FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs
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Q. Do I have to have a provisional licence before I start learning?
A. Yes and you must be over 17 years old to learn to drive a car.
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Q. Do I have to pass my theory test before learning to drive?
A. Nope! You can start learning to drive as soon as you have your provisional licence. If you would like some help with learning for your theory please get in touch.​
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Q. How do I know you are a qualified instructor?
A. I am an Approved Driving Instructor and I will display a green badge in my windscreen. You can ask to see my badge and I will be happy to show you. Legally any instructor must display this badge whilst being paid to teach.
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Q. Will I ever have another instructor for my lesson?
A. No, I am an independent driving instructor so it will always be me providing your lessons. I may, however, arrange for another instructor to carry out a mock test for you.
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Q. How many lessons do I need? How often should I have lessons?
A. The DVSA recommend you have around 40 hours of lessons as well as independent practice. This will depend on how quickly you learn and how often you have lessons, which will depend on your availability. Students usually have lessons weekly, some choose to have more than one lesson a week, and some choose to have lessons fortnightly. You can also choose the length of your lessons - you could have 1 hour lessons, 1.5 hour lessons, or 2 hour lessons. Occasionally I do longer lessons for various reasons - if you would like a longer lesson, please talk to me.
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Q. What areas do you cover?
A. I am based near Newmarket and have pupils from the surrounding villages. I use Newmarket, Bury St Edmunds and Cambridge as practice areas.
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Q. How much do you charge?
A. Please see information on current prices on the relevant page.
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Q. How do I pay for my lessons?
A. All payments should ideally be made by bank transfer so as to avoid the need to handle cash in the car.
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Q. Can I buy lessons as a present for someone?
A. Yes - please ask about my gift vouchers.
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Q. How do I cancel my lesson?
A. Please contact me directly to cancel and rearrange your lesson. Please give 48 hours notice to cancel, otherwise I may have to charge you for cancelling at short notice.
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Q. Do you do intensive courses?
A. I don't offer full intensive courses where you drive for 8 hours a day over 5 days, for various reasons. I often find students do not learn best this way, learning to drive can be overwhelming and it's a lot to take in. You'll lack overall driving experience and the pressure of learning can be too much. However, I can provide semi intensive courses, where you could do (for example) 10 hours a week, over 4 weeks. Please contact me if you'd like to do this
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Q. Can I drive on a motorway as a learner driver?
A. Yes! However, you must be with an Approved Driving Instructor in a car fitted with dual controls. You may not drive on a motorway with a trainee driving instructor, or with friends or family
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Q. When can I book my driving test?
A. This will vary from student to student. I strongly recommend speaking to me first, as I will be able to give you a better idea as to when you will be ready
Q. Why should I choose Excelerate Driving Tuition?
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A. I can offer you a female instructor with up to date training of a high quality who is patient, professional and personable. My training is based around client centred learning - putting you at the core of your learning journey ensuring that lessons are adapted to suit your needs and help you to make the progress you need. I offer affordable prices and my previous students would be very happy to recommend me.
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Q. I'm scared of crashing your car!
A. Don't panic! I have the appropriate driving instructor insurance and I know that it is inevitable that accidents, bumps, and scratches will happen at some point. I have dual controls and will do my best to prevent any incidents from happening in the first place. IF an incident does happen for whatever reason, I will stay calm and will not be angry. You will not be charged for the damage (unless you were purposely driving dangerously and ignoring my instructions). Any incidents that happen can be claimed through my instructor insurance - so it's not a problem! I will reassure you and make sure that you are ok - you are my priority!
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Q. Can I learn to drive with friends or family?
A. Yes! However, you must meet all of the legal requirements.
~ Your supervising driver must be 21 years or over
~ Your supervising driver must have held a valid UK driving licence for 3+ years
~ Your supervising driver must follow the same rules as if they were driving - no using mobile phones, drinking, taking drugs, etc.
~ You must have visible L plates on the front and rear of your car
~ Your car must have tax and an MOT, and be legal and roadworthy
~ You must have the appropriate insurance.
~ You must have an additional mirror fitted for the examiner if you wish to take your car to your driving test
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Q. What happens if I have a complaint?
A. Please contact me directly and I will do my best to resolve the issue.
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Q. I still have a question...
A. Please get in touch if there's anything else I can help with.