Author Archives: Kerry Smith

BEWARE Warning other drivers of police with your lights could land you with a £1,000 fine

It may seem simple act of common courtesy shared among most drivers, but by trying to prevent fellow road users from being caught speeding, could be at risk of being fined themselves. Flashing your lights to warn driver of a speed trap ahead could land you with a fine of up to £1000 if caught by police.As part of the Highway Code, drivers are instructed to use their headlights “only to let other road users know that you are there,” and not “to convey any other message”.

According to the Department of Transport, flashing your headlights to warn of a speed camera or roadside police speed check would be in breach of Rule 110 and 111 of the Code, which could stand up in a court of law as evidence.Conviction for such an act, however, comes from a breach of section 89 of the Police Act 1996, which dictates that it is an offence to “wilfully obstruct a constable in the execution of his/her duty”.

Police are able to charge drivers with this criminal offence if they perceive the person has obstructed their ability to conduct speed checks on other motorists.Obstructing a police officer is an offence capped at level three on the fine scale, with a maximum penalty of £1,000.In the most extreme cases, obstructing a police officer can attract a maximum of one month’s imprisonment, however it is highly unlikely a driver would ever be given a prison sentence for flashing their lights.

Laura Newton, motoring law expert at Rothera Sharp, explained: “I’ve certainly seen several notable cases of this type recently and drivers should be paying  attention to those cases that have been challenged in the High Court.”The Court made it clear that it will be only classed as an offence if the prosecution can actually prove that those being warned were speeding or were likely to be speeding. “But I think people need to realise  how serious this can be treated in terms of the maximum penalty though.”The headlight warning flash has become commonplace in driving but motorists need to think twice and consider the consequences. Is it really worth the risk?”

In January 2011, 64-year-old Michael Thompson was convicted of wilfully obstructing a policewoman in the execution of her duty after a trial at Grimsby Magistrates’ Court, following an incident where he had flashed his headlights to warn drivers of a police speed trap.He was slapped with a £175, and ordered to pay £250 in court fees, as well as a £15 victims’ surcharge.

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart director of policy and research, said: “It is illegal and unnecessary behaviour.”Speed traps should not be hidden as they are there to slow down traffic not issue tickets, so anyone aggrieved by the way a camera is being used should take it up with their local safety camera partnership rather than taking the law into their own hands.

MPs investigate road pricing to replace fuel tax

MPs are to investigate if drivers should be charged on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Experts believe ministers must think about road pricing as motoring taxes are likely to decline as people stop using conventionally-fuelled vehicles.

Road pricing covers a range of measures including tolls, congestion charges, HGV levies, workplace parking levies, and low emission and clean air zones.

Lilian Greenwood, who chairs the Transport Committee, said: “It’s been almost 10 years since the last real discussion of national road pricing. In that time, we have become much more aware of the dangers of air pollution and congestion.

“We cannot ignore the looming fiscal black hole. We need to ask how we will pay for roads in the future and in answering that question we have an opportunity for a much wider debate about our use of road space, cutting carbon emissions, tackling congestion, modal shift and how we prioritise active travel.

“Tackling the climate emergency is essential but this is about more than what we must do to meet that challenge. It’s also about our health and the sort of towns and cities we want to live in.”

AA president Edmund King, responding to the Transport Committee’s announcement, said: “We do need a national debate about how we pay for our road infrastructure to bridge the taxation gap between falling fuel duty revenue and the electric vehicle revolution.

“However, the British public will never vote for national road pricing so we need greater imagination to sell the public something that they actually want.”

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said: “For the Treasury, the beauty of fuel duty is its ease of collection and difficulty of evasion.

“Whatever replaces the existing system is bound to raise new challenges and complexities, will take time and effort to establish, and could potentially be difficult to explain to the public.”

Common Reasons For Test Failure.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has revealed the  10 top reasons people failed the new driving test in its first year.

DVSA is encouraging learner drivers to spend more time practising their driving skills and techniques in these areas, using a variety of different roads, such as country roads and dual carriageways.

