Only Three Months!
A huge congratulations to Robert Vint who today aced his test in under 3 months with only 3 minors! Brilliant drive and thoroughly well deserved. Enjoy the new licence and remember to stay safe out there.
Pats The Way To Do It...
A massive congratulations to Craig Paterson who today passed his test with minimal minors. A great drive saw Craig walk away with smiles and bad music taste. Well done again, remember to stay safe out there.
The Practical Driving Test
PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST
Once the theory test has been passed, the next stage is the practical driving test. Before the test begins the examiner will conduct an eyesight test which must be passed in order for the test to proceed.
Unless you are converting a foreign license, it is necessary to have passed both components of the theory test before sitting this exam.
PASSING THE PRACTICAL TEST THEN ENTITLES YOU TO HOLD A FULL UK DRIVING LICENCE.
The practical driving test is taken on the road, with a professionally trained DSA examiner directing the candidate around a pre-determined route.
The examiner marks the candidate for driving faults, serious faults, and dangerous faults. A candidate will fail the test if he or she accumulates any serious or dangerous faults, or more than fifteen driving faults. If a candidate accumulates several driving faults in the same category, the examiner may consider the fault habitual and mark a serious fault in that category.
The test usually lasts 38 to 40 minutes in a standard test, or approximately 70 minutes when the candidate is taking an extended test after having had their licence revoked.
EYESIGHT TEST
Before getting to the car, the examiner will ask the candidate to read a car's number plate at a distance. The distance required is 20.5 metres for an old-style plate (A123 ABC) and 20 metres for a new style plate (AB51 ABC).[12] If the candidate needs glasses to do this then these must be the ones worn whilst completing the rest of the test.
If the candidate fails to read the first number plate correctly, then the examiner asks the candidate to read a second number plate. If the candidate cannot correctly read the second number plate, then the examiner must use a tape measure to measure the correct distance between the candidate and a third number plate.
If the candidate cannot read the third number plate, then the candidate is deemed to have failed and the test will not continue.
VEHICLE SAFETY QUESTIONS
Before the candidate is taken out onto the road, the examiner asks two questions about car maintenance and safety. These are phrased in the form "Show me..." and "Tell me..."; as such, this component of the test is often known as "Show me, tell me". For example:
Show me how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
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.
A failure to answer one or both of these questions correctly would result in a driving fault being marked against the candidate. The questions that may be asked are changed from time to time.
CONTROLLED STOP
The controlled stop, more commonly referred to as the "emergency stop", is an exercise which determines the ability of the candidate to stop the vehicle promptly yet under control during a simulated emergency.
The simulation is performed by the examiner raising his or her hand and saying, "STOP!". The exercise should be carried out on approximately one out of every three tests, but must be carried out on every extended test. During dangerous weather conditions, such as rain and snow, this test can be left out for safety reasons.
MANOEUVRES
During the test, the examiner will ask the candidate to carry out one manoeuvre from the following list:
"Turn the vehicle to face the opposite way, using forward and reverse gears". This is colloquially known as a "3 point turn", although more than 3 positions may be used.
Reverse around a corner
Reverse park into a space either parallel (on road), oblique or right-angle (in a marked bay in an off-road car park)
Manoeuvres are selected at random by the examiner depending on the route chosen and conditions on route.
GENERAL DRIVING
Generally, the candidate must demonstrate an ability to drive in various road and traffic conditions and react appropriately in actual risk situations. The conditions typically encountered on test include driving in urban areas as well as higher speed limit roads where possible; this includes dual carriageways but not motorways as motorways in Britain can only be used by full licence holders.
The object of the test is to ensure that the candidate is well grounded in the basic principles of safe driving, and is sufficiently practised in them to be able to show, at the time of the test, that they are a competent and considerate driver and are not a source of danger to themselves or to other road users.
The drive will include two or three normal stops at (and moving away from) the side of the road on level roads as well as on gradients, in addition to a demonstration of moving away from behind a stationary vehicle. The regulations state that the on-road driving time must be no less than 30 minutes.
