Monthly Archives: March 2015

March 31, 2015
Passing the Theory Test

Like many of our students, when you pass the Theory test, you are likely to feel a huge weight off your shoulders. The relief is fantastic – Suddenly, you are no longer working towards a pipe dream – Becoming a full driver is now a real-life goal, within reach for you . You are half way to becoming a legal UK driver now having passed the Theory test.

You now have two years to start preparing for your practical test. Whilst this may seem like a long time, it will probably go a lot faster than you think – So don’t waste any time – If you have not had any practical driving lessons yet, you need to find an instructor and get clocking the hours up, so that you are ready for your test in no time.

If you’re looking for a fast route to driving, then perhaps our Intensive course is for you. Whichever option you take, you can find relief in the fact that from this day forth, you will never have to take a mock Theory test or brush up on your Hazard Perception again.

Safe driving from Britannia!

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March 30, 2015
Hand-held mobiles still a problem

Nearly every driver has seen other motorists use a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving according to a recent survey. With the number of deaths and serious injuries on UK roads rising by 4% to nearly 25,000 in 2014, consumer research by used-car specialist British Car Auctions (BCA) found that 95% of respondents had seen other motorists using a hand-held mobile while on the road.

According to the BCA research, 83% had seen other drivers texting and emailing whilst on the road. But mobile phones are not the only technology distracting drivers. Over half of respondents (52%) admitted to looking at their Sat Nav rather than the road at a junction or roundabout and 47% had seen other motorists doing the same. A small percentage even confessed to accessing the internet or social media whilst driving.

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March 27, 2015
Sunday Driving

With the weekend ready to commence, many of us may be opting to leave the car behind as we enjoy our nights out, or otherwise may have become the designated driver for the group! As long as you remember to refrain from drinking when behind the wheel, you have made the right choice.

Either way, it is important to remember when you are driving this weekend, the same rules apply as throughout the week, although the driving conditions may be different. For example, Saturday afternoon is likely to be reminiscent of morning rush-hour traffic with an abundance of vehicles on the road – whereas by Sunday morning, the roads are arguably at their quietest all week!

As a learner driver I always liked to have my driving lessons on Sunday mornings – With less traffic and calmer conditions, I personally found it the best time to learn, as well as the most fun! Just remember, that whilst being a “Sunday Driver” is perfect for these quieter times, not everyone wants to see this all week round…

Whatever driving you do this weekend, drive safely, from Britannia!

 

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March 26, 2015
New Safety Measures On French Roads

France has introduced a range of road safety measures including the lowering of the driving age and drink-drive limits.

Twenty-six measures have been introduced including the lower of the driving age to 15 from the current age of 16. Following the probationary period, the driving test can now be taken at 17 and a half rather than 18.

In addition, there will be trials of a reduced speed limit from 90 to 80 kmph on secondary two-way roads with poor safety records and parking within five metres of pedestrian crossing will be banned. The measures also include the lowering of the drink-drive limit for 18-24 year-olds to 0.2% g/l of blood – the equivalent of a small glass of wine or a small beer – and there will be trials of mouth swab drug detection tests.

The use of earphones and earpieces with mobile phones for hands-free calls in cars is now banned if they “reduce drivers’ auditory attention”. The changes also include improvement of road infrastructure safety including lowering the risk of driving the wrong way on the motorway with the installation of no-entry signs on a retro-reflecting background at turnoffs and the modernisation of 4,200 radars.

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March 25, 2015
Driver Filmed Speeding With Child Passenger

Mert Tanay, from Enfield, was filmed by police in an unmarked police car weaving in and out of traffic on the M20 in Kent, overtaking officers and then reaching a maximum speed of 140mph.

However, not only was Tanay speeding but when police officers pulled him over at Junction 9 at Ashford he was found to have had a six-year-old boy as his front-seat passenger. Officers reported that the boy was left “very shaken” by the experience.

Tanay has now been banned from driving for three years and was told to carry out 50 hours’ unpaid work after admitting dangerous driving at Canterbury Crown Court.

Kent Police have condemned his actions stating ‘Tanay’s actions on what is a busy motorway fell far below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver’.

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March 24, 2015
Used Car Test Driving Tips

In the modern world, many of us will choose not to opt for a brand-new car straight from the forecourt, instead going for the much more financially friendly option of a used car.

