InverclydeDriving School - Driving Lessons and Courses in Greenock, Port Glasgow, Gourock, Inverkip, Wemyss Bay, Skelmorlie, Kilmacolm & Langbank
Xmas Gift Packages Still Available Call 07984 891772 or Click Here for More Information
WELCOME
Hello, I'm Kevin McDonald ADI, welcome to the Go School of Motoring website.
HOW CAN I HELP YOU?
For most people looking to learn to drive their objective is simple - they want to learn as quickly and easily as possible, with a minimum of cost and, ideally, pass their test first time.
I can help you achieve this for one simple reason - my objective is exactly the same as yours.
I make my living by teaching lots of pupils to pass their test as quickly and easily as possible.
HOW CAN I HELP YOU ACHIEVE THIS?
I AM A EXPERIENCED, FULLY QUALIFIED INSTRUCTOR
I am a fully qualified, experienced and highly graded Driving Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructor. I am also a member of the Driving Instructors Association (DIA) the industry's professional body.
It is estimated that 1 in 7 learners are, sometimes unwittingly, taking lessons with inexperienced and unqualified trainee instructors.
These instructors are widely used by some large, national driving schools. They will be using you to practice on as they try to gain the skills and experience necessary to pass their qualifying exam.
Many people are unaware of this. For more information an advice on this issue click here.
I WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH THE BEST TOOLS FOR THE JOB
Some cars are easier to drive than others. For example, diesel cars tend to be easier to drive than petrol cars. I can see no reason whatsoever to make things more difficult than they need be.
I WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH HIGH QUALITY, STRUCTURED LESSONS
From the very outset your lessons will be structured to help you obtain your objective of passing your test.
My primary objective is to teach you to drive...Properly.
Starting with the basics, we will move on through all the topics that need to be mastered for you to be a safe and competent driver and (as a by-product) for you to pass your test.
As soon as you have shown sufficient competence in one subject, we will move on to the next. This will present you with a new challenge each time but, as every new topic will relate in some way to the one before, it won't be too large a step.
Of course, everyone learns at different speeds, so I won't expect you to take on too much too soon. Equally, if you are able to make rapid progress I won't hold you back. The majority of my pupils pass their test in many fewer lessons than that which the Driving Standards Agency would consider average.
Inside the car I will do everything I can to help you pass your test quickly. But this also extends to outside the car.
Every new pupil is issued with their unique Driver's Pack. This contains everything you need to accelerate your progress and is specifically tailored to driving in Inverclyde.
• DIA approved lesson recaps with lots of diagrams.
• Appointment Schedule - keeps track of your lessons. At each stage you will know what we have done, the time of your next lesson and what we will be doing next time.
• Progress Report - monitors your progress in reaching your target of being ready for your driving test.
• Driving Test Reports - before your actual test we will conduct at least one mock test (this is my chance for revenge ...lol). These are invaluable for highlighting any problem areas before tackling the real test.
• Road Diagrams - laminated diagrams of some of the more challenging roads you will face in Inverclyde. Including a new, two page, feature on Bullring Roundabout and an additional feature on Baker St./Morrison's complex - I keep hearing unfortunate tales from my pupils of how their friends failed here - but it needn't happen!!
THEORY TEST
If you really want, I can give you theory lessons for £22 an hour. But you could find better ways to spend your money!!! With a little commitment it is not too difficult. The best way to prepare for your theory is on your own, or with a friend, using your computer. I can advise you on the best software products and provide these for you, if required.
In addition, as part your lessons, I will be asking you questions about practical driving matters which will relate to your theory test.
FINALLY ... don't try to 'wing' it on your theory test. You will be simply be wasting time and money.
PRIVATE PRACTICE
I actively encourage private practice. If you can get out with your parents or other accompanying driver - go for it!! It will improve your chances of passing first time and may reduce the number of lessons you will need. It will also give you experience of driving different cars.
I can advise you of when you are ready to embark on private practice and on what you should be doing. Your accompanying driver may benefit from reading your lesson recaps - it will give them an idea of the standards they should expect from you.
I WILL TREAT YOU WITH RESPECT
On your lessons I won't shout at you or overly criticise you. I don't smoke and I won't receive or make calls on your lesson. Your lesson will be well planned and will last for the scheduled time.
I WILL CHARGE YOU A FAIR PRICE FOR YOUR LESSONS
I don't have the overheads of large national driving schools like the AA, nor do I have to pay expensive franchise fees. As a result I can keep my prices lower than these national schools.
As most of my pupils come from referrals, I don't have to pay for costly newspaper advertising either. As a result I am able to keep my prices competitive with other local instructors and even offer a small introductory discount.
I don't claim to be the cheapest around. However, bear in mind that the cost of learning to drive does not just depend on the price of individual lessons - the number of lessons you require and the likelihood of you passing first time are more important factors.
I estimate that every time someone fails their test it will cost them around £160 in new test fees, extra lessons and booking of car on day of test. So you really want to maximise your chances of passing first time.
I WILL THOROUGHLY PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR TEST
The majority of people fail their driving test - it's a statistical fact. Yet it needn't be so! With proper preparation most people should be able to pass first time.
