Driver Training

Theory test change

2012-01-13T08:06:00.001-08:00

New changes to UK Theory Test
Wednesday, 11 January 2012 10:34
ADIs/PDIs will need to make sure their pupils are aware that the theory test will encounter some changes this month. As of the 23 January 2012, new theory tests will be introduced using questions and answers that the public will not have had access to, making any previous theory test ‘Q&A banks’ redundant.
Since the theory tests started in 1996, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has published the questions and answers from the question banks for all categories of tests for cars, motorcycles, lorries and buses.
However, the DSA announced last November that it was to stop publishing the multiple choice questions and answers, with unpublished questions being used from January 2012.

After 23 January, the questions a candidate will be asked on test will not be exactly the same as those in their learning materials. Questions will be drawn from new ‘live’ theory test question banks, which will not be published.

DSA’s chief executive Rosemary Thew said:
“The reason behind the move is to stop candidates from simply memorising theory test questions and answers and learning by rote. …”This approach to learning will help candidates to gain a better knowledge and understanding of driving theory which will help them respond correctly to the new, re-worded live questions used in the actual test.”

The DSA have published more help for learner drivers taking their theory test, with The Official DSA Theory Test for Car Drivers DVD-ROM. This new software has been totally remodeled and is the most, user friendly to date. The new layout makes it a lot more noticeable that the DSA expects you to learn the material rather than memorise answers, by implementing a study, practice, test yourself strategy, for best results.

New features have also been added to the software so candidates can:

Study background information on every topic, presented in an easy-to-remember way
Customise their practice by topic to see how much they’ve learnt
Sit unlimited mock tests which offer the closest experience to the real test
Monitor their progress at each step to find out exactly where they can further improve so they can tailor their revision
To find out more and to view the full range of official DSA products, visit tsoshop.co.uk/dsa

DSA OFFICIAL THEORY TEST DVD-ROM

2012-01-13T06:48:00.000-08:00

The Official DSA Theory Test for Car Drivers DVD-ROM 2012 Edition
Author:
Driving Standards Agency (DSA)
Publisher:
TSO (The Stationery Office)
Price: £10.83 (£12.99 inc. VAT)

Larger image

Prepare to pass your theory test first time with this fully revised edition of the best-selling theory test DVD-ROM - the ONLY official software revision guide for PC and Mac.

Every official revision question - with the full DSA explanation to help you fully understand the theory behind each answer. The revision questions on this DVD-ROM are very similar to the questions you will get on your actual test and cover the same topics
Easy to use - clear three-step approach 'study, practise, test yourself' and user-friendly design to help make your revision really simple. Compatible with PC and Mac
Background information on every topic - explains the theory behind each topic in an easy-to-remember way, also included as an audio download so you can listen on the go
Customise your practise - select specific topics to answer questions on and see how much you've learnt
Mock tests - the closest experience to the actual test. Take unlimited practice tests with 57 minutes to answer 50 randomly selected questions, just like the real thing. Review your answers at the end of the test to see how you got on and where you can improve
Extra help to understand the answers - only official DSA resources include references from every question to the official source material where you can learn more. Highway Code references link directly to a digital version of The Official Highway Code so you can read the background to the questions
Monitor your progress - clearly track your progress through each section. Quickly find out how much of the DVD-ROM you have completed, which topics need a bit more work and how many questions you have answered correctly so you can see when you're ready to pass
Case studies practise - the ONLY software to include official DSA practice case studies on every topic, for complete test preparation
Extras - loads of extra features to help you prepare for your test and beyond, including a voiceover option to help those with reading difficulties and/or dyslexia. Print out our Theory Test Extra study guide and practice mock tests so you can prepare away from home, watch the official theory test introduction video so you know exactly what to expect on the day, begin to prepare for your practical test with the official 'show me tell me' videos, and join DSA's growing community of learner drivers on Facebook and Twitter for support throughout your learning to drive experience.
With references throughout to The Official Highway Code (included), plus The Official DSA Guide to Driving - the essential skills and Know Your Traffic Signs, this DVD-ROM prepares you fully for the multiple choice part of your theory test, and ensures you're on the road to safe driving for life.

Written by the Driving Standards Agency, the people who set the driving tests.

View system requirements.

