Driving Lessons learned between clinics and classes
Anya, a medical student based in the Newington area of Edinburgh, got in touch about learning to drive after hearing about lessons from her flatmate, who had passed a few years earlier. With an incredibly demanding schedule full of placements, exams, and ongoing responsibilities, we worked closely to find time slots that would work around her commitments.
Having already had some lessons with another instructor, Anya wasn’t starting from scratch. She had a solid foundation, and from the very first lesson, we saw clear potential to build on those skills. Learning in busy Edinburgh traffic around Newington proved to be a brilliant training ground. Anya quickly began refining her hazard perception, clutch control, and forward planning.
After several focused lessons, we carried out a mock driving test. This gave us a chance to see how Anya would handle real test pressure. She performed well, and it clearly highlighted just a few areas we could refine. Over the next few weeks, we zeroed in on those specific points while continuing to explore the Currie test area.
With Anya ready to sit her test, the next challenge was the one facing many learners across Edinburgh: actually finding a driving test! Unfortunately, due to enormous waiting times, we had to pause driving lessons while Anya waited. After months of searching with no luck, her original driving test date eventually came around six months later.
I really felt for her—the extended wait added even more pressure. But we picked things back up and prepared with a clear plan. On test day, I collected Anya at 6:30am for her 8:00am slot at the Currie test centre. She drove confidently on our final warm-up drive, and I had no doubt she was ready.
When Anya returned from her test, the result was in: she had passed! The examiner was pleased, and rightly so—it was a strong drive and a brilliant way to finish off her learning journey.
Well done, Anya! After such a long road (literally and figuratively), you fully earned your licence. Now you can hit the road and navigate wherever you please!
