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Manual or automatic driving lessons in Glasgow?

by Passin1week

Manual or automatic driving lessons From the thrill of shifting gears to the ease of cruising on the motorway, each driving style has its pros and cons. But which one is right for you? Read on to discover the ultimate showdown between manual and automatic driving and make an informed decision for your next ride

If you’re learning to drive, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to learn in a manual or automatic car. Both types of transmissions have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to weigh up the pros and cons before making your choice.

In this blog post, we’ll compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of manual and automatic transmissions to help you make an informed decision.

Manual Transmissions

Manual transmissions, also known as stick shifts, require the driver to manually shift gears using a clutch pedal and gear stick. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of manual transmissions:

Advantages:

  • Greater control: Manual transmissions give drivers greater control over the car, allowing for smoother gear changes and more precise handling.
  • Better fuel efficiency: Manual transmissions typically have better fuel efficiency than automatic transmissions, as they don’t require as much power to shift gears.
  • Lower initial cost: Manual cars are often less expensive to buy than automatic cars.

Disadvantages:

  • More difficult to learn: Learning to drive a manual car requires more skill and practice than learning to drive an automatic car.
  • More tiring: The constant shifting and use of the clutch pedal can be tiring in heavy traffic or on long journeys.
  • Higher maintenance costs: Manual transmissions require more frequent maintenance, such as clutch replacements, than automatic transmissions.

Automatic Transmissions

Automatic transmissions, on the other hand, shift gears automatically without the need for manual intervention. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of automatic transmissions:

Advantages:

  • Easier to learn: Automatic transmissions are easier to learn than manual transmissions, making them a popular choice for first-time drivers.
  • Less tiring: The lack of a clutch pedal and the automatic shifting make driving an automatic car less tiring than driving a manual car.
  • Lower maintenance costs: Automatic transmissions require less frequent maintenance than manual transmissions.

Disadvantages:

  • More expensive: Automatic cars are typically more expensive to buy than manual cars.
  • Lower fuel efficiency: Automatic transmissions typically have lower fuel efficiency than manual transmissions, as they require more power to shift gears.
  • Less control: Automatic transmissions give drivers less control over the car, which can make them feel less involved in the driving experience.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between a manual and automatic car comes down to personal preference and the driving conditions you’ll be facing. If you’re looking for greater control, better fuel efficiency, and lower initial costs, a manual car may be the best choice. If you want an easier driving experience, less tiring driving, and lower maintenance costs, an automatic car may be the better option.

Keep in mind, however, that learning to drive a manual car can be a valuable skill that may come in handy in certain situations, such as driving in slippery conditions or driving on steep hills.

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A driving crash course: is it the right option for me?

by Passin1week

A driving crash course: is it the right option for me?

What is a driving crash course?

What is a crash course like? Well, a driving crash course is typically a week of very full-on driving lessons, normally around 8 hours a day. So, instead of having a lesson or two each week spread over several months, it’s possible to cram the whole learning process into a short period.

While these intensive courses allow you to get everything out of the way quickly, experience counts for a lot when learning to drive – and there’s only so much of that you can gain in a week.

Am I guaranteed to pass?

Unfortunately, no. Some companies may tell you that you are guaranteed to pass the first time, but quite simply this is not the case.

The best schools will give you an assessment session before you book, to gauge your ability. Research shows that, on average, those who pass their driving test have had 32 hours of lessons and 20 hours of private practice.

To be as safe a driver as possible you really need to drive in a variety of conditions. So if you do take the intensive driving course route, make sure you properly weigh up the pros and cons of this type of driving course. You may pass more quickly, but you may be short of experience.

What do I need before I start my driving crash course?

Before you start your driving crash course, you’ll need to check you’ve got your provisional license. Chances are you’ll also need to have passed your theory and hazard perception tests before booking. Some companies may offer to book this for you for an additional fee, but most will need you to have this before booking your course. You’ll also need to check the driving school has definitely booked a practical driving test for you. Some schools will just hope a cancellation comes up.

How much will a driving crash course cost?