If at any point during the test, the examiner has to intervene with any controls, this will usually result in failure and could be marked on the test report as a dangerous fault.
INDEPENDENT DRIVING
The practical driving test includes a 10 minute section of ‘independent driving’.
During the independent driving section, candidates have to drive by either following:
a series of directions,traffic signs ora combination of both
To help candidates understand where they are to go, the examiner may show them a route diagram. It does not matter if candidates do not remember every direction, nor if they deviate from the intended route unless they commit a driving fault.
If there are poor or obscured traffic signs, the examiner will give the candidate directions until they can see the next traffic sign. Candidates will not need to have a detailed knowledge of the area, but will not be allowed to use satellite navigation for this part of the test.
We hope you found this quick guide helpful, if you have any questions or would like to book lessons get in touch with our friendly team today.
Eco-Driving Tips
Looking to start driving lessons in Edinburgh, or are you already taking driving lessons with someone else, but you’re considering a change to a new instructor?
Here at Compass ProDrive we pride ourselves on our well trained and qualified instructors and our eco-friendly cars. In this post we’re going to talk about how we can ensure all our cars are kind to the environment, as well as giving you the best start with your driving.
When you start driving yourself, once you’ve passed your test, you’ll probably want to continue driving in an eco-friendly way, and there are things you can do make sure your car does as little harm to the environment as possible.
Naturally, with eco-friendly driving you’re not just kind to the environment you’re also saving on money and fuel.
Cutting down on fuel consumption can be done easily and efficiently if you take on board the following tips:
Make sure your car is serviced regularly and this way, your car will always operate efficiently.
Check your tyres regularly by making sure they’re inflated properly, also check the tyre pressure and you’ll reduce the friction of your car on the road.
You don’t need a roof rack on your car all the time, this will make your car heavier and drag, which means you’ll use more fuel.
Leave on time for any appointments, and don’t leave your engine running.
Hard as it can be, try not to get lost, you’ll spend an awful lot on fuel.
Combine as many short trip as you can into one trip, and you’ll save money.
How You Drive
I’m sure that if you’re having driving lessons in Edinburgh, or thinking about it, you haven’t passed your test yet. Perhaps you’re too nervous right now to consider how you drive. But once you’re driving properly, you can pay more attention to how you do it, and make some positive changes. Take a look at the ones we’ve listed below:
- Try not to accelerate or brake too quickly, do both as smoothly as possibly.
- Try not to rev your engine especially when it’s in low gears.
- Make sure you switch off your car lights when you don’t need them
- Switch off the air conditioning when you don't need it.
Compass Pro Drive and Eco-Friendly Driving
You’ll be pleased to hear that at Compass Pro Drive, we take eco-friendly driving seriously, and we take on board all the suggestions we’ve made here, and use them every day we go out on the road - and that includes when we take you out on driving lessons in Edinburgh.
We also care about the environment and we want you take that away with you when you start your own driving. We’ll encourage you to make small, but important changes to your driving habits and show you how you can be eco-friendly and help the environment, and still enjoy your independence.
If you have any questions about eco-friendly driving or any other aspect of driving, or if you’re thinking of taking up driving lessons in Edinburgh, then get in touch today.
Take the Scenic Route After Passing Your Driving Test
If you’re taking driving lessons in Edinburgh at the moment and you can’t wait to see the end of it, perhaps you’re feeling a little jaded, it’s that middle bit where you’re entirely sure you want to continue, or you’re fed up with the lessons and feel that you’ll never pass.
Trust us you WILL pass, and everything you’re doing right now is the right way to getting your driving license. There’s plenty to look forward to once you’ve passed your test, one of them is being able to drive ANYWHERE you like. That’s something you can’t do right now, you can’t drive to remote locations and see some of the most scenic parts of Scotland because you’d need to catch a bus, or there is no bus and there’s probably parts of Scotland you haven’t even seen yet.
Once you’ve passed your test and finished with the driving lessons in Edinburgh, all that will change and you’ll get to see parts of Scotland you didn’t know existed. Let’s take a look…
Balloch and the Trossachs & Glasgow to Fort William
The beauty of driving puts you in charge and allows you to take spontaneous trips on the road to explore so much of what’s beautiful about Scotland.
