Call us on 0800 002 9278
or 07900 431 516

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.

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.
How much do you charge for lessons in my area?
Our lesson prices vary depending on your area. At the bottom of this page you will find our instructor finder form. Simply enter your postcode and we will find information for your area.
Do I have to commit to 10 hours worth of lessons to qualify for the free lesson?
The free lesson is given to assess your level of ability

For those who are total beginners, this free lesson is used to demonstrate the controls of the car and get you moving.

For those who are more experienced, this free lesson can be used as an assessment lesson so that a custom designed course can be arranged for you.

Therefore, those who are at test standard would not benefit from this free lesson as neither of the above will apply.
I only want to take 5 lessons, do I qualify for the introductory offer?
The introductory offers are for new drivers only and not for those approaching test standard.
I've paid to do 5 lessons as part of the introductory offer, but I wish to discontinue lessons, and I've only had 2 lessons. Can I get my money back?
In the unlikely event that you wish to receive a refund, then the remaining lessons will be refunded at the standard hourly rate.
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 driving lessons?
There are 3 ways to pay: Cash, Cheque or Credit card. Cash is paid directly to your instructor. Cheques are to be made payable to your instructor and paid directly to them. Credit cards are accepted online and payments are handled by Google Checkout, although there is a handling fee for online payments.

Ignition Driving School holds no responsibility for refunds. All payment disputes are to be discussed with your instructor directly.
How much is the theory test and practical driving test?
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) currently charge the following:

Theory test: £31
Practical test: £62 (Monday to Friday, 8am-4pm) or £75 (at all other times).

For more information on booking a test, please visit DSA Online Booking Service
Do I need to have passed my theory test before I start learning to drive?
The theory test can be done at any stage of the learning process. However, you cannot book a practical test until you have passed your theory test.
Can you help me with my theory test?
Yes we can help you with your theory. To practice for your theory test, try our practice theory papers and our sample hazard perception clips.

In addition to this, our instructors will be able to help you with any questions you may have.
Do you have both male and female instructors?

Not all areas have both male and female instructors available. To find out if we have a suitable instructor for you in your area, please use the form below

What car will I be taking my driving lessons in?
All our tuition cars are chosen with learners in mind. However,if you have a preference, then please let us know.
Can I have driving 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.
Will I have to drive with someone sitting in the back of the car?
It is our policy to give one-to-one tuition and we do not allow passengers to sit in the back of the car whilst teaching. However, occasionally in order to ensure that our teaching is of the highest standard, we may have an external examiner from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) observing our driving lessons. When a check test is necessary we will ask for volunteers to assist and we respect your decision not to partake.
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 my driving lesson last?
The length of your driving lesson depends on the time you have available. At Ignition Driving School we are flexible as to the length of the lesson and the time of day it takes place and unlike other driving schools our hour driving lessons REALLY do last a FULL hour.

We believe that the optimum concentration period is 2 hours therefore we recommend having either a one or two hour driving lesson at least once a week.
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 a reversing manoeuvre and potentially an emergency stop exercise. You will also be expected to drive independantly 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.
I'm a student at university and only come home during the holidays, is it possible to take my practical driving test quickly?
Our Intensive driving courses provide the ideal solution to students wishing to get up to practical driving test standard in a limited space of time. If you have a specific time frame in mind then please inform us in plenty of time to allow us to schedule the driving lessons effectively.


If you would like to book some driving lessons then simply click on the booking form and fill out your details. Be sure to use our instructor finder box below to check that we have an instructor in your area. Once we have received your booking form an Ignition Driving Schools representative will call you to arrange your driving lessons.
Instructor finder
Enter your postcode to see if we have an instructor in your area:

Alternatively, select an area from this list to visit the pricing page:

If you still have some questions about driving lessons then why not request a call back, email us or call us on 0800 002 9278? An Ignition Driving Schools representative will contact you as soon as possible to discuss your query.