Select School of Motoring Blog

New Technology Promises To Change Driving Experience

2011-11-10T03:14:00.001-08:00

Experts Predict All New Cars Will Be Internet-Ready In 3 To 5 Years

New technology is coming to your car, and companies promise it will change your driving experience.

Experts predict a huge explosion in the next few years in the number of vehicles in our area that will be connected to the Internet.

The world's newest Internet onramp is already installed in the Audi A7 sedan.

"In essence, your car is a moving mobile Wi-Fi spot," said Kevin Koa, tech guru at Miramar Audi.

The new technology allows a driver to use a small SIM card to connect to a wireless network -- similar to how SIM cards work in smartphones.

Once connected, drivers can check on real-time gas prices. Passengers can watch streaming movies and browse news headlines on tablets, and drivers will get more direction. Combined with satellite radio, maps are updated and traffic updates are live.

The connected car remains rare, as about five percent of cars are logged on. However, some industry experts recently predicted 100 percent of new cars will be Internet-ready within three to five years.

Cadillac just launched its connected car feature at a recent convention in San Diego.

When it comes to traffic, the live updates will soon be more accurate.

"There's a lot of potential in the project," said Samuel Johnson, chief technology officer at SANDAG.

Regional leaders say a bevy of road sensors are one part of an $8.7 million federal grant for Interstate 15 that could give connected cars improved traffic data and drive times.

"The better information we can get to folks, the better choices they can make about when and where to drive," added Johnson.

Better traffic updates won't be the only Internet feature of the future. Cars will eventually be able to contact dealers about problems and even schedule service appointments.

In Europe, some Audi models already combine cameras, road sign recognition and Internet data on real-time speeds to guide vehicle speeds.

"The vehicles will actually react before humans can react," said Koa.

The monthly charge for the Audi wireless connection is about $30.

Ford is introducing a Wi-Fi feature in its 2012 Focus in Europe.

Source : www.10news.com/news

Drive Down Your Motor Insurance

2011-09-13T03:48:00.001-07:00

Young drivers are finding it increasingly difficult to get affordable car insurance as costs continue to rocket.

Over the past two years, premiums for those aged between 17 and 22 have risen, on average, by 80 per cent, according to AA Insurance, while findings from Confused.com show that the average 17 to 20-year-old male now pays a massive £4,006 a year for comprehensive cover.

“The number of crashes on Britain’s roads is falling, but the percentage shared by young drivers is growing,” says Simon Douglas from AA Insurance. “Young people are much more likely to suffer a crash than older, more experienced drivers.”

Given that younger drivers also make far higher claims, many insurers refuse to cover them at all, which adds to the pressure on rates.

All of this has led to a high level of frustration, with 93 per cent of young drivers now feeling that they are priced off the road, according to specialist insurer Young Marmalade.

For those who are determined to get behind the wheel, it may be tempting to go without cover, but if you are not insured you are breaking the law. However, there are ways to keep costs down.

Firstly, choose a slower car with a smaller engine, as this will fall into a lower insurance group. You can also make savings by driving less and staying off the road late at night.

Look into paying your premium annually rather than monthly; this may require a large initial outlay, but in most cases, the total over a year will be lower.

By purchasing your cover through a cashback site such as Quidco.com, you can get large sums back on the cost of the insurance.

Also, try to choose a policy that will allow you to build up your no-claims bonus. Avoid just being named on your parents’ policy as you won’t build up your no-claims bonus if you do this.

Ensure you have an alarm and an immobiliser fitted and steer clear of sporty modifications.

“For young drivers, particularly young males, it has never been more important to shop around for the best price,” says Gareth Kloet from Confused.com. “Interestingly, our research also shows that young male drivers can see their car insurance costs reduce significantly if they are married and add their spouse to the policy.”

However, adding someone else as the main driver when this is not the case is known as “fronting” and is classed as fraud. If you are caught fronting you risk invalidating claims or could find yourself facing a fine or a ban.

Young drivers could also benefit from the development of “black box” technology, which a number of insurers are now using to record customer’s driving habits.

For example, insurer Young Marmalade monitors drivers using a tracking device and rewards safe motorists with lower premiums, while the Co-op also offers a pay-as-you-drive scheme using a Smartbox to measure how well the car is driven.

There are also plans to introduce a new post-test driving qualification, to replace the Pass Plus, with an emphasis on speed awareness.

If this is successful, it could also help responsible young drivers reduce their premiums.

“The existing Pass Plus scheme, which comprises six informal sessions, and no exam or test, has become discredited because many young drivers simply took it to get insurance discounts,” says Douglas.

“We are also urging the Government to add ‘road awareness’ to the National Curriculum in a bid to cut down the number of young driver casualties. This could also eventually help reduce insurance premiums.”

Drivers are being urged to check their motor policies for exclusions, as new findings from Moneysupermarket.com show that “fully comprehensive” car cover may not be as comprehensive as it sounds.

According to research, the cost and policy details can vary significantly, with some not including legal cover or courtesy cars.

“Motorist shouldn’t be fooled into assuming ‘fully comp’ is ‘fully comp’,” says Peter Harrison from Moneysupermarket.com. “Exclusions are commonplace, so drivers should scour the small print with a fine-toothed comb to ensure they don’t get caught out. The key is to shop around for the best policy to match your driving needs.”

Source : Esther Shaw - www.express.co.uk

Young Driver Insurance Costs Fall

2011-08-16T13:38:00.001-07:00

New figures released by the AA have shown a 5.6% drop in annual car insurance premiums for motorists in the 17-22 age group to £2,294 in the second quarter of this year, compared with the first three months.

Men aged 17 to 22 pay an average premium of £2,872, while women in the age group pay £1,671.

Simon Douglas, AA insurance director, said: "Young drivers have for a long time been the biggest losers in the insurance market with premiums driving them off the road.

"They share the greatest number of serious crashes, premiums have been rising at a disproportionate rate, but it seems at last that insurers are starting to compete a bit more for their business with rates starting to come down."

The average cost of annual car insurance premiums for all motorists reached £924 in the three months ended June, up 3.6% over the first quarter - the lowest increase for 18 months.

Source : www.moneydashboard.com/tips

DSA Online Services This Weekend

2011-07-21T13:12:00.001-07:00

Some of DSA’s online systems won’t be available from midnight Friday 22 July to 6.00 am on Sunday 24 July. This is due to essential maintenance work.

It will affect access to:

• online instructor services on Business Link
• the online booking service for practical tests on Directgov
• all online Driver CPC services
• DSA’s national speech recognition service for changing practical tests

You’ll still be able to use online theory test services by visiting direct.gov.uk/theorytest.

You’ll be able to go online from 6.00 am on Sunday as normal.

DSA is sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
Source : DSA

Dads Have Shorter Fuse With Their L Plate Off Spring

2011-06-27T01:48:00.003-07:00

The results of a light hearted AA membership poll, completed exclusively by parents who have dared to take their son or daughter for a driving lesson reveals that dads by and large have a lower patience threshold than mums when it comes to instructing their children.

In the AA Membership poll which was completed by more than 3,700 parents across a wide range of ages, 28.5% of the dad’s quizzed, said they believed themselves to have been a very patient teacher, stating they remained calm and constructive throughout the lessons. A higher percentage of mums however, 35.9% gave themselves this same rating.

At the other end of the patience scale 11.3% of the dads surveyed during the AA Membership poll said they simply didn’t have the temperament for teaching their off spring how to drive. A slightly lower number of mums said the same. 9.2% of mums surveyed said teaching their children how to drive was far from their natural calling and a major test of their patience.

Among the individual comments received from this less successful group of parents were “never again!”, “my son simply would not take on board instructions”, “my foot was glued to the imaginary brake”, “I was a nervous wreck” and “I had holes gouged in the passenger seat”.

Overall 3.6% of the parents who trialed a lesson with their child said it was an unmitigated disaster which resulted in a massive argument followed by abandonment of the lesson altogether.

Source : www.hgvireland.com

92% Of Teens Claim To Be Safe Drivers

2011-06-27T01:48:00.001-07:00

Teens and summer are often a volatile cocktail, especially when it involves driving.

Results from a new survey show that when it comes to “near misses”, speeding, texting and distracted driving account for a high percentage of these incidents. The same survey shows teens are apt to blame everything from the weather to other drivers for these close calls – but not themselves and their inexperience.

The results of the 2011 Liberty Mutual/SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) teen driving study “gives parents reason to pause before they hand over the keys to their newly freed young driver,” according to SADD. The American study was initiated with a series of four focus groups in October 2010 and followed by a survey of 2,294 teens in eleventh and twelfth grades from 28 recruited high schools across the United States in January 2011. It discovered an “alarmingly high” number – 68 per cent of new drivers admit to having “narrowly avoided a crash” and a disturbing tendency to lay the blame elsewhere.

More than half (56 per cent) of the teens who experienced a “near miss” say they have experienced multiple such incidents. “Yet young drivers are more apt to blame external causes such as other drivers or the weather rather than owning up to any personal responsibility in the near-miss,” the report says.

More than one-third of them blame other drivers while 21 per cent say the weather was the primary cause. “But,” the authors of the report say, “when asked what they were doing in the car at the time of the incident, teens admitted to a rash of distractive or dangerous behaviors: Speeding, 30 per cent; Texting while driving, 21 per cent; Talking to passengers, 20 per cent and changing songs on their MP3 player, 17 per cent.”

When asked what was the primary contribution to the near miss, 9 per cent identified excessive speed, 13 per cent said it was texting while driving and 6 per cent admitted that talking with their passengers had distracted them.

There are a few glimmers of good news in the survey. For some young drivers, a close call causes them to re-examine their driving behaviour, albeit briefly. More than half (55 per cent) of those who admitted to a near miss said it made them clean up their act – mostly in terms of paying more attention (44 per cent), text less (26 per cent) and slow down (13 per cent). But 42 per cent admitted that these new behaviours lasted less than a month.

On the other hand, those who were actually involved in a crash, made “significant” changes in their driving habits. Almost 70 per cent of new drivers said the experience changed their habits and 58 per cent said it did so “forever.”

While crashes get all the attention, it is the more prevalent close calls “that should serve as a wake-up call to any driver,” says Dave Melton, Liberty Mutual’s managing director of global safety. “We don't want to wait for the crash to happen before we subscribe to safe driving practices; parents and teens can unite now on a commitment to responsibility behind the wheel.”

“The high prevalence of distracted and dangerous driving continues to be a concern, especially as we head into the summer months when the highest number of driving fatalities occurs,” said SADD Chairman Stephen Wallace. “We know from past Liberty Mutual/SADD research that teens are behind the wheel 44 per cent more hours each week in the summer (23.6 hours) than during the rest of the year (16.4 hours), adding some urgency for parents and teens to sit down and review their family rules of the road.”

And I’ve saved what might be the best for last. The survey also showed that 92 per cent of teens consider themselves to be safe and cautious drivers. But 12 per cent admit to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the summer months.

Source : Richard Russell - www.theglobeandmail.com

Uninsured Drivers Face Loss Of Car

2011-06-25T02:21:00.001-07:00

New laws to crack down on uninsured drivers are due to take effect, with offenders facing the possibility of having their car destroyed.

The new Continuous Insurance Enforcement law makes it an offence to be a keeper of an uninsured vehicle rather than just driving while uninsured.

From Monday registered keepers identified as having an uninsured vehicle will be sent a letter telling them that their vehicle appears to be uninsured, and warning them of the consequences if they fail to take action.

Those who do not act on this warning - either by taking out insurance or declaring their vehicle off the road - will receive a £100 fine and could have their vehicle clamped, seized and destroyed. They may also face a court prosecution.

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said: "Anyone who receives a warning letter should take action immediately by getting insurance or contacting the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) to declare their vehicle off the road."

The Motor Insurers' Bureau chief executive Ashton West said: "We know who the registered keepers are with vehicles that have no insurance and letters will be dropping on to their doormats from this week. It's no longer a case of if you will get caught, but when you will get caught.