DVSA also wants learners to spend more time practising driving in different road conditions, such as driving in rain and driving in the dark.

This will better prepare them for a lifetime of safe driving.

  1. Junctions – observation.
  2. Mirrors – change direction.
  3. Control – steering.
  4. Junctions – turning right.
  5. Move off – safely.
  6. Response to signs – traffic lights.
  7. Move off – control.
  8. Positioning – normal driving.
  9. Response to signs – road markings.
  10. Reverse park – control.

The driving test report you get given after your practical driving test tells you what each area means, and what you need to do to pass.

Insufficient observation at junctions and not using mirrors effectively when changing direction accounted for 368,047 test failures.

You automatically fail your test if you make a serious or dangerous fault – sometimes called ‘majors’.

Driving test faults reflect the factors that cause accidents, 39% of all accidents in 2017 in Great Britain were as a result of drivers not looking properly.

Driving test faults reflect factors that cause accidents on Great Britain’s roads.

Drivers in 2017 failing to look properly contributed to 35,993 accidents and was the most common contributory factor in accidents.

 

Chief Driving Examiner, Mark Winn, said:

“It’s vital that learners can drive safely and have the skills to drive on all types of roads before taking their test. The driving test helps get drivers ready for a lifetime of safe driving and makes our roads safer for all.

Failing to look properly at junctions is the most common serious or dangerous test fault and the largest cause of accidents in Britain. Good observation, including proper use of mirrors, is a crucial skill that drivers must learn.”

Rules, Guidance and advice on how to avoid these common faults can be found in The Highway Code including:

When emerging from a junction look all around, and do not cross or join a road until a gap is

Large enough to do so safely.

Checking your mirrors frequently and you will know what is to each side of you and behind you, making sure you use them in plenty of time before you signal or charge you speed or direction.

Positioning your vehicle correctly in the road and maintaining a steady course.

It’s completely normal to be nervous on the day of your practical driving test. You will have no need to worry if your prepared properly and your driving instructor thinks your test standard, the driving examiner is there to check you can drive safely.

Why not check out our helpful tips on our website at Britannia Driving School.

Theory Test

How would you fare if you had to sit your test again? As it emerges half of learner drivers now fail the tough theory exam, try our 25 sample questions to see if it’s still safe for you to be on the roads

  • The proportion falling the theory test has soared to its highest level in a decade 
  • Last year, only 47 per cent managed to pass a series of recently reformed tests
  • The AA has complained that some of the new questions are now ‘quite obscure’

 

Never mind getting behind the wheel — the challenge that really strikes fear into learner drivers is the written theory test. The amount falling at this first hurdle has soared to its highest level in a decade — last year, only 47 per cent managed to pass it.

A number of changes designed to toughen up the test has included increasing the number of multiple-choice questions and no longer publishing them online in advance to stop people from memorising the answers.

The AA has complained that some of the questions are now ‘quite obscure’ — such as knowing what to do if someone suffers a burn in a road accident — which makes it hard for all but the most dedicated of learners to pass first time.

 

This may have led to more cheating. Last year, there were a reported 889 cases of fraud in practical and theory tests — a significant rise, says the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

For example, In July a 41-year-old woman was sentenced to 20 weeks in jail, suspended for 12 months, for hiding a radio headset under her hijab so that someone could supply her with the answers on her theory test, while others have used impersonators.

Would you pass the car theory exam today? Take our sample test to find out . . .

  1. Following a collision, someone has suffered a burn. The burn needs to be cooled. What’s the shortest time it should be cooled for?
    1. A) 5 minutes.
    2. B) 10 minutes.
    3. C) 15 minutes.
    4. D) 20 minutes.

     

    1. What colour are the reflective studs between a motorway and its slip road?
    2. A) Amber.
    3. B) White.
    4. C) Green.
    5. D) Red.

     

    1. You’re approaching a red light at a puffin crossing. Pedestrians are on the crossing. When will the red light change?
    2. A) When you start to edge forward on to the crossing.
    3. B) When the pedestrians have cleared the crossing.
    4. C) When the pedestrians push the button on the far side of the crossing.
    5. D) When a driver from the opposite direction reaches the crossing.

