Jack Capener- Duddingston
Huge congratulations to Jack Capener of Duddingston who today has passed his driving test in Musselburgh. A very accomplished drive saw Jack walk away with his new licence. Well done again and good luck with the road trip in the USA.
Jack Capener- Duddingston
Ciara Vernon-Currie
Second day in a row we have had first time passes. Huge congratulations to Ciara Vernon from Currie who managed to pass with only 3 minors in Currie today. A brilliantly confident drive saw Ciara walk away with her new licence. Well done again and remember to stay safe out there.
Ciara Vernon-Currie
Scott Marshall-Livingston
He's done it! Congratulations to Scott Marshall from Lovingston who today brilliantly passed his test in Livingston. 2 years of commitment, perseverance and sheer tanacity sees Scott walk away with his new licence. Well done again and remember to stay safe out there.
Scott Marshall-Livingston
How to Fill Up Your Car at the Petrol Station
If you've just passed your test, then you're probably feeling nervous about going out for the first time by yourself. You've probably never had to worry about filling up the car with petrol during your time with your driving instructor in Edinburgh. You've seen relatives and friends fill up with their cars, and you've probably never really thought much about it. However, you're going to have to do it yourself now you've passed your test.
You Learn a Lot as a Student, But Not Filling the Car With Fuel
There are plenty of other things you'll need to learn along the way now you're a new driver, many of which you'll have gone over with your driving instructors in Edinburgh, such as car maintenance and what to do in the event of a breakdown. Filling your car with petrol however, isn't something you'll have had much time to go over, unless you've gone out with relatives or friends, and even then you won't have had to do it with just yourself in the car.
There are a few things you need to keep in mind when you go to fill your car up and in this post, we're going to go through them, so you can fill up your car and make it the most stress free experience possible.
Type of Fuel?
Make sure you know what type of fuel your car uses. It's either petrol or diesel, and if you don't make sure you know this before you fill up, you could damage your car by running the wrong type of fuel. Consult the handbook that came with your car if you're unsure.
Which Side of Your Car is the Fuel Cap On?
When you're about to pull up to the pump make sure you know beforehand which side of the car your fuel cap is, because you could find yourself in the embarrassing position of having to either re-enter, or make several failed attempts at trying to stretch the pump round to your fuel cap.
How Do You Open The Fuel Cap?
If you're unsure as to how to open your fuel cap, then check first, e.g. handbook. It may be either a car key or a lever. If you find this out beforehand, you can avoid keeping drivers behind you waiting while you fumble around trying to find out how to open it.
Do You Know Where Your Nearest Petrol Station is?
Make sure you know where the nearest petrol station is and always keep an eye out for the amount of fuel you have left in your tank. Think about how long its going to be before you reach another one and that you always have enough fuel for journeys.
Filling the Tank
When you get to the petrol station, remember it's just like everybody else does it, pull up at the pump nearest your fuel cap, undo it, take the nozzle and insert it into the cap and pull the lever until you see that the fuel has started to flow. Make sure you keep an eye on the counter and check volume and price, you'll know how much you want to spend, so stop when you reach it. If you're filling the tank then carry on until it's full, whereby the pump will automatically stop.
Pay and Go
It's then simply a case of paying for what you've taken, locking your car and paying for it at the checkout. Sometimes you can pay at the pump with your car, or you may need to go to a checkout stand. All you'll need to do is let the checkout assistant know your pump number and then you can make you payment.
Compass Pro Drive – Edinburgh Driving School
If you're looking for driving lessons in Edinburgh, then choose Compass Pro Drive. It's an easy choice if your looking for driving instructors who will guide you every step of the way and allow you to track your progress.
Rachel Bowden-South Queensferry
Huge congratulations to Rachel Bowden from South Queensferry who today passed her test with flying colours at the first time of asking in Currie! A brilliant drive with absolute minimal minors saw Rachel get her licence well in time for summer. Enjoy the new licence and remember to stay safe out there.
