Do you have a DBS Certificate ?

Yes I have an enhanced DBS certificate. Qualified Driving Instructors (ADIS) must have a clear enhanced DBS in order to renew their registration

Have you have your COVID-19 Vaccinations?

Yes I have had both of my vaccines plus my booster

Why have you asked if Iv had a COVID – 19 vaccines?

Personally I am willing to share with all pupils that I have had both of my COVID -19 vaccines plus my booster and I did this both to protect myself, my family and the people that I may come into contact with . Whilst I accept that this is a personal choice and some may consider a confidential matter I am grateful to any pupils who are willing to share this information with me die to the close proximity that we have within the vehicle.

Do you have a COVID-19 Policy in place ?

Yes I have a COVID-19 policy and because of the close proximity between us in the car during driving lessons I continue to encourage pupils to face coverings unless they are exempt due to a hidden disability .

How do you become a Driving Instructor ?

The Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) training consists of three exams. A theory exam, a practical exam and a teaching exam. All three exams need to be passed within two years of passing the theory exam. Following that Driving Instructors must register with DVSA in order to teach pupils to drive. Driving instructors are assessed and monitored through an official DVSA observation every two years to ensure quality of delivery to ensure that their delivery, knowledge and competence is of a high quality . Driving Instructors pass rates are also monitored by the DVSA Have you completed further training to broaden your knowledge? Yes, I attend a monthly meeting for local driving instructors where we have speakers on a variety of subjects to ensure Continued Professional Development (CPD) and I have completed short courses including Equality of Opportunity, Safe Guarding, Health & Safety and First Aid

What is your pass rate?

All pupils who pass their driving tests are shown on my Facebook site. I can give a more accurate percentage when you start lessons

How much are driving lessons with PSM and can I pay for block bookings ?

All of my prices are on my Face Book Page – Pauls School of Motoring

What should I wear for my driving lessons?

Appropriate comfortable clothing , a face covering and flat shoes/trainers

What should I bring with me to my driving lesson?

Your driving licence, glasses if you wear them, face covering or evidence of exception and payment for your lesson

Will I need to buy anything ?

I recommend that all pupils buy a Highway Code Book and have access the internet and to a computer, laptop Phone or tablet

Will I get help from you with my theory test.?

I will advise pupils on on-line tests which will help to practice and gain knowledge on the theory test I will set you revision tasks if I feel it necessary and during driving lessons I will ask you questions linking theory to practice. But ultimately you are in control of your own learning through reading your Highway Code book and completing online assessments which will score you to enable you to determine when your are ready to take your theory test. When your on-line assessments indicate that you are ready to take your theory test then please share this information with me and tell me when you have passed it.

Which test do I take first?

Firstly you need a driving licence to take both the theory and the driving test.You cannot take a driving test until you have passed the Theory test . Once the theory test is passed it stays valid for two years so you must take and pass a Driving Test before your theory runs out. This is why it is important that you share your theory pass date with PSM.

How many times can I take these tests?

Obviously my aim is to support pupils to pass these tests in as few attempts as possible and I do practice driving tests with pupils to determine if they are ready to book a test. But in reality pupils can take as many attempts needed to pass both tests. Unfortunately nerves can play a big part in taking these tests even if you believe that you are ready for the theory test and I believe you are ready for a driving test. If pupils pass a theory test but do not pass a driving test within 2 years then the theory test has to be retaken as the DVSA uses the theory test to determine your knowledge of road awareness I have a disability/additional learning need.

What support for the theory and driving tests are available for me ?

Depending upon your individual needs support may be available to pupils for both the Theory Tests and the Driving Test.Pupils who have a disability, a health condition, a learning need or a reason not to wear a face covering should firstly read the support available for them on GOV.UK It is very important for pupils to discuss their needs and the support they need with the DVSA at the same time as they book a Theory Test or a Driving Test to ensure the correct support/reasonable adjustments are put in place for them because all learner drivers have the pass the same theory test and the same driving test.

Do I need to have weekly lessons? 

I advise you to have regular weekly lessons so that you retain the information learnt from one lesson to the next and to help your confidence grow. Pupils who do not have regular lessons in my experience can loose interest in driving as they may not feel that they are making progress and I may feel the need to revisit areas due to the gap between lessons

How long will my lessons last?

