Frequently asked questions

Listed below are our most commonly asked questions. Please take a look and if you can´t find the answer, then please ask us a question:

Simply click the question listed below, to reveal the answer.

Am I guaranteed to pass at the end of the intensive driving course?
All tests are conducted independently by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and so there is no guarantee of passing an intensive driving course with ANY driving school. We endeavour to get you through your driving test successfully by teaching you around the test routes used at your local test centre, mock testing and giving you systems and procedures to follow.
How long does an intensive driving course last?
We custom build our intensive driving courses to suit your individual needs. We have three standard intensive driving courses, which allow you to work as intensively as you need to. However, we advise doing no more than 25 hours worth of lessons though in any one week as doing more than this can be unbeneficial to you in the long-term.
Is the practical test fee included in the price?
Yes, the all inclusive course, semi intensive course and express course include one attempt at the practical driving test. If you were unsuccessful on test day you would have to pay for another test.
Can I book my theory test before my provisional licence arrives?
Unfortunately you cannot book any test without receipt of your provisional licence as you need your personal identification number to book one.
Do I need to have passed my theory test before I start an intensive driving course?
The answer to this question depends up on the number of hours and over what time period you wish to do an intensive driving course. For those pupils wishing to do approximately 10 hours worth of lessons then it is advisable to have done the theory test first so that you can book your practical test and organise the lessons accordingly. However, for those pupils wishing to do a bulk of lessons or wishing to do the course over a longer period of time, then it is not essential to have passed your theory test first.
Do you have automatic cars?
We are very sorry, but at Ignition Driving School we currently only have manual cars. The automatic tuition market is very specialist and please be aware, if you pass your test in an automatic car, then your licence is restricted to just automatic cars. To change your licence from an automatic to a manual one, would require you to take the test again, which can be very costly.
Do you offer any discounts for students?
Our prices are competitive with other quality independent schools and we do not discriminate against any individual wishing to learn to drive.
How do I pay for my intensive driving course?
To pay for your intensive driving course please visit Payment Page Most major credit and debit cards are accepted by Google Checkout, our secure online payment method. Additional lessons can be bought from your instructor directly. There are 3 ways to pay for additional lessons: cash, cheque or credit / debit card. Cash is paid directly to your instructor, cheques are to be made payable to your instructor and paid directly to them. Instructors cannot accept credit / debit card payments in the car. If you wish to pay for additional lessons by card then please pay online as above. Ignition Driving School holds no responsibility for refunds. All payment disputes are to be discussed with your instructor directly.
Can you help me with my theory test?
Our all inclusive courses include theory books and materials to help you revise for your theory test. When you start your intensive course with Ignition Driving School, you will also be given access to The Hub, our online pupil centre, with lesson recap materials and practice theory papers and hazard perception clips to try. And if you´re still stuck, our instructors will be able to help you with any questions you may have.
Can I have lessons in my own car?
We generally would not teach in non-dual controlled cars for safety reasons. However, we may make exceptions to this depending on level of ability of the pupil. Please ask when booking.
Can I be picked up from one place and be dropped off at another?
As we offer a flexible service we are able to pick up and drop off pupils at their chosen destinations. However, please inform your instructor in good time so that they can plan this into their schedule.
What will I need to bring to my first driving lesson?
You will need to bring both parts of your provisional driving licence with you to your first driving lesson. You are also required to read a car number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres so please bring with you glasses if you believe you would not be able to do this without them.
I´ve never driven before and I´m extremely nervous what will I do on my first driving lesson?
We understand that you will be nervous at driving for the first time and to help you with this we will take you to a quiet location, explain the controls of the car and allow you to get used to the vehicle before driving on major roads. Only when you feel ready to advance to the major roads will we do so.
How long will it take me to reach practical driving test standard?
The DSA advises students take a minimum of 45 hours worth of professional tuition combined with at least 22 hours of private practice. We understand that this is different for each student and will depend on the frequency of driving lessons and ability to learn. We will endeavour to get you up to practical driving test standard in the shortest time possible.
How long does the practical driving test last?
The practical driving test lasts approximately 40 minutes and will entail driving on different types of roads with various road conditions. In addition to this you will be asked to perform 1 reversing manoeuvre and potentially an emergency stop exercise and you will be asked to drive independently for approximately 10 minutes. Your Ignition Driving School driving instructor will ensure that you are well prepared for all aspects of the practical driving test giving you the best chance possible of passing.
Which car will I take my practical driving test in?
You are able to take the practical driving test in your own car. To do this your car must be in a road worthy condition, have L-plates visible from the front and back of the car and a further interior mirror for the examiner´s use. However, most students prefer to take the practical driving test in their driving instructor´s car as this is the car that they will be most used to. Please be aware certain cars are not permitted to be used on a practical driving test. If you are planning to take your practical driving test in your own car, please check with the DSA that your car is suitable. To use the instructors car on test, you will need to reserve 2 lessons from your block - this gives you a lesson before your test to run through everything and the hour of the test itself. Therefore, if you book a 10 hour course, 2 hours will be reserved for test day and the remaining 8 hours will be used for lessons.