• I have recently passed my test with Andy Newman and would like to take this opportunity to say what a pleasure it was to learn to drive and pass my test with Andy as my instructor. His calm and professional manner helped me to overcome my nerves and enjoy my learning experience. Alison

• I had never driven a car before this, and was very nervous. Andy was very patient and with his help I passed my driving test first time. Thank you very much!  Kelly

•  Andy thank you for all your help and support in getting me through my driving test first time. I really appreciate it. Laura C

• Thank you for your help in helping me through my test. Thanks, Tony A

• Andy, thank you for all your help with my driving lessons and for helping me pass. I will definitely recommend you. Lisa

• Friendly and experienced instructor, very competitive prices and flexible learning. A real pleasure to learn with! Dermot

•  Thank you so much for teaching me to drive and helping me to pass my test. Ellie

Theory      £31

Practical   £62,  practical on weekends and weekday evenings (when available  £75). 

Both theory and practical can be booked through either of the following trusted sites:-

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/index.htm

http://www.dft.gov.uk/dsa/category.asp?cat=661

Other useful links:-
DSA Book, change or cancel your test

DSA You Tube Channel

www.dvla.gov.uk

Pass Plus is an established training course aimed at new drivers and was designed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) with the help of insurers and the driving instruction industry.

Statistics show that new drivers are more likely to have an accident in the first two years after passing their test, due to lack of driving experience. Pass Plus is not a driving test but a 6 hour course (minimum) that will build on your current skills and knowledge. It will teach you how to anticipate, plan for and deal with all kinds of hazards, and help you become a more confident driver.

A Pass Plus course can be taken at any time, but it’s ideally taken in the first year after passing your driving test.

Pass Plus consists of six modules about driving in different conditions:

Driving around a town

The first module has two parts. It begins with an introduction to Pass Plus, explaining the course aims and the skills and knowledge to be covered.

The second part is a practical session covering the different features of driving in a town, such as complex junctions and public transport.

You’ll focus on:

• observation, judgement and awareness
• eye contact
• consideration for vulnerable road users
• showing caution
• keeping space around your car

All weather driving

This module will be covered as much as possible in a practical session. You’ll focus on correct speed, safe stopping distances, plus seeing and being seen in:

• rain
• sleet, snow and ice
• mist and fog
• bright sunshine

You’ll also look at skidding, and:

• what causes skids
• how to prevent skids
• correcting slow-speed skids
• braking on poor surfaces
• aquaplaning

Driving in the countryside

This module looks at the main differences between town and country driving:

• observing the road ahead
• making progress safely
• bends, hills, uneven roads and dead ground
• keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead
• safe overtaking

It focuses especially on being aware and showing consideration for:

• pedestrians, horse riders and animals in the road
• farm entrances
• slow moving vehicles

It also covers the correct use of a horn, coping with mud and debris on the road and how to use passing places.

Driving at night

This covers the important parts of driving at night, dawn and dusk. You’ll learn about:

• the importance of using headlights correctly
• adjusting to the dark
• judging speed and distance
• the correct use of lights and keeping them clean
• dealing with dazzle
• hard-to-see road users
• parking issues

Driving on dual carriageways

Dual carriageways are high speed roads where the two carriageways are separated by a central reservation. You will need to have particular skills, including:

• effective observation, using your mirrors and checking blind spots
• judgement and planning ahead
• separation distances
• joining and leaving a dual carriageway
• overtaking and lane discipline
• the correct use of speed

Driving on motorways

This should be a practical session if possible. If there is no motorway nearby, it will be covered in a theory session.You should drive on a motorway as soon as you can afterwards so you can put the theory into practice.

The topics covered include:

• journey planning
• joining and leaving a motorway, and using slip roads
• safe speeds in different circumstances
• effective observation
• signs, signals and markings
• overtaking and lane discipline
• courtesy to other road users
• motorway fatigue
• breakdown proceduresuse of lights, including hazard warning lights
• debris on the carriageway
• crosswinds

Source: direct.gov.uk

Q1 -- Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.

• Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine)

Q2 -- Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don’t start the engine)

• Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (you may need to switch ignition on, but do not start engine)

Q3 -- Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

• If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.

Q4 -- Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle.

• Apply footbrake firmly. Demonstrate by applying parking brake (handbrake) so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.

Q5 -- Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

• Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.

Q6 -- Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.

• Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

Q7 -- Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

• Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.

Q9 -- Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).

• Check is carried out by using control usually on steering wheel. (turn on ignition if necessary).

Q10 -- Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers

• Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary.

Q11 -- Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens.

• Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.

Q12 -- Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle)

• Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.

Q13 -- Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car.

• Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.

Tell Me Questions

Q14 -- Tell Me Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

• Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

Q15 -- Tell Me where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.

• Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.

Q16 -- Tell Me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

• Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.

Q17 -- Tell Me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

• The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable.

Q18 -- Tell Me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

• No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3/4 (three quarters) of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

Q19 -- Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit vehicle)

• Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle. (As this is a “Tell Me” question, there is no need to physically check the lights.)

Q20 -- Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.

• A warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.

Please telephone  01869 602084(preferred) or ring my mobile: 07867 724016

Alternatively to make an enquiry or leave a testimonial, please complete the form below and I will respond to you as soon as possible.

Comments or questions are welcome.

*(denotes required field)

Name: *

E-Mail Address: *

Subject: *

Message: *

CAPTCHA Code: *

My name is Andy Newman and I am  on the register of the Driving Standards  Agency (DSA) as an Approved Driving Instructor at Grade 4 level .  I am available to give driving lessons, driving instruction and training in Bicester and the surrounding villages. I have been an instructor for seven years and I am often commended for my patience and reliability. I have a high pass rate and high first time pass rate.

I can offer driving tuition for one or two  hours,  you could also book more than one session a week depending on availability. I can also structure lessons to suit your needs.

The car I use is the  popular Renualt Clio,1.5dci manual with air con, a car that is ideally suited for novice and experienced pupils alike. I can be contacted on the number above or by mobile.                07867 724016 

Area of instruction and lessons: - Bicester- Chesterton-Wendlebury- Arncott- Ambrosden- Launton- Stratton Audley- Fringford- Hethe- Stoke Lyne-  and within reasonable distance of Bicester.

 Bicester Driving Schools,  Driving Lessons, Driving Instructors, Driving , Driver Training, Driving Tuition, Instructors in  Bicester.