The things people ask
Do you teach manual?
Not any more. I taught manual for years and now teach automatic only. If you pass in an automatic your licence covers automatic cars.
How much are lessons?
£45 an hour, or £420 for a block of 10 hours — that works out at £42 an hour and saves you £30.
How many lessons will I need?
It genuinely varies. The DVSA average is around 45 hours of instruction plus private practice. Learners in automatics often need fewer. I will give you an honest estimate once I have seen you drive, and I will not pad it.
Do I need to have passed my theory test first?
No. You can start lessons at any point — you only need the theory pass before you can book your practical test. Many people do both alongside each other.
I am really nervous. Is that a problem?
It is the most common thing people say in their first message, and it is the part of the job I care most about getting right. Automatic removes stalling and hill starts, which is most of what people are actually frightened of.
Do you pick me up from home?
Yes. For complete beginners the first lessons start somewhere quiet, so I drive you there and back. That travel time is not charged — you pay for teaching time only.
Which areas do you cover?
I teach in High Wycombe. If you are just outside and not sure whether you are in range, ask me — but I do not travel out to the surrounding towns.
Do you teach men?
No, I teach women only. It is worth saying plainly so nobody wastes their time getting in touch — and I am happy to point you towards other local instructors if you need one.
Why women only?
For some students it is a preference, for some a matter of faith or family, and for some simply that they learn better without feeling watched. I have taught this way for fifteen years and it does not need explaining to me.
When can I have lessons?
Seven days a week, between 9am and 6pm. Weekends included.
How do I pay?
A £10 deposit reserves your lesson, paid online once I have confirmed it, and it comes off the price. The rest is due at the lesson — I prefer cash, or I can give you my bank details if you would rather transfer, which is what most people do for block bookings.
What if I need to cancel a lesson?
Please give me more than 48 hours' notice to cancel or move a lesson. Move it and your deposit moves with it; cancel and it comes back to you automatically. With less notice than that I keep the £10 deposit, because the slot is usually too late for anyone else to take.