Question 1

How much do driving lessons cost?

Accepted Answer

Driving lessons with DriveCraft start from £40/hr. We also offer block booking packages: 10-Hour Block (£380), 20-Hour Block (£740), Intensive Course (£599), Mock Test (£42) and Pass Plus (£180). Block bookings save you money and guarantee continuity with the same instructor.

Question 2

Are there any joining fees or hidden charges?

Accepted Answer

No joining fees, no admin fees, no cancellation fees if you give 48 hours' notice. The price you see is the price you pay. Pick-up and drop-off from your home address is included.

Question 3

Do you offer discounts for block bookings?

Accepted Answer

Yes — our 10-Hour Block saves you £20 vs paying hourly, and our 20-Hour Block saves you £60. Intensive courses are our best value option if you want to pass quickly.

Question 4

Can I pay online?

Accepted Answer

Yes — you can purchase any package securely online via our Pricing page using card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. You can also pay your instructor directly by bank transfer or cash.

Question 5

What is included in the Intensive Course?

Accepted Answer

Our Intensive Course (£599) is designed for students who want to pass quickly. It includes a structured block of lessons over 1–2 weeks, plus a mock test at the end to assess readiness before you book your DVSA practical test.

Question 6

What does Pass Plus cover?

Accepted Answer

Pass Plus (£180) is a DVSA-recognised course for newly qualified drivers. It covers motorway driving, night driving, driving in all weathers, rural roads, dual carriageways and town driving. Some insurers offer discounts to Pass Plus holders.

Question 7

How many lessons will I need to pass?

Accepted Answer

The DVSA recommends an average of 45 hours of professional tuition plus 22 hours of private practice. In reality most DriveCraft students pass in 30–40 professional hours. It depends on your starting experience, how regularly you practise, and how quickly you build confidence.

Question 8

How long is each lesson?

Accepted Answer

Standard lessons are 1 or 2 hours. We recommend 2-hour lessons where possible — you spend less time warming up and get more quality driving in each session. Your instructor will advise what works best for your stage of learning.

Question 9

Do you offer pick-up and drop-off?

Accepted Answer

Yes — all DriveCraft lessons include pick-up and drop-off from your home, school, or workplace. Just let your instructor know your preferred location when booking.

Question 10

Do you teach manual and automatic?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we offer both manual and automatic lessons. Several of our instructors teach in automatic cars, which is ideal if you find manual gear changes stressful. Bear in mind that an automatic licence doesn't cover manual cars.

Question 11

Can complete beginners learn with DriveCraft?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — most of our students are complete beginners. Your instructor will start with the basics in a quiet area and gradually progress to busier roads as your confidence builds. There's no rush — we go at your pace.

Question 12

What if I'm a nervous driver?

Accepted Answer

Many of our students are nervous or anxious drivers. Our instructors are specifically trained to work with nervous learners — patient, calm, and encouraging. We've helped hundreds of anxious drivers pass their test.

Question 13

Can I have lessons on weekends?

Accepted Answer

Yes — several of our instructors offer Saturday and Sunday lessons, though weekend slots fill up quickly. Contact us early to secure weekend availability.

Question 14

What car will I learn in?

Accepted Answer

Each instructor uses their own car, which is dual-controlled for safety. Our fleet includes a range of small to medium cars — your instructor will let you know which car they use.

Question 15

Do I need to pass my theory test before starting lessons?

Accepted Answer

No — you can start lessons at any time, even before passing your theory test. However, you must pass your theory test before booking your DVSA practical test. We recommend working towards your theory test alongside lessons.

Question 16

How do I book my practical driving test?

Accepted Answer

You book your practical test directly with the DVSA at gov.uk/book-driving-test. Your instructor will advise you when they believe you're ready to test. Don't book your test date until your instructor gives the go-ahead — booking too early can be costly.

Question 17

What is a mock driving test?

Accepted Answer

A mock test (£42) is a full simulation of your DVSA practical test. Your instructor will act as an examiner, drive the test routes, mark faults the same way a DVSA examiner would, and give you detailed feedback. It's the best way to identify gaps before your real test.

Question 18

How many minors (driver faults) can I get and still pass?

Accepted Answer

You can receive up to 15 minor (driver) faults and still pass. However, 3 or more minors in the same category can be treated as a serious fault. One serious or dangerous fault means an automatic fail.

Question 19

What are the Show Me Tell Me questions?

Accepted Answer

At the start of your practical test the examiner will ask one 'tell me' question (answered verbally before driving) and one 'show me' question (demonstrated while driving). We have a full Show Me Tell Me guide in our Resources section.

Question 20

How long is the practical driving test?

Accepted Answer

The practical test lasts about 40 minutes. It includes an eyesight check, Show Me Tell Me questions, approximately 40 minutes of independent driving, and a reversing manoeuvre.

Question 21

Are your instructors DVSA approved?

Accepted Answer

Yes — all DriveCraft instructors are either fully qualified ADIs (Approved Driving Instructors) or PDIs (trainee instructors) working under supervision. Every instructor is registered with the DVSA and has passed enhanced DBS checks.

Question 22

Can I choose my instructor?

Accepted Answer

Yes — you can browse all our instructors on the Find an Instructor page, view their profiles, availability, specialisms and student reviews, then choose the one that's right for you.

Question 23

Can I change my instructor if I'm not happy?

Accepted Answer

Yes — if you're not happy with your instructor for any reason, just contact us and we'll arrange a change. We want you to feel comfortable and confident with whoever teaches you.

Question 24

How many instructors do you have?

Accepted Answer

DriveCraft currently has 6 active instructors covering Northampton, Kettering, Brackley, Wellingborough and surrounding areas. You can view all available instructors on our Find an Instructor page.

Question 25

Do your instructors specialise in nervous drivers?

Accepted Answer

Yes — all our instructors are trained to work with nervous learners. Some have specific experience with driving anxiety. You can see instructor specialisms on their individual profile pages.

Question 26

Which areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

DriveCraft covers Northampton, Kettering, Brackley, Wellingborough, Daventry, Towcester, Kingsthorpe, Duston, Far Cotton, Abington, Spinney Hill and surrounding villages. Use the Find an Instructor page to search for instructors in your area.

Question 27

Which driving test centres do you use?

Accepted Answer

Our students test at: Northampton (Weedon Road), Kettering (Northfield Avenue), Wellingborough, and Banbury (nearest to Brackley and Towcester). Your instructor will be familiar with all local test routes.

Question 28

Do you cover rural areas and villages?

Accepted Answer

Yes — many of our instructors cover villages surrounding the main towns. Contact us with your postcode and we'll confirm which instructor covers your area.

Question 29

I live outside Northampton — can I still book?

Accepted Answer

Possibly — contact us with your postcode. Some of our instructors cover a wider radius. We'll let you know if we can help or recommend alternatives.

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