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How to decide which driving school is best for you in Dumfries
When looking for a driving instructor; you need someone who:
- Builds your confidence
- Makes learning fun
- Won’t charge a fortune!
So here are 4 simple steps to make sure you find a top driving instructor in Dumfries
1. Compare reviews
Reading reviews is a great way to anticipate what your experience will be like with the driving schools in Dumfries. Be sure to select your review sites carefully - some can be a bit dodgy. Make sure you are reading reviews from legitimate customers.
2. Read the terms and conditions
Let's face it - most of us never read the terms and conditions but it’s important that you do read them carefully when booking lessons. Local driving schools can often have hidden policies especially around expiry dates for unused driving lessons so don’t get caught out!
3. Ensure you are able switch instructors
Getting stuck with an instructor you don't get on with can be rough. Check that your driving school in Dumfriescan match you with a new instructor easily if you decide you want to swap. Not all schools will have enough instructors to facilitate this, so don’t book until you’re sure.
4. Do they have long waiting times?
Imagine booking your driving lessons only to find out that you can't start for ages. It can happen. Many driving schools in Dumfrieswon’t tell you their waiting times upfront unless you ask directly. So again, don’t get caught out!
Choosing your test centre
When the time is right, you’ll need to choose a driving test centre. A good driving instructor in Dumfries will advise on the whole test centre experience to make sure you're setup to pass.
To see more test centres near you, enter your postcode on the DVSA website.
Test tips from driving instructors in Dumfries
Driving instructors in Dumfries have given us the lowdown on passing the driving test first time.
1. Brush up on rural road driving
Our instructors in Dumfries have highlighted rural roads as a tricky ""one to watch"" as you’re allowed to drive at the national speed limit, but sometimes that’s not the appropriate speed for the conditions.
Take extra time to practise judging a sensible speed when on a country road.
2. Drive defensively
When you’re driving in urban settings you need to be aware that not all drivers will drive well, or even follow the highway code! Make sure that you anticipate the behaviour of other drivers and adapt your own driving accordingly.
3. Directions aren’t the be all and end all.
You’ll receive directions from both the examiner and a sat nav at different points in your driving test. If you realise you’re in the wrong lane at the last minute, it might be dangerous to correct yourself. If that’s the case, it’s fine to make a wrong turn - it’s more important to drive safely than to follow directions accurately, and our local driving instructors say that you’re unlikely to be penalised.
Manual or automatic lessons?
Are you ready to learn to drive? The first step is to choose between manual and automatic driving lessons.
With an automatic licence, you’re qualified to drive automatic cars, whereas with a manual driving licence, you’re qualified to drive both manuals and automatics. This can make buying a car an easier task as you can drive both transmissions.
Manual driving lessons are also cheaper, as there are more manual driving instructors available. A manual offers the driver a bit more control over the vehicle - especially on windy rural roads where a gear change can help you navigate twists, turns and hill climbs more effectively.
Taking automatics driving lessons may allow you to pass faster as you have less to learn such as clutch control.On top of this, the lack of a clutch pedal makes automatic cars easier to drive in heavy traffic, so it you’re going to be getting a car to run you around Dumfries town centre, you may well prefer an automatic.
Both transmissions come with their pros and cons, so think carefully before making your decision!
Where we provide driving lessons in Dumfries
Regardless of where you live in Dumfriesor the surrounding areas, our top quality driving instructors can help get you on the road.
Enter your postcode to see prices for driving lesson near you.