However, whilst buying a previously-owned car does have its advantages, there are a few things you need to watch out for when taking your test drive:

– Take out Day Insurance. Most car dealers should have their own insurance policy, but if you are buying privately we strongly recommend taking out Day Insurance for yourself. Remember, the car is not brand new, and so there could be problems with it during your test drive.

– Treat it like a first driving lesson. You have never driven this car before, so you will not be used to the vehicle. Take a moment in the driving seat to adjust to the interior and get to grips with the feel of the car before pulling away.

– Check all of the controls. Start with a cold engine, and test the clutch, brakes, pedals, indicators, electrics, windscreen wipers, even the radio – You will only have a limited time in the car during your test drive, so you need to find any potential flaws with the car before you commit to a purchase.

Safe test driving from Britannia!

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March 23, 2015
Paper Counterpart Scrapped in June

From June, the paper counterpart of the licence will be replaced with a new online system that holds details of all licensed drivers. The two-part licensing scheme which requires drivers to carry both a photocard and the green paper counterpart which lists nay penalty points or endorsements has only been in force for 17 years but is now to be scrapped.

New drivers will cease to be given the paper counterpart of the licence from June when the new system comes into effect.

However, there is widespread criticism of this change with many arguing the change could cause confusion. Not all drivers are comfortable with computers and surfing online. It could also cause a lot of resentment. People will also be concerned at who exactly will be able to access your electronic driver record, and the potential for fraud and scams.

The introduction has already been delayed for six months because of concerns that the IT would not be ready. Drivers are being urged to check the electronic record to ensure that it matches up with their paper counterpart.

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

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March 20, 2015
Driving Test Facts

With the Driving Test having celebrated its 80th Birthday this week, what better a time than to share some its glorious history with you?

Below are some of the more interesting facts we have managed to find out about the famed driving test – read on and enjoy!

– The first person to pass the driving test was a Mr J Beene in 1935, the year it was introduced.

– Test candidates would have to arrange to meet their examiner at a pre-organised location such as a train station, as there were no test centres when the practical test started!

– During World War II, the driving test was suspended, and was not made compulsory again until November 1946.

– The hand signal was a mandatory part of the Practical Test until as late as 1975!

– The Theory test was formally introduced in 1996. Before this, candidates would be quizzed on the Highway code during their practical exam.

– Finally -Since its introduction in 1946, over 46 million tests have been taken – and that number continues to rise.

What do you think about this article? Have we missed anything out? Let us know in the comments below!

Safe driving from Britannia!

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March 19, 2015
Learners to drive at night

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) claims that UK driving tests should be given a ‘comprehensive overhaul’ to tackle the modern problems faced by young people on the road. Though the test has undergone a number of changes, it still does not evaluate a driver’s ability to cope with country roads, poor weather or driving at night.

It is argued that the driving test need to become a much more integrated part of a graduated licensing system that picks up on best practice from around the world. For example, in Austria, young drivers come back in the first 12 months after the test for further interventions to examine attitude changes and skills.

At the moment, a trial is taking place over the introduction of satnavs into modern day tests. It will see learner drivers have to follow a satnav for about 10 minutes of their test because it’s seen as a more modern way of driving. Things like driving at night, country roads and adverse weather are all covered in the pass plus test, which is an advanced training course for drivers.

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March 18, 2015
Two Year Ban For Driver Who Killed Grandma

An 80-year-old whose out-of-control car crushed a grandmother outside of her home and killed her has been given a two-year driving ban and £500 fine. The driver admitted causing her death by driving without due care and attention. He had been sitting in his stationary car when he put his foot on the accelerator and shot across the road at a 90 degree angle.

The grieving family of grandmother Irene Wills, who had to have one of her legs amputated and then died in hospital six days later, are furious at the sentence imposed by magistrates. Her husband, Joe, called the penalty ‘ludicrous’ and went on to argue ‘I’m not an awful person but if you lose your wife you expect more than this.’

Prosecutor Andrew Bodger said the driver ‘got in the car, which was an automatic, while his daughter went to a chemist’s shop nearby to fetch a prescription. The Ford Focus with the defendant at the wheel shot forward out of the car park in a 90 degree arc and ended up hitting Mrs Wills…right from the outset the defendant said his foot had slipped from the brake pedal on to the accelerator.’

Simon Dykes, mitigating, told the court ‘this was a momentary lapse in concentration with tragic circumstances. He lost control when he put his foot on the accelerator, instead of the brake.’

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

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