Ashley School of Motoring - Frequently Asked Questions

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) takes responsibility for ensuring that all driving instructors are qualified and able to teach to a pre-determined standard. To be fully qualified, an approved driving instructor must pass 3 tests, a theory, a test of driving ability and a test of instructional ability. The first two tests are similar to those undertaken by the pupil but obviously to a stricter standard. When an instructor passes the instructional ability test, they are given an initial grade, which can range from 4/4 to 6/6, 6/6 being the absolute best. From time to time an instructor must also take a 'check' test which re-evalutates their ability to instruct. This is graded as a single figure, from 4 to 6 where 6 is the best. You should make a point of asking any potential instructor what the results of their last check test were.

The DSA have calculated that it takes an average of 52 hours driving to pass your test which equates to about 35 lessons. However, that does not mean that you need to have that many driving lessons. Driving lessons are there to teach you the correct way to drive, but any practice you take in between lessons is going to be hugely beneficial for you and will reduce the amount of paid lessons that you need. So now is the time to call on parents, relatives, even friends to let you drive them wherever they want to go. Make sure that you have the right insurance cover of course.

It is entirely up to you. Realistically you can take it in Gillingham, Gravesend or Maidstone. Pass rates, published by the DSA vary between the three centres with Gillingham's rate being lower. However, my view is that it shouldn't make any difference to you as a driver; if you are good enough to pass your test, you will pass wherever you take it. As part of your tuition we will tackle the tricky parts of each area to ensure that you can handle anything that crops up. Bear in mind that if you live far away from your chosen test centre, you will spend a lot of lesson time driving to and from the relevant area.

I am based in Rochester and prefer to teach pupils in the Medway area. This includes, but is not limited to Allhallows, Burham, Chatham, Cliffe, Cobham, Cuxton, Gillingham, Gravesend, Halling, Higham, Hoo, Meopham, Rochester, Rainham, Snodland, Strood, Wainscott, Walderslade, Wigmore and Wouldham. Other areas may be available, so please contact me if in doubt.

Yes! Whether you are a complete novice or an experienced learner and are nervous about any aspect of driving I can help. My pupils say that I am patient and who am I to disagree? Seriously though, regardless of how nervous you may be, I will be able to put your mind at ease.

Passplus is a joint initiative between the DSA and insurance companies to help new drivers become better drivers. It does this by providing additional training over and above that already completed and covers some new aspects of driving such as motorway and night driving. It will take a minimum of 6 hours although it can be longer if your instructor deems it necessary. At the end of the training you receive a certificate from the DSA which will enable you to get discounted car insurance with certain insurers.

You can pay me by cash at the beginning of the lesson or by Paypal or direct bank transfer in advance if you wish. I must get notification of your payment at least 24 hours prior to your lesson.

You can see the general terms and conditions here and terms and conditions of specific offers here.