WatermeLon Driving School FAQs

Q: Are all driving instructors and driving lessons the same?

A: No. As with any service you buy, there is a range of providers and experiences from excellent to poor. It's really important to choose well so that you don't waste your time and money, or get ripped off after you've paid for driving lessons from a dodgy instructor or driving school.

Q: I've heard some instructors shout at their pupils, go on their phone during the lesson, cancel lessons and chat a lot to waste lesson time. Is this normal?

A: Your instructor should always treat you with respect. They should follow the government's professional ADI Code of Practice. If they deliberately waste time in lessons then you'll need more lessons, so this will make driving lessons far more expensive overall than if you pay a little bit more from a reputable instructor and a driving school like Watermelon Driving School.

Q: Why do I need a good instructor?

A: Driving is a skill that will help to keep you and your passengers safe, once you've passed the test. Some instructors teach you only how to pass the test, but not how to be a safer driver. These instructors tend to have a low pass rate, shout at their pupils and charge less than the going rate. A good instructor from Watermelon Driving School will help you learn to be a safer driver.

Q: I've heard that you learn to pass the test, and then learn to drive afterwards?

A: Doing in that way means you're more likely to have collisions and so pay higher insurance premiums, or you could even lose your licence after passing. A good instructor from us will help you to be both ready and safe, to drive independently, before you go to the driving test.  

Q: What's an intensive 'crash' course, and why are they so expensive?

A: Taking a course of driving lessons over a short period of time can be necessary and can result in quicker learning, so fewer driving lessons are needed. Some pupils find it works, but many pupils take longer and spend a lot more time and money doing it this way. We only charge a little more for this service, but national agencies normally charge a lot more and pay instructors at or less than the going rate than if you went directly to the instructor or a decent driving school like us.

Q: How many lessons will I need? 

A: This does vary widely. Some pupils need fewer driving lessons to gain the skills, but lack overall experience. Some pupils can practice in a car between lessons. Some pupils need more lessons because they go too early for their test and then have to wait for another test slot. Anywhere between 30-60 hours is an average range of time spent with an instructor. 

Q: I'm not sure who to go with, do I have to commit straight away?

A: Absolutely not! Book a taster lesson with us, meet your instructor; and let us know what you want to do next and you can still benefit from our discounts! 

Q: Do I need to pass my theory test first? 

A: No. You can start driving lessons with us as soon as you have obtained your provisional licence, and normally have to be over 17 years old. Doing it this way won't slow you down and can be an advantage!

Q: Can you help me book my DVSA driving test? 

A: Yes. Finding test slots is really difficult and frustrating at the moment; there is a massively long waiting list so we will help and guide you through the process!

Q: Do I need to pay extra to book my DVSA driving test using a test cancellation service or app? 

A: No, it's possible for you to find a cancellation too and many pupils do it for themselves. However, if you use an additional service or app they will charge you extra for the service; which should be a reasonable amount (and no more!).

Q: Do I need a provisional licence?

A: Yes, to start learning to drive you need to obtain your provisional licence from the DVLA and it should be valid with your current address and not expired. Or you need a valid full licence from the UK, or another country.

Q: Which Test Centres do you use or recommend? 

A: We use a number of Test Centres within Hertfordshire and sometimes beyond. We specialise in Watford and St Albans Driving Test Centres but will support you in your chosen test centre and have taken pupils successfully to test at other test centres.

Q: Are national driving schools better? 

A: No! All driving instructors are self-employed. Some pupils prefer to use a national school for reassurance about quality of service. Check out their reviews so that you get the full picture. We have clear terms and conditions to give you peace of mind.

Q: I have a foreign driving licence, can you help? 

A: Yes! You will either have 12 months to take the UK test, or will need to convert your existing licence within 12 months if you are permanently resident in the UK. We can help with all foreign driving licence conversions and upskilling so that you have the correct knowledge, understanding and licence status to be driving in the UK.

Q: I've wanted to drive for a long time but suffer from anxiety. Should I give up hope?

A: You're not alone, so don't give up hope. We can help you to overcome driving anxiety issues during the driving lessons so that you can start learning to drive. The lessons  are always adapted to help each pupil learn.

Q: I'm an experienced driver but not confident on motorways, and parallel parking, and night driving...

A: Your previous driving lessons probably never included these elements, so that's why! We can help you and other full licence holders gain that confidence, and you'll be a safer driver too after having lessons with us!

Q: I need driving insurance cover to use my own car, can you help?

A: Yes! Collingwood Insurance* provides learner drivers  insurance cover for most learner driver situations, including using your own car for driving lessons with a qualifying supervisor driver. Click on the link below to find out more. You will also receive free access to the theory training app ROADHOW when you take out qualifying insurance with Collingwood.

Q: I need driving insurance after I've passed my test, can you help?

A: Yes! Collingwood Insurance* provides newly qualified drivers insurance cover from NuBee so that you can get on the road as soon as you've passed your test with us! Click on the link below to find out more. 

Terms and conditions apply - please read the terms or request further information before booking

*Collingwood Insurance is a separate company with it's own terms and conditions, please use the link provided so your instructor can receive a small referral incentive. Detals correct at the time of publication.