Your questions answered

Carlisle Driving Instructor - Duncan Bicknell

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Why should I learn to drive with Duncan Bicknell?
I teach safety, while also building your confidence and I believe that my approach, of challenging you as a learner, will help you pass your driving test and set you up for life as a competent driver. I will teach you to drive confidently by introducing you to the widest range of driving conditions possible, not by just following the test routes.

How long will it take me to learn, and how many lessons will I need?
Every learner is an individual so it will depend on a combination of factors such as previous experience, aptitude, frequency of lessons and access to private practice.The DSA quote that the average learner will have had, on average, 45 hours of professional training and 22 hours of private practice when they pass their test.

What do I need before I can start learning to drive?
You must be at least 17 years old and obtain a provisional driving licence before you can start to learn to drive on public roads in the UK, unless you are disabled, and in receipt of a mobility allowance, when the age is 16. You can apply for a provisional licence up to 3 months before your 17th birthday to be valid on your birthday. A provisional licence enables you to drive while accompanied by a suitable person (see below). You should also ensure that you can meet the minimum eyesight standard requirements as this will be checked when you come to take your driving test.The distance requirement for the old-style number plate is 20.5 metres. The distance requirement for the eyesight test with the new-style number plate is 20 metres. New-style number plates were introduced on 1 September 2001 and are easily identifiable because they start with two letters, for example: AB51 or ABC.It is not necessary to have taken and passed your theory test before you start learning to drive, although it may help if you have begun to study the necessary theory before you take to the road - and you do not have to wait until you are 17 to start learning the theory!

Do you provide driving lessons in my area?
I am based in central Carlisle and I usually cover all areas within a 15-mile radius, however, please call me to discuss your requirements as I will always do my best to accommodate my pupils.

Can I take a Refresher or Special Course with you, such as motorway driving?
I am happy to discuss your requirements for refresher and special sessions and to tailor instruction specifically for you. If you haven not driven for a while or have never really felt very comfortable with, for example, motorway driving, or perhaps some of the standard manoeuvres, I can help you. I also specialise in confidence building sessions to help overcome the stresses of modern driving.

Do I have to learn to drive with a Driving School?
Only a Driving Standards Agency registered approved driving instructor can legally charge you for lessons. The DSA say; "It is unlikely that anyone except an approved driving instructor (ADI) would have the experience, knowledge and training to teach you properly. Learning safe driving habits from the start will improve the safety of yourself and other road users" Having said that, private practice outside of your driving lessons is highly recommended if you are able to.

How long are lessons and how often should I have them?
A standard driving lesson is one hour but I am increasingly finding that one and a half or two-hour lessons are preferred by pupils as they find that they get more value and more driving out of a longer lesson because (proportionally) less time is taken up in briefings and in getting used to the car again. In some cases, where a pupil lives further away, I also recommend longer lessons to ensure that I am able to get you to appropriate and worthwhile teaching areas around the Carlisle area.How often you book lessons is very much an individual decision and will depend on many things -including how quickly you want to learn, your access to private practice and, of course, your budget. Most pupils take between one and three hours a week, either as one or two sessions. I will be happy to discuss the best pattern to suit your individual requirements.

Can I practice with someone else?
If you would like to go out for private practice, you must display L plates prominently on both the front and rear of the vehicle and the accompanying driver must be at least 21 years old and have held (and still hold) a full driving licence for at least 3 years.Any vehicle that you practice in must be in roadworthy condition and taxed. It must also be appropriately insured for you as a learner driver and for your accompanying driver to sit with you.