Areas Covered
I offer Automatic Driving lessons in and around Warrington. I cover:
Birchwood, Woolston, Padgate, Westbrook, Penketh, Sankey.
If you are in an area around Warrington that I haven’t mentioned then please give me a call and I will be able to let you know if I can do lessons in your area.
Testimonials
Ben Hulse
The best driving instructor, helps you feel confident on the road, makes sure your 100% on each driving course and I wouldn't be suprised if every person doesn't pass first time, thanks Steve!
Becky Lewis
Great instructor, was very patient and understanding. Would recommend.
Samantha Adams-Sumner
Cant believe it !!!! I've only gone & passed my driving test 1st time !!!! couldn't of done it without my amazing patient & funny driving instructor Steve Mayne thank you so much you have opened up my world!! smiley I million percent reccomend Steve if your looking for lessons !!!
Jacqueline Whitehead
Thanks Steve, James really enjoyed his lessons with you I will be giving out your name for future recommendations
Daz Whitehead
Thanks for getting him through Steve, your a Star will recommend you without a doubt. You put him at ease from the 1st lesson matey, keep up the good work and I'll see you on the roads
Emily Clawley
The service I received off Steve was brilliant and I would highly recommend him for someone who is a beginner in driving, he takes the time out to ensure that you get the best result in the end and for that I am very grateful so thank you ste.
Becky Lewis
Great instructor, was very patient and understanding. Would recommend
Andrew Richardson
Steve's taught me for 25 lessons and I genuinely looked forward to every single one. He made driving fun, putting me at ease at all times with extremely useful tips and first hand experience. He was great at communicating everything that needed to be done in an easy to understand way at a pace suitable to me and as a result of his excellent teaching methods, I have just passed my driving test. I highly recommend Steve to anyone either starting out or wishing to pick up where they last left off. Thanks Steve!
Andy Dearden
Brilliant instructor, just passed my test with a clean sheet thanks to Steve, very patient and made learning to drive an enjoyable experience, would definitely recommend.
Loretta Woods
Steve is best driving instructor, ever! I couldn't have asked for a better person to teach me how to drive. I would definitely recommend him to anyone :)
Kenny Lomas
I had Steve for around 6 months after changing from another instructor. He was always thorough and reliable. The best teacher I've had without question. Just a shame he is a Chelsea fan.
Chelsea Williamson
Would definitely recommend this guy to anyone in the area wanting to learn to drive. He's patient, has a great sense of humour, and an awesome instructor :)
Matthew Pearson
Anyone who wants to learn to drive needs to get Steve to show them, I was working nights and lacking in confidence when I started lessons. Steve gave me confidence through his calming experienced driving and worked around my complicated work schedule. Can't recommend him highly enough, driving changes your life.
Jenny Wilson
If anyone is thinking of starting driving lessons then Steve is the man to help. Being a very nervous learner and really thinking I would never ever pass my driving test... After meeting Steve and his patience and great teaching I became a confident driver and very prepared for my test. I passed first time and honestly I really didn't think I would ever drive! Steve is a great instructor he will teach you everything you will need to know to pass your test safely and confidently. He has a great sense of humour I actually looked forward to having my lessons with Steve and enjoyed my time with him. Being pregnant I asked Steve to help me pass before my baby came... He had all the time in the world to fit me in when suited me most always answered my texts or calls quickly. And yes I passed well before my baby came! Guys honestly he will make you pass and change your life!
Craig Finch
I have to say Steve Mayne is the best driving instructor I ever been with, I was very nervous at first when I stepped into the car but after would my confidence of driving had built so fast! Steve is a proper hands on instructor and he has lots of patience, he is the reason why I passed my test, so go for Steve if you need a good instructor.
Rebecca Gartland
Definitely recommend Steve for driving lessons - I passed first time with him, 2 of my friends have passed with him and my brother is currently learning at the moment
Useful Links
Resource Links
DIRECT GOV
Book your practival driving test.
