Sandra Perry Driver Training

26/08/2026

One of the most common questions driving instructors get:

“How many hours will it take me to pass my test?”

There really isn’t one number that fits everybody. Some people learn quickly, some need longer, but there is a lot you can do to help yourself between lessons.

If you have access to private practice, use it. Don’t just practise the things you enjoy or already find easy. Practise the things your instructor has identified as needing work.

Even without private practice, you can still learn between lessons. Sit in a stationary car with the engine OFF and practise moving through the gears. Practise the physical routine of your mirror checks. Get familiar with where the controls are.

When you’re a passenger, put the phone down occasionally and actually watch the road. Look at junctions and roundabouts. Ask yourself what you would be doing if you were driving. Which lane would you choose? When would you check your mirrors? Where is the potential hazard?

Study your manoeuvres too. Ask your instructor to draw them out, including the observations, steering and reference points that work for you. Then go over them between lessons rather than trying to remember everything a week later.

Theory shouldn’t just be something you learn to pass the theory test either. Understanding signs, markings, priorities, stopping distances and hazards makes the practical side of learning much easier.

The more you put into your learning between lessons, the more we can build on during the next one instead of repeatedly going over the same things.

One of the biggest signs that you’re getting close to test standard isn’t simply the number of hours you’ve had.

It’s when the person sitting next to you becomes very quiet.
No constant instructions. No reminders at every junction. No prompting you to check mirrors, change lanes or make decisions.

You’re driving independently, safely and consistently.
Learning to drive is a two-way contract. Your instructor can teach, explain, demonstrate and guide you, but we can’t do the learning for you.

The question isn’t only “How many hours will I need?”

It’s also “What am I doing with those hours?”

24/08/2026

📱 COULD SIX POINTS COST A DRIVING INSTRUCTOR THEIR CAREER?

I think this is one worth sharing, particularly for fellow driving instructors, because six penalty points can potentially mean far more to an ADI than points sitting on a driving licence.

In this particular case, Approved Driving Instructor received a fixed penalty for a mobile phone offence in May 2024, resulting in six penalty points.

He notified the ADI Registrar, as instructors are required to do.

The Registrar subsequently decided to remove him from the Register of Approved Driving Instructors, finding that he was no longer a fit and proper person to remain registered.

The instructor appealed.

He explained that there was no pupil in the vehicle at the time and said he had not been making a call, sending a message or reading one. He accepted that he had been holding the phone and apologised for the offence.

He also explained that being an ADI was his only source of income and that he was going through extremely difficult personal circumstances at the time.

The tribunal considered all of this.

It still dismissed his appeal.

One of the important points made in the judgment was that ADIs are expected to demonstrate standards of driving and behaviour above those expected of an ordinary motorist.

The tribunal said instructors are teaching people to drive safely and responsibly, so the public should be able to expect them to follow the very laws they are teaching their pupils.

That is the bit I think many instructors may not fully appreciate.

DVSA guidance says the ADI Registrar considers motoring offences when deciding whether somebody remains a fit and proper person. Mobile phone offences, dangerous driving, drink or drug driving, driving without insurance and excessive speeding are specifically among the offences that can cause problems.

The guidance also states that the Registrar has previously removed ADIs from the register where they have had five or more penalty points within the previous three years.

That does not mean six points automatically equals losing your badge. Each case is considered individually, and there have been other cases where an ADI successfully appealed removal.

But this case certainly shows what is potentially at stake.
For most motorists, six points are a serious consequence.
For a driving instructor, those same six points could potentially put your entire career and livelihood on the line.

We spend our working lives teaching people to respect the law and become safe drivers.
We are expected to practise what we teach.

Fellow ADIs, did you realise six points could potentially result in removal from the register?

09/08/2026

🚗 Good driving isn’t about fast reactions… it’s about seeing the problem before it happens.

One of the most respected defensive driving methods in the world is the Smith System. Although it was developed many years ago, the principles are just as relevant on UK roads today.

It isn’t about driving slowly.

It isn’t about being over-cautious.

It’s about thinking ahead.

The system is based on five simple habits:

👀 Aim high.
Look well ahead, not just at the vehicle in front. The further ahead you look, the more time you have to recognise developing hazards and make safe decisions.

🌍 Get the big picture.
Don’t focus on one thing. Build a constant picture of everything happening around you – what’s ahead, behind and to both sides.

🔄 Keep your eyes moving.
Good drivers don’t stare. They regularly scan mirrors, junctions, signs, pedestrians, cyclists and other traffic. Continuous observation keeps you aware of changing situations.

↔️ Leave yourself an out.
Always create space around your vehicle. A safe following distance and good road position give you options if someone else makes a mistake.

💡 Make sure they see you.
Never assume another road user has noticed you. Use your indicators correctly, position your vehicle sensibly and communicate your intentions early.

The best drivers aren’t the ones with the quickest reflexes.

They’re the ones who rarely need them because they’ve already seen the danger developing.

As a driving instructor, I often say that driving is about thinking, not just steering. Every decision you make should give you more time, more space and more options.

Whether you’ve been driving for six months or sixty years, these are habits worth practising on every single journey.

💬 Which one do you think most drivers struggle with: looking far enough ahead, leaving enough space, or keeping their distance

31/07/2026

🚨 THE DVSA ISN’T JUST WARNING PEOPLE ANYMORE… IT’S TAKING ACTION.

For years, learners have struggled to get driving tests while unofficial booking services snapped up appointments and sold them on for profit.

The DVSA says it has already suspended more than 4,000 booking accounts and over 1,000 driving licence numbers linked to suspected abuse.

If someone claims they can “guarantee” you a driving test for an inflated fee, think twice.

Buying tests through unofficial channels doesn’t just cost you money. It helps keep the problem going.

The fairest place to book your test is through the official DVSA system.

02/07/2026

🚗✨ DRIVING LESSONS AVAILABLE – CAERPHILLY! ✨🚗

Looking to learn to drive? Now's the perfect time!

✅ Friendly & patient instruction
✅ Excellent pass rates
✅ Lessons tailored to your experience
✅ Manual driving lessons available

📍 Limited availability in the Caerphilly area – spaces are filling quickly!

📞 Call or message us today to book your lessons or find out more:
07866 882348 Sandra
07717 292229 Mariee

Don't miss out – get on the road to passing your driving test! 🚘🎉

02/07/2026

We have availability for driving lessons if anyone in the Caerphilly area is looking. Please contact us to discuss and arrange. 07866 882348

07/06/2026

03/05/2026

David Perry

03/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/18dZmdwqEi/

I provide driver training in a fun, relaxed and supportive environment. my Sponsor is Mariee's School of Motoring. Bookings available from 11th May 2026 on 07866882348/07717292229

19/09/2023

Congratulations Megan Evans on passing your driving test 1st time today. Thank you for allowing me to help you gain your goal. Keep safe and see you on the road