"The Thinking Persons Driving School"

Berkshire Driving School, 63 Wheatley, Great Hollands, Bracknell RG12 8UG
01344 303132

http://www.berkshire-driving-school.co.uk
Tuition Enquiries : john@berkshire-driving-school.co.uk

Home Page and FAQ

Greetings and Welcome to our site...

This page explains our charges and pick-up area

If you want car driving lessons in the Bracknell or Ascot area, wish to take the towing test (B+E), add the minibus entitlement (D1) to your license or take the Pass Plus, we have the experience to help you. We now offer intensive courses. Typically you would need 36 hours tuition to pass the test as a complete beginner but any experience you may have such as a little off-road driving or cycling can reduce this considerably. If you click on the FAQ links below you should have all or most of your questions answered. Please email or phone for further information or to book with us.

We aim to teach you to drive confidently and not just to pass a test.

This is one of our marking schemes

(You will need Adobe Acrobat to read this document.)

We hope you will find our monthly blog (see issues tab) interesting as well as our general driving tips (see the Tips tab) which now includes global warming issues.

Car insurance is a legal requirement for all drivers and gets especially more expensive for new and learner drivers - perhaps one of these insurer sites may help you find an affordable policy...

For pupils taking their test in our BMW we have added a new picture to explain parts of the engine bay that are likely to be included in the test.
Click Here for additional information about our car.

Coming Soon!

We have been receiving more enquires about Minibus training recently. We will shortly be adding a new FAQ section of the website specifically for minibus tuition and explaining the rules and regulations involved.

If you are taking a test in our car You will need to know where certain important engine bay components are. The hood release is on the driver's side by the bottom front door opening. Hover the mouse over the above picture to where it changes to a pointing hand. Some text will pop up to explain the item.

1. I am thinking of getting a provisional driving license. How do I apply for one?
2. I already have a provisional license and want to learn to drive. Am I allowed to do so?
3. Why do most new drivers take driving lessons with an Instructor?
4. What is a Driving Instructor?
5. Does an Instructor know how good he is?
6. How do I choose a good Instructor?
7. Are there any independent organisations who can supply information about local driving schools?
8. Do I have to have pass my theory test before I take driving lessons?
9. Can I practice the theory test from home?
10. Where can I take my theory test?
11. How much does a driving test cost?
12. Where can I take my driving test?
13. Tell me about your Instructor.
14. What courses do you run?
15. How much do you charge?
16. How many lessons will I need?
17. What is your pass rate?
18. Do you know the test routes?
19. I see that you do Advanced Driver Training. How do I apply for an Advanced Driving Test?
20. What is pass plus?
21. I wish to drive the school minibus. Have you any information which could help me?
22. I wish to tow a trailer. Have you any information for me?
23. How much is Car Tax?
24. Issues - BDS Blog
25. What is Your Driver Number?
26. Why do you use a BMW 1 series motorcar?

1. I am thinking of getting a provisional driving license.
How do I apply for one?

Before you can drive on the road, new drivers must apply for a provisional driving license. Click here for information on how you can do this and use your browser buttons to return to our site:

2. I already have a provisional license and want to learn to drive.
Am I allowed to do so?

You are permitted to learn to drive in your own motor car providing it complies with all statutory requirements, particularly in respect to insurance. A suitably qualified driver must accompany you.

3. Why do most new drivers take driving lessons with an Instructor?

It is risky teaching a new driver in a vehicle not fitted with dual controls. Driving instructors have these fitted in their cars as a requirement of their insurance. The learner may then be allowed to make mistakes without endangering themselves or others and they may drive in traffic without disturbing other road users. Driving Instructors have passed examinations and are periodically assessed and graded. Instructors are encouraged to improve their effectiveness by gaining more qualifications such as the Diploma in Driving Instruction and even a University Degree in the subject. Please use your browser buttons to return to our site.

4. What is a Driving Instructor?

A Driving Instructor is a specialist who can help you drive safely and pass a driving test. Driving Instructors must register and have passed theory and practical tests which are conducted by the DSA. They must also display their Driving Instructor's certificate in the car front window. Qualified Instructors display green certificates and trainees display pink certificates. These carry a photograph of the Instructor, their name and also their ADI number. They must also submit to periodic check tests conducted by a supervising examiner. Some Instructors take additional examinations so that they can perform at a higher level.

5. Does an Instructor know how good he is?

Good Driving Instructors like to prove their abilities by taking additional driving qualifications and achieving successful driving test results for their Clients. Each year Instructors receive analysis of the faults committed by their candidates and a comparison of their pass rate with others in their profession. The Instructor may then know if he is achieving his objectives and indicates where improvements may be made in his tuition. This is a confidential document so that Driving Instructors are not pressurised into taking on only easy people to teach. He is also graded from time to time by a supervising examiner. Since this is only a snap-shot based upon the occasional check-test, this is also confidential. It is very useful to the Instructor who has an independent professional judging his abilities.

