The bits nobody explains properly: what you need before your first lesson, how the tests work, and what they cost.
You need a provisional driving licence before you can have a lesson. You can apply from 15 years and 9 months old, and most people start driving lessons at 17.
You also need to be able to read a car number plate from 20 metres away (about five car lengths), with glasses or contact lenses if you wear them. This gets checked at the start of your driving test.
Nobody expects you to know anything yet. Your first lesson goes at your pace, and lots of Chris's pupils started out nervous.
Lessons are an hour long, in Chris's manual VW Polo. Pick-up details to confirm with Chris
The theory test has a multiple-choice part and a hazard perception part. You must pass it before you can book your driving test.
Lots of pupils start lessons and revise for the theory test at the same time. Chris can help with the bits that are easier to understand from behind the wheel.
It starts with the eyesight check. Then you drive for around 35 minutes, including a stretch of independent driving where you follow road signs or a sat nav. You pass with 15 or fewer driving faults and no serious or dangerous faults.
Forget your licence and the test is cancelled with no refund, so pack it the night before. Scarborough tests often start at 7.03am, and Chris is happy to do a warm-up drive beforehand.
The DVSA says learners need, on average, around 45 hours of lessons plus 22 hours of private practice. Extra practice with family or friends can make a big difference.
Whoever sits with you must be over 21 and have held a full licence for at least 3 years, and you need to be insured on the car you practise in.
Costs and rules are taken from GOV.UK and were correct in October 2026. Always check GOV.UK before you book.