How about Balloch and the Trossachs? Starting with Loch Lomond and passing the A82 you can take in the Arrochar Alps and Crianlarich. You’ll soon get to see some beautiful Scottish waters and the drive will have been worthwhile.
If you take the Glasgow to Fort William route you’ll get to see the historic Fort William via the A82, a great road that millions have driven along many times in order to see some of the most beautiful landscapes Scotland has to offer. Carry on and you’ll soon see the Loch Lomond and Glencoe ahead.
A93, Perthshire and Royal Deeside
You can also do the A93 in your car once you pass and test what you learnt on descents (brakes!), you won’t want to drive too fast because you’ll be wanting to take in the views of Cairngorm National Park, the Glenshee ski resort and the Ancient Caledonian Forest.
Isle of Arran
How about visiting the 7th largest island in Scotgland along a circuit that just keeps on giving the entire route with breathtaking landscapes and beautiful castles such as the Lochranza and Brodick. A waterfall, the Glenashdale and the Machrie Moor stone circle all promise to impress. There’s plenty of places to eat and drink along the way such as cheese sampling, seafood restaurants and brasseries, and plenty of ice cream, beer, whiskey and other delicacies for you sample along your route.
So there you have it, there’s plenty to look forward to when you pass your test, and although perhaps you can’t see that far yet, keep it in the back of your mind, let it motivate you to success. You may not be able to make these journeys yet, but you will, and the other side of your driving test is there, just on the horizon, so don’t give up, you have so much to look forward to!
Get in touch today if you want driving lessons in Edinburgh to take the first steps towards passing your driving test and exploring Scotland and beyond for yourself.
Keeping Calm For Your Driving Test Tips
Battling Driving Test Nerves
No matter how well you know your driving skills, no matter how much practice you’ve had, you may be one of those people, and there are many of us out there, that get very nervous at the mere thought of sitting your driving test. This may be your first time, or your second or third, but you’re worried that perhaps nerves may get the better of you.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
We’ve put together some tips that might just help you get through that test without getting so nervous you can barely breathe, never mind sit through your driving test successfully.
Driving Test Nerves Tips – The Compass Prodrive Way
Mind over matter helps – remember you must have been good enough to have got this far. Your driving instructor has decided that you’re good enough to sit your test – if for one single moment he didn’t believe you were ready, you certainly wouldn’t be where you are now – ready to sit your driving test. Look in the mirror and tell yourself you ARE ready and you CAN do it.
Don’t tell anyone
Don’t let anyone know you’re sitting your test, the last thing you need to worry about is letting people down, or people emailing you and texting you afterwards to ask how well you did. Keep it quiet and then when you do pass, make a surprise announcement.
Watch What You Eat
Eat well and make sure you eat properly before you sit your test. It’s important to make sure you take care of yourself, if there’s one thing that’s going to impact on your concentration, its lack of food, or not eating the right foods. Aim to eat something that will give you energy and help keep yourself focused.
Arrive Early
Arrive early and ready prepared, you don’t want to turn up flustered and sweating because you’ve only got there just in time with seconds to spare, make a good impression and help yourself to stay calm by arriving focused and ready for your test.
Test Day – Relax
Don’t try to do too much on the day of your test. If you’re working, take the day off so you have the whole day to rest. Spend the time relaxing and don’t use it to agonise over aspects of your test and whether you’ll pass, have a quick practice, but don’t dwell on things. You’ve spent weeks and months preparing – you know it well enough.
No, It’s Not Your Test
Tell yourself it’s not the test, but a mock. If you convince yourself it’s just another practice run, you’ll be more relaxed and less intimated by the whole event. You won’t be doing anything you don’t already know, or done a million times before.
Make Sure You Go to the Bathroom
Don’t turn up bursting for a visit. Make sure you’re ready and relaxed. Bathroom visits should be done beforehand.
