It is one of the most commonly heard phrases during one’s driving lessons: “You need to pay attention”.

But in this day and age of motoring mayhem, paying attention to the roads more is not just a method to try to help you pass your driving test faster, but potentially to save your life.

A lot of driving instructors will emphasise the importance of paying attention to road signs – which is true, after all they give you a lot of information when you’re behind the wheel, as to what to expect in the coming roads, or warning on what to watch out for. Although we here at Britannia would wager that they would 100% rather you keep your eyes on the traffic at all times, rather than road signs, if it has to be a choice.

This is because traffic is dynamic, and therefore dangerous. Many drivers are happy to pull out of junctions without due care, which outs yourself and all other road users at risk. So next time you are on your driving lesson, remember that really paying attention will make all of the difference.

Safe driving from Britannia!

Cardiff Council has just revealed plans to install a network of fixed and mobile cameras and penalise drivers who use bus lanes or stop in yellow box junctions as much as £70.

This new system similar to that which is already in force in London is due to come into effect in December.

The scheme will apply to unauthorised use of bus lanes, cars which stop in box junctions and parking that blocks access to schools.

This gives rise to the question of money-making by local authorities, something that councils in London have been under fire for. An investigation found last year that some councils in London were discussing financial targets for certain junctions.

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Motorists are calling on the government to take urgent action to stop the extortionate costs of fuel on the motorway. A new study found that three-quarters of drivers think petrol and diesel sold by service stations is too expensive, with almost two-thirds demanding that prices be capped to stop profiteering.

The report should that many motorists risked their fuel tanks running dry by only buying the bare minimum of fuel on the motorway and then hoping to find a cheaper alternative later. In 2013, ministers announced plans to introduce a system of motorway signs showing prices from all the service stations on a particular stretch of road.

A pilot is due to be run in 2015. An app has been designed to help motorists who need to fill their tanks up on the motorway. The PetrolPrices app allows drivers to find the cheapest provider of fuel within a chosen radius.

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One of the many factors that can affect how well a person learns to drive is the issue of confidence – driving is one of those things in life where a little confidence can go a long way, but without it, you are likely to struggle.

Nobody likes a boy racer driving behind them who thinks he owns the road. But confidence is a necessity when you’re behind the wheel. For example, are you preparing to pull out of a junction when there is a gap in the traffic? If you hesitate, being unsure of if you can pull into the available space in time, or worried that you may stall, you are likely to waste valuable time that could have been used making the perfect manoeuvre.

A lack of faith in your own driving abilities can be a major hindrance on your driving lessons. But if you want to get past this stage, try to pick up on any small praise that your instructor gives you – something as simple and reassuring as a “Good job” on a three-point turn can make all the difference to putting you in a positive mind frame. Likewise, don’t take any negative comments to heart – just see them as constructive criticism, and remember that without them, you could never improve and progress onto being a fully road-legal driver.

Safe driving from Britannia!

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The paper counterpart is to be axed from 1 January 2015, following the tax disc. However, there are concerns that this move could mean that drivers face car hire delays in the UK. In addition, motorists could become more susceptible to fraudulent emails.

The DVLA recently warned fraudsters were sending out emails asking people to click a link to verify their driving licence, which if followed could see them compromised and their bank cards stolen.

An online service is yet to replace the paper part which could lead to people hiring cars facing higher bills and longer queues, car rental companies have warned, since car rental firms would be required to use the DVLA’s premium rate telephone enquiry number. a cost that would be passed on to the consumer.

What are your thoughts on this article? Send your views to Britannia Driving School by using the comments link below:

So the day has finally arrived, you’ve completed months and months of driving lessons, passed your Theory test with flying colours, and now it is time to take your Practical Test. There is just one small obstacle in your way…

The eye test.

This is a legal requirement that you must pass before even sitting in the car you will take your test in. You will be required to read the number plate from a vehicle from 20 feet away. If you need to wear glasses or contact lenses to improve your vision it is highly recommended that you wear these to pass the eye test, and you will also be required to wear these throughout your test.

This may sound daunting to some, but it is necessary to ensure that examiners aren’t putting someone behind the wheel who may not even be able to see past the end of the bonnet!

If you have poor eyesight you may be worrying right about now – after all, failing the eye test means that you won’t be able to sit the test. But fear not, Britannia is here to help – take our FREE Eye Test Simulator here now!

Have we helped you at all today? Let us know here!

Safe driving from Britannia!

Mercedes has now joined the self-driving race after other luxury brands such as BMW and Audi unveiled their models. However, Mercedes is set to rival them all with its living room-style model.

The model is a four seater design and even has a coffee table built in for passengers, who face each other. The front seats of the car can be turned around and passengers can spend their time relaxing or working.

The pivotal feature of the innovative interior concept is the variable seating system, with four rotating lounge chairs that allow a face-to-face seat configuration. This enables the front passengers to turn around and talk directly to the other passengers while on the move. Or to focus their attention towards the front as necessary for manual driving, with an extendable steering wheel.

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More than a quarter of motorists have admitted to nearly hitting a pedestrian who was distracted by their mobile phones.

The figure for pedestrian casualties on UK roads in 2013 was over 24,000 with 27% of motorists claiming that they have had to swerve or break to avoid hitting phone-using pedestrians while 8% admitted to actually hitting them.

31% of pedestrians say their mobile phones distract them from looking for traffic while 14% admitted to crossing the road without looking because they were using their phone.

66% of mobile distraction was due to texting, whilst talking on the phone was second (57%). Following these, the most common distractions amongst pedestrians were Facebook (23%), sending messages via Whatsapp (18%), checking emails (13%) and taking selfies (3%).

There is currently much being done to raise awareness for distracted motorists, however, pedestrians clearly need to be made aware as well since all road users need to be responsible for safety on the road, not just motorists.

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When you are learning to drive, the DVSA recommends a combination of professional tutoring with some private driving practise to maximise your driving ability and to cut your learning curve as much as possible.

So who can teach you to drive?

For your private practise, there are some requirements that your tutor will have to meet before they are legally allowed to educate you on how to drive.

For a start, they must be 21 years or older. They must also have held a valid driving license for a minimum of three years before starting to teach anyone, and they must also have the correct insurance for the vehicle they are tutoring you in.

Private practise can help to open your eyes wider to the world of driving – in a car with someone you are more familiar with may put you at ease more so than being in a car with a driving instructor, and this may benefit you in the long run.

Safe driving from Britannia!