DIRECT GOV BOOK THEORY TEST
Book your driving theory test. You need to pass a theory test before you book a driving test
DIRECT GOV ONLINE THEORY MOCK TEST
Use this link to brush up on your theory. To pass you require a score of at least 43 out of 50 questions. This is a shortened test, the actual test contains 100 questions.
THE HIGHWAY CODE ONLINE
This is essential reading for any driver. Rules apply to any road user, drivers, motorcyclists and cyclists as well as horse riders and pedestrians.
TRAFFIC SIGNS AND THEIR MEANINGS
If you are confused by the many different traffic signs in the UK, this is the website for you. Even for experienced drivers, getting your head around all of the traffic signs, traffic signals and road markings, and what exactly they are instructing you to do can be bewildering.
PASS PLUS
The official website. The Pass Plus scheme is aimed at new drivers to help them become better drivers.
ROAD RESPECT
This website promotes a driving culture which is positive and respectful and highlights consequences if such an attitude is ignored with interactive videos. Go and check it out.
DEADLY MATES
Who is he going to kill tonight?
THE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF ACCIDENTS
RoSPA provides health and safety training and aims to save lives and reduce injuries by promoting safety at work, in the home and on the roads.
FAQ
How old do I have to be to start driving lessons
You can start on the day of your 17th birthday.
Do I have to wait until I am 17 to apply for my licence?
No - you can apply for your licence before you are 17 but it only becomes valid once you reach 17.
Do I have to have passed my theory test before I start lessons?
No, you can start driving lessons before you sit and pass your theory test. In fact you may find that driving first helps you understand some of the questions.
What do I need to bring on my first lesson?
I will need to see your licence, if you need glasses or contact lenses don’t forget to bring them.
How many lessons will I need?
Maybe you’ve heard friends say they only had 10 lessons (well they didn’t) but let’s assume they did, so what? It does not matter. Learning to drive is not a competition. It will take you as long as you need and as many lesson as you need to become a safe confident driver. Learning to drive is not just about passing the test; it’s a skill for life. How much do you value yours and other people’s lives? Life is priceless.
Young drivers aged between 17-24 are more likely to be involved in an accident than older drivers; Drivers between 17-19 make up only 1.5% of UK licence holders, but are involved in 12% of fatal and serious accidents due to inexperience. These statistics involve 100’s of young drivers; how many of these deaths could be avoided for the sake of having a few extra lessons.
Do you offer a guaranteed pass?
The driving test is a test of your abilities and no one can guarantee you a pass, otherwise there would be no point it being a test.
I've already done some driving - how can your driving school help me?
I offer an assessment lesson for those with previous experience. This lets you show me what you can do as well as allow me to see where I need to help you.
Can I be picked up from work / college / uni?
Providing it is a sensible option then yes. Many students have free periods during the day and I am happy to start and / or finish lessons at work, college.
What documents do I need to take for my theory test?
You MUST take your driving licence with you. Failing to do so will mean you do not take your test and will lose your fee.
Do you mind if my Mum or Dad take me out too?
Yes that’s fine. But remember time with your parents is practice; please let me do the teaching.
How long is the waiting list for driving tests?
The waiting list length changes from week to week. It can be a few weeks, sometimes a few months.
What do I need to take with me on my practical driving test?
You MUST take your driving licence and your glasses / contact lenses if you need them for driving. Forgetting any of these will mean the test does not go ahead and you will lose your fee.
Show Me, Tell Me
Part of your practical driving test includes a "Show me-Tell Me" section. This is where your examiner will ask you questions about general maintenance and safety checks on your car.
Question 1: Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check the engine has the correct level.
Answer: Open the bonnet, identify the coolant reservoir and explain that you check the level of coolant is between the max / min marks on the side.
Question 2: Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
Answer: Open the bonnet, identify the dip stick and explain that with the car on a level surface and the engine cool, you would clean the dip stick, push all the way back in and then pull back out to check the level is between the max/min marks.