"An estimated 1.4 million drivers are flouting the law by driving without insurance. This is a serious offence and results in accidents that cause about 160 deaths each year and more than 23,000 people are injured by uninsured drivers. It also adds around £30 per year to honest drivers' motor insurance policies."

Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/uk/uninsured-drivers-face-loss-of-car-16013685.html#ixzz1Pz8hKXO9Source : www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk

Driving Lessons: It's Worth The Wait To Get In The Fast Lane

2011-06-21T04:27:00.001-07:00

People who postpone their driving lessons get cheaper insurance and are safer on the road. It doesn't make passing any easier though, says late learner Elisa Bray.

I've just made a reservation at The Ivy and I'm feeling a little resentful. Some years ago, I made a bet with my younger sister that she wouldn't pass her driving test before me. The prize? Dinner at The Ivy.

My sister took her test at 17 and passed. But here I am, approaching 30 and nowhere near a practical test. What's more, I dread 2pm on a Friday – the time of my weekly lesson. My heart races and it takes at least five minutes to remember how to manoeuvre the car. To avoid oncoming cars, I'd be driving on the pavement if I could. As soon as I've mastered one thing, there's something else.

But plenty of people do learn to drive as an adult – 36 per cent of those who took their test last year were aged 25 and above. It just might take longer. For every year of your age, you need one-and-a-half hours of professional training, not including private practice. For a 30-year-old, that means 45 hours.

With every year, the pass rate decreases by a little over 1 per cent. According to statistics from the Driving Standards Agency, if I take my practical test next year I'll have a 14 per cent slimmer chance of passing than if I'd taken it at 17. The pass rate last year was 55.1 per cent for 17-year-olds, but in your 70s you're looking at half that.

Why the discrepancy? In our teens our sense of invincibility leads us to take more risks, but as we get older we are held back by our fears of consequences. Then there are the superior psychomotor skills (co-ordination) of a teenager and the ability to master new skills quickly.

Nothing has seemed as daunting as being charge of 1.3 tons of metal – manipulating both feet over three pedals, while grappling with a gear stick and steering wheel and watching out for parked cars, moving cars, road signs and pedestrians. I don't recall anyone at school discussing how difficult driving was, although a few years later it did take one of my best friends, despite an Oxford education, nine tests to pass. I've had a few stalled attempts at learning and, until last week, after 30 hours of lessons I'd never gone beyond 30mph and third gear.

Nothing is more frustrating than when I've checked my mirrors and am ready to go only to start fumbling around and have to start all over again. The AA's Head of Road Safety, Andrew Howard, says: "The ability to split your attention becomes harder as you get older. You're probably more mentally equipped to learn things when you're 17 or 18. You probably feel less immortal as you get older and are more worried. When we criticise young drivers, we tend to say they have the skills to drive but tend not to use them. When you [older drivers] eventually get to drive you're not going to have to impress your friends with your driving skills."

There is another benefit for older drivers. While younger drivers face insurance bills of thousands no matter how cheap their car is (the AA's quote is £5,232.56 for a 17-year-old male and £2,911.01 for a female), if I pass now, the insurance will cost a much less than that.

My main issue was confidence. Last lesson, I was so nervous I spent 15 minutes persuading my instructor that I wasn't ready to take on dual carriageways. Now I've just made it to fifth gear and 50mph on the A41. And my instructor even had to tell me to slow down.

Source : Elisa Bray - www.independent.co.uk/life-style/motoring

No-Show Driving Test Examiners Cost Taxpayer £500,000 A Year

2011-06-21T04:26:00.003-07:00

Driving examiners who call in sick are costing the taxpayer £500,000 a year in compensation.

New figures show that an average of 310 learners a day have their tests cancelled at the last minute.

Students who are let down can claim for loss of earnings, exam fees and the cost of hiring the instructor’s car.

But the shocking dent in the public purse would be three times as high if everyone entitled to compensation made a claim.

A total of 113,177 tests were cancelled with less than three days’ notice in the 12 months up to April. Of those, 23,000 were because examiners were ill.

A Driving Standards Agency spokeswoman said: “Driving tests are notoriously stressful for any learner. But this sickness record suggests that even the examiners are feeling the strain.”

Read more: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2011/06/19/no-show-driving-test-examiners-cost-taxpayer-500-000-a-year-115875-23210220/#ixzz1PnUmS11USource : Adrian Butler - www.mirror.co.uk

Tips on Motor Insurance for Young Drivers

2011-06-21T04:26:00.001-07:00

In recent years young drivers have seen the cost of car insurance increase with some annual premiums being more expensive than the price of the vehicle itself. From 20 June 2011 every vehicle must have a valid insurance policy even if it is not being used, unless a Statutory Off Road Notice has been obtained.

Insurance companies have to base their premiums on the level of risk that they face when insuring a vehicle. Many young drivers are inexperienced and are therefore more likely to cause an accident, however responsibly they drive. This inevitably means that drivers under 25 are often faced with higher insurance premiums and, coupled with the higher petrol prices, cannot afford to run a car.

Driving a vehicle without insurance carries a penalty fine of up to £5,000 as well as 6-8 points on your licence. The cost of accidents involving uninsured drivers is borne by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, which is funded by insurance companies who ultimately pass this cost on to their policyholders.

In an attempt to reduce the number of uninsured drivers (and therefore reduce the average cost of insurance premiums) the government has introduced new legislation which states that from 20 June 2011 every car must either have a valid insurance policy or a Statutory Off Road Notice (SORN). This applies to all vehicles, even if they are not being driven.

Keepers of uninsured vehicles will shortly be contacted and warned that they will face a fine if they do not take immediate action. Fines of up to £1,000 can then be imposed if the owner does not take steps to insure the vehicle and the car can be clamped, seized or destroyed without further warning.

Instead of opting not to take out insurance, young drivers should consider these 5 Top Tips to reduce the cost of your car insurance:-

1. Check the cost of insurance before buying a car. Vehicles with smaller engine sizes are generally cheaper to insure.

2. Keep the car in a secure place when not being used, such as a locked garage. Vehicles with less risk of theft can result in a less expensive quote.

3. Drive carefully. Speeding convictions and claims for accidental damage can increase the cost of insurance.

4. Reduce your mileage as much as possible. Drivers who use their cars less are less of a risk to insurers. This will also reduce the cost of petrol.

5. Shop around for the best deals. Car insurance is a competitive market and researching quotes from different insurers can often mean you get a much better deal.

Source : www.trethowans.com/news

The Costs of Getting On The Road May Be High, But What Price For Peace Of Mind?

2011-06-21T04:23:00.001-07:00

Learning to drive is a significant milestone in a young person’s life but the costs associated with learning, coupled with the prospect of ever increasing car insurance premiums once the test is passed, can be quite a daunting prospect.

The Driving Standards Agency suggest that it is very unlikely that anyone except an approved driving instructor will have the knowledge and experience necessary to teach learner drivers properly. Research conducted by the agency shows that the average number of professional lessons required to pass a test is 47, along with 20 hours of private practice with someone who has held their driving licence for at least 3 years and is over the age of 21.

According to the AA driving school the average cost of a driving lesson in the UK currently is £24, which makes the prospect of having to afford 47 quite expensive; particularly among a group who are already being hit by increased education fees and a pressurised job market.

All of that said, currently there is no ruling to dictate that professional lessons have to be taken at all. Research carried out with young drivers by learner driver insurer Provisional Marmalade highlighted a worrying trend among this group to ignore the advice given by the Driving Standards Association and spend twice the amount of time practising with a family member rather than a professional instructor in an attempt to save money.

Car insurance comparison site Tiger.co.uk has looked into the average costs associated to getting on the road for learner and newly qualified drivers, demonstrating just how costly it can be – this can be even more for male drivers who continue to pay much higher insurance premiums!

PROVISIONAL DRIVING LICENCE £50
DRIVING LESSONS (BASED ON 47 @ £24) £1,128
LEARNER DRIVER INSURANCE FOR 3 MONTHS* £256
TEST FEE’S (THEORY AND PRACTICAL) £106
COST OF A USED CAR ** £1,350
ROAD TAX £130
AVERAGE COST OF INSURANCE*** £2,431
TOTAL £5,451

If the recent appeal by road safety charity Brake to move to a graduated licensing scheme is adopted by MPs, then a minimum learning period of a year prior to taking a test could be enforced, along with a firm ruling on how many hours tuition must be taken with a professional. This means that learners may end up having to pay out even more on tuition fees but in the longer term it should lessen the chances of them having a serious accident.

A spokesperson from car insurance comparison site Tiger.co.uk commented; “At first glance these costs may appear high but they are normally spread out over a period of time, and a lot of families and individuals make provision for this with savings. Whether changes are made to the licensing system in the UK or not, the more time spent behind the wheel when learning has to be a good thing if it prevents younger drivers having accidents once they are qualified. In the past, practicing with a friend or family member has been problematic due to the cost associated to adding a learner to an existing standard policy and risking loss of a friend or family member’s no-claims bonus. Now there are more options.

"We have now partnered with Provisional Marmalade who provide policies specifically for learner drivers practicing in someone else’s car. Cover can be bought on a monthly basis for up to 3 months and the cover is fully comprehensive. Equally, once qualified, younger driver car insurance need not be un-affordable. Developments in telematics technology has resulted in a number of insurers offering policies using real driving data to price insurance, often meaning younger drivers can get a cheaper deal. There are also some clever ways in which young drivers can get cheaper car insurance. We have published a ‘Guide To Car Insurance for Young Drivers’ to provide guidance on this and it can be found in the news area of the Tiger.co.uk site”.

* Based on cost of provisional insurance provided by Provisional Marmalade for 3 months for a driver in an Ipswich postcode.

** Parkers book price for a 2002 Ford Focus 1.4CL 3 door

*** AA Insurance Premium Index – average cost for young drivers (male and female) April 2011

Source : www.pressdispensary.co.uk

Coping With Blues And Twos

2011-06-06T02:15:00.001-07:00

Many motorists panic when they hear emergency vehicle sirens, according to the Institute of Advanced Motorists.

The road safety charity says the problem comes because learner drivers are not taught, as a matter of routine, what they should do when they see flashing blue lights in their mirrors or hear the blast of a siren approaching fast.

Staying calm is the first rule, says Peter Rodger, Britain’s top advanced driver.

His five top tips on how to respond when encountering an emergency vehicle are:

1. Keep calm – if you hear a siren or see blue lights, turn off your music so you can concentrate, and take a few seconds to plan your next move. Panicking and stopping in the wrong place will just snarl up the traffic and delay the emergency vehicle more.

2. Stop – look for somewhere to pull over, and stop if it’s safe, even if the emergency vehicle is on the other side of the road. Consider using your indicators, but only if it won’t confuse other road users.

3. Stay safe – avoid pulling on to kerbs, pavements and verges. Verges can hide a multitude of hazards, and moving on to the pavement can put pedestrians at risk.

4. Stay legal – at traffic lights or junctions, emergency drivers will try to find their way around you. If you go through a red light or into a bus lane, unless directed by a police officer to do so, you are breaking the law and could be fined, irrelevant of your good intentions.

5. Finally – be aware that there may be more than one emergency vehicle coming. Listen for different sirens, look all around before moving off, and bear in mind you may need to move over again.

Peter said: “Loud sirens and flashing blue lights cause many motorists to panic, mainly because drivers are not routinely taught how to respond to them. Emergency vehicle drivers want you to help them reach the emergency they are trying to get to so that they can deal with it as quickly as possible. Behave calmly, legally, safely and predictably and move out of the way as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Source : www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk

£100 Fines For 'Idiot' Drivers

2011-05-11T05:44:00.001-07:00

£100 fines for 'idiot' drivers: After years of speed cameras and penalties for ordinary motorists, ministers switch focus to aggressive boy racers.

* New fixed penalty notices of between £80 and £100 for careless driving rather than going to court

* An end to the right to request blood tests rather than breath tests for drink-driving

* Re-test for banned offenders before regaining licence

* Police station drug-testing and a possible new offence for drivers who drive under the influence of drugs

* The seizure of vehicles belonging to the most dangerous offenders to keep them off the road

Aggressive drivers are to face £100 on-the-spot fines in the biggest shake-up of road safety law for decades.

