Another brilliant month for driving test passes here at Drive Ahead. A massive well done for everyone who has passed their driving test this month after taking driving lesson with us. If you’d like to join our ever-growing list of successful test passes then give us a call today on 01782 906010 or why not book online?

Pete – 3rd February 2014 – A great start to the month when Pete passed his driving test in Newcastle under Lyme with our driving instructor Mark Lawton.

6th February 2014 – Charlotte Walker – Charlotte came to Drive Ahead after her friend had passed with us a couple of years ago. Charlotte took her driving lessons with our instructor Dave and passed in Stoke on Trent.

7th February 2014 – Zara Azam-Rajabian – Zara took lessons with Drive Ahead after her brother passed his driving test with us. Zara started to learn whilst at university in Leicester but came to Drive Ahead when she moved back home to Stoke on Trent.

18th February 2014 – Jessica – Jessica took her driving lessons in Stoke on Trent with our driving instructor Sarah, before passing her test at the Cobridge test centre

20th February 2014 – Katrina – Katrina passed her driving test in Newcastle under Lyme with our driving instructor Sarah Alcock

21st February 2014 – Rhiannon Bedford – Rhiannon passed her driving test 1st time with our driving instructor John. Rhiannon took her driving lessons in Stoke on Trent before passing at the Cobridge driving test centre

25th February 2014 – Charlotte – Charlotte passed her driving test 1st time with just 1 minor fault! Charlotte completed a great month of passes for our driving instructor Sarah. Well done Charlotte

26th February 2014 – Kayleigh Duffield – Kayleigh was our final pass of the month in February. She took her lessons with our driving instructor John Johnson before passing her driving test at the Newcastle driving test centre

Driving Test Passes – January 2014

Congratulations to everyone who passed their driving test with Drive Ahead throughout January 2014! If you’d like to take driving lessons with one of our driving instructors then give us a call today on 01782 906010 or why not book online. We cover Stoke on Trent, Newcastle under Lyme, and we’ll soon be covering Stafford as well.

2nd January 2014 – Jordan Broadhead – The new year kicked off to a great start when Jordan passed his driving test at Newcastle driving test centre with our instructor Mark Lawton.

3rd January 2014 – Sam – Well done to Sam who passed after taking driving lessons with our instructor Sarah Alcock at the Newcastle test centre

6th January 2014 – Lee Colclough – Lee passed after taking driving lessons with our instructor Mark Lawton, and passed at the Cobridge (Stoke on Trent) test centre.

7th January 2014 – Tom Kendrick – Tom took his test in Newcastle, and ended off a great week for our driving instructor Mark Lawton who recorded 3 passes in the first week of 2014! Great results all round – Well done!

8th January 2014 – Grace Roberts – Grace passed her driving test first time at the Newcastle under Lyme test centre with our instructor John Johnson.

10th January 2014 – Anthony Leese – Anthony passed after taking lessons with our driving instructor John Johnson. He passed at the Newcastle under Lyme test centre.

13th January 2014 – Mohsina Tariq – Mohsina passed first time at the Cobridge (Stoke on Trent) test centre. Mohsina was the 4th member of her family to have passed with Drive Ahead, following in the footsteps of her parents and her older brother.

14th January 2014 – Rev Louis GD III – Rev Louis passed his driving test after taking driving lessons in Stoke on Trent with our driving instructor Martin Molyneux. He passed at the Cobridge test centre.

15th January 2014 – Johnathan Travers – Johnathan passed at Cobridge test centre following his driving lessons with our instructor John Johnson.

16th January 2014 – Sabrina Arif – Sabrina follows in the footsteps (or should I say tyre tracks) of her sister Sobia who also passed with Drive Ahead last year. Sabrina passed at Newcastle after taking lessons with our driving instructor Dave Shannon

16th January 2014 – Nazeela Omar – 2nd pass in the same day with our instructor Dave Shannon. Nazeela joined Drive Ahead after her brother in law passed first time with us in 2013.

22nd January 2014 – Hayman Khudur – Hayman passed in Stoke after taking driving lessons with our instructor Martin Molyneux

24th January 2014 – Matt – Yet another pass with Mark Lawton, his pupils just can’t stop passing this month. Well done to Matt who passed at Newcastle

31st January 2014 – Samantha Wright – A great end to the month with our 14th pass in January. Samanatha passed with our driving instructor John in Newcastle under Lyme.

