Learn To Drive UK

Changes To The Theory Test From 23rd January 2012

2011-12-19T12:14:00.001Z

From 23rd January 2012 the multiple-choice questions used in the Theory Test will no longer be published.

Alternative questions to assist in learning and revision can be found in commercially available books, software and other Theory Test study materials.

The format of the Theory Test itself will not change.

See Changes to the theory test: the facts for more information.

Changes To Theory Test: DSA to stop publishing questions used in theory tests

2010-11-02T11:28:00.003Z

The Driving Standards Agency is to stop publishing the multiple choice questions and answers used in theory tests. This will help to ensure that new drivers learn the principles behind driving theory rather than just learning answers.

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said:

"The driving theory test should help to prepare drivers for real life on the road - good driving is not just about vehicle-handling skills, but also about having the knowledge and understanding of safe driving theory.

"No longer publishing these questions and answers will mean that successful candidates will have to understand the theory rather than simply memorising answers.

"I believe that this - along with the other changes we are making to the driving test regime - will lead to better drivers and safer roads."

In September 2011 DSA will change the format of books and other learning materials available to help people prepare for theory tests. This will take place at the same time as more challenging case studies are introduced to car and motorcycle theory tests.

Then, from 1 January 2012, DSA will create theory tests using questions which will not be published.

Practice questions and answers, not used in theory tests, will still be available to help candidates with revision.

Other companies which publish products containing DSA theory test questions will also no longer have access to the questions used in the tests.

Source: http://dsa.gov.uk/News.asp?id=SX728C-A78385E5

What's Happening To The Driving Test In October 2010?

2010-08-31T12:46:00.000+01:00

The UK driving test is changing from 4th October 2010!

A new independent driving section will be introduced to test how you make your own decisions when driving. The examiner will ask you to drive independently for around 10 minutes by either following traffic signs, a series of directions, or a combination of both. If you're asked to follow a series of verbal directions, you'll be shown a diagram to help you.

The Driving Standards Agency say:
"The aim is to show that you can handle road and traffic conditions safely, while following a series of traffic signs or verbal directions. It doesn't matter if you don't remember every direction, or if you go the wrong way - this can happen to the most experienced drivers. If you ask for a reminder of the directions, the examiner will be happy to confirm them to you. If you go off the independent driving route, nothing will be marked unless you commit a driving fault."

The driving test will NOT get longer (driving tests last for approximately 40 minutes) so in order to allow time for the independant driving section, test candidates will only have to do one reversing manouevre instead of two as they do at present (the examiner will still choose from turn in the road, parallel park, bay park or reverse around a corner). As at present, one in three test candidates will also be asked to do an emergency stop.

The cost of taking a driving test will NOT increase from October 2010.

For more details on the new driving test and the latest news and updates from the Driving Standards Agency, please see:
Driving Test October 2010 Changes

Changes To The Driving Test In October 2010 - Independent Driving

2010-07-23T17:32:00.000+01:00

There will be two important changes to the UK driving test commencing on 4th October 2010:

1) a new section on independent driving,

2) a reduction in the number of reversing manoeuvres candidates will need to do

For more information about the changes to the driving test and how this will affect test candidates please see:

Driving Test October 2010 Changes

UK Road Signs Quiz - Prepare For Your Theory Test!

2010-07-20T15:32:00.000+01:00

How well do YOU know your road signs?

How good are you at identifying road signs?

Can you tell the difference between the "ahead only" sign and the sign for "one-way traffic"? Do you get the signs for "no stopping" and "no waiting" mixed up? Even drivers with many years experience get confused by unfamiliar road signs!

When you take your Theory Test you'll be expected to be able to identify several UK traffic signs during the test and when you're driving, a thorough knowledge of traffic signs and road markings will make you a much safer driver!

Test your knowledge of UK road signs with this free 20 question traffic signs quiz:
Know Your Traffic Signs Quiz

Recommended Books & DVD's For Learner Drivers

2010-06-16T18:21:00.000+01:00

Pass Your Driving Test With The Help Of Recommended Books & DVD's For Learner Drivers!

There are so many study aids for learners on the market - so how do you know which are the best?

We've put together a selection of tried and tested learner driver books and DVDs which will reinforce what you learn during your driving lessons and help you to learn and maintain the safe driving skills which you'll need for your driving test - and beyond!

For more information, check out:
Best Books For Learner Drivers

Best DVDs For Learner Drivers

Great Gifts & Perfect Presents For Learner Drivers!

2010-05-28T13:57:00.000+01:00

Learning to drive isn't cheap...so if you know someone who is learning to drive or who wants to start driving lessons, get them off to a good start with a really useful gift!

Gift Ideas For Learner Drivers has a wide selection of learner driver gift packs, driving test software, books and DVDs and lots of other learning to drive essentials, all of which make great birthday gifts and Christmas presents for learner drivers!

For more information, check out:
Gifts For Learner Drivers

Having Problems Booking A Driving Test? DSA Test Booking System Unavailable From 31st March 2010

2010-04-02T09:58:00.000+01:00

Now is not a good time to try to book your driving test!

A fire and flood in a BT building in Paddington on 31st March 2010 has caused widespread chaos to phone and internet services and has affected the DSA test booking payments system.

As a result the DSA are currently unable to take driving test bookings either online or over the phone.

The situation is expected to last for "at least a week".

Watch this space for updates.

Driving Instructor Grades - Is Asking For The Grade Of A Driving Instructor A Reliable Way Of Checking How Good They Are?

2010-03-30T18:34:00.005+01:00

Is the grade of a driving instructor a reliable indicator of how good an instructor they are?

I've come across numerous "guides to finding a good driving instructor" which advise learner drivers to ask for the grade of a driving instructor and to only take lessons from the highest grade of instructor...is this good advice or not? I'll give you the facts about driving instructor grading and let you decide!

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) periodically check the standards of tuition given by all Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) and assign each instructor a grade which that instructor retains until it's time for their next check.

Driving instructors are graded from 1 to 6, with 6 being the highest grade possible.

That grade is based solely upon a driving examiner observing ONE HOUR of driving tuition given by an individual driving instructor every four or more YEARS.

Nothing else is taken into account when determining the grade of a driving instructor. The grade is based solely on how the examiner thinks the instructor performed in the observed driving lesson. There's no interview, written tests or other performance related reports such as the number of test passes or feedback from past or present students taken into consideration.

As of February 2009 (the most recent published figures I can track down) the percentage of driving instructors in the UK by grade was as follows;

Grade 1 - 0%
Grade 2 - 0.09%
Grade 3 - 0.76%
Grade 4 - 51.32%
Grade 5 - 31.03%
Grade 6 - 5.99%
Ungraded - 10.81% (newly qualified instructors are officially ungraded until their first DSA "check test" is done)

Any driving instructor whose grade is less than a 4 is subject to further checks by the DSA and if the standard of their tuition fails to improve within a very short period of time, they risk having their driving instructor licence withdrawn.

So, as you can see, the majority of driving instructors are graded 4 and 5.

I'll be quite honest here and say that I have some issues with the grading system.

As far as I am aware, no other fully qualified professional body is graded in this way. I have yet to read any "advice" suggesting that I ask a qualified plumber for their grade before I allow them to mend my leaking taps, or that I ask a pharmacist for their grade before I buy a packet of paracetamol to cure a headache :)

The trouble with driving instructor grading is that it's based on nothing more than a snapshot of performance. If the driving instructor is nervous during their check test (and it's human nature to be nervous when someone is watching your every move - especially when your continuing livelihood depends on the outcome), then that can affect the way they "perform" on the check lesson and may mean that what the examiner sees bears little or no resemblance to how they usually teach or interact with their students.

