July 5, 2023
Tips for ADI’S & PDI’S

Being a driving instructor is a very sociable job, where you spend lots of time in close proximity with your pupils. When teaching there is many things to consider to help you keep your pupils happy and ensure they continue lessons with you. Along with being professional at all times and ensuring you are teaching your pupils to the best of your ability, there a few other things that can go against you.

Personal Hygiene:

Keeping yourself clean and smelling fresh is a top priority when you are teaching a pupil, in a car you are right next to the pupil and with the windows closed in the winter any odours in the vehicle will be amplified and in the summer odours will be heated up due to the increased temperature. Having a quick shower in the morning before you go out on lessons will not only freshen you up, but also wake you up so you are ready to take on the day.

Top tip:

Try reducing the water temperature towards the end of the shower to you end the shower with a blast of cold water, there are many benefits of this which include: Increases endorphins, helps improve metabolism, improves circulation, helps fight off common illnesses and increases mental ability.

Keeping the vehicle clean and hygienic:

You should treat your car as an extension of your house, keep in mind your car is where you will be spending your working day and where your student will be learning. Your vehicle has to be cleaned to the highest standards, so avoiding eating and drinking in your car would be a good start as small spaces can hold smells for a long time. This would also avoid any spills or crumbs, hoovering your car and polishing off any dust is always a good idea. Not forgetting the exterior of the car, either washing your car yourself or going to a professional car wash will ensure your vehicle is appealing to the outside. Remember when you drive your car you are advertising your business to the general public and potential future students.Don’t store anything in your car unless you need it for every trip. There is no point in cluttering your car with things like toys, gym bags, books and magazines. Besides adding to the stress, such items take up valuable space.You can prevent odors by keeping the upholstery clean and dry. Using dryer sheets under the seats and a good car deodorizer will help.

Top tip:

An air freshener will keep your car smelling good at all times, but choose wisely as some can be very overpowering.

Punctuality:

It sometimes is not possible to avoid traffic caused by an unexpected accident but keeping up to date with the latest traffic updates can help you plan out your routes, for example if there is on going roadworks in a certain area then you can make a plan to use different routes. There will of course be times when you can’t avoid it or it is sprung upon you, so having good communication with pupils will really help. If you are running late for any reason parking up and giving them a quick call or a text to inform them you are running behind will be very much appreciated and help ensure you keep a good communication between you and your student.

Rebecca at Britannia says:

These are all extremely important tips that can help to ensure an instructor can retain their pupils.

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May 25, 2023
Overcoming Driving Anxiety

Learning to drive can be a anxious time for many first time drivers, The thought of learning a new skill can be daunting. I should know, i was one of them! In this blog i am going to give you some advice and tips on combating the nerves and getting yourself on the road.

I think generally the thought of something is usually what builds up anxiety, its the unknown and the what ifs. But if you can overcome the negative anxious thoughts and give it ago you will find that its actually not that scary! I think overthinking and ruminating is what builds things up in our minds and leads us to become stuck in a negative thinking pattern, which leads us to become stuck and frozen in fear. Sometimes you have to feel the fear and do it anyway..

Once you have decided you would like to give driving ago, the best piece of advice i can give you is to find a driving instructor who you gel with.Someone who is patient and will understand you are nervous and help you to overcome your fear. Learning to drive with an instructor who you get on well with will make driving lessons feel like a pleasurable experience and you will even find you are having fun at the same time!

Have confidence in yourself, remember the instructor will have dual control of the car. You are not in danger, they have the ability to be able to emergency stop if needed or help take control of the car. Be clear with your instructor and communicate your worries, they can help eliminate your fears.

Stay calm and listen to your instructor, let them instruct you. Patience is everything, don’t rush yourself, remember learning to drive is learning a whole new skill, which takes time. So don’t be hard on yourself if you don’t pick it up straight away or feel like you can’t remember it all. Just keeping up the momentum and having weekly lessons will do you the world of good, regular lessons will help it all sink in and come together.

