Thames Driving School
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FAQS

THAMES SCHOOL OF MOTORING NORWICH BRANCH
Norwich Driving School FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Choose Us?

Our driving courses are designed to be flexible, supportive, and effective. We understand that every learner is different, so we adapt our teaching to suit your pace and confidence level. Whether you want to pass quickly, regain your confidence, or simply become a better driver, we offer a course that can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What driving courses do you offer in Norwich and Norfolk?

We offer beginner lessons, intensive courses, refresher lessons, Pass Plus, motorway driving lessons, and both manual and automatic tuition.

Who are your driving courses suitable for?

They are suitable for beginners, nervous drivers, newly qualified drivers, people returning to driving, and anyone who wants to improve confidence or skill.

What is Pass Plus?

Pass Plus is a practical course for drivers who have passed their test and want extra experience in different driving conditions. It can help improve confidence and may also help with insurance discounts.

Can learner drivers take motorway lessons?

Yes, learner drivers in England, Scotland, and Wales can take motorway lessons with an approved driving instructor in a dual-controlled car.

Do you offer manual and automatic driving lessons?

Yes, we offer both manual and automatic lessons, allowing you to choose the option that works best for you.

Are refresher lessons useful if I have not driven for a while?

Yes, refresher lessons are ideal if you have had a break from driving, have moved to a new area, or want to correct any bad habits.

How long does a Pass Plus course take?

Pass Plus is usually at least 6 hours long and is made up of six practical modules covering town driving, all-weather driving, rural roads, night driving, dual carriageways, and motorways.

Will I need to take another driving test for Pass Plus?

No, Pass Plus does not involve another test. Your instructor assesses your progress throughout the course and, once you have met the required standard, you can apply for the certificate.

Can Pass Plus help reduce my car insurance?

It may help reduce your car insurance, but discounts depend on the insurer and are not guaranteed. You will need your Pass Plus certificate, and some insurers may also have time limits after you pass your practical test.

Are motorway lessons only for new drivers?

No, motorway lessons are useful for both new and more experienced drivers who want to improve confidence, lane discipline, merging, overtaking, and general motorway safety.

What should I expect from a refresher lesson?

Refresher lessons are tailored to your needs and can cover anything from junctions and roundabouts to parking, local route familiarisation, and correcting unsafe habits that may have developed over time.

Are intensive lessons suitable for complete beginners?

Yes, intensive lessons can suit complete beginners, provided the course is planned around your experience level and learning pace. They are also a strong option for learners who want to build skills quickly and stay focused through regular practice.

Can I switch from manual to automatic lessons?

Yes, many learners choose the transmission that suits their confidence and goals. Automatic lessons are often simpler for learners who want a more relaxed experience, while manual lessons offer the flexibility of being able to drive both manual and automatic cars in future.

Do you offer lessons for nervous drivers?

Yes, our courses are suitable for nervous drivers as well as complete beginners. A patient instructor and a lesson structure that matches your pace can make a big difference to confidence and progress.

Do you cover local roads in Norwich and Norfolk?

Yes, our driving courses are based in Norwich and cover surrounding areas across Norfolk, helping learners build experience on the types of roads they are likely to use every day and during their test.

What is the best course if I have already passed my test?

If you have already passed your test, the best option is usually Pass Plus, refresher lessons, or motorway driving lessons depending on what you want to improve. Pass Plus is especially useful for gaining broader road experience after passing.

TDS Norwich Driving School FAQ

What are the most common driving test faults in the UK?