I know many grade 4 instructors who have a string of test passes and happy customers as long as the Great Wall Of China...and I know one or two grade 6 instructors whose communication and people skills seem alarmingly lacking...presumably they're just better at putting on a good show for the one hour every few years that an examiner observes them?

There's another problem with asking for the grade of a driving instructor which the "advice givers" conveniently overlook...and this one's a biggie!

YOU MAY NOT BE TOLD THE TRUTH! - yes folks, take it from me, there are some naughty driving instructors out there who tell porky pies when it comes to spilling the beans about their grade...and there's no way for a member of the public to check whether what they say is true, as grades are not published and the DSA will not disclose that sort of information.

As I said at the beginning of this topic...I'll let you decide whether asking the grade of a driving instructor is a reliable indicator of how good at their job they are...

;)

Driving Tests From 6th April 2010 - Do You Want Your Instructor To Sit In On Your Test?

2010-03-08T14:37:00.001Z

From 6th April 2010, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) will be "encouraging" driving test candidates to take an observer along in the back of the car while their test takes place.

This idea is nothing new. At present you are allowed to take someone with you on your driving test if you wish. Anyone over 16 years old is allowed to accompany a driving test candidate, but they cannot take any part in the test - they have to sit still, are not allowed to speak, or distract either you or the examiner in any way.

The difference is that at present it is your responsibility to tell the examiner that you would like someone to accompany you before the test commences, whereas from 6th April 2010, the examiner will be asking you if you'd like someone with you.

The DSA have stated:

"By having the observer present on the test, they'll be in the position to identify future development needs for a subsequent test or additional skills to build on after passing the test."

(source:DirectGov - Driving Tests - bring your instructor along)

To help you decide whether you want someone else sitting in the back of the car during your driving test, let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of taking an observer along!

Advantages

The observer can see any mistakes you make whilst on test and identify aspects of your driving that many need remedial action whether you pass or fail
Having a familiar person in the car with you may help you to relax

Disadvantages

You may find it off-putting and feel more nervous by having someone other than the examiner watching you
Most driving school cars are "on the small side" and having someone sitting in the back may feel cramped
Visibility may be obscured
Extra people in the car means that it may handle slightly differently than you are used to
Many driving instructors are accustomed to sitting in the back of the car during tests and are used to sitting completely still and silent, but if you've learnt to drive with a friend or relative, they may not find this easy - which may lead to criticism from the examiner
Driving examiners are routinely monitored by their bosses at regular intervals to make sure that they are doing their jobs properly. When this happens an observer from the DSA will sit in the back to watch what the examiner is doing. If you want your observer along too, there could be four people in the car!

It's your decision - it's best to talk it through with your instructor before your driving test and decide what you want to do!

Taking The UK Driving Theory Test In Punjabi

2010-03-03T09:28:00.000Z

If you're a learner driver and English isn't your first language, it can be hard to find easy to understand training resources and study materials. It makes study a lot easier if you can get books and software in your own language!

For Punjabi speakers, there's now a range of books and software available with translations of the DSA Theory Test question bank and the Highway Code from English into Punjabi. There’s also Hazard Perception test software now available in Punjabi.

For more details and to view the range of Punjabi Theory Test products available from Amazon, please see:

Taking The UK Theory Test In Punjabi

Taking The UK Theory Test In Urdu

2010-03-02T13:31:00.000Z

If you're a learner driver and English isn't your first language, it can be hard to find easy to understand training resources and study materials. It makes study a lot easier if you can get books and software in your own language!

For Urdu speakers, there's now a range of books and software available with translations of the DSA Theory Test question bank from English into Urdu. There’s also Hazard Perception test software now available in Urdu.

For more details and to view the range of Urdu Theory Test products available from Amazon, please see:

Taking The UK Theory Test In Urdu

Online Driving Test Booking Scams - Be VERY Careful When Booking Your Theory Test or Driving Test Online

2010-02-24T18:21:00.003Z

It's easy to book a practical driving test or theory test online. You can do it through the DirectGov website at DirectGov - Book your theory and practical tests online. There is no extra fee for booking if you do it through "official channels" - all it will cost you is the appropriate test fee (Theory Tests £31.00 and Practical Tests £62.00).

Now that's all well and good if you know the website address for the offical DSA online test booking service - but what if you don't?

Most people will type something along the lines of "book driving test online" into Google or another search engine and click whatever link comes up first. That's the problem.

Over the past few months several "enterprising" website owners have cottoned on to the fact that they can set up a "test booking website" and make themselves a whole lot of money by booking theory and driving tests for other people and charging a big fat "booking fee" on top of the DSA test fee.

I've heard of so called "booking fees" of well over £20.00 charged for doing something that anyone with internet access can do for themselves in a matter of minutes.

I've mentioned this subject before, but the situation has now become so serious that even the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) have finally sat up and taken some notice and have announced that they are "investigating" several 3rd party test booking services.

Don't line someone else's pockets, book your test yourself - all you need is your driver number (from your driving licence), a credit or debit card (someone else can pay using their card if you don't have a card of your own) and your Theory Test pass number (if you're booking your Practical Test)...and use ONLY the official DSA online test booking service at:
DirectGov - Book your theory and practical tests online

Do I Need To Have Driving Lessons Before Taking My Theory Test?

2010-02-19T12:33:00.002Z

Do I need to take driving lessons before taking my theory test?
Do I need to have had 10 hours of driving lessons before I can apply for my theory test?

I've been asked both of these questions more than once over the past couple of weeks!

There's a simple answer to both questions - it's NO!

There is no requirement to take any driving lessons (let alone a specific number of hours) before taking the theory test.

In fact, it's not even necessary to have ever sat in a car, let alone driven one before taking the theory test!

You can take the theory test before you start having driving lessons if you want.

However...the theory test is designed to test your understanding of all sorts of Important Things to do with being a safe driver including road signs, proceedures, vehicle maintenance and the law and while it's perfectly possible to acquire all the information you need to pass your theory test from commercially available books and software, it can be a great help to have some practical experience of driving in order to consolidate what you've learning and to give all those dry facts about driving some real meaning...plus you can ask your driving instructor to explain and clarify anything you're not sure of - you can't do that with a book or a hazard perception CDROM!

So, no you don't NEED to have driving lessons before you take your theory test...but having some can help you to pass it!

LVG Limited, Owners Of RED Driving School Go Into Administration

2010-02-17T21:24:00.003Z

LVG Limited (owners of RED Driving School) went into administration on 16/2/10.

The business is currently being traded in Administration whilst a sale of the business and assets of the Company as a going concern is pursued.

MCR have been appointed as Administrators.

More information at: MCR

Car Insurance For Learner Drivers

2010-02-17T12:12:00.001Z

Learning to drive is a skill that will last you for life. By far the safest and most cost effective way to learn to drive is by taking lessons from a professional Approved Driving Instructor as they have the skills and experience to teach you not only what you need to know to pass your driving test, but to enable you to become a safe and considerate driver for life. However, your learning can be speeded up if you can consolidate what you learn from your driving instructor by being able to practice your driving with a friend or family member.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) state:

"Those who pass their driving test have had, on average, about 45 hours of professional training combined with 22 hours of private practice. Learners who prepare this way, with a combination of plenty of professional training and plenty of practice, do better in the test" (source: DirectGov - motoring)

Anyone over the age of 21 who has held (and still holds) a full UK driving licence for three years covering the class of vehicle you wish to drive, can supervise a learner driver (remember that as a learner driver you must display 'L' plates in a visible and prominent position on the front and rear of the vehicle you are driving).

Also, the vehicle will need to be insured for you to drive as a learner driver. This point is important as learner drivers are NOT covered by normal vehicle insurance, so additional insurance cover will need to be taken out.

