Edinburgh City Driving School

Fantastic experience: Passed my test first time thanks to Walter at Edinburgh City Driving School, highly recommend to anyone who is learning! Walter thank you SO much for all of your support, guidance and patience throughout my driving journey and helping me finally get on the roads! Most importantly thank you for helping me get my confidence back and teaching me to trust myself and the skills I learnt whilst working with you. So buzzing I passed but will miss our catch ups! WE DID IT!! Emma Rose x

Fantastic experience: I drove a lot a few years ago but then took a few years break so I was looking for an instructor who could help me dust off the cobwebs and then pass. Walter was very patient with me from the beginning - and he very graciously moved on through the syllabus when it was clear to him I already had certain skills, saving me money which I really appreciated. He never cancelled a lesson and always picked me up on time. Thanks very much Walter

Fantastic experience: Passed my test this week thanks to Walter! Awesome instructor and an even better person—super friendly and supportive throughout all the lessons. He adapted the lessons to my needs, which really helped my confidence for the test. Big thanks, Walter, for all your support and the great chats during our lessons!

Fantastic experience: Walter is an exceptional driving instructor! He never shouted or made me feel uncomfortable, even when I made mistakes. He had this amazing ability to understand that I knew what I did wrong and trusted me to correct it without making a big deal out of it. His calm and encouraging approach kept me smiling for every lesson. Learning with Walter was a genuinely enjoyable experience, and I couldn’t recommend him more highly!

Fantastic experience: Atul was an amazing driving instructor just passed my test today with only 5 minors. He help me work on all the fine details before my test which help a lot. So grateful for all his advice up to the test.

Fantastic experience: Today I passed with 4 minors thanks to my instructor, Atul. Atul's lessons were very productive as he was encouraging and effective during lessons. He was extremely supportive throughout my learning process and I couldn't have done it without him. If you need an effective and supportive instructor, Atul is great for you! I will always recommend him to my friends and family.

Negative experience: The few lessons that I had were very repetitive and the car was cheap and very difficult to drive. Atul was rude, made inappropriate comments about other drivers and raised his voice at me a few times, which I did not appreciate. He also asked me to send him notes of what we had covered his lessons on WhatsApp, as he did not want to write them down himself, which I found unprofessional, considering the cost of the lessons. My instructor asked me to start meeting him over an hour away on the bus after we had a few lessons, which led to me stopping my lessons altogether. It felt like a waste of time and (a lot of) money, as there are no other instructors who cover my area who are available. Overall my experience has left me frustrated and deflated.

Fantastic experience: Great driving lessons with Atul really helped build my confidence !

Fantastic experience: Did some refresher lessons with Richard. Hadn’t driven for about 8 years and within half an hour he had me driving through Stockbridge. All up I did four hours and then had the confidence to get in the car and go. Very encouraging and relaxed instructor. Builds your confidence and provides great feedback. Highly recommend

Fantastic experience: Huge thanks to David as he helped to pass on the driving test in my very first attempt. He was very flexible and accommodating to fit the lessons in my schedule, and offered me great tips and advices on how to feel more secure on the day of the test. Cheers David!

Fantastic experience: Brilliant experience learning with Edinburgh City Driving School. Really flexible and accommodating with lesson times and instructor very relatable and gives positive and constructive feedback. Many thanks David.

Fantastic experience: We can’t thank Christine enough for all the support and encouragement she gave to my son during his lessons. Christine has now taught both my children and they have become confident drivers. She has a natural way and can relate easily to her pupils whether boy or girl. She is an excellent teacher and would definitely recommend her. Thanks again ❤️

Fantastic experience: Passed my test today first time all thanks to Christine. I’ve taken lessons on a couple of other occasions over the years and have never felt as comfortable and confident as I did in the car with Christine. In hardly any time we got to a place where I was able to take my test and get the pass. I would recommend Christine as a driving instructor to absolutely anyone. 10/10!

Fantastic experience: Anna taught my wife how to drive. Anna is an excellent driving instructor, who's passionate about her job as well as very kind, gentle, professional and compassionate. Edinburgh City driving school were very professional and reliable. I'd highly recommend without a shadow of a doubt.

Fantastic experience: Just finished and passed my course with Christine. Very nice person. Helped me a lot. Makes you feel relaxed and comfortable. Defo recommend to family and friends. So glad I booked for her. Have wasted money on other company's as never learnt from them. But learnt everything I need and more from here.

