Author Archives: Kerry Smith

Top Tips for Reducing Driving Lesson Cancellation

Top Tips for Reducing Driving Lesson Cancellations

Tip #1:  Be Direct

Consider the students, especially the teenagers, who do not have to pay to cancel a dentist, medical, or hairdresser appointment. So why does their driving instructor want to be reimbursed for a lesson that they did not provide? Don’t expect them to be clairvoyant or to just read your cancellation policies on your website or on the back of an appointment card. Spend a few minutes on the first lesson emphasising and explaining the importance of giving 48 hours’ notice if they need to cancel. Explain in a courteous manner how it may affect your budget if they cancel at the last minute. At the same time, promise them that if you must cancel the lesson, you will reimburse them as well. This establishes trust and demonstrates your honesty. Finish by simply asking for their understanding: “Are we okay with that?” Ignore this first tip at your peril. If you ignore this advice, don’t be surprised if a student calls a few hours before their class to cancel and gets a little shirty when you tell them they must pay for the lesson.

Tip #2: Provide them with an appointment card

If you wish to enforce payment for cancellations, you must provide a student with an appointment card and make them aware of the terms and conditions on the card. Cancellations might be difficult to enforce at times, but if a dependable client has a legitimate cause for cancelling, waiving the cancellation on that occasion can make good economic sense. You don’t want to lose a dependable client because you charged her for a class while she was in the hospital with her child.

Tip #3 – Don’t make an excuse for them

It’s a good idea to waive the lesson cost if a student is legitimately ill or in hospital, but don’t inform them ahead of time because they’ll use this excuse every time, they can’t be bothered with their driving lesson.

Tip #4 – Schedule regular lesson times

Keeping the same time and day for students as much as feasible might help lessen the likelihood of them cancelling. With the same time, the student can schedule the remainder of their week around their lessons. When lessons are moved around frequently, it is simple for students to forget when their session was or to double schedule that lesson time with other commitments. Keep in mind that if you keep altering the lesson schedule from week to week, they’ll expect you to allow them to do the same.

Tip #5 – Be Dependable

It is critically significant. Treat your students as you would like to be treated. So, if you want your students to be dependable, you must set a good example. You might want to ask your pupil if they can do the lesson earlier because someone else has cancelled, or if they can do it on a different day because you don’t want to go out for just one lesson that afternoon. If you believe it is reasonable to expect others to adjust their plans to accommodate you, they will expect the same in return!

Tip #6: Do not call them to confirm driving lessons

People may consider cancelling their class but do not contact you and will do the lesson if you simply show up. However, if you call to confirm the lesson, you are providing individuals an easy way to cancel on you.

Britannia Driving School Wimbledon SW20 8LB manager, Ms. K. Smith, stated: “Our instructors are issued with Appointment Cards containing our terms and conditions on the reverse side, which they deliver to all their learners on the first lesson. As a result, we experience many fewer cancellations than other Driving schools.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Will the last person to pass a manual driving test be born in the next 5 years?

Predictions have been made that the last person who will pass a manual driving test will likely be born in 2027 as Britain makes the switch to electric cars. This comes after research showed half of the new cars sold in 2021 were automatics, totaling 30% of cars on the road. The number of automatic tests being taken rose to 41% in 2021. It looks as though the UK is heading towards the new age of automatic cars, which has been spurred on by the petrol and diesel new vehicles ban being implemented in 2030.

 

Currently manual cars account for a whooping 70% of the 3.7 million cars on Britain’s roads, but new research showed over half of new cars sold were automatic compared to only 20% a decade ago. Half of the 2.2 million people who learnt to drive in an automatic car are under 35, providing evidence that younger drivers are the main driving force towards a more eco-friendly drive.Young people are also making the biggest waves in the move away from manual petrol or diesel cars, as currently half of all electric vehicles on the road are owned by people aged under 35.

Power supply connect to electric vehicle for charge to the battery. Charging technology industry transport which are the futuristic of the Automobile. EV fuel Plug in hybrid car.