Rachel Bowden- South Queensferry
Kenneth Drummond-Currie
On a beautiful day like today it seems fitting to get another pass in!! Huge congratulations to Kenny Drummond from Currie who today oddly enough passed his test in Currie with a brilliant drive. Only 3 minors saw Kenny walk away with his new licence just in time for the summer. Well done again and remember to stay safe out there
Kenneth Drummond, Currie, Edinburgh
James Heward-Linlithgow
It's a double for Compass ProDrive today! A huge congratulations to James Heward from Liithgow, who today passed his test in Livingston with minimum minors. This is especially good news as James is about to be a new dad this week and the hospital run has been practiced...many times! Fantastic effort and commitment shown to get this done on James's part and thoroughly well deserved. Enjoy the new licence and becoming a dad but above all stay safe out there.
James Heward, Linlithgow, passed in Livingston.
Cameron Watt-Currie
A huge congratulations to Cameron Watt from Currie, who today passed impressively at Currie. Great result for him and remember to stay safe out there. As another bonus this is yet another pass for Laura Jackson who thus far has hit a 100% pass rate since starting. Incredible result for both of you today.
Cameron Watt, Currie, Edinburgh
How to Prepare For Your First Driving Lesson
If you've decided to take up driving lessons with driving instructors in Edinburgh, then perhaps you're about to start your first lesson. Learning to drive for the first time can be daunting, but it needn't be. There's just a few things you can do to make you feel a little less like an alien and more like a calm and stress free candidate, ready to take your first lesson. Today, we're going to be talking about how to prepare yourself for that very first lesson on the road.
Last Minute Nerves - Talk it Through
Your first time can make you feel very nervous, but there are a few things you can do to help make yourself feel calm. Talk to your driving instructor at the driving school and they can help you to understand what to expect on your first time out. If you know what to expect on your first driving lesson, then that will go some way to helping you to feel a little calmer.
Stay Calm, Sleep Well, Eat a Good Breakfast
On the night before your first lesson, it's important to make sure you get enough sleep, so don't drink beforehand because this will disturb your sleep pattern and make you feel pretty rotten the following day. Make sure you have some breakfast, because you don't want to go out driving on an empty stomach.
Make sure you know when you're being picked up by your instructor, don't turn up late because that won't give you a great start to the day. Comfy shoes are best for when you're driving, painfully high heels and you may find that driving is difficult. If you need glasses then wear them, it's not good to start off squinting through the windscreen because you can't see, and of course do remember your provisional license because your instructor will want to see it on your first lesson.
Discuss Your Lesson and Plan Ahead to Future Lessons
After your driving lesson you'll have an opportunity to discuss with your instructor any important points and to go over what you need to work on, and what you'll be doing in your next lesson. You may have already booked some block lessons and they do offer advantages in terms of discount. It's important to make sure you have lessons on a regular basis so you don't forget what you've learnt. You'll need to learn at your own pace and ask relevant questions as and when needed.
You Know You Can Do It
Once your first lesson is over you'll be wondering what it is you were worrying about. Half the battle is getting through the first one, and the rest of your lessons are going to be a doddle in comparison.
Compass Pro Drive – The Home of Great Driving
If you're looking for a good driving instructor in Edinburgh then look no further than Compass Pro Drive because we have experienced and knowledgeable driving instructors here to help you through the hurdle of learning to drive a car. We'll do all we can to make you feel comfortable and help you all the way through to your driving test. We are one of the best Edinburgh driving schools out there, so contact us and let's calm those nerves.
Taylor Coyne - Livingston
A massive congratulations to Taylor Coyne from Livingston who has today passed his test in Livingston with minimal minors. Another great first time pass with Compass saw Taylor produce a very confident drive which the examiner commented on. enjoy the new licence and remember to stay safe out there
Taylor Coyne - Livingston
June Tattersall- Westerhailes, Edinburgh
A massive congratulations to June Tattersall from Westerhailes, Edinburgh, who today passed her test at Currie with minimal minors. An excellent drive sees June walk away with her new licence and finally get to drive her shiny new car. Well done again June and remember to stay safe out there.
June Tattersall- Westerhailes, Edinburgh
Mike Sammels- Craiglockhart, Edinburgh
A massive congratulations to Mike Sammels from Craiglockhart, Edinburgh, who today has passed his driving test in Currie with only 2 minors! A fantastic result especially as he flies to Australia tomorrow to start his new life with Helen Mendel Brilliant drive and thoroughly well deserved after the hard work you put in. All the very best and remember to stay safe out there.
