Changing instructor was for me quite a big step. Not only was I going to be driving a bigger car, but I was also going to be learning in the City of Aberdeen. Originally I wasn’t being taught key elements of driving such as how to use mirrors and how to position a car on the road. Having a bigger car was beneficial as it increased my confidence when doing manoeuvres and made me concentrate more as I was very aware of my vehicle’s size. I would recommend learning in a bigger car to anyone as it gives you the confidence of jumping into any other vehicle without any reservations. Getting used to the additional power of a bigger car was also very beneficial and made me more aware of my speed particularly in the built up area.
When I began learning with Bill, he explained everything clearly so I knew why certain actions were carried out and why. He built up my confidence quickly and made me feel good about my driving. Even though my concentration would let me down at times he still believed I had the ability to pass and was very encouraging. The way in which I was taught was very thorough. I understood what I had to do to pass the test, but more importantly how to drive. Rather than just deal with elements of the driving test, he taught me how to deal with difficult situations and therefore expanded my knowledge of how to drive a car. I passed first time and this was undoubtedly down to the way in which I was taught.
During my lessons, Bill often spoke about skid training and Pass Plus. I felt by doing them, the additional driving experiences would benefit me in the future and Bill was very enthusiastic about both.
I did Pass Plus and skid training as soon as I could, and as the skid training was in Elgin, driving there was an experience in itself as it was the longest distance I had driven since passing my test. The skid training lasted for over an hour, and I was taught how to recognise a skid,
prevent under and over steering in all types of weather such as snow, ice and heavy rain. This was extremely eye opening in terms of what could happen if I drive too fast or too slow.
Skid training was very useful and I felt it has given me a lot of experience for when the weather is at its worst. By being recommended to do this, I now know the effects snow and ice can have on driving conditions and now understand how to try to prevent them through various driving simulations I experienced in a skid training car. This training also assists in reducing insurance rates for new drivers, which is another bonus.
Pass Plus on the other hand has a bigger effect on insurance rates and can make them much cheaper. Bill also felt that I would benefit in doing this as it covered elements of driving which don’t form part of the driving test, although most of the modules in pass plus I had experienced before I sat my test which shows how thorough Bill is with training. I managed to do Pass Plus and skid training in one whole day and through groups he highlighted, essentially completing the training for nothing as I was able to claim the costs back.
I would Bill at Vital Drive to anyone learning to drive or who wishes to improve their driving technique. To anyone reading this, pick up the phone and ask Bill to be your instructor as I guarantee you will not regret it, I certainly didn’t.
Lindsey Thomson - Ellon