Ensure you don’t partake in anything stressful or tiring before your lesson, try and get a good nights sleep the night before to ensure you are well rested for the lesson. Drink plenty of water and eat a healthy meal before hand to ensure you are hydrated and don’t get hungry during the lesson.

If you are able to, take a few moments before the lesson to gather your thoughts and take some deep breaths to help calm your nervous system.

Keep in mind it is totally NORMAL to have nerves and be anxious, but you can do this.

We offer a first basic lesson for complete beginners at £19.95 so why not give us a call today and get your first lesson booked in?

This blog was written by Rebecca at Britannia.

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March 20, 2023
Are Automatic Cars Better For Nervous Drivers?

Taking lessons can be a very overwhelming experience for first time learners, it can be a daunting for more experienced learners too. The thought of having to control the pedals, gears and maneuvering a vehicle, especially in traffic can be anxiety inducing. Leading some learners to ponder if automatic cars could cater to their needs and help calm the over thinking of having to control everything at once.

Here are some advantages to driving an Automatic car :

Simpler To Learn :

One of the biggest advantages of automatic cars is that they are more simple to learn. With an automatic transmission, pupils do not need to worry about operating the clutch or shifting gears, making the learning process less complicated.

Less To Think About :

Driving an automatic car is less stressful than a manual car. With an automatic car, drivers can focus on other aspects of driving, such as traffic conditions and road safety, without the added stress of having to shift gears or operate a clutch pedal.

Convenient :

Automatic cars are more convenient than manual cars. With an automatic car, drivers do not need to worry about stalling in traffic, and can easily switch between driving and parking modes with the push of a button.

A Feeling Of Safety :

Automatic cars can be safer for nervous drivers. With an automatic car, drivers can keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times, reducing the risk of distraction and increasing their ability to react to sudden changes in road conditions.

Here are some disadvantages of driving an Automatic car :

Greater Costs :

Something to think about is the cost, so once you’ve passed your test it would be more expensive to purchase a automatic than a manual. Automatic cars require more complex technology and parts, which can add to the cost of purchasing and maintaining the vehicle.

Limited Control :

Automatic cars provide limited control over the vehicle. With an automatic car, drivers do not have the ability to downshift to increase engine braking, which can be useful when descending steep hills or driving in slippery conditions.

Lower Fuel Efficiency :

Automatic cars are generally less fuel-efficient than manual cars. With an automatic car, the engine is not as responsive to changes in driving conditions, which can lead to a decrease in fuel efficiency over time.

Conclusion :

For nervous drivers, automatic cars can be a great choice. They are easier to learn, less stressful, more convenient, and can be safer on the road. However, it is important to keep in mind that automatic cars can be more expensive, offer limited control, and have lower fuel efficiency than manual cars.

Ultimately, the choice between an automatic and manual car will depend on personal preferences and needs. Nervous drivers should consider their comfort level with driving and their budget before making a decision.

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March 6, 2023
DVSA Issued warning to anyone who has a test booked in March

Civil servants from the PCS union are staging 11 days of strikes this month which could impact driving tests.

The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has issued a warning to learners who have driving tests booked this month.

It comes as civil servants begin their next round of strikes in March, which will affect some driving examiners who are members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS). It is part of national industrial action by the PCS union over pay, pensions, jobs and redundancy terms.

Ten days of regional strikes and one day of national strikes will be held in March. The DVSA has advised learners on what to do if their driving test is scheduled for a strike day.

The DVSA’s official Twitter account said: “If you’ve got an appointment on a strike day, please attend as planned, unless you have been contacted directly to say it has been cancelled. If you turn up for your test and it is cancelled because of strike action we will automatically reschedule it for the first available date and you will be able to claim out of pocket expenses.

“If you want to rearrange your car, motorcycle, vocational or instructor test, you can do this through our change your driving test service. Keep checking emails, texts and GOV.UK for updates and confirmed strike dates.”

