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Driver tips, news and blog


Currie Driving Test Routes, common mistakes and tips
If you’re taking driving lessons Edinburgh and your test is booked for Currie, it is good to be familiar with the area and the road situations that catch learners out. Currie is quieter than city test centres, but people still fail every day for basic mistakes. This guide focuses on what actually matters. What Currie test routes are like Currie routes mix village roads, housing estates, country-style roads and short faster sections. Examiners want to see control, awareness a

Adrian Palmer
Jan 5
Is your driving instructor qualified?
There are many fraudulent instructors in Edinburgh. Driving examiners are reporting them to the police however they continue to work as instructors in the area. It is important that they are reported as they have not had the necessary PVG and criminal record checks to confirm they are a fit and proper person to be allowed to teach in a one to one environment. Not to mention not qualified to show you how a car should be driven in the UK. To become a driving instructor you must
Adrian Palmer. www.beagooddriver.co.uk
May 1


Learn to Drive in Less Time in West Edinburgh by Starting Before Your First Lesson
At Be a Good Driver , I often tell my pupils across West Edinburgh that learning to drive doesn’t begin when you turn the key — it starts long before your first official lesson. Before I ever sat in the driver’s seat, I already felt confident with the basic controls of a car. Why? Because for years I had been sitting in the passenger seat watching my dad drive. I paid attention to everything — how his feet moved between the pedals, how his hands changed gears, and how the en

Adrian Palmer
Mar 20


The Importance Of Good Observations Moving Off
These are the different areas around the car you should consider checking before you move off or changing direction. It only takes one missed observation for a simple move-off to turn into a near miss — or worse, an accident. Whether you’re just starting lessons or getting close to test standard, building strong observation habits is one of the most important skills you’ll ever learn as a driver. This is especially true around busy areas like Currie and West Edinburgh , where

Adrian Palmer
Feb 8


What Does It Mean to Be a Good Driver?
Confidence and Safe Driving Tips for Learner Drivers in Edinburgh Being a good driver isn’t about perfection — it’s about attitude, awareness, and making thoughtful decisions on the road. A good driver is considerate of other road users and pedestrians, stays focused on what’s happening ahead, and adapts to the conditions around them. If you’re a learner driver, simply reading and thinking about these ideas shows you’re on the right track. Parents, supporting a young or new d

Adrian Palmer
Jan 28


How to Calm Driving Test Nerves – Advice from an Edinburgh Driving Instructor
After more than fifteen years working as a driving instructor in Edinburgh, one thing is always guaranteed: every learner feels nervous before their driving test. Some hide it better than others, but it’s there all the same. You get through the early lessons, master the controls, learn the rules of the road, and start driving confidently around Edinburgh. Then the test gets booked… and suddenly it hits you: “Oh no – my driving test is next week.” For many learners, mental pre

Adrian Palmer
Jan 14


Driving Test Backlogs... Don't Pay Instructors Extra To Get You a Driving Test.
The UK car practical driving test backlogs are worse than ever. In the 15 plus years I've been an instructor they have never been so bad. The average waiting time is 22 weeks. Tests can only be booked 24 weeks in advance, so it's very, very difficult to even get a test for any date never mind get a cancellation. One, if not thee biggest problem is that since covid, tests have become a commodity for unscrupulous driving instructors to gain extra income. The DVSA is trying to s
Adrian Palmer. www.beagooddriver.co.uk
Jun 24, 2025
Eco Driving Tips. Drive More Energy Efficiently.
this one thing will make a huge difference to fuel economy, vehicle upkeep costs and safety.
Adrian Palmer. www.beagooddriver.co.uk
Feb 27, 2025


5 things people should but don't ask their driving instructor before starting lessons...
What is their cancellation policy, for you and them? Will they add on time if they are late? Do they have a different price for the use...
Adrian Palmer. www.beagooddriver.co.uk
Jan 14, 2025
Things to do before arranging driving lessons...
To start you on your journey into taking driving lessons and becoming a good driver it's best to do some research. Hopefully these things to do before arranging driving lessons help, so that you can be enjoying the freedom and independence driving can provide in no time.

Adrian Palmer
Sep 7, 2022
Check out what to expect on 'Your First Driving Lesson!'

Driving Tip: Bankhead (Spiral) Roundabout In Edinburgh
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Learner Driving Tips: A71 Calder Roundabout (towards Edinburgh) Right to A720
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