I can't guarantee you will but I can give you the best possible chance.
So I will leave no stone unturned in helping you achieve this. You will be 100% prepared for your test and won't go into it 'blind'. Do what we have practised on our lessons and you should pass - it's that simple.
Most instructors take their pupils out for a hour of practice before the test. I always take my pupils out for 90 minutes. I find this gives the additional time I need to cover all the topics required. It also allows us to arrive at the test centre in plenty of time and relax a bit before the test.
I sit in as an observer all my tests (with your permission).
Why? Well, two reasons -
• If you pass your test it is still likely that you will have made some mistakes. I can advise you on how to avoid these in the future. Moreover, if you fail your test, I will be present to witness what went wrong. This will help us take the remedial action that will help you pass next time.
• I view driving instruction as a bit like driving itself - it is a constant learning curve. By sitting in on tests, I can enhance my own knowledge and experience which in turn will help me plan my future lessons better.
You will find my latest statistics in the column on the right. You will find they compare very favourably with the UK averages.
(Source : Driving Standards Agency, September 2011)
Average Minor Errors Per Test Pass - 4.5
Allowed Minor Errors Per Test -15
Last Update - 13/12/11
LATEST PASS
Congratulations to -
Catriona Fitzpatrick (1st Time, 5 Minor Errors)
INDEPENDENT DRIVING
As of 4 October 2010 the driving test now includes independent driving.
This will consist of an average of ten minutes of test time. During the independent drive, the candidate will have to follow traffic signs or a short series of verbal directions, or a combination of both. To help candidates understand where they are going when following verbal directions, the examiner may show a diagram. Candidates can also ask for a reminder as they drive.
The aim of independent driving is to assess the candidate's ability to drive safely whilst making decisions independently. It's not a test of navigation and candidates won't be failed for going off route.
To allow time for independent driving, candidates will only have to complete one of the three reversing manoeuvres, instead of two.
At Greenock Test Centre, the Independent routes mostly involve following a series of directions but in some you will follow traffic signs and a few have a combination of both. The routes are all straightforward and thus far none of my pupils have encountered any real problems. In any case, you can be assured that you will be thoroughly prepared for the Independent Driving element of your test.
For more information see the video below.
PASS PLUS COURSE FOR JUST £75
Did you know?
In the first year of driving, one driver in five is involved in an accident.
Inverclyde Council is committed to ensuring safety on and around the roads for everyone living, working or visiting Inverclyde. This commitment is now being fully supported by providing financial incentives to all 17-25 year olds who have passed their driving test within the last year and are resident in Inverclyde to have the opportunity to enhance their driving skills and awareness of hazards on the roads.
Inverclyde Council will provide half the funding for anyone meeting the above criteria, meaning a Pass Plus Course can be taken for only £75.
Pass Plus comprises modules that give young drivers experience of motorway, town and rural driving, as well as driving at night and in adverse weather conditions which are not covered in the standard driving test.
For more on Pass Plus click hereor call to book your course.
17th BIRTHDAY MIDNIGHT SPECIAL
Give someone a great and unique start to their 17th birthday with a midnight driving lesson! A 90 minute lesson beginning at 11.30pm commences with an explanation of the car controls lasting around 30 minutes. Having then turned seventeen the rest of the lesson can be spent driving the car. Available for £45. Can be used in addition to other special offers.
To avoid disappointment please book well in advance and ensure that licence is applied for well ahead of 17th birthday. For details of how to apply for licence please click here.
TOP TIPS
THE HIGHWAY CODE IN 100 WORDS
Drive on the left. Make sure you can see and be seen. Keep a constant look out all around. Be aware of signs and regulations and why they are there. Be predictable. Recognise and anticipate danger and keep clear space from it. Always ensure that you can stop within the distance that you know is clear. Develop your skills. Give courtesy, co-operation and space to others. Don't obstruct them. Never take risks, drive unfit or compete with others. Safety is paramount and far more important than priority. Take personal responsibility for your safety and the safety of those nearby. Enjoy.
TEST BOOKING
When booking your theory or driving test online ONLY use the official DSA site.
Use another site and you may end up paying a substantial 'booking fee'.
A final piece of advice - DO NOT book your theory test until you are consistently able to pass mock theory and hazard perception tests - otherwise you will simply be costing yourself time and money.
TO BOOK YOUR LESSONS NOW CALL KEVIN ON
07984 891772
PASS PLUS COURSE FOR JUST £75
Did you know?
In the first year of driving, one driver in five is involved in an accident.
Inverclyde Council is committed to ensuring safety on and around the roads for everyone living, working or visiting Inverclyde. This commitment is now being fully supported by providing financial incentives to all 17-25 year olds who have passed their driving test within the last year and are resident in Inverclyde to have the opportunity to enhance their driving skills and awareness of hazards on the roads.
Inverclyde Council will provide half the funding for anyone meeting the above criteria, meaning a Pass Plus Course can be taken for only £75.
Pass Plus comprises modules that give young drivers experience of motorway, town and rural driving, as well as driving at night and in adverse weather conditions which are not covered in the standard driving test.
For more on Pass Plus click hereor call to book your course.