When do civil servants go on strike?

Civil servants strike for 11 days in total, with 10 taking place regionally and one nationally. The dates include:

Monday March 6 and Tuesday March 7 – London and south east England
Thursday March 9 and Friday March 10 – South west England and Wales
Wednesday March 15 – All areas of Greater Britain
Monday March 20 and Tuesday March 21 – East of England, East Midlands, West Midlands and parts of London
Thursday March 23 and 24 – North west England and Yorkshire and the Humber
Monday March 27 and Tuesday March 28 – North east England and Scotland

Which driving tests will be affected?

The strikes could impact car driving tests, motorcycle tests and vocational tests for lorry, bus, coach and minibus. Tractor or specialist vehicle driving tests, approved driving instructor (ADI) tests and ADI standard checks and moped and motorcycle compulsory basic training might also be affected.

Kerry from Britannia Driving School said:

Please keep an eye on your emails and any texts you receive from the DVSA regarding your test bookings, for any cancellations or rescheduled test dates.

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January 30, 2023
Driving Test Backlog

If you are currently trying to book a driving practical test and struggling you are not alone! There is a backlog with the DVSA which has been on going since Covid Lockdowns restrictions eased.

At the moment even driving schools are struggling to secure tests and the DVSA have spoken out about a 6 month wait, which means June/July is what is becoming available on the booking site.

This situation is very frustrating not only for learners waiting for take their test but also driving schools and instructors who are trying to book tests for their pupils! Cancellations do pop up every now and then but its all about being on the test booking site at the right time.

What we would like to discourage is pupils becoming desperate and paying over the odds for tests, when giving out your driving license details to unauthorized operators they can then use your details to their own advantage.

Some desperate to pass learners have even booked tests in unknown areas to them in hopes to pass, but the disadvantage to this is not having a good knowledge of an area especially the test routes could go against you on the day of the test. Its always a good idea to have a good few lessons on the routes the test center you plan on taking your test at use. Our instructors who are taking you to test will always take you on those test routes to get you familiar with them in preparation for the test, which not only helps calm nerves as you feel prepared and know the routes but also gives you a head start on practicing on the roundabouts etc.

If a cancellation does pop up and you manage to secure it, please be mindful that you also need to make sure your instructor can do the test date/time and goes to the test center. Also if its too short notice this could also be a problem, a new instructor would need to arrange some assessment lessons before committing to take you to test. An instructor has the right to refuse to take you to test if they don’t feel you are ready.

Below is a breakdown of how the estimated backlog works;

2022	Estimated demand for tests	Max number of tests that can be carried out	Excess tests rolled over to following month
Jan	244377	130622	113755
Feb	332689	130622	202067
March	427539	130622	296917
April	476619	130622	345997
May	520581	130622	389959
June	502589	130622	371967
July	482797	130622	352175
Aug	463005	130622	332383
Sep	443213	130622	312591
Oct	423421	130622	292799
Nov	403629	130622	273007
Dec	383837	130622	253215
Jan ’23	364045	130622	233423
Feb ’23	344253	130622	213631
March ’23	324461	130622	193839
April ’23	304669	130622	174047
May ’23	284877	130622	154255
June ’23	265085	130622	134463
July ’23	245293	130622	114671
Aug ’23	225501	130622	94879
Sep ’23	205709	130622	75087
Oct ’23	185917	130622	55295
Nov ’23	166125	130622	35503
Dec ’23	146333	130622	15711
Jan ’24	126541	130622

Rebecca at Britannia said:

Everyday i log onto the Business Account to look for tests for pupils, it did ease up a little in Novemeber/Decemeber but now in January 23 it is at what feels like a standstill, i think the DVSA strikes are now adding to the problem. We hope it will ease up ASAP.