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond will today declare an end to the war on ordinary motorists who make honest mistakes.

But ‘boy racers’ who tailgate, undertake or cut up other motorists, those driving under the influence of drink or drugs and repeat offenders will face tough new penalties.

Tens of thousands who make minor transgressions will be spared points on their licence if they agree to undergo education courses to improve their driving.

Mr Hammond said Labour’s obsession with speed cameras meant motorists caught driving a few miles over the speed limit were currently prosecuted, while ‘idiots’ who endangered lives get off ‘scot-free’.

The Government has scrapped grants for councils to put up new speed cameras, and installations have already slowed down, he said.

Mr Hammond confirmed the Government was also considering raising the speed limit on motorways to 80mph, though he said no assessment had yet been done of the risks and benefits.

He said the Government’s new road safety strategy marked a ‘clear break’ with Labour’s approach since 1997.

‘We want to make a clear distinction between those drivers who are a real danger to road safety – reckless, dangerous drivers – and those who are merely occasionally careless or who make an honest mistake,’ he added.

‘That means much more emphasis on enforcement against those who represent the biggest risk and a big increase in the use of education for those who make minor transgressions.

‘The big problem under the last government was using technology. Speed cameras were installed and speed became the only focus of the road safety agenda. It ceased to be a road safety agenda and became a speed agenda.

'That meant somebody driving at 55mph in a 50mph limit might get prosecuted but the idiot who is weaving in and out of traffic and tail-gating gets off scot-free.’

The number of convictions for the offence of careless driving, Mr Hammond said, fell from 125,000 in 1985 to 28,000 in 2006. Police were increasingly discouraged from pursuing careless driving prosecutions because the courts were ‘clogged up’.
‘So we are going to introduce a fixed penalty for careless driving – something we don’t have at the moment,’ he said. They will be issued by police on the spot, but could also be sent to motorists spotted on roadside cameras. Like speeding fines, the notices will attract three points.

Minor offenders will be invited to avoid points on their licence by going on a driver education course.

‘Serious and repeat offenders are who we want to focus on because they are disproportionately responsible for accidents, deaths and injuries,’ Mr Hammond said.

‘There will be mandatory retraining for offenders before they get their licence back.’
On drink-driving, he said loopholes were allowing offenders to escape justice.

Those who are 40 per cent over the limit are able to demand a blood test but because that has to be carried out by a doctor there is usually a delay.

Mr Hammond said: ‘Alcohol can then clear the body. People are playing that loophole so we are going to close it – no more right to ask for a blood-test.’

There will also be a crackdown on drug-driving with the possibility of a new offence.

Currently, police have to prove both the presence of drugs and that a driver is dangerously impaired – meaning prosecutions are almost non-existent.

Mr Hammond conceded forces that have reduced the numbers of traffic police might have to rethink their priorities in light of the crackdown. ‘Chief constables will decide on how officers are deployed,’ he said.

The moves come as an RAC report reveals that young people are 17 times more likely to be killed on the roads than with a weapon. Road accidents are the biggest killer of young people aged 15 to 24 other than illness it says.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1385702/Aggressive-idiot-drivers-face-100-fines-road-safety-law-shake-up.html#ixzz1M1XrdlZ9

Source : James Chapman - www.dailymail.co.uk

Drivers Face £80 Fines For Any Litter Thrown From Their Vehicle, Even If It Was A Passenger Who Threw It

2011-05-03T06:23:00.001-07:00

Drivers are to face automatic £80 fines if litter is thrown from their vehicles – even if one of their passengers is to blame.

Ministers are considering a change in the law that will make motorists responsible for any rubbish dropped from their vehicles.

Council officers will be instructed to note the number plates of ‘offending’ vehicles, and an £80 penalty will then automatically be sent to the car’s registered owner

Evidence could also be collected by CCTV cameras.

Unless drivers are willing to identify the culprit they will have to pay the fine, even if they were not aware litter had been dropped while they were driving. Those who refuse could face trial in a magistrates’ court, with a potential fine of up to £2,500.

Councils and environmental campaigners have been pressing for the change for years, arguing that existing laws make it all but impossible to prosecute drivers for littering.

Supporters say the change would also spare council staff the need to confront drivers suspected of littering.
But there were warnings last night that the new law could quickly become another ‘cash cow’ for councils.

Motorists can already be fined for littering, but local authorities claim the law is almost impossible to enforce as officials have to prove the identity of the person who dropped the litter.

The planned change in the law would make the driver liable unless there was direct evidence that a passenger was responsible.
Clyde Loakes, of the Local Government Association, said the existing loophole in the law allowed offenders to get away ‘scot-free’.

He said the fines would help councils cover the annual £850million cost of keeping the streets clean.

Council staff could be deployed to ‘problem’ laybys and car parks specifically to enforce the litter laws. He added: ‘It’s time to get tough on lazy, selfish people who toss rubbish from moving cars and expect other people to cover the cost of cleaning it up. Getting tough on people who drop rubbish on our carriageways is one way to tackle a problem which is costly, difficult and dangerous to clean up.’

The change in the law could be incorporated in the Localism Bill that is going through Parliament.

More than two million items of litter are dropped in Britain each day, with motorists blamed for 70 per cent of the problem in some areas.

A survey by the Keep Britain Tidy Group found that a fifth admitted throwing litter from vehicles, with cigarette butts, chewing gum and drink cartons among the items most often discarded.

The study found that men aged under 35 were the most likely to drop litter from their cars, particularly if they were smokers.

Ministers have previously resisted extending the power of local authorities because of fears of a backlash from motorists. But they are now said to be persuaded of the need to act on environmental grounds.

Charlotte Linacre, of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: ‘Motorists are already overtaxed. Councils have to make necessary spending cuts and there’s plenty of fat to trim, they shouldn’t look to plug gaps in their finances by ramping up charges on taxpayers.’

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1382646/Drivers-face-80-fines-litter-thrown-vehicle-passenger-threw-it.html#ixzz1LEiV4m7J

Source : Jason Groves - www.dailymail.co.uk

Drivers Who Don't Renew Car Insurance In Time 'Will Be Clamped On Their Driveway'

2011-04-21T04:55:00.001-07:00

Motorists who fail to renew their car insurance face having their car clamped in their driveway, seized and destroyed.

The clamp-and-scrap powers, being given to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) by ministers, are a fresh weapon in the Government’s fight against uninsured drivers.

The new system, called continuous insurance enforcement, goes fully live in June and means cars must be insured at all times - and no long have to be spotted on the road to be clamped and seized.

The only exception is if the registered keeper makes an official declaration that the car is permanently off road and not being driven.

Motoring groups fear innocent motorists who forget to insure their vehicle on time because they are on holiday or have an extended stay in hospital will fall foul of the new rules which can also see drivers landed with a £100 fine.

But road safety minister Mike Penning insists drivers will be given a warning letter and a £100 fixed penalty notice before any car is clamped and seized from the driveway.

The Department for Transport said: ’Under continuous insurance enforcement it will be an offence to keep an uninsured vehicle, rather than just to drive when uninsured. The regulations laid today will allow the DVLA to take action against those who ignore warnings to get their vehicle insured.’

’If the vehicle remains uninsured - regardless of whether the fine is paid - it could then be clamped, seized and destroyed. The regulations laid in Parliament today would give the DVLA the powers to take this action.’

Road safety minister Mr Penning said: ‘Uninsured drivers injure 23,000 people each year and add £30 to every responsible motorist’s premium so we need to do everything we can to keep them off the roads.

'These new powers will help us to take targeted action while freeing up police time to deal with the hard core of offenders.'

But the AA's Paul Watters said: ’Many otherwise innocent motorists face being unwittingly fined or clamped for doing little more than being forgetful or distracted by the normal business of life.

‘There must be some flexibility or leniency, otherwise this will become just another scam, like some cowboy parking ticket or clamping operations. It must not become a money spinner.’

He added: ’Safeguards must be in place to ensure that where offences are committed inadvertently, for example through illness delaying renewal of insurance or where a simple registration number mistake has been made on an insurance certificate, drivers are dealt with sympathetically. ‘

The Transport Department said that under the new system the DVLA will work in partnership with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau to identify from their database vehicles which are uninsured.

The Department said: ’Motorists will receive a letter telling them that their vehicle appears to be uninsured and warning them that they will be fined unless they take action.

'If the keeper fails to insure the vehicle they will be given a £100 fine. If the vehicle remains uninsured - regardless of whether the fine is paid - it could then be clamped, seized and destroyed.

'The regulations laid in Parliament today would give the DVLA the powers to take this action.’

Vehicles with a valid Statutory Off Road Notice will not be required to be insured, he added.

The first insurance ‘advisory letters’ warning individuals that they ‘appear to be uninsured’ will be sent at the end of June following a publicity campaign to raise awareness of the Continuous Insurance Enforcement scheme.

The Motor Insurance Database will be used to identify registered keepers of vehicles that appear to have no insurance.

Drivers are advised to check that their vehicle is recorded on the database - via www.askMID.com.

Latest official estimates suggest that 1 in 25 motorists (four per cent) drive uninsured - up to 14 million.
The penalty for driving without insurance is a maximum fine of £5,000 and six to eight penalty points. About 242,000 offenders are convicted for uninsured driving every year.

Measures already introduced in the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 gave police improved access to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau database and powers to seize vehicles. In 2009 around 180,000 vehicles were seized.
AA Insurance said their own survey had shown that 6 out of 10 motorists were completely unaware of the changes that could see their car clamped and impounded from their driveway.

An AA/Populus study of nearly 13,000 AA members, an ‘extraordinary’ 59 per cent had not heard about the new law and of the balance who were aware of it, with four out of ten (38 per cent) saying they ‘don’t know what it means’.

Simon Douglas, director of AA Insurance, said: 'This tough action is to be welcomed but it is vital that the Government undertakes a campaign to increase awareness.’

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1378219/Drivers-dont-renew-insurance-time-face-having-car-clamped.html#ixzz1JxL70k3Z

Source : Ray Massey - www.dailymail.co.uk

Majority Of Parents Would Fail Driving Test

2011-04-19T00:48:00.001-07:00

Most parents "don't bother" to educate themselves with road rules before teaching their learner drivers, a driving instructor says.
Mark Fraser from Drive Smart Driving School said his experience showed it was unusual to find adults who scored well on driving skills tests.

His comments follow yesterday's release of a national survey by learner driver program keys2drive which found that more than 40 per cent of parents did not know the basic road rules.

The Advertiser asked Mr Fraser to test the driving skills of Tracy Neldner, a mother of three, who was given a 15 minute basic driving test that included making left and right hand turns, straight and general driving and sign knowledge.

She was given a score of five out of ten or 48 per cent for her driving skills - which Mr Fraser said was a high score when compared with other adults he had tested.

"If I do these assessments normally (with adults) I get somewhere between 3 and 13 per cent," he said.

"Most adult drivers don't get more than 30 per cent on a test like this and (some) would get zero."

Mrs Neldner, who received driving lessons when she was a learner driver, said she had not sat a test since 1981 and tried to "model good behaviour" with her sons who currently receive driving lessons.

"It's quite a long time since my husband and I have both had lessons," she said.

"We needed someone who was able to teach (the kids) properly."

Source : Martina Simos

Drivers Avoid Speeding Penalties

2011-04-12T06:49:00.001-07:00

Most of the police forces in England and Wales have signed up to new guidelines that will enable motorists to avoid points on their licence even if they are caught speeding at 86mph, it has emerged.

The new framework will allow speeding motorists to pay to complete a speed awareness course instead, if caught at up to 10% above the limit plus 9mph.

So far 37 police forces in England and Wales, now offer the Speed Awareness Courses ACPO, the Association of Chief Police Officers said.

An ACPO spokeswoman explained: "Over recent years, the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads has fallen significantly reducing both the toll of personal tragedy and the cost to the public purse.

"This reduction has been achieved through a combination of improved engineering, enforcement and education.