Question 3: Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic fluid.
Answer: Open the bonnet, identify the brake fluid reservoir and explain that you check the level was between the min / max marks on the side.
Question 4: Open the bonnet, identify the windscreen washer reservoir and tell me how you would check the level of washer fluid.
Answer: Open the bonnet, identify the windscreen washer reservoir and explain that you would check the level of fluid was above the min mark on the side.
Question 5: Show me how you would check the parking brake (hand brake) for excessive wear (Make sure you keep safe control of the vehicle).
Answer: While keeping your foot on the foot brake, you should release and then re apply the handbrake. When tight, the hand brake should hold the car and the hand brake handle be at about a 45 degree angle.
Question 6: Show / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
Answer: With the engine turned off you should gently put pressure on the steering wheel to the left or right. (It should feel stiff or heavy). Now with the engine turned on you should do the same and it should feel light and easy to turn.
Question 7: Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
Answer: Turn on the hazard warning lights and walk around the car to check they are all working.
Question 8: Show me how you would check the brake lights are working on this car? (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine)
Answer: Turn the ignition key but do not start the engine. The examiner will stand behind the car while you press the brake pedal. If you were alone you could reverse up to a reflective surface such as a shop window and see if they are both working.
Question 9: Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
Answer: As you move off you should apply your brakes, they should feel sharp not spongy and not pull to one side.
Question 10: Show me how you would check the horn is working (off road only).
Answer: Press the horn (Some cars will need the ignition on).
Question 11: Tell me how you would check the headlight and tail lights are working (No need to exit the vehicle).
Answer: Explain that you would turn on the headlights and then walk around the car (Some cars would need the ignition on).
Question 12: Tell me where you would find the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Answer: Explain that the tyres pressures can be found in the vehicle manual and that you check your tyres weekly, with a gauge when cold.
Question 13: Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
Answer: Operate the windscreen washer water and wipers (Some cars will need the ignition on).
Question 14: Tell me how you would check your tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
Answer: Explain that you would check the tread depth with a gauge and it should be a minimum of 1.6mm deep across the central three quarters of the tyre, and the full circumference. You would also check for any damage (Nails, cuts, splits or bulges in the tyre wall).
Question 15: Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively (This should include both front and rear screens).
Answer: Turn all the relevant switches to the correct positions in order to clear the front and rear screens. You do not need the engine on.
Question 16: Show me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use them (No need to exit the vehicle, please don't start the engine).
Answer: Turn the relevant switch to the correct position. Then explain that you would use the fog lights when visibility is reduced to less than 100 metres.
Question 17: Show me how you switch your headlights from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam was on whilst inside the car.
Answer: Move the relevant switch or stalk to the correct position. Then explain that you know they are on due to the blue light being lit on the dashboard.
Question 18: Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted, so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
Answer: Explain that you would adjust the head restraint so that your ears were level with the half way point on the head restraint.
Question 19: Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system.
Answer: A warning light will appear on the dashboard.
Pass Plus
Pass Plus is a training scheme for new drivers. It is not the same as taking a few defensive driving lessons. It is a driving course which has been specially designed by the Driving Standards Agency, also known as the DSA, in conjunction with insurers and it was developed to help you:
Build on your existing skills and experience
It does take some years experience to become a skilled driver. Pass Plus will help you achieve this by speeding up the learning process. It is a crash course in becoming a safer driver in the least amount of time.
Build valuable driving experience in a safe environment
We will teach you to manage a wide range of road and traffic situations, many of which you would probably not have experienced yet.
Reduce the risk of having an accident
This course was specifically tailored to help build your hazard awareness and teach you how to anticipate possible hazards and how to deal with them in advance.
Boost your confidence
Your Pass Plus training will make you a confident driver and will make your driving experience more joyful.