Fantastic experience: Richard my driving instructor was very down to earth and easy to get along with, couldn't finish my lessons due to personal reasons but Richard couldn't have been better in offering me alternative lessons to try suit me etc. would highly recommend

Negative experience: I would not recommend booking intensive courses with this driving school as the instructor is not organised with her schedule and I wasted my summer and my Christmas holidays because of this. I contacted the instructor to book an intensive course for July 2022 so that I could get 40h of driving lessons and take my test in August and she said that she could fit this into her schedule. But as it got closer to the start date (19th July), she wasn’t really able to give me any timings or dates and I only got a 2h lesson completed on 29th July before she went off on holiday and I inevitably had to cancel my test. Then I managed to book a test for Jan 2023 as I thought that I could do an intensive course in December and I contacted the instructor in October and she said that she could work with the dates I gave her for December. Additionally, I asked her multiple times to confirm that the 19th Dec would the starting date and every time, she said yes. However, on the 19th Dec, she delayed the course again and still was not able to give me a single lesson and I again, had to cancel, my driving test. This was a complete joke and I regret booking a course with her for a second time especially when it’s hard to book test dates and I am only in Edinburgh for the holidays. She is a lovely person but she really needs to give a heads up if she’s unable to commit to giving lessons especially if unforeseen circumstances are involved. I was unable to book my holidays and appointments as she did not to give me a proper timetable for the lessons- and this happened twice and I was foolish to try and book lessons with her the second time. However both times, I got my deposit back with no issues.

Negative experience: Unfortunately, I had an appalling experience with Edinburgh City Driving School (June-Aug 2022) and would not recommend them at all. I paid £1600 for a 2-week (40 hours) intensive course, booking my test for the end of the course. By the end of my 2 weeks I’d only received 30 hours tuition and was very stressed by my unprofessional experiences. I liked my tutor as a person, but they were chaotic: my tutor was meant to send me a schedule several weeks in advance but that never happened. Then they started the course 4 days later than scheduled, cutting 4 days off my course. By the time my test was due we had only completed 30 hours of lessons. The tutor cancelled or was late (between 30 mins and 2.5 hours) for EVERY SINGLE LESSON, we had only 30-minute breaks sometimes, and they once turned up so tired they thought they might fall asleep at the wheel. When I complained to the school and asked for a partial refund, they said it had nothing to do with them as the tutor is a freelancer. They washed their hands of any responsibility to their students or staff. I have since been contacted by several other students who had a similar bad experience. In short: please don’t waste your money on a stressful learning experience, you can find more professional schools elsewhere in Edinburgh.

Negative experience: Terrible communication! In April I booked an intensive course for July and paid a £400 deposit. The instructor told me they would work out dates and contact me. 23rd of June I emailed to enquire about starting dates as I needed to arrange my work around the lessons- received no reply. 1 week later (30th June) I emailed again, again enquiring about starting dates- received no reply. 5th July I phoned the instructor- no answer, no call back. 6th July I phoned again- no answer, no call back. I text that day, enquiring about start dates. The instructor text back saying they were going on holiday the next day and would be in touch on 11th. 11th- no contact. 12th- I text the instructor again, and they said their flight home had been delayed, that they should be back the next day (13th) and that they would text when they were back. By 19th July- no contact from them. They knew from the original booking and from my texts and emails that my driving test was 26th July. At 6 days before my driving test they had not been in touch to even begin arranging lessons so I asked for my £400 to be refunded. I received it back 2 days later- no issues there. This was very poor communication, with my multiple attempts to establish start dates either ignored or postponed. As I had this intensive course booked, I naturally didn’t arrange another course or lessons. If the instructor had no availability it would have been preferable if they had told me upfront so I could have made alternative arrangements. Based on previous positive reviews I had been looking forward to this driving course; unfortunately my emails, calls and texts attempting to schedule lessons were either ignored or deferred, which caused me additional stress in the run up to my driving test. If you book with this driving school make sure you get a start date in writing!

Fantastic experience: I learned with Christine who is an excellent instructor. She kept me calm and was very patient with me as a nervous driver. I’d recommend her to anyone looking to learn!

Fantastic experience: Richard is a great instructor, very calm and really helped me build my confidence. I booked a 2hour session in my own car as I hadn't driven in a few years. Definitely recommend :)

Fantastic experience: Super excited that my pink licence arrived in the post this morning after passing my test on Monday. Big shout out to Edinburgh City Driving School and special thanks to Christine for instructing me through my week intensive course. You were an absolute pleasure to spend so many hours in the car with and remained calm and supportive throughout. Christine was also the only instructor I’ve ever had that really makes use of all your time and gets you learning all the routes and running through mocks to get you ready. Thanks so much and I’ll be referring all my friends!

