Tag Archive for: driving lessons Edinburgh

Driving lesson gift vouchers

Do you want to encourage someone to take driving lessons? Have you considered giving them a driving lesson gift voucher?

A lot of people need encouragement to eventually pick up the phone and book their first driving lesson. A gift voucher may be ideal to get them past this first step, and eventually start taking driving lessons. It is also pretty good for people who have a licence but have not been driving for a while, and may want to take some refresher driving lessons.

Please have a look at this page in our website: https://www.drivinglessonsedinburgh.co.uk/gift-vouchers/

You can buy Driving Lessons Edinburgh gift vouchers for any amount, for as littke as a single hour driving lesson up to a block booking of 10 or more hours.

Understanding Your Driving Anxiety

It’s normal for students to have anxiety prior to a driving lesson, and figuring out what causes these feelings is a crucial first step. Anxiety is often brought on by a fear of making mistakes or of receiving negative feedback from the teacher. Additionally, some students could be nervous about operating the car’s controls for the first time or driving in traffic. Recognizing that these emotions are common might lessen their control over you.

Every driving lesson is a fresh chance to develop, and confronting these anxieties can increase your self-assurance.

The first step in conquering driving anxiety is self-awareness. The following actions can assist you in recognizing and comprehending your anxiety:

Consider Your Emotions: Give careful thought to what causes you to feel anxious before your driving lesson.

Recognize Your Concerns: Recognize that experiencing anxiety is normal and a necessary component of learning.

Speak to Someone: Express your emotions to your driving instructor, friends or family.

Understanding the causes of your anxiety for driving lessons will help you begin to consciously address them and create a more comfortable and pleasurable driving experience.

Your instructor at Driving Lessons Edinburgh understand what you are feeling and will provide good moral support during your driving lesson.

 

How will I do on my first driving lesson?

How will I do on my first driving lesson? This is a frequently asked question.

Don’t worry, your driving instructor won’t expect you to start walking down the high street right away. Your first driving lesson will be away from traffic in an appropriate place for you to become familiar with the controls, and you will be escorted through the procedure at a pace that suits you.

During your first lesson, you will learn how to move off and stop, as well as the cockpit drill, which goes over everything you need to do every time you get in the car before starting the engine. It’s thrilling to drive for the first time!

You will undoubtedly stall when you first start driving, most likely frequently. But don’t worry, even after years of driving, it still occurs to the best of us. Additionally, keep in mind that your driving instructor has dual controls, so in the event that something goes wrong and they need to take over, they will have control of the vehicle.

Call our long running Edinburgh driving school to discuss your first driving lesson today.

Preparing for your first solo drive

So you now have your hard earned driving licence, after all those driving lessons. Taking your first solo drive is an exciting milestone. It marks the beginning of your journey as an independent driver. However, it’s normal to feel nervous about hitting the road alone. Being well-prepared can ease those jitters and make the experience enjoyable.

There are many thinkg that can make this experience easier:

– Get to know your car well
– Plan your route well so that you don’t have to worry about navigation.
– Prior to your drive, check the weather and traffic conditions.
– Try to unwind by, for example, listening to soothing music.
– Begin with a short drive

Get in touch with Driving Lessons Edinburgh for more tips and advice.

How to calm your nerves before your driving lesson

How to calm your nerves before your driving lesson

You can feel more relaxed before a driving lesson doing breathing exercises. Inhale deeply and slowly through your nose, holding it for a short while, and then gently releasing it through your mouth. You might feel more centered by using this technique to calm your mind and lower your pulse rate.

Additionally, mindfulness practices can be quite helpful in lowering driving lesson anxiety. Concentrate on the here and now. You can increase your confidence by substituting positive pictures for negative ones when you visualize a good driving lesson.

Anxiety can be further reduced by listening to soothing music. Select a playlist with calming music or listen to a podcast that helps you forget about your nervous thoughts.

Before your driving lesson, try these quick soothing techniques:

– Breathing exercises: Spend a few minutes breathing deeply.

– Mindfulness: Let go of worries and concentrate on the here and now.

– Music and Positive Affirmations: Play calming music or say encouraging words aloud.

You can reduce anxiety for your driving lesson by implementing these strategies into your preparation routine.

Manual vs automatic

When considering getting your driving licence, and starting to take your driving lessons, do you envisage using a manual or automatic vehicle?

Manual transmission is the most popular option in the UK. Only about 40,000 of the 720,000 driving exams that students in the UK take are taken using automatic cars. Despite this, data from 2012 to 2017 shows that the nation’s sales of automated vehicles appear to have increased.

