Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the things people ask most. Can’t find yours? Get in touch — Hatifa is happy to help.
Getting started
I’ve never driven before — can I start with you?
Yes — complete beginners are very welcome. In Hatifa’s words: “Don’t worry if you’re a complete beginner — we’ll take everything step by step, at a pace that you’re comfortable with.”
Do I need a provisional licence, and how old do I need to be?
Yes. You’ll need a provisional driving licence, and Hatifa will ask to see it before your first lesson. You can apply for one on GOV.UK from 15 years and 9 months old, and start lessons from 17 — or from 16 if you get the enhanced rate of the mobility part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
What happens in the first lesson?
It’s a one-hour lesson that also lets Hatifa see where you’re at, so she can plan the lessons that follow. Like every lesson, it starts from your home. It’s £30 for new students.
What should I bring to a lesson?
Just your provisional licence.
Do I need to pass my theory test before I start? Do you help with it?
No — you can start lessons before your theory test, but you’ll need to pass it before you can book your practical test. Lessons focus on the practical driving; theory and hazard perception are for you to prepare for separately.
How many lessons will I need?
Most beginners need around 20 to 30 hours of lessons with Hatifa — it depends on the person.
Lessons & the car
Do you teach in automatic or manual cars?
All lessons are in an automatic car — a 2017 Toyota Yaris with dual controls fitted.
How long is a lesson?
A standard lesson is two hours, and costs £72. Your first lesson is one hour, at £30.
Do you teach nervous or anxious drivers?
Yes — this is one of Hatifa’s specialties. Lessons are paced to build confidence gradually, with particular attention to tricky basics like garage-way manoeuvring.
What languages are lessons available in?
English and Dari/Farsi.
Do you offer intensive courses?
Yes — a 3-week intensive course, typically 20 hours for £760, offered after an initial assessment of your current ability.
Do you offer Pass Plus or motorway lessons?
Not currently.
What if I’ve driven before but need a refresher?
Refresher lessons are available for drivers returning after a break, at £36/hour.
I’ve had lessons elsewhere, or failed a test before — can I switch to you?
Yes. Hatifa starts by helping you feel calm and building your confidence back up.
Can a parent or friend sit in the back during a lesson?
No — lessons are just you and Hatifa.
Prices & paying
How do I pay?
Cash or bank transfer. Card payments aren’t currently accepted.
Is it cheaper to book a block of lessons?
Yes. A 5-hour block is £170 (saving £10) and a 10-hour block is £340 (saving £20), against the standard rate of £36/hour. Full prices are on the Lessons & Pricing page.
Do I pay for a block upfront, and do the hours expire?
Yes to both. A block is paid before your lessons start — in person, or online by bank transfer — and the hours need to be used within 3 months.
Is the driving-test fee included?
No — the DVSA’s test fee is paid separately, direct to the DVSA. The £170 test-day price covers a lesson beforehand and use of the car on the day, with pickup and drop-off.
Can I get a refund?
If you’ve paid for a lesson and cancel with at least 48 hours’ notice, or if Hatifa cancels, you can rearrange it or have that lesson refunded. Lessons cancelled with less notice aren’t refunded, except in emergencies. If you stop part-way through a block, the unused hours are refunded, with the hours you’ve had charged at the standard £36/hour. The details, including your right to cancel within 14 days of booking, are in our Terms & conditions.
Booking, cancelling & test day
How do I book a lesson?
Send a request through the Book a Lesson form, or call or WhatsApp Hatifa on +44 7578 614963. Lessons run Mon–Fri 9am–5pm and Sat 9am–2pm. Nothing is booked until she has confirmed a time with you directly.
What’s the cancellation policy?
48 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule without charge, except in emergencies.
What happens if I’m running late?
The lesson still finishes at its scheduled end time — arriving late reduces your own lesson time rather than extending the session.
What if Hatifa has to cancel a lesson?
She’ll rearrange it for another day — you don’t lose the lesson.
Who books my driving test — you or me?
You do — tests are booked on GOV.UK. If you’ll be using Hatifa’s car on the day, check the date with her before you book.
Can I use your car for my driving test?
Yes. Test-day car use is £170, and includes a lesson beforehand, pickup and drop-off on the day. See the Lessons & Pricing page.
Does the test-day price include a lesson before the test?
Yes — the £170 includes a lesson beforehand, as well as the car, pickup and drop-off.
What if the DVSA cancels my test?
If the DVSA cancels with less than 3 full working days’ notice, you can claim the cost of the car back from the DVSA as an out-of-pocket expense, within 6 months. Cancellations because of bad weather aren’t covered.
Which test centres do you cover?
Pinner, Hendon, Mill Hill and Greenford — Hatifa teaches the test routes around all four.
Where you’ll be picked up
Which areas do you cover?
North Harrow and the whole HA0–HA9 postcode area — Harrow, Wealdstone, Pinner, Rayners Lane, Hatch End, Northwood, Stanmore and more. The full district-by-district list is on the Areas Covered page.
Do you pick me up from home, work or college?
Yes — pickup and drop-off are included in every lesson, anywhere in HA0–HA9.
I’m just outside HA0–HA9 — can you still teach me?
Sorry, no — Hatifa only teaches within HA0–HA9.