Our most frequently asked questions:
Do you have have any immediate availability?
At the moment we are fully booked but this changes on a week by week basis so don't let that put you off contacting us. We have a current waiting time of approximately 8-12 weeks for our regular, weekly driving lessons and if you want to add your details to our waiting list you can do so HERE.
Please complete this form giving us as much detail about your own availability as possible. When we have openings in our diary we will contact people on the waiting list with days and times that match those new opening.
We do not contact anyone on the waiting list until we have an open lesson slot. We also do not offer a call back service for lesson enquiries choosing to use our waiting list for those purposes.
What types of Driving Lessons do you offer?
Our Driving Lesson options are as follows:
Driving Lessons for International Driving Licence holders
Do you offer Intensive Driving Lesson Crash Courses and how much are they?
Yes we do. We have 3 Intensive Course options to choose from.
Beginners - 5 Days a week for 3 weeks, 90 minutes per day, including Driving Test Car hire for £1299
Intermediate- 5 Days a week for 2 weeks, 90 minutes per day, including Driving Test Car hire for £999
Advanced - 5 Days a week for 1 week, 90 minutes per day, including Driving Test Car hire for £699
(Terms and Conditions apply for both the Intermediate and Advanced courses. Please read the relevant page carefully to see if you meet those Terms and Conditions.?
How much are your Driving Lessons?
Our weekly Driving Lessons are currently priced at £40 per hour (prices are subject to change). The cost for manual and automatic lessons is the same at that £40 per hour rate. That rate applies to lessons delivered Monday to Friday between the hours of 8am and 6pm. Outside of those hours lessons are delivered at £60 per hour for evenings and weekends. This price increase is due to the pupils request to work outside our normal working hours.
Some of our lesson pricing is different. Our Mock Driving Test service is priced art £60 per hour. Evening and Weekend times for this service increase that to £90 as you are asking for a service outside our normal operating hours.
Our Medical Appraisals are priced at £50.
For more information on the lessons you are interested in please visit the relevant page from our menu on the top left of the screen.
Do you offer Refresher Lessons?
Yes we do. We are very aware that there may have been a period of time between you originally passing your test and now and if you want to get behind the wheel again and have some nervousness or anxiety about doing so our Refresher Lessons are definitely what you need.
We know you are not trying to get back to a test standard and just want to be safe so we focus on the basics and get you back in a place of comfort and confidence.
Do you offer any discounts for block bookings?
We do not. Due to the nature of our business, the professionalism, knowledge and skill of our instructors is what you are investing in and hopefully that is something you respect.
What areas do you cover?
We currently offer driving lessons in the following South and East Belfast postcodes:
BT1, BT2, BT3, BT5, BT6, BT7, BT8, BT9, BT12 (on the city side of the Westlink)
We can help with lessons for anyone outside the postcodes listed above. We can certainly discuss the options with you and agree a pick-up location that benefits but the Driving Instructor and the Learner Driver. (There may be a need to adjust both lesson length and pricing to reflect any bespoke lesson planning.)
Am I too old to learn to drive?
Not at all. The majority of our pupils are over the age of 25. Learning to drive is not limited to school or university age groups. We want to help anyone interested in learning to drive to do just that and achieve that goal. Age is only a number and if you are willing to learn then we are willing to teach.
Do you collect me from my home or do I meet you somewhere?
All lessons from the range of Belfast postcodes listed above can and will be collected from home, school, Uni or even a work address if requested. For postcodes in the North or West of the Belfast we will make arrangements for a time and collection point that is mutually convenient.
Do you offer Driving Lessons in the evenings or weekends?
We do offer some evening and weekend lessons but we do charge a premium for them. Our normal working hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. For lessons outside those hours we are then giving up our free and family time, therefore our normal hourly rate increases to £60 per hour.
Do you provide a Mock Driving Test service?
Yes, this is something we provide and is popular. We do need anyone interested in this service to give us a minimum of 3 weeks notice to plan around our existing lesson plans. We also need that time to allow you to adjust you driving test date should it be required.
Can you help me with a car for my Driving Test?