Get cheaper car insurance
Quite a number of UK insurance companies are taking part in this scheme and they offer attractive discounts for young drivers who have also passed the Pass Plus course. It may even be possible to get a discount which may cover the cost of your 6 hour course. Substantial discounts apply to comprehensive, third party fire and theft and third party insurance policies.
If you do not have your own car at the time of passing your Pass Plus course, you can normally defer the discount for up to two years - check with your insurance company.
Enrolling for the Pass Plus course will also give peace of mind to your family and loved ones.
This course consists of six practical lessons which cover town driving in all kind of weather, driving on rural roads, driving at night, on dual carriageways and on the motorway. You can complete it at any time during the first twelve months since passing your driving test.
Your driving will be assessed from lesson to lesson, meaning there is NO TEST at the end of your course. If I feel that having spent six hours, you are not quite ready, I will encourage you to book further lessons, but I will explain to you at all times the bits which you need to brush up on. You can complete this course to an achieved or exceeded standard.
Achieved
This means that you have successfully reached the standard required for each of the competencies.
Exceeded
Exceeded means that you have exceeded the required standard for each of the competencies.
Defensive Tuition
Introduction
Defensive driving lessons should not only be taken as part of your driving course, but I also recommend these to all new drivers who have successfully passed their practical test. Defensive driving tuition will hone your driving skills. These lessons will help you keep your insurance premium as low as possible by avoiding unnecessary accidents, or may even save your or someone else's life one day.
It is a form of training for car drivers which goes beyond mastery of the rules of the road and the basic mechanics of driving. Its aim is to reduce the risks by anticipating dangerous situations, despite adverse weather conditions or mistakes made by other drivers.
The objectives
To achieve enhanced driving awareness through adherence to a variety of general rules, as well as the practice of specific driving techniques. These driving lesson are designed to improve your ability to recognise potential hazards early and carry out defensive action. These will then be applied to the three main driving environments, town, country and the motorway. At the end of your course you will:
Understand the importance of driving proactively rather than reactively
Be able to anticipate a potential hazard
Understand the principles of defensive driving
Develop a risk assessment approach to driving hazards
Assess whether any static road features or the possible actions of other road users present an actual or potential hazard;
Enhance your existing skills as well as developing new skills
Hazard Perception
Understand the importance of driving proactively rather than reactively:
Road signs - Road signs will paint a clear picture of what you might expect on the road ahead.
Time of day - Understanding the difference between driving at peak rush hour traffic and other times. During the rush hour, some drivers may become impatient and this could lead to mistakes being made.
Location - Are you driving near a school where kids may run across the road without looking for cars. Or are you driving on a narrow country road where you may face a flock of sheep on the next bend.
Other road users - The traffic signal may show you the green light which gives you the right of way, but will the driver emerging from the cross road stop at the red light. It looks like an old car - will its brakes work. Or a driver may indicate to turn left and he/she does not know that the indicator is on. If you believe the other driver's indicator and pull out into the road, there may be a collision. When you are unsure what another driver may want to do, leave lots of space between you and the other vehicle.
Pedestrians - Care must be taken with pedestrians. They may not hear an oncoming vehicle. If you see a football in the road or a child's bicycle, then there is a good chance that there are kids playing somewhere.
Cyclists - They can be hard to see in some conditions and are known to overtake on either side in slow moving rush hour traffic. They can suddenly change direction to avoid a puddle or a hole in the road.
Motorcyclists - Like cyclists, they can be hard to see in some conditions such as rain or if they approach from the direction of the sun where they could become practically invisible. When entering a round about, a quick scan will normally identify the presence of other cars in or about to enter the round about. But do you ask yourself: Are there any motorcycles?
Large vehicles - Buses and trucks have blind spots. Never assume that the driver of a lorry can see you, just because you can see him or her. Long vehicles may need more space when turning or driving round a round about.
Animals - Take care when coming across animals on the road. Noise will scare them and make them unpredictable. When a road sign warns of horses, expect to see some.