"The changes were proposed following a consultation with the UK's leading driver academics who helped to develop the National Speed Awareness Course.

"The initial results of an independent research project showed that Speed Awareness Courses were highly effective in improving long-term driver behaviour on the roads. There is no such evidence to suggest that fines or penalty points offer any long-lasting effect."

Previously, only those driving at at 10% over the speed limit plus 6mph were eligible for the course.

A spokesman for road safety charity Brake said: "We think these new guidelines sends out completely the wrong message to drivers.

"Speeding or driving at inappropriate speeds is a factor in a quarter of all road crashes, tearing families and local communities apart on a daily basis."

Source : www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress

Driving Test Examiner Kidnapped By Angry Motorist

2011-04-12T02:14:00.001-07:00

A furious learner driver kidnapped his examiner and took him on a 10-minute terror ride after his test was cancelled.

Crazed Artur Nowak put his foot down and raced through a red light and broke the speed limit along a busy road as frightened Karl Pollitt begged him to stop.

The examiner finally managed to leap out as the car pulled into a side road, but his ordeal was not over as Nowak accelerated away, smashing Mr Pollitt in the eye with the car door.

A court heard the examiner was left “an emotional wreck” by the experience and had to take time off work and seek counselling.

Nowak, from Poland, erupted in rage after being told his test was cancelled because his car had an electronically-operated handbrake, which is not allowed in the examination.

Nowak was desperate to pass because he believed he needed a British licence for his work as a property maintenance engineer for a housing association.

But he did not know he would still be allowed to drive with his Polish driving licence.

Susan Carter, prosecuting, told Bolton crown court Mr Pollitt’s ordeal “has left him anxious and frightened.”

Mark Friend, defending, said Nowak, from Salford, Greater Manchester, who has lived in Britain since 2003, was genuinely remorseful after he flipped out when his test was cancelled in Rochdale last October 20. He said dad-of-two Nowak had been under immense pressure.

The court heard he had failed a previous test and been abusive towards another examiner.

Nowak admitted false imprisonment, and was last week ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work and pay £250 compensation.

3 Drivers are so baffled by road signs that one in three simply follow the car in front.

Castrol found 5% never look at signs, 3% are so confused they crash and half think the end of the 30mph speed limit means they cannot dip below 30mph.

: Paul Byrne - www.mirror.co.uk

Focus On: New Car Insurance For Young Drivers

2011-03-28T13:49:00.001-07:00

While the fuel duty reduction announced in the Budget may have brought some relief to young drivers, for many the cost of motoring remains unaffordable due to steep insurance premiums.

Motorists in their teens or early twenties pay substantially higher premiums than older drivers because they are considered higher risk by insurers. According to the Driving Standards Agency, in the UK, an 18-year-old driver is more than three times as likely to be involved in a crash as a 48-year-old.

But now The Co-operative Insurance has become the latest insurer to launch a policy specifically for young drivers, which promises lower premiums if the policyholder can demonstrate that they are responsible on the roads.

Here, we look at how the policy works and whether it could be right for you...

What's The Deal?

The new Young Driver policy calculates premiums based on driving behaviours and rewards those who demonstrate they drive safely with lower premiums. According to The Co-operative Insurance, the new product, which is designed for 17 to 25-year olds, will be on average £328 cheaper than competitor prices. It claims that over three quarters of young drivers could make a saving with this policy.

The insurer is able to monitor a driver's behaviour by fitting a Smartbox into the owner's car. Using satellite technology, the box then relays information on braking and acceleration, cornering, speed, and the time of driving - so whether most journeys are made during the day or at night time.

Driving is assessed every 90 days based on these four driving behaviours. If the motorist drives well, then they will receive a Safer Driving Discount that cuts the cost of the annual premium by up to 11%.

However, if the box shows bad driving behaviour, for example, repeatedly breaking the speed limit or taking corners too sharply, then their premium could increase by 15% of the initial policy price.

Motorists can log into a unique online 'Driving Dashboard' to see how their driving has been rated against the four driving behaviours. It also gives advice on what they can do to improve. Each behaviour is illustrated by a speed dial and drivers will be rated on a green (good driving), amber (generally good but showing some bad behaviours) and red (bad driving).

Any Catches?

If you aren't able to demonstrate that you can drive responsibly, then your premiums under this policy could end up being higher than if you opted for a conventional policy that doesn't monitor your behaviour.

Your insurance will be cancelled if you drive so far above the speed limit that a driving ban is imposed.

Verdict

Young drivers who believe they pay higher premiums due to others' bad driving may well benefit from a policy which rewards good driving behaviour.

Any innovation in the insurance market that can help reduce steep costs for young drivers should be welcomed, especially if it encourages safer driving.

Aviva used to offer a similar policy, but it was withdrawn several years ago because the technology involved cost more then and premiums for young drivers weren't as steep as they are now.

Top Tip

Remember that there are plenty of other ways young drivers can reduce insurance costs. Taking additional qualifications such as 'Pass Plus' can reduce premiums, and you could also consider adding an older, more experienced driver to the policy as a named driver to keep costs down.

Don't, however, be tempted to ask an older driver to register themselves as the main driver - this is illegal and likely to result in any claim being rejected.

Source : www.moneysupermarket.com

Learner Driver Attacked Examiner Who Refused Bribe

2011-03-28T13:48:00.000-07:00

A learner driver was so desperate to pass her test she tried to bribe the examiner – then attacked him when he refused.

Jin Su handed the official a red envelope stuffed with cash during her FIFTH test and told him: "This will be good for you – and for me."

The packet contained between £400 and £500, Manchester Crown Court heard. Su, 35, a former teacher who has a young son, handed over the money just before she tried a road manoeuvre in Cheetham Hill. When Driving Standards Agency examiner Keith Ashcroft refused the the cash and terminated the driving test, Su got angry and attacked him in the street.

She grabbed his wrists and tried to push him back into the car, shouting: "I want the test to continue!" When quizzed after her arrest she said the money was to bring good luck, but later admitted it was a bribe.

Su, of Grasmere Road, Swinton, pleaded guilty to offering a bribe and common assault. She was ordered to carry out 50 hours of unpaid work and pay Mr Ashcroft £100 compensation.

The defendant attempted the bribe during a test on May 19.

She pulled out of the Cheetham Hill Test Centre and told Mr Ashcroft: "I feel confident I will pass my test today."

He asked Su to pull over to test her starting and stopping skills.

Michael Morley, prosecuting, told the court: "She reached into her front jeans pocket and pulled out what appeared to be a substantial amount of money, which was folded up. It appeared to be all £20 notes. She took the money and placed it in a red envelope and passed it to Mr Ashcroft and said: ‘This will be good for you, and for me’. He was in no doubt that it was an effort to bribe him. He was shocked and told her to put the money away, then terminated the test."

Su then got out of the driver’s seat and assaulted Mr Ashcroft.

Mr Morley added: "He said it drew a little blood, and there were marks on his arms. When interviewed by probation officers, she said she wasn’t trying to bribe an official. As is custom, she was trying to gain good luck by passing over money in a red envelope. However, she did not hand over the envelope until she was alone with him in the car and half way through the test."

Su later admitted she tried to bribe the examiner with the money. Michael Hopkinson, defending, said: "In the part of the world where my client originates it’s much more common than here, but she knows she must abide by the laws and rules as they exist here."

He added Su had no previous convictions and was pregnant.

Judge David Stockdale QC told her: "You offered the money in expectation that he would in due course record that you passed. That is corruption of a serious kind. Driving examiners carry out important work for the safety of all road users, by ensuring that all those who drive are competent to do so."

Source : Pete Bainbridge - www.menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews

A Learner Driver Has Failed The Theory Test A Record 90 Times

2011-03-24T12:56:00.001-07:00

A learner driver has failed her theory test a record 90 times – costing her £2,790 before she can even hope to sit a test.

The 26-year-old from Southwark, south London, last sat the £31 written test in November, the Driving Standards Agency revealed yesterday as it lifted the lid on Britain’s worst drivers.

However, our home grown entry in the hall of motoring shame still has a long way to go before she can steal the world record from Cha Sa-soon of South Korea

She passed the theory test at her 950th attempt in November 2009.

The figures also showed a 39-year-old from the West Midlands has sat the most number of practical tests.

He failed the last test – his 36th – just four months ago after sitting it in the Stoke area.

The Guinness World Record for the most practical driving tests ever taken is held by Git Kaur Randhawa, of Hayes, west London.

She finally triumphed at her 48th attempt in 1987 just weeks before her 50th birthday.

Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/news/858309-worst-driver-chokes-90-times-on-theory-test#ixzz1GqBakY5vSource : http://www.metro.co.uk/news

Calls For Motorway Training To Be Added To Driving Test

2011-03-24T12:54:00.001-07:00

Motorway training should be integrated into the driving test to help improve the general standard of driving, according to the Driving Instructors Association which also wants the current Pass Plus scheme integrated into the driving test syllabus.

The DIA is the UK's largest body representing professional driver trainers and says those applying for a driving test should only be allowed to do so once instructors are confident that candidates have sufficient experience of driving on all the types of road they will encounter when they have a full licence.

The association also wants driving qualifications for qualified drivers need to be developed further. So drivers of company vehicles would have to achieve minimum national occupational standards for driving (currently there is no recognised syllabus for company drivers in category B vehicles). It says the qualifications should also have a shelf life to encourage refresher training.

Another issue that that the DIA wants addressed is the current lack of a formal training syllabus for potential Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) to work to. The DIA’s belief is that there should be a prescribed syllabus to prevent customers wasting their money. The minimum entry level to the industry should also be raised to include recognised teaching qualifications (e.g. Preparing to Teach in the Life-long Learning Sector).

The final change proposed is that all drivers should have their eyesight tested by an optometrist, not at the driving test centre, with drivers’ eyesight checked at least every 10 years. Currently, the responsibility is with the driver to self-certify their eyesight has not deteriorated after the age of 70.

Source : http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/news

Higher Fuel Prices Slow Down Motorway Speeds

2011-03-24T12:53:00.001-07:00

Soaring fuel prices have forced millions of drivers into the slow lane in a bid to lower their fuel consumption.

Some 59 percent of motorists have said they would cut their motorway speeds in order to save fuel, according to new research by the AA.

The AA has pointed out that, apart from being illegal, driving at 80mph is 25 percent less effective than driving at the national speed limit of 70mph. It claims that by just easing off on the motorway, motorists could save up to £500 a year in fuel bills.

The AA says that the figures showing drivers are willing to slow down, compiled by the Department for Transport to assess public attitude to climate change, mirrors its own research which says that 49 percent of drivers intend to drive more economically. The AA also reckons the average driver is paying £10 more a tank for diesel and £8.40 for petrol compared to a year ago.

Standard unleaded petrol currently costs an average of 129.0p a litre across the country, with a highest price of 143.9p according to petrolprices.com. Diesel is even higher at an average of 134.3p a litre, rising to a maximum of 146.9p in some places.

The current political unrest in places such as Bahrain and Libya has raised fears that costs are set to creep up ever further as well, as both countries are such major exporters of oil. Average oil prices have now topped $100 a barrel, rising to a recent high of $101.67 on the New York Merchantile Exchange.

Source : Tom Webster - http://uk.autoblog.com

Driving on Snow and Ice: 10 Safety Tips

2010-12-06T06:28:00.001-08:00

Expert Advice To Prevent a Car Crash

The best tip for winter driving: Sometimes it's best to stay home, or at least remain where you are until snow plows and sanding crews have done their work. If you crash on a snowy or icy road, you'll certainly be late — or worse. But since you can't always call in to work claiming a "snow day," it's better to learn how to correctly deal with driving in the snow.

I've battled snow- and ice-covered highways in two-dozen states behind the wheel of both passenger vehicles and 18-wheelers. I've performed hundreds of tire tests on snow-covered roads, attended snow-driving schools and done precision (translation: "barely in control") driving in the snow for videos and still photos. From this experience, here are some snow driving tips the average driver can follow to reduce the chances of a crash.