    1. What does this signal mean?
    2. A) Cars must stop.
    3. B) Trams must stop.
    4. C) Both trams and cars must stop.
    5. D) Both trams and cars can continue.

     

    1. You wish to tow a trailer. Where would you find the maximum noseweight allowed on your vehicle’s tow hitch?
    2. A) In the Highway Code.
    3. B) In your vehicle registration certificate.
    4. C) In the vehicle handbook.
    5. D) In your licence documents.

     

    1. You’ve just passed your practical test. You don’t hold a full licence in another category. Within two years, you get six penalty points on your licence. What will you have to do?
    2. A) Retake only your theory test.
    3. B) Retake only your practical test.
    4. C) Retake your theory and practical tests.
    5. D) Reapply for your full licence immediately.

     

    1. You’re driving on an open road in dry weather. What should the distance be between you and the vehicle in front?
    2. A) One car length.
    3. B) Two metres (6 ft 6 in).
    4. C) Two car lengths.
    5. D) A two-second time gap.

    1. At a junction, you see this sign partly covered by snow. What does it mean?
    2. A) Crossroads.
    3. B) Give way.
    4. C) Stop.
    5. D) Turn right.

     

    1. You are travelling at 50 mph on a good, dry road. What is your typical overall stopping distance?
    2. A) 36 metres (118 ft).
    3. B) 53 metres (175 ft).
    4. C) 75 metres (245 ft).
    5. D) 96 metres (315 ft).

     

    1. At a puffin crossing, which colour follows the green signal?
    2. A) Steady red.
    3. B) Flashing amber.
    4. C) Steady amber.
    5. D) Flashing green.

     

    1. You are turning right on to a dual carriageway. What should you do before emerging?
    2. A) Stop and apply the handbrake and then select a low gear.
    3. B) Check that the central reservation is wide enough for your vehicle.
    4. C) Position your vehicle well to the left of the side road.
    5. D) Make sure you leave enough room for a vehicle behind.

    1. What does this sign mean? A) Contraflow pedal cycle lane. B) With-flow pedal cycle lane. C) Pedal cycles and buses only. D) No pedal cycles or buses
    2. A) Contraflow pedal cycle lane.
    3. B) With-flow pedal cycle lane.
    4. C) Pedal cycles and buses only.
    5. D) No pedal cycles or buses.

     

    1. You see a pedestrian with a dog. The dog has a yellow or burgundy coat. This especially warns you that the pedestrian is . . .
    2. A) Elderly.
    3. B) Dog training.
    4. C) Colour blind.
    5. D) Deaf.

     

    1. For how long is a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) valid?
    2. A) Until the vehicle is taxed, sold or scrapped.
    3. B) Until the vehicle is insured and MOT’d.
    4. C) Until the vehicle is repaired or modified.
    5. D) Until the vehicle is used on the road.

    1. What does this signal from a police officer mean to oncoming traffic? A) Go ahead. B) Stop. C) Turn left. D) Turn right
    2. A) Go ahead.
    3. B) Stop.
    4. C) Turn left.
    5. D) Turn right.

     

    1. Given that one of the below is correct, what does the law require you to keep in good condition?
    2. A) Gears.
    3. B) Transmission.
    4. C) Door locks.
    5. D) Seat belts.

     

    1. You are travelling behind a bus that pulls up at a bus stop. What should you do?
    2. A) Accelerate past the bus.
    3. B) Watch carefully for pedestrians.
    4. C) Sound your horn.
    5. D) Pull in closely behind the bus.

     

    1. You may use front fog lights with headlights ONLY when visibility is reduced to less than . . .
    2. A) 100 metres (328 ft).
    3. B) 200 metres (656 ft).
    4. C) 300 metres (984 ft).
    5. D) 400 metres (1,312 ft).

