April 6, 2020
Never Pay by Bank Transfer For Lessons, Find Out Why…

Kate Danby’s 19-year-old daughter Brook Mather learnt the hard way how ruthless the market can be. She booked a course of lessons with Drive Dynamics and was asked to pay by bank transfer.

The lessons never materialized and nor did a refund. Her bank couldn’t reclaim the money as it wasn’t a credit or debit card transaction.

“She was thrilled at the prospect of passing her driving test and in excitement, she didn’t research how long the company had been established,” says Kate. “She had saved hard for the money and was proud that she had organized her lessons and test herself, so the loss has left her devastated.”

Emily at Britannia Driving School Says: “be suspicious if you are asked to prepay for your lessons by bank transfer rather than a card, because if your lessons don’t materialize you will not be able to reclaim your money from the instructor’s bank. Also make sure when you get a quote for lessons that it’s for one hour lessons and not just 45 minutes.”

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April 3, 2020
Coronavirus Car Cleaning Tips

Cleaning your car is a fast, simple, low cost job that might minimise the spread of coronavirus and keep loved ones safe. Handy if there are ‘essential’ trips that cannot be avoided. So, how might you clean your vehicle to minimise the spread of coronavirus?

Clean first (then disinfect). It is hard to find disinfectant in the shops, so preserve resources and remove any typical dirt with standard vehicle cleaning products (or soapy water).
Disinfect after cleaning. Isopropyl alcohol is among the disinfectants that might kill coronavirus in your car.
Test disinfectant. Whatever disinfectant you choose, test it on a small, hidden part of each type of material in the car before applying throughout. Why? Because some disinfectants can be problematic. Bleach can discolour plastic, for example.
Focus effort. Whereas it is preferable to clean the whole vehicle, focus primarily on the parts that get touched most frequently. These include the: steering wheel, gear stick, parking brake, door handles, seatbelts, heater controls, etc.
Feed the leather. Consider whether your cleaning product has removed moisture from leather upholstery. If so, feed the leather to keep it comfortable, flexible, and attractive.
Beware moisture. Minimise how much moisture gets close to electrical items such as your window switches, heater controls, and stereo. Damp electrical components tend to behave erratically. Also, moisture can stain fabric seats.
Protect yourself. Wear gloves while cleaning the vehicle and wash your hands afterwards (with soap for twenty seconds).

Note too that coronavirus is a new, unprecedented issue and our understanding of it is still evolving. This article does not therefore contain medical advice. The National Health Service is the best place for that. However, car cleaning might be a further tool to tackle this virus and minimise casualties. Happy scrubbing!

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April 1, 2020
Coronavirus: MOTs due from 30 March 2020

If your car,motorcycle or light van has an MOT due on or after 30th March 2020, Your car, motorcycle or light vans MOT expiry date will automatically extended by 6 months, You will have a valid MOT certificate for an extra 6 months.

You will not have to do anything for this extension of MOT but you must make your vehicle is safe to drive and roadworthy. It can be unsafe even if your MOT expiry date has been extended.

Check your vehicle is safe to drive

Checks you should carry out

Every time you drive you should check:

the windscreen, windows and mirrors are clean
all lights work
the brakes work

Your vehicle’s handbook will tell you how often to check the:

engine oil
water level in the radiator or expansion tank
brake fluid level
battery
windscreen and rear window washer bottles – top up with windscreen washer fluid if necessary
tyres – they must have the correct tread depth and be free of cuts and defects

The handbook will also tell you when your vehicle needs to be serviced.

Example Your vehicle’s MOT was due to expire on 3 April 2020. This will automatically be extended to 3 October 2020. You will need to get your MOT by this date. Your MOT expiry date will usually be updated on the day your MOT is due to expire. However, it might be done up to a few days before.You can check your MOT history to see when your MOT expiry date has been extended. Keep checking back if your new expiry date is not showing yet.

You can Tax your vehicle as soon as the expiry date on the MOT has been extended.

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March 24, 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): driving tests and theory tests

Theory tests

Theory tests are suspended up to and including 20 April 2020.

You’ll get an email to tell you that your test has been cancelled.

You’ll automatically get a refund. You’ll get an email to confirm this has been done – this may take a few weeks to arrive.

You’ll then have to book a new theory test for a date and time after 20 April 2020 that suits you.

You can still book, change or cancel tests for 21 April 2020 onwards.

Driving tests

Driving tests are suspended for up to 3 months.

You’ll get an email to tell you that your test has been rebooked. It will tell you the new date and time of your test.

You will not get this email immediately – it should arrive around 2 weeks before your original test date.

