Motorway Driving Tips
How do you stay safe on a motorway? It may seem daunting if you’ve just passed your test, and you’re going to be driving on a motorway for the first time by yourself. However, motorways are very safe with only a small percentage of accidents and fatalities each year. Although naturally, because of the speeds people drive at on a motorway when an accident does occur, they are quite severe. Today, our guide on motorway driving tips should help you to drive safely whenever you find yourself on a motorway.
Regulations
It’s important to follow the rules because if we don’t then when we are at risk of becoming involved in an accident. Not everyone can use a motorway, and those that can’t include learner drivers, motorbikes under 50cc, pedal cycles and mopeds.
Once you find yourself on a motorway there’s no stopping unless it’s an emergency and that is on the hard shoulder or verge.
Distance and Speed
The speed limit for motorcycles and cars is 70mph, if you’re towing a caravan or a trailer, articulated goods vehicles, coaches, buses and HGVs the limit is less at 60mph and aren’t allowed to use lane 3. It’s crucial that a safe distance is kept between each vehicle using the 2 second rule, which is the minimum amount of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, and on wet roads, 4 seconds. When you’re behind a lorry, think about changing lanes or dropping back so you can see further.
It’s important to move into the left hand lane asap, and never dart straight across as you could cause an accident. There are motorway exits with countdown markers if you’re leaving a motorway always make this clear by using your left indicator, make sure you do all your braking in the slip road rather than on the motorway, once you’ve left the motorway keep an eye on the speed, it may be higher than you realise because you’ve been on a motorway.
Lanes
When using motorway lanes please be aware that the left hand lane is where you drive and the lanes to the right and the middle are just for overtaking. Always move back into the left once you’ve finished overtaking. However, when there are some slow vehicles it is sometimes safer to remain in the middle and right lanes until the moves are complete rather than chop and change in-between the lanes.
Signs
You’ll come across a lot of different signs on the motorway The motorway variable signs and signals are the most important, and will let you know about traffic conditions and suitable speed limits because of poor weather. They can apply to individual lanes, or to the whole carriageway. Red lamps indicate that you must not go into that lane.
Weather Conditions
Slow down in extreme weather such as heavy snow, rain or hail can make visibility difficult and if you’re going too fast stopping distances are harder when roads are slippy. Fog is a worry so always make sure you reduce your speed. When driving use dipped headlights and all your fog lights. Try not to speed up too fast even if it seems the fog is clearing up as it may be thicker up ahead.
Safe Driving
It’s important to drive safely and obey the rules when you’re on a motorway so you don’t cause an accident. Never drink or eat whilst driving or use a mobile phone. Always take a break when on a long journey, around 15 minutes every 2 hours.
Driving Instructors Edinburgh – For Quality Driving Lessons
We hope you found our blog on motorway driving tips of interest and that they gave you something to think about the next time you’re on a motorway alone. If you’ve just passed your test it can be a scary experience first time round. If you’re in need of Edinburgh driving lessons, then get in touch with us here at Compass Pro Drive Edinburgh and let’s make you motorway confident.
Clanger of the Week-Longstone
At Compass Prodrive we make sure you are fully prepared for life on the road. This includes road markings and clear signs at Supermarkets...
Clanger-Longstone
Clanger of The Week: Edinburgh
Welcome to Clanger of the Week. It's an unfortunate one this week as its a demonstration of complete intolerance of learners. It's so easy to forget that at one stage we were all learning. Please remember that it's a daunting task in some cases to learn to drive and is not made easy by this....
Clanger of The Week: Edinburgh
Stefano Smith-Currie
A huge congratulations to Stefano Smith who today smashed his test first time with only 3 minors! A great drive saw Stefano walk away with his new licence with only 3 months hard work. Well done again and enjoy the new licence. Remember to stay safe out there.
Stefano Smith-Currie
Clanger of the Week- Broxburn
It's been a while since our last comedy moment so please enjoy our new one.
Clanger of the Week- Broxburn
Dermont O'Commer- South Queensferry
A massive congratulations to Dermont O'Commer from South Queensferry, who today passed his test in Currie with only 1 minor! A brilliant result and very well deserved. Enjoy the new licence and remember to stay safe out there.
Dermont O'Commer- South Queensferry
Summer Driving Tips
You been out with your driving instructors in Edinburgh and you’ve grown in confidence since you first started learning to drive. Your Edinburgh driving school will have done everything in its power to make sure you’re a competent driver, but there are always a few hints and tips that can help make any potential new driving experiences even better.
In today’s post we’re going to be talking about driving, specifically summer driving, and how you can make your journey’s safer, more enjoyable. Planning ahead is key to having a safe journey so read on and find out how to prepare for your driving trips this summer.
Car Fluids
It’s important to check your car’s fluids and make sure the car is well prepared, with water especially, so as to avoid your car breaking down while you’re out on the road. Also consider engine coolant, fuel and windscreen washer.