Mike Sammels- Craiglockhart, Edinburgh
Tips For Driving Long Distances
You may have passed your test comfortably and you're now planning a long journey in your car that you've been looking forward to. If it's your first time driving long distance since you've passed your test then you may be a little nervous. Perhaps you're still taking lessons but you've planned a long journey following a successful pass of your driving test.
You will have received lots of great advice from your driving instructors in Edinburgh - Compass ProDrive, but we've put this post together with all the advice we think you'll need to make a long journey with confidence.
Know the Route You're Taking
There are route planners offered by AA and RAC on their own respective websites and from here you can checkout the various routes and check for any traffic works or potential hotspots. If you know you need to be somewhere at a certain time, then make sure you start out early enough so you get there in time. When driving on a long journey, it's important to make sure you take regular breaks. This is especially important if your journey is going to be around 2 hours long or more, so you need to figure this in to your plans.
Preparations
Make sure you check your car is ready. When you were learning to drive with your instructor you would have learnt all about your car during the “Show and Tell” part of your test. Now that you can identify each important part of your car, you'll be able to check that each part is in working order before you travel.
Tyres, Engine, Water and Oil Levels
Check the tyre tread, make sure you know the legal tread depth, if your tyres are worn then they have more chance of aquaplaning in wet weather. Tyre pressure can impact both braking and steering. Check that they are not under-inflated because they'll wear away in the wrong places and cause an accident. Make sure you have a spare tyre and a jack in your boot before starting out. Check your engine for water and oil levels so your engine won't over-heat and cause it fail.
Check windscreen and lights and that they are in full working order before starting out. Your lights must be in full working order to meet the legal requirements.
Avoid Fatigue on Your Journey
Remember that it's important to take regular breaks so as to avoid fatigue whilst driving. Why not try sharing the drive with a friend and that way, by sharing the journey you'll make it a safer one. If possible avoid heavy meals and alcohol the night before.
Compass ProDrive – Edinburgh Driving School
We hope this gave you a real thirst for driving. If you still have further questions regarding driving on long journeys, then you know you can always contact us here and we'll be happy to answer them.
Colin McDougall- Gorgie, Edinburgh
It's with great personal pleasure that I can tell you that Colin McDougall of Gorgie, Edinburgh, today passed his test fitst time of asking with only 1 minor! A brilliant test saw Colin wall away with his new licence that he should have decided to get 15 years ago 😉. Well done again mate, well deserved and remember to stay safe out there. Also a mention to Laura Jackson who contributed to this journey and helped get this brilliant pass today ✋
Nicole McKay- South Queensferry
It's with great delight that I can announce that Nicole Mckay from South Queensferry has passed her driving test in Currie, Edinburgh! Only 1 minor saw Nicole walk away with her new licence and not a moment too soon as she prepares to go on holiday. Congratulations again, have a great time away, enjoy the licence and remember to stay safe out there.
Nicole McKay- South Queensferry
Clanger of the Week- Westerhailes, Edinburgh
When driving it's always prudent to be aware of your surroundings and to do this its recommended to use a combination of your mirrors and blindspot checks to ensure that before you change direction that it is in fact safe. In this video it really reflects how valuable a blindspot check prior to moving lanes can be.....
Clanger incident Westerhailes Edinburgh
Fred Larson- Granton, Edinburgh.
A massive congratulations to Fred Larson from Granton who today passed his test in Musselburgh. What makes this even better is Fred moved over from L.A. and decided to resist his test in U.K. Brilliant result and very well deserved. Enjoy the new licence and remember to stay safe out there.
Fred Larson- Granton, Edinburgh
Stacey Morrison- Granton, Edinburgh
Congratulations to Stacey Morrison from Granton, Edinburgh, who today passed her test in Musselburgh with flying colours. Challenging conditions both from the weather and the road saw Stacey walk away with her new licence. Well done again and remember to stay safe out there.
Stacey Morrison- Granton, Edinburgh
Driving Theory Test Tips
If you're taking driving lessons in Edinburgh, then perhaps you're a little worried about your theory test? Don't be, because if you're well prepared, then you have every chance of passing it successfully. In our post this week, we're going to be looking at the theory test and giving you some tips that will hopefully, lead you towards a successful pass.