In the meantime, do not call the DVSA customer service centre. They will not be able to help you.

It’s likely that your new test date will be around 3 months after your original date.

If you want to cancel your test

You can cancel your test if you want to get a full refund now. Email the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to request this.

You need to include your full name and 2 of the following pieces of information:

your driving licence number
your theory test pass certificate number
your driving test booking reference

DVSA customer services
customerservices@dvsa.gov.uk

You cannot book a future driving test date

If you have not booked a driving test, you’ll be unable to do so at the moment.

When driving tests start again, priority will be given to people who had their test cancelled. This means you will have to wait longer than usual.

Check back for the latest updates.

If your theory test certificate expires soon

Legally, your theory test certificate cannot be extended in any circumstances.

You’ll need to book and pay to take another theory test.

You need to pass this before you can book your driving test.

Book an emergency test if you’re a critical worker

You can still get an emergency test during the suspension period if your work is critical to the COVID-19 response, or you work in a critical sector. These include:

health and social care
education and childcare
key public services
local and national government
food and other necessary goods
public safety and national security
transport
utilities, communication and financial services

Book an emergency theory test

Email DVSA to ask for an emergency theory test.

You must send a photo or scanned image of valid ID such as your work ID badge.

If you do not have an ID badge you can send:

an email from a work email address
evidence from your employer, such as email or scanned document including company letterhead
a scan of your payslip

This is not an exhaustive list and evidence will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

You also need to tell us:

your telephone number and preferred contact time
which test centre you want to take your test at (currently only Birmingham, London, Glasgow and Ballymena)
the type of theory test you would like to take (car, car and trailer, motorcycle, lorry, bus or coach)
your driving licence number

If you meet the critical worker criteria, DVSA will contact you to explain what happens next.

Emergency theory tests
critical.worker.theory.test@dvsa.gov.uk

Book an emergency driving test

Email DVSA to ask for an emergency driving test.

You must send a photo or a scanned image of a valid ID such as your work ID badge.

If you do not have an ID badge you can send:

an email from a work email address
evidence from your employer, such as an email or scanned document including company letterhead
a scan of your payslip

This is not an exhaustive list and evidence will be reviewed on a case by case basis.

You also need to tell us:

your telephone number
your preferred test location
the type of driving test you would like to take (car, car and trailer, motorcycle, lorry, bus or coach)
your driving licence number
the driving test reference number (if you have one)
your theory test certificate number

If you meet the critical worker criteria, DVSA will contact you with a test date.

This may take a while, please do not send another request.

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March 11, 2020
Drinking coffee or water while driving could see you hit with £5,000 fine and nine penalty points

MILLIONS of UK drivers sip on a coffee or bottle of water when behind the wheel. Brits risk being hit with hefty penalties if they take their eyes off the road to have a drink when driving.

While it’s not illegal to have a non-alcoholic beverage when driving, drivers can be hit with a careless driving charge if it causes them to be distracted.If you take your attention off the road to have a refreshment, police officers can deem you were “driving without due care and attention”

Motorists can also find themselves in trouble if they’re seen eating behind the wheel.Driving without due care and attention, or careless driving, carries a £100 on-the-spot fine and up to three penalty points on your licence.

But in more serious cases where someone has been injured, you could face an unlimited fine, up to nine penalty points and even a court-imposed driving ban – although for the majority of motorists, the fine won’t exceed £5,000.An Australian man was recently fined $173 (£94) for drinking water behind the wheel on a 39-degree day.Another Aussie was threatened with a $500 (£256) fine and three penalty points on her licence because she was drinking a coffee when driving.

While officers are more likely to give a warning than a fine, it is essential to keep your concentration on other road users.If you need a drink or something to eat, you should do it when you’ve completely stopped or pulled over.Neil Greig, director of policy and research at IAM RoadSmart, said: “Eating at the wheel is just another classic example of multi-tasking that can take your attention away from safe driving.

“Obvious cases such as juggling hot drinks or a sandwich can be easily spotted by traffic police who can issue an on the spot ticket for careless driving.”That quick snack could end up costing you £100 fine plus three points on your licence so it’s always worth taking a proper break.

“Even if you try to hide that swift chocolate bar you are eating if it leads to a loss of control crash and a more serious charge, then the courts may take the fact you were eating into account and increase your fine and ban.

“It is always worth remembering with careless driving it is the impact on your driving and how it is seen by the police to effect other road users that leads to the charge, so any form of eating could land you in trouble if you end up swerving or weaving across the road.”

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February 28, 2020
Driving Safely in Snow

Snowy conditions can make driving a real challenge for motorists and can even lead to an accident.

