Frequently asked questions

Open Way Driving Academy provides automatic driving lessons. The tuition car does not have a manual gearbox, so lessons do not cover clutch control or manual gear changes.

I cover East Grinstead and selected surrounding areas. Send your postcode and usual availability so I can confirm whether your location fits my current diary and travel area.

Open Way recommends 2-hour lessons as the standard duration. They allow more meaningful practice, repetition and experience of varied road and traffic conditions. Different lengths may be agreed with Dawid where appropriate.

Current prices are shown on the Prices page. Please check that page or message me directly, as availability, test-day arrangements and specialist sessions may be priced differently.

Yes. Beginner lessons start with the controls, safety checks, moving off and stopping before progressing at a pace that suits your understanding and confidence.

Yes, subject to availability. We will discuss your previous experience and use the first lesson to identify your current strengths, needs and the most useful next steps.

Yes. Nervousness is common and does not mean you cannot become a safe driver. We will break tasks down, agree an appropriate level of challenge and build confidence through understanding and successful practice.

I will always give you honest professional feedback. My wider goal is to help you reach the point where you can assess your own driving realistically and recognise that you are able to drive safely and independently.

No responsible instructor can guarantee a pass. I can provide structured preparation, honest feedback and opportunities to practise, but the examiner assesses your performance on the day.

Mock tests may be offered when they are useful for your stage of learning. They are used to assess consistency and independence, not to frighten you or replace normal coaching.

Potentially, but this must be agreed in advance and depends on your readiness, the test centre, availability and compliance with the applicable terms. Booking a test does not automatically reserve the tuition car.

I may use roads around relevant test areas, but I do not teach driving as route memorisation. You need to be able to respond safely when the route or situation is unfamiliar.

Motorway or post-test lessons may be available for qualified drivers. Please ask whether this service is currently offered.

The simplest first step is to message me on WhatsApp with your name, postcode, current driving experience and typical availability. I will reply with coverage and availability information.

Open Way operates a 48-hour cancellation policy. If you cancel with 48 hours or more notice, there is no charge. Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice may be charged up to the lesson value, reflecting reasonable financial loss. Full details are in the Terms & Conditions.

Payment may be made via the Total Drive app (where applicable), bank transfer directly to Dawid, or cash where individually agreed. Processing fees may apply for app payments.

You will need a valid provisional driving licence and any glasses or contact lenses required for driving. I will confirm any additional requirements when arranging the lesson.

This may be possible in limited circumstances if agreed in advance, appropriate for the lesson and permitted by insurance and operating policies. Ask before bringing another person.

Most lessons continue in normal UK weather because varied conditions are part of real driving. A lesson may be changed or cancelled if conditions create an unacceptable safety risk. I will contact you if this is necessary.

Collection arrangements depend on the agreed teaching area and schedule. A different drop-off point may be possible when agreed before the lesson and when it does not affect the next booking.

Automatic cars remove clutch control and manual gear selection, allowing many learners to focus more attention on observation, planning and road decisions. A licence gained in an automatic car is subject to the applicable automatic-vehicle entitlement.

There is no reliable single number for every learner. Previous experience, lesson frequency, private practice, confidence and learning pace all matter. I will give honest progress feedback rather than promise an artificial timescale.

Longer or more frequent lessons may sometimes be arranged when suitable and when diary capacity allows. Please ask — there is no fixed intensive course package.

We will check your licence, discuss your experience and goals, agree how we will work together and begin practical driving at a level that is safe and appropriate for you.