FAQs
The best way to get in touch is by email, or by text. You can also use the contact form on this page.
A one hour lesson will cost you $85. I quote a reduced hourly rate if you book a block of lessons, so the bottom line is to get in touch with me and we can come up with a pricing structure that works for both of us.
I recommend a structure based around a series of two-hour lessons.
Why two hours? Well, it takes students some time to acclimatise in each lesson- think of it as warming-up. Then, the brain moves into revision mode, learning mode and then reinforcing mode. Two hours allows enough time to add novel concepts and practice them; a one-hour lesson is dominated by revision and warmup, three hours is usually too tiring for new drivers.
How many lessons will you need? That depends on your abilities to learn. Some of my students have had a natural aptitude for driving, others have found the whole thing very challenging. To give you an idea of the difference, I have had some students ready for their test with just eight hours of instruction while others have needed forty hours. The NZTA guidelines recommends 120 hours of accompanied driving before you venture forth in your car alone, based on analysis of accidents data.
I have several cars available, but to start you off, we will use a Toyota Ractis fitted with a dual brake pedal.
The Ractis is the easiest car in the world to drive, it has a high-up seating position and big windows to give you a good view. It has a wheel at each corner, so no overhangs to worry about. It’s short and narrow, so easy to position, and with very basic controls. If you screw up (and many students do), I can use my brake pedal to rescue you as a last resort.
As you progress and gain in confidence we can use the Audi without dual brakes, more difficult in all respects than the Ractis. Even trickier is the SUV, we can use that one if you want to learn how to reverse a trailer. Or, if you have access to your own car, we can use that for lessons. The choice of vehicles is yours.
I’m based in Riverhead on Auckland’s North Shore, I’ve taught students from Helensville, Ponsonby, Orewa, Massey and all points in between. Get in touch and we can organise your lessons.
In short: If you need to cancel or reschedule a lesson then the more notice you can give me the better. If I arrive at the agreed place and time and you’re not there, I will charge you anyway, otherwise I’ll cut you some slack.
You can read my full cancellation policy here.