With this in mind it is crucial to prepare yourself adequately before embarking on a journey in the snow.It is worth knowing how to prepare yourself and your car, while also considering different ways to approach your driving when faced with adverse conditions.

You’re late for work or just need to pop to the shops in the car – but it’s covered in snow and ice.

The bottom line is you need a clear view of the road before setting off, you can’t make any shortcuts.In the eyes of the law, you need to clear that snow before you go.

There is no road law that says it is illegal to drive with snow on your car.However, the Highway Code stipulates that if driving in adverse weather conditions you must, by law, be able to see out of every glass panel in your vehicle.This is supported by the section 41D of the Road Traffic Act 1988, meaning it is a legal requirement to have a clear view of the road ahead before you set off.

Failure to do so could incur a fine, but more importantly could place your life, the lives of your passengers and the lives of those around you in danger.This also means ensuring your windscreen is de-iced on the outside and thoroughly demisted on the inside.

This is supported by the section 41D of the Road Traffic Act 1988, meaning it is a legal requirement to have a clear view of the road ahead before you set off.

As for the snow on the roof, while, again, there is no law stating it is illegal to drive with snow on your roof, if it falls off onto your windscreen while driving or flies into the path of another car then you could be penalised for such offences as ‘driving without due consideration’ or ‘using a motor vehicle in a dangerous condition’ – again, not worth the risk.

Even if you’re only making a two-minute journey, by not thoroughly cleaning your car of snow, ice or condensation – including all windows, lights and even anything that could fall off into the path of another motorists – you’re breaking the law and leaving yourself liable to a run in with the police.

That means fully wiping snow or frost from every window (a quick once over with a credit card or CD case is not good enough!).

That means fully wiping snow or frost from every window (a quick once over with a credit card or CD case is not good enough!).As well as the legal implications of not being able to see out of your window clearly, if you are involved in an accident it could mean you are at fault and if your car insurance company finds you were at fault through neglecting to properly prepare your vehicle, they could potentially withhold a pay-out.

In addition, it is also the law that all lights and number plates are clearly visible too.In the murky grey light that often comes with driving in wintery conditions it’s advisable to drive with your sidelights or dipped headlights on so as other drivers can see you.Without this they might miss you as they pull out of a side road, leading to the same consequences as above.During the winter you will be using your lights more as you will be driving in darker conditions more often.It is important to check your are all working and replace any that aren’t.

Before you set off, plan your journey carefully. Use route planners to get updates on traffic news to help make your journey as smooth as possible.Consider areas that are going to be exposed to the elements, and perhaps prone to flooding. Keep up-to-date with local weather to ensure you aren’t caught out.Make sure any auto wiper control is switched off before turning the ignition on as this could blow the wiper control fuse if they are frozen to the screen. Your wipers need to be in good working order so you’re able to clean your windscreen effectively.

Be prepared for every eventuality by ensuring that your car is equipped with the following: demisting pad, torch (wind-up so you don’t run out of battery), a hi-vis vest to make you visible if you break down, a blanket to keep you warm, some food, a drink, spare screenwash, de-icer, ice scraper, blanket, shovel, phone charger, map, a first aid kit, a warning triangle, some jump leads, a spade and a square of carpet that you can use to put under your drive wheels should you get stuck in the snow. The most important thing to take with you before driving in snow is a charged mobile phone with the phone number of your breakdown provider stored in it so you can always call for help.

Wear comfortable and dry footwear
Accelerate gently, use low revs and change up to a higher gear as quickly as possible
Move off in second gear as this will help reduce wheel slip – some cars have a winter mode, which does the same job – so to check whether your car has this function in the vehicle’s handbook
Get your speed right and maintain safe stopping distances between you and the car in front, leaving as much as 10 times the normal recommended gap
Prepare for an uphill by leaving plenty of room in front so you can maintain a constant speed without the need for changing gear
Use a low gear for going downhill and try to avoid braking unless necessary, make sure you leave plenty of space between you and the car in front
When approaching a bend, brake before you actually start to turn the steering wheel. If your car does lose grip try not to panic; the key thing is to take your foot off the accelerator and make sure that your wheels are pointing in the direction you want to go in
If you do encounter a skid, steer gently into it – for example, if the rear of the car is sliding to the right, steer to the right. Do not take your hands off the steering wheel or stamp your foot on the brakes
When driving in heavy snow, make sure that you use your dipped headlights. Relying on daytime running lights is not enough, because they don’t always put lights on the back of your car.
If visibility drops below a 100m, put your fog lights on. But remember to turn them off when the visibility improves.
If the road has not been gritted, be wary of driving in the wheeltracks or other vehicles as compressed snow is likely to be more icy than fresh snow
Controls such as the brakes, as well as the steering, accelerator and even gear changing should be operated smoothly and slowly
Sunglasses can help to reduce the glare of low winter sun on the snow
Keep your speed down and allow more time to stop and steer
Finally, it’s important to think about the environment that you’re driving in, especially microclimates that might appear on the road. These are areas that perhaps the sun hasn’t got to, which could stay icy when the rest of the road has thawed. Bridges are a good example. They’re normally the first to freeze and the last to thaw. So be aware of that when you’re driving in open spaces.