    1. What does this sign mean? A) No parking for buses or coaches. B) Direction to bus and coach park. C) Parking area for cars and coaches. D) Direction to park-and-ride car park
    2. A) No parking for buses or coaches.
    3. B) Direction to bus and coach park.
    4. C) Parking area for cars and coaches.
    5. D) Direction to park-and-ride car park.

    1. What does this sign mean?
    2. A) Waiting restrictions apply.
    3. B) Waiting permitted.
    4. C) National speed limit applies.
    5. D) Clearway (no stopping).

     

    1. Braking distances on ice can be . . .
    2. A) Twice the normal distance.
    3. B) Five times the normal distance.
    4. C) Seven times the normal distance.
    5. D) Ten times the normal distance.

     

    1. For what percentage of all emissions does road transport account?
    2. A) 10 per cent.
    3. B) 20 per cent.
    4. C) 30 per cent.
    5. D) 40 per cent.

    1. What does this sign mean? A) End of restricted speed area. B) End of restricted parking area. C) End of clearway. D) End of cycle route
    2. A) End of restricted speed area.
    3. B) End of restricted parking area.
    4. C) End of clearway.
    5. D) End of cycle route.

     

    1. You can park on the right-hand side of a road at night . . .
    2. A) In a one-way street.
    3. B) With your sidelights on.
    4. C) More than 10 metres (32 ft) from a junction.
    5. D) Under a lamp-post.

     

    1. At an incident, it is important to look after any casualties. When the area is safe, you should . . .
    2. A) Get them out of the vehicle.
    3. B) Give them a drink.
    4. C) Give them something to eat.
    5. D) Keep them in the vehicle.

     

Sample questions from the DVSA. To pass the theory test, learners must answer at least 43 out of 50 questions correctly.

  • Answers: 1b, 2c, 3b, 4b, 5c, 6c, 7d, 8c, 9b, 10c, 11b, 12b, 13d, 14a, 15b, 16d, 17b, 18a, 19d, 20a, 21d, 22b, 23b, 24a, 25d

Check out our free interactive theory help on our website!

Driving In Flip Flops

FLIP flops will become part of Brits’ wardrobe this week as record temperatures sweep the country.

But those who choose to drive in their summer shoes could find themselves in hot water if they’re involved in an accident.

While driving in flip flops isn’t illegal in itself, wearing them could lead to a careless driving charge if they impede your ability to drive safely.

Under Rule 97 of the Highway Code, drivers are advised they must have “footwear and clothing which does not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner”.

Flip flops could slip off, become wedged under pedals or prevent you from pressing the pedals with enough force to brake quickly, which could cause you to drive erratically or even lead to a collision.

If you are stopped by police while driving in a potentially dangerous manner or your footwear is a reason for an accident, you could be charged with driving without due care and attention (careless driving).

Careless driving carries a £100 on-the-spot fine and three penalty points on your licence.

But in more serious cases, or those that are contested in court, the charge can attract a maximum £5,000 fine, up to nine penalty points and even a court-imposed driving ban.

A study by insurance brand ingenie previously found a whopping 27 per cent of motorists could be risking this penalty as they ditch their shoes in favour of flip flops behind the wheel.

And despite the large number of Brits taking the risk, around one in three actually thought it was illegal to drive in loose fitting footwear.

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Research, told Sun Motors: “Before setting off, you should ensure that clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner.

“If flip flops stopped you being in control you could be prosecuted, as you are breaking Highway Code Rule 97.

“Careless driving is mostly judged on the impact your driving has on others around you, so if you are spotted swerving or braking erratically and then stopped and found to have inadequate footwear, you could be prosecuted.

“If you do cause a crash, then it could also be an aggravating factor against you in court and lead to a slightly higher fine or longer ban.”

Selim Cavanagh, Chief Executive at ingenie, said: “It’s promising that almost a third of drivers assume driving in flip flops is illegal, because it’s really dangerous.

“They slip off, slide under the pedals, get caught between your feet and the pedals and if your feet are wet, they’ll affect your ability to brake if you need to.

