07786 101 170

About Colin Kentish

09 January 2013 - Ellen passed with only 2 minor driving faults! Well done Ellen, that was a brilliant result. All your hard work and effort finally paid off....

09 January 2013 - Ellen passed with only 2 minor driving faults! Well done Ellen, that was a brilliant result. All your hard work and effort finally paid off....

Ellen Gowie

Hello, my name is Colin Kentish; I´m a friendly, patient and reliable Government Approved (DVSA) Driving Instructor. In October 2015, I achieved Grade ´A´ status which is the highest grade that a fully qualified Driving Instructor can attain.

I offer high quality, professional, driving lessons for learners of all ages and abilities in and around the Tonbridge & Sevenoaks area´s.

So, whether you´re a complete novice, or if you´ve already taken some lessons, I can help you learn the driving skills required not just to pass your practical test but to ensure ´Safe Driving for Life´.

You would be driving a Ford Fiesta 1.5 litre diesel car with manual transmission. I´m really sorry, but I´m unable to offer driving lessons in a car with automatic transmission!

I´m extremely proud of my consistently high pass rate which at 29th February 2024 was running at 85% (based on results from a rolling 12 month period) The national average pass rate is around 46%

Also, I really appreciate the positive reviews that I´ve received from former students which can be viewed by clicking the ´Testimonials´ section of the main menu.

Already passed? Well, there are other options available, including ´Pass-Plus´, refresher & motorway lessons, all aimed at developing your driving skills further, improving safety and building confidence. (Temporarily suspended!)

If you would like more information or would like to arrange an appointment, please call 07786 101170 or complete and send the enquiry ´Contact form´. I will try to answer your enquiry as quickly as possible. But, I will definitely get back to you within 24 hours (Unless I´m away on holiday!).

I look forward to hearing from you.

Many thanks,

Colin

Official Pass Plus Site | Official Theory Test Site | Official Direct Govs Site | Official Driver Safety Site

  Q1 : I´ve been told that Instructors have different grades. What grade are you?

A1 : I´m very proud to say that I´m a Grade ´A´ Driving Instructor. Grade ´A´ is the highest possible grade that an Instructor can attain from the Driving & Vehicle Standards Agency.

  Q2 : Are you a fully qualified Driving Instructor?

A2 : Yes, I have been a fully qualified,Government Approved Driving Instructor for more than 10 years and I display a green octagonal badge showing my registration details and ID. Beware though, because some larger Driving Schools including BSM and Red use PDI´s (Potential Driving Instructors). Although these are registered Instructors, they are basically Trainees who have not yet passed the final part of the stringent Driving Instructor test. Less than 50% of Trainees go on to pass the Driving Instructor test. So, you could be taught by someone that never actually qualifies! You can tell that they are Trainees because they must display a pink triangular badge stating ´Trainee Instructor´

  Q3 : What type of car will I be driving?

A3 : You will be driving a new Ford Fiesta Titanium (1.5 Diesel) manual car with 4 doors. There´s a photo of my car behind the Gallery button.

  Q4 : How old must I be before learning to drive?

A4 : The minimum age for a UK Provisional Licence is 17. You must be in receipt of your Provisional Licence before you will be allowed to drive on a public road! You can apply for a Provisional Licence up to 3 months before your 17th birthday. If you are receiving Disability Living Allowance at the higher rate, you can apply for a Provisional Licence as soon as you are 16 years old.

  Q5 : How much will my lessons cost?

A5 : Please click-on the 'Prices' button for full details of lesson times, current prices and special offers.

  Q6 : How long will my lessons be?

A6 : Generally, your lessons will last 1.5hrs, but I can also offer 1hr or 2hrs lessons if and when required. It really depends on both your availability and my availability.

  Q7 : What will I do on my first lesson?

A7 : It depends on what experience you already have. If you are a complete beginner the first lesson will include all the safety aspects, an eyesight check (you must be able to read a standard number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres)adjusting your seating position so you are comfortable and can safely use the controls and then we will run through the vehicle controls so that you know where they are, what they do and when you need to use them. By the end of the first lesson you will be driving by moving the vehicle off from the roadside and stopping it in a safe, legal and convenient place. Don't worry though, the first few lessons are normally conducted in a very quiet road.

