Author Archives: Kerry Smith

Can i restart my driving lessons now?

Driving tests were suspended in England, Scotland and Wales for three months from 20 March. So unless it was booked for a date after 20 June, the test will not take place as planned. A similar situation is in place in Northern Ireland.

A new date for anyone whose test is cancelled will be automatically sent out by the Driver and Vehicles Standards Agency (DVSA). You cannot book a new date for a driving test yourself.

You can still apply for an emergency driving test if you’re classed as a critical worker.

In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, taking a family member out for a driving lesson is still not allowed, as it is not counted as an essential journey.

The Department for Transport has indicated that this is also still the case In England, despite the recent lockdown changes. However, the AA says it’s not clear whether this would be the case if, for example, a driving lesson was given on the way to do essential shopping.

NASP advises that trainers should carefully evaluate the risks of on-road training at this time, and establish whether there is an essential need for such before taking on any new key worker pupil.

We remind trainers that they engage in in-vehicle training during this period entirely at their own discretion due to the risks involved.

The type of training NASP deems unessential, and should therefore be avoided includes:

  • Learner and novice training of any non-key worker
  • Learner and novice driver/rider training from scratch where the pupil is a key worker but does not have an essential need to drive at this time, ie they can use other modes of transport to commute and they are not required to drive for work. It is also unlikely that new learners would pass their test soon enough to be able to undertake a useful and safe driving role as a key worker at this time. It could also cause too much road risk to encourage novice drivers to rapidly gain a licence and undertake pressured occupational driving roles at this time
  • Training or driver/rider development of a driver or rider who is not a key worker
  • Training or driver development where the key worker (whether full licence holder, vocational licence holder etc) does not have an essential need to drive in their role (ie they are not driving for work or could commute using alternative forms of transport)

Training which would deem necessary :

  • Key workers who have a practical emergency test confirmed with DVSA
  • Key workers requiring new licences for essential front line roles, such as emergency response workers acquiring a first licence or needing licences in new categories
  • Key workers needing driver or rider development in order to safely and competently drive or ride in different/new vehicles which they are unused to in the same licence category, ie delivery drivers
  • Key workers needing driver or rider development to drive in a new, or increased, occupational context and whose driving risk may therefore be greater. This includes increased commuting to multiple work locations and increased driving/riding in contexts they are unused to such as motorway driving, driving after dark, rural roads, unfamiliar vehicles, UK familiarisation

Thousands targeted with scam insurance policies

ONLINE scammers are targeting thousands of Brits with fake insurance policies that offer cover at a heavily discounted rate. Motorists who take out the fake insurance could be left uncovered in an accident and potentially be hit with hefty fines.

Known as ghost brokers, these criminals offer drivers comprehensive policies at heavily discounted rates for a small fee. But instead of providing genuine cover, drivers are sent a fake certificate that doesn’t even exist

In other cases, a real policy is actually purchased, but some of their details are changed to lower the cost of insurance. In both situations, drivers will quickly realise their insurance is illegitimate when it comes time to make a claim.

Ghost brokers will also use another person’s details such as address, birth date and even name instead of the actual customer. These details can be accessed using the electoral register, while some scammers will buy data from other hackers.

Drivers are urged to do their research before committing to an insurance policy, no matter how cheap the cover is. Motorists should purchase their policy through an insurer’s direct website or a price comparison site.

Car insurance is a legal requirement in the UK to help protect you and any other road users.

If you’re caught without insurance, you can be hit with a £300 fine and six penalty points on your licence. In more extreme cases, you could be hit with an unlimited fine and disqualified from driving.

Jenny Ross, money editor at Which?, said: ‘Ghost-broking is an increasingly prevalent car insurance scam that can lead to serious consequences, including drivers being hit with fines, penalty points or even disqualification.

‘Fraudsters are using sophisticated tactics online to trick vulnerable customers into thinking that they’re buying a legitimate policy, when in fact it’s bogus.

‘Consumers should watch out for warning signs that the insurance may not be genuine, including suspiciously low prices, and always check that the provider is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.’

Is your car insurance with Admiral ?

Admiral has become the first major UK motor insurer to offer its customers partial refunds, as many drivers are stuck at home because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but industry experts say the move does not go far enough.

The group, Britain’s biggest car insurer, said it would return £110m to its policyholders – a £25 refund for each car and van it covered as of 20 April, a total of 4.4m vehicles. The refund will automatically be credited to customers by the end of May.

This will pressure other companies to follow suit, as insurers reap the benefit of reduced accident and breakdown claims under the lockdown. Some industry estimates suggest insurers could save up to £1bn as a result this year.

