All Electric MG 4

The Orange on the ground in the picture was already there. Not Photoshop, not Staged or Ai Grapics. Truth is stranger than fiction.

I continue to use alcohol based sanitiser and use wipes to clean touch points.

Please feel free to use the hand sanitiser dispenser in the driver's door pocket. 

 *** PRICES HELD FOR 2025 AT 2024 PRICES ***

What is the best way to contact you?
SMS TEXT

Texting is by far my fastest response time. I do look at WhatsApp, Messenger & Xtwitter sometimes, FaceBook/Meta Messenger & Messenger for business is horrible to use for work in my opinion and I rarely look at Instagram or LinkedIn. Roughly 40 people - if you include waiting list, messaging across multiple platforms has caused problems in the past. SMS provides information trail for both of us and it is time stamped too.

Do you have male and female instructors?
No, there’s only me. Andrew Saint, ADI.

Do you have manual cars available?
No, there’s only one Automatic car.

It is a bright orange MG4 Fully electric car from SAIC in China. It is simple to drive, fun, comfy, spacious, economical, quiet & quick.

How long are the lessons?
How long would you like? Start with an hour? 1.5 hours is a great lesson length and if you can concentrate long enough, 2 hour lessons are available. Fyi, I always put a break in a three hour lesson and stop the clock. The pro rata hourly rate drops by having longer lessons. This is because it makes me more efficient and savings can be passed on. The prices for one 2 hour lesson is a lot less than two, one hour lessons added together.

Do you do cheaper block bookings?

No. The lesson price changes according to the duration of the lesson. See above.

You benefit from a cheaper price without having to find hundreds of pounds in one go.

How soon can I start my driving lessons?

As soon as we can find a mutually convenient appointment for you, in normal circumstances this is quite quick but due to various issues beyond my control I sometimes have a waiting list.

Do you do intensive driving courses?
Occasionally availability for intensive or semi-intensive courses can be made. Try me, I’ll help if I can.

Do you cover short notice driving tests?
Generally not. I’m a driving school and not car hire. this means that I already have a full diary for regulars.

However if I’m approached on your behalf by another Driving Instructor who is known to me, that will help.

I am in contact and friends with very many other Instructors. We socialise at the

test centre, Training and local Instructor Association meetings & the occaisional night out.

That means we can network and we do try to help each other out if we can.

What do I need to bring on my first lesson?
Your licence and if you need glasses or contacts to read a 'new style' (AA12 ABC) number plate at 20 Metres or “old style”

(A123 ABC) at 20.5 Metres, these then need to be worn whilst you are driving so bring them too.

Can I be picked up from home, work or school?

If it is mutually convenient then it’s no problem. If you need dropping off in a different place, please tell me first. This is important because I plan my work carefully and don’t make any allowance at all for “spare time” to taxi folk around.

How long will it take and how many lessons will I need?

I don’t know - some people take to driving like a duck to water, others take to it like a cat to water.

We are all different and if you find it difficult we will learn together what works for you.

The DVSA suggests 2 hours instruction per year of age plus a similar amount of private practice.

Do I need to have passed my theory test before I start lessons?

You can start driving lessons before you do your theory study and test. You might find that driving first helps you understand some of the questions. The Highway Code is available free as a download PDF, or for three or four quid it’s well worth buying the book. It’s where the questions come from.

The Highway code is available in many languages too.

Do I have to wait until I am 17 to apply for my licence?

No, it is a good idea to apply for your car (Class B) licence before you are 17 but it will only become valid for a car on your 17th birthday. You need your driver number which will be on your licence to book your theory. Slight rule differences benefit certain recognised disabilities.

How old do I have to be to do my theory test or start driving lessons?

You can book a theory test before your 17th birthday (for a date on or after that date if you applied early enough for your licence) and/or start driving from your 17th birthday. If you receive higher level disability allowance we may be able to start driving at 16.

You can also have a voice over in the following languages - Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, Dari, English, Farsi, Gujarati, Hindi, Kashmiri, Kurdish, Mirpuri, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Pushto, Spanish, Tamil, Turkish, Urdu or Welsh.

What documents do I need to take for my theory test and driving test?

You must take your driving licence with you for your Theory Test. For your Practical Test you need your licence, theory pass certificate/letter and if you’ve been wearing glasses or contacts you’ll need them as well. If you forget your licence or glasses you will be turned away without a refund. My time for the booked duration remains chargeable. Licences have been hidden in sock drawers, shoes and one was so well hidden that it was never seen again. The replacement for it was filed in a dictionary under "D" (not for Driving licence). 

My licence is from a different country - Do I need to take a UK test?

A driving licence issued by an EU country can be exchanged for a UK licence without the need for a test.

A licence from any other country allows you to drive in the UK for up to 1 year from the date you start residency in the UK in order to give you time to learn and pass in the UK. The time starts from date of first residence so holidays and time spent in your home country do not extend the time.

Colour Blind, Partially Sighted, Learning Diffiulties, Hard of Hearing or Deaf/Profoundly Deaf- does that matter?

These things do not matter for the purposes of driving as long as you can communicate and read the number plate chosen by the examiner at the start of the test. However it is important that you let me and your test examiner know. This is because we sometimes give directions that relate to coloured signs or vehicles, for example, "Please pull up on the left, just before that red car". We will then find ways of explaining things that work for you.

Is it ok if my parents or friends take me out too?

Great idea! The DVSA and I both recommend private practice. Just ask and I can speak to them about what has changed since they did their driving test and give you notes to help them help you. Do not forget that this is practice. I may be able to help with the cost of Insurance see my “Links” page.

Who books my driving test?

