Dunbar AutoPass

03/09/2026

There’s a lot to remember when you're getting started. From applying for your provisional licence to displaying your L plates, these 5 facts can help you understand the basics. 🚗

Find out more at gov.uk/browse/driving/learning-to-drive

02/09/2026

Before your driving test, tick these off your list. 📝🚗

Test day nerves are normal, but this checklist means you’ll have one less thing to worry about.

Here's what you need to bring with you to your driving test:

✅ Your UK driving licence. If you have a licence from Northern Ireland, you need to bring the Northern Ireland photocard, paper counterpart and theory certificate (if taken in Northern Ireland).

✅ A car that meets the rules, whether it's your instructor's or your own.

Know someone with a test coming up? Share this with them so they're fully prepared.

For more information on what to bring to your driving test, visit: https://ow.ly/Q6iz50ZFw6a

31/08/2026

Unlike most test centres, Haddington does not release new tests every Monday.

Instead, pupils need to book and pay for a test “on hold”. You will then be allocated a test date by email once one becomes available.

🚗 If you’re sitting up at 6am every Monday looking for a cancellation, read this.

DVSA has finally published some very clear guidance about when driving-test appointments actually appear, and hopefully this clears up one of the biggest myths I hear from learners.

Yes, new driving-test appointments are released at 6am every Monday, including bank holidays, but those are appointments for 24 weeks in the future.

Cancelled and earlier tests are completely different.

DVSA says earlier appointments can become available at any time during the week when somebody cancels, moves their test or additional examiner availability is added.

There is no magic cancellation time and no special 6am Monday release for earlier tests.

So if you’re joining that huge Monday morning queue hoping somebody’s test for next week suddenly appears, DVSA is actually saying there is no benefit in doing that.

Another important warning is not to sit there constantly refreshing the system or trying several phones, tablets and laptops at the same time. Search too often and you can hit the search limit or get blocked temporarily with Error 15.

Appointments are currently available up to 7 February 2027, and the next new batch released on Monday will be for the week beginning 8 February 2027.

Personally, I think having this information clearly published is long overdue because learners are constantly being told there is a secret day, secret time or secret trick to finding cancellations.

There isn’t.

And while we’re talking about cancellations, please don’t let desperation for a test date become more important than actually being ready to take it.

A test appointment is only useful if you’re ready to drive independently when you get there.

Source: DVSA, published 28 August 2026.

27/08/2026

Thank you so much for your review, Mark!

It was an absolute pleasure teaching you, and I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. ☺️

26/08/2026

Practice between lessons really does make a difference!

Your driving lesson is where we work on your skills, build your confidence and tackle anything you’re finding difficult — but getting out in your own car, with a suitable supervising driver, between lessons gives you the chance to put those skills into practice. If you have access to a suitable car and a supervising driver, make the most of it!

Regular practice, little and often, can make a huge difference

Even a short drive can help you:
✅ Build confidence
✅ Get more comfortable with the car
✅ Reinforce what we’ve covered in lessons
✅ Gain experience in different situations
✅ Become a more independent driver

Drive Smart. Drive Automatic.
Dunbar AutoPass

24/08/2026

🌟 FIRST TIME PASS! 🌟

Huge congratulations to Mark on passing his driving test!

With the long waiting times for tests, we planned Mark’s lessons carefully and spread them out to fortnightly sessions. This meant he could keep building his skills consistently while avoiding a long gap between finishing his lessons and sitting his test.

Mark took every bit of feedback on board, and was an absolute pleasure to teach from start to finish.

Congratulations on becoming a fully qualified driver — safe driving and enjoy the freedom!

27/07/2026

19/07/2026

I love using props and demonstrations during lessons because they make things click. When pupils understand the reason behind a technique, they're far more likely to remember it and do it naturally.

One of my favourite examples is demonstrating the blind spot by getting out of the car. So many pupils say, "Ah, that makes sense now!" once they actually see it for themselves.

These little die-cast Cars are always a hit too! They make roundabout theory much easier to visualise, and pupils genuinely enjoy learning with them.

Every pupil learns differently, and sometimes a simple demonstration is all it takes to turn confusion into confidence.

Knowledge and understanding are crucial for building practical skills, and to become a safe and confident driver.

16/07/2026

Freshly washed, fuelled up and ready to roll!

After a short break, it's great to be back to work today! I'm looking forward to getting back to helping my pupils gain confidence on the road and work towards getting their driving licences.

Thank you for your patience while I was away. I'll be catching up on all enquiries and messages over the next few days and will get back to everyone as soon as I can.

29/06/2026

A huge thank you to all of my pupils for putting their trust in me, listening to my feedback, and giving their best in every lesson.

Learning to drive is a team effort, and when you stay committed, build your confidence, and keep working on the areas we focus on, it all comes together on test day. There's no better feeling than seeing you achieve your goal and earn that pass.

Thank you for every review and recommendation!

Dunbar AutoPass - Driving Dunbar forward one automatic lesson at a time.