Collingwood Learner Driver Insurance offer comprehensive car insurance whilst learning to drive in a relatives or friends vehicle.

Learner driver insurance can be arranged for a weekly, four weekly or 84 day policy and if cover needs to be extended, after an inital 28 day policy further cover can be purchased for period of 7, 28 or 84 days.

For more information about the car insurance for learner drivers provided by Collingwood or to get a Learner Driver insurance quote please see the Collingwood Learner Driver Insurance website.

Taking The UK Theory Test In Polish

2010-02-01T18:54:00.001Z

If you're a learner driver and English isn't your first language, it can be hard to find easy to understand training resources and study materials. It makes study a lot easier if you can get books and software in your own language!

For Polish speakers, there's now a range of books and software available with translations of the Highway Code and the DSA Theory Test question bank from English into Polish. There’s also Hazard Perception test software now available in Polish.

For more details and to view the range of Polish Theory Test products available from Amazon, please see:

Taking The UK Theory Test In Polish

Learning To Drive In An Automatic Car

2009-10-30T13:13:00.000Z

Many people wonder whether learning to drive in an automatic car is easier than learning to drive in a car with a manual gearbox.

The simple answer is yes - but only in so far as you don't have to worry about clutch control and changing gear - but you do still have to worry about everything else!

Although it may seem far easier to not have to worry about gears and a clutch pedal, in reality, most people have few problems mastering them eventually, even if this aspect of driving doesn't seem to "come naturally" at first!

An automatic car has an automatic gearbox that changes the gears for you and only two foot pedals which are operated with the right foot.

If you pass your driving test in an automatic car your driving licence will ONLY allow you to drive automatic cars and will not cover you to drive a car with a manual gearbox.

If you pass in a manual car you can drive both manual and automatic cars as your driving licence will cover you for both types.

Here's a few more things to take into consideration if you're thinking about learning to drive in an automatic;

There are far more driving instructors who teach in manual cars than teach in automatic cars, so it may be more difficult to find an instructor,
Lessons in an automatic car tend to be more expensive,
After you pass your driving test, there is a much narrower range of automatic cars available when compared to manual cars.

Government drops plans to make it compulsory for driving instructors to sit in on all driving tests

2009-10-12T15:42:00.003+01:00

The Driving Standards Agency have done a U-turn on their plans to make it compulsory for learner drivers to have their driving instructor or accompanying driver present in the car when they take their driving test.

The plans which were first proposed in the 2008 "Learning To Drive" Consultation Paper were intended to be introduced from October 2010.

Transport Secretary, Lord Andrew Adonis said that the change of plan was "to avoid unnecessary regulation".

Instead, test candidates will be "encouraged" to have their accompanying driver present throughout the test.

Lord Adonis said;
"We want all learner drivers, from the start of the process, to consider the benefits of having an observer with them on their test.

'Having someone sitting in will enhance their learning experience and, in turn, improve road safety. An observer who has witnessed the test can give far better advice to the learner on how they performed and what areas of their driving they need to work on - whether they pass or fail.

'But after reviewing plans we have decided that encouraging candidates to take an observer is much more appropriate than introducing regulations to make it compulsory."

For more details please see;

Daily Mail: Government drops plans to force driving instructors to sit in on their pupils L-tests

Driving Test Tips - How To Do The Manoeuvres!

2009-09-30T10:31:00.002+01:00

During your driving test, the examiner will ask you to perform two set manoeuvres in addition to general driving.

There are four possible manoeuvres and the examiner will pick two of these for you to carry out. All of the manoeuvres involve you demonstrating that you can reverse your car accurately, safely, under control and with consideration for other road users.

The four manoeuvres are;

Turn In The Road
Reverse Around A Corner
Reverse Parking Into A Marked Bay
Parallel Parking

In addition, one in three test candidiates will also be asked to carry out an Emergency Stop which although it is not a reversing manoeuvre, requires you to stop your vehicle quickly, safely and under control.

For detailed information about how to correctly carry out each of the manoeuvres and the Emergency Stop exercise, please see;

Driving Test Manoeuvres

How To Do An Emergency Stop On Your Driving Test

2009-09-25T11:24:00.000+01:00

The emergency stop (sometimes referred to as a "controlled stop") is an exercise that is carried out at random in around one in three UK driving tests.

The aim of the emergency stop is for the learner driver to demonstrate to the examiner that they are able to stop the car quickly and under control in an emergency situation.

I've written a guide on how to do an emergency stop correctly and under control complete with step-by-step instructions and a video tutorial.

For more information please click the following link;

How To Do An Emergency Stop

Reversing Around A Corner - Tips For Your Driving Test!

2009-09-24T10:38:00.004+01:00

Reversing round a corner is one of the manoeuvres the examiner may ask you to do on your driving test.

This usually involves turning the car around by reversing into a side road on your left.

The reverse round a corner seems to be the manoeuvre that many learners find most daunting, but once mastered, it's pretty straightforward - the secret is knowing how to reverse around a corner properly followed by plenty of practice!

I've written a guide on how to reverse around a corner complete with step-by-step instructions and video tutorials.

For more information, please see; How To Reverse Around A Corner

Example Case Study Questions For The Theory Test From 28 September 2009

2009-09-22T10:52:00.003+01:00

From the 28th September 2009 you will need to answer a case study-style question as part of your Theory Test.

You will be presented with one case study where you will be required to answer 5 questions that are related to the scenario displayed on screen.

Each question will still be in the multiple choice format as with the other Theory Test questions.

You will still need to answer 50 multiple choice questions that are broken down as follows:
45 multiple choice questions
5 multiple choice questions that relate to the case study

The pass mark for the multiple choice section of the Theory Test remains at 43/50.

Click this link to see some examples of Case Study questions

The case study questions will test the knowledge of road signs, proceedures, laws etc you will have already gained while studying for your Theory Test, so provided you have prepared thoroughly, the case study shouldn't prove any more of a problem that the "standard" multiple choice questions!

For more information on what is involved in the Theory Test, how to prepare for it and suggested study materials, please see:

Theory & Hazard Perception Test

Parallel Parking Tips

2009-09-21T16:12:00.003+01:00

Parallel parking (sometimes referred to as "reverse parking") is one of the reversing manoeuvres you may be asked to carry out on your Practical Driving Test. It involves parking the car behind another car or between two vehicles, close to and parallel to the kerb.

Knowing how to parallel park properly is a skill that will also come in very useful after you pass your test too as it will enable you to quickly and easily park outside shops and in tricky car park spaces!

I've written a guide on how to parallel park complete with step by step instructions and video tutorials.

For more details, please see: How To Parallel Park

Bay Parking - How To Reverse Into A Parking Bay On Your Driving Test

2009-09-17T17:51:00.003+01:00

Reversing into a marked parking bay (often referred to as "bay park" or "bay parking") is one of the manoeuvres you may be asked to do on your driving test.

The aim of the bay park manoeuvre is for you to show the examiner that you can reverse the car smoothly and accurately into a restricted space - if you can get this right, this is not only useful in getting you through your driving test but will come in very handy after you pass your test! Lots of people struggle to reverse properly into parking spaces and you can feel very smug if you know how to do it right first time :)

I've written a guide on how to bay park properly, complete with step-by-step instructions and video tutorials - see How To Bay Park for full details!

Theory Test Case Studies From 28 September 2009

2009-09-15T12:41:00.003+01:00

The DSA have elaborated on what will be involved in the new "case study" which is being introduced to the multiple choice section of the Theory Test from 28th September 2009.

The DirectGov website describes the change as;

The case study will show a scenario that five questions will be based on.
The subject of the scenario focuses on real life examples and experiences that
drivers could come across when driving.