Before Pandemic I would book the driving test for you. However since then and the cautious approach of DVSA things have become much more complicated. There is a DVSA system to prevent me being double booked but I’ve known it not work. There is no charge but I need the cash before I book one.

How long is the waiting list for driving tests?

The waiting list length varies. It used to be as few as four to six weeks but in the current situation six months is not unheard of and as of now there's roughly a four month wait. Occasionally “cancellations” become available.

Can my instructor be in the car on my test?

This is your choice and on the day the Driving Examiner will ask you and not me. Some people feel more confident with me there but others feel nervous enough already and don’t want any extra pressure so it is your choice. It does help me see how you did on the test and help you to understand the feedback from the driving test examiner at the end.

Interestingly, sometimes your Driving Examiners’ boss will sit in to check how they are doing their job. That means that it might not just be you that’s nervous that day. 

What is the New Drivers Act?

Six or more points on your licence within two years of the date you passed your test means you could have your licence revoked. If that happens you are back to square one.

My question is not here!

Just ask. I'm quicker with SMS texts 07709981386. If I don't know the answer I'll find out for you.

DVSA Questions are bold.

DVSA answers are this size

My own suggestions and information are this size.

A. Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check the engine has the correct level.
Identify the coolant tank and look for the minimum/maximum markings.

If the coolant is below the minimum mark, more coolant needs to be added. To do this, unscrew the cap and pour in coolant until the max mark is reached. Safest done with engine cold. Coolant is Antifreeze and water mixed together.

B. Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify the brake fluid reservoir and check the fluid level against the min/max levels.

Brake fluid is a nasty chemical so don't take the top off if you don't have to.

C. Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has enough oil.
Identify the dipstick, pull it out and wipe it, dip it back in and out again to check the oil level against the minimum/maximum markings.

D. Open the bonnet, identify where the Windscreen Washer reservoir is and tell me how you check the level?
Identify reservoir, lift off cap or look at tubes if main container is hard to see.

Make a visual check of level as there are no external markings on reservoir.

It is not illegal to run out but if a system is fitted it must work hence £30 fine. If you can’t see clearly it is dangerous. I top mine up every couple of days in dirty weather.

E. Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

A safe tyre will have no cuts or bulges. The tread depth should be at least 1.6mm across the middle 3/4s of the width of the tyre and all the way round.

You could use a tread gauge or feel the tread wear indicators (1.6mm bumps in the grooves). Fine of up to £2500 and three points on licence FOR EACH TYRE.

F. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

Tyre pressure information can be found in the hand book for the car or on a label inside the fuel flap or door jamb. Check the tyre pressures with a reliable pressure gauge when the tyres are cold if possible.

Don't forget the spare tyre in the boot and remember to screw the valve caps back on to keep dirt out of the valve.

Tyres at the wrong pressure will affect fuel consumption, braking, comfort, handling and how fast they wear out. This means that money you spend on tyres will not last as long as it should.

There might be different pressures shown for normal light load with one or two people and heavier load, like taking your family or friends on holiday with all the heavy holiday luggage too.

G. Tell me how you would check that the direction indicators are working correctly.

I would switch on the indicators or hazard warning lights and walk around the car.

Double speed flashing might be caused by a dead bulb. Some newer cars have a timer though, so check them visually sometimes to see if all the indicator bulbs are working correctly.

H. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
ABS warning light should Light up on the dashboard if there is a fault in the ABS anti-lock braking system.

I. Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine).
Press the brake pedal and look behind for reflections in windows, garage doors or other vehicles etc. or ask someone to help. (you will need to switch ignition on but do not start the engine).

J. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
The pedal should feel firm and not spongy. As you move off check the brakes. The car should not pull to one side.

K. Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

Explain that you’d switch them on and then walk round the car to check them. You will need ignition on.

(Because this is a Tell Me question you do not need to get out of the car and do it.)  

On some cars Daytime Running Lights (DRL’s) come on at the front but not the back so use headlight setting. Sidelight setting is almost useless imo. If you wonder when you should put your lights on, look at a car that has no lights but is indicating – if the indicator seems lots brighter than the car, you ought to have your headlights on. This happens surprisingly early.

L. Show me how you would switch your headlights from dipped beam to main beam and explain how you know main beam is on.

Operate the switch to turn headlights on (with ignition on) and push the indicator lever towards the front of the car. Look for the blue warning light for main beam. Pulling the same lever is “Flash”.

M. Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them.

(No need to get out of the car).
Operate light switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition first) then work fog light switch.

Check the orange warning light is on. Explain used in fog when visibility below 100 metres.

N. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

The head restraint should be adjusted so the firm part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears. It should be as close to the back of your head as is comfortable. (Some are fixed and cannot be adjusted).

Another way is to set the top of the restraint level with the top of your head. All your head restraints need to be correctly adjusted for each person to give the best protection if there is a crash.

0. Tell me how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
If the steering gets very stiff it might be faulty. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. 
1) TELL = Turning the steering wheel as you first start to move will immediately tell you if the power steering is working properly.
2) SHOW = Test it without moving. Pull the steering wheel down with one hand and start starting the engine by key or button with the other hand at the same time. This should result in a noticeable easy movement as the power assisted steering starts working. 

Show me questions. One of these will be asked while you are driving.

When It is safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen.

When It is safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen.

When It is safe to do so, can you show me how you’d switch on your dipped headlights.

Check how we know they’re on.

(TIP. Please use headlights not just side lights and if you need your wipers – you’ll need your lights as well. Andy).

When It is safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen.

When It is safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set (switch on) the rear demister.

When It is safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn.

When It is safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window.

Copyright Andrew Saint 2020