Gareth Shaw, the head of money at Which?, said: “People will remember how businesses treated them during this crisis, and Admiral’s decision to provide partial refunds to all of its car and van policyholders will certainly be welcomed by customers experiencing unforeseen pressure on their finances.

“Firms that act fairly now may see that they are rewarded in the future, and we encourage all other car insurers to follow Admiral’s lead.”

James Blackham, the chief executive of By Miles, which provides cover on the basis of car usage, said Admiral’s move, while welcome, does not go far enough. “We’ve calculated that over a two-month lockdown, drivers could be between £35 to £58 out of pocket, for each car they own … It’s a shame, too, that the refund won’t be processed until the end of May.”

Admiral has pledged a further £80m, mainly to reduce prices, with the biggest cuts to benefit renewing customers with above-average premiums, such as younger drivers. Some of the money will go towards measures to support NHS staff, as well as a £4m Covid-19 support fund in south Wales, where Admiral is based.

Cristina Nestares, the chief executive of UK insurance at Admiral, said: “We want to give the money we would have used to pay claims back to our loyal customers in this difficult time. We have also already reflected this change in driving behaviour in our pricing for customers and will continue to do so.”

Admiral has also been offering customers who are struggling payment holidays, although any deferred payments have to be repaid by the end of the policy term. Other UK insurers – Axa, Aviva and the AA – have also offered payment holidays to customers on a case-by-case basis.

Admiral said it is waiving any motoring claims excess fees for NHS or emergency service workers and giving them a free courtesy vehicle if their vehicle is stolen or undriveable after an accident, to keep them on the road during the lockdown.

Drivers warned that short essential journeys could lead to flat batteries

If you’ve left the car unused since lockdown rules began, you might find it struggles to start when you need it next.

It’s been Seven weeks since Boris Johnson asked the public not to leave home except for absolutely essential journeys and exercise – long enough for weaker car batteries to go flat.

Motorists can attempt to charge batteries themselves or call for breakdown assistance to get back on the road if they need to make an essential journey.

Despite a recent upturn in road traffic, Department for Transport (DfT) figures show that journeys have fallen by around two-thirds in the past 7 weeks.

RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “Many people will find their cars have flat batteries as a result of them being left idle for Seven weeks.

“This is an unfortunate consequence of the ‘stay at home’ advice and something we’re dealing with on a daily basis.”

Jump Starting a Car Battery

Batteries will often discharge because of a combination of constantly occurring chemical reactions and energy-sapping systems such as immobilisers, that still function even when your engine is off.

Mr Williams explained that starting a car occasionally “isn’t likely to help” either, as that does not allow enough time for batteries to recharge.

“In fact, this may end up draining a weak battery,” he said.

Alternators recharge the battery as well as generating power. It takes time for them to power cells in the battery and five to ten-minute journeys are insufficient.

Households with two cars should alternate using them for essential journeys to avoid flat batteries.

Mr Williams added: “You should also consider driving the one with the older or weaker battery more often.”

Drivers should ensure that they take precautions before leaving their car parked for an extended period of time.

Using a battery conditioner or trickle charger is perhaps the best way to ensure your car makes it through lockdown. These devices keep your battery from being drained without the need to run the engine.

Topping up fuel and oil, and cleaning your interior will improve the performance of your car after social distancing restrictions are lifted.

Mr Williams said: “If your car doesn’t start after a period of not being used and it’s needed for an essential journey, please call us.

“We’re still attending customers, whether that’s people doing their food shopping or going to work because they have to, or emergency service vehicles, delivery lorries and other critical service vehicles.”

Safety Measures Here At Britannia Driving School

At Britannia Driving School please be rest assured our instructors and pupils health and well being is paramount.

Thinking as to when instructors can return to everyday teaching we have been devising ways to keep you all safe.

This will include the instructors not giving lessons if they have any of the corona virus symptoms, instructors asking their pupils if they have been feeling unwell or in contact with any body who is unwell or showing symptoms.

Some instructors are thinking about having a digital thermometer to check themselves and pupils alike.

They will all be carrying hand sanitizer which each pupil will be asked to put on just before they enter the car, Before and after each pupil the car will be cleaned with antibacterial wipes, handles, steering wheel, mirror, gearstick, seatbelt etc.

We are asking that the pupils wash their hands immediately prior to the lesson commencing.

When we return to the office we will still be social distancing so ask that if at all avoidable to contact us by telephone or email, we will be sanitizing everything in the office and the two meter rule will be in place, also only allowing one person at a time in the office.

We will of course be thinking of other ways we can all keep ourselves in the office, our instructors and of course our pupils.

