Thinking of learning to drive?

Firstly, congratulations, you are lucky enough to live in (or near) Ullapool. Ok, so we may not have any (proper) roundabouts, or traffic lights, or dual-carriageways, but we do have LOTS of junctions. Even better, they are quite closely spaced so your lessons will be a lot more concentrated than if you were taking lessons in Inverness, for example. However, don't be under any illusion that Ullapool is an easy place to take your test. Some of the junctions are technically at least as difficult as anything in Inverness. By the time you are ready to take your driving test, I will ensure that you are capable of dealing with any situation in Ullapool. Not only that, but you will be able to apply those skills when it comes to driving in Inverness, Glasgow, London or anywhere else in Britain. Over the years I have taught a few people in Ullapool who have then taken, and passed, their test in Inverness (or elsewhere). The skills are the same. Additionally, the Highland Council currently provide a grant for new licence holders to take the Pass plus course. This is a 6 hour course (or 2 x 3 hours, or 3 x 2 hours) where I will help you with dual-carriageways, roundabouts, motorways, rural driving, night driving and bad weather driving. It will cost you next to nothing and possibly reduce your insurance premiums.
Right, now having chosen to learn in Ullapool, what's next? Where do you start? What do you have to do?
You need a licence. You can't drive on public roads without one. You can apply for a provisional licence no sooner than three months before turning 17. You can apply for your provisional driving licence by completing the D1 application form that is available from the DVLA form ordering service or Post Office® branches. You will also need to enclose original documentation confirming your identity, a passport style colour photograph and the fee of £50.00. Send your completed application and payment to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD or you may be able to use the premium checking service. Alternatively, you can apply online at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/Motoringtransactions/BeforeyouapplyA/DG_10032690
I have given lessons to people on private roads before, so, if you are desperate to start your lessons as soon as possible then call me to discuss this option.

Eyesight: When driving, it helps if you can see the road in front of you. Not so bad out of season but I can guarantee you that, during the Summer especially, people WILL step out in front of you. Other vehicles may also pull out in front of you (because they simply haven't seen you, or because they don't want to "get stuck behind a learner") and cyclists may turn across you without checking that it is safe. Don't worry, you do not need to be able to count the hairs on a midge's leg, you simply need to be able to read a vehicle number plate from 20m (20.5m for older vehicles). If you struggle with this, I advise that you consult an optician before driving. Further information can be found at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/LearningToDriveOrRide/DG_4022529

Provisional Licence? Check. Eyesight up to standard? Check. You just need to book some lessons now. At the moment it is not compulsory to take lessons with a DSA Approved Driving Instructor. Anyone who has held a full British driving licence for at least three years can accompany you while you drive. But, in the eyes of the law, they are considered to be the driver so should NOT use a mobile phone and must pay attention at all times. It is illegal for anyone to charge for lessons unless they are registered and approved by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).

A fully qualified instructor (ADI) must display a GREEN badge on the windscreen of the car while teaching you.

Some trainee driving instructors (PDI) are given a trainee licence so they can get experience before their qualifying test. They must display a PINK badge on the windscreen.

If your driving instructor is not displaying either a green or pink badge in their car's windscreen, ask them to show it to you. If they cannot show you their badge, you should report this to DSA.
Further information can be found here: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/LearningToDriveOrRide/DG_4022528

If you are able to find someone who can help you with extra driving practice, great, I would encourage this. However, the driving test is much harder than it was 10 - 15 years ago and a qualified instructor will know what standard of driving is required to pass your test. Of course I'm going to recommend that you have lessons with an ADI (i.e. Me!), but it is rare for anyone to pass their test without ever having had a professional lesson. Also, a professional instructor will usually have a car fitted with dual-controls, just in case you get into difficulty.

Economically, these aren't the best times and I won't pretend that driving lessons are cheap (although most instructors will have spent a LOT of time and money to gain their teaching qualifications). However, you will probably spend more on your first year's insurance premium than you will on lessons, and what you learn in those lessons will last you for life. Another way of looking at it; 2 or 3 professional driving lessons costs about as much as a tank of petrol/diesel.

There are two stages to gaining your driving licence: You have to pass a Theory Test (with a video section on hazard Perception). Only once you have passed that can you book your driving test. I will post more information on both parts of the test in the near future.

If ever you have any questions on learning to drive, even if you are with another instructor or are having lessons with friends/family, then I will be happy to try and help. call me on 07577 718727, or email me at Martinrutter@hotmail.com