PHIL BOLTON DRIVER TRAINING

Phil Bolton Driver Training is an independent Driving School based around Huddersfield providing driving lessons and courses for novice and experienced drivers alike.

I am a fully qualified (Green Badge) Driving Instructor and have been teaching people to drive since 1992, and provide a professional service at a realistic price.

My services include hazard perception & theory test preparation, structured weekly, semi-intensive and intensive courses and for those who already have a licence, Pass Plus, Refresher & Motorway lessons. I welcome students of all ages and abilities including complete beginners and nervous pupils.

What I offer

I provide one-to-one tuition, am a calm and reliable instructor with an excellent pass rate and will teach you the skills required to become a confident and competent driver.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Phil

GETTING YOUR DRIVING LICENCE

The following detail the steps you need to go through to obtain a full driving licence allowing you to drive a car unaccompanied on the public highway.

Getting your Provisional Licence

Before driving on a public road, you need a valid Provisional Driving Licence. The Driving Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) Application form (Form D1) can be obtained from your local Post Office or on line at: www.dft.gov.uk/dvla/onlineservices/order_forms.aspx

For further enquires about Driving Licences, call the DVLA on: 0300 123 0784.

The Theory Test

The theory test must be passed before you take the practical exam. This is is a multiple choice computerised test and there is also a Hazard Perception Test. We can advise on the learning materials required and our instructors will be there to advise and provide you with support at every stage. To book the theory test you will need to contact the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) on 0300 200 1122 or online at www.dsa.gov.uk

The Practical Test

The final practical exam is also booked with the DSA. We will let you know when we feel you are ready for your test.

SHOW ME / TELL ME

Part of your test includes a ‘Show me, Tell Me’ section. This is when your examiner will ask you two questions about general maintenance and safety checks on your car.

You can get an idea of the questions you will be asked on this page and by clicking each of these, you can see see an example of the response you would give.

Answering one or both questions incorrectly will result in a total of one Driving  Fault (you are allowed a maximum of 15)

Printable PDF version is also available here.

The printable version requires Adobe Reader – if you have problems opening the file, download the latest version by clicking on the icon.

Tell me questions

Brakes should be tested as you set off by applying gentle pressure at slow speed. Brakes should not feel spongy or slack and the vehicle should not pull to one side.

In the 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.

Tyres should be checked to ensure there are no cuts or bulges. There should be 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference. This can be checked with a tyre depth gauge or the depth markers in the tyres themselves.

Adjust the rigid part of the restraint so that it is close to the back of your head and level with your eyes or top of your ears.

Operate light switch (turn on ignition if necessary).

The ABS warning light would become illuminated on the instrument panel if there is a fault.

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

Identify reservoir, check fluid level is between high / low markings.

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

Identify reservoir and explain how the washer fluid should be filled to a level between the min and max markers on the side of the reservoir.

Show Me Questions

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.

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

Check is carried out by pressing gently on the control (turn on ignition if necessary)

Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators. You may need to switch the ignition on, however you should not start the engine.

Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. As this is now a show me question the examiner may check the brake lights for you. You may need to switch the ignition on, however you should not start the engine.

Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen. You may need to switch the ignition on, however you should not start the engine.

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.

Operate the rear fog switch after switching on dipped headlights check switch is illuminated and explain that they should only be used when visibility is reduced to 100 metres or less.

Move the stalk attached to the steering column forwards which will illuminate a blue warning light on the instrument panel.

Your Lesson

You will be learning in this Suzuki Swift, which is ideally suited for the learning experience.

Lessons can be taken Day/Evening or Weekends, which are all charged at the same rate. Whether you take one or two hour lessons, you will be picked up at a time to suit you, either from home, work or college and dropped off at your required destination, either home, work, or college.

Lessons will be conducted in a professional friendly environment, with one to one tuition throughout (no piggy backing).

Courses

Complete Beginner

A complete course of driving lessons to take a total beginner right through to Driving Test standard and on to Pass Plus for that extra confidence. 17?, got your provisional licence? Start here. Follows the standards set by the DSA in driving skills development.

Partly trained Driver

If you’ve had a few lessons already and wish you had a better instructor, well you’ve come to the right place. To book your lessons call now or complete and send the online contact form.

Defensive Driving / Refresher course

Are you a fully qualified driver who could do with a bit of help making driving fun again?

Or maybe an accident has made you reassess your driving skills. Well, a defensive driving course will put all those demons to bed and make you a much more confident, relaxed, and of course a much BETTER driver.

Test re-take

Need help passing that driving test? Try us, we’ll get you that pass you’ve been striving for. We’ll book an assessment lesson first to see how many further lessons we think you’ll need.

Not sure what’s right for you?

Call now for a confidential no-obligation chat.

Driving Lesson Prices

BOOK LESSONS

Useful resources for learners

Below are links to official sites and resources that provide further help and advice for learner drivers and some provide interesting reading for drivers who have already passed their test.

Driving Standards Agency – Official site

As well as some useful information, this site is where you need to go to book your test online.

DSA Online Test Booking

Book your DSATheory or Practical Driving test online.

Direct Gov Site (Motoring section)

Tax your car
Info for learners and new drivers
Driving Licence Information

DSA Online Bookstore

Buy books from the official DSA shop

Pass Plus – Official site

Information on the Pass Plus scheme

Think!

Official site for the THINK! Road safety campaign

Pass My Theory

Help with your Theory test preparation

Traffic Signs & Their Meanings

TrafficSignsAndMeanings contains over 40 articles written by experts who continually update and add new content.

Safe Driving

Safe Driving contains articles written by experts which is continually updated for keeping you and your vehicle safe.

Traffic Accident Advice

Very interesting site with some useful articles with the aim of reducing traffic accidents in the UK.

Driving Expert

Useful site with full of tips and advice.

Driving Abroad

Useful site with full of tips and advice, everything you need to know about driving overseas.

LATEST NEWS AND INFORMATION

Promotion - March 2010

With some of my pupils recently passing their tests, I have a few vacancies, see March Offer for details

Discount On Learner Insurance (click banner for details)

New Website – September 2009

Finally got round to making my presence known on the internet by having this website developed. It was designed by Mark Hedley of MarkOnline from Mirfield who offered a very professional and cost effective service.

BBC Politics Show – November 2006

Read the article by Len Tingle of the BBC regarding “Young driver dangers”, I was interviewed for this article.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/politics_show/6106230.stm