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!).

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!).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:

  1. Why are motorcyclists considered vulnerable road users?
  2. Why should the driver, on the side road, look out for motorcyclists at junctions?
  3. 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

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

You can have reasonable adjustments made to your theory test if you have a:

  • reading difficulty
  • disability
  • health condition

These include:

  • extra time to take the test
  • someone to read what’s on the screen and record your answers
  • someone to reword the questions for you.

Remember you can practise your theory test on our website free of charge.

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

  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.

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August 9, 2019
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!

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July 25, 2019
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.”

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May 15, 2019
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.

 

 

 

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April 4, 2019
Automatic Vs Manual Transmission???

Automatic Vs Manual Transmission???

Before embarking on driving lessons your first decision will be whether to learn in a manual or automatic car.

Its often thought its an easier option to learn in an automatic because there is no clutch or gears. But you must remember that you still will have all the other factors in learning how to drive in an automatic.

There has always been a great debate as to whether learning is easier in a manual or automatic car, some say manual is the only way and others stick by automatic.

Automatics have become more sophisticated and economical in recent years, as this has always put drivers off as they consumed more fuel and were more expensive to buy.

Advantages of driving a manual

Passing in a manual car entitles you to drive manual or automatic, if you wish to change to an automatic car then you can, however this only works one way as passing in an automatic you can only drive automatic and must retake tour practical test in a manual car should you wish to change transmission.

Manual cars use less fuel – when driven properly. A driver in full control of their manual car will know when to change gears as so to avoid the engine over revving and wasting fuel. It is recommended to change gear about 2000rpm in a Diesel, and 2500rpm in a petrol car.

Manual cars will help you staying more alert especially when taking driving lessons, there is so much more for you to focus on when driving a manual as you have the changing of the gears and clutch control to think about.

Advantages of driving an automatic transmission car

Most pupils that learn in an automatic will learn faster than those learning in a manual, they will have less to learn with no changing gears, biting point or clutch control to learn.

Automatics are generally the easiest to pass in, the pass rate is higher for automatic tests, due to having fewer attributes to meet in terms of clutch control and gear changes, so less chances to fail.

The most persuasive point as to learning in an automatic is its easier.

No gears, no bite point, no clutch control or the embarrassing situation of stalling as an automatic does all this for you, this can leave the driver more time to concentrate on the road.

The argument of manual or automatic will probably carry on, here at Britannia Driving School we have noticed a massive change in more and more pupils choosing to learn in an automatic it has really become popular.

Still unsure which to choose? Why not give Kerry a call take a driving lesson on either and go from there.

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April 29, 2014
Automatic Vs Manual – The Great Debate

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Since the dawn of time (it seems) the debate has raged on which is better – manual or automatic cars?

This argument seems to split driving lovers straight down the middle, with both sides taking a firm stance. And so they should – each point has its own advantages, but each also comes with problems too.

When it comes to learning to drive, an automatic is often suggested as the easier option – which is true. There is no clutch, therefore no clutch control, no gears, no stalling. However this does come with the limitation that passing your test in an automatic will only allow you to drive an automatic later in life (until finally passing in a manual car). For some, that is a fine choice.

Others will argue, vetoing this option in favour of the Manual counterpart. This may say, is “real driving”. Learning to control the clutch and gears like a pro takes time, effort and dedication, and so the reward is greater, giving a strong sense of satisfaction upon mastering the skill, as well as advantage of being able to drive both manual or geared cars in the future.

However long we debate this, we may never come to a conclusion. Both manual and automatic cars are driving after all, and everyone has their own personal tastes.

Safe driving from Britannia!

What are your thoughts on this article? Sound off in the comments below!

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