Lessons will last a full hour or 2 hours depending on what you have booked. Due to the extra COVID-19 responsibilities related to cleaning between lessons plus the extra pressure of traffic and road works, this can sometimes impact on all Driving Instructors time and may mean that occasionally I will run late . However your lesson will last the full one/two hours starting from when you are picked up.

Will I drive on my first lesson?

For the first few lessons I will pick you up from home and drive you somewhere quiet and at the end of your lesson will drive you home. Your first lesson comprises of a cockpit drill which outlines all the areas of the vehicle including seat and mirror adjustment, seat belt and door security and pedal control after which you will have the opportunity to drive the vehicle. If you have previously had lessons I will assess what part of the curriculum you have completed and are competent in and plan your lessons as appropriate

Will I know when my next lesson is ?

At the end of each driving lesson we will recap on your lesson and I will give you feedback And plan your next lesson content and plan a date and time. I do not give out cards with your lesson information on as in my experience most pupils did not use these cards and the cost of them was not cost effective for me . Therefore I ask pupils to make note of the day and time of their next lesson as I am unable to remind you if I am working and any enquiries about lessons are usually done by me at the end of my working day . Which in many cases could be after 10pm

Can I go out driving with other adults that are not driving instructors ?

It is advisable where possible to have extra driving experience with anyone who feels confident to take you out driving as long as they are experienced drivers, over 25years of age and have a roadworthy vehicle that is insured for learners to drive. However pupils need to be aware that they may advise you to drive differently to the way that I have taught you to drive. You may pick up habits that I will see during your lessons and I will bring these to your attention. I strongly advise you to continue driving as I have taught you to drive otherwise to not follow my guidance during this valuable extra driving experience would be counterproductive and may mean that we have to revisit areas previously completed. It is my role as a professional to bring these to your attention as it is in your best interest to drive as I teach you to drive as it may be different to the person who perhaps passed their driving test many years before. I would recommend that you become confident at driving with me before driving with other people and I will tell you when I feel you are ready to book your test

How will I no when I’m ready to book my driving test?

I ask that you do not book your driving test without discussing this with me first. The reasons for this is that the DVSA have a recommended curriculum for Driving Instructors to follow. This covers driving experience, driving manoeuvres, different driving experiences, road awareness,, road safety, road knowledge, car maintenance. These areas are completed, assessed and revisited until I feel that you are competent in that area. As you are approaching the end of the curriculum I will advise you when to book your test and make a plan with pupils for the lessons you will need leading up to your driving test. Failure in not keeping to this plan may lead to tests needing to be cancelled. If at any time you wish to have an update to which areas of the curriculum still need to be covered then I can update you at your next lesson.

Can I be picked up and dropped off at a different venue?

In many circumstances this is possible as long as pupils inform me beforehand. However all Driving Instructors have a constant battle with traffic congestion which, no matter how much planning is put in place, causes delays in some pupils lessons. If I am running late I will contact pupils when it is safe for me to use my phone but I ask you to be patient as most lateness is undoubtably due to traffic which can be stressful.

What is the best way to contact you ?

Ideally the best way to contact me is by text on 07968328088 and it would be very helpful if you ensure that if you change your telephone number at any time that you let me know so that I can update my records

Do you charge different rates depending on days/times of the driving lessons? 

I am aware that some Driving Instructors charge different rates for daytime, evening and weekend driving lessons. Currently this is not something that I choose to do as I am very aware that pupils have jobs, families and other commitments that limit the times that they can have lessons. However this can mean that my working day can be stop start during the day as I can mean that I have gaps during the day where I have no lessons but I can mean that my day could start at 7am but not finish till after 10pm. This is also why the following point is also very important.

Why do I have to give 24 hours notice if cancelling a Lesson?

I am aware that it may not always be possible to give 24 hours notice and PSM will take individual circumstances into consideration before expecting payment. However, it is very important that pupils follow this 24 hours notice and the reason for this is that I am a self employed sole trader and the only wage earner in my household and therefore only earn an income for the time when pupils have lessons. If pupils give me 24 hours notice they will not have to pay and I can attempt to offer another pupil your time slot and therefore ensuring I still have an income. I will be very grateful for your co-operation and support in this matter.