November 18, 2022
How Many Driving Lessons Will I Need?

 

 

Learning to drive is a very exciting time, once you have your provisional license you are ready to book in professional driving lessons!

But how many will i need? Is a regular question we get asked here at Britannia Driving School. There isn’t actual set amount as each pupil is different and learns at different speeds. In this blog we will delve into the average number of lessons needed to pass your test and our intensive driving courses we offer.

As we stated above there is no set amount of lessons legally required in order to pass your test, however on average a learner needs 20 hrs of practice and approximately 45 hrs of driving. Every learner is different so for instance some may take 40 hrs and some may take 70. It really doesn’t matter, what matters is that when it come to taking your practical driving test and passing you are a confident and safe driver.

Choosing an instructor is a crucial part of it, here at Britannia all our driving instructors are fully approved by the DVSA.

Another thing to consider is passing your theory test as soon as you feel ready, this will give you a chance to book your practical driving well in advance. There is at the moment a backlog in regards to booking tests, so if you are able to start looking or use our test booking service we can help you book a test.

An intensive Driving Course gives you the opportunity to do a bulk amount of lessons in a shorter amount of time. Here is our intensive course information:

 

15 Hours
£494.25
• 2 hours intensive driving tuition a day for 6 days
• 3 hours for the day of the test
• This intensive course is suitable for those who have recently failed a driving test and just require a brush up (Failed with less than 7 minors)
21 Hours
£691.95
• 3 hours intensive driving tuition a day for 6 days
• 3 hours for the day of the test
• This intensive course is suitable for those who have recently failed a driving test and just require a brush up (Failed with more than 7 minors)
27 Hours
£889.65
• 4 hours intensive driving tuition a day for 6 days
• 3 hours for the day of the test
• This intensive driving course is suitable for those nearing test standard
39 Hours
£1,285.05
• 6 hours intensive driving tuition a day for 6 days
• 3 hours for the day of the test
• This intensive driving course is designed for the complete beginner. Most people will achieve a high standard of driving and will normally be ready for their practical driving test after completing this course which covers the whole DSA syllabus.

With an intensive course we will book you a test in for straight after your intensive course finishes. With the backlog being taken into account we do need notice in advance to be able to secure a test date and also make sure the instructor is free for the duration of the course and of course the test.

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October 7, 2022
Driving test top tips to help you pass first time!

 

Is your driving test date nearing? Are you feeling those nerves? Feeling nervous is completely normal but there is ways you can help make yourself feel more at ease is to be prepared!

Use our top tips to help you stay calm on your big day:

Be On Time :

Its a pretty obvious one but being punctual is a very important starting point, arriving late puts you at risk of missing your slot completely or arriving late feeling rushed and overwhelmed.

Aim to arrive 10/15 minutes early in order for you to go over any notes and have a warm drink to sit and gather your thoughts.

Make sure the night before you get a good night sleep, aim to go to bed early to avoid any unnecessary stress or anxiety.

 

  • Have A Lesson On The Day Of The Test :

Our day of test package includes a lesson on the day of the test, so if we are taking you to test our instructors will take you out on a lesson before your test. But arranging a lesson for the day before if its not possible to do the day of the test would be very helpful as that way you can go over any maneuvers or get clarifications on any last minute questions you have.

A lesson will also put you in the right frame of mind for driving, We would also recommend 2 hourly lessons in the weeks leading up to your test.

 

  • Use Your Instructors Car :

Taking your test in a car you feel comfortable and used to will enhance your chances of passing first time.

It will be up to the examiners’ standard plus be helpful to you as it will have additional mirrors.

 

  • Take Your Instructor Along For Reassurance :

It is not compulsory but if you have a good rapport and your instructor it can boost your confidence and help you to feel at ease having them sit in on the test.

In worst case if you do fail they will be able to pick up on the things which made you fail and give you some guidance on follow up lessons on how no to make the same mistakes as-well as some constructive criticism.

 

  • Be Vocal :

Don’t be scared to be vocal with the examiner, if you don’t hear something clearly or you don’t understand something ask the examiner to repeat it.

 

  • Don’t Think The Worst :

Don’t assume you have failed, if you make a mistake remember you are allowed up to 14 minors, stay positive and assume you are going to pass.

Try not to let mistakes play on your mind or you run the risk of making more.

 

  • Know Your Test Routes :

Its impossible to know where you will be directed on the day of your test or what traffic or hazards will occur on the day.

Once you’ve booked your test centre, you can ask your instructor to cover the test routes and show you all the possible routes for the day of the test. A mixture of major roads and minor roads is important if you want to avoid any nasty surprises on the day.

 

 

  • Learn To Drive In All Weather Conditions :

Be prepared for all different weather conditions, We can all hope for sunny and dry conditions but living in the UK we can be sure the weather has a mind of its own so be sure to be confident in all weathers.

 

  • Take Your Instructors Advice :

After having hours of lessons with your instructor they will have a pretty good idea of if you are test ready, so listen to their advice. They will also be able to help you concentrate on you weak spots leading up to the test and concentrate on going over things that you may be worried about so always vocalize any concerns or worries you have.

 

  • Refresh Your Memory :

It may have been sometime since you took your theory test so go over your copy of the highway code and road sign, also checking up on the DVLA standards of driving just in case they have changed or updated.

 

  • Don’t Rush :

It is understandable to feel like you want to get on the road as quickly as possible but rushing to take your test when you may not be ready could end up in knocking your confidence and wasting your money. Its best to wait until your instructor has given you the green light and most importantly you feel 100% ready and confident!

