frequently asked questions

Your lessons

Q: How long is a lesson?

A: Most lessons are two hours long as this is the most cost effective way, although tuition costs are quoted by the hour. The duration of the lesson will be decided between yourself and your instructor depending on your stage in the training process. Your instructor will phone you to discuss your particular needs and confirm a suitable date and time with you. After your first lesson, you should book all further lessons direct with your instructor.

Q: If I pay for two hours, will I get two full hours of tuition?

A: Yes, your instructor will pick you up at the time you have arranged and you will have the full time of one-to-one tuition. Driving Lessons Edinburgh

Q: Do you do lessons in the evening and at weekends?

A: Yes, all lesson prices are set by DTC and there is no extra charge for out of hours tuition. However, it is worth pointing out that these slots are extremely popular and you are more likely to get lessons booked in quickly if you can do any days during the week. Driving Lessons Edinburgh

Q: Will I have to share my lesson or pick up the next pupil during my instruction?

A: No, “Piggy Backing” is not allowed, it’s against our Code of Conduct for an instructor to pick up another pupil in your lesson. You will receive personal, one-to-one instruction. Driving Lessons Edinburgh

Q: Can I get picked up and dropped off at different addresses?

A: Yes, providing the two points are not too far apart. This is at your instructor’s discretion .

Q: How many lessons will I need?

A: There is no set number. The Driving Standards Agency research suggests that about 40 hours of professional training plus additional practice will give you the best chance of passing. Driving Lessons Edinburgh

Q: Do you offer intensive courses?

A: We offer a semi-intensive ‘package’ where typically 10 to 40 hours of tuition are provided over a calendar month, with a test booked at the end of your first day if your instructor thinks it is appropriate. See Section 2 for more information on this course. Driving Lessons Edinburgh

Q: Do you offer refresher lessons for full licence holders?

A: If you’ve already passed your test and need to brush up on your skills, we can offer you a refresher course. Lessons cost £1 above the standard hourly rate, to reflect higher fuel costs associated with this type of tuition. See Section 2 for more information. Driving Lessons Edinburgh

Q: Can I learn to drive on an international licence?

A: In certain circumstances you are permitted to drive for one year before having to take the UK driving test. More details can be obtained from the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) website found at www.dvla.gov.uk

Q: How do I book the practical and theory tests?

A: These tests are normally booked by the candidate directly with the DSA but we can do all this for you. All you need to do is pay the test fee to us and we‘ll do the rest! There is NO administration charge for this.

Q: Can you help me prepare for my Theory/Hazard Perception Test?

A: Yes, DTC offers a complete course that guarantees that you will pass the theory test. It is classroom based and you will learn your theory and hazard perception in class sizes of 8-10 students. See Section 2 for more information on this course and Section 3 for more information on the theory test.

Your Instructor

Q: Can I have the same instructor for all my lessons?

A: Yes. Providing you are happy with your instructor, we should only need to change your instructor in exceptional circumstances.

Q: Will my instructor smoke during my lesson?

A: No. Our Code of Conduct does not permit instructors to smoke during your lesson.

Your car

Q: What type of car will I drive?

A: You’ll learn to drive in a Toyota Yaris or a similar sized vehicle. All tuition vehicles are clean and serviceable.

Q: Can I learn in an automatic vehicle?

A: In certain areas DTC can offer tuition in an automatic car. However, we believe it is better to learn in a standard geared car as this enables you to drive both geared and automatic cars. Passing your test in an automatic restricts you to that type of vehicle until you pass another test in a standard geared car.

Paying for your lessons

Q: How do I pay for my lessons?

A: You can either pay your Instructor or pop in to DTC. We accept most standard credit and debit cards or cash or cheque (guarantee card required). We also offer a pre-payment option, which allows you to pay your lessons up over a number of weeks. Once you have built up a credit of more than 10 hours we will assign an instructor to you.

Q: Do you sell gift vouchers?

A: Yes, if you’d like to buy driving lessons as a gift, please call us on 08000 11 21 22. We will send the recipient a information pack with a letter and gift card stating the number of lessons given and booking details. If you’d prefer to keep the lessons a secret, we can send details directly to you. We can even drop them off personally!

Q: Do I get a discount if I’m a student?

A: Yes, student discounts are available, you can save £1 per lesson and 5% on a block booking. In order to qualify you must produce your matriculation card.