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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January 17, 2023
Top 10 Causes For Failing The Practical Driving Test

In this blog we will explain the top 10 reasons people fail the practical driving test in Great Britain, below are some examples of the types of mistakes people make.

41.7% was the pass rate between January and March 2022

The driving test pass rate was 47.1% between January and March 2022. Many people who failed their test made at least one of the mistakes:

1.Not making effective observations at junctions:

  • You must make effective observations before moving into a new road
  • Make sure it is safe before proceeding

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Junctions – Observations’ fault on your driving test result.

2. Not using mirrors correctly when changing directions:

  • Make full and effective use of mirrors
  • Check the mirrors carefully before signalling, changing direction or changing speed
  • Use the mirror – signal- manoeuvre routine effectively

some examples:

  • Not using mirrors when exiting a roundabout
  • Not checking mirrors when on a dual carriageway

Any mistakes you make in this area when changing direction will be counted under the ‘Mirrors – Change direction’ fault on your driving test result.

3. Not having proper control of the steering:

  • You must be able to steer the car as smoothly as possible and at the right time.

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Control – Steering’ fault on your driving test result.

4.Incorrect positioning when turning right at a junction:

  • You must be able to position the car as close to the center of the road as is safe.

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Junctions – Turning right’ fault on your driving test result.

5. Not moving off safely:

You must be able to move off safely while making the correct observations:

  • On a slope or hill (gradient)
  • From the side of the road
  • From behind a parked vehicle, so you have to move off at an angle

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Moving off – Safety’ fault on your driving test result.

 

 

6. Not responding appropriately to traffic lights correctly:

  • You must take notice and respond correctly to traffic lights

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Response to signs – Traffic lights’ fault on your driving test result.

7. Poor positioning on the road during normal driving:

  • position the car correctly for your intended route
  • position the car in the middle of marked lanes
  • only change lanes when necessary

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Positioning – Normal driving’ fault on your driving test result.

8. Not corresponding correctly to traffic signs:

  • You must be able to understand and be able to react to all traffic signs

Any mistakes you make in this area will show as ‘Response to signals – Traffic signs’ in your result.

9. Not having control of the vehicle when moving off:

  • You must be able to move off under control, including on a slope or hill (gradient), from behind a parked vehicle and at junctions.

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Move off – Control’ fault on your driving test result.

10. Not keeping control of the vehicle during reverse parking:

  • You must be able to parallel park at the side of the road
  • You must be able reverse to park in a parking bay

 

 

 

 

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November 28, 2022
Tips For Driving In Ice Or Snow Conditions

 

This time of the year is when the weather really takes a turn for the worst and roads can become icy. Learning to drive on roads that are icy can be tricky, when the ice becomes slippery it can cause accidents. Its easy to loose control on icy roads as steering wheels may also be more stiff due to the cold weather.

So what can you do to combat icy roads?

  • When weather conditions are particularly bad such as ice or snow, the first question you should as yourself is ” Do i need to make this journey? ” If the roads are very icy.

 

  • Plan your journey, give yourself plenty of time to get where your going as rushing whilst driving on slippery roads is very dangerous. Also check weather reports before heading out.

 

 

  • Make sure your vehicle is de iced and no snow or ice remains on the roof of your vehicle and that your lights and license plate are completely clear.

 

  • Check your tyre tread at regularly, the legal limit is 1.6mm, during snowy and icy conditions it would be a good idea to change them whenthe depth wears down to 2.5/3mm. You could also consider changing to winter tyres.

 

  • Keeping your ‘ coolant reservoir ‘ topped up with Anti Freeze, it prevents the water in your engines cooling system from freezing. Antifreeze comes in various formulas, and these should not be mixed with each other. Your vehicle handbook will tell you what type of antifreeze you need, and the correct ratio of water and antifreeze to put in your radiator. (You can also buy ready-mixed antifreeze for greater convenience.) You’ll find the ‘coolant reservoir’ under the bonnet – but, again, check your handbook for the exact location. Once you have a bottle of correctly mixed antifreeze, pour it into the reservoir, up to (and no higher than) the ‘maximum’ level marking.

 

  • Once your out on the road, Keep in mind the tyres will no grip wont be as effective as normal, so allow yourself extra room between your vehicle and the one in front.