6. How do I choose a good Instructor?

Price is rarely the best way to choose an Instructor. Successful Instructors tend to charge more but could give better value. The best way of finding a good Driving Instructor is to ask the advice of friends who have taken driving lessons recently. Alternatively, find a Driving Instructor who has a great deal of experience and has gained additional qualifications. Other factors may be important to you, for example, many people object to sitting in a car with an instructor who smokes or some pupils may be uncomfortable with an Instructor of a certain gender. Try to talk with the Instructor and see if he sounds pleasant. Perhaps organise just one driving lesson and see how you get on. Alternatively, just contact us:

7. Are there any independent organisations who can supply information about local driving schools?

Yes. Click the following link for DIA driving instructors in the Bracknell and Ascot area and discover if they have gained other qualifications. Please use your browser buttons to return to our site.

Alternatively, you may contact the Driving Instructors Association by telephone or post:

Telephone: +44 (0)20 8665 5151
Local call rate: 0845 345 5151
Facsimile: +44 (0) 20 8665 5565

Safety House
Beddington Farm Road
Croydon
CR0 4XZ
United Kingdom

If you doubt the accuracy of the information given to you by a Driving School, you could write, voicing your concerns to:

Driving Standards Agency
Stanley House
56 Talbot Street
Nottingham
NG1 5GU

8. Do I have to have pass my theory test before I take driving lessons?

You may take driving lessons before you have passed the theory test. Even if you have not yet applied for a driving license, you may consider revising for your theory test. We at The Berkshire Driving School have reference material (books and videos) available for you at no charge. Alternatively the following link to the DSA web site gives telephone numbers so that you can order suitable books and videos. Please use your browser buttons to return to our site:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/TheoryTest/TheoryTestArticles/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4022536&chk=MZOYDq

Click here to return to FAQ

9. Can I practice the theory test from home?

Yes, using available publications or by computer

There are several software packages available, for example these were listed in several relevant magazines...

Or for online tests try this link.

The DSA allow you to practice on-line ? Please return to us.

10. Where can I take my theory test?

Follow this link ... http://www.dsa.gov.uk/address/theory_search.htm and follow the instructions ? local theory test centres will be listed for you. Don't forget to return by clicking back your browser button!

11. How much does a driving test cost?

For the cost of all the types of driving test click this link for this information. Please return to our site:

12. Where can I take my driving test?

We often use the following car test centres: Slough , Reading , Ashford (Middlesex), Aldershot , Guildford , Weybridge. Vocational driving tests are conducted at Reading , Guildford and Yeading. For a full listing of UK test centres click here...

Tests can be booked online but please seek advice from your instructor first click here...

13. Tell me about your Instructor.

The Driving Instructor is John Silvester and he qualified in 1973. He established The Berkshire Driving School in 1974. He likes to innovate and was the first Driving School in the country to use a diesel vehicle (VW Golf 1.5 Litres). He has been interviewed on radio on many occasions talking about the use of computers in Driving School vehicles and has also been reported in the Telegraph Science section. He has a Science degree and Teaching Certificate and does supply teaching on occasions. He has appeared on BBC Technogames with a radio controlled Robot called Joker which he himself designed. This should appear on Robot Wars next year. The site for this project is found by clicking this link:

14. What courses do you run?

We offer car, C; car plus trailer C+E; Minibus, D1; minibus + trailer; D1+E; Pass plus; Motorway training; Refresher Courses; Extended Test training; Advanced Driver Training; hackney carriage and private hire training. On occasions we also offer Instructor training.

15. How much do you charge?

Our basic charge at the moment is £25.00 per one hour lesson or £230 for ten hourly-lessons (paid in advance).
Vocational training is also the same price but companies distant from our catchment area are charged the same price per hour in travelling expenses. The charge for towing is £35.00 per one hour lesson.

16. How many lessons will I need?

Candidates taking the driving test take an average of 52 hours professional tuition and nineteen hours other practice according to the latest figures published by the DSA (Despatch May/June 2008). Obviously an experienced instructor can reduce this considerably. Note that the cost of driving lessons is usually cheaper than the cost of one year's car insurance for a first time driver. About a fifth of all new drivers lose their no-claims entitlement shortly after taking their driving test. This subsequently increases their insurance the following year. Insurance companies encourage further training after taking the driving test (see Pass Plus).

17. What is your pass rate?

This is 90% this month but we try to achieve a 60% pass rate. We understand this to be the best 'cost-to-pass-the-test' ratio. The average pass rate is about 35% and it is tempting for other schools to increase turnover by giving test fail candidates further tuition. Typically this would result in 52 hours tuition but we are able to reduce this considerably by having a higher pass rate.

18. Do you know the test routes?

Having taught drivers for over 30 years I am quite familiar with test routes. More importantly I am aware on the parts that seem to cause candidates some difficulty. Note that test routes are published on the DSA web site.