1.Get a grip. To have adequate snow traction, a tire requires at least 6/32-inch deep tread, according to The Tire Rack. (New passenger-car tires usually have 10/32-inch of tread.) Ultrahigh-performance "summer" tires have little or no grip in snow. Even "all-season" tires don't necessarily have great snow traction: Some do, some don't.

If you live where the roads are regularly covered with snow, use snow tires (sometimes called "winter tires" by tiremakers). They have a "snowflake on the mountain" symbol on the sidewall, meaning they meet a tire-industry standard for snow traction.

2.Make sure you can see. Replace windshield wiper blades. Clean the inside of your windows thoroughly. Apply a water-shedding material (such as Rain-X) to the outside of all windows, including the mirrors. Make sure your windshield washer system works and is full of an anti-icing fluid. Drain older fluid by running the washers until new fluid appears: Switching fluid colors makes this easy.

3.Run the air-conditioner. In order to remove condensation and frost from the interior of windows, engage your air-conditioner and select the fresh air option: It's fine to set the temperature on "hot." Many cars automatically do this when you choose the defrost setting.

4.Check your lights. Use your headlights so that others will see you and, we hope, not pull out in front of you. Make sure your headlights and taillights are clear of snow. If you have an older car with sand-pitted headlights, get a new set of lenses. To prevent future pitting, cover the new lens with a clear tape like that used to protect the leading edge of helicopter rotor blades and racecar wings. It's available from auto-racing supply sites.

5.Give yourself a brake. Learn how to get maximum efficiency from your brakes before an emergency. It's easy to properly use antilock brakes: Stomp, stay and steer. Stomp on the pedal as if you were trying to snap it off. Stay hard on the pedal. Steer around the obstacle. (A warning: A little bit of steering goes a very long way in an emergency. See Tip 8.) If you drive on icy roads or roads that are covered with snow, modify your ABS technique: After you "Stomp" and the ABS begins cycling — you will feel pulses in the pedal or hear the system working — ease up slightly on the pedal until the pulsing happens only once a second.

For vehicles without ABS, you'll have to rely on the old-fashioned system: You. For non-ABS on a mixed-surface road, push the brake pedal hard until the wheels stop rolling, then immediately release the brake enough to allow the wheels to begin turning again. Repeat this sequence rapidly. This is not the same as "pumping the brake." Your goal is to have the tires producing maximum grip regardless of whether the surface is snow, ice or damp pavement. Use the tips in "How To Survive the Top 10 Driving Emergencies" to practice before the emergency.

6.Watch carefully for "black ice." If the road looks slick, it probably is. This is especially true with one of winter's worst hazards: "black ice." Also called "glare ice," this is nearly transparent ice that often looks like a harmless puddle or is overlooked entirely. Test the traction with a smooth brake application or slight turn of the wheel.

7.Remember the tough spots. Race drivers must memorize the nuances of every track, so they can alter their path for changing track conditions. You must remember where icy roads tend to occur. Bridges and intersections are common places. Also: wherever water runs across the road. I know people who lost control on ice caused by homeowners draining above-ground pools and by an automatic lawn sprinkler that sprayed water onto a street in freezing temperatures.

8.Too much steering is bad. If a slick section in a turn causes your front tires to lose grip, the common — but incorrect — reaction is to continue turning the steering wheel. That's like writing checks on an overdrawn account: It won't improve the situation and may make things worse.

If the icy conditions end and the front tires regain grip, your car will dart whichever way the wheels are pointed. That may be into oncoming traffic or a telephone pole. Something very similar happens if you steer too much while braking with ABS. Sadly, there are situations where nothing will prevent a crash, but turning the steering too much never helps.

9.Avoid rear-tire slides. First, choose a car with electronic stability control. Fortunately, ESC will be mandatory on all 2012 models. Next, make sure your rear tires have at least as much tread as your front tires. Finally, if you buy winter tires, get four.

10.Technology offers no miracles. All-wheel drive and electronic stability control can get you into trouble by offering a false sense of security. AWD can only help a vehicle accelerate or keep moving: It can't help you go around a snow-covered turn, much less stop at an icy intersection. ESC can prevent a spinout, but it can't clear ice from the roads or give your tires more traction. Don't let these lull you into overestimating the available traction.

Regardless of your driving skill or vehicle preparation, there are some winter conditions that can't be conquered. But these tips may help prevent snowy and icy roads from ruining your day.

Source : Mac Demere - www.edmunds.com

The Drugalyser: New Weapon In The Clampdown On Drug Driving

2010-11-22T06:55:00.001-08:00

A new handheld “drugalyser” that detects substance abuse in under two minutes could become the latest weapon the clampdown on drug driving.

The portable handheld device can detect cocaine and heroine from a saliva sample within 90 seconds and other substances within minutes. It is able to detect drugs in the body at far lower levels than existing testing devices

The new portable device, which will be available in 2011, would mean police officers could carry out tests on suspected drug drivers at the roadside.

A positive result would mean officers would no longer have to wait for permission from a doctor before a blood test could be taken to be used as evidence in court.

The government announced plans in August to install a device to catch motorists driving under the influence of drugs at every police station within two years after a survey revealed earlier this year that nine in 10 drivers support a tougher stance on drug driving.

Last year, in a government-sponsored study, 10 per cent of drivers aged 18-29 admitted getting behind the wheel after taking illegal drugs.

Peter Welch, chairman and chief executive of Concateno, which produced the decvice, said: “The new system will offer significant operational benefits to healthcare and police professionals; perhaps the most important being the ability to speed up the point of care testing process.

It may also be used hospitals and doctors surgeries to detect patients with substance abuse problems.

Source : www.telegraph.co.uk

Drivers To Face Random Drink And Drug Tests Under New Powers

2010-11-16T06:42:00.001-08:00

All drivers face random drink and drug tests under new powers being requested by the police.

Chief constables have asked ministers to change the law to give officers “a power to randomly check any driver”.

The request from the Association of Chief Police Officers has emerged as ministers draw up new rules on driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Some police forces already use checkpoints to stop and check drivers, but police chiefs want to be able to go much further.

In a memo submitted to MPs investigating the issue, police chiefs said:

“ACPO wholeheartedly supports the introduction of a power to randomly check any driver.

“Putting conditions on when a breath test can be required simply supports the view that you can drink, drive and avoid prosecution by playing within the ‘rules’, police have unrestricted powers to stop vehicles to check tyres, condition and the documents of a driver but are restricted when they can check for drink or drugs.

“A random power would support targeted checkpoint testing of drink drivers carried out now is some areas but requiring an element of consent.

“Random powers are supported, not necessarily because we believe that the existing powers are inadequate; rather, we believe that this simple measure, widely publicised, would increase the perception in the minds of drivers that if they do drink and drive they are likely to be caught and brought to justice at any time, anywhere.

Police chiefs also demanded a change in the law to make it easier to test motorists for illegal drugs, warning that officers are “disillusioned” with the current legal “barriers” to carrying out such tests.

Granting police the power to carry out random breath testing is one of the key recommendations in the report on road safety prepared by Sir Peter North, former Principal of Jesus College, currently being considered by ministers.

The previous Government had drawn up plans to change the law to allow this to happen, but were voted out of office before they were able to do so.

However Kevin Delaney, the former head of traffic at Scotland Yard, said the police could carry out random testing already.

“They have two powers which enable them to do this,” he said.

“Police can stop any car at random. This, I believe, dates back to the 1930s, when officers wanted to check whether the driver had a licence.

“They also have the power to carry out a breath test if they think drink has been taken. It could be they smell alcohol on the breath or see someone driving away from a pub.”

The ACPO plea was backed by Rob Gifford, executive director of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety.

“International experience shows that regular and visible breath testing by police forces reduces the amount of drink-driving,” he said.

“Allowing the police to stop any driver and breath test him or her would send a clear signal to the driving public that the law is being enforced and that drinking and driving are two activities that are best undertaken separately.”

Responding to the call, a Department for Transport spokesman said:

“We are considering the North Report’s recommendations and will respond in due course.

“Our priority will be to tackle dangerous offenders in the most effective way possible to protect law abiding road users.”

Source : www.telegraph.co.uk

Young Drivers Don’t Need To Pay Over The Odds For Car Insurance

2010-11-08T05:45:00.001-08:00

Young drivers struggling to find an affordable insurance policy are turning to new technology to bring down premiums.

The average premium for a motorist aged between 17 and 22 is now £1956, according to the AA. That’s an increase of more than 50% since last year.

Young motorists pay such high premiums because statistically they are more likely to be involved in an accident. Road crashes are the biggest killer and cause of paralysis, limb loss and brain injury in young people. An 18-year-old is also more than three times as likely to crash as a 48-year-old.

Ian Crowder of the AA says: “Insurers are shunning young drivers because of the high volume and cost of claims. If you end up in a wheelchair because of a car accident, then the insurer could be facing a £17 million claim. And it’s a lot more common than you might expect. One in five young people will have a catastrophic accident in their first year of driving.”

A number of firms are using new technology to monitor motorists. The idea is to promote safer driving and so reduce premiums, which can benefit all drivers but might be particularly attractive to youngsters with high premiums. Insurethebox, for example, fits a satellite device into your car so it can track its movements. The system rewards careful motorists who drive a limited number of miles each year. Mark Grant, business development director of Insurethebox, says: “The technology not only reduces premiums, but also promotes safer driving.”

Insurethebox’s annual insurance policy covers 6000 miles. Drivers are then given 100 bonus miles each month – as long as they drive carefully. Bonus miles are deducted for a number of risky activities, such as driving at rush hour or at night, or for speeding. The average Insurethebox customer earns 50 bonus miles a month.

Drivers can buy top-up miles if they are likely to breach the 6000 limit. Extra miles are sold in bundles of 250 and the cost depends on your original premium. I-kube customers also have a “black box” fitted to their car. But they earn a discount on their standard premium by agreeing not to drive between the hours of 11pm and 5am.

Anyone who drives during these so-called “red hours” incurs an additional premium of £60.

Coverbox is another firm that uses tracking technology to monitor your driving. Customers can then get a rebate on their premium if they drive fewer miles than forecast or if they drive more often than expected during the day than at night. Of course, if you exceed your forecast mileage, or drive more than expected at night, you will have to pay an additional premium.

Penny Searles, director of Coverbox, says: “The black box constantly monitors your driving and customers can look at their driving reports on their own portal. It allows them to control the costs of their insurance and makes them more aware of their driving behaviour.”

Searles reckons that Coverbox customers pay on average 25% less for their insurance than with a standard policy.

Coverbox works with a panel of six insurers, including The Co-operative Insurance. Grant Mitchell, head of motor insurance for The Co-operative Insurance, says: “The Co-operative Insurance is committed to young drivers and raising awareness of the importance of driving safely and responsibly. Through our work with National road safety charity Brake, and Coverbox, our technology provider, we are in a unique position to help educate young drivers on the importance of responsible driving. We do this through the specialist website www.2young2die.org.uk and can also offer young drivers the opportunity to access cheaper car insurance through our partnership with Coverbox.”

Motorists who drive safely can also expect lower premiums in future because they can build up a no-claims discount (NCD). Drivers earn a discount on their premium if they do not make any claims. The NCD can be valuable, reducing the cost of cover by a third after one year.

The specialist firms usually arrange for someone to come and fit the tracking device to your car at a convenient time and place. But check on any fees for the box and installation. Also check whether there is a charge to remove the device if you change cars or insurers.

Some drivers might be wary of the black box. Perhaps it’s a bit too much like Big Brother, collecting potentially incriminating data, such as breaches of the speed limit. But there are other ways, outlined above, for young drivers to save on car insurance.

TOP 10 TIPS FOR YOUNG DRIVERS TO REDUCE CAR INSURANCE PREMIUMS

1. Buy a sensible car. Every new car is assigned to a car insurance group, and the lower the group, the lower the likely premium. You can find details of the car insurance groups at www.abi.org.uk

2. Don’t modify your car with spoilers and fat tyres as you will pay a higher premium.

3. You might earn a discount on your insurance if you fit approved security devices, such as an alarm or immobiliser system. If you can, keep your car in a locked garage when it’s not in use.