 

  • Be on the look out for patches of ice and try to avoid them if possible, or drive carefully and as slow as safely possible.

 

  • Main roads should be clearer than rural roads which could have a heavy build up of snow and ice, so make sure you are checking up ahead.

 

Rebecca at Britannia says: If you feel unsafe at any point whilst driving, or feel like the conditions are too dangerous then always pull over when safe and take a moment to consider if you should continue.

 

 

 

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August 24, 2022
New strict rules may be forced upon Cyclists

Highway Code revised: Cyclists given priority in new rules as drivers ordered to keep 1.5-metres distance when overtaking | UK News | Sky NewsThe Mirror initiates this discussion, presenting the idea that Cyclists may need to employ number plates upon their bikes and may also be required to have insurance under new road laws currently being considered by Government. This would ensure a whole new dimension of cycling will be ushered in as a cyclist can no longer just sporadically decide to ride their bike, many factors must be considered, similar to the factors a driver must consider before using their vehicle.

Recent changes to the highway code emphasis the importance of making motorists more aware of cyclists and also increasing their safety. This highlights the attempt to alter the entire road and ensure the safety of all users including cyclists. In the same breath it must also be ensured that cyclists are safe as they can also reach dangerous speeds which could cause damage to others if negligence is presence. The transport secretary Grant Shapps is pushing for a death by Cycling law to be introduced which will ensure a gap in the law is closed which previously only allowed a Cyclist to be jailed for two years if they killed a pedestrian.

Throughout the country more cycling lanes have been introduced which coincides with the attempt to ensure the safety of all road users. Furthermore, with an increase in 20MPH zones there has been a shift to ensure all road users respect the speed limits including cyclists. The Daily mail highlights that cyclists may be given points or fines for speeding or jumping red lights. This will ensure a more transparent and equal road, ultimately promoting safety for all.

Charlie from Britannia purports that these possible changes could benefit the road overall and ensure that responsibility is present. For instance many cyclists may be reckless due to the fact many cyclists can escape liability due to lacking a number plates, and also due to the less strict rules. The only outcome of these changes is less accidents and a more safe road for all users, which is a huge goal for any transport system to strive for.

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August 15, 2022
Driving during a thunderstorm and heavy rain

 

Driving during thunderstorms here in the UK is not normally a threat for us here in the UK, but given the current extreme temperatures most of the UK have been experiencing the past couple of weeks it is a possibility we could now expect some thunderstorms or at least heavy downpours considering we have had such little rain during the summer months. July 22 is the second driest July since records began in 1836.

So what could be some tips to staying safe during storms and heavy rain?

  • If you are caught our during a storm or need to drive during one be prepared to pull over if it becomes hazardous and wait for it to become safe to continue
  • If you have to drive give yourself more time to get to your destination so you can drive slower and more carefully
  • Always keep both hands on the wheel to ensure you remain in full control of the vehicle winds and rain can be persistent and can cause your car to drift or veer without warning
  • Driving at a slower pace will make it easier to maintain a safe distance between yourself and the vehicle in front as you may lose full visibility
  • Always reduce your speed slowly and avoid breaking harshly
  • When breaking is essential keep it smooth and gentle
  • Being aware and anticipating up and coming roads is key

Currently there is a yellow weather warning for some of this week

While some places stay dry, areas of heavy rain and thunderstorms will continue during Monday, bringing possible disruption.

What to expect

  • There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds
  • Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services
  • Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
  • There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost

Before the thunderstorm

  • Lightning can cause power surges, unplug any non-essential appliances if not already using a surge protector.
  • Seek shelter if possible. When you hear thunder you are already within range of where the next ground flash may occur, lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away from the center of a storm.

During the thunderstorm

  • Telephone lines can conduct electricity so try to avoid using the landline, unless in an emergency
  • If outside avoid water and find a low-lying open place that is a safe distance from trees, poles or metal objects
  • Avoid activities such as golf, rod fishing or boating on a lake
  • Be aware of metal objects that can conduct or attract lightning, including golf clubs, golf buggies, fishing rods, umbrellas, motorbikes, bicycles, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, pushchairs, wire fencing and rails. If you are in a tent, try to stay away from the metal poles
  • If you find yourself in an exposed location it may be advisable to squat close to the ground, with hands on knees and with head tucked between them. Try to touch as little of the ground with your body as possible, do not lie down on the ground
  • If you feel your hair stand on end, drop to the above position immediately

After the thunderstorm

  • Avoid downed power lines or broken cables
  • If someone is struck by lightning, they often suffer severe burns. The strike also affects the heart, so check if they have a pulse.