Extent N/A ISBN 9780115531927
Size N/A Price £10.83 (£12.99 inc. VAT)
Binding DVD-ROM Published 21 Dec 2011
Availability In Stock: 1 - 2 days Delivery Delivery options and charges

Cheaper car insurance

2011-05-16T01:36:00.000-07:00

Add named drivers to your policy

You may save on premiums by adding an older driver
Adding named drivers to your policy can reduce premiums, particularly if they are older and more experienced than you.
If the car is to be insured in your name, transfer the car into your name too, as many insurers will not provide cover unless the main driver of the car is also the owner.
Increase the excess
Consider increasing the excess to save money on premiums. Be realistic, though – can you really afford a £600 excess after an accident?
Consider going for third-party insurance
Third-party, fire and theft cover may be cheaper for low-value cars, but fully comprehensive insurance can work out cheaper for more expensive cars.
Add yourself to an existing policy
If you occasionally use someone else's car, consider adding yourself to their existing insurance policy. Some insurers, including Quinn Direct and Direct Line, allow named drivers to earn their own no-claims discount.
It may be tempting to put the policy in someone else's name – one of your parents, for example – with you as the named driver. But if you're actually the main driver, this is known as ‘fronting’ and is illegal.
Insurers are increasingly tracing fronted policies. If you’re found out, the insurer may refuse to pay out in the case of an accident and may even pursue legal action for fraud.
Look at policies with certain restrictions
More Than’s DriveTime offers cheaper premiums in exchange for not driving between 11pm and 6am.
According to the Association of British Insurers, 50% of serious or fatal accidents among under-21s happen at night.
Avoid modifications

Modifications can make your insurance more expensive
Anything that increases the value, performance and desirability of your car to thieves is likely to boost your insurance premium.
Insurers will judge modifications differently, so shop around for the best deal if your car has already been altered from the factory specification.
Keep your car safe
As with all policies, premiums for young drivers are affected by where you live and where the car is kept.
Parking in a secure location, such as a garage or behind gates, can have a drastic impact on insurance bills. Fitting car security features, such as a Thatcham-rated alarm, is also useful.
What about insurance for older drivers?
Many insurers cover drivers aged 80 and older. To find our more, see the Which? guide to car insurance for older drivers.

Manuel or Automatic

2011-04-05T01:32:00.001-07:00

Dont forget that if it gets to hard in manual you can change over to Automatic, but when you pass in Auto you can only drive Auto. When you are learning to drive you wiil sometimes have a bad day, DONT WORRY its normal, just keep up the practice. Have a good Driving day.

Find us on Face Book

2011-01-07T06:58:00.000-08:00

Failing the Driving Test is Avoidable

2010-11-16T02:09:00.000-08:00

Collisions are sometimes unavoidable, the good news is it’s unlikely to happen on your driving test.

The DSA published a list of reasons why candidates fail the Driving Test, it could happen to you. The best way to avoid a failure is to be sure you are ready and have the approval of your Driving Instructor

Below are the Top 10 reasons:
1. Observation at Junctions. This is very simply, ineffective observation and judgement at any form of junction.

ADVICE: Plan ahead, check for an open or closed junction. Use all of your mirrors, make blind spot checks and check at least twice in each direction before emerging. If it’s busy, keep looking and don’t stare in one direction for too long.

2. Reverse Parking. Again ineffective observation or a lack of accuracy when completing either parking exercise.

ADVICE: Be sure you know how to park in the first place. Every time you park it should look and feel the same every time. Always check blind spots and mirrors first and if possible have both your windows open a few centimetres allowing your to hear hear if any other road users are approaching. Reverse slowly ensuring you’re following your techniques and any reference points you may know of. It’s easy to get into a fluster if other road users appear, so try and keep your cool at all times.

3. Use of Mirrors. It may seem like common sense but not checking or not acting on the information you see in your mirrors are a big reason for failure.

ADVICE: Look and remember what you see in your mirrors, not only does it help with your planning ahead, for example changing lane and before you brake or signal, you’ll be aware of the driver behind and possible intended actions. On average you should be checking your mirrors every 5-7 seconds while driving. Make sure you use your mirrors in pairs at all times.

