Your Questions, Answered

Are you fed up of waiting for public transport? Tired of constant delays? Annoyed with lost job opportunities for not having a license? Wanting to achieve a license for pleasure or ease? If you are thinking of driving now is the time. 

With Liberty Learners I will make the experience as easy for you as possible, getting you on the road when you are ready. There is no better time to learn, gain yourself a lifelong skill and grab that independence. The sooner you get your license, you will start to build up a safe driving history which can lower future insurance. You have the flexibility to get a car when you want to. As much as getting yourself on the road can be challenging with costs, its a more financially practical option than ordering constant taxis or other public transport. There's also no waiting around if public transport is delayed. Now is the time to do this for you and gain those skills for your future.

This is a difficult question as it differs from learner to learner. My aim is to get you on the road as quickly as possible without feeling rushed - but I will never hold you back. We will progress at a rate that you are happy and comfortable with. I will base your lessons around you and your progress, lessons will be catered to each student individually to maximise your potential. 

The national average amount of hours it can take a learner to drive, in accordance withgov.uk, is 45 hours however this can be lower or higher based on the individual pupil but it gives you a rough guideline. Do not base the 45 hours on how long it will take you personally, but please bear in mind this is just the national average. One thing that can help to significantly reduce your time to passing your test is having two hour lessons instead of one hour. This is why I only teach two hour lessons and base my diary on such.

I can sometimes fit in introductory lessons or assessment lessons in one hour slots. But please bear in mind that my diary works in two hour slots in order to maximise your potential in every lesson. Doing one hour lessons may not be possible on occasion and will not be available as a weekly option.

No, you dont have to pass your theory test in order to take driving lessons. Getting your theory test completed as soon as possible is highly recommended to help with your progression rate. Once you've passed your theory test, this enables you to be able to book a practical test. So in order to not delay you from being test ready and prevent you from booking a practical test - I’d advise that you complete your theory as soon as possible.

Yes, you must have a valid provisional licence to be able to take driving lessons. You will not be able to attend the lesson without this. I will ask you to bring your licence with you to every lesson. If your licence has expired you must get a new one in order to commence lessons.

Please refer to the up to date price list. For information regarding overall cost please refer to ‘how long will it take to learn’ question on FAQ page.

I currently do not offer automatic lessons, only manual. By passing your manual test it will enable you to drive both automatic and manual cars so I would recommend learning this way. Automatic lessons are something I will be looking into in the future but I do not currently offer.

Learning in a manual car enables you to be able to drive both manual and automatic cars, giving you more flexibility in the future. 

In general cost terms, manual lessons are cheaper than automatic as manual cars tend to be cheaper to purchase, insure and maintain.

Yes, absolutely. I offer supportive lessons to get you to bounce back from a test fail as quickly as possible. I will look at where you require the most help to boost your confidence and prepare you for your next test. I will look at every aspect from your previous test/s and will help you develop your skills to achieve a future success.

Yes, I offer lessons to anyone that wants to learn and to get you on the road when you are ready to. If something didn't work out for you previously, it doesn't mean you can't achieve getting your full licence - it just may not have been the right fit for you. Driving instructors all have different methods and it's about finding the right person for you. Don’t give up, its time to do this for you.

No, currently Liberty Learners is run by me, a solo female driving instructor. Fun fact about Liberty Learners is the name comes from me - my name being Chelsea Liberty. Liberty also signifies independence which is my main objective for you when you have your full licence. Making sure you can be confident in driving independently.

I highly recommend not booking a practical test until you have spoken with me. After having lessons I will be able to assess your progress level and advise an approximate time frame as to when to apply for a test. I understand it can be frustrating with the current wait times of practical driving tests however, it is important that we book a test at the right time for you. Should you book a test when you are not ready, I will unfortunately not permit you to take the test in my car. In the summer of 2026 the DVSA is looking to make changes to the current test booking system. Learners will be the only ones that are allowed to book and manage tests. You will also be restricted to reschedule or exchange your appointment to different dates or locations a maximum of two times, meaning we need to ensure your original booking is on a realistic date.

Most of my students select to have their tests at Gillingham as this is the test centre I use the most. However I have also taught pupils who took their test at the Sidcup driving test center. If there is a different centre that you would prefer please do contact me and we can discuss this.