Monthly Archives: May 2018

May 31, 2018
Make sure your tyres are roadworthy

Your tyres are one of, if not the most important part of your vehicle to keep in good nick. They are always in contact with the road, and can be your best friend if treated right. Here are five tips to make sure you get from A to B safely.

Tyre pressure
Your tyre pressure affects your day-to-day driving without most of us realising. Steering, handling, fuel consumption; these are all affected both positively and negatively by the pressure of your tyres. Checking your tyre pressure at least once a month at your local petrol station can make the world of difference, and can prevent blow outs. Your recommended tyre pressures will be listed in your owner’s manual.
Don’t overload the car!
It might sound silly, but try not to overload your car. The extra weight can really but a dampener not only on the performance of your car but also your tyres. More weight means more friction which in turn creates more wear on the treads.
Tyre treads
Speaking of tyre treads, these grooves control how much control, grip and handling that your car has on the road. Over time, these wear down, so make sure that they are road legal! The treads must be 1.6mm deep to pass an MOT, so if you think that you are cutting it fine, go check at your local garage! Stay safe on the road when doing so.
Damage and unusual wear and tear
Try to do a physical check of your tyres before sitting behind the wheel. Look out for any unusual cuts, bulges, scrapes; any of these can indicate damage to the tyre, and can cause punctures and tyre ruptures. If you notice any of these, once again your local mechanic should be the first port of call to check that your tyres are road worthy.
Good driving habits
Here at Britannia Driving School, we try to encourage good driving habits from the very first lesson, however, a quick refresher can’t do any harm. Remember to ease into speeds whether fast or slow, driving as smoothly and consistently as possible. Slow down for speed bumps, and avoid and hazards in the road.Constant stopping and starting can have detrimental effects on the tyres, so be as careful as you can with them.

Hopefully these tips will help improve your tyres’ performance and longevity.
As always, safe driving from Britannia!

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May 30, 2018
What to remember when driving in wet conditions

As we’re getting closer and closer to Summer, we have to remember that with the sun more than likely in the UK comes the rain. And not just rain, but torrential rain. Here are some tips to keep you safe.

Your stopping distance is doubled
Remember that in wet conditions, the time it takes for your vehicle to come to a complete halt is double that of a dry condition. To compensate for this, try to increase the gap between you and the driver in front of you.
Unresponsive steering
Don’t worry if your vehicle becomes unresponsive and can’t turn. This more than likely means that there is a lot of water under your tyres, and they can’t grip the road. Try to ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually.
Be vigilant
In treacherous conditions, remember that it’s not just you on the road. Some times you’ll struggle to keep spray and rain off the front window. Always keep your eyes open for other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Safe driving, from Brittania!

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May 29, 2018
Tips for long distance driving

Long distance driving can be a daunting task. It takes concentration, focus, and a lot of energy out of us. Hopefully with the tips below, your next long distance trip is more pleasant!

Stay hydrated
Remember to keep yourself topped up. Long distance driving can be seen as an endurance task, and you need to make sure your reflexes are in top shape for any of these things.
Plan your stops
When deciding on going for a long drive, remember to choose where and when you are going to stop. Breaking down your journey into smaller, more manageable sections will make the trip go faster, and give you somewhere to pop to the toilet, get food and drink, or just not have to worry for a short period of time.
Fuel up
Normally with driving when we say fuel up, we mean your car, but this time we mean you! You’re just as important to keep fuelled up and going for long distances. Remember to take some snacks with you, or to stop during the journey to grab something.
Make sure you’ve had enough sleep
Driving when tired is just as dangerous to you, your passengers, and other motorists on the road as if you were to drive under the influence. Remember to get a good amount of sleep the night before the big drive. Even stop for a short while when driving if you feel tired. Make sure you are concentrating 100% before driving.

Hopefully these tips will help you the next time you go long distance driving, but feel free to ask us for any more!

Safe driving, from Brittania!

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May 28, 2018
What To Bring To Your Driving Test?

When it comes to taking your practical driving test, don’t forget the essentials!

  • A Valid Provisional UK Driving License
    • Make sure that it is signed
    • Your provisional provides proof that you are who you say you are.
  • A Pass Certificate for your Theory Test
    • This certificate must have been completed within the past 2 years.
    • If early than 2 years ago, you must retake your theory before taking your practical.

Remember, our instructors at Britannia Driving School are here to help. Why not have a driving lesson an hour or so before your practical? It can get you used to driving a car, as well as calm your nerves down.

