Why choose Farle Driving School?

I am Martin Rutter, a fully-qualified Approved Driving Instructor. I trained with the British School Of Motoring and worked with them as an instructor for four years, but left them to set up my own driving school, ‘Farle’, in June 2010.

You will probably have seen me around Ullapool as I have been teaching pupils to become good, safe drivers there since Summer 2009. Before I started, the test pass rate in Ullapool was 50% - So, only 1 in 2 people were passing. My test pass rate is now 75% - so, 3 out of 4 of my tests are passes. 

I also teach in Inverness and beyond, and many of my Ullapool pupils have found it beneficial to take additional lessons in Inverness, either before their test, or as part of their Pass Plus course. I take pride in my high pass rate and hope to continue to improve that. My aim is to make you as good a driver as possible. Passing your driving test should be considered as the minimum standard required to be on the road. I hope to take my pupils beyond that standard. Having said that, I don’t believe in prolonging your lessons unnecessarily; if I think you are ready (or will be ready) to drive on your own I will encourage you to apply for your test.

At the moment I teach in a 1.5 tDci Renault Clio (there are various pictures around this site). I have previously taught in a Vauxhall Corsa, a Peugeot 207 and a Fiat 500, but after test-driving other cars, I am happy that the Clio is a great car to learn to drive in – good visibility, forgiving controls and a responsive engine. It is fitted with He-Man dual controls (clutch and brake)… just in case you need a bit of help in a hurry. If you have your own car, and would prefer to learn to drive in that, I am happy to give lessons in your own car if it has ‘L’-plates and is correctly insured, although I may suggest some lessons in my dual-controlled car first (especially if you are a relatively new driver). I will also advise you on the legal requirements if you wish to take your driving test in your own car.

My wife, Jane, and I have variable days off. This means that I am completely flexible in my lesson days and times. I have given lessons at 10.30pm before and, a few weeks ago, a pupil wanted a lesson at 6.00am before he went to work. To be honest, I would rather not make a habit of this, but I will always try to fit in with whatever days and times suit you best for your lessons.

How much does it cost? If you have an hour’s lesson, I will currently charge you £24.50 (£23 for students and employees of companies that have negotiated a discount with me). If you pre-pay for more than one lesson, it gets progressively cheaper (per hour). You may be able to find slightly cheaper lessons, but I am confident that I will get you through your test as quickly as possible, thus saving you money in the long term. You can contact me for exact details of cost, whether it is for a 30-minute lesson, 1 hour, 90 minutes, 2 hours, a block of 6 lessons or a block of 27.666 lessons. I will Find you a package to suit you (and your budget).

If you have already passsed your driving test, you may be interested in the Pass Plus course. I am qualified to teach Pass Plus and this involves going into depth on 6 different modules – Town driving, Rural driving, Night driving, Bad weather driving, Dual-carriageways and Motorways. I would especially advise Ullapool pupils to consider this course because it will cover many things which we cannot cover on your usual lessons. This 6-hour (minimum) course is assessed and there is no test at the end. You may take the whole course in one 6-hour day, or break it into smaller chunks. It usually costs £165, but I offer it to pupils (who have had at least 10 hours of lessons with me) for only £140. If you use your own car I will offer a further £10 discount. Additionally, living in the the Highlands, you may be eligible for a grant of up to £125 towards the cost of the course (I can provide information on this). So, it may only cost you £5 for 6 hours of further tuition AND many insurance companies offer significant discounts to those who have completed the Pass Plus course. Silly not to!

I also offer packages that include free theory test DVDs, free lessons or free tests. If you have a relative or friend that would like to learn to drive, I also offer fancy gold gift vouchers.

Some people do find the thought of learning to drive a bit daunting. I understand that and always try to make our lessons as relaxed and enjoyable as possible. If you want a friend, or relative, to accompany you on a lesson, then that’s fine too. I always try to push my pupils a bit further in every lesson, but it will always be at a pace that suits you. Finally, if you have any special requirements, then please call me (07577 718727) to discuss.

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

My tuition car

I currently use a 2010 Renault Clio 1.5dci. It is fitted with He-Man dual-controls for your safety. I have previously tried Vauxhall Astras and Corsas, a Skoda Fabia, a Peugeot 207 and Fiat 500s for tuition but I have found the Clio to be a much better tuition car with a forgiving clutch, responsive brakes, good visibility and smooth power through the gears.

Area covered

Welcome to FarLe driving school

Call: 07577 718727.
Email: Martinrutter@Hotmail.com

Looking for driving lessons in (or near) Inverness? I am a fully-qualified DSA Approved Driving Instructor offering friendly, but professional lessons in the area.
I originally trained and worked with British School of Motoring (BSM) then, in 2010, set up my own driving school. If you are looking to become a good driver, want to pass your test quickly, are interested in taking the Pass Plus course, would like refresher lessons, or would just like some information, I will do everything I can to help you.
I am completely flexible as far as days/times are concerned, so if you want a lesson at 9pm on a Sunday night or need a lesson at 7am on a Wednesday morning we can usually work something out. I don't mind if you want an hour's lesson, 90 minutes, two hours or even a six hour Pass Plus lesson. My fees are competitive, but I like to think that I offer very good value for money and will aim to help you pass your test as quickly as possible. I offer student discounts, with other discounts for block booking. Call or email for more details.