19. I see that you do Advanced Driver Training.
How do I apply for an Advanced Driving Test?

There are three main Advanced Driving Tests.

The IAM test is probably simpler but the organisation often runs other driving competitions:
The Institute of Advanced Motorists
IAM House
510 Chiswick High Road
LONDON W4 5RG
United Kingdom.

The RoSPA examination is a little harder but a little artificial for some tastes. The candidate has to perform the tests that police drivers perform before they drive off. The marking is superb and the candidates get a print out of the examiner's critique of their driving.

RoSPA Advanced Drivers' Association
Edgbaston Park
353 Bristol Road
BIRMINGHAM
B5 7ST
Tel: 0121 248 2099
Fax: 0121 248 2001

The DIAmond advanced test

Telephone: +44 (0)20 8665 5151
Local call rate: 0845 345 5151
Facsimile: +44 (0) 20 8665 5565

Safety House
Beddington Farm Road
Croydon
CR0 4XZ
United Kingdom

20. What is pass plus?

This is an extra six hour driving lessons for Clients who have passed the driving test. It includes motorway driving. Suitable Clients who reach a suitable standard are sent a certificate which may allow them cheaper insurance. Follow this link for more information:

Pass Plus Insurers 2009

Our Local Councils supporting Pass Plus, 2009

Consider approaching your local Council - they may offer you a discount.

Buckinghamshire County Council
June Howlett
Tel: 01296 382338
Email: jhowlett@buckscc.gov.uk

Hampshire County Council
Road Safety Team; Chris Collins
Tel: 01962 874 600
Email: road.safety@hants.gov.uk
Website: http://www.hants.gov.uk/roadsafety

Pass Plus - London
Marilyn Cranfield - Road Safety Officer
Tel : 0845 230 1725
Email: m.cranfield@passpluslondon.co.uk

21. I wish to drive the school minibus.
Have you any information which could help me?

Yes, click this link for more information. Please contact us if you want to organise training in your vehicle:

Minibus minimum test vehicle

This will have between 9 - 16 passenger seats with a Maximum Authorised Mass (ie vehicle plus passengers) of at least four tonnes, of at least five metres in length and capable of 80 km/h (50 mph). A Tachograph, ABS, seatbelts and examiner mirrors must be fitted. Note that using the tachograph is not part of the test.

22. I wish to tow a trailer. Have you any information for me?

Of course, we have a list of topics covering most aspects of trailers and towing...

We have a trailer with a maximum permitted mass of 1 tonne which is suitable for the C+E driving test, and other +E tests. Our car has a tow bar fitted and is also suitable for the C+E test. The test is conducted along the lines of most vocational driving tests and along similar routes. The Examiner will ask you questions on the safe operation of the vehicle/trailer combination, you will be asked to perform a manoeuvre and also a controlled stop in an enclosed space and the driving part of the test will last about an hour. This site is a useful resource:

23. How much is Car Tax?

For current rates of car tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) click here http://www.vcacarfueldata.org.uk/ved/ then please come back

For additional useful information on vehicle taxation click here

24. Issues - BDS Blog

We have a whole page devoted to our monthly motoring blog

25. What is Your Driver Number?

YOUR DRIVER NUMBER
A unique number assigned by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency to identify a Driving Licence Holder; an applicant who has been refused a licence for medical reasons, or who has come to notice through court proceedings e.g. Driving under age.

Your driver number has 16 characters.
The first 5 characters are alphanumeric. They are the first five letters of your surname. If your surname is less than five then the remaining spaces are made up using the figure 9

The next 6 characters are numbers. The first and last numbers of this group are the year of your birth.
The second and third numbers are the month of your birthday, unless you are a woman. You will then have 5 added to the second number of this group i.e. this number will be 5 or 6.
The fourth and fifth digits are the day of your month of your birth.

Next two characters are the initials of your forenames. If you have only one initial, the last number in this group will be 9
The last three are alphanumeric computer check digits.

(Numbers placed well away from the others is the issue number of the license and not really part of the driver number.)

26. Why do you use a BMW 1 series motorcar?

Being rear wheel drive there is more space round the driver's pedals, the gearbox is slick and the turning circle is tight. From the Instructor's point of view, the excellent electronic stability control means foolproof handling. Drivers also appreciate the reversing alarm, large motorised door mirrors, automatic lights and wipers and plenty of seat adjustment for very small or very tall drivers.

Please note all information on this site is as correct as best endeavours can make it (Errors and Omissions excepted). Please report website problems to webmaster Neil Manuel

Website created on Sunday 30th November 2003 and last edited on Tuesday 23rd February 2010.

We have welcomed visitors to our site. Thanks for browsing.

Useful Links...

BMW 120D - Our training vehicle - click on the above picture to visit the BMW site to see it's specifications.

Local Driving Schools

http://www.touchreading.com, Touch Reading local business directory