Yes we can but there are a few important things you need to understand:
1. You need to get in touch with us at least 3 weeks before your Driving Test date.
2. We will need to appraise your driving in advance so you have time to make the relevant advised changes.
3. If you are not at a suitable standard you will not be allowed to use our car for the day of your test as we cannot put our cars, the examiners or the general public at risk.
How many lessons will I need to learn to drive a Manual Car?
This is a really common question and one which has no simple answer. Even your driving instructor won't really know the answer for sure.
Learning to drive is a totally individual experience. What it really important is how well you can adapt to the skills and the instruction that is given. The biggest differences come from the co-ordination skills required to use a clutch and a gearstick correctly and with co-ordination, your judgement of the cars situation, when best to change gears up or down and the control you have over doing those things together and at the right time. Yes, it does take time to master and yes, mistakes will be made during that learning process but that's what your Driving Instructor is there for. To guide you towards a place where you are doing those things to a point where they are natural to you.
To give a basic average number of lessons... well that could be between 24 and 30 lessons but it totally depends on how you learn the required skills.
How many lessons will I need to learn to drive an Automatic Car?
This is a really common question and one which has no simple answer. Even your driving instructor won't really know the answer for sure.
Learning to drive is a totally individual experience. What it really important is how well you can adapt to the skills and the instruction that is given. The biggest differences between driving an automatic over a manual car is the removal of the complexity of using the clutch and the gearbox to manage to cars speed and movement. All driving skills do take time to master and yes, mistakes will be made during that learning process but your Driving Instructor is there to guide you on that journey. We are there to guide you to a place where you are doing all those things naturally.
Where an automatic can come into it's own is if you suffer from anxiety, ADHD, have any neurodivergent needs and even some physical issues that might prevent you from driving a manual car.
To give a basic average number of lessons... well that could be between 20 and 26 lessons but it totally depends on how you learn the required skills.
What age can you start to learn to drive?
In Northern Ireland you can apply for a Provisional Driving Licence just in advance of your 17th birthday and you can start driving on that birthday date. There some special exceptions to that where this can be 16 if you have a condition resulting in you receiving the higher rate mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance or Child/Adult Disability Payment.
The price of your 1st Provisional Driving Licence is £62.50 and you can apply here.
What will I need to learn to become a safe driver?
You will need to show a high and safe standard of driving in the following areas:
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Excellent use of your mirrors and general observation.
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Reading the road ahead and adapting your driving accordingly.
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Excellent levels of understanding of/and how to control your car.
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A complete understanding of all road rules including, road signage, road markings, all form of traffic control etc.
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Maintaining safe distances.
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Driving at appropriate speeds for differing scenarios.
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Highly proficient at all manoeuvres, including the Emergency Stop.
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Show proficiency with levels of independent driving.
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How well you interact safely with all other road users and pedestrians.
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A good understanding of appropriate positioning of your car when on the road.
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and much, much more.
Where are the DVA Test Centres in Northern Ireland?
Hydebank (Belfast), Balmoral (Belfast), Lisburn, Newtownards, Larne, Ballymena, Craigavon, Coleraine, Londonderry, Armagh, Downpatrick, Newry, Enniskillen, Cookstown, Omagh.
Do you have any information about the Driving Test Routes?
Yes, you can find them on our Driving Test Routes page. They are free to download and free to use and are another great way to help prepare you in advance of your Driving Test.
What can I expect on my first driving lesson?
Great question. Nearly everybody thinks they will be thrown in at the deep end. What happens with us is a bit more simple because you have an awful lot of basic things to go over. What you will definitely go over are the following:
- The Cockpit Drill.
- The introduction to the car and all the controls you will use.
- You basic routines, what they are for and what they mean. I.E. the POM, MSM and MSPSL routines.
- A basic eyesight check.
- Looking at your Provisional Licence.
- Some of the driving basics. I.E. Steering control, braking, accelerating, clutch (if in a manual car)
You will only get to really drive on lesson number 2.
What's the best driving school in Belfast?
Another great question. We would obviously say that we are the best.