Yet again, another fantastic month with over 20 new learners starting their driving lessons throughout the Stoke on Trent and Newcastle area with Drive Ahead, and a terrific 14 people have now gained their independence by passing their driving tests!

Driving Test Passes – December 2013

Congratulations to all of our pupils that passed their driving tests in December 2013. If you’d like to be next then why not book online today!

2nd December 2013 – Lizzie Horden – Lizzie passed with our driving instructor Dave Shannon (snr) at the Cobridge test centre in Stoke on Trent. Well done Lizzie!

3rd December 2013 – Josh Page – Josh took his driving lessons with our newest driving instructor Mark Lawton. He passed his test at Newcastle test centre. Well done Josh!

4th December 2013 – Sophie – Sophie began learning to drive when she lived at home in Birmingham. Part way through her learning she moved to Shelton to study at Staffordshire University, and needed a local driving school to continue her driving lessons. Sophie was recommended to us by a number of her friends who had already passed their tests with Drive Ahead. Well done Sophie, from your driving instructor Dave Shannon!

10th December 2013 – Fang Chen – Fang was recommended to us by one of her friends who had recently taken driving lessons with us. She had been learning with another driving instructor and had failed her test several times so decided it was time for a change. After taking lessons with us she managed to pass on her first time at the Cobridge test centre – Well done Fang!

12th December 2013 – Kim Pidgeon – Kim had driven in the past, but after a break of several years and with a new baby she decided it was time to start again. After just a handful of lesson Kim was back up to standard and past with us first time!

17th December 2013 – Matt “Rug” Pennington – “Rug” passed his driving test with our instructor Mark Lawton at the Newcastle.

19th December 2013 – Josh Dale – Josh passed his driving test with our instructor Martin Molyneux – Well done Josh!

19th December 2013 – Jodie Howard – Jodie passed her driving test 1st time with our driving instructor John Johnson at the Newcastle test centre

31st December 2013 – Mark Carr – Mark came to us after seeing one of his old school mates’ photos on our website. His friend had passed with us a few weeks before. Mark runs his own business delivering leaflets and really needs a car to get around, and he’ll now have the flexibility to travel more for his work

Well done to all of our ‘passed’ learners – a great result all round!

If you’d like to take driving lessons with Drive Ahead then call us today on 01782 906010 or why not book online

Stoke on Trent Test Centre

If you’re taking driving lessons in Stoke on Trent then you’re probably wondering where you’ll need to go for your theory test and practical test. Well don’t worry, below is a comprehensive guide as to where you’ll need to go for your tests along with how to book them.

Stoke on Trent Test Centre address is

Unit 8A,
Whittle Court,
Town Road,
Stoke on Trent,
ST1 2QE

There is no direct phone number for the theory test centre and you cannot book the test by going to the centre. To book a theory test you need to either call 0300 200 1122 (which is only available Mon to Fri, 8am-12pm) so you’re best booking online at www.gov.uk/booktheorytest

The theory test centre is all on the ground floor so is accessible for the disabled and it also has toilet facilities. When you go for you theory test you’ll need to take your provisional licence, both the photo card and the paper counterpart. If you have an old style paper licence then you’ll also need to take your passport. You should arrive at the test centre 15 minutes before your test. Failure to take the correct documents or if you arrive late will mean that your test will be cancelled and you will lose your fee.

Where will I take my practical test in Stoke?

If you live in, and are taking your driving lessons in Stoke on Trent, then it most likely you will take your driving test at the Stoke on Trent driving test centre in Cobridge.

The Stoke practical test centre is in the Cobridge area of the city.

8 Elder Road
Cobridge
Stoke On Trent
Staffordshire
ST6 2HE

There is no car park at the Cobridge test centre so you must park on the road. There are several marked short stay parking spaces directly outside the test centre. During busy times these spaces may be full so you’ll need to park on one of the nearby roads.

You should arrive about 15 minutes before your test start time. You will need to bring your driving licence, both the photo card and paper counterpart, along with your theory certificate. If you’re taking your driving test with a driving instructor they will make sure their car is ready for the test.