4. It is sometimes cheaper to buy third party, fire and theft insurance rather than comprehensive cover. But you have to weigh up the advantage of saving against the disadvantage of limited cover.

5. If you are prepared to pay a bigger voluntary excess, you might pay a lower premium. But remember that the excess is the amount of money you contribute towards any claim, so it should be affordable.

6. Shop around for an insurance quote. But make sure you compare like with like. A car insurance policy might be cheap because it does not offer many benefits.

7. Consider taking the Driving Standards Agency’s Pass Plus course, which gives extra tuition on night, motorway and inner city driving. Insurers and brokers often offer substantial discounts to drivers who have completed the course.

8. Pay annually. It is more expensive to spread the cost of your insurance over monthly instalments because you will be charged interest.

9. Add an additional driver. If you add an older, more experienced family member with a clean driving record it could cut the cost.

10. If you are the main driver or the registered owner of the car, do not insure the vehicle in your parents’ name and put yourself down as a named driver. The practice – known as “fronting” - is illegal and could invalidate any claim.

Source : www.heraldscotland.com

New Speed Camera Can Catch Drivers Committing Five Offences At Once

2010-11-04T07:03:00.001-07:00

A speed camera designed to catch motorists committing up to five offences at the same time could be heading to Britain's roads. As well as catching speeding motorists, the Asset camera should be able to pick out drivers who are not wearing seatbelts and accurately measure distances between moving cars to identify tailgating.

Asset (advanced safety and driver support for essential road transport) can also note number plates and recognise cars with out-of-date tax discs and no insurance.

Funded by the European commission, the camera system is being developed by a consortium that includes a number of European universities and research institutes and is being tested in Finland.

Motoring organisations and campaigners in the UK gave the system a cautious welcome. AA president Edmund King said he was pleased if it stopped motorists tailgating but hoped it would not be used as a money-making measure. "Tailgating is more dangerous in most cases than speeding so I think most motorists would welcome it," he said. "We will need sophisticated technology to police the roads and there would have to be safeguards. But it needs to be done as a safety measure, not as a money-making machine."

The campaign group Speed Cameras Dot Org said the devices should not become a replacement for traditional traffic police officers. A spokesman said: "We cautiously welcome a device that can detect several potential motoring offences, but it remains to be seen how accurate it is and how fairly it will be used.

"The main actions that cause the most accidents, namely not paying attention to the road, misjudging distances and other drivers' intentions, cannot be detected by a device of any sort. More police patrols and better driver education are the only ways to reduce accidents."

The development of Asset began in 2008 and is due to end next year. The developers hope that by 2013 its cameras will be set up across Europe, including the UK. Its selling point is that one camera can do a series of tasks: cameras now tend to be used for different jobs.

Matti Kutila, senior research scientist at VTT Technical Research Centre in Finland, where the system is being tested, said: "The main intention is to support traffic police to supervise that the drivers follow traffic rules such as wearing seat belts, preventing over-speeding and maintaining sufficient distance to the front vehicle. This of course is beneficial for road safety."

Source : Steven Morris - www.guardian.co.uk

Learner Drivers To Sit Theory Tests ‘Blind’

2010-11-04T07:02:00.001-07:00

The multiple-choice questions which appear in the written part of the exam will not be published in future, so candidates will not be able to memorise the answers.

‘The driving theory test should help to prepare drivers for real life on the road,’ said road safety minister Mike Penning.

‘Good driving is not just about vehicle-handling skills but also about having the knowledge and understanding of safe driving theory.

‘No longer publishing these questions and answers will mean that successful candidates will have to understand the theory rather than simply memorising answers.’

The minister said the move would lead to better drivers and safer roads. It follows the introduction of independent driving into the exam and the decision to stop publishing test routes to make sure the candidates can handle motoring along unfamiliar roads.

The Driving Standards Agency will change the format of books and learning materials to help people prepare for the new theory tests, which start in January 2012.

Practice questions and answers, not used in theory tests, will still be available for revision.

Read more: http://www.metro.co.uk/news/845844-learner-drivers-to-sit-theory-tests-blind#ixzz14IdrnCAd

Source : Mike Penning - www.metro.co.uk

Millions Drive With Poor Eyesight

2010-09-06T01:42:00.001-07:00

Millions of motorists are driving around with poor eyesight, according to a survey.

As many as 23% of those not wearing glasses admit their vision is less than perfect, the poll by LV= car insurance found.

And 7% of drivers who should wear glasses for driving do not always put them on when they get behind the wheel, the poll revealed.

Some of those who admit sight difficulties say they have trouble seeing at night and others struggle in bad weather.

Yet a third of them have not had their eyes tested in the last five years and 13% have either had a test more than 10 years ago or never had one.

In a test of 256 randomly-selected drivers, LV= car insurance found 9% were unable to make out a number plate just over 20 metres away on their first attempt. This figure rose to 18% of drivers aged 55 or over.

Of those who should wear glasses for driving but do not, 57% said they simply forget to put them on and 32% think it unnecessary.

A total of 2,490 UK drivers were surveyed.

LV= car insurance managing director John O'Roarke said: "The number plate test is a compulsory requirement of the driving test for a very good reason. However, this is no substitute for regular eye examinations as eyesight can change significantly over time.

John O’Roarke, LV car insurance managing director, said: “The number plate test is a compulsory requirement of the driving test for a very good reason. However, this is no substitute for regular eye examinations as eyesight can change significantly over time.

“Driving with poor eyesight is a criminal offence and can result in a fine, penalty points or even a ban, as well as invalidating your car insurance when it comes to making a claim.”

New EU legislation, set to be introduced in 2011, will require holders of private licences to have their eyes tested every 10 to 15 years, with holders of commercial licences having to do it every five years.

Source : Press Association

Parents 'Need A Refresher Lesson Before Teaching Kids To Drive'

2010-09-06T01:39:00.001-07:00

Parents giving their children driving lessons should brush up on their own skills beforehand, according to What Car? Driving School.

The company said in a statement many adults are choosing to give their teenagers lessons rather than pay for a professional as a result of the recession, but the majority of parents' driving knowledge is out of date.

Paul Atkinson, managing director of What Car? Driving School, noted 45 per cent of motorists in the UK would be likely to fail the current driving test if they took it today.

"It is all too clear that these drivers need a refresher driving lesson or two to ensure they do not pass on their bad habits to their teenagers," he commented.

The organisation listed approaching junctions too quickly and rushing observation procedures among the typical bad practices of parents.

A recent study by Gocompare.com found a third of mothers and fathers do not know the correct laws on child car seats

Source : Mary Treen - www.trl.co.uk

Vauxhall Corsa Vehicle Recall

2010-07-29T03:45:00.003-07:00

Following a vehicle recall notice issued by Vauxhall, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has announced conditions for allowing Vauxhall Corsa D models on the driving test.

This applies to all Vauxhall Corsa D vehicles with registration plates with a ‘59’ or ‘10’ year identifier.

For these vehicles, there is a possibility that the handbrake cable end fitting could move within the supporting bracket welded to the under body of the vehicle.

If this fault occurs, it might lead to a sudden loss of handbrake function at any time.

If you want to use one of these vehicles for your driving test, it will only go ahead if:

· the vehicle is fitted with dual controls - this is to help the examiner control the car in the unlikely event of a failure

or

· if you supply documents to show that remedial work has been carried out – this will usually be in the form of the Vauxhall recall letter stamped by the dealer and containing written confirmation that the remedial work has been carried out.

If none of these criteria are met, you’ll need to contact customer services to arrange for your test to be rebooked once the remedial work has been completed.

As there’s been no prior warning of this action, customers will have their test fee refunded or will be given a free retest only on the first occasion that they bring an affected vehicle for their test.

Source : DSA

Battle Of The Sexes Continues In Cars

2010-07-29T03:45:00.001-07:00

Research reveals that when it comes to motoring, it's not just how men and women drive that is different, but how we crash too. Find out how it can affect your car insurance.

Diamond, the women's car insurance specialist, has revealed that there are certain types of accidents women are more likely than men to be involved in.

The list for women includes accidents in car parks, bumps on roundabouts and prangs at traffic lights. On the other hand, male motorists are more likely than female motorists to have a head on collision, drive their car up or down an embankment or hit a crash barrier.

"Our research suggests the way men and women drive is different. Possibly men drive faster and more aggressively than women, while women are more easily distracted than men behind the wheel of car," said Sian Lewis, managing director of Diamond. "Women tend to be in more accidents at slower speeds, where cars are close together, while men have more high-speed accidents where it is easy to lose control."

Car insurance claims revealed

Women are also more likely to have their car broken into and have something inside stolen, while men are more likely to have their car stolen outright. Men's cars are also more likely to catch fire than women's and they're more likely to drive through a flood. Men are also more likely than women to claim for fuel contamination.

Research from Direct Line recently revealed a number of 'crash for cash' hotspots, which add an estimated £44 on average to every UK motorist's premiums. Whether a man or a woman, it is always advisable that you regularly review your car insurance policy to ensure you are getting the best deal on your motor insurance.

Source : www.dailyfinance.co.uk

New Hands-Free Technology Lets Motorists Use Twitter While Driving

2010-07-29T03:44:00.001-07:00

British motorists could soon be able to use Twitter while driving with new hands-free technology from car company Ford.

The system, called AppLink, allows applications on iPhones and BlackBerries to be voice-controlled.

It reads 'tweet' updates out loud while the car is on the move - but does not allow the driver to respond.

This is all controlled by Ford's SYNC system - a hands-free technology that is also capable of reading out text messages and uses voice recognition to select specific songs from an MP3 player.

It was created after a study, from Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, in America, revealed the dangers of driver inattention.

Research suggested that being distracted for a matter of seconds is a factor in a staggering 80 per cent of accidents.

Ford says its SYNC technology offers significant safety benefits by allowing the driver to focus more on the road.
Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas, said: 'It's only through continuous improvement that Ford will maintain its lead in voice-activated vehicle controls.

'Making SYNC even more intuitive and easier to use will encourage more drivers to take advantage of its hands-free capabilities, helping them keep their focus on driving.'

The system is expected to appear in the Focus model in Britain next year before being installed across the range.
But it's being greeted with some scepticism by driving experts in the UK.

John Franklin, from the RAC, said: 'RAC welcomes any innovation that improves safety by limiting the distractions in the car.

'However it's debatable whether this type of technology will help as it's likely to increase the distractions available to the driver.

'Tweeting while driving is an unnecessary distraction and shouldn't be seen as an essential activity when behind the wheel.'

A spokesman for the AA added: 'This technology has Jeckyll and Hyde qualities.

'It has positive aspects - it could entertain you on a long journey and provide valuable information about your route.
'But it could also be a distraction - the temptation is there to 'tweet' back if you hear one read out.

'It's fine if it's merely meant to be listened to - like a radio - but not if the driver has to start fiddling around with buttons.

'Hands-free technology can be dangerous if the driver is distracted for too long.

'It is the driver's responsibility to use the technology safely.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1297065/New-hands-free-technology-lets-motorists-use-Twitter-driving.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0ud4diUlk

Source : www.dailymail.co.uk

Pass Plus Course For Learner Drivers

2010-07-12T06:38:00.001-07:00

As you pass your driving test you are permitted to drive on roads, but then also you are still an inexperienced driver.

As per the statistics roughly 20% new drivers are around 10 times more expected to be involved in an accident and unfortunately, two drivers under the age of 25 die each day in crashes in the UK.

Driving Standards Agency has designed a scheme called Pass Plus. It is designed with coordination and cooperation of the driving instruction and motor insurance industries.

The main aim of this scheme is to enable new drivers to gain valuable knowledge, learn new skills and techniques, improve anticipation and alertness, learn how to diminish the danger of accidents and uphold a polite attitude on the road and also assist to build up existing skills.

Who can take part

Pass Plus is a post driving examination course. The purpose is for giving driving knowledge to a qualified person who has passed the driving test quite recently.

It has been observed that entirely new drivers are more often considerably more prone to mishaps, predominantly within the first couple of years of driving.