Driving in a thunderstorm

If you are caught out in thunder and lightning it is advised that you wind up the windows and stay inside your car. This is because in the vast majority of cars with a metal roof and frame, the frame will act as a conductive Faraday cage, passing the current around the passengers inside and on to the ground.

  • Soft-top convertibles, with their fabric roofs, are the most at risk and could catch fire if struck by lightning
  • Be aware that current can travel through other parts of many modern cars, including GPS and radio systems. Cars with metal interior handles, foot pedals and steering wheels can also carry current
  • Cars can be damaged both internally and externally by lightning strikes

Thunderstorms can also bring a risk of sudden gusty winds, those most at risk would include cyclists, motorcyclists and high sided vehicles.

  • Remember to give vulnerable road users including cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians more room than usual. They are more likely to be blown around by side winds – always keep a safe distance.
  • Keep your speed down, lowering your speed will lower the distance you travel when buffeted around by the wind.

Hail storms can be extremely dangerous to drive in reducing your ability to see and be seen, as well as causing damage to your vehicle. If hail is severe, stop and pull over to a safe place and remain inside the vehicle

From all of us here at Britannia drive safe and cautiously.

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August 12, 2022
Heatwave and driving

We are all currently experiencing the effects of the recent heatwave throughout the UK. With highs of 35 degrees and a longer duration than the prior heatwave. It is important to ensure drivers are as cool and hydrated as possible to ensure that any possibles dangers to drivers are mitigated. However, it is important to highlight that a few standard practices must be maintained even throughout this heatwave. For instance, the Express declares that drivers can receive on the spot £100 fines for improper footwear while driving or any other clothes that may restrict driving ability. This is important to bear in mind when deciding the outfit to wear before driving.How to stay safe while driving in the hot weather as temperatures soar - Independent.ie

Rod Dennis from the RAC suggests that it is important to ‘check the engine coolant and oil levels and to ensure the car is kept in optimum conditions.’ This highlights the importance of looking after you car during a heatwave, a possible overheating car can cause multiple implications which result in a danger for all drivers on the road. If you possibly suspect your car may be overheating ensure you pull over at the next possible place to stop and thoroughly check your vehicle.

Charlie from Britannia suggests a few ways for drivers to cope during this heatwave. He states ‘ it is important to ensure all drivers are hydrated and have eaten enough throughout the day to ensure energy levels are maintained and provide a safer roads for all the users.’ And he also states ‘ if a driver feels unwell it is not worth risking and they should not attempt to drive throughout this weather.’ This highlights the importance in ensuring that all measures are taken to provide safer roads throughout the heatwave we are all experiencing.

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August 4, 2022
Fraudulent driver takes over 100 driving tests for others !

According to the Evening Standard a woman who sat the driving tests of 100 different people has been jailed. It is estimated she performed driving tests throughout England and Wales from cities such as Swansea and Birmingham. The Defendant was offering her services to Learners who experience difficulties with the English language.Indian-Origin Woman Jailed For Driving Test Fraud in United Kingdom - Indiaahead News

Detective chief inspector Steven Maloney stated that ‘safety on our roads has always been a priority and arresting those that flaunt the law ensures that we can keep unqualified drivers off the road.’ This highlights the danger in allowing others to drive without legitimately passing a practical driving tests, and portrays that the Defendant may be doing more harm then she initially realized

The Daily Mail reported that the Defendant pleaded guilty and was sentenced for 8-Months. Furthermore, drivers who secured their license fraudulently are also expected to have them revoked. The sentencing in this case portrays the seriousness of the act the Defendant performed and highlights that there is no tolerance for fraudulence when obtaining a driving license.