An intensive driving course can cost anywhere between £1200 and £1500, with your test fee included.

driving crash courses are called so for a reason, so make sure you’re really sure this is the best option for you before booking!

What do young drivers think of a driving crash course?

Matt, Glasgow, Scotland.

“I had lots of driving lessons away from the public road before I was 17, so I was pretty confident I knew how to control a car. Because I wanted to learn quickly so I could drive myself to college, an intensive course made sense to me. You know what, I passed the first time!”

Samantha, Glasgow, Scotland.

“Patience isn’t my strong point! I wanted to get the whole learning process over and done quickly. But driving for so many hours a day was very intensive and tiring. I made a mess of the test and didn’t pass. I’m now having regular lessons and learning at my own pace.”

Driving crash courses with Passin1week 5-day crash courses:

If you already have done your theory test we can probably get you through the course in 5 (five) days from the time of the first contact.

7 to 13-day crash courses:

If you still need to do your theory test it will take a little longer. If you still need to submit your application for your provisional driver’s license; From the time you submit your application for your provisional license until you set your practical driving test can be as short as 19 days, provided you follow the procedure listed below;

How does the crash course work?

1. Book in with BDSL and make an application for your provisional driving license 1 day, 2. Start doing your theory preparation,
3. Wait for your provisional license and do your theory preparation for 10 days,
4. Start learning to drive – continue practicing theory,

5. Book your practical theory test 3 days later, 6. book your practical driving test 5 days later,

We provide a reputable and professional service that aims to give you the confidence to pass your test and drive safely on the roads. You will find our three most popular packages online at passin1week.com.

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The most common driving test faults, and how you can avoid making them

by Passin1week

The most common driving test faults, and how you can avoid making them

Junctions – observation

This is the most common fault in tests in both Glasgow and Scotland as well as overall nationally, and the examiner will be keeping a close eye on how well you are able to handle junctions and demonstrate key observation skills. Our instructor Fabio Guerreiro, who teaches pupils in Glasgow, said the key is to give yourself time to mentally go through what you need to do at junctions and begin processes in good time. He said one of his pupils had a great drive on their test and otherwise picked up only a few minor faults, but failed with a serious fault as they looked to the right too late at a mini roundabout. Mistakes that an examiner will be looking out for include only looking in one direction when emerging from a junction, not creeping carefully forward when it is necessary to make proper observations, and emerging when traffic is too close or too fast, or into the path of other traffic. When you’re nervous, approaching a junction can feel like one of the more stressful parts of the test, so get in plenty of practice on different types during lessons to make sure you’re feeling confident.


Mirrors – change direction


Failure to check mirrors when changing direction is also a very common fault – the second most likely to occur in Glasgow, Scotland, and across the country in general.Typical mistakes the examiner will be looking for include not checking mirrors before turning left or right, before changing lanes, or before or after overtaking.Our instructors explained mirror checks can go out of the window for various reasons, including complacency and when feeling under pressure because of something unexpected crops up.Daniel Pye, who teaches in Norwich, said he had a pupil fail their test after they didn’t check their mirrors while changing lanes on a roundabout. Having missed an exit and being asked to go around again, Daniel said it was in the heat of the moment and under pressure that they made a mistake they wouldn’t normally.Ian Oxley, who delivers lessons north of the city, gives his pupils a top tip to concentrate on over-emphasizing mirror checking for the first five minutes of the test until nerves have settled a little so that you have got into the habit to continue for the rest of the test.

The examiner will make sure you’re developing good habits when steering the car.


This is a fault that features less in Glasgow tests than in Scotland but is in the top 10 across the board. While learning to control a car with the correct steering action is one of the first things you will tackle when you get behind the wheel, there are various things that the examiner will be looking out for to ensure you’re fully in control. These include where you put and keep your hands – on the steering wheel and gear stick, and how you control the steering through turns and maneuvers. They will also be looking out for some bad habits, like leaning on the window ledge and allowing the steering wheel to spin back after turning.As with mirror checks, keeping your eye on how you keep control of the car may seem so basic by the time you take your test it’s not worth worrying about but, under test conditions, it’s a good idea to be conscious of keeping them in check.