“Aside from the actual rules though, driving in flip flops can create a dangerous driving environment, and put you, your passengers, and other road users at risk.”

                Future Driving Law Changes.

1.Red X fines on smart Motorway

The RAC released research earlier this year which showed over a fifth of the drivers on smart motorways have driven in a closed off lane marked with an X. Driving in a lane closed by a red X sign is illegal and if caught can result in three points added to your licence, a fixed penalty of up to £100 and even more severe penalties like a court appearance.

In 2017 the government amended the Road Traffic Offenders act to ensure red X offences are caught by automated or remote device, the legislation has yet to be completed.

Highways England has proposed using cameras on motorway gantries to help catching and prosecuting offenders.

2.Pavement parking Ban

To increase safety for pedestrians and to reduce costly damage to walkways and kerbs, since 1974 a pavement parking ban has been in place in London The parliamentary Transport Committee has been looking at issues regarding pavement parking and the committee could recommend new legislation that would see it extended across England. This is likely to take some time to reach conclusion, a blanket ban has been opposed by some. A similar law has been introduced in Scotland banning pavement parking and double parking, this has been introduced into the governments transport bill so a ban may be in force soon.

 

  1. Mandatory Intelligent Speed Assist for new cars from 2022

One of the mandatory safety features on new cars will be Intelligent Speed Assist under the EU’s revised General Safety Regulation, this aims to increase road safety and reducing collisions. Also, mandatory safety systems will include cameras/sensors for reversing, advanced emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, warnings for driver distraction and drowsiness and a black box to report data for incidents. The Department of Transport has stated the UK will adopt new measures even if the UK does depart from the EU.

 

4.New legislation to counter rogue parking companies

 

Almost 10,000 people have asked the Citizens Advice Bureau for help on parking tickets last year, Complaints included inconsistent practices, substandard signage, confusing appeals process and also demand letters being intimidating, to implement a new code of practise will protect drivers from the unscrupulous parking companies by creating a single independent appeals process and banning certain practices. This new legislation has been passed but is yet to be finalise the new code of practise.

 

  1. Upcoming government inquiry into road safety

Over the last five years the fall in the number of road traffic collisions have stalled. The https://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/transport-committee/Commons Transport Committee have announced it will conduct and inquiry to examine current approaches, The Government has said it will provide an update as to further plans to improve road safety.

   Motoring changes drivers need to know for 2019

There’s a lot for drivers to keep track of this year, increases in tax,

More ways to fail the MOT, licencing updates and emission zone charges.

Here’s our need to know changes for the year ahead.

Driving and law changes in 2019:

1.London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone

On 8th April 2019, the new Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) IN London came into effect, this replaces the previous T- charge scheme, with the hopes of improving the air quality and reducing harmful emissions in London.

The new scheme applies to most vehicles, including vans and cars. If a vehicle doesn’t meet the ULEZ emission standards its driver will need to a daily charge to drive within the area. Cars, motorcycles and vans are £12.50 a day and lorries will be £100 a day.

The new charges will apply 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The ULEZ covers the exact same area as the congestion charge and is in addition to the already in place Congestion Charge. In 2021 the zone will be extended to cover all areas that are within the boundary of the north and south circular.

 

Clean Air zones:

The Environmental Law Organisation Client Earth Issued the UK with a lawsuit for breaching EU LIMITS FOR (NO2) nitrogen dioxide, the government called for other cities to reduce emissions thus creating Clean Air Zones (CAZ).

In January 2020 Leeds and Birmingham are expected to be introducing a CAZ, Bath, Sheffield, Greater Manchester, Oxford and Glasgow are expected to be consulting or implementing similar proposals, it is also possible that after Brexit the UK may change the NO2 limits.

 

  1. Tax increases

Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) in line with inflation went up in April 2019, These rises apply to all cars not just new model so for most drivers the annual cost of car tax will increase by £5. High emission car owners will be charged an additional £15, diesel owners whose vehicle doesn’t meet the RDE2 standard emissions which is mandatory in 2020, must pay tax at the higher rate. New car owners may face an extra £65 on first year car tax. Fuel duty has been frozen until April 2020 and there are no VED rises due but with the budget in November we will see….