If you havent driven in the snow and are worried why not book in for refresher lessons !

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February 21, 2020
Theory test changes: 14 April 2020

From 14 April 2020, the car theory test will include 3 multiple-choice questions based on a short video you’ll watch.

Female candidate sat a computer answering a theory test question

The way the theory test works in England, Scotland and Wales will change from 14 April 2020.

The same changes will apply in Northern Ireland.The change will make the theory test more accessible, especially to people with a:reading difficulty (like dyslexia),learning disability,developmental condition (like autism),the change only applies to car theory tests to begin with.

How the theory test is changing to use video clips instead of written case studies

Currently, you have to read a case study and then answer 5 questions about it. This tests your knowledge and understanding of road rules.This will change if you take your test from 14th April 2020, you’ll watch one video clip instead of reading a case study,and answer 3 questions about it.

How using a video clip will work

You’ll watch a short, silent, video clip and answer 3 multiple-choice questions about it. You can watch the video clip as many times as you like during the mutiple choice part of the theory test.

Example You can watch the video, answer a question, and then watch the video again before you answer the next question.

What the video clip will look like

The video clip will show a situation, such as driving through a town centre, or driving on a country road.

The type of questions you’ll answer about the video clip

You’ll answer questions like these:

Why are motorcyclists considered vulnerable road users?
Why should the driver, on the side road, look out for motorcyclists at junctions?
In this clip, who can cross the chevrons to overtake other vehicles, when it’s safe to do so?

For each of the 3 questions, you’ll have to choose the correct answer from 4 possible answers.

What the screen will look like

The left-hand side of the screen will show the video clip, with controls to:

play the video
pause the video
move to a specific part of the video on a progress bar
watch the video using the full screen

The right-hand side of the screen will show the question and 4 possible answers.

Who this change will affect

All car theory tests will use video clips from 14 April 2020.

This includes if:You fail a test before then and retake it from 14th April 2020, your test is cancelled or moved for any reason,and your new test date is from 14th April 2020.

What’s not changing

You’ll still need to study the same books and software to prepare for your theory test.

You’ll still need to:

answer 50 multiple-choice questions within 57 minutes
get 43 out of the 50 questions right to pass the multiple-choice part of the test

The hazard perception part of the test is not changing. This is where you watch video clips to spot developing hazards.

Tests that are not changing

The change does not yet apply to these types of theory tests:

motorcycle
lorry
bus or coach
approved driving instructor (ADI) part 1

February 7, 2020
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.

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October 18, 2019
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.”

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September 2, 2019
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.

Junctions – observation.
Mirrors – change direction.
Control – steering.
Junctions – turning right.
Move off – safely.
Response to signs – traffic lights.
Move off – control.
Positioning – normal driving.
Response to signs – road markings.
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.

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April 6, 2020
Never Pay by Bank Transfer For Lessons, Find Out Why…

April 3, 2020
Coronavirus Car Cleaning Tips

April 1, 2020
Coronavirus: MOTs due from 30 March 2020

Check your vehicle is safe to drive

Checks you should carry out

March 24, 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): driving tests and theory tests

Theory tests

Driving tests

If you want to cancel your test

You cannot book a future driving test date

If your theory test certificate expires soon

Book an emergency test if you’re a critical worker

Book an emergency theory test

Book an emergency driving test

March 11, 2020
Drinking coffee or water while driving could see you hit with £5,000 fine and nine penalty points

February 28, 2020
Driving Safely in Snow

February 21, 2020
Theory test changes: 14 April 2020

How the theory test is changing to use video clips instead of written case studies

How using a video clip will work

What the video clip will look like

The type of questions you’ll answer about the video clip

What the screen will look like

Who this change will affect

What’s not changing

Tests that are not changing

Other support for people with a reading difficulty, disability or health condition

February 7, 2020
BEWARE Warning other drivers of police with your lights could land you with a £1,000 fine

October 18, 2019
MPs investigate road pricing to replace fuel tax

September 2, 2019
Common Reasons For Test Failure.

Head Office