December 14, 2023
Driving Home For Christmas

Before embarking on your Christmas journey, it’s important to adequately prepare for the trip. This includes checking your vehicle’s condition, planning the route, and packing the essentials. By taking these necessary steps, you can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience during the holiday season.

Before hitting the road for your Christmas travel, it is crucial to thoroughly check your vehicle’s condition. Start by inspecting the tires and ensuring they have proper tread depth and are adequately inflated. Check the brakes, fluid levels, and lights to ensure everything is in working order. Don’t forget to check the battery and have it tested if necessary. Taking the time to perform these checks can help prevent any unexpected breakdowns or issues during your journey.

Planning your route ahead of time is essential to avoid getting lost or stuck in traffic during your Christmas travel. Utilize online mapping tools or GPS devices to plan the most efficient and least congested route to your destination. Consider any potential road closures or construction that may affect your journey. It’s also a good idea to have alternate routes in mind in case of unforeseen circumstances. By planning your route in advance, you can save time and reduce stress on the road.

When packing for your Christmas travel, it’s important to bring along the essentials to ensure a comfortable and safe journey. Pack warm clothing, blankets, and extra layers in case of cold weather or emergencies. Don’t forget to include necessary items like a first aid kit, flashlight, and basic tools. If you’re traveling with children, remember to bring entertainment items such as books or games to keep them occupied during the trip. Additionally, be sure to have a supply of water and snacks on hand for those unavoidable hunger pangs. By packing these essentials, you’ll be better prepared for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise during your Christmas travel.

Christmas Drink Driving is a serious issue that poses a significant risk to road safety during the festive season. This work aims to provide important information and insights into the dangers associated with drink driving, particularly during the Christmas period. By understanding the impact of alcohol on driving abilities and the potential consequences of engaging in such behavior, individuals can make informed decisions to help prevent accidents and promote a safe and joyful holiday season.

Rebecca at Britannia says: It is strongly recommended that you do not drink and drive during the holiday season. The consequences of driving under the influence can be far-reaching and can include fines, jail time, the loss of your license, and even injury or death. It is important to plan ahead for a designated driver, a taxi or other safe ride home, or to stay where you are if you’ve been drinking.

From everyone here at Britannia Driving School, we wish you a safe and Merry Christmas.

Blog written by Rebecca

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November 14, 2023
Navigating the Road to Safety

Driving is an essential skill that provides mobility, independence, and convenience. However, it is also a significant responsibility, as the act of operating a vehicle affects not only our own lives but also the lives of others on the road. In this article, we explore the multifaceted aspects of the art of driving, emphasizing the importance of safety, awareness, and responsible behavior on the road.

1. The Significance of Safety:
Safety should never be compromised when behind the wheel. Road accidents not only cause physical harm but also result in emotional distress and financial burdens. By adhering to traffic rules, maintaining a proper distance between vehicles, and remaining attentive at all times, drivers contribute to a safer road environment for all.

2. Defensive Driving:
Defensive driving is a crucial approach to prevent accidents by constantly being aware of potential hazards and having a proactive mindset. This includes anticipating the actions of other drivers, scanning the surroundings, and being prepared to react to unexpected situations. Defensive driving emphasizes the importance of staying calm, evaluating risks, and making informed decisions. A defensive driver takes responsibility not only for their own safety but also for the safety of others on the road.

3. Avoiding Driver Distractions:
In today’s digital age, distractions such as smartphones and in-car entertainment systems pose a significant threat to road safety. Taking your attention off the road for even a few seconds can have disastrous consequences. It is essential to eliminate distractions by refraining from using mobile devices, eating, or engaging in other activities that divert attention from driving. By maintaining focus and concentration, drivers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents caused by distractions.

4. Adhering to Traffic Regulations:
Traffic regulations and laws are put in place to ensure a smooth flow of traffic and prevent chaos. Drivers must familiarize themselves with these rules and follow them diligently, whether it be adhering to speed limits, yielding right of way, or using indicators when changing lanes. Respecting these regulations promotes predictability and reduces the chances of accidents.

5. Nurturing a Positive Driving Attitude:
A positive driving attitude can significantly impact the overall road experience. By practicing patience, showing respect for other drivers, and being courteous, one can contribute to a harmonious driving environment. Simple gestures like using appropriate hand signals, allowing others to merge, and refraining from aggressive driving behaviors create a more pleasant and stress-free commute for everyone.

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September 29, 2023
Why Choose Britannia Driving School?

With so many driving schools and independent driving instructors out there, why choose Britannia?