3. New Mot rules

The government changed the rules for MOT tests in May 2018. New regulations include:

. Exemption for cars over 40 years old

. A new certificate design

. New items being tested, headlight washers, reversing lights, fluid leaks, brake pad warning lights and tyre inflation.

. New defect categories : dangerous, major, minor, advisory and pass.

. Stricter limits for emissions from diesel cars with a diesel particulate filter  (DPF)

4.Diesel surcharges for residential parking

According Car buyer the price of residential parking permits can be a postcode lottery .Some London councils have been quietly been introducing an annual diesel surcharge with the London Borough of Barnet charging up to £10 more and the London Borough of Merton a whopping £150 !

 

Driving test pass rate is at its lowest for a decade due to harder theory questions – can you get them, right?

Only 47% of learner drivers are passing the practical exam due to changes in the theory test. Passes are at a ten-year low because theory questions have become tough to get correct.

Over the past year only 47% of learner drivers passed the theory test a fall of a quarter in ten years. Eight sample questions were given to 2,800 drivers to test how difficult the new tests were and only 11% got them all correct.

The theory test- which was introduced in 1997 has had more multiple-choice questions added, to stop pupils memorising the questions and answers they have stopped them being shown online.

Statistics according to The Department for Transport show that women have a higher pass rate then men. To test the knowledge of driving conditions, which includes extreme weather conditions i.e. snow and sleet were added (Hazard Perception).

Example Theory Questions

 

  1. Following a car collision, someone has suffered a burn. The burn needs to be cooled. Given that one of the below is correct, what’s the shortest time it should be cooled for?
  2. a) 5 minutes b) 10 minutes c) 15 minutes d) 20 minutes
  3. You’ve just passed your motor practical test. You don’t hold a full licence in another category. Within two years you get six penalty points on your licence. Given that one of the below is correct, what will you have to do?
  4. a) Retake only theory test b) Retake theory and practical tests c) Retake only practical test d) Reapply for full licence immediately
  5. Given that one of the below is correct, what colour are the reflective studs between a motorway and its slip road?
  6. a) Amber b) White c) Green d) Red 4. You wish to tow a trailer.
  7. Given that one of the below is correct, where would you find the maximum nose weight allowed on your vehicle’s tow hitch?
  8. a) In the vehicle handbook b) In the Highway Code c) In your vehicle registration certification d) In your licence documents
  9. Given that one of the below is correct, when are anti-lock brakes (ABS) most effective?
  10. a) When you keep pumping the foot brake to prevent skidding b) When you brake normally but grip the steering wheel tightly c) When you brake firmly and promptly until you’ve stopped d) When you apply the handbrake to reduce the stopping distance
  11. Given that one of the below is correct, what does the law require you to keep in good condition?
  12. a) Gears b) Transmission c) Door locks d) Seat belts
  13. You’re driving on an open road in dry weather. Given that one of the below is correct, what should the distance be between you and the vehicle in front?
  14. a) A two-second time gap b) One car length c) Two metres (6ft 6in) d) Two car lengths

The answers are at the bottom of this article

Moneysupermarket the price comparison website run a study which showed that four out of ten drivers were confident enough to pass the theory test if retaken. A third of drivers were able to identify correctly the reflective studs between the motorway and slip road as being green.

Learner drivers have to pass the theory test before they can take their practical driving test,they are asked 50 multiple choice questions and to pass must answer 43 correctly, to pass the hazard perception part they are required to answer 44 correctly out of 75 after watching clips to spot road dangers.

The Department of Transport have reported 1.34million learners took the theory test in the last year with 47.4% passing, this is the lowest percentage since 2007-2008 when figures were first published and down 48.7% in 2017-18.The pass rate in 2007-2008 was 65.4% which dropped in 2013-14 when new theory questions stopped being published online.