  Q8 : Do I need to pass my theory test before starting to drive?

A8 : No you don't but it's a good idea to start your theory studies as soon as possible because it will help your general understanding whilst driving.

  Q9 : How many lessons will I need to pass my test?

A9 : There's no definite answer to that question! It will largely be dependent on your own aptitude and personal rate of learning ability. This is where taking professional training from a DVSA (Driving & Vehicle Standards Agency) Approved Driving Instructor is the best course of action, particularly if you have little or no previous experience of driving. The DVSA do publish average figures which can be found on the Government website: www.direct.gov.uk

  Q10 : What is your pass rate?

A10 : My current pass rate to 29th February 2024 is 85% This is based on results from the last 13 driving tests. The National Average pass rate is only 46%! Further details about pass rates can be found behind the ´Terms´ button.

  Q11 : How will I know when I'm ready to take the practical test?

A11 : We will continually monitor your progress and carry-out at least one mock test to determine whether or not you are actually ready to take your practical test. The final decision will be by mutual agreement.

  Q12 : Where will you pick me up and drop me off?

A12 : From anywhere within reason! I won't restrict you to being picked up and dropped off at your home address. However, I will automatically assume your home address unless previously arranged.

  Q13 : Can I have my lesson at the same time every week?

A13 : Yes, that actually makes it easier for me to plan my week.

  Q14 : Will you answer your mobile phone during my lessons?

A14 : No, you are paying for my time and you will get 100% of my attention during that time. (Emergencies would be the only possible exception)

  Q15 : I've been told that some Instructors spend long periods of time parked-up by the roadside talking! Will I be driving for most of the time during my lesson?

A15 : Yes! I will try to keep you moving for most of the time to maximise the time you are driving. However, it's sometimes necessary to carry out a recap or subject briefing (8 minutes max) before you initially drive off. Also, we may have to stop briefly by the roadside to identify, analyse and hopefully rectify any driving faults that may have occurred whilst you are driving!

  Q16 : Are you qualified to conduct the 'Pass- Plus' scheme?

A16 : Yes, full details can be found behind the 'Pass-Plus' button.

  Q17 : Do you charge for cancellations?

A17 : Yes, I do request 48 hours notice if you want to cancel a lesson! There are exceptions (illness etc), so please take a look at the Terms & Conditions behind the 'Terms' button.

  Q18 : When I pay for my test does that cover all the charges for your car?

A18 : No, the driving test fee goes directly to the DVSA. There is a seperate charge of 2 Hours (£64) for hiring the car for your driving test. This charge includes picking you up from home/school/workplace, 1 hours pre-test warm-up/practise, the driving test itself, debrief and dropping you back home/school/workplace.

  Q19 : Do you have automatic cars?

A19 : No, I'm sorry, but at the moment I only use a manual car.

  Q20 : How can I book my first lesson?

A20 : You can call me on 07786 101170 (Please leave a message if I'm unable to answer) or complete and send the enquiry form behind the 'Contact' button.

  Q21 : What are your hours of business?

A21 : Autumn/Winter 2023/2024 (26th October - 28th February)

Last lesson starts at 3pm!

Mondays - 9am to 4.30pm

Tuesday - 9am to 4.30pm

Wednesdays - 9am to 4.30pm

Thursdays - 9am to 4.30pm

Fridays - 9am to 4.30pm

Saturdays - Closed!
Sundays - Closed!

  Q22 : Will there ever be other learners in the car while I'm having my lesson?

A22 : Absolutely not! I do not pick-up or drop-off other learners (known as 'piggy backing') in your time. Your lessons will always be conducted on a one to one basis.

POA
Standard rate
Flexible lesson times



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May Storey
13 June 2017 - May passed 1st time with ´ZERO´ driving faults! Well done May, that was an absolutely brilliant result.
May Storey

William Hutchings
20 November 2014 - William Hutchings passed with only 4 minor driving faults! Well done William, that was a really good result.
William Hutchings





Professional lessons - Start learning to drive now with a fully qualified Driving & Vehicle Standards Agency Approved Grade A (top grade) Driving Instructor
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