Ian Exworth, director of emerging markets at Direct Line, said:

‘The idea of switching from a manual car may be daunting, and nearly three fifths of motorists do not feel entirely confident about switching to automatic.

‘But with eight years to go until the ban comes into effect; we’d encourage motorists to keep an open mind and explore their options when choosing a new car.

‘The change from manual to automatic, and then on to electric, may not be as drastic as people think.’

 

GB number plate sticker: What do Brits use abroad now after rule change?

Is the GB number plate sticker still valid abroad?

No, the UK must now remove old-style GB stickers or cover them up.

Now they should display a UK sticker or have the UK identifier on their number plate.

The UK government guidance has been in place since Tuesday, September 28th 2021.

The change was made to include Northern Ireland in the wake of Brexit because Great Britain refers only to England, Wales and Scotland.

What should Brits use when driving outside of the UK?

The new rules state that any driver with a GB sticker on their car now needs to replace it with a new UK one if they are driving abroad.

Drivers need to display a UK sticker clearly on the rear of your vehicle if your number plate has any of the following:

  • A  GB identifier with the Union flag
  • A Euro symbol
  • A national flag of England, Scotland or Wales
  • A numbers and letters only – no flag or identifier

  • What should be done with old-style GB stickers?

    GB stickers should be removed from the car or covered up.

    If you have a number plate that includes the Union Jack you will not need a sticker.

    Drivers also need to remember that number plates featuring the blue band and letters GB next to the European golden stars are no longer valid.

    The stickers only cost a few pounds and can be purchased online or at stores selling motors accessories, such as Halfords, Post Office, or in garages.

Is it safe to keep a container of fuel in my car?

HOARDERS have been filling up jerry cans at petrol stations across the country amid the fuel crisis.

But they could be breaking the law by stockpiling in their boot. Here is everything you need to know.

Motorists can legally store up to 30 litres of petrol in a maximum of two suitable containers in their vehicles.

But it must be kept away from the passenger compartment and in suitable portal petrol storage containers.

This means plastic petrol containers up to 10 litres in capacity, metal petrol containers up to 20 litres, or demountable fuel tanks up to 30 litres.

The caps on containers should be secured tightly during transmit to prevent them from leaking.

And fire services recommend not filling to the brim as fuel expands and vapour can build up in warm weather.

Despite being legal, the Health and Safety Executive advices not to store petrol unless you absolutely have to.

And there is a grey area in the law, as police can deem your container as a “dangerous load” or “may be hazardous”.

The AA has also previously said it was “desperately worried” about people storing petrol and diesel in their cars, which is described as “incredibly, incredibly dangerous”.

A spokesperson said Brits shouldn’t even contemplate storing it at all”.

Drivers have about three months from filling up a container before the quality of the petrol starts to degrade.

If in a sealed container at 20C, petrol can have a shelf life of six months, or three months if at 30C, according to the RAC.

The heat it is exposed to, the more quickly it will go off.

Diesel on the other hand can remain usable for between six and 12 months.

If a car with fuel in the tank hasn’t been driven for six months or so, experts recommend getting it drained at a garage as it could damage for car.

Brits can store up to 30 litres of petrol at home or non-workplace premises without informing their local Petroleum Enforcement Authority (PEA).

But it must be stored in a suitable portable metal or plastic container, one demountable fuel tank, or a combination of the two, providing it remains below 30 litres.

There are also strict rules on whereabouts it can be stored at home due to petrol being highly flammable.

The Health and Safety Executive dictates it must not be kept in living accommodation and it must have a direct exit to open air and ventilation.

No ignition sources, excessive heat or sunlight should be present, and there should be no smoking or naked lights in the vicinity.

Containers should also be kept out of reach of children and animals.

 

Always decant fuel in the open air – not inside a garage or shed – and use a pouring spout or funnel.

An HSE spokesperson said: “Petrol is a dangerous substance; it is a highly flammable liquid that gives off vapour which can easily be set on fire and when not handled safely has the potential to cause a serious fire and/or explosion.