All Driving Instructors understand how good at our jobs we are and we all teach different things in slightly different ways. What is important is for you to find an Instructor you gel with. Building a trusting bond and relationship will go a long way towards you getting the most engagement from every lesson you do. You might like the way I teach, explain, demonstrate the way things should be done. Equally you light find someone else does it all better or in a way that you can understand more easily. That doesn't make any one School the best it just makes that driving school the one that best fits you.
Are there any female driving instructors in Belfast?
We do not have a female instructor working with us here at Vrooom just yet but, yes, there are a number of female driving instructors working around Belfast. In South and East Belfast I would recommend the following:
Marians School of Motoring on 07581 425692
Jans Driving School on 07762 929173
Lisa from Abba (Automatic) on 028 9521 7722
How do I find a DVA approved driving instructor near me in Belfast?
It is very easy to find a DVA approved Driving Instructor for anywhere in Northern Ireland. Simply follow the link to the NIDirect website (https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/driving-instructors), enter your postcode and the website will return a list of approved Driving Instructors in your area.
What's the difference between a franchise driving school and an independent instructor in Belfast?
From a teaching perspective, nothing much really. All Driving Instructors are held to the same standards of teaching by the DVA here in Northern Ireland. The advantage larger schools will have is that in the event of a test double booking they may have access to another instructor that will be able to facilitate your test booking if you actual instructor cannot.
Which driving instructors in Belfast have the best pass rates?
Our first time pass rate sits at around 84% right now but it does change up and down.
What really matters is that you do a driving test when you are fully prepared. Your training and how you interpret situations are presented to you will play a massive part in your test but how you handle the nerves and the stress of the test will also play a huge part.
Is it cheaper to book a block of lessons or pay per lesson in Belfast?
As we don't know how many lesson an individual will need we find block booking lessons and discounting them a bit of a waste of time. You can buy lesson blocks but they are priced in multiples of a single lesson at £40.
How do I book a driving test in Belfast through the DVA?
To book a Practical Driving Test in Northern Ireland visit the NIDirect website via this link.
What's the waiting time for a driving test in Belfast?
The waiting times for a Practical Driving Test appointment vary from day to day. At the moment it is an approximate wait of 12 weeks. However, if you put the effort in cancelation test dates do appear regularly for both the Balmoral and Hydebank Driving Test Centres. Just login to your NIDirect Driving Test booking and go to 'Change/Amend your Test' and keep refreshing your screen until you find a date that suits your needs.
What's the pass mark and format for the NI driving test?
If you haven't already you should read our blog post detailing the driving test pass rates for each test centre in Northern Ireland which gives you some insight into the pass rates for each test centre.
Be careful with what you read here as it doesn't tell the whole story. There are a number of contributing factors that make up the information here, ones that we have went on to explain.
The basics of test marking though are that you are allowed anything up to 15 minors, no serious faults and no dangerous faults. Habitual faults mean you can fail with 4 or 5 minors in the same field of error.
The current first time pass rate for those sitting the Driving Test in Northern Ireland is around 56%.
What are R plates and how long do I need to display them after passing in Belfast?
Until April 1st 2027 R plates will continue to be needed and displayed for 12 months. You must not amass any more than 6 penalty points on your licence or will will have to sit your test again in it's entirety, including you Theory and Hazard Perception test. You will most likely receive some sort of driving ban and a fine depending upon the severity of your offence.
After April 1st 2027 the R plate rules change with the new GDL testing. There will be 2 plates. One for the first 6 months and a second for the following 18 months. You can read more about those changes here.
(The GDL program does start on the 1st of October 2026 but the first test using these new rules take place from the 1st of April 2027.)
Is the driving test in Northern Ireland different from the rest of the UK?
Yes, it is! There are a number of key differences between the test of England, Scotland and Wales against that of Northern Ireland. Our manoeuvres are different for one. The way the rest of the UK use SatNav for independent driving (which will be introduced in NI with the GDL), Motorway driving and more. It's not vastly different but it is different enough.
Do I need to pass the theory test before booking lessons in Belfast?
It isn't necessary but it does help. You need to remember that you cannot book a Practical Driving Test without passing your Theory Test first. If you are one of those total naturals at driving then having the Theory passed will be an advantage.
What documents do I need for my first driving lesson in Belfast?