Here at Britannia we are dedicated to giving impeccable customer service at all times, ensuring you get the best possible help and support when it comes to booking in your driving lessons. Our helpful office staff are at your beck and call to offer our expertise in finding an instructor who is tailored to your learning style.

What makes us different to other schools?

  • Unlike the majority of local schools we have a head office where you are able to walk in and book a driving lesson on the spot, or just have a friendly chat about your driving needs. We have an easily accessible live chat option on our website whereby you can speak with us directly between 9-6pm Monday – Friday, via this option you are able to get more information or check when your next lesson is etc. We also answer all our calls so no unhelpful call centers!

 

  • We know  our instructors, the cars they drive, which postcodes and test centers they cover. We also will be able to determine the type of instructor you need from any information you give us, such as which days/times you are available for lessons as we are up to date with the days and times the instructors work.

 

  • We have an extensive website where you can find answers to common questions relating to driving or taking lessons as well as help with theory such as mock tests, with a fully up to date price list and an option send in a booking request and we respond to emails as they come through to the minute.

  • We offer pay as you go lessons as well as block bookings with a discount for 12 or more! Plus an introductory offer for new students, who are complete beginners.

 

  • We offer 1 hour lessons! And we mean 1hour not 45 mins.

 

  • We accept card payments.

 

  • We offer door to door service where possible and if not our helpful office staff will help you find an easy meeting point for you to meet your instructor.

 

  • No extra charges for Weekend or evening lessons and our lessons are all a set fee so no paying extra for manual or automatic!

 

  • We have a no piggy backing policy, so you will never have any other students in the car with you on your lesson.

 

If this all sounds good to you, then get in touch with us. Our friendly office staff are waiting to help you invest in your future by starting your driving journey.

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September 13, 2023
Lack of driving tests in London

DVSA driving test centres will be affected by strike action in December and January

London, known for its bustling streets and iconic landmarks, is also home to millions of residents eager to obtain their driver’s licenses. However, a significant challenge that aspiring drivers in London face is the scarcity of driving test slots. In this blog post, we will delve into the reasons behind the shortage of driving test slots in the city, its impact on individuals, and potential solutions to this problem.

The Demand vs. Supply Discrepancy

London’s population density and the sheer number of individuals seeking driving licenses create a substantial gap between the demand for driving test slots and the available supply. This discrepancy has left countless Londoners struggling to secure a test date, sometimes waiting for several months before getting a chance to take their test.

Reasons for the Lack of Driving Test Slots

  1. High Population Density: London is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. The sheer number of residents seeking driving licenses puts immense pressure on the limited test slots available.
  2. Limited Test Centers: London has several driving test centers, but they are often spread out across the city. This geographic dispersion can make it challenging for individuals to find a nearby test center with available slots.
  3. Backlog Due to COVID-19: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted driving tests globally, leading to a backlog of postponed tests. This backlog has further strained the availability of test slots as examiners work to catch up.
  4. Instructor Shortages: The demand for driving instructors in London often outstrips the supply. This can result in delays for learners in completing their required lessons and, subsequently, booking their tests.

Impact on Aspiring Drivers

The lack of driving test slots in London has several significant consequences for individuals:

  1. Delayed Independence: Obtaining a driver’s license is often seen as a rite of passage that grants individuals a sense of freedom and independence. Delays in securing test slots can postpone this milestone.
  2. Hindered Career Opportunities: Many job opportunities in London require a driver’s license. A delay in obtaining one can limit career prospects for individuals.
  3. Increased Costs: Extended waiting periods can lead to additional expenses, as learners may need to take more driving lessons to maintain their skills while waiting for their test.
  4. Frustration and Stress: The uncertainty and frustration of not knowing when one will get a test date can be emotionally taxing, affecting the mental well-being of aspiring drivers.

Potential Solutions

Addressing the lack of driving test slots in London requires a multi-faceted approach:

  1. Increase Test Centers: Building new test centers or expanding existing ones in strategic locations can help alleviate the shortage.
  2. Online Booking Systems: Implementing efficient and user-friendly online booking systems can streamline the process and reduce waiting times.
  3. Extended Operating Hours: Extending the operating hours of test centers, including evenings and weekends, can increase capacity.
  4. Training More Examiners: Increasing the number of qualified examiners can expedite the testing process.
  5. Prioritizing Essential Workers: Giving priority to essential workers, such as healthcare professionals and delivery drivers, can ensure they can access tests promptly.