Charlie from Britannia suggests that it is important to go through the typical procedure to obtain a driving license as this is the most just and vital part of becoming a driver. It is significant to ensure that a driver can pass the standards set in a UK practical test to ensure a particular standard of driving is maintained throughout the UK’s roads. Even though, our practical tests are held to a high standard this serves a particular purpose in upholding the values mentioned prior. Here at Britannia none of our pupils will ever need someone else to sit their driving test, as we ensure all of our pupils are thoroughly prepared and test standard before taking their practical test.

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July 26, 2022
Should Well-built areas lower their speed limit to 20 mph?

Currently well-built areas are operating a speed-limit of 30 throughout most London towns and this Major roads across the UK to have speed limits slashed to just 20mph – warning | Express.co.ukhas been a forefront for topical debate. Many have highlighted that London’s well-built areas are vastly busy and 30 MPH is just too much permissible speed for an already condensed and busy city.

The Welsh Parliament have recently passed a bill which introduces a set speed limit of 20 MPH in well-built areas which will come into force September 2023. Lee Walters the deputy minister for climate change states ‘reducing speeds not only reduces accidents, but helps improves peoples quality of lives.’ As the evening standard highlights The Welsh Government cities safety research suggests that if you are hit by a car going 30 MPH 45% of civilians are killed, compared to 5% if going 20 MPH or less, which seems a sensible piece of evidence to support the overarching topic.

However, many have disliked the new implementations to the speed limit viewing them as unnecessary and inefficient. For instance, many well-built up areas contain main roads which it may seem counter productive to change to a 20 MPH zone. The new proposed changes would ensure this is indisputable and ensures there is no debate on the matter. A possible suggestion may be to take each area as a case by case basis to ensure no areas are unnecessarily changed to a 20MPH zone when nonsensical.

Moreover, All star present a fascinating view on the matter that the proposed changes may actually be causing more harm. For instance, a study showed that minor incidents increased in 20 MPH zones by 17%, and this could be due to the difficulty in maintaining such a speed while others refuse to, which ensures that the drivers focus in distracted by the speedometer ensuring that the focus is not completely on the road.

Overall, Charlie from Britannia portrays the viewpoint that the changed may be welcome by some especially in more densely populated areas which may contain a large younger demographic. However, he also suggests the changes should be reviewed on a case by case basis, as opposed to just ensuring all well-built up areas are forced to adhere to the new 20MPH zone rule, this will ensure areas which may be considered as needing a 30MPH zone can maintain their current speed zone.

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July 15, 2022
Showing gratitude may lead to £1000 fine ..

Throughout recent times it is clear the highway code’s reformation is an attempt to limit prior habits  some may suggest as being signs of gratitude and ‘harmless’. The new stipulations ensure that even a simple wave or thumbs up to another driver potentially could lead to a fine of up to £1000, according to rule 160 of the code this is evidence of a lack of control of the vehicle and this suggests why the fine has been introduced.

Furthermore, flashing headlights as a sign of gratitude can also lead to a similar fine according to rule 110 of the highway code.The rationale presented is that the headlights should only be flashed as a warning to other drivers to highlight that your vehicle is there. It can be portrayed that these new features of the highway code are nonsensical and counterproductive.

The same new procedures also stretch to the use of hazard lights for anything other than informing drivers of a hazard or danger.

A recent study showed that 63 percent of motorists wave to thank other drivers, while 42 percent flash headlights, and 35 percent put their hazards on. It is clear that something as harmless as this small sign of thankfulness should not be the sole focus, and more emphasis should be placed on ensuring topical and actually productive changes occur. These changes could involve a focus on more pressing issues and ensure the reputation of the highway code is improved.

Rule 116 of the highway code states: These may be used when your vehicle is stationary, to warn that it is temporarily obstructing traffic. Never use them as an excuse for dangerous or illegal parking. You MUST NOT use hazard warning lights while driving or being towed unless you are on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and you need to warn drivers behind you of a hazard or obstruction ahead. Only use them for long enough to ensure that your warning has been observed.

Rule 160 of the Highway Code states:drive or ride with both hands on the wheel or handlebars where possible. This will help you to remain in full control of the vehicle at all times. You may use driver assistance systems while you are driving. Make sure you use any system according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Being in breach of having proper control of their vehicle can land drivers with a £1,000 fine, discretionary disqualification, and three penalty points on their licence.

 

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