“This means there is the risk of serious personal injury if petrol is stored or used in an unsafe way.”

An empty container that previously held petrol may also be unsafe because of the fumes that remain, so ensure you keep the cap securely fastened and follow the same advice for storing petrol.

Despite it being legal, several fire and rescue teams from across the UK have warned Brits against storing petrol at home.

A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said: “We strongly advise against the storing of petrol and diesel due to their high flammability.

“Because of the fire risks they should be stored in approved containers, in a well-ventilated area, and never inside the home.”

And the RAC warns: “There is always a risk when storing flammable liquid, so for the average driver, keeping fuel at home isn’t advisable.”

Safety Checks Now Autumn is upon us.

It’s the equinox, and as the darkness draws earlier into our evenings, it is important to ensure that your van lights work correctly 🔆
Before any journey we would advise checking that:
✅ all lights and indicators work correctly
✅ all lenses are present, clean and are the right colour
✅ stop lamps come on when the service brake is applied and go out when released
✅ marker lights are present and work
Drivers behind the wheel of cars with faulty headlights could be fined up to £1,000 if they’re pulled over by the police.Shockingly, around 7 per cent of drivers admitted to never checking that their lights are in working order.

Failing to keep your headlights in a decent condition can affect its brightness, which can drastically impact your ability to see at night and during winter conditions.

Under the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989, “No person shall use … on a road a vehicle unless every lamp, reflector, rear marking and device … is in good working order and, in the case of a lamp, clean.”

  1. Turn on your car and switch on the headlights
  2. To ensure they are in working condition, wait until dark and park your car on an even surface facing a wall.
  3. Walk around to the front of the vehicle and make sure the lights are bright and working.
  4. If one bulb is dimmer or blown, you may need to replace both bulbs as the other is likely to follow shortly.
  5. If replacing the bulbs doesn’t work, the issue is most likely a fault connection which will need to be repaired by a mechanic.”We realise that replacing blown bulbs on vehicles is not easy and have designed our own service to provide a helping hand for motorists who need to replace their blown bulbs.

    “Cars with defective lights can cause a danger on the roads, so it is important that you check your bulbs regularly and change them if needed.

 

Drivers urged to check dashboard warning lights or face ‘£500 repair costs’ – here’s 30 signs you NEED to know about

DRIVERS have been urged to check their dashboards for warning lights or they could end up facing up to £500 in repair costs, it has been revealed.

Research into 2,000 motorists found 60 percent do not understand what their warning lights mean and a third have no intention of addressing them any time soon.

Of these, 43 per cent claim there are too many warnings to fathom, and 30 per cent have no idea what action to take when they appear.

Notifications that windscreen washer fluid running low are likely to be ignored for the longest, closely followed by the fuel light, faults with the rear fog lights, and tyre pressure.

And more than one in 10 have found themselves in a bit of a pickle as a direct result of ignoring the warning lights – either by breaking down on the road, having to pay repair bills or being stopped by the police.

Other issues experienced by motorists after turning a blind eye to their warning lights include stalling in traffic, failing their MOT and suffering a punctured tyre.

A spokesperson for Vertu Motors, which commissioned the research, said: “As many drivers are now back on the roads, it’s vital not to ignore your warning lights on your vehicle’s dashboard as this may lead to serious consequences in the long run.

“What’s more concerning is that several drivers only understand some of the warning lights on their dashboard.

“It’s crucial people read up on what their warning lights mean so they can respond with the appropriate action.”

The research also found a third of adult motorists are unsure what action to take when they see a warning light appear, regardless of what it is.

