140th Pupil Passed!! Chris Wales- Currie, Edinburgh
Its with great delight we can announce that Chris Wales from Currie, Edinburgh, today passed with minimal minors after a brilliant drive. This is also a big day as it's Steve Jacksons 140th pupil to have passed with him since becoming a full time ADI.
Well done again Chris, thoroughly well deserved, good luck with the new career and enjoy everything that the new licence brings you. Above all though remember to stay safe out there.
Chris Wales- Currie, Edinburgh
Helen Eddon- Murrayburn, Edinburgh
It's with great delight we can announce that Helen Eddon from Murrayburn, Edinburgh, today passed first time in Currie with minimal minors. This is a fantastic achievement as Helen managed to keep this as a complete surprise to her family and as such has allowed her to open new opportunities. A special mention as well to Laura Jackson as this is her first official test pass as an ADI and maintains her incredible first time record overall. Well done again Helen, enjoy your new licence and all it brings but above all stay safe out there.
Helen Eddon- Murrayburn, Edinburgh.
Robert Stout-Broomhouse, Edinburgh
Its with delight we can announce that Robert Stout from Broomhouse, Edinburgh, today passed his test in Currie with only 4 minors. This is a great achievement as Robert is in his more senior years and is from Tennessee in the USA. Well done on this Robert, enjoy the new car the licence brings you and above all stay safe out there.
Robert Stout- Broomhouse, Edinburgh.
Learners Allowed on Motorways From 2018
Learner drivers will be allowed to take motorway driving lessons with an approved driving instructor in a car with dual controls from 2018.
Allowing learner drivers to have lessons on motorways will help to make sure more drivers know how to use motorways safely.
At the moment, you can only have driving lessons on motorways after you’ve passed your driving test. Some newly-qualified drivers take lessons through the voluntary Pass Plus scheme.
How the change will work
The change will apply to England, Scotland and Wales.
Learner drivers will need to be:
- accompanied by an approved driving instructor
- driving a car fitted with dual controls
Any motorways lessons will be voluntary. It will be up to the driving instructor to decide when the learner driver is competent enough to have a motorway lesson.
Trainee driving instructors won’t be allowed to take learner drivers on the motorway.The change will only apply to learner drivers of cars - learner motorcyclists won’t be allowed to have motorway lessons. coming into force on 4 December 2017.driving test changesMotorway driving will not be included in the
When the change will happen
The exact date in 2018 will be confirmed nearer the time.
The change will be well-publicised so driving instructors and learner drivers are prepared for the change, and other road users know what to expect. The Highway Code rules on motorwayswill also be updated.Until the law is changed, it’s still illegal for a learner driver to drive on a motorway.
Driving instructor vehicles and training
Driving instructors will be allowed to decide whether or not to keep their driving school roof-top box on during motorway lessons, based on the manufacturer’s instructions.
However, the car will still need to display L plates on the front and rear if the rooftop box is removed.
Preparing drivers for a lifetime of safe driving
The changes are being made to allow learner drivers to:
- get broader driving experience before taking their driving test
- get training on how to join and leave the motorway, overtake and use lanes correctly
- practise driving at higher speeds
- put their theoretical knowledge into practice
Hayley Murray-Gorgie, Edinburgh
It's with particular pleasure and pride that we can announce that Hayley Murray from Gorgie, Edinburgh has passed her test in Currie, Edinburgh, after 3 years! Through various mitigating circumstances, some very challenging to Hayley, she has shown determination, patience and a will to succeed that cannot help but be admired. Enjoy the new licence and everything that it brings. Well done again but remember above all to stay say out there.
Hayley Murray- Gorgie, Edinburgh.
Audrey Murray- Barnton, Edinburgh
Absolutely delighted to announce that Audrey Murray from Barnton, Edinburgh, has today passed her test in Currie with only 4 minors. First thing in the morning is never an easy time to pass your test but Audrey has done this brilliantly and received very positive comments on her drive from her examiner. Well done again Audrey, thanks for introducing me to 'Ready Player 1', my Delorean fascination can continue in earnest. Enjoy the new licence and all that it brings but above all be safe out there.
Audrey Murray- Barnton, Edinburgh.
