Got questions?
Everything you need to know about learning to drive with Apex, from your provisional licence to test day.
Getting started
Do I need a provisional licence before my first lesson?
Yes. You need a valid provisional driving licence for cars before you can take a lesson. You can apply on GOV.UK from 15 years and 9 months old and start driving at 17. Please bring it to your first lesson.
Do I need to pass my theory test first?
No. You can start practical lessons straight away. You do need to pass your theory test before you can book your practical driving test, so it’s a good idea to study alongside your lessons.
How many lessons will I need?
Everyone learns at a different pace. The number of lessons you need will depend on your previous experience, confidence, how often you have lessons and the opportunity for private practice. After working with you, I’ll give you honest feedback about your progress and what you still need to work on.
Where do lessons start and finish?
We pick you up and drop you off at home, college or work anywhere in Blackburn, Darwen, Rishton, Great Harwood and Accrington. See the areas we cover.
What should I bring to my first lesson?
Please bring your valid provisional driving licence, and your glasses or contact lenses if you need them for driving. Wear comfortable, flat shoes that let you feel the pedals. Everything else, including the car, is provided.
Automatic lessons
Why learn in an automatic?
What is it like learning in an electric car?
It’s smooth and quiet, and it drives like any other automatic. It’s also dual-controlled, so your instructor can brake if needed. We’ll cover the few things that are specific to electric cars as part of your lessons.
Lessons & prices
How much are lessons?
Standard automatic lessons are £37 for 1 hour, £55 for 1.5 hours, £74 for 2 hours and £111 for 3 hours. Evening and weekend lessons are £57 for 1.5 hours, £76 for 2 hours and £114 for 3 hours. See all prices.
How long is a lesson?
You can book 1, 1.5, 2 or 3 hours. We recommend 2-hour lessons, so you spend more of each lesson on the road. Evening and weekend lessons are 1.5, 2 or 3 hours.
Do you offer evening and weekend lessons?
Yes. Evening lessons start from 5:00pm and weekend lessons run on Saturdays and Sundays, subject to availability. See evening and weekend prices.
Do you offer block booking discounts?
Yes. 10 hours is £355 (save £15), 20 hours is £700 (save £40), 30 hours is £1,035 (save £75) and 40 hours is £1,360 (save £120). See block booking prices.
How do intensive courses work?
Intensive courses give you 10 to 40 hours of lessons over a shorter period, from £500 for 10 hours. Each course is tailored to your current driving ability and experience, so an initial assessment may be required before booking. The practical driving test fee is not included. See intensive course prices.
What if I need to cancel a lesson?
We need at least 48 hours’ notice to cancel or rearrange a lesson. Lessons cancelled or rearranged with less than 48 hours’ notice may be charged in full. Exceptions may be considered for genuine emergencies at the instructor’s discretion. Read our cancellation policy.
Do you offer motorway lessons?
Yes. Motorway lessons are £45 an hour. Learner drivers can take motorway lessons with an approved driving instructor in a car fitted with dual controls, so you can build confidence joining, overtaking and keeping a safe distance on faster roads. See other services.
Do you offer Pass Plus?
Yes. Pass Plus is a course for newly qualified drivers covering driving in town, in all weathers, on rural roads, at night, on dual carriageways and on motorways. It is £45 an hour. See other services.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, and bank transfer.
Your driving test
Can I use your car for my test?
Yes. Practical driving test car hire is £95 (£100 for a weekend test, where applicable). It includes a pre-test warm-up, instructor support before the test and use of the Apex training car for the whole test. Test car hire is subject to your instructor being satisfied that you are safe and test-ready.
Will you book my test for me?
You book your practical test on GOV.UK, and we’ll help you choose a sensible date and check you’re ready before you go ahead.
What happens on test day?
The test starts with an eyesight check: you’ll need to read a number plate from 20 metres. You’ll be asked vehicle safety questions and then drive for around 35 minutes, including independent driving.
Nervous & returning drivers
I’m really nervous about driving. Can you help?
Absolutely. Our lessons are calm, patient and judgement-free. We start in quiet areas and only move on when you feel ready.
I haven’t driven for years. Do you offer refresher lessons?
Yes. Refresher lessons are tailored to where you are now, whether that’s building confidence on busy roads, motorways or just getting back into regular driving.