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.
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