Connor Sanderson- Granton, Edinburgh
It's with great delight that we can announce that Connor Sanderson from Granton, Edinburgh, today passed his test in Musselburgh with only 2 minors. With some challenging conditions from the constant torrential rain, the examiner commented and praised Connor for such a good drive. Congratulations Connor, hopefully this licence will open up new and exciting opportunities for you and your good lady. Enjoy what this brings and above all stay safe out there.
Connor Sanderson- Granton, Edinburgh
Beat The New Test Date
***BEAT THE NEW TEST DATE***
We have spaces coming up for the following areas so you're interested or know of anyone interested then please get in touch on 07736658265 or 07792 053993:
Dunfermline, South Queensferry, Kirkliston, Sighthill (and surrounding areas):
Lesson times:
Tuesday 22nd August 9:30-11:30 every wk
Wednesday 23rd August 9:30-11:30 every wk
Fridays 2:30-4:30 IMMEDIATELY
Mondays 2:30-4:30 IMMEDIATELY
Rising Dissenting Voices About New UK Test.
Drivers call for further changes to new test
New research reveals what motorists really think of impending changes to the UK driving test – including a new parallel park labelled ‘dangerous’ by some instructors.
A number of changes to the UK practical driving test are set to be introduced on 4 December 2017.
One of the most significant alterations is the removal of the three-point turn, a manoeuvre many drivers will probably remember from their learner days. Reversing around a corner is also to be dropped.
Meanwhile, new additions include following directions from a sat nav and reversing out of a parking bay.
The test will also see the introduction of a controversial new manoeuvre that’ll require drivers to pull over into oncoming traffic and reverse two car lengths.
Three-point turn an unpopular omission
The changes, which are aimed at improving driving standards and road safety, have received a mixed reaction from motorists.
Almost half welcome the introduction of the sat nav test, according to new research by Confused.com.
Two in five are glad to see independent driving – where candidates are required to follow traffic signs and/or a series of directions – doubled to 20 minutes.
However, less than one in six agree with the removal of the three-point turn. And nearly half question the safety of the new parallel park manoeuvre.
Drivers want motorway driving tested
One in three drivers – equivalent to 15 million people – believe the new driving test doesn’t go far enough in tackling a perceived lack of other crucial skills and behaviours.
For example, almost three-quarters believe motorway driving should be tested.
And two-thirds of motorists believe driving in darker conditions should form part of the changes.
Eight in 10 motorists think driving etiquette should also be part of the test, which would include the likes of tailgating and middle-lane hogging.
Instructors call parallel park ‘dangerous’
Some driving instructors fundamentally disagree with the changes to the test.
Hundreds of people have signed a driving instructor-led petition which calls for the DVSA to abolish the new parallel park manoeuvre, calling it a “dangerous exercise”.
Despite the concerns raised, the DVSA has concluded that almost all representative organisations are in favour of the proposals as they felt they represented real-life scenarios.
To review the controversial updates, Confused.com sent motoring editor Amanda Stretton to put the changes to the test in a film.
‘Changes still not going far enough’
Amanda says: “We hope that the new test will help new drivers to adapt to the modern conditions of our roads, especially through the independent driving task and using a sat nav.
But it’s worrying that one in three drivers believe these new changes are still not going far enough.
To make the roads safer, drivers believe more practical changes should’ve been included in the new updates set to be implemented in December.
To help improve the quality of driving on our roads, there’s a valid argument that new drivers should be taught general road etiquette and how to treat fellow drivers. This could help to minimise stress levels, road rage, and the risk of accidents.”
The cost of motoring
Stretton adds: “It’s also unsurprising to see that one in five drivers think it’d be beneficial to learn about the cost of motoring, considering this is continuously rising.
By educating them on car insurance, petrol prices, maintenance and other costs that come with owning a car, drivers will know how and where to keep costs down and make driving more affordable.”
Driving test pass rates have risen slightly over the last decade, going from 43% in 2007 to 47% in 2016.
It’s unclear how these figures will be impacted when the changes come into effect.
source: Adam Jolley, confused.com 27/6/17
Laura Jackson- Passed ADI Test
Its with great delighted that we can announce that Laura Jackson passed her ADI Part 3 instructor test with flying colours and cements herself as a full time instructor with Compass ProDrive.
