FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below are some of our frequently asked questions. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
WHAT DO I NEED TO GET STARTED?
You will need a Provisional licence, money and your glasses or contact lenses, if you wear them. You need to apply for and have your provisional licence before lessons can start. Please be aware that your licence will have an expiry date and if your licence runs out, lessons will have to stop. Renewing it is an easy process.
Find out more and apply for your Provisional Driving Licence here:
Find out more and apply for your Provisional Driving Licence here:
CAN THE RADIO BE ON DURING THE LESSON?
It is up to you if the radio is on, but if it is distracting then it can be turned off. I would advise that it is not on during first few lessons.
WHEN CAN I HAVE MY LESSONS?
You can book lessons to suit you, daytime, evenings and Saturdays. We finish at 4pm on Fridays and are closed on Sundays.
HOW MUCH NOTICE DO I HAVE TO GIVE TO CANCEL A LESSON?
24 hours notice is needed for the lesson to be cancelled with no charge. If 24 hours notice is not given, then you will be charged the full price of the lesson.
HOW CAN I PAY?
You can pay by cash, cheque or bank transfer. The cheque will need to be made out to Dave Franklin.
HOW MANY LESSONS DOES IT TAKE TO PASS?
Everyone is different so there is not a definite answer but on average it takes 40 hours for someone to pass their test.
WHERE CAN I HAVE MY LESSONS FROM / BE PICKED UP FROM?
If the venue is a suitable distance for me to drive to I can pick you up from your house or place of work or place of education, wherever would be easier for you.
CAN I USE MY OWN CAR?
Yes, you can use your own car, but I will probably ask you to have a lesson in my car with dual controls so that I can assess your level of driving. Also, when driving your car, it will have to be insured and I will check it is suitable to do lessons in.
I HAVE A FULL DRIVING LICENCE BUT HAVE NOT DRIVEN FOR A WHILE, CAN I HAVE A REFRESHER?
Yes, very happy to take you out for a refresher or just check on your driving. You might have a fear of motorways or country lanes, night time driving, all can be covered.
WHAT IS PASS PLUS?
Once you have passed your test you can do a pass plus course. This involves 6 hours and includes motorway driving. If you live in Hampshire (but not the city of Portsmouth), Hampshire county council can pay half of the cost of this course if you meet their criteria.
CAN EXAMINERS ONLY PASS A CERTAIN NUMBER OF PEOPLE A DAY?
No, this is not true. If you drive well enough, you will pass your test.
WHAT HAPPENS ON MY TEST?
Your test will last about 38-40 minutes. You will be asked to do one of four manoeuvres which we will cover on lessons. The examiner may ask you to follow directions from a sat nav or follow traffic signs, i.e. follow the signs for Portsmouth A27 etc. I can come with you on the test or stay at the test centre, as you get nearer to the test we can discuss this and maybe even do a mock test.
There are two test centres available Portsmouth or Lee on Solent. The choice of test centre will largely depend on where you live.
There are two test centres available Portsmouth or Lee on Solent. The choice of test centre will largely depend on where you live.