Defensive driving
Driving defensively is not all about what happens ahead of you while you are driving. Even when the road ahead is clear, you need to drive defensively. For example, it is winter and the road may be frozen over and you may be ice skating in your car. If you are unaware of this, you could be in for a surprise when there is a bend in the road or you need to apply brakes. Or it has been raining heavily and a patch of road ahead looks very wet. But it could be a two inch flood and unless you are slowing down immediately, you will be taking your car water skiing.
Bright sunlight, fog, rain and snow can seriously affect your visibility. The thing to remember is, if you can see another car, it does not mean that the driver of the other car can see you. For example: If the sun is shining behind you, the oncoming car will be clearly visible to you, but its driver will not see you very well, if at all.
Terms
The Driving Licence and Your Eyesight
You must be in possession of a current valid driving licence, either a provisional or a full driving licence and you must produce this on your first lesson. You are required to be able to read a number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres, using your glasses or contact lenses or none, if you don't wear any. If you do not yet have a valid driving licence, you must apply for a provisional licence. Apply for yours here.
Fitness to drive
You must be fit to drive with regard to legal and medical requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit to drive on each of your lessons or test.
Sickness, tiredness, alcohol, illegal and prescribed drugs may affect your driving; any of these could put you and other road users in serious danger. Please note that some 'over the counter' drugs may affect levels of concentration; always read the instructions on the packet. If you are taking any drugs please check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure they will not affect your driving.
If you have recently taken alcohol or drugs (legal or illegal) please inform me. In the interests of public safety, I reserve the right to cancel your driving lesson or refuse the use of the driving school car for the driving test if there is any suspicion of impairment because of illness, drugs or alcohol.
I reserve the right to cancel all training if you regularly cancel or rearrange.
I reserve the right to cancel/change a lesson if for reasons beyond my control such as adverse weather, extensive traffic, car breakdown or illness.
I reserve the right to terminate a training period/course if I consider you to be unsafe to drive through drink or drugs.
Driving tests take priority over lessons, therefore a lesson already booked may have to be changed if I receive a short notice test.
If you are delayed for the start of your lesson please inform me.
You must inform me of any disability or any motoring offences that exist before training.
Payment
Lesson payment is due before the start of each lesson, preferably the evening before. I accept payment by bank transfer.
If you cancel a lesson with less than 48 hour's notice I reserve the right to charge the full amount of the lesson.
Cancellation
I require a cancellation notice of at least 48 hours. If you must cancel a lesson on short notice, less than 48 hours, that lesson becomes chargeable and must be paid for in full.
Booking your Test
I will book your driving tests when we both agree you are ready, this helps avoid double bookings & pupils booking test before they are ready (my ADI number is required to book a test)
You cannot hold me responsible if things go wrong during your test. It is your responsibility to ensure that you arrive for your test with all the required documents.
Use of my vehicles
I am happy to provide you with my car to do your driving test, but only if I feel you are safe to do so. If, in my opinion, I feel that you are not yet ready to take your driving test, yet you insist that you shall do so, I reserve the right to decline your request to use my vehicle for your test.
Being on Time
When I arrive at your nominated pick up point to begin your lesson, if there is no reply from that address, I will wait about 10 minutes. If I cannot reach you and you do not turn up for your lesson in that time, you will still have to pay for it.
Site Usage Terms
Although I always try to keep this website up to date, the content of this website is provided to you without any guarantees. I cannot be held responsible for issues relating to published website content at all times.
Privacy Policy
At Steve Mayne Driving School, we respect your privacy whether you're a first-time visitor or an established client. We do collect information from you, but our policy is to ensure that all personal information remains private to the extent that customers and visitors wish it to remain private. To earn your trust in Steve Mayne Driving School, we are disclosing our privacy practices and the uses of the information we gather.
To protect your privacy, Steve Mayne Driving School:
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