The Pass Plus scheme which is designed by DSA is a final test that is modular and given in 6 parts, which in effect results in the creation of superior drivers who will respond promptly as well as more obviously to any sort of incident that they might come across while driving. In this way, together their aptitude and their self-confidence are improved, the effect being a less hazardous and more knowledgeable driver.

Purpose of the Pass Plus course

•To have a precise safe and sound driving knowledge.
•Be trained how to deal with a broad range of road and traffic situations, many of which you almost won’t have come across before
•Upgrade on your existing skills and knowledge – it can take years to become a skilled driver. Pass Plus helps you to get this by speeding up the learning procedure under the guidance of a professional instruction.
•Diminish your danger of being in a road crash – the training will help you to improve your consciousness and alertness on all kinds of hazards and help you in learning how to become an expert, avoid the hazards and deal with them carefully.
•Pass Plus training also helps in boosting up your self confidence whenever you feel nervous while driving on your own.

Pass Plus course overview

Pass Plus includes six practical modules that cover driving in town, in all weathers, on rural roads, in dark, in day light, on dual-carriageways and on motorways. Within the first 12 month of passing your test you can take this test.

It is in fact adapted for those who have recently passed their driving test and require the knowledge previously not obtained by them. It has to be explained that it is not only for those who have recently passed their driving test, but for those also who have passed earlier and wants further experience in the same field.

The Pass Plus couse consists of a series of six modules of at least one hour each. These cover:

•introduction and town driving
•all-weather driving
•out of town driving and rural roads
•night driving
•dual carriageways
•motorway driving

As a sign of the effectiveness of the scheme, latest survey conducted for the Driving Standards Agency showed that 93% of people who had taken Pass Plus felt more confident on the road, and 80% considered that their driving skills had enhanced as a result of taking the course.

Choosing an Instructor

Talk to your instructor about the Pass Plus course before, as well as after the completion of your driving test. The instructor will explain the skills which will be provided. The driving instructor will provide a minimum of one hour to all of these areas of motoring; yet, some less experienced motorists may require additional lessons. The instructor must possess and ADI green badge and also be registered as DSA Pass Plus instructor, in order to teach the Pass Plus candidates.

Pass Plus course fee

You can reduce your car insurance premiums or get an additional no claims bonus with some insurance companies. Costing depends on the motoring organization and the actual amount of time spent on the candidate. Moreover, every part of the country has its own costing system. One supplementary financial concern in passing your Pass Plus is the cut down in your motoring insurance premium.

Advantages of completing the Pass Plus-After the completion of Pass Plus course you will be able to drive in town, in all weathers, on rural roads, at night, on dual carriageways and on motorways with much more confidence.

Pass Plus gives you an additional experience and reduces your car insurance premium/discount.

More than 1,000 successful candidates per month have enjoyed the profit of highly developed training and insurance discounts, since the scheme stated in February 1995

Frequent driving scenarios and conditions are introduced to the new driver and this will surely improve his or her taken as a whole knowledge as well as skills.

Ask your instructor about Pass Plus on your next driving lesson. Or if you have passed your driving test, contact your driving instructor to book your Pass Plus course.

Source : 123driving.co.uk

Elderly Motorists Need More Support

2010-07-06T00:41:00.001-07:00

Medical checks, driving evaluations and better public transport could all help older drivers stay safe on our roads.

The RAC report on motoring, out this week, highlights strong support from 84% of older motorists for refresher driving courses. With over three-quarters of 70-year-olds driving for over 30 years, and 86% having no additional driver training or assessment since passing their test, the driving needs of elderly motorists must be reviewed. Whether this translates into regular medical checks and refresher courses for all drivers, or when the driver reaches a certain age, the debate must be led by both government and society and any changes must be based on hard evidence.

Statistics show that, although older motorists have no more accidents each year than other drivers over 25, they are more likely to be the cause of an accident. Our research reveals that seven out of 10 of Britain's motorists are concerned about older people driving on the roads today. And with over 3 million older motorists on the road – set to double to over 6 million in the next 20 years – that is a large number of drivers to worry about. Indeed, around two thirds of British motorists support compulsory medical checks and driving evaluations for the elderly.

So, government needs to consider initiatives to help the older generation to continue to drive safely. Perhaps we can learn from our European counterparts? In Spain, a driving licence is valid for only five years when the holder is aged 45 to 70, and two years from 70 on. A person over the age of 70 is asked to present a medical certificate at each renewal. In France, once aged 75, you must pass a medical test every two years to retain your licence. Much stricter than the UK's current rules, where motorists at the age of 70 get their driving licence renewed for 3 years with a self-declaration of fitness.

Improving the quality of our roads would also go a long way to ensuring older motorists' confidence: 14% of older drivers lack confidence on driving on damaged roads with potholes. This means nearly 500,000 older drivers are having difficulties on our roads today. Improving public transport links and networks to ease the mobility of older people would also help, as our research shows half of all older motorists would use their car less if public transport were better. Government needs to make better provisions for managing and repairing the roads, as well as provide viable transport alternatives.

The challenge for society is to ensure that older generations are competent drivers, and we need to have a serious debate about the practicalities and benefits of refresher courses, compulsory medical testing and driving evaluations.

Source : David Bizley - www.guardian.co.uk

Drink-Driving Laws Should Be Tougher, Says Report

2010-06-25T07:39:00.001-07:00

Sir Peter North recommends cutting legal limit from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg.

A government-commissioned report [pdf] has called for Britain's drink-driving laws to be toughened to a level that would put some people over the limit after one drink.

In the first review of drink-driving laws for 34 years, Sir Peter North recommends cutting the maximum legal limit from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg. Drivers found with this lower level in their blood, which for some people would represent a single glass of wine or a pint of strong beer, would face a 12-month driving ban, as they do now.

North stressed that most drivers could still have a drink without infringing the new limit. The government said it would consider all of his 51 recommendations.

The report cites figures from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence, which estimates that as many as 168 lives could be saved in the first year of a reduced limit.

North said the public supported tougher limits. "Research conclusively shows the much higher risk posed by drink driving. With a blood alcohol level between my proposed new limit of 50mg/100ml and the current 80mg/100ml limit, a driver has a six times greater risk of road death than a non-drinking driver. The public is ready for a lower limit."

If adopted North's proposals would bring Britain's drink-driving laws into line with most European countries. In seven countries – Sweden, Poland, Belgium Estonia, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary – any drink-driving is effectively banned.

"Great Britain is almost the only European country to continue to have a

BAC limit above 50mg/100 ml," the report says. It points out that Britain's 12-month driving ban is tougher than the European norm.

North, who was commissioned by the former transport secretary Lord Adonis, called for improvements to drug-driving laws by allowing nurses as well as doctors to authorise blood tests of suspects. He recommended the development of a roadside saliva test of those suspected of driving having taken drugs.

North ruled out a 20mg alcohol limit for young and new drivers but said this possible lower limit should be looked at again after five years. The report says cars of high-risk drink-drive offenders should be targeted and coroners should test for drugs in all road deaths.

The transport secretary, Philip Hammond, said he would "carefully consider" the report but would balance it against the possible damage to the drinks industry.

"It is important that we fully investigate the economic and public service resource impact of any suggested changes to the law, taking account of the financial and economic situation.

"Our priority will be to tackle drink and drug-driving in the most effective way possible to protect law-abiding road users."

Drivers' groups and safety campaigners welcomed the report. The AA president, Edmund King, said: "Our members want action on drug-driving and also support a reduction in the drink-drive limit, together with a 12-month ban."

Professor Stephen Glaister, director of the RAC Foundation, said: "The message needs to be sent that drug-driving is as socially unacceptable as drink-driving. Tougher regulation will help underline this."

Alan Kennedy, chairman of Road Safety GB, which represents more than 200 local authority road safety groups, said: "Each year hundreds of people die at the hands of drink-drivers, yet the UK has some of the most lenient drink-driving laws in Europe. We are one of only five countries in the EU with a legal limit of 80mg.

"This is a great opportunity to significantly reduce the number of deaths on our roads and we urge the government to accept the North findings."

Source : Matthew Weaver - www.guardian.co.uk

BSM Thinks Pink To Calm L-Test Nerves

2010-06-25T07:36:00.001-07:00

BSM, a major motoring school, is using pink Fiat 500s because it claims their paintwork calms learner drivers.

The company quotes research showing that pink has a relaxing effect on physical behaviour, reducing anxiety within minutes of exposure to the colour, helping to steady nerves.

The pink Fiats will be located in London, Bristol, Manchester and the south-east.

According to the Institute of Biosocial Research in Tacoma, Washington, USA, pink helps heart muscles relax, promoting slower and deeper breathing, leaving novices relaxed but alert.

This apparently allows the learner to "be in a more receptive state of mind" so that they can absorb and respond to information from their instructor.

BSM has also worked with colour therapist Suzy Chiazzari, who said: "Pink expresses our ability to actively carry out a task in a positive and relaxed manner while keeping the goal in mind.

"This research helps indicate that the pink BSM Fiat 500s will increase success rates for learner drivers."

Independent Driving Explained

2010-06-18T02:35:00.001-07:00

From 4 October 2010, learner drivers will be tested on independent driving as part of the practical
driving test.

During their test, candidates will have to drive for about 10 minutes, either following a series of directions, following traffic signs, or a combination of both.

To help candidates understand where they're going, the examiner may show them a diagram.

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

Pass Rates

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.

Length Of Driving Tests And Test Fees

The length of driving tests and test fees will not change when independent driving is introduced in October. Driving test fees can be found at direct.gov.uk/drivingtestfees.

Categories Of Tests

All categories of practical driving test will include around 10 minutes of independent driving.

For approved driving instructor (ADI) qualifying tests, this will be in the part two (driving ability) test.

Manoeuvres

From October, car test candidates (category B) will have to complete one reversing manoeuvre rather than two. The manoeuvre will be selected at random by the examiner from:

* turning in the road
* reversing around a corner
* reverse parking (either on the road, or into a bay)

An emergency stop exercise will still be conducted on one in three tests.

Manoeuvres in all other categories of tests will not be changed. Candidates for the ADI part two (driving ability) test will still have to complete all the manoeuvres.

Special Needs

DSA already has procedures to identify special needs and disabilities when tests are booked online or over the phone. The examiner then knows which type of special needs the candidate has so reasonable adjustment can be made.

For independent driving this could be asking the candidate which method they prefer for the section – in other words, following signs, or a series of directions (a maximum of three) which are supported by a diagram approved by the British Dyslexia Association. In some cases this will be shortened to just two directions.

DSA recognise there are many ways of developing perfectly road-safe coping strategies in order to navigate from A to B and is satisfied that examiners will manage the situation accordingly. Independent driving is a significant road safety addition to the practical driving test but will not prevent candidates from holding a licence.

DSA is determined that no member of society should suffer detriment due to any change we introduce.

People Who Don't Speak English

Driving examiners are very experienced at dealing with candidates who speak little or no English and they'll be able to manage the situation accordingly.

For example, sometimes this will include writing place names so it is clear to candidates where they are being asked to drive to. To help all candidates, when asked to follow a series of verbal directions the examiner can show a diagram, so that they can picture the route they've been asked to take.

Just as currently, the candidate can have an interpreter along with them on their test if they wish. Since 6 April 2010 ADIs have been able to act as an interpreter for their own pupils.

Routes, Directions And Sat Navs

If the candidate goes off-route during the independent driving section, the examiner will get the candidate back on route and continue with the independent driving section wherever possible. The test won't be terminated.

If the candidate looks like taking a wrong turning, the examiner will control the situation as they do now and preferably step in before the candidate goes off route. If that's not possible, the examiner will help the candidate get back on route as soon as possible by guiding them with normal directions.

