About Colin Kentish
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
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´
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!