It's easy to be nervous, after all it is an important test, but at the same time, if you allow it to intimidate you, it'll be all the harder to pass. With this in mind, it's important to put yourself at an advantage when it comes to taking your theory test. If you're well prepared, then the test should be much easier.
Preparation is Crucial
All that's required are a few hours preparation in advance. And preparation is key, because the theory test is multiple choice, so there are a few possible outcomes for each question. You will have the opportunity to try some practice questions first and this should help you to relax before the 'real' questions start.
There are 50 questions and you must get at least 43 questions correct to pass. The test is taken at the test centre on a computer and you must choose the correct answer out of a possible number of answers you are given in all the questions.
Hazard Perception Test
The hazard perception test will give you 14 scenarios where a hazard is imminent. There'll be road scenes with at least one hazard about to happen. When you spot a developing hazard you must click the button. If you react as soon as possible you'll be awarded more points. If you click several times, then you'll score a zero.
Make sure you've made the right decision as you can't go back and review the answers you've given. Once you've completed both the theory part and the hazard perception test you'll be given the results immediately. If you've failed you'll have to rebook the test again, but not there at the test centre.
So How Can You Prepare For Your Theory/Hazard Perception Test?
Make sure you make the most of the revision material out there, and try to use official material only. There is an awful lot of really good revision material, this includes, books, DVDs and apps that can be used on both your phone and tablet, this gives you ample opportunity to practice your answers. You do need to stick to the questions and tests that are based on the DVSA syllabus. The DVSA stands for the Driver and Vehicle Standards Authority, and the questions asked here will be featured in your theory test when you take it.
Revision Time
Make sure you plan revision time so that you're fully prepared for the test, but not excessively so, you need to plan a regular schedule, perhaps one hour a day. Also try to fit in some theory test exams, the mock ones you should find online, on the DVDs and in the books, and practice taking them within the time allotted in the exam. This will help you prepare for the test when you sit it for real.
When you're out driving, practice what you've learnt. Ask your driving instructor for practice questions, and if you find there's one particular area you're having problems with, tell your instructor so he can help you.
Prepare Yourself the Night Before
Make sure that you have everything you need for the day, the night before. That way, you won't be panicking on the day of your test. Things like your photocard license, and if you have one of the old style provisional licenses, then remember you'll need to bring your passport too. If you prepare for this the night before, you won't be panicking the following day searching for it.
Unsure of a question? Skip it and Come Back to It
Any questions you're unsure of then skip them, don't waste precious time struggling over it, you could be spending that time answering questions you're confident with.
Go Through Your Answers at the End
Go back through all your answers if you have time to spare at the end before you're told to stop working on your test. You may find that you've answered one or two questions wrongly and this is a golden opportunity to go over the ones you're unsure of. Remember, this doesn't apply to the hazard-perception questions, you're only allowed one try with these questions.
Take a Break
There is a 3 minute break between the multiple choice and the hazard-perception tests, use it to relax for a few minutes, this will help you prepare for the next set of questions.
Never over click for each question on the hazard-perception tests, you can have points deducted for this or even fail the question.
Don't Worry if You Fail the First Time
Finally, don't worry about failing because you won't be the only one that fails the theory test first time and there'll be plenty of opportunities to sit it again. Just put it down to experience and prepare for the next one, but give yourself a bit of a break first. Talk it over with your driving instructor who can help you pinpoint where you went wrong.
Compass Pro Drive - Edinburgh Driving School
If you're taking lessons with us, or if you're thinking of taking lessons with us, then you'll be glad you did, because we have the best driving instructors in Edinburgh and we will be more than happy to talk you through your theory test, and any parts you may be struggling with.
If you've chosen Edinburgh for driving lessons, then you'll be in safe hands with Compass Pro Drive, with our team of experienced driving instructors.
Clanger: Westerhailes, Edinburgh
This incident in Westerhailes in Edinburgh demonstrates the need to be aware when pulling out a junction. It was clear this driver had every intention to continue on their way regardless of the vehicle turning right that had priority. Take the time to look before pulling out into traffic as some may not be so observant.