TOP 30 WARNING LIGHTS BRITISH DRIVERS IGNORE ON THEIR DASHBOARD:

1.           Windscreen washer fluid level

2.           Low fuel level

3.           Replace car key battery

4.           Seatbelt buckles

5.           Rear fog lights

6.           Tyre pressure monitoring

7.           Rain and light sensor

8.           Lane assist – system fault

9.           Doors

10.         Bulb monitoring

11.         Boot lid

12.         Key not in vehicle

13.         Airbag and seatbelt system

14.         Engine management warning light

15.         Emissions control light

16.         Engine oil level

17.         Tower hitch

18.         Rear spoiler

19.         Convertible roof

20.         Engine oil pressure

21.         Headlight range control

22.         Brake lights

23.         Recharge adblue

24.         Air suspension

25.         Steering lock

26.         Electronic stability programme

27.         Brake system

28.         Adaptive light system

29.         Bonnet

30.         Anti-lock brake system

Worryingly, six in 10 adults polled don’t know what it means when a green alert appears on their dashboard, with 21 per cent assuming it means something needs servicing.

While 31 per cent of drivers don’t know a red alert means there is a serious problem, with one in 20 assuming it means the car system is operating as normal.

But when motorists do pay attention to the dashboard and its symbols, 34 per cent will first refer to the vehicle’s manual for the next steps.

Around a quarter will pull their car from the road to a safe location to assess the situation while 18 per cent immediately take their vehicle to the garage for inspection.

For instant advice, 32 per cent call on their partner to help with understanding their warning lights while only 12 per cent reach out to the parents for assistance.

But the study, via OnePoll, found 23 per cent of drivers are guilty of ignoring their warning lights as they fear they won’t be able to afford the repairs – with those who have been hit with a bill forking out an average of £500.

A further 27 per cent will only tend to their vehicle’s servicing when it has actually broken down, or the car won’t start.

A spokesman for Vertu Motors added: “There’s a clear link between the time it takes for people to tend a warning light and the cost associated with repairs, which is why most drivers find it a bothersome task to do.

“But to protect yourself, your vehicle, and others on the roads, it’s important to cover all the checks to ensure your car is running as smoothly as possible.

“If you’re unsure on what to do, there are plenty of useful guides and resources online from the get-go.”

Always Do your homework when looking for an instructor!

A couple who mis-sold driving lessons to thousands of learner drivers across the country have been sentenced to 46 weeks’ custody, suspended for two years, at Leeds Crown Court today (Friday 24th July) after pleading guilty to breaching the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations.

The pair have also:

  • been ordered to undertake 200 hours of unpaid work
  • received director disqualifications for seven years
  • been ordered to pay £24,974.09 in compensation, £50,000 in court costs and £100 each in victim surcharges.

Beverley Midgley-McDonald (51) and Alistair Midgley-McDonald (52), of Stanwell Road, Penarth, ran ‘Drive Dynamics’, a driving school that promised customers very cheap driving lessons with local instructors, who were either independent driving instructors or franchisees.

The company advertised online, describing itself as ‘the UK’s most liked driving school’. This attracted many learner drivers who paid hundreds of pounds up-front for driving lessons. They were told their money would be refunded if a local instructor was not available.

Customers soon discovered the promises made by ‘Drive Dynamics’ were too good to be true. Specifically:

Customers would not be contacted as promised or even at all about arranging a lesson.

Instructors were not available in the learner’s area so lessons could not be provided unless the customer was prepared to travel elsewhere to get them, sometimes hours away.

Instructors who were available were not prepared to provide or continue with lessons, if they had started, because they had not been paid by ‘Drive Dynamics’

Every year from 2013 the company received hundreds of complaints, either directly or via Citizens Advice, Action Fraud, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and Trading Standards services from across the country. Hundreds of customers sought refunds or repayment through chargebacks, but the company actively tried to avoid giving refunds.In mid-2014, ‘Drive Dynamics’ was contacted by West Yorkshire Trading Standards and received training and advice to improve business practices, such as processing refunds, terms and conditions, cancellation rights and claims on its website. This advice led to a fall in complaints.

The company behind Drive Dynamics went into liquidation in 2015 – as it was unable to pay its creditors – and ceased trading, although it appeared that Drive Dynamics itself was still operating. The company was still trading, still making sales and still generating complaints under a newly incorporated company. Thereafter, the company continued with the same flawed business model that generated even more complaints.