Tyre Pressure
This is important as it’s a hazard to drive without having tyres that aren’t of adequate pressure. Check them first before leaving the house to avoid a potential breakdown, or perhaps even worse, crashing. Do you have a spare wheel in the boot? You should have, so make sure you get one.
Emergency Kit
Always make sure you have an emergency kit containing a blanket, breakdown triangle, torch, map breakdown cover details, mobile phone, and a high visibility jacket if you have one. This should be enough for an emergency should you have one, before the emergency services or your breakdown service arrive.
Take the Scenic Route
A scenic route during the warm summer months is a must, and it’s always better than going along the motorway and potentially getting stuck in holiday traffic. If you take a scenic route where there’s room to stop along the way, you can get out and stretch your legs occasionally. That way, you can appreciate the scenery that bit more, perhaps stopping off at the occasional village. Always keep an eye out for cheaper fuel stops, this will save you money, especially as a scenic route may be a longer journey than the motorway.
Compass ProDrive – Quality Driving Lessons Edinburgh
Once you’ve been out with your driving instructor in Edinburgh you will have picked up a lot of tips and learnt to drive over a period of time that’s hopefully, turned you into a confident and competent driver. We hope you enjoy your summer driving and if you need any further advice or guidance, or you or someone you know is looking to take driving lessons, then do get in touch with us here at Compass ProDrive.
Charlotte Vo- Westerhailes
Second pass of the day and it's a huge congratulations to Charlotte Vo from Wester Hailes who today passed her test in Currie with only 2 minors! Charlotte has been with us for 3 years now due to the fact that she lives in Norway! Great result and remember to stay safe out there.
Charlotte Vo- Westerhailes
Charlotte Vo- Westerhailes
Second pass of the day and it's a huge congratulations to Charlotte Vo from Wester Hailes who today passed her test in Currie with only 2 minors! Charlotte has been with us for 3 years now due to the fact that she lives in Norway! Great result and remember to stay safe out there.
Charlotte Vo- Westerhailes
Jack Capener- Duddingston
Huge congratulations to Jack Capener of Duddingston who today has passed his driving test in Musselburgh. A very accomplished drive saw Jack walk away with his new licence. Well done again and good luck with the road trip in the USA.
Jack Capener- Duddingston
Ciara Vernon-Currie
Second day in a row we have had first time passes. Huge congratulations to Ciara Vernon from Currie who managed to pass with only 3 minors in Currie today. A brilliantly confident drive saw Ciara walk away with her new licence. Well done again and remember to stay safe out there.
Ciara Vernon-Currie
Scott Marshall-Livingston
He's done it! Congratulations to Scott Marshall from Lovingston who today brilliantly passed his test in Livingston. 2 years of commitment, perseverance and sheer tanacity sees Scott walk away with his new licence. Well done again and remember to stay safe out there.
Scott Marshall-Livingston
How to Fill Up Your Car at the Petrol Station
If you've just passed your test, then you're probably feeling nervous about going out for the first time by yourself. You've probably never had to worry about filling up the car with petrol during your time with your driving instructor in Edinburgh. You've seen relatives and friends fill up with their cars, and you've probably never really thought much about it. However, you're going to have to do it yourself now you've passed your test.
You Learn a Lot as a Student, But Not Filling the Car With Fuel
There are plenty of other things you'll need to learn along the way now you're a new driver, many of which you'll have gone over with your driving instructors in Edinburgh, such as car maintenance and what to do in the event of a breakdown. Filling your car with petrol however, isn't something you'll have had much time to go over, unless you've gone out with relatives or friends, and even then you won't have had to do it with just yourself in the car.
There are a few things you need to keep in mind when you go to fill your car up and in this post, we're going to go through them, so you can fill up your car and make it the most stress free experience possible.
Type of Fuel?
Make sure you know what type of fuel your car uses. It's either petrol or diesel, and if you don't make sure you know this before you fill up, you could damage your car by running the wrong type of fuel. Consult the handbook that came with your car if you're unsure.
Which Side of Your Car is the Fuel Cap On?
When you're about to pull up to the pump make sure you know beforehand which side of the car your fuel cap is, because you could find yourself in the embarrassing position of having to either re-enter, or make several failed attempts at trying to stretch the pump round to your fuel cap.
How Do You Open The Fuel Cap?
If you're unsure as to how to open your fuel cap, then check first, e.g. handbook. It may be either a car key or a lever. If you find this out beforehand, you can avoid keeping drivers behind you waiting while you fumble around trying to find out how to open it.
Do You Know Where Your Nearest Petrol Station is?
Make sure you know where the nearest petrol station is and always keep an eye out for the amount of fuel you have left in your tank. Think about how long its going to be before you reach another one and that you always have enough fuel for journeys.
Filling the Tank
When you get to the petrol station, remember it's just like everybody else does it, pull up at the pump nearest your fuel cap, undo it, take the nozzle and insert it into the cap and pull the lever until you see that the fuel has started to flow. Make sure you keep an eye on the counter and check volume and price, you'll know how much you want to spend, so stop when you reach it. If you're filling the tank then carry on until it's full, whereby the pump will automatically stop.
