Clanger: Sighthill, Edinburgh
This gentleman was in a clear hurry to get to his destination. Not only speeding but some dangerous manoeuvres to get to his destination along Sighthill in Edinburgh. This demonstrates the lengths will some go to get to where they want that little bit quicker. Certainly not the smartest thing to do as there was always the potential for some seriously negative outcomes here.
Clanger: Redford, Edinburgh
Welcome back after the festive season to Clanger of the Week. We have a few and this one kicks us off. A case of not seeing or believing there is a speed limit that needs applied to
James Staddon- Broughton, Edinburgh
2016 just gets better! A massive congratulations to James Staddon from Broughton who today passed first time, in less than 8 weeks with 2 minors! Fantastic achievement James, enjoy the new licence and remember to stay safe out there. 2 in 1 day for Compass
James Staddon, Broughton, Edinburgh
Emma Speirs- Craiglockhart, Edinburgh
A massive congratulations to Emma Speirs from Craiglockhart, Edinburgh, who today passed her test in Currie and became the first pass for Compass ProDrive for the New Year. Emma produced a brilliant drive with only 3 minors. Enjoy the new licence Emma, good luck getting the keys from Rob for the car. Remember to stay safe out there.
Emma Speirs, Craiglockhart, Edinburgh
Tips to Avoid Stalling While Driving
Your learning to drive with a driving instructor in Edinburgh, so you can have independence and go anywhere you like. However, before you reach that point there are all the other things you need to learn in order to be able to drive safely. You have parking, reversing, using your mirrors correctly and learning to drive a manual car to think about.
One of the things you may be trying your best to avoid is stalling the car, and if this is the case, then this guide is written with you in mind, with tips on how to avoid stalling your car while you're driving.
Firstly, why does a car stall?
A car stalls because the clutch has been lifted a little too quickly with the plates slamming together to make the engine cut out completely. What you must do is bring it up to the biting point so the plates meet together nice and smooth before you start pulling away. Using the wrong gear while starting off can also make your car stall.
Here are a few tips that might help -
Choose first gear
Press the accelerator slowly until you have it around 2000 revs
Lift the clutch up and wait until you have reached the biting point
Release the handbrake and lift the clutch at the same time with your foot on the accelerator
Raise your foot from the clutch once the car is moving.
You might be worried that you'll stall the car while you're on your driving test but try not to worry, the important thing to do is try and stay as calm as possible. If you're on a busy road then it'll be even more important that you don't panic. If you do stall the car, then calmly focus on getting the engine started so you can restart, if someone starts to get impatient with you, ignore them.
Take it Easy and Remain Calm
If you let something like this get to you, then it's likely that you may stall the car again in the future. Try and remember those all-important steps for starting your car and taking some deep breathes before starting.
Don't forget that even experienced drivers stall occasionally and as you become more experienced you'll be less inclined to stall your car or worry about it.
Edinburgh Driving Lessons for the Most Valuable Tuition
We'll take you through the steps for starting your car when you take your driving lessons with us. We're more than happy to go through it with you as many times as you need until you get it right. Don't worry if you stall on a busy road, while you're having a lesson with us we'll help you to get started again and talk you through it.
Competent and Experienced Driving Instructors in Edinburgh
If you have any further questions about this or any other driving related topic then do get in touch with us here at Compass Pro Drive our Edinburgh driving school. Our team are all experienced and qualified to teach you how to drive, and we understand how important it is to you to pass your test.
Another Fantastic Year
Just wanted to wish you all from the team at Compass ProDrive a happy and prosperous new year.
We also wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for again supporting and using our company for you to learn to drive. It's been another fantastic year made all the better by helping each and every one of our pupils to achieve their goals.
Here's to another successful year, keep spreading the word about us and thanks so very much again.
Steve , Al and Laura
Jack Glen- South Queensferry
It's with great pleasure that we can announce that Jack Glen from South Quuensferry, passed his test at Currie with a brilliant drive. Only 1 minor and passed within such a short space of time. Well done again Jack, very well deserved and what a way to finish 2015 and start 2016! Remember to stay safe out there in sunny South Quuensferry
Jack Glen, South Quuensferry
2 hours 2 tests 2 first time passes :)
Congratulations to Jaimie Allison who lives near Broxburn.
Jaimie passed his driving test today at Currie test centre.
He only had 10 hrs of tuition and passed first time with 5 minors.
great result for Jaimie and Compass ProDrive.
Mark Mcgovern- Longstone
Many congratulations to Mark McGovern from the Longstone area of Edinburgh.
Mark passed his driving test today at Currie test centre. it was his fits the attempt and he only had 3 minors.
Very well done Mark. I wonder what you want for Xmas ???;)
Santa Spotted- Broxburn
Incredible scenes in Broxburn as local
drivers were treated to a rare public appearance by Santa on a motorbike! Shocked and amused road users in Broxburn were treated to the sight heading towards Newbridge near Edinburgh as Santa clearly was on a mission. One lucky driver caught the dramatic images unfold....Merry Christmas all!
