Starting your driving lessons
How old do I have to be to start my driving lessons?
You can apply for your provisional licence when you are 15 years and 9 months old. This is because you can learn to ride a moped at 16 years old. You would however have to wait until you were 17 years old before you can start your driving lessons.
Can I begin without provisional licence?
No, you must have a valid and in-date provisional driving licence before you can start your driving lessons – unfortunately you wouldn’t be able to proceed with your first lesson without this.
What should I do to prepare for my first driving lesson?
Before your driving lesson, ensure you have your provisional licence and have done a basic eyesight check (you must be able to read a car number plate from 20 metres). It can also help to review the Highway Code and familiarise yourself with the basic car controls. If you have never driven a car before then please don’t worry as your driving instructor will explain everything to you on your first driving lesson.
Do I need to pass my theory test before starting driving lessons?
You can start you driving lessons without having passed your theory test. Due to the long waiting list for a practical test in Edinburgh (and everywhere else!) we would recommend sitting your theory as soon as you are able to – this will then allow you to go on a book a practical driving test at a time that’s agreed between you and your driving instructor.
Number of lessons and practice needed
How many driving lessons will I need in order to pass my exam?
By law there is no minimum number of driving lessons required as such. (DVSA), the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, suggest that on average a learner needs something like fortyfive hours of driving lessons with a qualified driving instructor. Everyone learns at a different pace and your instructor will tailor your driving lessons to suit you.
How long is each driving lesson?
At Driving Lessons Edinburgh the lessons last for two hours. This has proven to be a very effective way of learning to drive and by taking your driving lessons this way, less time is spent driving too and from your house to the training area and more time can therefore be spent working on whatever subject that might be.
How often would you recommend taking driving lessons?
Taking driving lessons on a regular basis, for example, two or four hours per week, helps maintaining your progress and provide you with regular time each week in the driving seat! Due to the long wait for driving tests then it might be necessary to stagger your driving lessons in the lead up to your driving test if you’re ‘test-ready’ but still have a period of time to wait until the test itself. This will ensure that you’re not paying for driving lessons that you don’t need.
Can I practise driving with friends/family?
Yes you surely can, however the car must be insured for the learner driver, displaying L-plates, and the supervising driver must be over the age of 21 and have held a full licence for at least three years. If you are intending to practise with someone then it’s recommended that you try your best to maintain a disciplined drive. This would include for example, checking your mirrors regularly and driving strictly within the speed limit. If you don’t maintain this level of discipline when you’re driving with family of friends, then it is possible to start to ‘undo’ what is being taught to you by your driving instructor within your lessons. When it comes to private practise, quality of driving is more important and quantity of driving!
Choosing a driving instructor
How can I find a good driving instructor in Edinburgh?
We would recommend asking family/friends for recommendations, check online reviews on platforms like Google, and look for a DVSA-approved instructor. A good driving instructor should be professional, patient and adapt their teaching style to your specific needs.
What questions should I ask a driving instructor?
Key questions may include:
- Are you a fully qualified (ADI) or are you a trainee instructor?
- Does your car have dual controls?
- What is your availability for driving lessons?
Cost and payment
How much does a driving lesson cost?
Our hourly rate for driving lessons is detailed on the ‘Prices’ page of this site.
How do I pay for my driving lessons in Edinburgh?
You can pay for your driving lessons either by cash or by bank transfer. If you are paying for your lessons by bank transfer, then please remember to put your full name as a reference.
What is the overall cost of learning to drive?
The total cost includes your provisional licence (£34 online), theory test (£23) and also your practical test (£62 on weekdays). The cost of driving lessons is added on top of that, and it really depends on how many you are going to need. As you progress on with your lessons, your driving instructor will be able to provide you will a guide of what is still to be covered and how long it should take.
Taking your driving test
How long is the practical driving test?
Typically your practical driving test lasts around forty minutes. If you have been used to taking two hour driving lessons in Edinburgh, then your test will seem to pas quite quickly. Before you sit your driving test, you will have done at least two mock tests so you will be fully aware of what to expect on the big day!
What does practical test involve?
The practical driving test includes two vehicle safety questions (“show me, tell me”), an eyesight check, a general driving ability section as well as a part where you follow a sat nav or traffic signs.
What can cause me to fail my driving test
A minor mistake might not necessarily result in failing your test. But a dangerous/serious fault will cause you to fail immediately. If they believe your driving is a danger, the examiner will stop the test early.
What happens if I fail my test?
A report detailing the reasons you failed will be provided. There are no limits on the number of times your test can be re-taken.