See the Direct Gov website at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/TheoryTest/DG_4022534

Changes To The Theory Test From 28 September 2009

2009-09-06T15:35:00.004+01:00

From 28 September 2009 a "case study" will be incorporated into the Theory Test.

The DSA state that this change has been made in order for "candidates to be tested on understanding as well as knowledge" and to "put learning into context".

The theory test case study will take the form of a scenario, or short story, on which five questions will be based.

As part of the multiple choice section of the test, the case study will assess candidates’ understanding of driving theory, whilst the multiple choice questions will continue to assess knowledge of the subject.

Candidates will answer the questions in the same way as they do now, using either the touch screen or mouse.

For more information please see; http://dsa.gov.uk/News.asp?id=SX12B7-A7832722

Booking Your Theory Test Online - WARNING - Don't Pay More Than You Need To!

2009-08-21T12:34:00.005+01:00

You can book your Theory Test online via the offical website for all government services - DirectGov.

Booking your Theory Test is a very simple and straightforward proceedure which will only take a few minutes and you will pay ONLY for the test itself - there is no extra "booking fee" or "administration fee" added on.

There are a worrying number of official looking "Theory Test booking services" springing up on the internet who will book a test on your behalf - BUT they will charge you a sizeable booking fee on top of the test fee.

To book your Theory Test online via DirectGov you need;

* your driver number (from your driving licence)
* a credit or debit card with which to pay the £31.00 test fee

You can choose the date and time to suit you and if you later find you need to change the date or cancel your Theory Test you do so via DirectGov - you have complete control over your booking.

THERE'S NO NEED TO PAY EXTRA FOR YOUR THEORY TEST - book your test yourself directly with the DSA at the following link;

Online test booking service at the DirectGov website.

How To Do A Turn In The Road - "3 Point Turn"

2009-08-14T11:50:00.004+01:00

The turn in the road is one of the manoeuvres that your driving examiner may ask you to demonstrate during your driving test.

It's often referred to as a "three point" turn but this is misleading as you aren't restricted to doing this maneouvre in only 3 turns!

The aim of the turn in the road is to turn the car round to face the other way using forward and reverse gears in a limited space (i.e. the width of the road). You need to show that not only can you do this, but that you are also in full and safe control of the vehicle throughout the manoeuvre and that you show awareness and consideration for other road users.

I have written a detailed guide to how to do a perfect turn in the road, complete with step-by-step instructions and video tutorials.

Please see How To Do A Turn In The Road for more information!

Online Driving Test Booking System Not Available 30 July to 4 August

2009-07-30T09:08:00.005+01:00

From the Driving Standards Agency website;

30 July to 4 August
For essential IT maintenance work to take place we need to close down DSA's driving test booking systems. From 5.15pm Thursday 30 July to 8.00am Tuesday 4 August, online services to book or amend practical tests will be unavailable. Theory Test services will be available as normal. Please be aware that the Contact Centre will only be able to offer a limited service during the closedown period. Please call 0300 200 11 22 for general enquiries only. DSA apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Source: https://pt.dsa.gov.uk/tests/tests_E/pt/data_processing.asp

Should You Go Through A Red Light To Get Out Of The Way Of An Emergency Vehicle?

2009-06-26T12:25:00.005+01:00

"Should you go through a red light to get out of the way of a police car, ambulance or fire engine with blues and twos (siren/blue flashing lights) on?

The simple answer is "No".

The Highway Code isn't a lot of help as it's advice is somewhat generalised on this point and it doesn't spell out what drivers should and shouldn't do in simple terms.

The Met Police on the other hand are rather more specific. Here's their advice;

We do NOT expect you to risk damage to your tyres, wheels or steering by bumping up kerbs to make way for us.

We do NOT expect you to put yourself in danger by crossing red traffic lights to make way for us.

We do NOT expect you to risk road camera fines by, for example, moving in to bus lanes during hours of operation to make way for us.

We would however, appreciate your co-operation by looking well ahead and choosing sensible places to pull over. If possible avoid stopping before bends, brows of hills or narrow sections of roads where we may have difficulty passing.

Source: Metropolitan Police Service

Get out of the way if you can, but be sensible - don't put anyone in danger (including yourself) and don't break the law.

Lost Or Stolen Provisional Driving Licence

2009-06-17T10:15:00.008+01:00

We received a panic ridden text message from one of our students on Sunday afternoon. She'd been out to a club with her mates the night before and had only just realised that her purse containing her photocard driving licence was missing. She had her driving test booked in for Tuesday morning and wanted to know whether she'd still be able to take her test without the photocard part of her licence. The simple answer to her question was unfortunately "No"...

If you aren't able to show BOTH parts of your provisional driving licence (the photocard AND the paper counterpart) at either your Theory or Practical Test appointment, you won't be allowed to take the test - and you won't be able to claim a refund of your test fee either.

Lots of photocard licences "go missing" while people are in pubs or clubs. Thieves know that young people use their driving licence photocards as I.D and target such places for easy pickings while people are distracted or drunk. Not only is this annoying, but can lead to even bigger problems in terms of "identity theft", so if you think your licence has been stolen rather than simply lost, you MUST report it to the police.

It's not just the photocards that get mislaid. Many people seem to ignore the paper bit of the provisional driving licence and think it's not important. WRONG...it's VERY important.

Lots of people may ask to see the paper bit - your driving instructor needs to see both parts, the police may need to see both parts and if you ever commit a motoring offence, a court will want sight of it too.

The paper part of the driving licence is where any endorsements are shown and that's why "official people" will want to see it.

So PLEASE don't fall into the trap of keeping your photocard safe to use as I.D, but losing track of the paper bit.

If you do lose either part of your licence, not only is it inconvenient if someone needs to see it and you can't produce it, but it WILL COST YOU MONEY and time to get a replacement licence. The fee for a replacement driving licence is £20.00 and it takes up to 15 days to arrive.

...and if can't find your licence and it's too late to cancel or move your test booking or if you turn up for a Theory or Practical test without both parts of your licence, on top of the cost of a replacement licence it'll be £31 (for a Theory Test) or at least £62 (for a Practical Test) gone in lost test fees, plus the same amount again to book another test...plus having to wait for another test appointment.

LOOK AFTER YOUR LICENCE

For more info about how to replace a lost or stolen driving licence, please see DirectGov - Replacing your driving licence

Driving Test Nerves - Tips For Keeping Calm During Your Driving Test

2009-05-20T13:19:00.014+01:00

Staying calm during your driving test isn't easy!

Even the most confident driver can get nervous during a driving test and stress and anxiety can easily have an adverse effect on the result.

So how can you keep calm during your driving test?

Here are some tips for reducing driving test nerves;

1) Try and work out EXACTLY what you're worrying about. Are you worried about what others might say if you fail? Do you lack confidence in your driving ability? Do you simply not like to fail at anything? Once you know why you're worrying, anxiety is easier to deal with.

2) If you're worrying about what other people might say or think, then don't tell them when your test is! That way, if you pass you've got a nice surprise for them and if you fail, they need never know...

3) If you've been taught to drive by a professional driving instructor and they have told you that you are ready to take your driving test, then you have no need to doubt your own driving ability. Driving instructors know the standard required to pass the practical test and if your instructor thinks you can drive to that standard you can trust their judgement! If you have doubts, talk things through with your instructor.

4) Take your driving test when there's no additional stress in your life. Exams, coursework deadlines, problems at work, relationship difficulties etc are stressful enough by themselves. A driving test looming on the horizon will just make things worse.

5) It sounds obvious, but before you go to your test appointment, make sure you have all the documents the examiner will need to see and you've had something to eat, you've been to the toilet and that you're wearing comfortable clothes and sensible shoes!

