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Q. I’m nervous about learning to drive. Is this a good school for me to learn from?
A. Yes! Driving is a serious life skill to be learning so it’s totally natural to feel nervous. I endeavour to provide a positive, relaxed environment for you for every lesson.
Q. Will the driving instructor be patient?
A. Absolutely! Most people remember how "scary" it was to learn to drive. Not only does learning to drive involve a lot of split-tasking (“juggling” two or more tasks by continuously refocusing your attention between them), it also requires safe and careful decisions and movements to be made. I know that no matter what skill you are learning, patience is an absolute must as an instructor/teacher. I'll teach to your skill level and needs, because “slow and steady wins the race”.
Q. Why is it good to use the driving instructor’s vehicle when I’m starting to learn?
A. There are dual controlled pedals installed in the front passenger side of my vehicle. So you can be assured I will help you out whenever you need it…. just like training wheels on a bicycle.
Q. Can I have lessons in my own vehicle?
A. Yes, you can, however if you are a complete beginner it is recommended, for your safely and mine, that you first have lessons in my dual pedal controlled car until you are at a standard where I feel you are in control enough to learn in your car, which of course will not have dual control pedals for me to use. If you are very experienced (e.g are close to going for your practice Restricted test soon, or are already on your Restricted licence) then lessons can be done in the class 1 vehicle of your choice. This vehicle, of course, would need to have a current warrant of fitness (WOF) and be currently registered with NZTA/ have a current rego.
Q. Can I bring a support person on my lesson?
A. Yes, you can. I recommend that anyone learning to drive has a good support system. If you bring a support person (i.e Dad/ Mum/ neighbour/ friend/ work colleague/ volunteer, etc) they can take lesson notes for you. This will help you learn, and help them to teach you when they are your driving supervisor/practice person.
Q. I have a medical, physical or learning condition. Can the instructor help with this?
A. Yes. I'm keen to help you in every way I can. Knowing in advance any conditions can help me structure lessons for you.
Q. How much do lessons cost?
A. The options are: single lessons, 1 hour lesson packages or 1.5 hour lesson packages. Visit the Book Online page to figure out what suits your time schedule and budget best.
Q. Should I learn in a manual or an automatic (auto) transmission car?
A. Learning to drive in a manual (where you choose the gears as you drive) is always a good way to learn control of a vehicle. Yes, it can be slightly more challenging to learn compared to an automatic (where the car chooses the gears for you) however, if you learn the more challenging skill of a manual then driving an auto will be more straight forward. Also, some jobs may require you to drive a manual transmission vehicle. In saying that, there are less autos brought into NZ each year so many people choose to learn only in an automatic car.
See my vehicle page to learn more about what I teach in.
Q. Does the instructor teach manual?
A. Yes, I do. You would need to provide a manual vehicle for these lessons. If you are a complete beginner it is recommended, for your safely and mine, that you first have lessons in my dual pedal controlled car until you are at a standard where I feel you are in control enough to learn in your car, which of course will not have dual control pedals for me to use.
Q. Can the driving instructor’s vehicle be used for a practical driving tests?
A. Yes. If you have booked, or intend to book soon, your practical Restricted or Full Licence driving test and do not have a vehicle to use, then you can consider hiring my vehicle. The booking consists of a “mock test” lesson, debrief, and use of the vehicle for your practical test. More details are under the online booking page.
Q. Can I attend a defensive driving course in the Hutt Valley?
A. Yes! Street Talk defensive driving courses are regularly held Upper Hutt.
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