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Battersea, Balham, Banstead, Clapham, Earlsfield, Ewell, Mitcham, Sutton,
Colliers Wood, Croydon, Streatham, Tooting, Wandsworth, Wimbledon & more...
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Frequently asked questions

I live outside the areas covered, do you teach in any other areas?

No. However, if you do not live in but do come to the areas we cover, you may be able to schedule lessons accordingly. For example, if you work in our areas, you can have a driving lesson after work for instance.

Do you teach in any other languages?

Yes. We currently may have slots for lessons in Bengali, Urdu, Hindi.

How many lessons do I need before I take the practical test?

The average varies between the age groups of a learner. The average 17-year-old would need about 25 hours but higher age groups need up to 40 hours.

I have an international license; can I drive in the UK with that license?

Yes. According to DVLA, anyone with an international license can drive in the UK upto 1 year from the date that they enter the UK.

Do you have female instructors?

No. Any PDI’s or ADI’s who want to join Echo Driving School, please contact us ASAP on 0777 903 3962.

Is it better to do the intensive course or space out the lessons?

Intensive courses are not for everybody. If you believe you can pick up concepts quickly, intensive might be more beneficial for you. However, if you like to take time to consolidate everything you learn then consider planning your diary.

What are the most common mistakes in the practical test?

Some students to not make sufficient observations e.g. centre mirror before braking. The MSPSL routine is not practised properly by some learners.

One big mistake is not making complete stops. Many students "roll" through the intersection without completely stopping at the limit line. This is more serious on right turns on red light. Many students forget to make a complete stop and just slow down, make sure traffic is clear, and continue. This is wrong and fails many students. Not to mention it is highly illegal, and when driving alone it can award the non-stopper with a big fine.

Another problem students have is lane changes. In theory, going from one lane to another is the easiest mission on earth: you signal, check that the area is clear, and move into the lane you want. For some people it is not very easy, and they often reach a situation of a near-accident. This, of course, is an automatic fail.

Lack of confidence and over-caution are two reasons that also fail many applicants. They tend to think that if they drive under the speed limit, they are safe. There is nothing further from the truth. Slow driving is a critical error, an error that means an automatic fail. Also, if the examiner tells a student too shy to take his turn on a stop sign what to do, the test is also over.

The key to avoid all these mistakes is practice. The old cliche, "Practice makes perfect", is the best advice for driving and learning to drive.

How do I stay calm during my practical test?

Are interpreters allowed to be in the car during my practical test?

Yes.

What documents do I take with me to the test centre?

Both parts of the license, paper counterpart with photo ID. It is recommended to bring the appointment letter.

How do I get my provisional license?

You must complete driving licence application and photocard application form D1(available from most post offices) and the appropriate fee. The new D1 form, will have an area in the bottom left corner for you to attach your photograph

Can I book my practical test without doing the theory?

No.

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