With the driving test turning 80 years old this year, many are calling for an overhaul of the examination in order to modernise it and to protect more lives.

The biggest changes to the driving test have been relatively recent – From the introduction of a Theory test element in 1996, as well as the Hazard Perception test being introduced in 2002, and many are now saying it is time for an additional facelift to the 80-year old test.

Some of the suggestions include a compulsory section on driving in country roads, as well as making it mandatory for trainee drivers to practice driving in poor weather conditions as well as at night time.

What about you? If you could change one thing about the driving test, what would it be? Answers on a postcard – Or preferably in the comments section below!

One of the key features you will need to master to pass your driving test is awareness – It is so important in fact, that awareness features heavily in the Driving Theory test during the Hazard Perception section.

But what exactly is awareness? It is not simply a case of knowing what is happening around you – As the hazard perception shows you, it is the ability to anticipate a potential problem on the road.

Whilst you do need to pay attention to road signs so that you are aware of how you will need to drive in the forthcoming landscape, it is advisable to pay less attention to the road signs and more attention to the traffic around you. Some even say that the abundance of road signs on the roads are leading to poor driving choices, with many drivers choosing to mindlessly obey the instructions on road signs rather than the traffic conditions around them – So if you want to be a good driver, be aware of the road signs, but pay more attention to the roads.

Safe driving from Britannia!

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It is Bank Holiday Monday and with Easter falling early this year and a longer wait until the summer, it is likely to be one of the busiest on the roads in recent years.

People were expected to have travelled to a number of places including friends or relatives, the countryside and out of town over the weekend and this will likely be the same on Easter Monday.

There will be a lot of pressure on the main getaway routes, particularly heading down to South-west England; and the likes of the M25, M1 and M6 are also going to be very busy. With around half planning to visit friends and family, there will be many people racking up quite large distances. For some, it will be their first long-distance car journey of the year, which can reveal any underlying mechanical problems.

Do the essential checks on your car before heading off, paying particular attention to the tyres and adjusting the pressures for a heavy load, if required. Break up any journey more than three hours long, take plenty of things to keep the kids entertained, a fully-charged mobile and atlas or sat-nav in case of any delays.

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Most drivers will tell you horror stories about the dreaded driving test is one of the more terrifying experiences of their life, and indeed it can can particularly nerve-racking. However, with our top tips below you can beat the test and never have to worry about this again.

Practise as much as you can. As the old adage goes, practise makes perfect. The more hours you get under your seat belt, the better a driver you will be, and the closer to passing.

Take your theory. One half of the road to driving is taking the theory test – and anyone will tell you that once you have passed this milestone, the end is suddenly in sight. Pass your theory and there is only one hurdle left.

Stay calm. Although it is easy to get worked up with nerves before the test, staying calm and relaxed will give you the advantage.

Safe driving from Britannia!

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Following Scotland’s new drink-drive limit, England is set to follow with a similar limit. However, before this happens, a new offence is to be introduced into English law on 2nd March 2015 of drug driving.

Drug Driving is a term that has been referred to more regularly in recent years and there has been slow progress to formally introduce the offence. Devices to test for drugs have been in development for years but there is now formal confirmation that the government is ready to introduce this offence.

The offence itself is defined as ‘driving with certain specified controlled drugs in excess of specified levels in the body’. It is similar to the existing offence of ‘driving whilst unfit through drugs’ and the rules on impaired driving and a motorist’s fitness to drive will remain unchanged.

The offence also adds additional responsibilities to healthcare professionals and it is crucial that those who prescribe drugs fully understand the offence and convey this to patients.

What are your thoughts on this article? Send your views to Britannia Driving School by using the comments link below:

Partners are the most likely to stress out drivers when they are in the car according to a recent survey.

Partner pressure, according to the survey, increases a driver’s likelihood of feeling stressed or anxious whilst driving by almost four times. Drivers also feel twice as rushed by having their partners in the car as they feel less calm by having their partners in the car.

The top five passengers most likely to cause drivers to stress out, in order, are: partners, other people’s children, their own children, parents and other family members

In addition, city drivers are the most stressed whilst the calmest are on Britain’s country roads. The commute, school run and appointments make drivers feel the most stressed.

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If you’re planning to go out this weekend, and you’ve been assigned the role of the designated driver, remember to drive safely at all times. Here are Britannia’s top tips for busy city and night-life driving:

– Plan your route. Roads can become hectic and dangerous at nights, and if you are not 100% sure of where to go, this dramatically increases your chanced of an accident. Listen to traffic reports and avoid infamous routes.

– Remember at this time of night, and in the rush of taxis and night-life drivers, many people may not be paying full attention to what is happening on the roads around them. Do not make this mistake. Avoid any distractions, in the car or out of it, and ensure that you signal well, always use your mirrors and complete any manoeuvres correctly to show other drivers around you what you are doing well in advance.

– Avoid the temptation to indulge. We know it is the weekend, and you may well be the designated driver responsible for chauffeuring your inebriated friends about. This is not a burden, this is a responsibility. Take it seriously, avoid any alcohol, or leave the car at home when you go out this weekend.

Safe driving from Britannia!

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