6) Don't underestimate the power of positive thinking. If you go into your test in a negative frame of mind, it's likely to be a self-fulfilling prophecy.

7) During the test itself, try and keep focused only on what the examiner is asking you to do. Forget everything else, just concentrate.

8) If you think you've made a mistake, don't dwell on it - it may not be as serious as you think, so put it behind you and focus only on what else you're asked to do!

9) If you fail your driving test it's certainly disappointing, but it's not the end of the world! Try again, believe in yourself and you'll achieve your goal!

10) For in depth help and advice on how to cope with driving test nerves including self-help, drugs and medication, hypnosis, relaxation and other techniques and ways to deal with driving test nerves, see How To Overcome Driving Test Nerves

Driving Test Fees Increase From 30th March 2009

2009-03-27T09:13:00.004Z

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) have announced an increase in driving test fees from 30th March 2009 as follows;

Theory Test;
£31.00

Practical test;
£62.00 (daytime Monday to Friday)
£75.00 (weekday evenings and weekends)

Extended driving test (following disqualification);
£124.00 (daytime Monday to Friday)
£150.00 (weekday evenings and weekends)

The fee increases will apply to theory and practical driving tests booked on or after 30 March 2009.

DETAILS OF ALL TEST FEE INCREASES CAN BE SEEN AT DSA - Driving Standards Agency announces changes to test fees

The fee for the tests are currently;

Theory test £30.00

Practical test
£56.50 (daytime Monday to Friday)
£67.00 (weekday evenings and weekends)

Extended driving tests
£113.00 (daytime Monday to Friday)
£134.00 (weekday evenings and weekends)

How To Find A Good Driving Instructor - Questions To Ask

2009-03-11T12:26:00.004Z

What questions should you ask to help you choose a driving instructor?

Don't be afraid to ask relevant questions...but you need to know what you're asking and more importantly what the answers you get actually mean....

You may have seen long lists of suggested "things to ask about", including,

"What are your pass rates?" and,
"What grade will my instructor be?"

A word of advice about those particular two questions though!

The "driving instructor pass rates" question is meaningless for all practical purposes, as statistics can mean anything you want them to mean! I've heard driving instructors quote a "100% Pass Rate", justified on the basis that "everyone passes eventually". Is it true? Of course not...some people give up learning and never pass...some people pass first time and some pass after several attempts, so how do you measure a "pass rate"??????

A "pass rate" is only relevant if everyone is interpreting statistics in the same way...but they don't, so using a test pass rate as a basis for choosing an instructor is pretty pointless!

Much the same can be said of the "driving instructor grade" question. You wouldn't ask a doctor or a solicitor or a plumber or any other qualified professional person what their "grade" is would you?... so why ask a qualified driving instructor that question? The qualification process to become a driving instructor is VERY challenging and involves not only the ability to drive to a very high standard, but also to teach to a very high standard. Approved Driving Instructors (ADI's) have passed all three of the qualification exams required and they are also regularly re-assessed by the Driving Standards Agency to ensure that the standards of their instruction remain consistently high. Newly qualified instructors aren't even graded at all...

Examples of better "relevant questions" to help you choose a driving instructor include;

* do tuition vehicles have dual controls (and if you'll be learning to drive in the summer, air conditioning :) )?

* if you have any specific needs such as wanting a female instructor or an automatic vehicle etc, ask whether the driving school or instructor can supply your needs

* can you be picked up from one place and dropped off somewhere different (e.g picked up from work/college and dropped off at home etc)?

* are there any discounts available?

* can you have a reduced price introductory lesson to see how
you get on with the instructor?

* how long are lessons?

* what is the lesson cancellation policy? (you may well be charged if you do not give adequate notice if you need to cancel a driving lesson, so this question is well worth asking)

* will you be the only pupil in the car? (some instructors still "piggy-back" i.e pick up or drop off their next pupil during your lesson time...this is rare now thankfully but there are still some driving instructors out there who continue the practice...see "Piggybacking?" for more details)

* (this isn't a question as such, but having spoken to the instructor, you'll be in a position to know the answer) - can you understand what the instructor is saying? It's vital that you can understand what you're being asked to do
and be understood in return...

Further guidance on "relevant" questions you might like to ask can be found at - A Few More Things To Think About When Choosing A Driving Instructor!.

Driving Test Fees Rising From 30th March 2009

2009-03-10T10:12:00.004Z

The Driving Standards Agency propose to introduce new fees for theory and practical tests booked on or after 30 March 2009.

Theory tests for learner car drivers and motorcycle riders;

£31.00 (currently £30.00 - an increase of £1.00)

Practical tests for learner car drivers;

£63.50 - daytime Monday to Friday (currently £56.50 - an increase of £7.00)

£75.00 - weekday evenings and weekends (currently £67.00 - an increase of £8.00)

Extended practical tests for learner car drivers (following disqualification);

£127.00 - daytime Monday to Friday (currently £113.00 - an increase of £14.00)

£150.00 - weekday evenings and weekends (currently £134.00 - an increase of £16.00)

Please see A CONSULTATION PAPER - DRIVING STANDARDS AGENCY FEES 2009 for more details.

Driving Test Nerves!

2009-03-05T10:25:00.013Z

Driving test nerves...getting nervous and stressed out is the reason that many learner drivers fail their driving tests!

"How can I overcome driving test nerves?"

As someone who works in the UK driver training industry, I come across this question on a regular basis!

No matter how well prepared they are, nearly everyone gets nervous about taking their driving test!

Even people who are normally "cool as a cucumber" no matter what life throws at them, can find themselves reduced to a nerve-wracked, quivering, nail biting, stressed-out jelly as the day of their driving test gets closer and closer...

Why do people get so nervous about taking a driving test and what can be done to help those who suffer from nerves as the day of their driving test approaches?

I've written a webpage that looks at the subject of how to cope with driving test nerves. It examines the reasons why people get so nervous about taking their driving test and outlines ways to reduce and maybe even eliminate driving test nerves, anxiety and stress. You'll find lots of hints and tips, self-help, videos and a selection of commercially available products designed to help you try to cope with driving test nerves!

So if you're suffering from nerves, stress or anxiety in the run-up to your driving test and want to know how to deal with how you feel and try to find effective ways to stop your nerves adversely affecting the way you drive on the day of your test, please have a look at How To Overcome Driving Test Nerves

Cheap Driving Lessons - Part 2

2008-11-06T10:00:00.008Z

Last week, I started to look at the subject of "cheap driving lessons" and why they may not turn out to be the bargain they seem to be.

If you missed the first part of this series, you can read it at Cheap Driving Lessons - Part 1

This time, I'm going to look at the reasons why driving instructors offer cheap driving lessons.

Virtually all driving instructors in the UK are self-employed, either working on their own as independent driving instructors, or as franchisees for a driving school.

Hardly any driving instructors are actually employed by a driving school.

Even the driving instructors you see on the road in cars with BSM/The AA Driving School, Red Driving School etc written on them, are franchisees. Being a franchisee means that the instructor has to pay BSM/The AA Driving School/Red or whichever school, a fee every week or every month, for various services supplied by the driving school to the franchised driving instructor. This charge usually includes the use of the company name, finding customers for the instructor, the use of the car and so on. The costs of a franchise with a large driving school can be pretty high - in some cases up to £370 a WEEK!

Even if a driving instructor is working on their own as an independent, they have high costs too. They have to supply their own car, so they will either hire one or buy one themselves. Instead of a franchise fee they will be paying for the cost of their vehicle - unless they can afford to buy their car outright, they will be paying either hire charges or a loan repayment. They will also have the ongoing costs of vehicle maintenance. They will also have to source their customers themselves, so they may need to take out their own advertising on the internet, phone books, local newspapers etc.

