Getting Started
It is important that you make sure your driving instructor is properly qualified to give you instruction, otherwise you may not be properly insured and may not receive a safe, proper level of instruction. It is illegal for anyone to take money for giving driving lessons unless they are qualified to do so. Ask your driving instructor for their official ADI registration number and ask to see their instructor's licence.
Some of the bigger driving schools use trainee driving instructors to deliver lessons while they are learning to become instructors. This is perfectly legal, as long as they are registered. However, it is up to you to decide if you want to pay full price for tuition from a trainee who is not yet fully qualified.
At J G Smith School of Motoring you can rest assured that your instructor is fully qualified, insured and experienced.
Before you start your Driving Lessons with J G Smith School of Motoring there are a few things you need to consider. ***Summer Special*** Take advantage of any spare time you have this summer with a J G Smith School of Motoring starter pack and learn to drive quicker by taking multiple lessons at a time.. Click here to see our packages.
You must have a Provisional Driving Licence. You can start driving at 17 years of age and if you are keen to get started you may apply for your provisional licence up to 3 months before your 17th birthday so can you be ready to go on your birthday. You can get a provisional licence application form (D1) at the post office or from the Driver and Vehicle Agency.
You should check your eyesight and your general medical condition to make sure it complies with the regulations for driving. You must be able to read a car number plate from 20 metres (approx. 5 car legnths). If you wear contact lenses or glasses to do this then you must use them when driving.
Although you may not start driving until you are 17 years old you can begin studying for your theory test at any time by reading the Highway Code and you can also try free practice theory tests on-line to help gauge your progress.
If you intend to get some private practice with someone you know, to complement your driving lessons with your instructor, make sure that they are legally entitled to supervise you. You should also ensure that the vehicle you are driving is properly insured for a learner driver.