4. Reversing around a corner. Again ineffective observation or a lack of accuracy when completing this exercise.

ADVICE: Success can only be achieved be completing the manoeuvre slowly. Often candidates swing wide through ineffective observation and using a little too much speed. Guard your use of speed well. Use both your mirrors and blind spot checks to help yourself understand your surrounding environment and your movements. If another road user passes by you while you’re still moving, it’s likely you will fail through not “giving way” to other road users, a common reason for the “observation fail”.

5. Incorrect use of signals. In other words not cancelling or giving misleading signals.

ADVICE: If you were lost and someone gave you incorrect directions, you may become annoyed or frustrated. This is how other road users can feel if you don’t “communicate” correctly while you are driving. Always think and look to see if your signal is both appropriate and correct for the circumstances. If you leave your signal on, not only can it be misleading but it can be dangerous for other drivers, they may pull out in front of you thinking you are going elsewhere.

6. Moving away safely. This is a simple case of ineffective observations.

ADVICE: Your instructor will be training you to look over your shoulder before moving off, this is called a lifesaver check. It’s called a lifesaver check for a reason! If you fail to check 360* before moving off it’s likely you will miss something, that day will likely be your driving test day resulting in a fail. ALWAYS check over your blind spot where traffic could appear from.

7. Incorrect positioning on the road. Driving Examiners look for lane discipline at roundabouts or on bends.

ADVICE: Understand what lane discipline is…the ability to stay in lane in given circumstances, to follow a direction or route without moving out of position causing other vehicles to change speed or position. Very oftan candidates will cross over a white line on a roundabout trying to make a straight-on route, more oftan than not this can happen where markings are poor. Remember other road users will be around you at all times, they will need space to move around. Look ahead, curve the vehicle around a roundabout and stay in lane. As a driver you don’t have control over other peoples actions so you cannot assume you’ll understand fully where they may move to next.

8. Lack of steering control. Unfortunately steering too early or leaving it too late is a worrying reason for failure.

ADVICE: When the most commonly used item in the car used is the steering wheel, you wonder why this happens. More oftan than not it may result from ineffective observation rather than the candidate not knowing how to use it. The basic rule to remember is “the hands follow the eyes”. This fundamental rule is worthwhile remembering in all situations, even those you feel well in control of. Don’t allow yourself to become distracted, nothing will be more important than you and other peoples safety when you drive a car.

9. Incorrect positioning to turn right. This usually occurs when turning right at junctions and from one way streets.

ADVICE: When emerging from a one way street, remember you can position well to the right or left hand side as no one should be turning into the road you are emerging from. It will be a No Entry for other road users. If you aren’t sure then look at the road markings at the junction edge, they will be the thick double dotted lines you’re probably very familiar with. These will extend right the way across the junction as opposed to half of it like you see at the regular Give Way junctions.

10. Inappropriate speed – Not so much for travelling too fast but travelling too slowly or being hesitant.

ADVICE: You will no doubt be aware of the danger of travelling too fast, but travelling too slowly can be just as dangerous. You must know what the speed limit is, NEVER break it and remember also, it’s not a target. If it isn’t safe to use the speed limit then you won’t need to. Hesitancy usually occurs at junctions where candidates take a little too long to emerge. You may have been a pedestrian for many years and so should have a good perception of speed and distance. If you can walk across a lane of traffic you could probably drive across it. Other references exist but ultimately paying a good deal of attention will help. If it is really, really busy, you will just have to wait for the opportunity to arise, don’t feel because you have been there for ages that you must start interrupting the flow of traffic. You can only emerge when it’s safe.

Are you ready?
Those who pass their driving test have had, on average, about 45 hours of professional training, combined with 22 hours of private practice (DSA figures).

Candidates who combine professional instruction with private practice are also more successful on the test.

The UK national current pass rate is only 45%. For first time candidates, it’s even lower.