 

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August 16, 2023
Elderly Motorists Fine Warning

The DVSA have issued warnings to elderly drivers as millions risk a fine, They have urged those above the age of 70 to update their Driving License, or risk facing a penalty.

They have urged drivers to check their Driving Licence expiry date and have suggested that visiting their website to update details is the quickest and easiest route to do so. Those above the age of 70 must renew their licence every three years compared to every 10 years for younger drivers.

Anyone turning 70 may be unaware of the new rules and find themself being landed a fine by the changes. Road users who don’t renew with officials could be hit with fines of up to £1,000 in a major blow.

There are around 10 million drivers aged over 70 on UK roads who could be at risk of breaking the rules. If you have any elderly relatives, friends or neighbors who this change might affect you could help them out by making them aware of it and offering help and support in updating their license.

The DVLA issued a regular reminder on Twitter last night.

They posted: “Renewing your licence at 70 is easy to do online, plus it’s quick and secure.”

The DVLA’s warning contained a link straight to their website where road users can complete a renewal online.Motorists should use the service if their licence has expired or is set to expire in 90 days.

Those over 70 can drive following the meet the following criteria :

  • Have full support of their doctor
  • Their last licence wasn’t revoked or refused for medical conditions

 

However, some DVLA services cannot be used online with some drivers forced to use a postal service.

Motorists looking to renew a C1 (medium-sized vehicles) or D1 (minibus) entitlement must do this through a paper application.

According to AgeUK, those without access to an internet connection can still send in physical evidence for their driving licence renewal.

If you have a photocard licence, drivers need to fill in a D46P form and return it to the DVLA with your current photocard.

Motorists may also need to include a passport-style photograph if they intend to change their picture.

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August 3, 2023
Motorists Not Feeling Fine!

 

This month will see the roll out of new fines, in this article we will look at ways to avoid them if possible, the new charges include Ultra Low Emission Zones, pavement parking and HGV levy tax.

Pavement parking:

A pavement parking ban will be introduced to increase the safety of pedestrians and to also make sure pathways are kept clear.

The first pavement parking ban came about in Scotland in 2019, it is thought to be implemented nationwide by the end of 2023. It was first due to commence in 2021 but has been delayed to August 2023.

Motorists will be issued with a £70 penalty notice if the law is enforced.

How to avoid:

  • Plan your route and check parking ahead of the journey
  • Look for local car parks (check the restrictions)
  • Use the Ringo App for assistance

Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Levy

HGV’s that weigh over 12 tonnes have to pay a levy charge, this will go towards the roads being taken care of as HGV’s cause damage over time to our roads.

This cost was suspended when the Covid Pandemic hit, and was continued for another year in August 2022.

However this will continue from the end of August 2023, unfortunately there is no running from this one as it is mandatory!

ULEZ And Clean Air Zones

London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone will be extending to all 33 London boroughs from August 29, 2023.

The policy is designed to improve air quality and reduce pollution. Those whose car’s do not comply with the minimum emission standards can pay £12.50 a day.

Since the roll out in Manchester, Tyneside and Sheffield TfL reported more than four out of five motors now meet the minimum emission levels.

Sheffield kickstarted a Class C zone on February 27, which involves buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans and minibuses.

The charge will be between £10 and £50 per day.

In Glasgow, since June 1, 2023, motorists have been slapped with a £60 fine if they didn’t comply with the Low Emission Zone.

Fletchers Associate solicitor and team leader Jayne Orme said: “All diesel cars are allowed to be driven in London, but around 9.5 million of them don’t meet the latest emissions standards.

“These cars will incur a fee if they are driven in these zones so at a time when money is tight it is really important to check before you travel as you don’t want to be caught out with unnecessary fines.

“I do believe something like this needed to be done to try and reduce the effects of climate change, however the timing for such changes is probably not great.”

How to avoid:

  • Ensure your vehicle is ULEZ compliant
  • To be ULEZ compliant, petrol cars must meet Euro 4 emissions standards. Most petrol cars registered after January 2006 meet these standards. Petrol cars that meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards are exempt from paying charges.

Unfortunately there are more fines on the horizon these include 20mph speed limit caps and Benefits in Kind tax rates.

 

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May 11, 2023
Blood Tests For Sleepy Drivers

Blood test studies recently carried out showed a risk of having an accident whilst driving tired could double if the driver has had less than 5 hours sleep in the 24hrs leading up to getting behind the wheel.