Coffee is a No No
Stay off the caffeine, you need to be focused but not hyperactive, this could contribute to anxious feelings, so stay away from the coffee jar. Drink plenty of water, but not enough to keep you in the loo, drink enough to keep you hydrated and calm.
Take Your Time Over Manoeuvres
Take your time over manoeuvres you’re asked to do, it’s not a race, you’re not trying to break the world record for reversing round a corner, and you won’t win any medals for carrying out parallel parking in record time. The driving examiner knows exactly how much time is allocated for each task, it’s all been worked out beforehand. It can all be fitted in nicely into the time it takes to sit your test. Don’t worry, just take your time.
Fail?
No, you won’t fail. But if you do, it’s not the end of the world. Don’t beat yourself up about something that you might feel is terribly important, but isn’t really something that defines you, because you’ll survive if you don’t pass your test.
And try, try again, because you will pass. It doesn’t matter whether you pass first time, or whether it takes more than one attempt. When you do pass, all that will matter is that you can now drive on the road, no one will remember how many times it took you to get there.
Get in touch with Compass ProDrive if you want to learn with instructors that will help you arrive a calm and confident driver on test day.
End of Hat Trick Week
Delighted to announce that Claire Louise passed her driving test with only 4 minors! Great drive and great result. Looking forward to you joining us on the roads. Enjoy the new licence and remember to stay safe out there.
Start of Hat Trick Week
I'm delighted to say a huge congratulations to Lily Delimata who today passed her test with no fuss at all. A great drive saw Lily walk away with her new licence. Enjoy the new opportunities out there and remember to stay safe.
Hat Trick Week
A massive congratulations to Alexandra Gray-Renfrew who today passed her test in Currie in record time with only 2 minors. Alex took only 3 months to complete her course and was complimented by her examiner on a good drive. Well done again, enjoy the USA and remember to stay safe out there
Important Pupil Information
It has come to our attention from recent enquiries we have had that some potential pupils are wanting us to teach them in their own cars. As a policy we do not do this for a few reasons:
1. Our public liability insurance does not cover us or the vehicle for tuition therefore it leaves us wide open to being sued in the event anything should happen
2. Your insurance does not cover you to be taught by an instructor that receives payment for lessons
3. It's simply quite dangerous. Your car is not equipped with the necessary dual controls to ensure a safe lesson. This is particularly problematic when initially learning as your control is not as good as it would be when you're more experienced. We promote a safe learning environment and teaching a pupil in their own car does not allow us to maintain our high standards of safety
I hope this clears a few things up but this is simply for pupil safety
Thanks for reading
Steve and Al
Why Take Refresher Driving Lessons?
There's always more to learn about driving. Your ability constantly increases as you gain experience and spend time on the road. Sometimes brushing up on your technique and skills can help you become a safer, more confident driver. Refresher driving lessons give you the chance to familiarise yourself with being behind the wheel again, brush up on things you've forgotten, and erase bad habits.
There are many ways you might benefit from taking refresher driving lessons in Edinburgh.
Time Off the Road
Various things could have happened to keep you off the road for a long period of time. Accident, financial restraints, or simply having no need for your own transport, could all see you coming back to the road a little rusty. Refresher driving lessons help you get back behind the wheel and start driving again as though there has been no break at all.
Over 70s
Once you get to 70, you'll have to renew your license every three years. It's down to your personal judgement whether you still want to be driving. It helps to keep your driving skills in the best possible shape to ensure that you still have the confidence and skills required to be on the road. A few refresher driving lessons can give you the assurance to keep your car.
Continue Learning After Passing Your Test
Your driving test checks your ability to drive, but passing doesn't automatically give everyone the reassurance to be in the road by themselves. You may still be nervous following passing your test, which is perfectly understandable. Refresher driving lessons in Edinburgh help you to develop confidence in your driving ability. Keep learning until you are sure you've got all the skills you need to drive safely and confidently.
Non-UK Residents
If you are used to driving on the right when at home, it can be confusing getting used to doing things the opposite way around. Refresher driving lessons are a great way for non-domestic drivers to become familiar with the UK regulations and laws. Use these lessons to become a competent driver in the UK much quicker than you would if you tried to get used to it on your own.
