Welcome To The Vallé Driving School

Driving School Providing Driving Lessons in Cheshunt and around Hertfordshire

How to apply for your provisional licence

Before you can learn to drive a car, you have to obtain a provisional driving licence. To apply for this, you must complete the application form D1 that's available from either the 'Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) form ordering service', or from your local Post Office. It takes about 4 weeks for your application to be processed and for your licence to be sent to you - so if you want to start learning as soon as you hit 17, make sure you apply early! Did you know that you can apply for your licence UP TO 3 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR 17th BIRTHDAY?

Questions and Answers

Q - How much are the lessons?
A - The lessons are £25.00 per hour.

Q - Why do most new drivers take driving lessons with an Instructor?
A - It is risky teaching a new driver in a vehicle not fitted with dual controls. The Vallé Driving School car has these fitted as a requirement of insurance. Any mistakes made will not endanger yourself or others and you may drive in traffic without disturbing other road users.

Q - How many lessons will I need?
A - How long is a piece of string? People learn at different rates but as a VERY rough guide The Driving Standards Agency says the average learner takes 45 hours of tuition with 22 hours of private practice to be ready for the test. At The Vallé Driving School, we are achieving considerably less than this. Source DirectGov Website

Q - How long are the lessons?
A - EVERY lesson is 1 hour long and no less! It is recommended however to take the lessons in 2 hourly sessions to allow a more intensive lesson plus time to review thoroughly the lesson.

Q - Is there a minimum amount of lessons I have to book?
A - No. You can book lesson by lesson.

Q - What day or time of the week can I have a lesson?
A - Within reason...anytime!

Q - Can I be picked up and dropped off in a different place?
A - Yes, why not be picked up at home and dropped off at The Studios for classes? (or vice versa?)

Q - Do you charge more for weekends and evenings?
A - No.

Q - What is your smoking policy?
A - STRICTLY no smoking by anybody inside the car.

Q - Can I have intensive driving tuition?
A - Yes, but we do need a little time to arrange a course of intensive lessons.

Q - How old do I have to be to start driving a motorcar?
A - For most of us it is 17 years but if you are currently getting Disability Living Allowance at the higher rate (mobility component) you can start at 16.

Q - When can I apply for my Provisional Licence?
A - Normally, for car drivers, the earliest date your provisional licence can become valid is your 17th birthday. However, you can apply for the licence up to 3 months before your 17th birthday.

Q - Can I drive before my 17th Birthday?
A - If you apply for your provisional licence before your 17th birthday, you will still have to wait until your birthday before you can take driving lessons.

Q - When can I take my Theory Test?
A - You can take your Theory Test once your provisional licence becomes valid. Once you have passed your Theory Test you can take your Practical Test.

Q - How do I apply for a theory test & how much does it cost?
A - You can book online or by phone on 0300 200 11222. You will need your driver number (from your provisional licence) and a credit/debit card to pay the appropriate fee. For more details of how the test is conducted, etc. visit the DirectGov site.

Q - Where can I get help/tips/training on my Theory Test?
A - CLICK HERE

Q - Can I start driving lessons before I have passed my theory test?
A - Yes - Its suggest that you do so that the theory test will make more sense.

Q - Do you provide Tuition in Automatic cars?
A - Not at the moment but please contact me for recommendation.

Q - How do I know when I am ready for my driving test?
A - If you can drive and control your car safely and competently, with due care and anticipation of other road users; weather; traffic conditions and can competently complete all of the manoeuvres then, and only then are you ready to pass your driving test.
You must take advice from your instructor as to when you are ready - too soon and it can be costly and confidence shattering.
However enthusiastic and keen you are, please bear in mind that your driving test will be the first occasion when you are let loose on your own - if the examiner intervenes then the test is automatically terminated. We therefore will have to assess how safe you are and also how safe our car will be in your hands. We really love our BMW MSport the way it is so please do not book a test before we advise that you're ready - we do not like to have to refuse the use of our car for a test.

Q - How do I apply for a practical test & how much does it cost?
A - You can book online or by phone on 0300 200 11222. You will need your driver number (from your provisional licence) and a credit/debit card to pay the appropriate fee. For more details of how the test is conducted, etc. visit the DirectGov site.

Q - Does 'Wearing green' or 'Examiners moods' affect my passing chances or is there a 'Quota of fails & passes' to adhere to?
A - No Quotas, no moods and no subliminal colour messages! When you first leave the Car Park on your test, you have no faults on your sheet. Only you can add faults and subsequently fail your test, not your examiner!

Q - What do I need to bring with me on my first lesson?
A - Your provisional driving licence, the payment for the lesson and a willingness to learn!

Q - What happens on the first lesson?
A - Firstly I will check that you can read a number plate at a distance of 20.5 metres (i.e. 67 feet - about 5 car lengths) with glasses if normally worn. This is a legal requirement.
I will drive to a quieter, safe area and I will then describe all of the car controls to you and show you the important safety checks you will need to make every time you get into the car. I will then teach you how to move and (more importantly) how to stop the car and introduce you to the 'Mirror Signal Manoeuvre' routine. All lessons will be structured according to your ability and you will never be asked to perform an action beyond your capabilities.

Q - Do you offer intensive/crash courses?
A - Yes we do

Q - I have a questions but I cannot find the answer?
A - Contact me - I am here to help!

The Vallé Academy Driving School
Wilton House, Delamare Road, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, EN89SG
01992 622 862, driving@valleacademy.co.uk
Driving School Providing Driving Lessons in Cheshunt and around Hertfordshire