The most common driving test faults in the UK are dominated by junction observations and mirror use, which together account for over a third of all fault marks. DVSA data for 2024–25 shows the following as the top recurring fault categories:

TOP 10 MOST COMMON DRIVING TEST FAULTS
  1. Junctions – observation
    • Not making effective observations when emerging from or turning at junctions and roundabouts.
    • The single biggest cause of serious/dangerous faults and test failures.
  2. Mirrors – change direction
    • Failing to check mirrors before signalling, changing lanes, turning or manoeuvring.
  3. Control – steering
    • Poor steering control, over‑steering, or losing smooth control on bends and during manoeuvres.
  4. Junctions – turning right
    • Incorrect positioning or unsafe decisions when turning right across oncoming traffic.
  5. Move off – safely
    • Moving off without proper all‑round observation or when it isn’t safe.
  6. Response to signs – traffic lights
    • Misreading or reacting late to traffic lights, or stopping/going incorrectly.
  7. Positioning – normal driving
    • Poor lane discipline, incorrect positioning on the road, or drifting out of lane.
  8. Response to signs – traffic signs/road markings
    • Ignoring or misinterpreting signs, give‑way lines, stop lines, bus lanes, etc.
  9. Move off – control
    • Stalling, coasting, or poor clutch/gear control when moving off.
  10. Reverse park – control (and other manoeuvres)
    • Poor control or observations during reverse bay parking, parallel parking or pulling up on the right.

Minor vs serious/dangerous faults
  • Minor (driver) faults are small errors that aren’t immediately dangerous but can add up (15 or more minors = fail). Common minors include: moving off safely, speed/progress, steering control, and mirror checks.
  • Serious or dangerous (major) faults involve potential danger to you, the examiner, or other road users and result in an instant fail. The biggest majors are junction observations, mirror use when changing direction, and unsafe moving off.

DOWNLOAD A COPY OF TOP DRIVING TEST FAULTS TO AVOID
top_driving_test_faults_to_avoid.pdf
File Size: 4 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Driving Test Centres in Norwich

Which Driving Test Centres are Local to Norwich?

Click on the links below to find out more about these local driving test centres, including local pass rates

Norwich (Peachman Way): Plot 16A, Peachman Way, Broadlands Business Park, Thorpe St Andrew, NR7 0WE.

Norwich (Jupiter Road): Jupiter Road, Hellesdon, Norwich, NR6 6SS.
​

King's Lynn: Rollesby Road, Hardwick Industrial Estate, PE30 4LS.
Fast Driving Test Pasess in Norwich

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Get Ready To Pass in Norwich

Ready to Pass (readytopass.campaign.gov.uk) is a UK government behavioural change campaign run by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to help learner drivers understand when they’re truly ready to take their practical driving test. Launched in July 2022, it aims to reduce first-time test failures, cut test waiting times, and improve road safety by encouraging learners to delay their test if they aren’t fully prepared.
Manage Driving Test Nerves in Norwich
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Driving Instructors in Norwich

Patient and friendly driving instructors

Our Norwich driving instructors will work with you closely to build your confidence and skills, making you into a confident, knowledgeable, and experienced driver.
Norwich School Locations

Covering the whole of Norwich including;

  • Bowthorpe
  • Cringleford
  • Drayton
  • Earlham
  • Eaton, Norfolk
  • Friars Quay
  • Golden Triangle (Norwich)​
  • Hellesdon
  • Lakenham
  • Mile Cross Estate, Norwich
  • New Costessey
  • Norwich Lanes​
  • Old Catton
  • Rackheath (Norwich)
  • Sprowston
  • Thorpe Hamlet
  • Thorpe St Andrew
  • Wroxham​

5 Star Rated Driving School in Norwich

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Thames Driving School
Rated 4.9/5 based on 252 reviews

Prefer to Message Us?

Chat directly with our driving team on WhatsApp for quick lesson quotes.

WhatsApp: 07967 567572

Contact us

Address:
Wroxham, Norwich, Norfolk, NR12

Email

[email protected]

Tel: 0330 043 9654
​Mobile:  
07967 567572

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  • Home
  • Courses
    • Automatic
    • Beginner
    • Intensive
    • Motorway
    • Pass Plus
    • Refresher
  • Instructors
  • Driving Test
    • Driving Licence
    • Theory Test
    • Show Me Tell Me
    • FAQs
  • Testimonials
  • News
  • Contact