Frequently Asked Questions
Here you will find a list of complete and very practical answers. Don’t forget, our experts are best placed to answer your questions.
Am I able to have driving lessons in my own/family or friends car?
Under certain circumstances, customers may want to receive lessons in their own/family vehicle. This is a good idea where the car will be used for a Driver’s Test. It is also a good idea when a learner has a new car and wishes to familiarise themselves with it prior to licensing. South Bay Driving School is able to offer customers training in their vehicle, provided the vehicle is registered, roadworthy and comprehensively insured.
Prior to any training being conducted in the customer’s vehicle, the instructor should inspect the vehicle for its roadworthiness. The inspection should include, but is not limited to, a check of the following items;
Prior to any training being conducted in the customer’s vehicle, the instructor should inspect the vehicle for its roadworthiness. The inspection should include, but is not limited to, a check of the following items;
- you have your car registered and can show the registration to the instructor.
- the car is insured and you can show the card to the instructor.
- The tires:
- are correctly inflated (air pressures must reflect the manufacturer’s recommendation as a minimum).
- have appropriate levels of tread
- are not damaged
- all indicators, headlights and brake lights are working
- seats and seat belts are in good working order and are not damaged or twisted
- any loose items in the cabin of the vehicle are stowed in the trunk area
- the windows and interior are clean
- the vehicle has sufficient gas to last the course of the lesson (minimum requirement – a quarter of a tank)
When you are ready to make an appointment
go to the DMV website, www.dmv.ca.gov to make an appointment. You will need you permit to make the appointment. If you want to use our vehicle there is a fee of $242 for the 2.5hrs scheduled. if it takes longer than 2.5 hrs there is an additional fee.
Call the office when you are scheduling the appointment to make sure we have the time and day. We only take students to Torrance, San Pedro and Hawthorne DMV’s.
How many lessons will I need to learn to drive?
This depends on the individual, as every student has different abilities, needs, levels of experience and different opportunities to practice. Be aware of anyone who “quotes” a number of lessons over the phone as it is impossible, without first assessing your current skill levels. Once one of our Driving Instructors have assessed your current skill level, ability and have ascertained how much practice you can obtain between lessons, we will be able to provide you with an accurate estimate.Please keep in mind that you can never have too many lessons as the more professional training you have then the safer you will become prior to going solo.
Should I learn to drive in an automatic or manual car?
We give lessons in an automatic car. if you want to learn how to drive a manual (stick) shift car you must have a driver’s license and have sufficient practice to drive safe without instruction. The instructor will teach how to use the manual shift car, you should already know how to drive safely.
When will I be ready to go for the practical test?
This timeframe will vary for absolutely every student. You are ready for the practical driving test when you can drive confidently and consistently without the help of your instructor. As you are getting closer, your Instructor will run you through a mock test period.
Why do I need to practice my driving?
Driving involves combining theory with physical skills and judgement. Practice is essential and the more practice you have, the less number of professional driving lessons you may require to be at the standard required to pass the test. Practice is vital and the requirement is that a new driver has 100 hours of log book experience prior to sitting for their practical driving test.