Negative experience: My driving instructor took me to a parking lot and we did 3 circles and then he took me back home (1.5h lesson!!!) but the lesson was below 50 minutes why??? I do not know.. During this lesson I drove for around 7 minutes...,other 43 minutes was driving to and from destination and talk... then I had health emergency (hospital) and had to cancel lessons next day and he charged me anyway. I paid £75 for 3 circles around the parking lot,,all other stuff that he did, his texts, timing were all confusing...Beyond dissapointing, I should not pay for the lesson because there was no lesson..It took me to a dark place...like maybe I cant drive, maybe I wasnt born a driver...then someone recommened me another instructor, guess what second hour of driving lessons and I was driving on major roads....I make huge progress and my faith is back...I will not write the name, this is not about making someone look bad, I am just dissapointed and that person knows he failed to show me any dedication and will to work with me, yet I was charged,,..

Fantastic experience: spoke to Sara wasn't helpful and wasn,t interested to give me information. Would give sara 1 star. 5 star for only Keith McDonald.

Fantastic experience: Can't recommend Edinburgh City Driving School enough. Called and was straight in for lessons with Richard who is such a great instructor, cant thank him enough for his patience and belief to get me through my driving test. Confident Instructor who knows the roads and test well, helpful every step of the way. Only heard positives about the other instructors so whoever you get your guaranteed a great time and a pass.

Fantastic experience: I passed my test today. My instructor was Richard and I would highly recommend him, very experienced instructor and a great guy !

Fantastic experience: I contacted them and was expecting a long waiting period, but Richard got me in for lessons straight away. He’s an experienced instructor who knows the roads and knows how to teach and guide you throughout the lessons. I’ll miss the lessons, honestly, but I’m so glad I passed!! Highly recommend these guys!

Fantastic experience: I would highly recommend Jon as an instructor for anyone wanting to learn how to drive. His calm and friendly attitude combined with his patience and encouragement made every lesson enjoyable and insightful. Great structure to each of his lessons and clear, helpful feedback as you go to build greater confidence on the road. Couldn't recommend Jon highly enough!

Fantastic experience: I would highly recommend Keith for any driving needs. He is an friendly, approachable instructor who was extremely helpful and insightful during my time spent with him after my test doing the Pass Plus course and further driving skills.

Fantastic experience: I would really recommend (Kevin) to anyone wanting to learn to drive. He has been amazing and so helpful. I felt really comfortable driving with him, he taught me so much and showed me everything that I needed to know on the road. Very patient instructor and well experienced. He taught me so well now I’m very comfortable to drive on my own!. I really can’t thank him enough!. All the hard work pays off at the end! Passed first time very happy and I’ll be a safe driver on the road. So now you can call me king of the road! Thank you very much Kevin your a star

Fantastic experience: Thanks for your patience and encouragement Richard! My licence just arrived :)

Fantastic experience: Informative, flexible and good company. Learning to drive was all I could ask for with Edinburgh City Driving School. Thank you

Fantastic experience: Richard was a great instructor. He was both patient and encouraging in equal measure. I passed my practical test first time on December 7th 2016. I would highly recommend. Competitive rates and an excellent Citroen DS3, and ideal car for learning to drive in.

Fantastic experience: I started learning again after a year and a half with ECDS and my lessons were with Jon Perry. The level of teaching is second to none, he is patient, understanding and really helps boost your confidence on the road. I already had some experience from past instructors but Jon is by far the best. I'm pleased to say that today I passed my driving test first time and I couldn't have done it without him! I would deffinately reccomend Jon when choosing your instructor. Thank you so much for everything!

Fantastic experience: Jon was top notch, even a buffoon like me, he can get through the test first time! thanks again buddy, camper with fork trucks for my vespa is on track and in sight ;0

Fantastic experience: Awesome driving school with a really nice car to drive! Highly recommend them. Passed my test today with RIchard, gonna miss the lessons, cool guy and really helpful! Thank you again! Cheers

Fantastic experience: Jon is a great instructor that he let me pass my driving test in the first time! I was very enjoyable in his lesson and he is very kind to explain every question. As i am a Chinese my English is not very good , Jon do not mind do speak slowly (highly recommend to some Chinese !) . If you want to pass your exam at once , please dont waste time and choose Jon be you instructor :D Thank you Jon!

Fantastic experience: Had lessons with Jon Perry at ECDS. He not only taught me how to drive but simplified it for me, he made me feel completely at ease and i couldnt have asked for a better instructor.. Really nice guy with lots of patience! Passed 2nd time!

Fantastic experience: Great experience at Edinburgh City Driving School with Jon, learnt everything I needed to and enjoyed the lessons! Went from no experience at all at the start to passing the my test first time. Would definitely recommend.

Fantastic experience: Taught to drive by Jon Perry. Very good instructor who helped me pass first time. Highly recommend

Fantastic experience: Great service, really flexible, and I passed first time. Couldn't ask for more. Thanks Keith.