Euan Whelan- West End, Edinburgh
Massive congratulations to Euan Whelan from the West end area of Edinburgh.
Euan just passed his driving test at Currie test centre on the first attempt with only 2 minors.
A great result and great drive as commented on by the examiner :)
Louise Munro- Meggetland Edinburgh
Massive congratulations to Loiuse Munro from the Meggetland area of Edinburgh.
Louise passed her driving test this morning at Currie test centre with only a couple of minor faults.
Well done Louise, enjoy driving to ......Sainsburys and back!
Seriously hope you get the most out of it and good luck for the future 😀
Hamish Kelman- Wester Coates
Well done to Hamish Kelman from the Wester Coates area of Edinburgh.
Hamish passed his driving test on St Andrews day at Currie test centre.
Congratulations Hamish - enjoy the freedom it brings you. :)
Philip Stevenson- Currie
A massive congratulations to Philip Stevenson who today absolutely sailed his test today with only 1 minor. The examiner was delighted with the drive and disappointed she had to give that one minor. Well done again Philip, well deserved and remember to stay safe out there
Winter Driving Tips
If you’re taking driving lessons in Edinburgh, then you’re probably learning to drive in all sorts of different traffic situations, and this is great because it will help you to become a better driver. You’ll also be dealing with all sorts of weather conditions during your time with your Edinburgh driving school (hopefully that’s us!).
We know how deceptive and treacherous winter weather can be, and today we’re going to talk about winter weather and give you some tips on driving safely. Keep in mind that the more practice you get on the road, the better your driving will get.
Prepare Your Vehicle Before You Travel
It makes sense to make sure your vehicle is ready for the road in winter, so it’s a good idea to make sure you have your vehicle fully serviced beforehand. You can also do your own checks in preparation for winter:-
Make sure your battery is in full working order
Check all your lights
Check the condition of your tyres, thickness, pressure, tread
Check that your brakes are working
Check that all fluids are topped up.
By doing this you are preparing your car for bad weather, and making sure that should you be caught out in hazardous conditions, your car is more than ready to deal with it.
Anti-Freeze
Your anti-freeze is important for freezing weather, and if you don’t bother to invest in some, you could end up shelling out for new engine which will cost you a lot more.
Visibility is Crucial
When you’re dealing with poor weather, you need to make sure your visibility is as good as it can be. Make sure your lights are clean before you start off on any journey. Clear snow from the lights as well as the rest of your car. You’ll need to use your headlights and fog lights once visibility is poor, but always remember to switch them off once the visibility improves or you could blind other drivers on the road.
Emergency Kit for Bad Weather Conditions
When there’s snow or torrential rain, it’s possible that your car may break down and you’re unable to continue with your journey. If this does happen, then it’s crucial that you have an emergency kit in your car. Here’s a list of the type of things you should have in your car should it breakdown:
Shovel
Boots
De-icer
A torch
Blanket
Flask with a hot drink
Fully charged mobile phone
First aid kit.
Experienced and Qualified Driving Instructors Edinburgh
Here at Compass Pro Drive we believe in a thorough grounding in winter weather driving, so we’ll talk to you about that when you have your driving lessons with us. If you’re yet to start your driving lessons in Edinburgh, then get in touch and start your driving future with us.
Experience Winter Weather With Reliable Driving Instructors in Edinburgh
If you need a reliable, trustworthy and fully qualified driving instructor in Edinburgh, then you’ve find a whole team of us at Compass Pro Drive that are all qualified and experienced in teaching people how to drive, so you’re in safe hands. If you want to ask us about driving lessons, or anything that you’ve read in our post on winter driving tips, then get in touch, we’ll be happy to answer all your questions.
Clanger of the Week- Kirkliston
We all know that when an emergency vehicle is approaching, that vehicle has priority and as such vehicles move. However when you are stuck in traffic in Kirkliston and decide to do a U turn when emergency vehicles are approaching, perhaps this is what not to do.
Iain Burton- South Queensferry
Its with great pleasure that I can announce that Iain Burton passed his test first time today at Currie. An excellent drive with minimal black marks saw Iain claim that elusive free car space at Adecco. Well done again and remember to stay safe out there.
Clanger of the Week- Marchmont
This demonstrates the continued strained relationship with motorists and cyclists. This highlights a complete disregard for their personal safety and safety of others with no helmet and putting gloves on whilst cycling. Perhaps a reintroduction of cycling proficiency or road awareness should be explored?..
Clanger of the Week- Livingston
A rogue mobility scooter seen on the loose in Livingston. Though amusing it does highlight some of the challenges that these things can create....
Clanger of the Week: Craigmillar
This incident was filmed in the outskirts of the Craigmillar area in Edinburgh. The young driver had followed the learner quite close and when the road straightens out decides to accelerate over the speed limit and over take faster than the designated 30mph and on tinge outside of a traffi Island. Driving like this by young or old demonstrated why there is a greater need for road safety awareness as well as the greater need for driver skills development. Something that Compass is working on with one of our driving school partners. Stay tuned.