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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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November 14, 2022
Combating driving through tunnel fears

Gephyrophobia is the fear of crossing bridges while claustrophobia is the fear of enclosed spaces. Perhaps the fear of driving through a tunnel is a combination of both. Overcoming this fear will help you to gain control of your life and avoid accidents or risky driving maneuvers!

How do you know that tunnels are causing you anxiety? Imagine that you’re driving down the road beneath the open sky. You feel relaxed but alert and know that you have full control over your vehicle. However, all of that begins to change as you approach an oncoming tunnel.

Tunnel anxiety may manifest physically. You might feel shortness of breath, an increased heart rate, and it may even feel like your eyes are struggling to focus. Your hands may begin to shake or your body temperature may increase.

In this blog we will delve into driving through tunnel phobias, we will be looking at safety tips in case of an emergency and how to stay calm.Driving through tunnels can cause anxiety for some drivers, the long narrow road along with the darkness can cause panic.

Is driving through a tunnel safe?

Before we get into the in’s and out’s of overcoming your fear, let’s address the safety aspect. Perhaps you worry that your safety levels decrease once you enter a tunnel.

In actuality, statistics reveal that fewer accidents occur inside of tunnels than they do on the open road. It’s not entirely clear why this is the case but may have to do with drivers’ heightened alertness that is brought on by driving through a dark, enclosed space. It may also be that the discouragement of changing lanes or abruptly changing speeds in a tunnel could also contribute to a low accident rate.

In other words, you have little to fear when driving in a tunnel. Remembering this could be an important part of overcoming your tunnel anxiety!

Try some grounding techniques such as deep breathing: draw a deep breathe in through your nose and let it out slowly though your nose. Another relaxation technique is to tense your muscles (safely whilst driving), try tensing your muscles tight and then slowly releasing which sends a signal to your brain that the coast is clear!

Driving through tunnels safely :

Make sure you get in the lane you need early
Make sure your lights are on, even on the sunniest of days won’t affect the dark tunnel
Watch out for speed limit changes as you approach the tunnel, so stay vigilant as you approach and enter the tunnel
Having the radio tuned into local traffic news will help you be aware of any issues regarding the tunnel before you enter it.

Once you are in the tunnel :

Make sure to keep plenty of distance between your vehicle and other road users, this will allow you time to react accordingly to any problems that arise
If you become anxious just remind yourself that driving through the tunnel is only a very small part of your journey, Focus of visualizing yourself emerging safely out the other side of the tunnel.

Traffic in the tunnel :

Allow space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
Turn your engine off if traffic comes to a standstill
Never leave your vehicle unless there is an emergency

If you break down in the tunnel :

Pull over to the left
Switch on your hazard lights
Turn off your engine
Use an emergency telephone to call for help

Kerry at Britannia says:

I used to have a fear of driving through tunnels, I used to feel a sensation of not being able to breathe etc. Since trying these tips i have managed to overcome my fears and can now drive stress free through tunnels and enjoy my drive.

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October 20, 2022
Debunking Myths About Black Box Insurance For Young Drivers

Telematics, also known as smart box or black box insurance policies, are a great way for young drivers to get cheaper first time driver cover for their cars.

Block box policies help insurance companies determine the premium on how you drive as an individual rather than going by how your peer group drives. Young drivers who consistently drive safely and always abiding the speed limits etc can benefit from discounts and look at getting cheaper insurance.

But unfortunately there is a lot of myths and misconceptions about what would happen if you get a black box installed in your car, so here we will help you debunk some common myths:

Will I Need To Get The Black Box Fitted By An Engineer? :

The black box fits easily inside of your windscreen, which you can easily do yourself. There is no need for expert knowledge as there is clear instructions of how and where to position it.

Once Its Fitted Will My Telematics Data Be Shared? :

Your telematics data will remain confidential between you and your insurer. Strict data protection laws prohibit car insurance providers from sharing information gathered about your driving with third parties, including rival insurers or any other companies. They also won’t hand over detail about your driving to the police unless they’re required to do so by law, such as if a police inquiry is launched following a serious crime or traffic accident.