Customers regularly posted negative reviews of the company on Trust Pilot, which led the defendants to hire outside agencies to manipulate review sites rather than provide refunds or improve business operations. As well as customer detriment, many drivers who had provided lessons simply weren’t paid.

Lord Toby Harris, Chair of National Trading Standards, said:

“The defendants profited from a business model that cheated learner drivers and instructors. Their company took people’s money, frequently didn’t give them what they’d paid for and ignored complaints and refund requests. Rather than take steps to improve their operation, they have acted dishonestly and it is only right that they now face consequences for their actions.”

The sentences follow an investigation by the National Trading Standards Regional Investigation Team (Yorkshire and Humber), which is hosted by City of York Council.

Councillor Andrew Waller, portfolio holder for Trading Standards at City of York Council, said:

Our team undertook a complex investigation into a prolonged period of unfair trading. Not only did the defendants leave hundreds of learner drivers, parents and driving instructors substantially out of pocket, but they tried to frustrate and delay the investigation getting to court. I applaud our investigators for their persistence and showing that unfair trading won’t be tolerated.”

The Advertising Standards Authority had also issued warnings to Drive Dynamics, ruling that its advertising to instructors was misleading.

DRIVE ON The eight changes for drivers including petrol, motorway speeds and a clampdown on seatbelts

DRIVERS could be hit with penalties and even points on their license if they’re not aware of some of the changes coming into place this year.

Some motorists might not have been behind the wheel much over the past year which is why it’s important to gen up on all the new measures

Coming into force is new guidance on smart motorways as well as tougher penalties for using a mobile phone while driving.

There’s also a new cleaner petrol known as E10 on the way which will seriously impact those who have older cars.

We explain everything you need to know about the new changes.

Motorway changes

Motorway speed limits are being slashed to 60 mph in an attempt to cut down on air pollution.

Speeds have been reduced on sections of the M1, M6, and M5.

So in these areas you’ll have to watch how fast you’re going with the new changes in place as you could still face a penalty for not sticking to the directed speeds.

Highways England has said it will keep the new speed limits in place for the “foreseeable future” until the pollution falls below the limit.

The only other way to subvert the emissions and return to the previous speeds is if more electric vehicles join the road.

There are stricter rules on smart motorways too.

The hard shoulder is used as a running lane on smart motorways which means there’s no dedicated space for drivers to pull into if there’s an emergency.

In response, Highways England announced changes to the Highway Code, making it illegal to drive in a lane marked with a red X.

It’s usually indicated this way because a vehicle has broken down in the hard shoulder, and so drivers shouldn’t drive down it or they could come into difficulty.

E10 fuel introduced

This summer the standard or premium petrol grade in the UK will become E10.

It’s being introduced to work towards cleaner air and to cut CO2 emissions.

But it could costs drivers more in the long run.

The new fuel only works for certain cars too so you’ll need to check yours fits the bill.

Seatbelt clampdown

You could be slapped with penalty points if you fail to wear a seatbelt under new road safety plans.

Motorists could get at least three points and a possible driving ban under changes being considered.

The change is part of a road safety clampdown plan set to be published this year.

You might even get the penalty if you’re wearing a seatbelt but your passenger isn’t.

As it stands, drivers can be given a £100 fine for failing to wear a belt – raising to £500 if the matter goes to court.

Or you take an online seatbelt awareness course for £53 to save on the fine.

MPs fear the £100 fine does not deter drivers enough from flouting the rules which is why stricter measures are due to come into place.

E10 petrol is already widely used around the world, including across Europe, the US and Australia.

You will be able to use the fuel in the UK by September 2021.

The change in fuel only applies to petrol – diesel fuel will not be changing.

It is believed that the switch is the equivalent of taking up to 350,000 cars off the road and reduce CO2 emissions by 750,000 tonnes per year.

20mph limit in residential areas

A new law is being introduced in Wales that limits speed in residential areas to 20mph.