This is particularly exciting news as it really makes Compass a family business as Laura is the wife of our very own Steve Jackson. We are delighted to have Laura on board in this capacity and we can now offer more spaces for potential new pupils to learn with us.
Please join us in congratulating Laura on this brilliant achievement and it will now open the doors for new exciting opportunities that Compass can now start to explore to deliver even more to our pupils.
Laura Jackson.
Hannah Mconnachie- Stockbridge, Edinburgh
We are delighted to announce that Hannah Mconnachie from Stockbridge, Edinburgh, today passed her test in Currie with only 4 minors first time! It was a very accomplished drive from Hannah who can now enjoy the trappings of her companies car pool. Well done again Hannah thoroughly well deserved. Enjoy the new licence and all that it brings and above all remember to stay safe out there.
Hannah Mconnachie- Stockbridge, Edinburgh.
Preparing For Your First Driving Lesson
If you’re about to embark on driving lessons for the first time, then you’ve got a lot to look forward to. It’s going to be so much fun, and at the end of it you’ll have a driving license and be able to go out on your own driving with friends. Naturally, before that you’ll have a few lessons to prepare you for the test, and of course you’ll be nervous.
The best way of preparing yourself for your first driving lessons is to arrive feeling as calm and as relaxed as you can. Yes, that’s easy to say because, as we all know, driving lessons are stressful at the best of times, but it’s simply a case of perhaps spending the 24 hours beforehand getting yourself psyched ready for your first lesson.
Sleep Well
The first thing you should do is make sure you get a good night’s sleep, if you’re tired then your reactions are going to be slower and it could impact on your coordination skills. Don’t drink the night before, there’s nothing worse than having to try and concentrate when you have a hangover, and don’t forget, you’re going to be sitting in close proximity to your instructor, so it won’t be difficult for him or her to work out you’ve turned up with a hangover, not a great first impression!
Eat Well
Make sure you have a good breakfast and that you’re not hungry, it’ll help you to concentrate and focus on what you’re being told. It’s a lot to take in the first time, so you need to be feeling fresh and healthy for your start.
Comfortable Driving Shoes
Try wearing comfy shoes that don’t slip on and off, if you’re a girl, then heels might be difficult to operate the peddles and you want to wear something comfortable. If you do insist on wearing heels, take a comfy pair with you so you can change into them once you start the lesson.
Do You Need Glasses?
Then please remember to wear them, you need to be able to see clearly and driving without them may compromise your driving ability, leaving you at risk of having an accident.
The Cockpit Drill
Once you’ve been picked up by your driving instructor at a place of your choosing, you’ll be able to start, and that will probably be with what’s known as a cockpit drill. Here’s you’ll check that your seat and steering position is comfortable, the doors are closed secure, your seatbelt’s on and your mirrors are adjusted correctly.
The Controls
You will learn all about controls on your first time, this will include running through what the accelerator, brake and clutch are for. You will get an opportunity to go through them again before you set off, so don’t be afraid to ask.
And Then You Drive…
once you start driving you’ll learn the basics, these will naturally include moving off, clutch control, checking your mirrors, gears and when to change, stopping, and more about brake and clutch. You’ll also learn a little about parking, and don’t forget that you can ask your instructor any questions if you’re unsure about anything. Your instructor will have his own set of controls, so if you lose control or you make mistake, the instructor can easily take over, so you have nothing to worry about.
Premier Driving Instructors in Edinburgh
Are you thinking of having driving lessons? If you are, then give us a call here at Compass Pro Drive. We have an impressive team of driving instructors in Edinburgh and throughout east-central Scotland who’ve been doing this for a while, and each one is a qualified and experienced driving instructor. Learning to drive doesn’t have to be stressful and with Compass Pro Drive behind you it won’t be, we’ll put you at your ease and help to ease those nerves.
Tyre Tread Depth and Safety Checks
Updated 04/08/2024
One of the most important checks you can make on your car is the tyre tread depth.
Having worn tyres means the only contact patch between you and the road is past its best. You could almost call it an accident waiting to happen.
If the safety risks don’t hit home, maybe the risk of a £2,500 fine and three penalty points for a worn tyre will? That’s per tyre, too. If all four tyres are worn below the legal limit, you could potentially lose your licence and face a £10,000 fine.