Answer: 1=b, 2=b, 3=c, 4=a, 5=c,6=d, 7=a

For help with practicing the hazard perception or theory questions why not use our sample papers on our website or book in with one of our trainers for one to one theory training at our head office.

 

 

 

Looking for a new career?

 

Becoming a driving instructor is a very rewarding choice of career- It gives you the freedom to be your own boss, working times and days to suit your life, it also helps you become an important figure in the lives of inexperienced drivers, helping them to gain their independence on our roads. At Britannia we all remember our first driving instructors!

Here at Britannia Driving School we continually work hard to introduce new pupils to all our driving instructors, we give them the edge over the competition. We are different to other driving schools as most of Britannia’s income is spent on the following.

 

MARKETING: Google, Yellow pages, car livery, internet sites, direct marketing, Offering freephone lines for both landlines and mobile phones, and of course mostly by personal recommendation!

BRITANNIA’S WEBSITE: Our website is a field leader, attracting over 2 million users annually. Major keywords like “driving schools” will take you to a list of search results on search engines and Britannia Driving School will appear at the top from around 153 million driving school results.

BRITANNIA DRIVING SCHOOL OFFICE: Our office is open five days a week to driving instructors and the public. The Britannia telesales staff are highly trained and very motivated, their selling skills will keep you topped up with pupils all year round.

INTERNET DIARY: Pupils are given allocation to instructors according to postal codes and diary requirements and added to our bespoke internet diary. We have a message board to help instructors communicate directly with the office team and vice versa, the diary can be updated and reached by smart phone or computer alike globally.

PRE-PAYMENT: Unlike other schools Britannia has a pre-payment system which eliminates last minute cancellations by pupils.

SUPPORT: Help and advice is always readily available in the office for face to face advice or a phone call away, whether you need help with teaching, book keeping or accounts.

WHY CHOOSE BRITANNIA DRIVING SCHOOL?

Britannia will provide instant access to large marketing base, as well as a largely beneficial association with one of the most trusted brands in driving tuition in Great London. Our brand name attracts substantial number of quality pupils, which helps instructors to minimise cancellations and retain pupils.

INTERESTED: Why Not give our friendly office staff a call, chat online or send an email you will be invited for a non-obligation friendly chat and a coffee, all your questions will be answered and you will be assessed on your suitability to becoming a driving instructor.

Good News! Road Works to be Suspended

The Highways England has made a promise to suspend 400 miles of roadworks for the Easter Weekend. Approximately 459 miles of existing roadworks will be cleared away for between Thursday 18th April at 6am and 12.01 Tuesday 23rd April, this means 99% of England’s main roads and Motorways will be free of roadworks over the Easter bank holiday weekend.

The Highways England’s traffic Officers will still be on hand to help motorists who unfortunately are involved in an accident or have broken down, the officers are in black and yellow batten burg marked vehicles.

Advice issued by the organisation are to take the time for basic checks on your vehicle, this will help yourself and other road users avoiding a cause of issues for traffic for the weekend.

These following checks will help to avoid unnecessary breakdowns

Check your fuel, tyre pressure and condition, windscreen fluid, lights and the engine oil.

Familiarise yourself with motorway signs, the overhead gantries will display a large red X if for any reason a lane is needed to be closed.

Remember driving in a lane showing a red X is not only dangerous but illegal, It not only carries up to a £100 penalty charge but also 3 points on your license.

Also, the Highways England have also recommended that people towing caravans or trailers have the correct licenses and equipment and are correctly connected and with the relevant insurance.

Highways England’s customer service director Melanie Clarke said: “We’re doing everything we can to make journeys as smooth as possible this Easter and that’s why we’re keeping around 99 per cent of the road network we manage free from roadworks,” she said. “Safety is our top priority and we know from experience that almost half of breakdowns can easily be avoided if motorists carry out simple vehicle checks before setting off over this period.”

Simon Bush of Britannia Instructor Training College said: “The Highway Department is doing all it can to ensure the roads run as smoothly as possible, it’s our duty to help them by keeping congestion to a minimum.”

Happy and safe Easter Driving from all at Britannia Driving School!