Like everyone in the country we have been following the Downing Street Briefings for rules to abide by when we return to work and of course all of the above is subject to any changes that the Government make, The Dvsa (Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency) and the DIA (Diving Instructors Association) have both been a great help to us and our instructors during the last 7 weeks. Boris Johnson our Prime minister will be making an announcement on Sunday 10th May, Britannia Driving school will be taking information from that briefing.

Please check back for any new news here on our website or on our Facebook page, For the past 7 weeks our fantastic office staff have been remotely working from home, rest assured we are still here for you.

More than 9,000 motorists are still legally driving with 12 or more points on their licence

SOME 9,349 drivers are still legally on the roads with 12 or more licence points, data shows. Most have pleaded “exceptional hardship” in court to avoid a driving ban of up to two years.

Being unable to work is more than  often an argument — but footballers and celebs have got off the hook by claiming they would have to stop helping charities.

The DVLA told Auto express Express: “A court can exercise its discretion and not disqualify the driver.”

Jack Cousens, of the AA, said “eyebrows will be raised” at the figures. “There are concerns from the Sentencing Council that the ‘exceptional hardship application’ used by drivers to keep their licence is used too frequently “It’ll be interesting to see what conclusions they come to.” Lord Justice Holroyde, chairman of the Sentencing Council, said: “The Council is aware of public concern that offenders w ho have incurred 12 penalty points or more are not always disqualified from driving.

 

“There are legitimate reasons why this might happen; the law allows for such a disqualification to be avoided or reduced for reasons of exceptional hardship.

“We have recently consulted on proposed new guidance that will set out clearly the matters to be considered by the courts when deciding exceptional hardship applications.

“We will consider the responses to that consultation, and will issue guidance that will help make sure these cases are dealt with fairly, consistently and in accordance with the law.”

 

NASP guidance for training critical workers

The three joint associations of NASP have put together some guidance if you have customers who are granted a critical worker practical test with the DVSA.

We have already published the operating procedures that volunteer DVSA examiners will use when conducting a test and have reiterated some of those in the document. This list is not exhaustive, however it hopefully covers all you will need to consider before taking on any critical worker training before a test.

The three joint associations of NASP have put together some advised guidance if you have customers who are granted a Critical Worker practical test with the DVSA.
Firstly, you should appreciate that all Critical Workers will not necessarily be granted a critical worker test and we would advise that you do not give training until your customer actually has a practical test confirmed by DVSA, those are at the ,moment only being given to front line NHS, Police & Fire Service personnel, that may change as time goes on and we will keep you updated.
We have already published the operating procedures that volunteer DVSA examiners will use when conducting a test and have reiterated some of those below, this list is not exhaustive, however hopefully covers all you will need to consider before taking on any Critical Worker training before a test.
• Make sure your customer has checked with DVSA at: critical.worker.driving.test@dvsa.gov.uk to ensure they will be granted a practical test. • Check with pupils before each lesson to ensure they have not been exposed, or are experiencing symptoms which could be related to Covid 19, or have travelled recently from a region severely impacted • You should note, that any test booked will be carried out with a volunteer examiner as they will have to break the social distancing rules and check where the test is actually booked, do not assume it will be at the customers usual test centre • We would suggest you wear suitable safe clothing when giving lessons/training, the examiner has been advised to wear long sleeves and full-length trousers. • Your customer will be asked on arrival at the test centre to wash their hands before the test will start, please advise your customer not to shake hands with their examiner • In these unusual times, you should consider wearing gloves and the examiner will, however you should be aware that some people are allergic to latex based materials, always ask first • If you or your customer present for the test with any clear symptoms, excessive coughing, high temperature etc, the examiner will refuse the test and another test will be rebooked. If during the test, any of these symptoms present themselves, the examiner will terminate the test • All the normal procedure will be carried out on the test as it normally would following the DT1 guidance • You will not be invited to travel in the back of the test or be involved in the debrief at the end.

• You should ensure your customer, that everything the examiner uses before, during and at the end of the test has been thoroughly cleaned and will be before each test • We would advise you to continue with the earlier guidance we gave regarding using antibacterial hand gel and wipes to ensure you keep clean all areas, you or your customer touch. • During the test, the examiner may ask you to take off any roof board you may have, this is simply to avoid abuse from other members of the public. The examiner will supply a pair of L plates if you don’t have any, preferably marked with NHS above the L

A key worker trainer voluntary register will shortly be available providing certification for driver and rider trainers to be able to display whilst training, as well as allowing members of the public, police etc to check with the register than the trainer is indeed carrying out essential training. Trainers applying for certification will have to complete a short online course and theory test on safe training protocols, designed to mitigate the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19, as well as provide evidence they are training key workers.
We hope this gives you some useful advice, please Stay Safe

A $265K Mclaren supercar car driver insists driving is a form of exercise.