Whether a driving instructor is a franchisee or an independent, like all self-employed people, they have additional costs to meet out of the money they make. Tax and national insurance, accountants fees, phone bills, stationery, car valeting, membership of professional trade organisations, their own professional development training and so on.

So, in short, driving instructors have a lot of expenses and overheads to meet!

If a driving instructor charges £20 for an hour long driving lesson, around 2/3 of that sum will be used to cover their overheads as outlined above. So out of that £20, he or she will have to pay out a rough average of £13 to cover overheads. Obviously, that means that they then have only around £7 left for themselves as actual income for that driving lesson.

There are currently over 44,000 fully qualified driving instructors in the UK and in excess of 20,000 more people at various stages in the qualification process. Driving instructor training companies make lots of money by frequent TV and newspaper advertising campaigns for their instructor training courses, filled with rose-tinted images and glowing assurances of how much money driving instructors can earn and so more and more people fancy having a go at what they are told is an easy, secure and lucrative career.

The truth is that there is now nowhere near enough work out there for the number of driving instructors there are already, and with more and more new instructors being churned out via the training companies and their advertising campaigns, the situation is getting worse and worse.

The credit crunch and recession has had the effect of reducing the demand for driving lessons, so a steadily increasing number of driving instructors are competing for a shrinking pool of potential customers.

That's where cheap driving lessons come in. Desperate driving instructors are struggling to get work and drop their lesson prices to make their services seem more attractive to those wanting to learn to drive.

As one instructor drops their prices, another sees what they're doing and fights back by undercutting the first price...then more join in, the effect spirals and the price goes further and further down until it reaches a level where it costs the instructor more to give the lesson than they get paid for it.

It might seem like a win-win situation if you're the customer - cheap driving lessons, that's got to be good hasn't it?...but a bargain at what price?

How To Choose A Driving Instructor

2008-11-03T19:40:00.006Z

Lots of professional organisations (including the DSA!) often pass on what they think is "helpful advice" to those trying to find a driving instructor. Unfortunately, although well meaning, the advice they offer can sometimes be misleading and/or irrelevant.

I asked Peter Cary, Director of The ADI Federation and a fully qualified and very experienced driving instructor who specialises in teaching the disabled, nervous and those with learning difficulties to drive, what advice he would give to customers seeking a good driving instructor. Here's what he said;

"I believe that customers should be equipped with the "right questions" to ask.

The "right questions DO NOT include;

"What is your pass rate".

"What is your grade"

BUT should be....

1) Are you a fully qualified ADI? (Approved Driving Instructor)

It is possible to be taught by a PDI (Potential Driving Instructor) and to be honest some are very good, but unfortunately the vast majority never qualify as driving instructors.

29,000 people tried to become ADIs last year with just over 4,000 actually qualifying.

In fact in the case of one of the largest schools in the UK, almost half of their instructors are PDIs, easily recognised by a large red triangle being displayed on their ADI Licence displayed on the windscreen as apposed to the green octagon shown by a fully qualified ADI

2) How long have you been qualified?

A recently qualified ADI should be up to date with latest thinking, but may not have so much experience in teaching people to drive with various different techniques in helping clients to accomplish the task of driving.

3) Do you belong to a professional body?

Paying membership to one of the several bodies representing ADIs means they have the back up of a large organisation who can give them advice with problems they or their pupils may have with motoring law or the DSA.

4) Do you belong to any other road safety bodies?

A few instructors are members of bodies such as AIRSO (Association of Industrial Road Safety Officers) again demonstrating a strong commitment to improving driving for everybody.

5) Do you have any specialisms?

If the instructor teaches the more "challenging" members of society, the elderly, learning difficulties and disabled, they probably will have more patience than some who don't.

6) Do you have any extra qualifications?

You may not need some of the qualifications but the fact the ADI has gone out of his way to widen their knowledge shows that they have a commitment to their students

Some of the extra Qualifications they might have.

IAM/RoSPA membership
To belong to these organisations one has to pass a high standard of practical driving test.

Dip Di
This is a written exam in 5 parts that throughly tests the ADI knowledge in management of a driving school,car mechanics, motoring law, teaching techniques and of course driving theory, skills and procedures.

Banstead/ QEFH trained
This is a three day course devoted to teaching the disabled to drive, learning about "problems" the disabled may have and what aids are available to help overcome them.

City and Guilds 7307
This an adult teaching certificate that some colleges require before you can teach on the premises, but shows they have communication skills to impart their knowledge to others

Fleet Trainer
This is a voluntary register run by the DSA for ADIs to train FLH (Full Licence Holders) requiring an ADI to pass at a much higher standard than the basic ADI is required.

NDIS (National Driving Improvement Scheme)
This is as the name suggests a national scheme where drivers make an error of judgment, the police can offer a training course to improve their driving rather than taking the driver to court to be only fined and have points added to their licence, there are very few instructors selected to do this work.

SAFED (Safe And Fuel Efficient Driving)
This a government incentive to improve the driving of white van man there are approximately 320 ADIs out of a total of 42,000 ADIs doing this work.

There are more qualifications, but this should cover most of them.

You will be able to gauge what sort of instructor you are dealing with by the response you get to these questions, as most people don't know what to ask.

The DSA propose to make public the pass rate and grade of an instructor, which at first reading seems very useful information to make a subjective choice, however if you follow the thinking through you might not feel it's so useful.

There are lies, damned lies and statistics...

A) Grades
ADIs are graded 1 through to 6, six is the best grade, the vast majority of ADIs are grade 4.

With grades 3 and below the DSA will be taking action to remove them from the register if they do not improve very quickly.

However ADIs are graded by an examiner who sits in on ONE lesson and sees how they perform according to the DSA method of marking, we can all have a bad day, the examiner may have missed a key point in the lesson, it has happened that there has been personality clashes between ADI and examiner.

I know of many grade 4's that give wonderful training, make it fun for their clients and lots pass first time with them, I also know grade six instructors who shout and have a very short fuse with some of their students.

B) Pass Rates
The DSA used to send all ADIs their pass rates, but they gave up because no ADI ever agreed with the figures given by the DSA, there were instances of instructors who had been dead for over a year still getting pupils through the test - now thats what I call dedication!

Some instructors publish their pass rates, how are they working out their pass rate? Are they taking every customer on or are they "cherry picking"?

There is a recently formed driving school aiming at the top end of the public school market Eton, Harrow, etc and they are expecting their clients to have 4 times the average amount of lessons combined with plenty of private practice, I would be very disappointed if their pass rate was below 99.9%.

I believe if the pass rates are published it will hurt the more disadvantaged members of society as they will be turned away as "difficult" to teach and drag the pass rates of instructors down, or maybe even worse some instructors may take them on but have no intention of ever presenting them for a test.

Even though I specialise in this sector of the market and my pass rate is above the national average, if I thought it would effect potential clients considering me as an instructor, I would have to seriously consider if I would continue to accept them onto my books.

Raw statistics don't tell the whole story.

If you had a serious heart condition who would you prefer to treat you a surgeon whose patients had 20% survival rate or a surgeon with 99.9%?

The answer may seem obvious until you dig deeper, maybe the first surgeon specialises in the cases where the condition has progressed so far that no other person will attempt the operation, whilst the other specialises in "Ingrowing Toenails"!

As you can see there are lots of things to be considered when choosing an ADI.

Unfortunately most people think an ADI is an ADI and can be chosen on price alone, all the extra training I've listed above entails more cost and loss of earnings to an ADI so a more qualified ADI will normally be more expensive per lesson, but hopefully with a higher standard to training you should be better equipped to drive safely for life on the road.

