Driving Lessons in Stirling

The comprehensive guide to choosing a driving school, getting the right instructor, and passing your test in Stirling

How to choose a driving school in Stirling

We get that you’re looking for a driving school 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 Stirling

1. Have a look at reviews online

Reading online reviews of the instructors in the local area is pretty much the number one way to understand what to expect from the nearby driving schools in Stirling. Be sure to select your review sites carefully - some can be a bit dodgy. Make sure you are reading reviews from legitimate customers.

2. Beware of terms and conditions

If you’re like most people, the chances are you usually tick the box to say you’ve read the terms and conditions even if you haven’t. But in this scenario, it’s important that you read them carefully. Some driving schools have hidden policies, like making your driving lessons expire if you don’t use them all within a short timeframe. Don’t get caught out!

3. Check that you can switch instructors

You don’t want to be stuck learning with someone you don’t get on with. So, the safest thing is to check that your driving school in Stirlingcan pair you up with a new instructor easily if you decide you want to swap.

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 Stirlingwill avoid sharing this unless asked. Make sure you do to avoid disappointment.

Deciding on a test centre

When the time is right, you’ll need to choose a driving test centre. A good local instructor in Stirling will give you a hand choosing the test centre that’s right for you, and then introduce you to the routes that could crop up on test day.

To see more test centres near you, enter your postcode on the DVSA website.

Top tips from instructors in Stirling

Local driving instructors in Stirling have let us in on their secrets for passing the driving test first time in the area.

1. Brush up on rural road driving

Our instructors in Stirling say that rural roads can be difficult because usually, you’re permitted to drive on them at the national speed limit, but that’s not always an appropriate speed.

Extra practice on country road driving will help you to set the right speed for the journey.

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.

Choosing between manual and automatic

One question you'll need to answer before you begin your lessons is: Do I want to take manual or automatic driving lessons?.

Manual licence holders are able to drive both manual and automatic cars, however, automatic drivers are stuck with automatic cars only.This gives you more flexibility in the long run.

Manual lessons are often cheaper as automatic instructors are few and far between. 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.

That said, automatic cars are easier to get your head around - there’s no clutch to get the hang of! This means you may be able to pass faster by taking automatic driving lessons. 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 Stirling town centre, you may well prefer an automatic.

There are pros and cons to both, so it's worth spending some time to research and decide before you start.

Where we offer driving lessons in Stirling

Regardless of where you live in Stirlingor the surrounding areas, our driving instructors have got you covered.

Enter your postcode to see driving lesson prices near you.