A $265K Mclaren supercar driving insists driving is a form of exercise when pulled over by police after breaking Coronavirus rules, he went on to tell the officers a fine would not make a difference to his $15 million fortune!

The 43-year-old male was pulled over in his $265,000 McLaren 650S in Kings Cross in Sydney’s CBD just after midnight on Saturday. He told officers he was on his way to Wolloomooloo to get petrol with a friend – despite living over 30 kilometres away in Fairfield in the city’s south

When police told him he was breaking the law, he lashed out at officers and boasted about his fortune.” Do what you want mate, i dont care” he told the officers from the Kings Cross Police Area Command, “This $1.000 fine wont hurt my $15 million”

Police have issued at least 45 infringement notices regarding the coronavirus lockdown policies in the last 24 hours in New South Wales alone. Australians have been urged to stay home unless absolutely necessary, and cannot travel in groups of more than two people.

The only acceptable reasons for leaving the house include daily exercise, collecting essential supplies like food or medicine or to go to work.

Other infringement notices that were handed out on Saturday included a group of four men – aged between 18 and 23 – who were travelling in a car together on the mid north coast and a Mount Druitt man who told officers he was on his way to a friend’s house to ‘smoke weed’.

Two men, aged 71 and 77, were also fined after they were moved along with warnings twice on the same day before being caught breaking the rules again.

Speed awareness courses will be held via online video chat app Zoom during coronavirus lockdown

TTC, which runs them for UK Road Offender Education, is now offering remote options. One speeder reckoned: “I couldn’t stop laughing when I saw the course was being run via Zoom. I thought we were meant to watch our speed.”

Courses are offered to offending drivers as an alternative to prosecution, a fine and/or points. Anyone who does not want to take an online course will be contacted by police over “the next steps available.

TTC’s Jim Kirkwood said: “We’ve always taken great pride in delivering excellent face-to-face driver training across our business that changes the attitude and behaviour of drivers for the better.

“The business environment has changed out of all recognition and we needed to react quickly.

“We are now moving drivers to take their currently booked classroom course onto the online version, via a secure video link within a Digital Classroom.

“These courses are offered by UK police forces to drivers who commit offences as an alternative to prosecution, fine and/or points on the licence.

“If drivers choose not to participate in the online course the police will make contact to advise the driver directly about the next steps available.”

Zoom has become a household name since the start of the COVID 19 outbreak- connecting families and friends, hosting Cabinet meetings and even online gym classes.

Last December, Zoom hosted ten million meetings a day. By the end of last month, the figure had increased to more than 200 million!

BRITS tiring of lockdown have hit the roads this week – with the AA seeing a 10 per cent rise in journeys since the start of restrictions.

BRITS tiring of lockdown have hit the roads this week – with the AA seeing a 10 per cent rise in journeys since the start of restrictions. As the UK heads towards  the fifth week of full coronavirus lockdown more people have been seen struggling to stick to the rules.

As Brits were first easing into lockdown our  major roads were mostly empty, but now as the restrictions carry on with no end date in sight there are more cars out and about.

Edmund King, AA president said: “The majority of drivers are still following Government advice to only make essential journeys by car, however, this week we have seen traffic and breakdowns creeping back up. “It is a worry that some drivers seem to have got bored being locked up at home and are now venturing out in their cars.

“Breakdowns have increased by about 20 per cent this week and traffic seems to be 10 per cent  higher than under earlier lockdown conditions. “It is important to cut out non-essential travel as one crash can tie up the emergency services for hours and may also result in a precious NHS hospital bed being taken. The message is still to stay home and help to save lives.”

Shoppers have been seen heading to DIY stores as cooped up Brits relax to the rules. This morning MP Brandon Lewis told of his fears people will be struggling to stick to the lockdown after so many weeks inside.

He said: “I think there is always a risk when you are doing something like this, particularly those living alone, will be finding it really difficult. “We’ve got to look at the success we’ve had in flattening that curve. We’ve lost too many lives already. “When you follow the guidelines, when you stay home, you are doing something directly personally that is not just helping the NHS, but saving lives.”

The warm and sunny weather has made  the corona virus lockdown even harder for Brits, with the forecast to be hotter than Lanzerote today and tomorrow.  Its bringing fears the high temperature will be too tempting for some as the the weekend comes at the end of five very long weeks being stuck at home .

As the death toll hit 18,000 yesterday, Hyde Park in London was packed with young Brits exercising, while a group of paramedics were seen enjoying a well-deserved break in the sunshine.

In the government press conference, it was announced that traffic on Britain’s roads is beginning to increase during lockdown. Graphs show all motor vehicle traffic spike since yesterday – the first significant rise since April 14.