The last question you should ask is
"When can you fit me in?" :) "

If you would like to find out more about Peter Cary, please see his website - Peter Cary, Driving Instructor - Specialising For Those With Disabilities Or Anxieties About Driving

For more information about The ADI Federation, please see their website - The ADI Federation

This interview was originally published on my webpage - How To Choose A Driving Instructor

Cheap Driving Lessons - Part 1

2008-10-28T09:33:00.005Z

With people worried about the credit crunch and the recession, it's perfectly natural and sensible to economise on what you spend. I do exactly the same myself.

When you go to a shop you usually know what you're getting. You know exactly what Coca Cola is and what to expect from the product inside the can or bottle. You can shop around and compare prices on a like for like basis. The can of Coke you buy from a big supermarket is going to be the same as the one you buy from the local corner shop or the petrol station as it's the same product - the only thing that is different is the price.

However, driving lessons aren't the same.

A driving lesson from one instructor will be totally different from one given by another instructor. Unlike cans of Coke, there's a variable "human" element involved.

Personality, teaching style, adaptability, professionalism, committment to customer service, reliability, punctuality...all of these are factors that wll be different in every single driving instructor, even though they are all ultimately teaching the same subject.

Over the past few months, I keep coming across people on the internet who want to learn to drive, but state that they want a driving instructor who is "good, cheap and will get me through my test in as few lessons as possible".

Unlike popular fizzy drinks, when it comes to driving instructors, the words "good" and "cheap" rarely go together.

Before I explain why I think that cheap driving lessons can be a very false economy, I'm going to put the reason why everyone should learn to drive PROPERLY into perspective...

Driving is a skill for life. A car is a dangerous weapon. When driving, you are in charge of several hundredweight of hard, unyielding metal with a powerful engine capable of travelling at an extremely fast speed.

A car can literally be lethal if not used properly...it can injure and kill, not only you, but other people too. Road accident statistics make horrifying reading;

Every day in the UK, 23 young people, under the age of 25, are killed or seriously injured in vehicles. Most of these collisions are caused by bad driving. Not the vehicle, the road, or the conditions
1 in 5 drivers crash within their first year of driving
It is estimated that as many as one in five of all serious road accidents involve drivers under the age of 21
Around 3,000 young drivers are killed or seriously injured on Britain's roads each year
Young drivers are more likely to be involved in high speed crashes, single vehicle crashes involving losing control, crashes in the dark and crashes when overtaking and negotiating bends

Given that driving is so potentially dangerous, it never ceases to amaze me that so many people are determined to skimp on professional training and rush into doing something that could well cost them their lives if they make a mistake...

"Getting through your driving test in as few lessons as possible" does NOT mean that you will be safe on the roads. You need to think beyond "getting through your driving test" and think about what "driving" actually means.

Before you put the keys into the ignition of your own car and head off down life's highway, you need experience of different road and traffic situations and to know how to anticipate and plan to avoid or deal with dangerous or confusing situations. You also need to be considerate and responsible towards other road users yourself...in other words, you must be properly and adequately trained to handle your car safely. Just knowing enough to "get through your driving test quickly" isn't going to help you, if you meet a situation you don't know how to handle.

Learning to drive properly isn't cheap..but neither are the cost of funerals...think about it...

Back to the cost of driving lessons. Why are some instructors more expensive than others? I've heard people suggest that a driving instructor who charges more than £20 per hour is "ripping people off" and they know "someone who does 5 lessons for £49".

I won't make this blog entry too long, so I'll stop at this point. In Part 2 of this series of "Cheap Driving Lessons" blog posts, I'll be explaining EXACTLY why "someone who does 5 lessons for £49" can end up costing you MUCH MORE MONEY than a driving instructor charging £20 or more per hour...

Where's The "Easiest" Place To Take My Driving Test?

2008-08-21T14:24:00.004+01:00

You know what piddles me off with the driving test?

It's a standard test conducted in non-standard places.

I had a girl ring me up last week who'd failed her test a few times in London. She was looking for places she could get to on the train to come out of London and take her test...she wanted to know whether taking her test in Slough would be easier for her to pass...

The answer should be "No"...but it isn't.

The Driving Standards Agency don't release these figures very often but from the last published figures they gave out (April 2003 to March 2004), the national pass rate is 42.8% (that's a figure based on the total number of tests taken at every test centre in the UK)...BUT, when you look at the figures for individual test centres, it's massively variable e.g;

Slough 46%
Salen (Isle of Mull) 55.6%
Glasgow (Shettleston) 32.2%
Inveraray 80.0 %
Aberfedy 64.8%
Leeds 27.9%
Norwood South 29.5%
Pwllheli 60.8%
Reading 39.4%
Wood Green Lords 25.6%
Hayes 40.1%

(source: http://www.2pass.co.uk/passrates.htm)

Does that mean that learner drivers in Inveraray and Aberfedy are miles better than those in Wood Green or Glasgow?

If you look at the stats, yes...but of course it's the fact that traffic conditions in Inveraray and Aberfedy are markedly different than the roads of Wood Green or Glasgow...

The system allows a person who passes their test in a rural area where the most taxing situation they meet is Farmer McGiles blocking the road with his sheep to then be fully licenced to head off to Glasgow or London or anywhere else, even though they've probably never driven round a one-way system or complex roundabout etc...

Barmy...

I told the young lady that...she's probably on her way to Inveraray as I type this...

DSA Overcharge 270,000 Driving Test Candidates Since November 2005

2008-06-19T15:09:00.005+01:00

In a press release issued on 18 June 2008, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) have stated that due to "an error in regulations" dating back to November 2005, approximately 270,000 driving test candidates who booked their driving tests to take place on a SATURDAY were overcharged.

The DSA state that they will be writing to all those affected to apologise and to offer a refund, but that anyone wanting further information in the meantime can ring them on 0191 201 4098 and talk to an advisor.

The press release reads as follows;

"DSA Press release - SATURDAY DRIVING TESTS
SATURDAY DRIVING TESTS

The Driving Standards Agency is writing to learner driver candidates who have booked practical tests on a Saturday since November 2005, to offer a refund for overpayment of fees caused by accidental overcharging and to apologise for the error.

We are taking this action because of an error in regulations made on 1 November 2005 which had the unintended consequence of removing the differential between normal weekday hours and Saturday charges for taking a test.

The refund offered is the premium paid for a Saturday test, currently £10.50 for a car test.An amending regulation has now been laid in Parliament to reinstate in law the intended differential in fees. The Agency is obliged to recover administrative costs through fees, including the extra costs of Saturday operation, for example in overtime. Tests booked from 7 July onwards will be charged at the intended Saturday rate of £67.00.

The Driving Standards Agency apologises for the error and is contacting all those affected, but customers can speak direct to the Agency’s advisers by calling (0191) 201 4098 if they want information in the meantime. DSA believes around 270,000 candidates will be affected."

Source: DSA Press Release - Saturday Driving Tests

Increase in Practical Test "Vehicle Safety Questions" (Show-Me-Tell-Me) from 01 July 2008

2008-06-09T12:26:00.007+01:00

From 01 July 2008, six additional "Show-Me-Tell-Me" questions will be introduced to the Practical Driving Test.
The 13 current questions remain and test candidates will still only be asked 2 out of the 19 questions.

The additional questions are as follows;

"Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers

Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens

Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle)

Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash

Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car

Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system"

Full details of the existing and additional Vehicle Safety Questions can be found at the Driving Standards Agency website as follows;

Vehicle Safety Questions

Driving Test Fees Increasing AGAIN

2008-05-07T19:51:00.004+01:00

The DSA Business Plan 2008/2009 has outlined proposals to increase the Practical driving test fee for cars to £64.00 (daytimes)/£76.00 (evenings & weekends) in 2009.

See my previous blog entries for my thoughts on the massive price hikes in the cost of driving tests since 2007 already...