What is the legal tyre tread depth?
The law states the minimum legal tyre tread depth for cars in the UK and Europe is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. The tread must meet this minimum requirement across its complete circumference.
But this is just the legal minimum. Tyre and safety experts believe the 1.6mm legal minimum is insufficient to guarantee safety – most recommend a minimum tread depth of 3mm for tyre replacement. Tests by UK technical organisation MIRA found that, once tyres are below 3mm, stopping distances increase dramatically.
The difference in wet braking distance between a tyre worn to 3mm and one worn to 1.6mm can be as much as 44%.
Worn tyres are particularly dangerous in the wet because a tyre’s tread helps disperse water away from the contact patch between tyre and road. If there’s less tread depth, less water can be shifted, increasing the risk of aquaplaning and losing grip.
In heavy rain, each tyre can shift one gallon of water every second, illustrating just how hard tyres work. Simply put, deeper tread means they can work better, improving grip.
How to check tyres are in a roadworthy condition
20p tyre tread depth test
The 20p test is a simple, quick and easy way of checking the tyre tread of your car's wheels. Just take a 20p coin and insert it into the tread grooves on the tyre. If you can't see the outer band on the coin, your tyres are above the legal limit.
However, if you can see the band and that section of the coin is still visible, your tyres could be unsafe and require professional inspection by a mechanic. Drivers should conduct the 20p test every month to check tyre tread depth.
Read the tyre tread wear indicators
Tread depth indicators, also known as wear bars, are small raised sections found within the tread grooves of a tire. To use them, visually inspect the tire and locate these bars. If the tread surface has worn down to the level of the indicators, it means the tire tread is at or below the minimum legal limit and needs to be replaced.
Using a tyre tread depth gauge
A tire tread gauge typically looks like a small, pen-sized tool with a sliding ruler or digital readout. To use it, press the base of the gauge flat against the tire surface and insert the probe into the tread groove. Push the gauge down until the base touches the tire, then read the measurement from the ruler or display to determine the tread depth.
What happens if you have an accident on illegal/bald tyres?
Driving with tyres that have a tread below the legal limit - or even worse, are bald - is dangerous. It can put you and other motorists at risk.
If you are involved in an accident and the car you are driving has illegal or bald tyres, you should be aware of the consequences.
Any insurance claim as a result of an accident could be invalidated, so potentially your insurer won't pay out any money any repairs needed to your vehicle.
Moreover, driving with dangerous or defective tyres also puts drivers at risk of a fine of up to £2,500 and three points on their license. That is per tyre, so four illegal tyres could mean a fine of £10,000 and 12 penalty points.
Source and credit www.rac.co.uk
Michael Watney- Slateford, Edinburgh.
It's with great delight that we can announce that Michael Watney from Slateford, Edinburgh, today passed his test first time with only 2 minors in Currie. Michaels hard work and brilliant commitment paid off with a great result today. Congratulations again, enjoy the new opportunities the licence brings, especially now that you can drive around Iceland on your own but remember to above all be safe out there.
Michael Watney- Slateford, Edinburgh.
Max Langley- Barnton, Edinburgh
A huge congratulations to Max Langley (Simon from The Inbetweeners). from Barnton, Edinburgh, who today passed his test in Currie (yellow car in the background) with only four minors and astonishingly 14 hours tuition! Max is already a motorcyclist and did brilliantly transitioning his skills from the bike to the car to great effect. Enjoy the new Scirrocco and above all be safe out there.
Max Langley- Barnton, Edinburgh.
Jordan Chatt- Edinburgh
It's with great pleasure that we can announce that Jordan Chatt from Edinburgh City Centre, has today passed his test with minimum minors in Currie AND achieved this with only 30 hours! A brilliant result following in the footsteps of his sister Kimberly Chatt who did the same a few years ago. Well done again Jordan, enjoy the new licence and remember to stay safe out there.
Jordan Chatt- Edinburgh City Centre.
How to prepare for your theory test
If you’ve decided to take driving lessons, you will be aware that you have to sit what’s known as a theory test. This theory test is a way of testing your knowledge of the Highway Code and there’ll also be a hazard perception test. The cost for sitting this test is around £34 which you can pay online.
