Frequently Asked Questions

Before taking your first lesson with Keen Drivers, you’ll need a valid UK provisional driving licence. It’s also essential that you can read a number plate from 20 metres away, as this is part of the legal eyesight requirement. Once you’ve got your licence, we’ll guide you through every step of the learning journey, from understanding car controls to mastering complex junctions. Whether you’re based in Billericay, Brentwood, Basildon, or the wider Essex area, our patient and professional instructors are here to make learning to drive a positive experience.

In the UK, you must be at least 17 years old to start taking driving lessons with a professional instructor. However, you can apply for your provisional licence when you’re 15 years and 9 months old. At Keen Drivers, we recommend applying early so you’re ready to get on the road the moment you turn 17. We help young drivers throughout Essex take their first confident steps behind the wheel.

Yes, absolutely. Many learners start their practical driving lessons before passing the theory test. In fact, combining the two can often enhance understanding. At Keen Drivers, we recommend beginning your driving lessons as soon as possible, even if you haven’t yet booked your theory. This way, you can apply what you learn in real-time to the scenarios you’ll be tested on, helping you pass your theory and practical tests faster.

This varies from person to person. According to the DVSA, most learners require around 47 hours of professional tuition plus 20 hours of private practice. However, the actual number of lessons you’ll need depends on your confidence, how often you take lessons, and your ability to retain and apply feedback. At Keen Drivers, we don’t rush or drag out the process, we tailor your lessons to your personal needs and progress. Our instructors will give you honest, constructive feedback so you’re always working toward the goal of passing your test with confidence.

Most of our students take one or two driving lessons a week, but we also offer more intensive options for those on a tighter schedule. Whether you’re working full-time, at school or college, or balancing other commitments, we’ll work with you to create a lesson plan that fits.

Our prices are designed to offer real value for learner drivers in Essex. Individual driving lessons start from just £35 per hour, and we offer several pricing packages to suit all budgets. From our beginner’s intro bundles to block bookings. We believe in transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and no surprises. You can view our full pricing breakdown on our Prices Page.

Yes, we do! After you’ve passed your practical test, we also offer the DVSA-approved Pass Plus course. This post-test training builds additional driving skills and may even reduce your insurance premiums.

Absolutely. All Keen Drivers instructors are fully qualified Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs), graded A by the DVSA—the highest standard available. We’re proud of our calm, friendly, and supportive teaching style. Our team specialises in helping nervous learners and first-time drivers. We’ll always explain things clearly and work at your pace, ensuring you build real skills and lasting confidence.

Your instructor will give you regular progress updates and will conduct mock driving tests under real conditions to help gauge your readiness. At Keen Drivers, we won’t recommend the test until you’re fully prepared to pass. We believe in setting our students up for success, not rushing you into the test just to tick a box.

The UK practical driving test lasts about 40 minutes and includes several key components: an eyesight check, vehicle safety questions (known as the “Show Me, Tell Me” questions), and general driving in a variety of traffic situations. You’ll also be asked to complete one reversing manoeuvre and may be required to perform an emergency stop. Our instructors at Keen Drivers will ensure you’re fully prepared for each part of the test.

These are vehicle safety questions asked during the driving test to assess your knowledge of car maintenance and safety. You’ll be asked one “Tell Me” question at the start (while the car is stationary) and one “Show Me” question while driving. At Keen Drivers, we incorporate these into your lessons from the very beginning so you’ll feel confident and well-prepared come test day.

Pass Plus is a government-backed course aimed at new drivers who want to build their skills and confidence after passing the test. It covers advanced driving topics like motorway driving, night driving, and all-weather handling. Completing the Pass Plus course with Keen Drivers can also lead to reduced car insurance premiums, making it a smart investment for many newly qualified drivers.

P-plates (short for “Probationary Plates”) are green signs you can display on your car to show that you’re a new driver. While they’re not mandatory, we recommend using them during the first few months after passing. They encourage more patience from other road users and can help you feel more confident as you transition to driving independently.