I cannot comment further at this stage...for once in my life, words completely fail me :(

DSA Stop Issuing "Proper" Theory Test Pass Certificates

2008-04-22T19:17:00.010+01:00

Theory Test pass certificates have been scrapped.

From 01 April 2008 the DSA stopped issuing separate Theory Test certificates. They now merely print the test pass number on the bottom of the computer generated results page that the test centre staff give to Theory Test candidates before they leave the test centre.

The Theory Test pass certificate used to look OK. It looked like a "proper" certificate and for many people gaining a pass and having a certificate to mark their achievement was tangible evidence that they'd succeeded and was rightly something for them to be proud of.

The Theory Test requires study and self-motivation. The test isn't so simple and straightforward that "everyone passes first time" - far from it, many people fail - so why does a Government agency treat laudable success with what amounts to derision?

This time last year it cost £21.50 to take the Theory Test. This increased to £28.50 in September 2007 and on 01 April 2008, a mere seven months later, the price increased again, this time to £30.00.

An increase of £8.50 - 39.5% over the course of a year. That's a big increase.

One can only assume that the "proper" Theory Test pass certificate has been abandoned in a cost-cutting measure...I would say perhaps that's fair enough, after all thrift is a virtue - if it weren't for the recent massive increases in the test fee...

How can they justify charging people more but giving them less?

It smacks of penny-pinching in the worst possible way...

Your Driving Licence - Look After It!

2008-04-14T21:39:00.013+01:00

I had a phone call today from someone saying she'd lost the "letter" that came with her driving licence and was it important...closer questioning revealed that she had lost the paper part of her licence....this is bad...this is not something you want to do...no, really, I'm not joking...

Those of us who deal with learner drivers on a daily basis have come across this time and time again. People (especially teenagers) get their provisional driving licence and eagerly grab the plastic photocard bit for use as ID to get into pubs, clubs etc and ignore the boring paper bit it's stuck too...BAD MOVE...THE PAPER BIT IS IMPORTANT SO DON'T LOSE IT, THROW IT AWAY OR DO ANYTHING OTHER THAN PUT IT SOMEWHERE VERY SAFE...

Why?

I'll tell you why...

Both the photocard and paper counterpart constitute your driving licence and they should ideally be kept together.

You should take good care of your driving licence as it is an important document and is widely acceptable as proof of identity - losing or throwing away the paper part of your driving licence could easily leave you vulnerable to identity fraud...

YOU MUST PRODUCE BOTH THE PAPER AND PHOTOCARD PARTS OF YOUR DRIVING LICENCE WHEN YOU TAKE BOTH THE THEORY AND PRACTICAL DRIVING TESTS - IF YOU DO NOT PRODUCE BOTH PARTS OF YOUR LICENCE YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TAKE EITHER TEST AND YOU WILL LOSE THE FEE YOU HAVE PAID FOR THE TEST.

You must replace your driving licence if it has been lost, stolen, defaced or destroyed.

You must also replace your whole licence if you've lost either the paper counterpart or the photocard.

You can apply for a replacement driving licence online, by telephone or by post.

Fee For A Replacement Driving Licence
The fee for a duplicate driving licence is £17.50

How To Apply For A Replacement Driving Licence
The DVLA accepts the following forms of payment for online or phone applications; Visa, Eurocard, Mastercard and Maestro.

Apply for a replacement driving licence online

Telephone - 0870 240 0009 (Monday to Friday 8.00 am - 8.30 pm or Saturday 8.00 am - 5.30 pm)

For full details of how to apply for a replacement driving licence, please see DirectGov-Duplicate driving licence, replacing if lost, stolen, defaced or destroyed

You must also report any changes affecting your driving licence to the DVLA such as change of address, change of name etc - for more details, please see DirectGov - Change of name and address on your driving licence

Driving Instructor Testing (check tests)

2008-04-09T12:53:00.005+01:00

A couple of days ago someone found one of my websites using the search term "how often do driving instructors get tested ". I do give the answer there, but it's somewhat buried in a mass of other information and having looked round the internet, there seems to be a lack of information that answers that question properly. Hopefully this will help the next person wanting to know :)

Once the third and final part of the Approved Driving Instructor qualifying exams is successfully passed you must pay the registration fee (currently £300.00) and apply to join the Driving Standards Agency Register of Approved Driving Instructors . Your registration will last four years, then you will have to pay again.

In that four year period you will also have to undergo at least one "check-test" on the quality of your instruction. This will be performed by a senior grade driving examiner (SEADI) and will consist of the SEADI either observing you during a lesson with a pupil, or, if you prefer, the SEADI can "role-play" the part of a pupil for you to teach (similar to the Part Three test).

The first check test is often referred to an an "educational" check test and is usually carried out roughly 6 months or so after you qualify.

You will have to undergo periodic check-tests as long as you are a registered ADI. The frequency between check-tests depends on what grade you achieved on the previous check-test - generally speaking, the higher the grade achieved, the longer the interval between checks. You must however, achieve a grade 4 or above.

If you don't get a standard grade 4 at your check-test, then you will be asked to take another check-test within a certain time limit. These are:
* grade 3 - further check-test with six months
* grade 2 - further check-test within two months
* grade 1 - further check-test within a month

If you're given a grade 1 after three check-tests, you will be formally told that you will be struck off the ADI Register.

Beware of unlicenced driving instructors - what to look out for...

2008-04-05T14:52:00.000+01:00

On 26 February 2008, the BBC programme "The One Show" highlighted the fact that there is a growing problem with unlicenced instructors giving driving tuition illegally. These instructors are more often than not, untrained and their vehicles are frequently uninsured for the purposes of driving tuition which could mean serious consequences in the event of an accident...

To read a synopsis of the programme and to see an online video of the report featured on the show please click the following link - BBC - The One Show - Driving Instructors.

A driving instructor MUST have their name entered on the register of driving instructors held by the Driving Standards Agency. It is illegal for anyone other than a DSA licenced driving instructor to give driving instruction in exchange for money.

A fully qualified Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) must display their licence (green octagon) on the windscreen of his/her tuition vehicle at all times when giving driving tuition in exchange for payment.

If the instructor is a trainee (Potential Driving Instructor/PDI), they must display their licence (pink triangle) on the windscreen of his/her tuition vehicle at all times when giving driving tuition in exchange for payment.

IF THERE'S NO LICENCE DISPLAYED ASK TO SEE IT - the instructor may simply have forgotten to stick it back on the windscreen after washing the car...or it may mean that the person you are paying to teach you is acting illegally...

You can check if someone offering driving tuition is registered at the ADI branch of the Driving Standards Agency:
Email: ADIReg@dsa.gsi.gov.uk
Phone: 0115 901 2618

Increase in cost of UK provisional driving licence and theory and practical driving test fees

2008-04-04T18:12:00.000+01:00

On 01 April 2008 in what appears to be a rather unfunny April Fool's Day joke, the cost of a provisional driving licence and the fees for both the Theory and Practical tests increased.

The cost of a provisional driving licence is now £50.00. This time last year it was £38.00. It went up to £45.00 in May 2007. An increase of 31.5% in a year.

The Theory Test fee is now £30.00. This time last year it was £21.50. It increased to £28.50 in September 2007. An increase of 39.5% in a year.

The Practical Test fee for cars is now £56.50 (daytimes) / £67.00 (evenings & weekends). Prior to 01 April it was £48.50 (daytimes) / £58.00 (evenings & weekends). An increase of 16.5%/15.5% in a year.

Massive increases...well above the rate of inflation (around 2.5%), but the customer has no alternative but to pay if they want to drive legally.

Value for money?

Has the service improved?

How are increases of this size justified?

Beats me...