Revision
It’s a good idea to do some revision beforehand and you can buy books and find articles online which will aid your study. You’ll be given 50 questions on multiple choice and you’ll need to answer at least 43 correctly to pass.
Around 20 to 25 hours should be adequate study and preparation time, and if you can, get someone you know to test you on it. It’s important to put the time in because if you don’t, you may fail the test and lose money.
There’s a handbook you can buy from the Driving Standards Agency, DVSA, which is a theory test handbook, you should find this useful. You’ll find some sample questions and some great tips on what to look out for, and it will prepare the way for you before you sit the test.
As we mentioned earlier there will be a hazard perception test and it’s important therefore to prepare well for this. When you sit the test, you’ll be given some video clips where there are driving hazards for you to spot. You’ll find lots of information about this both online and in your theory test handbook.
Also, online you’ll find some hazard tests you can run through to help yourself which will help you to identify which distractions could lead to a potential hazard.
For the hazard perception test, you’ll need to get 44 out of 75 to pass, so that’s something else that’s worth spending time on.
We mentioned earlier about taking tests online, these are known as mock tests and they’ll give you a real feel for what you’re up against once you sit the test itself. It’ll give you time to practice what you know and to get a feel for what it’s like to sit the test. By testing yourself in this way, you’ll be helping yourself to feel better prepared and more confident about what you know.
On The Day
Always leave in plenty of time because you don’t want to arrive feeling hot and flustered, that’s not a great start. You’ll need proof of identity, and this can be in the form of a provisional license, or if you have the old-style driving license and you’re an older driver, then you’ll need a passport with a recent photo of yourself.
Before you start you’ll have around 15 minutes to get yourself ready, adjusting yourself to the layout and to play around the touch screen. You’ll have just under an hour to answer 50 questions, if you’re stuck on one then touch the flag button and it’ll mark it so you can go back to it later.
You’re allowed a 3-minute break during both tests. This should help you to take a few deep breaths and prepare yourself mentally for the rest. Take your time and don’t rush through the questions.
With the hazard perception test you’ll need to press the mouse button every time you see a potential hazard developing. The earlier you respond, the higher the score. If you click too many times you will get zero for that particular clip.
You’ll find out whether or not you’ve passed as soon as you leave the exam room. Someone in reception will let you know what your marks were and whether or not you’ve scored enough to pass. We wish you luck with your theory test and if you have any questions about what we’ve discussed today, please get in touch, one of our team will be able to help you. Here at Compass ProDrive, we have some of the most successful driving instructors in Edinburgh, we pride ourselves on our pass rate and the standard of our teaching. Give us a call today.
New Driving Test 2017
Barring potential lobbying with local MPs to review whether these are appropriate changes, this is how the new test will shape up as of 4th December 2017.
It is a very divisive set of changes that has split opinion within the instructor community both north and south of the border
Compass ProDrive are at the cutting edge of the changes and are in a prime position to be able to help make sure you are ready for these new changes. Our instructors have attended national meetings, seminars and enrolled in future training programs through the DVSA to keep ahead of what is expected and how these changes will be taught both theoretically and technologically
Now is the time to get in touch with Compass to ensure you are in pole position to secure your skill for life.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/driving-test-changes-4-december-2017
Stephanie Metcalfe- Sighthill, Edinburgh
A massive congratulations to Stephanie Metcalfe from Sighthill, Edinburgh, today brilliantly passed her test first time in Currie, Edinburgh. What makes Stephanie's achievement more pleasing is that she passed her test with NO MINORS and with only 30 hours tuition. Well done again Stephanie, brilliant dedication and commitment to your lessons and it's paid off. Enjoy the new licence and remember to stay safe out there.
Stephanie Metcalfe- Sighthill, Edinburgh.
Zero minor test result.
Simon Thomson- Sighthill, Edinburgh.
Delighted to announce that Simon Thomson from Sighthill, Edinburgh, has today passed his test with only 4 minors in Currie, Edinburgh. This is particularly impressive as Simon only took 3 months of hard work to pass his test with flying colours. Well done again Simon, great result, enjoy the new licence and above all stay safe out there.
Simon Thomson- Sighthill, Edinburgh.