If you’re not taking your driving test with a driving instructor then you must do all of the following:
Ensure your car is roadworthy – the examiner will check the condition of:

The tyres and may check the lights work properly.
The car must be insured for your use for the purpose of a test – not all insurance policies cover this.
The car must have L plates clearly displayed front and back.
You should have an additional mirror on the passenger side for the examiner. These are available from most car accessory shops.Failure to supply any of the required documents or if any of the vehicle requirements are not met may mean that your test will not go ahead and you will lose you driving test fee.

Newcastle Under Lyme Test Centre

If you’re taking driving lessons in Newcastle under Lyme then you’re probably wondering where you’ll need to go for your theory test and practical test. Well don’t worry, below is a comprehensive guide as to where you’ll need to go for your tests along with how to book them.

Where do I take my theory test?

At present the nearest theory test centre to Newcastle is the Stoke on Trent test centre in Hanley. The

Stoke Theory test centre address

Unit 8A,
Whittle Court,
Town Road,
Stoke on Trent,
ST1 2QE

The theory test centre is all on the ground floor so is accessible for the disabled and it also has toilet facilities. When you go for your theory test you’ll need to take your provisional licence, both the photo card and the paper counterpart. If you have an old style paper licence then you’ll also need to take your passport. You should arrive at the test centre 15 minutes before your test. Failure to take the correct documents or if you arrive late will mean that your test will be cancelled and you will lose your fee.

Where will I take my practical test

If you live in, and are taking your driving lessons in Newcastle Under Lyme, then it most likely you will take your driving test at the Newcastle driving test centre in Trent Vale.

Newcastle Under Lyme Test Centre

Parklands
Clayton Lane
Trent Vale
Stoke-On-Trent
ST4 6PQ

Again there is no direct phone number to the test centre. To book your driving test you can either call 0300 200 1122 (Mon to Fri, 8am-12pm) or book online at www.gov.uk/bookdrivingtest
The driving test centre is all on the ground floor, with a ramp available from the car park onto the kerb to enter the test centre, so is accessible for the disabled. There are toilets at the test centre. There is a car park with adequate parking for all tests.

If you’re not taking your driving test with a driving instructor then you must do all of the following:

Ensure your car is roadworthy – the examiner will check the condition of the tyres and may check the lights work properly.
The car must be insured for your use for the purpose of a test – not all insurance policies cover this.
The car must have L plates clearly displayed front and back
You should have an additional mirror on the passenger side for the examiner. These are available from most car accessory shops.

Failure to supply any of the required documents or if any of the vehicle requirements are not met may mean that your test will not go ahead and you will lose you driving test fee.

How to check your indicators are working

Answer: How to check your indicators are working

There are 2 ways you can check that the direction indicator lights are working. The easiest way is to press the hazard warning light switch, and walk around the car to check the individual lights are working. There are 2 lights at the front of the car, 2 at the rear, and 1 on each side (either on the door mirrors or the front wing). The second way is to apply the indicators individually, so apply the left indicator and check the left side of the car, then apply the right indicator and check the right side of the car.

Why do you need to check your indicators are working?

It is really important to check your indicators are working. Imagine you wanted to pull over to the side of the road, and there’s a car following you quite closely. You indicate to tell the driver behind that you intend to stop, but without knowing it, your indicator light at the rear isn’t working. How might this affect the car behind? How Will the driver behind know you’re going stop? Will the driver be able to slow enough to avoid having an accident with you?

This is just one of many, many possible scenarios that could happen if you’re indicator lights are not working.

How often should I check my indicator lights?

As I guide, I would recommend to check your indicator lights at least weekly, but take any opportunity you can to check them. For example, when you get in your car, if you have a remote central locking key, when you press it, the indicator lights normally come on so you could check then. You may see a reflection of your car somewhere, possibly in a shop window, you could use this to check your lights.

When you are taking your driving lessons in Stoke on Trent, your driving instructor will show you how to complete the show me tell me questions. Drive Ahead School of Motoring can provide you with excellent driving lessons, tailored to your driving needs.

Book your Driving Lessons

To book a driving lesson, please call today on 01782 906010 or visit our website www.driveahead.co.uk