 

Johnny who covers the SE areas at Britannia Driving School says:

Driving test nerves are very normal, but with help of our top tips hopefully we can help you stay calm and focused on the end goal! The recent backlogs with regarding tests have made people rush to book the first test they can get but like our article states it is important to communicate with your instructor and wait until you are ready even if it means waiting for a test. Taking those extra lessons whilst you wait could make all the difference between you passing and failing! Good luck!

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May 26, 2022
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.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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September 27, 2021
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.”

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August 13, 2021
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.

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July 15, 2021
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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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April 28, 2021
Britain’s roads will have DRIVERLESS cars travelling on them by end of year!

Today Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is said to  announce that vehicles with new technology enabling them to stay in their lanes automatically will be legal within months.

The bold move will help to prevent up to 47,000 serious accidents and save 3,900 lives over the next decade as it cuts out human error, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

It will mean motorists in Britain may be the first in the world to be able to legally take their hands off the steering wheel and check their emails while driving.

The cars will travel at a maximum of 37mph and on motorways only.

They will not be able to change lanes, but will automatically slow down as they react to other traffic.

The driver will be able to take control in an emergency.

The cars will help to improve the traffic flow, reduce commute times and slash emissions as the ride will be smoother, ministers said.

Announcing a consultation, Transport Minister Rachel Maclean said: “This is a major step for the safe use of self-driving vehicles in the UK, making future journeys greener, easier and more reliable.”

The tech will appear only in newly-built cars.

It cannot be adapted for use in cars already on the road.

But Edmund King, of the AA, said: “More needs to be done to test these systems.”

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April 20, 2021
DVSA refuses to extend expired theory tests

LEARNER drivers have lost £1.14million as a result of car theory tests expiring due to Covid backlogs.

Driving tests and lessons have been suspended during much of the pandemic, causing a pile-up of 420,000 car driving tests and 380,000 car theory tests.

But the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has resisted calls from learners to extend expiry dates on tests or suspend charges for repeat tests.

When the test booking system reopened in August it crashed following almost seven million applications for just 35,000 driving test slots.

With practical driving tests set to restart on April 22 in England and Wales, there will be 50,000 learner car drivers whose theory tests certificates will have expired.

Many drivers have also experienced multiple cancellations for driving test due to Covid restrictions.

The theory test costs £23 and is valid for two years.

Almost 50,000 car theory tests expired during the first and second lockdown, according to a Freedom of Information request made by Marmalade Insurance.

Learner drivers now face a 17 week wait to book a driving test, meaning many more theory tests will expire.

Over 79,000 people have signed an online petition for theory tests to be extended, with another petition calling upon the UK Government and Parliament to reconsider waiving theory test resit fees.

Experts have called for certificates to be extended or for the fee to be waived.

“We’d like them [the DVSA] to extend theory test certificates, because it’s not the fault of learner drivers that they can’t take their driving tests,” Howard Redwood, head of road safety at the Driving Instructors Association (DIA), said.

Gunnar Peters, CEO at learner driver insurance specialist, Veygo said: “This will be understandably frustrating for many learner drivers who will find themselves out of pocket if forced to retake expired theory tests through no fault of their own, so we’d like to see the DVSA waiving fees for those affected.”

Robert Cowell, interim managing director of AA Driving School said: “With the unprecedented demand for driving lessons that we’ve seen as lockdown restrictions lift, we anticipate the backlog will only increase.

“Our hope is that the recent DVSA recruitment drive to recruit an additional 300 examiners will make more test slots available for learners who have waited months to re-start their driving journey.

“If theory test certificates which expired in one of the UK’s lockdowns are extended in the same way MOTs and driving licences were, these learners could be on the road to passing their test sooner.”

Despite the backlog the DVSA has warned that extending theory test certificates could be a safety issue.

It is also feared that an extension to tests could cause costs to rise for others.

A DVSA spokesperson told The Sun: “Those with theory test certificates expiring will have taken their test in early 2019.

“Since then, their more recent lessons and practice sessions will have been significantly curtailed during recent lockdowns and it is likely that their skills base will have diminished. “Research shows that this would be particularly harmful for hazard perception skills, a key factor in road safety.”

“We are advising customers to regularly check the booking system as they might find an earlier date due to a cancellation or more tests being added.”

Driving tests were given the go ahead to resume from April 12th, so learner drivers will be able to get back out on the road now.

There are new rules around the test too, but we have the lowdown on how to book.

For example, one new rule is that test-takers must wear a mask while driving.

If you need to practise your theory test we have a fully equipt classroom here at Britannia, we also offer free interactive help on our website.

 

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April 1, 2021
Britannia After Lockdown

On Tuesday the 6th of April our dedicated office staff will be returning back to the office after working from home since December.

This will be to carry on answering the telephones, emails, livechats and to process an payments, once the instructors return back to teaching on the 12th April the office will remain closed to the public, if you have any enquiries this can be done online or over the phone, please if you need to purchase lessons this too needs to be online or over the phone.

Any vouchers that need extending can be posted in and we will look at extending them.

All lesson instructors and pupils unless exempt will need to wear a facial covering and sanitize hands,the teaching cars will be fully sanitized before and after each lesson.

We would like to wish everyone a safe , happy bank holiday and happy easter!

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March 11, 2021
Driving Lessons to Resume

Driving lessons are to resume on Monday 12th April.

We at Britannia Driving School are now having the busy task of rebooking all cancelled pupils due to the National Lockdown.

As before the lockdown all students will be asked to wear a facial covering to sanitise  hands and not to take lessons if they have any covid symptoms or have been near anyone who has.

Instructors will be santising their cars inbetween pupils and also wearing a facial covering.

The DVSA hasnt yet releaased a date for practical driving tests to take place but we anticipate this to be a long lengthy progress as lots of tests had to be postponed.due to the covid situation.

Contact one of our advisors to book in a lesson on Livechat, via a booking form or over the phone to get your lessons started!

 

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