Fantastic experience: Jon Perry from the Edinburgh City Driving School was recommended to me by a friend and I could not have asked for a better instructor. He gave me the time, patience and knowledge I needed to become a confident and competent driver. I have had lessons in the past with other instructors and was not left feeling confident, however I found the 2 hours lessons along with Jon's guidance benefited me greatly. Passed first time!

Fantastic experience: Gone from no driving experience at all to passing my test with 0 minors in 3 months. Big thanks to Keith from Edinburgh City Driving School.

Fantastic experience: I am really grateful with Jon's teaching. He was very patience to answer all my in-depth questions, not just answering, but also explaining the rationale behind the answer. Also, his handbook is very useful and it allows us to reflect what we learned when we have time, not just during the lessons. Thanks Jon

Fantastic experience: I had a great experience returning to learning to drive after a long time. Jon was a great instructor and I would highly recommend him.

Fantastic experience: Loved learning to drive with Edinburgh City Driving school! Never had an interest in driving as I never really had the confidence to learn, but Keith made the whole experience so enjoyable and relaxed! Passed first time too! Thanks so much for helping me through my driving and I would highly recommend you to anyone who was considering learning to drive!

Fantastic experience: As an older driver I have found this to be such a positive experience and learned so much more - I thought I knew it all! Lost confidence and now I have it back again. Thanks Ed City Driving.

Fantastic experience: Cannot thank Keith enough at Edinburgh City Driving School for getting me through my driving lessons and giving me the confidence to pass my test first time with only 2 minors!! I was very nervous in the car to begin with and an over cautious driver (panicking about everything!) but thanks to Keith teaching me so well and having faith in me, i managed to build up my confidence in the car to become a safe driver after only 15 lessons. Keith was an encouraging and patient instructor who provided me with the support i needed in a professional way as well as making lessons enjoyable and fun rather than a chore. Keith was very knowledgeable and has taught me skills that i will have for life. Highly recommend this driving school and Keith, thank you so much! And grateful to walk away with no grey hairs!

Fantastic experience: Jon Perry provided great structure to each lesson made it really enjoyable. I always felt safe and comfortable during our lesson. Couldn't of passed without him. Thanks Jon

Fantastic experience: I cannot recommend Edinburgh City Driving School enough! I hadn't done much research on driving schools and chose Edinburgh City Driving School by chance, but I am SO glad that I did! Keith was a fantastic instructor: fun and encouraging but also patient and knowledgeable. In under three months, I've gone from never having found biting point to feeling like I've become a confident and safe driver. I really enjoyed my lessons and felt prepared for my test which I passed first time! I would recommend Edinburgh City Driving School to everyone, I had a 100% positive experience, and I'm so grateful to Keith for all his help and support (and good chat!) over the last few months! Thanks so much!

Fantastic experience: Keith has been the best instructor that I could have wished for. He will not only teach you the driving skills that you need, but also give you the best tips so you can nail the test. Also, he's shown time and time again, to have the patience a saint with the more trying pupils... like myself that is :) Would definitely recommend to anyone based in Edinburgh.

Fantastic experience: I passed first time... Thank to Keith my instructor. He was very professional, and helpful in his teaching!!

Fantastic experience: I'm really grateful to Keith for his very clear instruction and constant support. I passed my test on the first attempt earlier this week with 4 minors. I found that Keith was great at spotting my weaknesses from the outset. His useful feedback and encouragement helped me to strengthen all areas of my driving and build my confidence. He's also got good chat which is always a plus! :) Thanks Keith and ECDS.

Fantastic experience: I can't recommend Jon highly enough. His lessons are really well structured, and he explains everything clearly - not only the what, but also the why. He kept up constant feedback, trying to sort out all those little mistakes. The scorecard is also very useful early on. Thanks Jon!

Fantastic experience: Keith was absolutely fantastic. I was a very nervous pupil and he was always calm and helpful and corrected my mistakes without making anything more stressful. Took 20 hours of lessons and passed on my first try with just 1 minor. Would very much recommend this company!!

Fantastic experience: I really didn't enjoy driving at all and failed tests for silly mistakes due to bad nerves. After some time with Edinburgh City Driving I got the confidence I needed and my driving style changed from "I wonder what mistakes I will make today" to "I wonder what challenging situations I will overcome today". A great driving school for students, really good value, get picked up at Uni or at home, friendly instructors and you can schedule those lessons at times that suit you. Thanks for the pass ECDS!

Fantastic experience: I learned to drive with Keith from Edinburgh City Driving School and thoroughly recommend him as a driving instructor. He was a great teacher and always put me at ease, which was exactly what I needed as a nervous driver. Having dreaded driving lessons in the past with several other instructors, I looked forward to my lessons with Keith and his patience really paid off – I passed my test with 2 minors, which I never thought was possible before.