Which has led the question to be asked, should a new law be brought into affect for a minimum number of hours of sleep to be required to be able to drive? One-fifth of road accidents are thought to be linked to tiredness, the new tests would be able to detect if someone is too tired to be safe enough to drive.

Nature and Science of Sleep published a study last month, which suggested the risk of having a crash could be doubled if a driver has slept for less than four or five hours in the previous 24 hours.

Its well known that alcohol and drug usage can be measured via breath and blood tests, the same does not exist. But a team has now claimed it has identified 5 substances in the blood that includes Lipids which is produced in the gut that can distinguish if someone has been been awake for 24hrs.

The test was 90 per cent accurate in real-life situations, reported the researchers. However it is yet to comprehend the difference between people who have had say, five hours or just two.

The researchers have said that, with a sleep test, new laws could eventually be written to stipulate a minimum number of hours of sleep that are needed before driving.

Leader of the team Clare Anderson, an associate professor at Monash University in Australia, said: “When you look at the major killers on the road, alcohol is one of them, speeding is another and fatigue is one of them. But our capacity to manage [tiredness] is impaired because we don’t have tools to be able to monitor it like we do with alcohol.”

Professor Shantha Rajaratnam, also at Monash University, said: “With the right investment to be able to scale this, I reckon that within five years we will be able to implement these biomarkerbased tests — at least in safety-critical industries such as trucking, commercial aviation and mining.”

Professor Ashleigh Filtness, a driver fatigue expert for Road Safety GB, said: “There is already legislation stating that all drivers must be fit to drive their vehicles. Alertness is no different to any other requirement for safe driving.”

The Department for Transport said: “Drivers have a responsibility to ensure they are awake and alert on the road and should seek rest when feeling tired. The government is not considering this type of testing but we always note new ideas to make our roads safer.”

Rebecca at Britannia says: When you are tired it definitely impacts your ability to be able to make speedy and rational decisions and when it comes to driving especially on motor ways you need to be on your A game. If you are running on little to no sleep it could impact your reaction time plus also increase road rage!

 

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May 5, 2023
Futuristic New ‘AI’ Speed Cameras

The worlds first ever ‘AI’ speed camera has been put up in the UK, which has the capability to be able to see into your car.

The 10in unit’s “4D” radar and super-resolution cameras can detect if drivers are using there mobile phones, the number of passengers that are present and if they are all wearing a seat belt. There are 8 ways it can track you:

  • Speeding:

£100.00 minimum fine and 3 penalty points – can range up to 6 points and unlimited fines

  • Using a phone whilst driving:

£200.00 fine and 6 penalty points – drivers will lose their license if they passed their test within the past 2 years.

  • Running a red light:

£100.00 minimum fine and 3 penalty points – max fine £1000.00

  • Driving without a valid MOT:

£1000.00 max fine or £2,500 for an HGV license

  • Driving without insurance:

£300 – £500.00 fine

  • Failing to wear a seat belt:

£100 – £500 fine

  • Too many passengers or dangerous load:

£2,500 fine and 3 penalty points

  • Running a level crossing:

£100.00 fine and 3 penalty points – max fine £1,000 fine and 3 penalty points.

Redspeed Sentio camera has also been linked to the DVLA and Police databases to check road tax and insurance on the spot. It monitors 6 lanes at a time and can share data with other units to check average speeds, day and night.

Brian Gregory, from the Alliance of British Drivers, said: “It’s clear that the hollow assurances the motoring public was given about speed cameras being used exclusively to prevent accidents was always a total sham. The objective is actually to maximise their revenue-generating potential”

The camera has been installed on the busy A23 in Lambeth, South London, as part of a Transport for London trial before it can be given Home Office approval.

Lawyer Nick Freeman — who specialises in motoring offences and is known as Mr Loophole — said: “As drivers we are all becoming sitting ducks. This could just be a step too far.

“It could help alleviate the lack of police on our roads. But we will always be missing something when we don’t have that human element.”

Campaigner Jake Hurfurt, head of Big Brother Watch, said: “This kind of intrusive and creepy surveillance which treats every passer-by as a potential suspect is excessive and normalising. It poses a threat to everyone’s privacy.

“People should be free to go about their lives without being analysed by faceless AI systems.”

 

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April 3, 2023
4 Vital Changes Regarding Your Driving Test

Last week it was announced the DVSA will be making some important changes to government policies regarding Driving Test bookings.

They ran a consultation between 25 January and 8 March 2022 about changing some policies that affect learning to drive and driving tests.