Junctions – turning right


Turning right at a junction doesn’t seem to cause pupils in Glasgow too many problems, but it is one of the top 10 faults in Scotland and across the country as a whole.The examiner will be looking out for a number of issues, from positioning over center lines – appropriate to the width of the road – to moving across to use lanes for turning when they are available. Some junctions are trickier than others, with road layouts and markings that can make even experienced drivers question if they are doing the right thing. It’s important, especially when battling nerves, to assess the situation using the experience you’ve picked up through lessons and to make sure you’ve paid close attention to the road signs and markings.If you’re not very confident with this aspect of your driving, practice, practice and more practice will help make it more second nature.


Move off – safely


In the top six faults in Glasgow, Scotland, and nationally, being able to move off safely is obviously a crucial skill for protecting both yourself and other road users.Learning to pull out from where you are parked is one of the first things you have to learn to be able to drive a car. But, by the time you take your test, it might be one of the basics that you fail to remember when you are dealing with nerves.The main purpose of passing your driving test is to prove that you are a safe driver, so the examiner will be keeping a close eye on whether you look around and make observations both to the front and rear of the car before setting off.Our instructor Rob Carey, who delivers lessons in Glasgow, said he tells pupils to ensure the examiner sees them making these checks.“I’ve had a couple of pupils fail because of not checking their blind spot effectively,” he said. “Really exaggerating the over the right shoulder blind spot check is something I ram home early on, as the examiner can only see the back of the pupil’s head when they turn that way.”


Move off–control


This is another common fault that features in the top 10 in Glasgow and Scotland, as well as nationally.As well as being able to move off safely, with good observation, the examiner is also checking that you are in control of the car as you do so. In particular, they could mark you down for moving away too quickly, rolling backward, or if you stall the engine.


Positioning – normal driving


Positioning the car incorrectly under normal driving conditions is a fault that catches out drivers across Scotland and Great Britain.In particular, the examiner will check that you are not too close to the left-hand curb, or too far out towards the middle of the road and that you aren’t moving unnecessarily in and out between parked cars.You might think a lot about your positioning in early lessons as you get to grips with how the car reacts to your control; it’s important to stay aware and conscious of this, even as you feel much more comfortable behind the wheel.


Response to signs – road markings


During your test, you of course need to demonstrate that you are able to understand and react accordingly to different road markings. These include things like lines and lane markings on the road, stop and give way lines at junctions and pedestrian crossings, box junctions, lanes for buses and cycles (and trams elsewhere in the country), and traffic calming and parking road markings. Commonly in the top 10 faults across Glasgow, Scotland, and nationally, there are obviously lots of ways in which you could make a mistake with the examiner in the car. Examples of errors include crossing or straddling double white lines, driving in bus lanes at prohibited times, entering a box junction when the exit is not clear, or stopping over word markings like ‘Keep clear’.A good way to stay in the habit of paying attention to road markings is to take notice of them even when you aren’t driving. Whether you’re walking down the road or a passenger in another vehicle, you can get lots of practice in by thinking about the markings you see and how you would respond to them. If you’re ever not sure what the right thing to do would be, keep a note to ask your instructor.


Reverse park – control


In your test, you could be asked to demonstrate parallel parking at the side of the road, parking in a bay (either driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out), or pulling up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for two car lengths and rejoin the traffic.Whichever maneuver you do, the examiner will want to know that you have enough control over the car to be able to safely get into the correct position to carry it out, take good observations throughout, and do it at an appropriate speed with consideration for other road users.It is not a fault that learners in Norfolk most commonly pick up, but it is in the top 10 for Scotland and Great Britain as a whole.In particular, the examiner will be looking for things like poor clutch control, stalling the engine, excessive acceleration, poor steering, getting too close to other vehicles or hitting the curb, or not being able to finish at an appropriate angle. Getting maneuvers right is down to practice, so make sure you’re comfortable with them all before test day.