Get a Provisional Driving Licence:
Sounds obvious but, you must apply for a provisional licence before starting lessons. You can apply up to two months before turning 17. The cost is £62.50, and you need identity documents and a photo.
Find a Qualified Driving Instructor who can take you for Driving Lessons:
There are a wide range of instructors available including ourselves here at Vrooom Driving Lessons. Most instructors will offer a range of options include weekly lessons or intensive courses which allow you to learn in both manual or automatic cars.
During your Driving Lessons:
You'll start by learning car controls and basic driving skills, progressing to heavier traffic, complex junctions, roundabouts, manoeuvres, safe driving techniques and standards and mock testing in and around the streets of Belfast.
Pass your Theory Test:
This has two parts — multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception test. Make sure you cover both parts during your study. You will be surprised at how much this can help with your driving. You must pass this before you will be able to book the practical test.
Practical Driving Test:
After passing the theory test and with your instructor's approval, you book your practical test, which includes an eyesight check and about 30-35 minutes of driving while being accompanied by a DVA Driving Examiner. This is a test of your skill, safety and your ability to meet the standard appropriate for Northern Irelands roads. There are no tricks to this, it's simple, drive well and drive safely and you will pass.
Practice:
If this is an option open to you then you can practice with a supervising driver (over 21 with more than 3 years on their licence) outside your Instructor led lessons to gain more confidence and build on the skills of what you have been taught.
How much is a Driving Test in Northern Ireland?
A weekday test time is £65 and anything outside the 7 test times between 08:50 and 15:50 is priced at £95.
Can family members supervise practice driving in Northern Ireland, or do I need a qualified instructor?
If this is an option open to you then you can practice with a supervising driver (over 21 with more than 3 years on their licence) outside your Instructor led lessons to gain more confidence and build on the skills of what you have been taught.
What insurance options are there for new drivers in Belfast after passing?
This is a minefield of a question but we do have some recommendations to help you along the way.
Almost everyone uses Price Comparison Websites to get an idea of pricing and insurer options at the moment. They are a great tool and can provide a vast range of insurance company options. There are a couple of pitfalls though that you might want to know so you can take advantage of the best priced options for you.
Here’s the first simple trick.
Don’t use just one price comparison site. USE EVERY SINGLE ONE!
Each site will offer a different set of prices, even for the same Insurance Company.
Here are a list of the options.
- https://www.moneysupermarket.com/
- https://www.comparethemarket.com/
I know it’s a pain but it will be worth it. Put in the same information to every single one. It takes time but you will the advantages when you have your prices generated.
Things you will need to consider:
- Your Job Description & Job Sector. Even the most simple of choices can have an impact on the prices generated.
- Telematics or Not? Telematics can reduce your cost of insurance by as much as 40%.
- Using Older, Named Drivers. This can also reduce your overall cost of insurance as a more experienced driver is deemed a safe bet by most insurers.
- Using a Parent/Guardian as the main driver on the policy.
ONLY USE THIS OPTION if the car is in the ownership of the Main Driver on the policy. i.e. If you own the car on the V5 then you MUST be the Main Driver on the Insurance Policy. Different Owner/Main Driver can be seen as Fraudulent.
Overall, play around with the options on your first attempt. See which selections provide you with the best cost of insurance. Use these new found settings to duplicate the selections for all 4 Price Comparison sites and get the best overall price.
It does take a bit of time but it is usually work doing and you’ll be surprised by the cost difference between one service and another.
Do driving schools in Belfast offer motorway lessons or Pass Plus-style courses?
Yes, we would all teach some basic motorway skills but only after your test has been passed. With a limited speed on R plates of 45mph it is deemed unsafe for R plated drivers to drive on the motorway but we will be happy to go into more detail with you about this personally.
Pass Plus is something available but not an option we currently are involved with here at Vrooom Driving Lessons.
If you have other questions please do not hesitate to get in touch via the contact options below:
Email: INFO@VROOOMDRIVINGLESSONS.CO.UK
Phone: 02895 704470
INSTAGRAM
OPENING HOURS:
Monday - Friday: 8am - 6pm
Saturday: 10am - 1pm
Sunday: CLOSED