The limit is set to launch in eight areas to begin with and could be rolled out nationally in two years time.

During the pandemic a similar initiative took place in areas across England with the goal of rolling it out to London, Warwickshire and Shropshire.

Stricter penalties if you use your phone

A loophole has been closed that meant people could get away with taking photos or videos while driving.

Now you could get a £200 fine and six points on your licence if you’re caught holding your phone or using it as a sat nav while you’re driving.

You definitely can’t get caught scrolling through a playlist, playing a game or using social media either.

You can also be fined heavily for vaping behind the wheel or if you fail to disclose certain medical conditions to the DVLA.

Low Emission Zones introduced

Lots of built up towns and cities already have low emission zones in place charging vehicles with high emissions to enter.

They’re usually found in areas that have high levels of pollution.

Oxford’s Zero Emissions Zone will start next month and from October 25 London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone will extend to North Circular Road (A406) and the South Circular Road (A205).

Birmingham’s Low Emission Zone is now active as is Bath’s and Bristol’s.

To get into Bath for free, Your diesel vehicle must be Euro 6 and petrol vehicles must be Euro 4 minimum to get into Bath or Birmingham for free, or if you ride a moped or motorcycle .

In Bristol you’re charged around £9 to enter the zone if your diesel vehicle is Euro 5 or older or your petrol vehicle is Euro 3 or older.

Changes to the Highway code

There’s due to be a  change to 33 existing rules in the Highway Code this year as well as adding two new rules.

The main takeaway of the changes is that the new version will include a “hierarchy of road users”.

It means that pedestrians will have priority on pavements and at zebra crossings.

So under the new rules drivers will have to give way at a zebra crossing until a pedestrian has moved onto the crossing.

Previously motorists turning into a road at a junction would only have to give way to pedestrians “if they have started to cross”.

It also means motorists who can cause the most harm in a collision bear the “greatest responsibility to reduce the danger they may pose to others”.

So, a lorry driver would have a greater responsibility to those driving a car or motorcycle, and cyclists would have a greater responsibility than pedestrians.

Proposed changes to the Highway Code are due to receive parliamentary approval in the autumn.

Regardless though, the Highway code on its own is not law.

Speed limiters will be mandatory

Speed limiters will be mandatory in new cars from next year.

The technology alerts drivers if they’re going too fast and if you don’t slow down then it will act on your behalf.

It’s known as an Intelligent Speed Assistant system (ISA) and you’ll need to have one if you get yourself some new wheels in 2022.

Cars on the road currently don’t have to have one of these but they are considered a great safety precaution.

There are circumstances where the limiter can be overridden.

These can be if you step on the gas harder when you’re overtaking or if you simply turn it off.

DRIVERS’ LONG HAUL Motorists clock up 285,012 miles in their lifetime – the equivalent of going around the world 11 times

DRIVERS clock up 285,012 miles in their lifetimes — the equivalent of ­travelling around the world 11 times.

They cover an average of 87 miles a week in 14 individual journeys, making an annual total of 4,524 miles, a poll revealed.

But the figure is likely to rise when life returns to normal after the pandemic as a third of workers plan to avoid public transport on going back to the workplace and one in four will use a car more.

More than half of drivers have relied more on their vehicles during the past 16 months, with a quarter wanting to avoid public transport and a similar proportion checking on family and friends.

Three in ten even bought a new car amid the lockdown.

 

Greg Gormley, boss of navigation app SKOOT which commissioned the poll, said: “This demonstrates that driving is essential to our lives.

Nearly half of journeys are solo — but one in three drivers would prefer to have a passenger.

A fifth said lockdown made them realise they wanted to drive but did not like the environmental impact.

A further four in ten would reduce carbon emissions if they knew how to.

The driving questions that stump motorists the most

DRIVING laws can cause confusion and there can sometimes be a grey area over what could land you with a fine and what doesn’t.

The rules and regulations of driving often have motorists scratching their heads trying to figure out the legislation.