Pay and Go
It's then simply a case of paying for what you've taken, locking your car and paying for it at the checkout. Sometimes you can pay at the pump with your car, or you may need to go to a checkout stand. All you'll need to do is let the checkout assistant know your pump number and then you can make you payment.
Compass Pro Drive – Edinburgh Driving School
If you're looking for driving lessons in Edinburgh, then choose Compass Pro Drive. It's an easy choice if your looking for driving instructors who will guide you every step of the way and allow you to track your progress.
Rachel Bowden-South Queensferry
Huge congratulations to Rachel Bowden from South Queensferry who today passed her test with flying colours at the first time of asking in Currie! A brilliant drive with absolute minimal minors saw Rachel get her licence well in time for summer. Enjoy the new licence and remember to stay safe out there.
Rachel Bowden- South Queensferry
Kenneth Drummond-Currie
On a beautiful day like today it seems fitting to get another pass in!! Huge congratulations to Kenny Drummond from Currie who today oddly enough passed his test in Currie with a brilliant drive. Only 3 minors saw Kenny walk away with his new licence just in time for the summer. Well done again and remember to stay safe out there
Kenneth Drummond, Currie, Edinburgh
James Heward-Linlithgow
It's a double for Compass ProDrive today! A huge congratulations to James Heward from Liithgow, who today passed his test in Livingston with minimum minors. This is especially good news as James is about to be a new dad this week and the hospital run has been practiced...many times! Fantastic effort and commitment shown to get this done on James's part and thoroughly well deserved. Enjoy the new licence and becoming a dad but above all stay safe out there.
James Heward, Linlithgow, passed in Livingston.
Cameron Watt-Currie
A huge congratulations to Cameron Watt from Currie, who today passed impressively at Currie. Great result for him and remember to stay safe out there. As another bonus this is yet another pass for Laura Jackson who thus far has hit a 100% pass rate since starting. Incredible result for both of you today.
Cameron Watt, Currie, Edinburgh
How to Prepare For Your First Driving Lesson
If you've decided to take up driving lessons with driving instructors in Edinburgh, then perhaps you're about to start your first lesson. Learning to drive for the first time can be daunting, but it needn't be. There's just a few things you can do to make you feel a little less like an alien and more like a calm and stress free candidate, ready to take your first lesson. Today, we're going to be talking about how to prepare yourself for that very first lesson on the road.
Last Minute Nerves - Talk it Through
Your first time can make you feel very nervous, but there are a few things you can do to help make yourself feel calm. Talk to your driving instructor at the driving school and they can help you to understand what to expect on your first time out. If you know what to expect on your first driving lesson, then that will go some way to helping you to feel a little calmer.
Stay Calm, Sleep Well, Eat a Good Breakfast
On the night before your first lesson, it's important to make sure you get enough sleep, so don't drink beforehand because this will disturb your sleep pattern and make you feel pretty rotten the following day. Make sure you have some breakfast, because you don't want to go out driving on an empty stomach.
Make sure you know when you're being picked up by your instructor, don't turn up late because that won't give you a great start to the day. Comfy shoes are best for when you're driving, painfully high heels and you may find that driving is difficult. If you need glasses then wear them, it's not good to start off squinting through the windscreen because you can't see, and of course do remember your provisional license because your instructor will want to see it on your first lesson.
Discuss Your Lesson and Plan Ahead to Future Lessons
After your driving lesson you'll have an opportunity to discuss with your instructor any important points and to go over what you need to work on, and what you'll be doing in your next lesson. You may have already booked some block lessons and they do offer advantages in terms of discount. It's important to make sure you have lessons on a regular basis so you don't forget what you've learnt. You'll need to learn at your own pace and ask relevant questions as and when needed.
You Know You Can Do It
Once your first lesson is over you'll be wondering what it is you were worrying about. Half the battle is getting through the first one, and the rest of your lessons are going to be a doddle in comparison.
Compass Pro Drive – The Home of Great Driving
If you're looking for a good driving instructor in Edinburgh then look no further than Compass Pro Drive because we have experienced and knowledgeable driving instructors here to help you through the hurdle of learning to drive a car. We'll do all we can to make you feel comfortable and help you all the way through to your driving test. We are one of the best Edinburgh driving schools out there, so contact us and let's calm those nerves.
Taylor Coyne - Livingston
A massive congratulations to Taylor Coyne from Livingston who has today passed his test in Livingston with minimal minors. Another great first time pass with Compass saw Taylor produce a very confident drive which the examiner commented on. enjoy the new licence and remember to stay safe out there
Taylor Coyne - Livingston
June Tattersall- Westerhailes, Edinburgh
A massive congratulations to June Tattersall from Westerhailes, Edinburgh, who today passed her test at Currie with minimal minors. An excellent drive sees June walk away with her new licence and finally get to drive her shiny new car. Well done again June and remember to stay safe out there.
June Tattersall- Westerhailes, Edinburgh