Response to signs – traffic

signs Knowing your traffic signs isn’t just necessary for your theory to test you of course also have to be able to apply this knowledge in real life.


This is one of the top faults in Glasgow and Scotland, so it’s important to go into your test preparation. The examiner will want to see that you can obey traffic signs give orders, and react appropriately to other signs, whether they are giving warnings, directions, or other information.As well as making sure you understand and know what to do with signs you see in your lessons and in mock tests, you can also get extra practice in whenever you are out and about or a passenger in another vehicle. If you are not sure how you would react to a sign you see, look it up or ask your instructor what would be the right thing to do.

Use of speed


As you learn to drive, pressing the accelerator beyond a few miles per hour to reaching the speed limit on different types of roads goes from being nerve-wracking to a, hopefully, more comfortable experience.By the time test day comes around you will be ready to drive at the appropriate speed for whatever conditions you face, and it’s of course important to keep an eye on the speedometer, as the examiner will be, too. Appropriate use of speed is not just about staying below the speed limit while driving along, but judging what is right for what is going on around you, for example, other road users, the weather or approaching a hazard or junction. Many of our pupils experience four seasons in one day in their driving lessons, but it’s important to know how you would adapt your driving in the test if faced with conditions you’ve never had before, as will happen when you drive out by yourself.Response to signs – traffic lights
.Not so much a problem with learners in Glasgow and Scotland, but in the top 10 for Great Britain overall, you can pick up faults for reacting incorrectly to traffic lights. The examiner will be looking out for whether you stop in the right place for red lights or when it is safe to do so on amber, and set off again safely when the light is green.Faults you might be marked down for include sailing through a red light, not stopping on amber even though it would have been safe to do so, setting off on red or amber, or setting off on green before it was safe. As a basic skill, this mistake is probably more down to nerves than a lack of understanding, so keep your wits about yourself.


Taking it all in your stride


Interestingly, most of the faults that feature in the top 10 lists are not related to particular maneuvers you have to demonstrate for the examiner, and which might be what you go into the test most worried about, but rather elements of ‘normal driving’.A good instructor wouldn’t put a pupil forward for a test unless they are ready, this suggests a lot of mistakes come down to nerves and making errors on the day that you wouldn’t normally. However, if you make an extra effort to concentrate on keeping up your observations, maintaining good control of the car, good positioning on the road, and preparing in good time to react to road signs and markings, you can go a long way to reducing many of the common faults that occur in tests.

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Top Tips For Preparing For Your Driving Test

by Passin1week

TOP TIPS FOR PREPARING FOR YOUR DRIVING TEST SUCCESS

The time has come to take your driving test you’re ready to get behind the wheel and put your abilities to the test.

Follow our Top Tips for preparing for your driving test success!

  • How to prepare for a driving test
  • Ensure you take the correct amount of lessons before your test.
  • Get a good night’s sleep and be well-rested.
  • Eat something, right before your test, and take a bottle of water.
  • Check over your theory material one last time before you leave for your test.
  • Refresh your memory of the most common test faults.
  • Get to know the local test routes.
  • Have confidence in yourself.
  • Take along the right documents.
  • Dress comfortably.
  • Listen to music that calms you while you wait.


Ensure you’ve taken enough lessons


If you have only had a handful of lessons with an instructor, chances are you’re not quite ready and will be attempting the impossible. Get out on the road and behind the wheel as much as possible, whether that’s with your instructor or a fully qualified driver.

Remember, if you are learning to drive with someone who is not an instructor, they must be over 21 and have held their driving license for over three years – although some insurance policies are different so make sure you double-check with the insurance first.

You should be taking 47 hours of lessons with your instructor and 20 private lessons, as this is considered to be the average number of hours you need to pass.

Get a good night’s sleep and be well-rested.


It’s important you’re well-rested before you take your test. It’s been scientifically proven that those who get a good night’s sleep respond a lot better in reaction tests. Your driving test is a reaction test so you should avoid any caffeine or alcohol the night before as they could interrupt your sleep cycle. Try and get a solid eight hours of sleep for your body to be fully functioning and alert.

