Driving lesson questions, answered

Every lesson is one hour, for both standard and mock test lessons. Most learners take three to five before their test, though that depends on how much supervised practice they get in between.

It varies. Some learners pass after two or three lessons, others prefer five to eight. What matters more than the number is how much supervised practice you do between them. We tell you when you are ready rather than letting you find out on test day.

Yes. Our instructor works with a lot of anxious learners, including adults who have put it off for years. Lessons start on quiet streets and move at whatever pace suits you. Nobody is going to rush you or make you feel silly.

You will learn in a dual-control automatic hybrid. Dual controls let the instructor step in if she needs to, which is what makes it safe to be on real roads from your first lesson.

Yes. We take overseas drivers through New Zealand give-way rules, roundabout conventions and the practical conversion test. For most experienced drivers the gap is habits rather than car control.

A mock test is a full run-through of your practical test, marked the way a testing officer marks it, followed by a written report listing every fault and what to do about it. It is the most reliable way to find out whether you are ready to book.

A standard one-hour lesson is $75. A one-hour pre-mock test lesson, which includes a written report, is $80. Car hire for your driving test is $60 an hour. Full details are on the lessons and pricing page.

Yes. Car hire is $60 an hour, in the same dual-control automatic hybrid you took lessons in, so nothing about the car is new on test day. Terms and conditions apply.

We need 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule a lesson. Late cancellations and no-shows may be charged the full lesson fee.

Book through the form on our contact page or call +64 22 134 9410. Tell us your licence stage and your test date if you have one, and we will tell you roughly how many lessons you are likely to need.

Lessons run Monday to Thursday from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Friday is by appointment. We are closed on Sunday.

You must hold your learner licence for at least 6 months before sitting the restricted test. For the full requirements and any exceptions, check the NZTA website at nzta.govt.nz.

Book your practical test through an approved testing agent such as AA or VTNZ. We will tell you when you are ready before you book, so you are not paying the test fee twice.

The official NZ Road Code is free online and covers everything in the learner knowledge test. The AA also runs free practice theory tests.

Test fees are set by NZTA and vary by licence type, so check nzta.govt.nz for the current schedule. Our own lesson and car hire pricing is on the lessons page.

It depends on which country issued your licence and how long you have been in New Zealand. Some licences convert without a practical test and others need one. Check the rules for your country at nzta.govt.nz, then talk to us if a practical test applies to you.

In our experience it is almost always observation: not checking mirrors and blind spots early enough, and not looking far enough ahead at intersections. Learners who come to us after a failed test were usually marked on that rather than on car control.

We are based in Papakura and teach across South Auckland, including Takanini, Drury, Karaka, Manurewa, Manukau, Pukekohe and Flat Bush. Get in touch to confirm your suburb.

Most South Auckland learners test at Manukau. Franklin learners usually test at Pukekohe. We run the later lessons on the roads around your test centre so the route is familiar before the day.

Yes, within the areas we cover. Tell us your pick-up address when you book and we will confirm it. Papakura and the suburbs next to it are easiest to fit in at short notice.