Let’s weigh the benefits and drawbacks of manual transmission.

Pros:

– Manual cars are generally less expensive than automatic ones.
– You can drive both manual and automatic vehicles after passing your manual driving test.
– You have total control over engine speed while using manual gear shifts.

Cons:

– might get tiring when stuck in city traffic. if you have a stop-start commute every day.
– some people with knee conditions find it problematic

But what are the advantages of driving an automatic car?

– Automatics, in general are far easier to drive.
– It’s important to remember that automatic vehicles can be much better for those with any limited mobility or disability as they are easier to control and easier to learn in.
– Drivers have less to worry about, thinking of what to do with the feet and hands, which allows them to concentrate on the road instead.

If you call Driving Lessons Edinburgh for a chat, we can surely expland on the above and answer any questions you may have.

How long does it take to learn how to drive?

How much time does it take to become a driver? Learning to drive is a lifelong skill that should not be hurriedly acquired.

This could be a rather rapid process because some people take intense driving lessons. However, you may not be able to take driving lessons on a regular basis due to work and other obligations. And this can slow things down quite a bit.

Being consistent is essential, and you will learn to drive more quickly if you practice with your driving instructor as much as you can. You can also practice driving with friends or family. Naturally, the availability of driving tests may not coincide with your ideal timetable, so you will need to continue honing your driving techniques until a test that is appropriately scheduled becomes available.

But there are other things to think about. Statistics show that you will learn those critical driving abilities faster if you are younger. Also if you already are familiar with the highway code before you start taking driving lessons, this will make things much faster.

Call Driving Lessons Edinburgh for a chat, and we will be able to discuss your specific requirements and advice on the best schedule for your driving lessons.

Night time driving lessons

Night time driving has a distinct set of difficulties, particularly for novice drivers. Even well-known routes can seem strange as the sun sets because of how the roads feel. Drivers must be especially careful and vigilant at night due to the reduced visibility and heavy traffic. For anyone unfamiliar with navigating Edinburgh’s streets after dark, these elements can frequently induce anxiety.

Practice in the real world is crucial for gaining expertise and confidence. With a knowledgeable driving instructor by your side, you may experience actual traffic situations and become more equipped to handle any situation that may come up after dark. Driving lessons at night give you the opportunity to confront difficulties head-on, think back on them later, and methodically absorb each lesson.

New drivers have plenty of opportunity to hone their abilities by taking driving lessons at night, which increases their confidence and comfort level.

Give Driving Lessons Edinburgh a ring to discuss evening driving lessons in Edinburgh. Our experienced driving instructors will help you overcome the difficulties of driving at night and equip you with the knowledge and abilities necessary for pleasurable and safe night time travel.

When and how do you apply for your provisional licence?

1. When can you apply?

You can apply 3 months before your 17th birthday. However, you can only start taking lessons from your 17th birthday unless you are in receipt of the enhanced rate of the personal independence payment (PIP). If so, you can learn to drive from the age of 16.

You will also need your provisional licence before you can book your theory, hazard perception or practical driving test.

2. Where do you apply?

Either:-

• If you have a UK passport, which is no more than 5 years old you can apply online here . All you need is your passport number. They will use the photo on your passport for the photo on your new licence. This is the quickest and easiest way to apply; or

• You can obtain a form known as the D1 at the post office from one of their car tax issuing branches . In Edinburgh, you can pick one up at Waverley Mall, Elm Row, Frederick Street, St Mary’s Street, Tollcross, Stockbridge, Newington and a few others. The post office has some helpful guidance on their site . You will need to send with your application to the DVLA (DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD) with a passport sized photograph and appropriate identification. If you don’t have a UK passport you can send in your original biometric residence permit, UK certificate of naturalisation, or EU or EAA national identity card. Full details can be found the governments website

 

Provisional Driving Licence

Provisional Driving Licence

3. Eyesight and health

Before applying you need to check that you are able to read a number plate from 20m away (with glasses/contact lenses if required).

You must also tell the DVLA if you have certain medical conditions.

4. How long does it take?

Online – about 1 week

Paper – between 2 and 3 weeks.

5. How much does it cost?

• Online £34
• Post £43

6. Where can I drive when I have my licence?

Provided you are with your driving instructor (or another driver who has held a full driving licence for over 3 years and over 21) you can drive on any road in the UK bar private roads and motorways.

7. What happens when you pass?

Once you pass your practical test your licenced will be upgraded to a full licence for no further cost.