Test routes no longer published

2010-09-14T03:41:00.000-07:00

Test routes will no longer be published on the DSA website, from 4th October 2010, to coincide with the changes to the driving test. Independant driving is to encourage concentration and awareness in new drivers. The responsibility of driving is often overshadowed by the desire to hold a licence. So the plan is to detract from learning specific routes, and to concentrate on the task of driving instead. dealing with road types, and situtations whilst trying to decide a route is challenging. There has been some controversy about this decision, but as there are going to be changes over the coming years, learners and instructors are going to have to adapt. What is your opinion on the plans to modernise the driving test

Independent Driving Explained Update

2010-09-13T01:52:00.000-07:00

How many Driving Lessons do i need

2010-07-21T01:59:00.000-07:00

Preparing for your driving test - The Driver's Record Those who pass their driving test have had, on average, about 45 hours of professional training combined with 22 hours of private practice. Learners who prepare this way, with a combination of plenty of professional training and plenty of practice, do better in the test.
To help you learn in a structured way, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has produced a Driver's Record. You may have received a Driver's Record with your provisional driving licence. This will help you monitor your progress and provide you with a lasting record of your achievement. You can also get one from your instructor, from your local driving test centre or from the link in the 'When to take your practical test' section below.
Structured learning
The Driver's Record is a way of helping you and your driving instructor keep a record of your progress while you're learning to drive.

The Driver's Record has a list of 24 key skills covered in the practical driving test. It has space for your instructor to fill in as you progress through the five levels shown on the Record. Levels one to four should be initialled and dated by your instructor, and full details added when you reach level five. From this, both you and your instructor will be able to see at a glance which skills you need to improve.

You need to learn the skill and then practise to get the experience. You also need to learn both the theory and practical driving at the same time, especially now that the theory test contains a hazard perception part. The record is a pocket-sized leaflet that you should take with you to all your driving lessons.
What are the five levels?
The meaning of each level is:

•the skill is introduced
•it can be carried out under full instruction
•it can be carried out correctly when prompted
•it seldom needs to be prompted
•you can carry it out consistently without any prompting
The Driver's Record will help to remind you what you're trying to achieve, how to get there and how far you've got.

Independent Driving Explained

2010-07-09T02:36:00.000-07:00

From 4 October 2010 your practical driving test will include a section of ‘independent driving’.

During your test you’ll have to drive by either following a series of directions, following traffic signs, or a combination of both, for about ten minutes.

To help you understand where you’re going, the examiner may show you a diagram.

It doesn't matter if you don't remember every direction, or if you go the wrong way - that can happen to the most experienced drivers.

Independent driving is not a test of your orientation and navigation skills. Driving independently means making your own decisions - this includes deciding when it’s safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation about where you’re going.

The independent driving route
If you ask for a reminder of the directions, the examiner will confirm them to you.

If you go off the independent driving route it won’t affect the result of your test unless you commit a driving fault.
If you go off the route or take a wrong turning, the examiner will help you to get back on the route and continue with the independent driving.

If there are poor or obscured traffic signs, the examiner will give you directions until you can see the next traffic sign - you won’t need to have a detailed knowledge of the area.

You can’t use a sat nav for independent driving as it gives you turn-by-turn prompts. Independent driving tests how you make your own decisions.

Newspaper reports
Some newspapers have claimed that independent driving would lead to a fall in the driving test pass rate. This claim is based on early research where conditions did not reflect the eventual design of the new element of the test.

Subsequent trials with a larger number of participants and more closely reflecting the conditions in the planned new test showed no significant fall in the pass rate.

New Drink Driving Laws

2010-07-09T02:30:00.000-07:00

North Review of Drink & Drug Driving Law
AA recommendations accepted

16 June 2010

Commenting on the North Review of the Drink and Drug Driving Laws, Edmund King, AA President, said: "The Automobile Association has long been highlighting the hidden problems of drugs and driving so we are delighted that these issues are being addressed.

"We are pleased that Sir Peter has followed our verbal and written recommendations on many of these issues and made use of our AA/Populus panel results to ascertain the views of the motoring public.

"Our members want action on drug driving and also support a reduction in the drink drive limit together with a 12 month ban."

Drink driving accounts for some 430 deaths per year and if better records were kept we estimate that an extra 215 deaths may be due to drug driving or a combination of drugs and alcohol. Hence a quarter of all road deaths are caused by drink or drug driving so it is essential that further action is taken.

The AA believes that more focus needs to be given to the problems of drug driving.

We are pleased that Sir Peter has made positive recommendations on screening devices, a clarification of the law and a call for coroners to test for the presence of drugs in road fatalities.

We would like to thank Sir Peter and his team for their work on these important subjects.

AA Recommendations
The following recommendations were proposed by the AA and are included in the North report recommendations.