  • encourage learner drivers to be better prepared when they take their car driving test
  • reduce the number of car driving test appointments that are wasted
  • update when and how we carry out the eyesight check at the start of the driving test

They currently have very high demand for driving tests. There are 3 main reasons for this:

  • fewer tests than usual have taken place because of restrictions and other factors related to the pandemic
  • learner drivers who are not yet ready to take their test have heard that waiting times are high, causing them to book earlier than they normally would
  • the pass rate for driving tests – for many years, less than half of people pass on their first attempt, meaning they’ll need to take at least one more test

Many driving instructors have said that some learner drivers want to pass their driving test as quickly and cheaply as possible. They say they are unable to stop their pupils from booking a test before they are ready.

They put forward some of these proposals because they think they’ll:

  • encourage learner drivers to be better prepared for their driving test
  • help to reduce the number of driving test appointments that are wasted
  • give us more flexibility in how and when we can carry out driving tests

Other proposals were to help them to:

  • find out more about what information learner drivers and their families want to know when choosing a driving instructor – which in the longer term will help learner drivers to find the best driving instructor for them
  • move to replace paper pass certificates with digital versions, saving millions of sheets of paper each year

1. Encourage learner drivers to be better prepared when they take their car driving test:

What’s been decided

Ministers have decided to extend the period a candidate can take another car driving test from 10 working days to 28 working days.

They have decided this because:

  • the period gives candidates time to take extra training
  • it will have a positive impact on car driving test waiting times
  • gaining more knowledge, skills and experience will help keep new drivers safe at the crucial point that they drive on their own for the first time
  • better prepared drivers should have a positive effect on road safety
  • one-third of learner drivers admit this will encourage them to only book their test when they are ready while waiting times remain the same – this increases to 42.8% if waiting times reduce

What will happen next

This change can be made by ‘secondary legislation’. This is law created by ministers under powers given to them by an Act of Parliament (primary legislation).

The Department for Transport will draft a document called a Statutory Instrument (SI) to make changes to the law. This will be published with an explanatory memorandum, which outlines the purpose of the SI and why the change is necessary.

When the change will happen

The dates the SI will be made and come into effect as law have not yet been confirmed.

2. Reduce the number of car driving test appointments that are wasted:

What’s been decided

Ministers have decided to extend the notice period a candidate must give to change or cancel a car driving test from 3 full working days to 10 full working days.

They have decided this because:

  • it is currently difficult for DVSA to make tests cancelled with 3 working days’ notice available to another candidate, which means that a test slot is wasted
  • it will free up wasted test slots, which means these slots can be offered to other candidates to make tests available more quickly

What will happen next

This change can be made by ‘secondary legislation’. This is law created by ministers under powers given to them by an Act of Parliament (primary legislation).

The Department for Transport will draft a document called a Statutory Instrument (SI) to make changes to the law. This will be published with an explanatory memorandum, which outlines the purpose of the SI and why the change is necessary.

When the change will happen

The dates the SI will be made and come into effect as law have not yet been confirmed.

3. Update when and how we check someone’s eyesight at the start of the driving test

 

What’s been decided

Ministers would like to introduce the proposals to:

  • do the eyesight check in the driving test in any level of light – not just good daylight
  • use more methods of checking people’s eyesight when they take the driving test

We will look at options available to introduce an alternative means to conduct an eyesight test that is not dependent on good daylight or reading a car number plate, but that will continue to ensure a driver’s eyesight is assessed consistently with the current test.

What will happen next

We are exploring alternative means of assessing eyesight. This is being done with DVLA’s Medical Panel. This is necessary because DVLA is the driving agency responsible for licensing drivers and it is important for any new procedures to meet the standards that currently apply. It will be necessary to ensure that any alternative is thoroughly tested and assessed to ensure it replicates the requirements of the current test and is sufficiently rigorous.

In the consultation, a majority of respondents supported the proposal for DVSA having the flexibility to conduct the eyesight test by means other than reading the number plate attached to the vehicle. This will enable us to provide driving tests at more times, in different levels of light, and will give us the flexibility to test eyesight if there are few vehicles parked nearby.

4. Replace paper pass certificates with digital pass certificates

What’s been decided

Ministers would like to modernise the administrative process of notifying candidates that they have passed their test by replacing the current paper pass certificates with digital test pass certificates.

What will happen next

It will be necessary to update legislation to do this. This will require both primary and secondary legislation. We plan to make provision which requires primary legislation when an opportunity is available.

We will need to make sure that the electronic record, when provided without a paper version, will be available to successful candidates as soon as a test is passed.

 

 

 

 

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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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