Eat something, right before your test, and take a bottle of water


Depending on what you eat, your body will respond in different ways. Not eating prior to your driving test could increase your stress level and lower your attention levels. There is a direct link between having eaten a decent meal, having a good break, and getting a good night’s sleep the night before and on the day, so make sure you’re doing all this for the best chance of passing.

Revisit your theory questions before you leave for your test.


Reminding yourself of the highway code and road signs will help massively, and give you the confidence boost you need to be able to drive in a relaxed and safe manner. This is especially handy if it’s been a while since you took your theory test – as you need to be sure you are up to date with the DVLA standards of driving and what is expected of you behind the wheel.

Abiding by the rules of the Highway Code is a legal requirement, so you must make sure you are familiar with them to avoid any serious faults on your test.

Don’t forget to revisit your hazard perception training too as this will prepare you for real-life situations out on the road. The more alert you are to your surroundings, the less likely you are to have an accident.

Remind yourself of the most common faults


You might feel like you have many of these down to a T, but on the day of your test everything could change and nerves might get the better of you. We suggest that you remind yourself and practice the most common faults as much as possible.

These are:

Failing to check your mirrors before reversing.
Not checking your mirrors when moving off.
Failing to signal.
Stalling due to poor clutch control.
Failing to stick to the speed limit.
Not reacting to what’s going on around you.
Get to know the possible driving test routes at your local test centers
Test centers have a number of approved routes that they have to take drivers on and the chances are if your instructor is local, they will know some of them, if not all of them. In the weeks leading up to your test, ask your instructor to take you out on some of the routes so you can get used to them and understand traffic levels and speed control at different times of the day.

Make sure you have your documents ready on the day.
The night before your driving test make sure you have all your documents ready and by the front door. The important things for you to remember on the day of your test include:

Glasses – if you need them for driving
Your provisional license
The paper counterpart to your license
Your exam invitation letter
Your theory test pass the certificate
Know what is expected of you on the day of your test by researching how practical driving tests work and how they are marked.

Ignore driving test nerves


You will only be put forward for the exam if your instructor thinks you are ready for it and have a decent chance of passing. If you lack confidence in yourself and your driving ability, there’s a high chance you could not pass. Remember you can do this, be confident in yourself, and don’t doubt your abilities – if you’ve completed all the lessons and passed your theory, you have a good chance of succeeding.

Dress for comfort and wear comfortable shoes


It is completely up to you whether or not you want to dress smart or casually for your test. Of course, you won’t fail based on the clothes you are wearing but you should bear in mind that you want to be comfortable when driving and that your clothing doesn’t restrict your movement when using the pedals or trying to change gear.

Choosing the right footwear for your driving test is essential, as there are many shoes that are not suitable for driving in – such as flip-flops and high heels. Choose a pair of shoes that are flat and stay securely on your feet. You more than likely have a pair of shoes you drive in all the time and have no problems with, so wear that one.

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5 Day Intensive Driving Course can Transform your Driving Skills

by Passin1week

Most people dream of buying a car and driving it. There are some individuals who learn to drive a car either from their relatives or friends. It can be a matter of worry if you don’t know how to drive properly. With the increased number of cars on the road, these days, the need for driving lessons is crucial. You need to master the art and science of driving because there are chances of mishaps on the road.

You can opt for driving lessons in Glasgow and get trained by expert trainers. There are some good intensive training courses that are most appropriate for people who want to master driving. You can opt for a 5-day intensive driving course in Glasgow and get trained by experienced driving instructors. You can learn to drive efficiently by enrolling yourself in one such school.

If you plan to own a car, then learning to drive it perfectly is very important. The instructor at the driving school gives all the information about the traffic rules and details about driving a car. While choosing any specific driving school, make sure that you don’t opt for cheap driving classes. Your driving classes training may affect you if you opt for cheap driving courses which employ no well-trained instructors.

Even if the cost of a reputed driving school is high, you will have to choose it because they have qualified and experienced instructors. As these reputed driving schools employ well-trained instructors, you can benefit from learning to drive early. Before choosing any specific driving school, you need to do some research. You can also enquire about driving to schools with your relatives and friends. Passin1week driving school will help you to pass the driving test the first time.