Refresher Driving Lessons in Edinburgh
Whatever reason you have for sharpening up your knowledge, refresher driving lessons have plenty to offer you. Brush up on manoeuvres, build your confidence, and drive happier. Get in touch with us today for refresher driving lessons in Edinburgh.
Play it again Sam
Another success.
Sam Bancroft from Pathhead drove a blinder and passed his test today with only 2 minors.
a great result for him and us. Well done!
Like a broken record!
An absolutely huge congratulations to Johnny Lynch of Lost Map Records.
3 1/2 weeks ago he got behind a steering wheel for the first time.
today he passed his first test at Currie with only 4 driving faults.
thats the quickest I have taken a new driver from lesson 1 to test - I'm as happy as Johnny.
Well done mate - see you for pass plus soon (and a beer tonight at summerhall) :)
Free at last
Massive congrats to Ryan Coyle from Niddrie
a great test pass today At Musselburgh despite extreme nerves.
Alan the examiner got a shock when Ryan put him in a headlock and started kissing his head after hearing he had passed!!!
i guess he was kind of happy :)
well done Ryan
Why Take an Intensive driving course?
If you’re learning to drive, you may be unsure of which way is best for you. It depends on many different factors, your budget will be one important consideration, the second will be how quickly you pick things up and finally, how you like to learn, what is the ideal environment for you.
If you’ve chosen intensive driving courses Edinburgh then passing your test is clearly high on your list of priorities. It may be that you need to pass your test in time of the start of a new job, perhaps your new job relies heavily on your ability to drive a vehicle. Maybe, you’re on your way to college and you need to be able to drive in order to get from home to college easily and conveniently.
Whatever the reason you’re eager to pass your test quickly and efficiently and that’s what we’re here for.
What is an Intensive Driving Course?
An intensive driving course is a specific course that’s taken over a few days, you will take driving lessons all day, every day. There’s a high pass rate for this type of course, so you may find that an intensive driving course is for you. You’ll sit your test after your intensive driving course, which you will hopefully pass first time. You will sit a mock test with us before you try the real thing.
It’s your driving test, so you must take it in whichever way you feel works for you. We’ll work with you, and if for instance, you start an intensive driving course, only to discover it’s not for you, then we can change over to a longer time period for you to learn, if that’s what suits you.
Naturally, of course, an intensive driving course could save you money in the long-term and not only be cheaper, but more effective, reducing the time it takes to pass and giving you more free time to do something else – like driving!
The Advantages of an Intensive Driving Course
With such a high pass rate it would seem that intensive driving courses in Edinburgh is a good idea and we can think of other points that we think you should consider too:-
It’s easy to lose focus when driving lessons are taken over a longer period
Students who take driving lessons over a shorter period of time are more likely to pass successfully
The amount of learning is better on a short, more intensive driving course
If you take one lesson a week over the course of several weeks, you’re more likely to forget and not carry forward what you’ve learnt, rather than in a 4 hour period where this is less likely to happen
The driving instructor is more likely to remember your specific weaknesses and strengths over an intensive one on one course, if he only sees you from 1 week to the next, with plenty of student’s in-between, he may forget certain things you need to focus on to pass
This is your driving test and you must take it in a way that suits your specific skills but an intensive driving course does have clear advantages.
Get in touch With Compass ProDrive
If you’d like to discuss it further with our team, then contact us, we want what’s best for you and passing your driving test is highest on our list of priorities.
First for Forth
Congratulations to Ruairidh Tait from radio forth on passing his driving test first time with only 20 hrs of training. A great result - well done :)
What are the Benefits of Doing Pass Plus?
The driving test is over, and you've passed! It's safe to say you're probably glad to put all that behind you. Yet there is another thing you can do to make yourself a better driver, and save some money, too.
So what is Pass Plus, and why should you think about doing it?
Pass Plus Edinburgh
The Pass Plus programme is an additional course for new drivers, specially designed by the DVSA (Driver Vehicle Standards Agency). It exists to increase the confidence of new drivers by building upon driving skills they already have. It makes you a safer and better driver, and can save you money.