Good luck, and safe driving from Britannia!

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May 24, 2018
Not texting. Not drinking. But drowsy driving.

“If you’re sleepy, if you’re tired, take an Uber. Take a taxi. Stay home. Have someone else drive you. Don’t risk your life.”

Ask us any questions!

Highway Traffic Safety said, “The good news is we are seeing a trend in the decrease in the crashes that can be attributed to distracted driving, but it’s not enough.”

Drowsy driving is distracted driving. When we think of Distracted Driving, we immediately think of texting and driving or drinking and driving. What we never think about is drowsy driving, which is just as severe as the rest. Just because you have a cup of coffee, does not mean that you are safe to be on the road. Pull over, shut the car off, and rest.

Safe driving, from Britannia!

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May 23, 2018
£2,500 for wearing sunglasses at the wheel!!!

Drivers could be fined as much as £2,500 for wearing sunglasses at the wheel. But did you know motorists could also be fined for NOT wearing sunglasses while driving?

Confused? Us too!

Rule 237 of the Highway Code states that drivers must slow down or pull over if dazzled by bright sunlight – so if you don’t, and you’re not wearing sunglasses to protect you from the glare then you could be convicted of careless driving. Find out more on Britannia here.

The offence means an on-the-spot fine of £100 and up to three penalty points on your licence – or you could go to court and face a fine of up to £2,500 and nine penalty points the Plymouth Herald reports. Want to find out more, contact us!

But it is also illegal to wear some types of sunglasses while driving.

Safe driving, from Britannia!

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May 22, 2018
Driving instructor – £100 fine for 6 minute Co-op stay

A driving instructor is warning people to check before they park! He was given a parking notice for a 6 minute stay at a Co-op shop.

On one occasion he was given a penalty charge notice for £100, for waiting in a parked bay for nine minutes. On a second occasion he received the same notice, for waiting six minutes.

He quotes: “Driving instructors need to use car parks even more now since the changes to the driving test, as more of the manoeuvres are in car parks.

Book now!

From us at Britannia, we wish you to be careful and safe driving!

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May 21, 2018
Learners soon will be sharing the motorway with M62 drivers

The DVLA is going to allow provisional licence holders to practice on motorways.

Learner drivers are currently not allowed to practise on the motorway. However provisional licence holders will soon be allowed to use them as part of a raft of changes in laws governing motoring.

From June 4th learners, under the instruction of a qualified instructor, will be allowed to practice on motorways. So expect to see a few cars with L-plates on the M62, mostly likely in lane one.

It’s your decision as motorway driving will not be part of the driving test.

Ask us anything!

Safe driving, from Britannia!

 

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May 18, 2018
How To Save Fuel

One of the worst things to see when driving is the fuel light come on, especially if you’ve not long filled up! Here at Britannia, we want to make sure that you are getting the most out of your experience driving. Here are a few tips to save fuel;

  • Maintain your vehicle – regular servicing and maintenance on your car can increase the efficiency of it, as well as the performance. Better performance is vital for fuel economy.
  • Keep your momentum – Slowing down only to speed up uses more fuel than keeping to a set speed. If possible, try to keep to a set speed to make sure that you don’t burn up more fuel than you need to.
  • Watch your weight – The more weight that’s in the car can increase performance, and therefore increase the fuel needed to get from A to B. If you’re driving within an urban environment, try to keep your tank around half full. A lighter load of fuel means less fuel used.

There are plenty other ways to save on fuel including only driving where needed, planning your route, and keeping your tyre pressure up, but for now, safe driving from Britannia!

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May 17, 2018
Become An Approved Driving Instructor

Want to help shape the next generation of drivers on the road? Learn how to become an approved driving instructor with us here at Britannia!

To become a driving instructor you must fulfil the following requirements set down by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA):

  • Hold a British or Northern Ireland car driving licence or hold an EU licence.
  • Have held that licence for a total of four years out of the past six years prior to entering the Register after qualifying. A foreign driving licence or provisional licence held after passing the driving test all count towards the four years.
  • Have not been disqualified from driving at any time in the four years prior to applying to enter the Register.
  • Be a fit and proper person to have your name entered in the register.
  • Are prepared to accept that all convictions, including motoring offences, still in force will be taken into account when assessed.
  • You must be able to read, in good daylight, a number plate at a distance of 27.5 meters.
  • Pass the qualifying exam.

Find out what happens in the ADI Theory Test here!

Safe driving from Britannia!

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