Some of the laws could land you in trouble with the police, with some having more serious repercussions than others.

Experts have encouraged drivers to check the legalities before stepping behind a wheel, in an attempt to keep people safe.

Here we run down the motoring myths and reveal what is legal and what is not.

Is it illegal to drive with an expired driving licence?

Motorists who are caught without a valid driving licence could face losing it for good.

It is illegal to drive without a licence that is not in date, and there are hefty punishments in place if you do.

Your car could be seized, and repeat offenders can even have their vehicles crushed or disposed of by police.

It could also land you with a fine of up to £1,000 and between three to six points on your licence. The date can be checked on the card under section 4b.

Is it illegal to drive with bare feet?

There is currently no legislation in place that requires Brits to wear appropriate shoes for driving.

However, suitable shoes are always recommended when behind the wheel so you can competently operate the pedals.

Driving barefoot carries the risk of having poor grip on the pedals, and if an accident is linked to this it could cause your insurance to be void.

Is it illegal to drive in certain footwear?

No footwear is illegal to drive in, so long as they are considered safe to do so.

Flip-flops or sandals may also be a risky choice as they can sometimes get wedged underneath the pedal or slip off.

There are some guidelines for what footwear is suitable:

  • Have a sole no thicker than 10mm…
  • … but the sole should not be too thin or soft.
  • Provide enough grip to stop your foot slipping off the pedals.
  • Not be too heavy.
  • Not limit ankle movement.
  • Be narrow enough to avoid accidentally depressing two pedals at once.

  • Is it illegal to drive with one headlight?

    Anyone who is caught driving with one headlight is breaking the law, and risks getting a fixed penalty notice.

    Police will pull over any vehicle that is not working properly, and hand the driver £100 fine. Points will not be added to the licence.

    If it is challenged in court you could face a fine of up to £1,000, so it is important for drivers to check their lights regularly.

     

    According to the highway Code, “lights, indicators, reflectors, and number plates MUST be kept clean and clear”.

  •  

    Is it illegal to drive without a shirt?

    Driving without a shirt is not illegal, as it should not hinder any movement or driving ability.

    However it might cause other drivers to take a second look at you while driving on the road.

    You also run the risk of police officers stopping you for indecent exposure, but depends on the situation.

  •  

    Is it illegal to drive without an MOT?

    It is illegal to drive without an MOT, unless you are driving to a booked MOT test or from a garage for repairs.

    If you are caught driving by the police you can get a fine of up to £1,000, and the Automatic Number Place Recognition system will flag up any cars that do not have a valid MOT.

    It is important to carry proof of your MOT booking with you when travelling, so it can be produced to give as evidence.

    Anyone who continues to drive without an MOT is putting themselves and other road users at risk.

    Fines can go as high as £2,500 and multiple offences can lead to the loss of a licence altogether if you are already carrying points.

  •  

    Is it illegal to drive with headphones?

    Driving with headphones in is not illegal, but it can lead to reduced awareness on the road.

    People may wear the devices to operate a phone hands free or listen to music, but it could cause a distraction.

    If you are deemed to be driving carelessly you could face a fine of £100. But if your case reaches court then it can go up to a maximum fine of £5,000, nine penalty points and a possible driving ban.

  •  

    Is it illegal to drive without a spare tyre?

    It is not illegal to travel without a spare tyre, but there are rules that have to be followed if you choose to do so.

    Any tyre has to comply with tyre laws, which means ensuring that the pressure is suitable for driving.

    They must also meet the minimum requirement of 1.6mm across the central ¾ of the tyre width.

    Anyone who is found to be driving with a tread that is lower than the legal minimum can be given up to three penalty points and a fine of £2,500 per illegal tyre.

    Is it illegal to drive with loud music playing?

    Driving while playing loud music is likely to be safer than listening through headphones, and is not illegal.

    However it can still land you with a penalty if it is deemed a distraction. It can result in a £100 fine and three points on your licence.

    In circumstances that are deemed more extreme you can be hit with a £5,999 fine and a driving ban.