Drink Driving
•Lowering of drink drive limit to 50mg/100ml
•Review 20mg limit for new drivers after 5 years
•Maintain a 12 month ban at 50mg
•Target cars of high risk offenders
•Deployment of portable evidential breath testing equipment
•Higher policing priority
•79% AA members support random breath tests
Drug Driving
•Coroners should test for drugs in all fatalities
•Volunatray roadside saliva tests
•Greater use of Field Impairment tests (FIT) and training
•Drug driving to be made an 'offence brought to justice'
•Speed up the process with use of nurses rather than forensic physicians
•Look to type approval of police station drug screening kits
•Look to a specific offence of driving with certain controlled drugs at levels deemed impairing
•Better NHS training and clearer labelling On legal drugs
Information about the Review and its terms of reference can be found on the North Review website.

Independent Driving in practical test

2010-05-07T01:15:00.000-07:00

Follow this link To view
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGWxptVQPEs&feature=youtube

Why some people fail

2010-05-06T04:49:00.000-07:00

“I can already drive”
Many people think that it is enough that they can drive a car from A to B without being involved in an accident and with these skills that they can pass their driving test.
Having been in the driving training industry for over twenty years I know this not to be true.
We have many, many phone calls saying “I don’t need many driving lessons I can already drive and I just need your car for the practical test.”
Don’t get me wrong sometimes people don’t need many but mostly they do need some. How do they know without an evaluation assessment lesson from a professional driving instructor who has passed all three of the examination tests set by the Driving Standards Agency. The ADI (approved driving instructor) can and does know exactly the standard required to pass the L test.

Example of these drivers
“I have held a driving licence in my country for many years”
“I have been driving abroad for many years and have a lot of experience.”
“I have had lessons with friends and family.”
So what happens
These people tend to be repeat offenders, here is what they do.
Take one or two hours to practice with an ADI and then take their practical driving test. The ADI will do their best in the short time available and will only let the candidate go for the test if they are considered safe . However there are always too many loose ends to tidy up and inevitably the candidate fails the test.

Do they learn from this experience, quite simply No. The whole process is started again and when they have booked another practical driving test they call and want to try again. DEJA VOU
Do not be one of these people, have an assessment and take the professional advice of your ADI , complete the syllabus and pass your practical driving test.

Cheap Driving lessons

2010-05-04T06:01:00.000-07:00

Cheap driving lessons
Are they value for money – whats the catch?
If you were paid £20.00 an hour for a job - You put a level of effort into your role as you are being paid a fair wage, Would you put the same level of effort into that job if you were being paid only £10.00 an hour?
Honest answer -No
Have you seen driving schools cars sitting at the kerb for what seems forever?
What are they doing, OK on some early lessons i.e the controls lesson, it does take some time to explain all the controls to the pupil, but look out for the underpaid ADI , he /she is trying to recoup some of the lost discounted payment by sitting at the kerb, talking and saving fuel. Maybe even making you have more lessons than you need in order to reclaim some of their lost earnings back.
Cheap driving lessons are a false economy.
Do you want 40 minutes lessons? No
Do you want an old car? No
Do you want to sit at the Kerb? No
Then
Pay a fair amount for your lessons, get a professional company and take structured driving lessons and pass your test.

2009-02-11T06:08:00.000-08:00

Pass your Driving test fast.

2009-02-11T06:01:00.000-08:00

www.diamonddriveintensive.co.uk

Driving Schools in Essex – Experience CountsNew drivers are often nervous and need a calm, experienced instructor to help them learn all the skills needed to become a safe and proficient driver. Whether you want to have a lesson each week, or go on an intensive driving course, you need to be confident in the school and the instructor. If you are looking for driving schools in Essex, then you should contact Diamond Drive Intensive, which offers:
One-to-one lessons
Intensive driving courses
Male and female instructors
Automatic and manual cars
Assessment lessons
Discounted prices for students, nurses and the unemployed
Advice on theory and hazard tests
Post-driving test lessons, including motorway driving
With an all-round service like this, from one of the most experienced driving schools in Essex, you are sure to get a good start to your driving career. For more information, call the school on 01708 509798.
Driving Schools in Essex – For Driver InstructionIf you want to become a driving instructor with one of the best driving schools in Essex, then Diamond Drive Intensive can help. Their tutors can train you to meet the standard required for a trained driving instructor, making sure that you are a safe and competent instructor.