- If I Break The Speed Limit Will The Police Be Alerted? :

If you do break the speed limit you will receive negative driving scores which may consequentially impact on the cost of your next premium, but the police will definitely not be informed. If the police require that information they must request it officially and back up there claim with a warrant type document. In extreme cases of speeding with black box insurance, where your speed is considered to be dangerous, insurers will usually get in touch to let you know that your speed is unacceptable

Does The Black Box Listen In On Conversations? :

The black box can hear you in your car if you press the claim notification button, but they will only want to listen into the car if you are in trouble or to help guide you through an accident scenario.

The Black Box Policy Will Prohibit Me? :

Some black box policies do put a curfew on night-time driving and a limit on your mileage. However there are some black box polices who do not, Adrian Flux black box doesn’t limit night time driving as he recognizes that some people need to drive at night for work etc.

If I Drive Fast Or Brake Aggressively Will My Premium Go Up? :

You won’t be penalised for one-off examples of poor driving but if you show a consistent record of it your renewal premium will rise, but on the other hand if you consistently drive safely on your record your premium will fall.

Frank at Britannia says: Black boxes are a great way for young drivers to save money on there insurance providing they drive safely and stick to the rules.

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October 14, 2022
10 Driving Test Faults Tips

There are many faults that could cause you to fail your practical driving test, but being aware of the top 10 most common reasons for failing will give you a fighting chance to pass and reach your goal of obtaining that driving license!

1. Observation At Junctions :

Instead of fixing your eyes directly in front of you practice ‘eye scanning’ making sure to look in al your mirrors and all around you. Observing other road users especially at junctions paying attention to who has the right of way then you can wait for an appropriate moment to pull into a gap safely.

2. Mirrors :

Following on from number 1, ‘eye scanning’ can come into play for this one to. You need to be aware of whats going on all around you, especially before changing direction. Checking all your mirrors and always make sure you are checking your blind spot before making any change of direction. Not checking your blind spot during a critical time is game over and instant fail!

3. Poor Steering :

In order to pass your driving test steering should be second nature to you and come naturally and at ease, if its not take extra lessons before your test and concentrate on this. The push pull method is the best under most circumstances, but the most crucial thing is to remain in control of the car’s direction at all times.

4. Turning Right At Junctions :

Always remember your mirror, signal, position, speed and look (MSPSL). Wait at junctions so you can judge the speed of oncoming traffic and only make the turn once you are completely sure it is 100% safe to do so.

5. Failing To Respond To Road Signs :

Again ‘eye scanning’ is used for this one, making sure to be constantly on the look out for road signs and understanding the information and acting upon it appropriately. Refer back to your theory knowledge when dealing with road signs.

6. Reverse Parking :

Reverse parking requires accuracy and control, so take your time and make sure you are checking for pedestrians and the cars around you to park safely and adequately.

7. Failing To Move Off Safely :

Refer back to number 4, using thee MSPSL enhances your chances of pulling away safely and also makes other road users aware of your intentions.

8 . Poor Positioning :

Staying within your lane unless you are changing lanes or pulling out to over takes. Don’t let the car wander towards the lane markings, always be cautious when over taking a cyclist and leave a cars width of space.

9 . Failing To Move Off Under Control :

Keeping the car under control at all times is crucial. Practice pulling away smoothly whilst gently accelerating making sure to observe the speed limit at all times, as going over the speed limit is an instant fail.

10 . Responding To Traffic Lights :

Be aware of traffic lights, slow down when you approach them watching the lights and be ready for them to change. Be ready when they turn amber but don’t move until they are green.

Kerry at Britannia said :

Always do your research regarding common test faults and listen to your instructor for any tips or advice, always voice any concerns or weaknesses you fell you may have. Make sure to book in lessons leading up to your test to enhance your chances of passing.

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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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When do civil servants go on strike?

Which driving tests will be affected?

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