5-DAY INTENSIVE DRIVING COURSES IN GLASGOW WITH PASSIN1WEEK.

The course is custom designed according to your requirements, followed by a practical test booked for the end of your course. The course will take place over a set number of days prior to your test which is booked according to your requirements. Your intensive driving course can be booked for next week. This course is designed for students who may already have some previous driving experience, or for those who are suited to learning at an accelerated rate. This course also suits those who have the desire to pass their test within a short time frame.

Passin1week intensive driving course specialist can help you pass your driving test in just a matter of days or weeks rather than doing lessons over a span of months or even years. This saves time and money. We have 15 years of experience in helping learner drivers to pass their tests quickly and safely. In 2023 on average, 4/5 people who took a driving course with us passed their driving tests on the first. Passin1week Driving School: Highest pass rates of any intensive course company short notice tests available best value courses in Glasgow, fully qualified instructors. Learn with a company that cares, more than just an offer.

5-DAY DRIVING COURSES IN GLASGOW: https://youtu.be/VuUQw_h3aKQ

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    What is the Intensive Driving Course?

    by Passin1week

    Intensive Driving Courses are suitable for people who want to pass their driving test in one to two weeks with lessons being 2-5 hours per day and do not want to spend months and years learning.

    Below you can read some tips to help you decide which is the most suitable driving course for you

    Step 1

    When planning on doing your intensive driving course the first thing you need to do is make the time available for your course.

    Step 2

    Plan the date you want to start and finish your driving course and clear your diary for work and all other commitments for the days/weeks you intend to do your driving lessons. Make sure your only focus is your course and nothing else. By doing a crash driving course you will be learning to drive in a shorter space of time compared to people doing normal driving lessons, which can take from 6 months to a year. It will be tough but remember that it’s only for a short period. As I always tell my pupils you should treat it like work, you’re paying so you want to get the most out of it and get as much done as is humanly possible in the shortest period possible.

    Step 3

    Pick your driving instructor/school carefully, spend time researching them as you will be spending a lot of time with them in a confined place. You will want your instructor to work as hard as you intend to work yourself, it is not very often we have to spend a lot of time with people we don’t know. A good instructor is worth their weight in gold. Lots of driving schools offer intensive courses whilst also offering normal driving lessons at the same time. It is best to avoid these driving schools as it is very difficult if not impossible for a driving instructor to teach 20 other pupils at the same time as offering you a proper intensive driving course.

    Step 4

    You will need your driving instructor to put in as much time and effort if not more into your driving lessons as you do to give you the best chance of passing your driving test. 

    When you search the internet for these courses you will come across lots of driving schools in the UK offering them, take your time when choosing which school is right for you. If a residential course suits you best, maybe this is because you want to get away from family and friends to focus, do check how many hours a day you will be doing behind the wheel. It’s not much good getting a hotel for a week and only spending a couple of hours a day behind the wheel.

    Step 5

    The DVSA driving test is tough and you will want the best driving instructor on your side to help you all the way. Try and avoid going on a course where you do a 5-hour lesson before your driving test as this will make you shattered and the chances of you passing will be a lot less than if you do a gentle warm-up. I would recommend no more than 2 hours beforehand. Bring water to your driving lessons and have some before you start the test. All driving schools are NOT equal, we at Intensive Courses Driving School believe we are the best driving school in the UK offering intensive driving lessons, try us and we hope you will be delighted with the result. Always remember the examiner is looking for a safe driver, not a great driver, don’t rush and always stay focused.

    THE INTENSIVE DRIVING COURSES
    intensive driving course custom designed according to your requirements, followed by a test booked for the end of your course. The course will take place over the four days prior to your test which is booked according to your requirements, for the fifth day. Your 5 day intensive driving course can be booked for next week!

    This course is designed for students who may already have some previous driving experience, or for those who are suited to learning at an accelerated rate. This course also suits those who have the desire to pass their test within a short time frame.