Getting Started

Recent surveys indicate that nine in ten learners who passed both theory and practical tests first time were taught by an instructor. A fully qualified approved driving instructor (ADI) must display a green certificate on the windscreen of the car while teaching you. Some trainee driving instructors are granted a licence so they can gain experience before their qualifying examination. In this case, the trainee driving instructor must display a pink certificate on the windscreen.

DSA is responsible for maintaining and checking the standards of all approved driving instructors (ADI), who to qualify must:

have held a full driving licence for at least four years
pass a much tougher theory test than the one learner drivers take
pass a strict driving test
reach and keep up a high standard of instruction. The standard of tuition given by the ADI is regularly checked by a supervising examiner from DSA
be registered with DSA
display an ADI identification certificate on the windscreen of the tuition vehicle


The Licence		Three months before your 17th birthday you can apply for your provisional licence – or as soon as you’re 16, if you're disabled and receiving mobility allowance. Then once you’re 17, you can legally drive a car on public roads in the UK. It’s okay to start practising on private land, as long as the site is gated and far away from public highways. But remember, supermarket car parks are classed as public roads, so don’t use these.

'L' Plates		When you’re learning, you’ll need to put 'L' plates (or ‘D’ plates in Wales) on the front and back of your car – somewhere they can be seen easily. And you’re only allowed to drive with someone who’s passed their test, is over 21 and has been driving for three years or more. Your 'L' plates also have to meet legal specification – so buy them. Whenever the car is driven by someone who’s passed, the plates need to come off or be covered up.

Eyesight		Before you start learning, make sure you can read a number plate in good daylight from 20.5 metres away – that's about five car lengths. For the new-style number plates (that were introduced September 2001), the distance is 20 metres. If you wear glasses or contacts, that’s fine. Just make sure you always wear them when driving.

Insurance		When you're paying for lessons, the driving school will insure the car. But if you're practising with friends or family, make sure you're covered on their insurance policy. ask your instructor as we can offer a competitive insurance policy which will insure you and will not effect your parents policy

Why Us		Recent surveys indicate that nine in ten learners who passed both theory and practical tests first time were taught by an instructor. A fully qualified approved driving instructor (ADI) must display a green certificate on the windscreen of the car while teaching you. Some trainee driving instructors are granted a licence so they can gain experience before their qualifying examination. In this case, the trainee driving instructor must display a pink certificate on the windscreen. DSA is responsible for maintaining and checking the standards of all approved driving instructors (ADI), who to qualify must: have held a full driving licence for at least four years pass a much tougher theory test than the one learner drivers take pass a strict driving test reach and keep up a high standard of instruction. The standard of tuition given by the ADI is regularly checked by a supervising examiner from DSA be registered with DSA display an ADI identification certificate on the windscreen of the tuition vehicle