Be a Safer Driver with Pass Plus Edinburgh
Statistically speaking, new drivers are one of the riskiest groups on the roads. Their inexperience, lack of confidence, and occasional bravado cause a lot of accidents. While you are most likely a careful and considerate driver who respects the dangers of the road, you simply don't have the wealth of experience of veteran drivers.
The Pass Plus Edinburgh scheme helps you to develop extra skills that will keep you, and other road users, safe.
Be a More Confident Driver with Pass Plus
You may have passed your test, but that doesn't necessarily make you a confident driver. It's perfectly normal to feel a little nervous when you begin driving after getting your license. A little extra confidence can go a long way, which is why the Pass Plus scheme exists to build your skills.
The Pass Plus scheme will cover situations you won't have dealt with in your lessons, such as night time driving, all weather driving, and motorway driving. You'll learn how to safely drive through town centres, rural roads, and on dual carriageways. Pass Plus Edinburgh gives you a wider driving skillset that makes you confident in dealing with all kinds of situations on the road.
Save Money on Insurance with Pass Plus
The Pass Plus scheme has been developed with in conjunction insurers. A Pass Plus certificate shows your commitment to safe driving, as well as testifying to your above-average abilities. Being a lower risk driver will be reflected in your premiums, and insurers will offer you a lower rate that takes into account your advanced driving skills.
Interested in Pass Plus Edinburgh?
Become a safer, more confident, cheaper driver with the Pass Plus scheme Edinburgh with Compass Prodrive School of Motoring. Your driving is constantly assessed throughout the six units, so there is no scary test to face at the end of it all! Contact us today to find out more.
Hannah but not in Montana
Many congratulations to Hannah Crawford from Mary Erskine School on a great result, passing her driving test at Currie this afternoon.
Enjoy your new found freedom - and stay safe :)
The Driving Test Theory Explained
The smell of the countryside in the summer, the ability to travel from one end of the country to another without the constraints of public transport and the pleasure of driving without L plates are all reasons why people take a driving test. However, if you don’t pass the theory part of the test, you won’t be able to enjoy the pleasures of motoring.
Learning to Drive
When you are ready to start driving you should approach qualified driving instructors in Edinburgh. You should also send off for a provisional driving licence. Your parents may be wonderful for many things, but all too often family members and driving just don’t mix. It’s always good to get driving lessons from professionals, so that you don’t learn any bad habits, or start a family feud. There is a practical and a theory element to the test and you will have to pass both parts if you want to drive.
The Theory Test
The theory test helps you understand the reasons why you carry out certain actions when you drive. The test comprises two parts, the hazard perception element and the actual driving theory test itself. You’ll learn all about the meanings of road signs, and you will become a safer driver once you pass this part of the test. If you’re taking driving lessons in Edinburgh, you’ll learn how to navigate the city streets, understand all of the road signs and learn how to keep your head, when other drivers around you may be losing theirs.
The theory test presents you with hypothetical options, and you’ll have a series of multiple-choice options for your answers. The hazard perception element is based on a series of 14 video clips, showing real situations and you have to indicate that you have recognised the hazards, highlighted in the film. You cannot take the practical driving test until you have passed your theory test.
The Highway Code Will Become Your Bible
Once you have your provisional licence and you feel confident enough to start learning to drive, you must invest in a copy of the Highway Code. It’s only through thorough reading this invaluable booklet that you’ll learn about traffic signs, braking distances and all the other elements of driving theory that are so essential. Learn to become more observant, the next time you are sitting in a car, ask the driver why they are carrying out certain manoeuvres, and ask them to test you on your knowledge as you motor along.
If you’re looking for driving lessons in Edinburgh, then find a reputable firm that has a good pass rate for its learner drivers and offers reasonable prices for its services. Compass Pro Drive has an hourly rate if £24.00 and we offer a discount on block bookings.
Talk to the Professionals
If you’re looking for a professional driving school in Edinburgh and you want to rest assured that all the instructors are qualified and have an excellent reputation with learner drivers then contact Compass Pro Drive.