Independent driving is not a test of the candidate's orientation skills. If the candidate goes off route, but does not commit a fault, there's nothing to assess. Any faults that did occur would be assessed under the circumstances at the time - as usual. There is no change to assessment.

http://www.dsa.gov.uk/download.asp?path=/documents/practical_test/dsa_independent_driving_route_diagram_example.pdf" target="_blank">Download an example of an independent driving route diagram (PDF, 305Kb)

There will be times when, due to poor or obscured signage, the examiner may have to intervene. If this happens the examiner would say, ‘There are no signs here. Just continue ahead please' and then, ‘Now, carry on following the signs to ……'

If the candidate asks for a reminder of the directions, the examiner will be happy to confirm them. Driving independently means making your own decisions and, just like when driving with friends, this includes deciding when it's safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation on where you're going.

Independent driving is designed to test the learner's ability to drive unsupervised and make decisions without guidance and in unfamiliar contexts. DSA is therefore taking the opportunity to review the appropriateness of current route publication practices.

The independent driving section of the test is approximately 10 minutes when you will be asked to drive making your own decisions. A sat nav gives directions in much the same way as the driver trainer, or the examiner, so it's not appropriate to use for independent driving.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQRl3zkkOgg

Guidance and paperwork
The DL25 driving test report form will not be changed when independent driving is introduced, as there is no change to assessment.

ADIs sometimes refer to a document called the DT1. This contains internal operational guidance for driving examiners in the conduct of driving tests. An updated version will be published on DSA's corporate website at the beginning of October.

New Rules For Accompanying C1 And D1 Learner Drivers

2010-04-23T07:20:00.001-07:00

With effect from 1st May 2010 new rules are introduced making it illegal for anyone to act as an
accompanying driver in a category C1, C1+E, D1 or D1+E vehicle unless they have passed a driving test for the particular category of vehicle concerned. From 1 May, the supervising driver in category C1 or D1 Vehicles (including vehicle plus trailer
combinations) must:

1. hold a full (post 1997) licence for the same category of vehicle as that being driven by the learner

2. have held that entitlement for the relevant period of time, usually three years

The intention was that drivers holding category C1, C1+E, D1 and D1+E entitlements obtained before 1997 (on other words, implied rights), and who passed a driving test in one of those categories before 6 April 2010, would be given credit for the time they had held the implied rights entitlement for the category concerned. The effect being that they would, from the date that the clarifying amendments to the regulations were implemented, already meet the requirements at (a) and (b) above. However, the deadline for passing the test(s) and gaining access to the concession has been extended and is now 1 May 2010.

Drivers who pass the relevant driving test(s) after 1 May will have to wait until they have held their new entitlement for the relevant period, usually three years, before they can act as an accompanying driver in a category of vehicle covered by that entitlement.

These new arrangements do not affect a person's existing entitlement to drive a medium sized lorry or minibus.

Newbury Instructor’s New Product To Banish Nerves

2010-04-15T01:08:00.001-07:00

A NEWBURY driving instructor has launched a unique two-CD-set solution to driving test nerves has
just been launched which allows nervous learners to overcome their nerves and pass their driving tests.

Do you remember your driving test? Do you remember how you felt on the day of your test? Arriving at the driving test centre, anxiously waiting for your turn and wishing you were back at home.

These nerves have caused many a sleepless night, and in many cases may have hindered a learner from gaining their full driving licence. A recent survey of 1,500 learner drivers found that 51 per cent are ‘panicked’ by the prospect of parallel parking with a further 22 per cent ‘terrified’ about reversing around a corner.

The thought of stalling the car strikes fear in to the hearts of just 21 per cent of learners and only eight eight per cent were worried about failing their theory test. Sixteen per cent claimed to dislike turning right at a T-junction and admitted to sometimes driving ‘the long way round’ to avoid

the manoeuvre. Driving instructor Martin Caswell specialises in teaching nervous drivers and decided that he would develop a product to help learner drivers to overcome these learning to drive and driving fears.

The product that he came up with was the Driving Test Nerves series of two-CD Sets. He drew on his own teaching experience stretching over 35 years together with the experience of fully qualified and hypnotherapist David Clayton.

This series of CDs combines hypnotherapy sessions with simple to follow practical advice to help learners to grow in confidence to the extent of enabling to pass their next driving test.

Mr Caswell has tested his CD sets on his own pupils, and said: “So far, astounding results have been achieved. Each person without exception has felt much calmer and relaxed and perhaps more importantly, enhanced feelings of much greater confidence, and have gone on to pass their driving test at the following attempt.

“What makes this series of CDs unique is that it is not like any other hypnotherapy CD made for learner drivers, as the content for this series is drawn on the specific teaching experienced of a fully qualified Driving Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructor (DSA ADI).

The flagship Driving Test Nerves hypnotherapy two-disc set walks the learner through the actual driving test procedure as it is today in 2010, step-by-step, as well as providing additional hypnotherapy session to give the newly-qualified driver confidence when driving on their own for the very first time.

This particular series contains two CDs, with the second CD containing detailed diagrams and offering practical advice on precisely how to competently complete the required driving manoeuvres, such as reversing round a corner, parallel parking, bay parking and three-point turns, with step-by-step instructions on each individual action you need to do to complete them successfully. Other CDs in the series include Motorway Driving, Refresher Driving and even one specifically for those who suffer with road rage.

Mr Caswell explained: “It’s really about getting the mind to be positive. A lot of people go in feeling negative. They say ‘I won't think about passing, so if I fail, it won’t be so disappointing.’ I say to them ‘think about Richard Branson. Do you you think, when he started Virgin Atlantic, he said ‘I won't think about it being successful in case it fails’? The CD is about reinforcing what you have been told – you can do this. It reinforces what the instructor has told you.”

One of the CDs even prepares newly-qualified drivers for driving on their own for the first time.

Currently available from Mr Caswell’s website, he is opening to market the product through wider channels, including promoting the product nationally.

For more details on these CDs and how they can help you overcome your Driving Test Nerves visit www.TestNerves.co.uk

Source : Richard Maynard - www.newburybusinesstoday.co.uk

Driving Tests 75 Years Old This Month

2010-03-25T02:16:00.001-07:00

The driving test is 75 years old this month, and over that time motorists have become well aware of
the need for caution around learner drivers.

Provisional Marmalade, the new driver’s champion, has collaborated with Halfords to provide an innovative car insurance product that provides provisional drivers with fully comprehensive insurance on a family or friend’s car for just £3 a day.

More traditional insurance usually involves a hefty premium that can be thousands of pounds, and jeopardise the car owner’s no claims bonus.

The high cost has meant that learner drivers aged 17-21 have declined from 46% to 32% in recent years.

Halfords’ Diane Perry has said that high prices have put off many young drivers from taking advantage of extra practice outside of paid lessons.

High costs are not only an issue for learner drivers.

Recent research by moneysupermarket.com has shown that one in ten families are performing the criminal act of ‘fronting’, which is when a parent takes out insurance on a child’s car in the parent’s name.

Steve Sweeney, moneysupermarket.com’s head of car insurance, has said that the practice is illegal and would be classed as fraud by an insurer.
Source : Richard Kilner - www.insurancedaily.,co.uk

'Are You Ready?' Video For Car Tests

2010-03-22T04:08:00.000-07:00

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has updated its 'Are you ready?' video for the car driving test.

'Are you ready?' is the official step-by-step explanation of the driving test. It's been updated so you know what the examiner will ask about taking someone with you on you driving test.

DSA encourages you to take someone with you on your driving test. This will usually be the person who has taught you to drive, but it could be a relative or a friend. They must be over 16 years old and cannot take any part in the test.

The person who goes with you will be able to see how you perform during the test. To get the most benefit from this, it would be sensible to ask your instructor to go with you. They can then give you advice on how to improve your driving, whether you pass or fail.

If you run your own website, you can embed the new clip into it. You can also share it using social networking sites, such as Facebook, Twitter and Bebo.

See the video by copy'n'pasting this link: http://www.youtube.com/user/dsagov#p/p/7C69D49DC86A8F23/1/cIHkJe8DbAU

or visiting our facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Select-School-of-Motoring-Wales-Ltd/339159797746

Source : DSA

Car Joy For Man Who Lost Two Limbs

2010-03-19T05:18:00.000-07:00

A MAN who lost an arm and a leg in a motorcycle accident 26 years ago is celebrating after finally
passing his driving test.

Chris Allen, 44, from Kempsford, has passed his driving test after the fourth attempt in a car which has been specially adapted to meet his needs.

Chris was left devastated at the age of 17 when he lost his right arm and his right leg in a motorcycle accident on a dual carriageway between Chippenham and Lavington in 1983.

His injuries were so serious that he was in a coma for more than two months and even had to learn to speak again.

He also uses a prosthetic leg.

At the time of the accident he was having driving lessons but vowed never to get behind the wheel again due to the severity of his injuries.

However, last month, Chris finally passed his test in Chippenham with four minor faults.

He said: "I am so delighted. I was craving some indepedence and I just wanted to feel normal again. Now I do.

"It is a saviour having a car. There is only one bus a day from the village into Cirencester which was a nuisance.

"Now I can just hop into my car and go anywhere, anytime.

"Having a car is essential if you live in a remote village."

In 2008 Chris asked the government to help him fund his lessons. However, he found he was ineligible for charitable funding because he is not aged between 16 and 24. So he paid for the lessons himself.

His car, which is on a three-year lease through Motability from the Allen Ford dealer in Swindon, has been specially adapted. The car is automatic and the brake and accelerator are both operated by the left leg.

There is a knob fitted to the rim of the steering wheel which Chris can move with one hand. Features such as indicators and windscreen wipers are operated by an infra-red panel just off the steering wheel.

"I was so nervous getting behind the wheel for the first time but I was determined to do it," Chris said.

"When you are 17 you think you are indestructible. I won’t be making that mistake this time.

‘The car took a lot of getting used to but now it has become second nature. I never thought I’d be behind a wheel again, I know I’m very lucky."

Source : Gemma Casey - www.wiltsglosstandard.co.uk

Driving Examiner Strike On Wednesday 24 March

2010-03-18T06:23:00.000-07:00

The PCS union is asking its members to take strike action on Wednesday 24 March.

If you have a driving test booked for that day, you are asked to attend as scheduled.

The DSA won’t know the effects of the strikes until the day as not all of their examiners and staff are members of the union. They don’t know at this stage who will attend for work, which is why you are asked that you arrive for your test regardless.

You don’t need to do anything and there is no need to contact DSA.

If you can’t take a test because of the action, you will have the test rebooked automatically, free of charge, and an appointment confirmation will be sent by email or post.

If your new appointment isn’t suitable you can change it online at direct.gov.uk/drivingtest.

Source : DSA

Virtual Tragedies Get Teens’ Attention Behind The Wheel

2010-03-17T02:57:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a single choice can change a life forever. It's especially true with new teen drivers. A
new program called One Simple Decision, available later this month to schools and law enforcement agencies across the country, drives home the risks of being distracted or impaired when you're behind the wheel - without putting anyone in danger.

Students sit at a computer screen and control a small steering wheel on a simulated drive, adjusting speed with a gas petal. The program uses videotaped scenes with real police officers and a judge to help teens experience a mock arrest, booking and sentencing for mistakes they make behind the wheel.

Per mile driven, teenagers have about four times the risk of other people of being in a car accident, according to the Injury Free Coalition for Kids, a community-based education and advocacy group. And the first 18 months when new drivers are gaining experience is the most dangerous time. Experts say about 4,000 teens die each year in car accidents, and being distracted or impaired is often a contributing factor.

"So you take inexperience, add on hand-held electronic devices distracting teenagers and you have a fatal combination," says Dr. Brendan Campbell of Connecticut Children's Medical Center in Hartford. "It's almost like an addiction that teens are not able to recognize the risk that hand held devices pose and they can't resist the urge to use them," says Campbell.

Drivers of all ages are four times more likely to be in an accident when using a cell phone and at least eight times more likely while texting, according to the National Safety Council.

But unlike adults, teens' brains are not fully developed, especially in the areas affecting judgment and decision-making.

"They think that they are invincible and that they're bulletproof and that bad things aren't ever going to happen to them," says Campbell.

On his One Simple Decision drive, Henry Sewell, 17, rear-ended a car while using his cell phone. High school junior Kaley Markham crashed into a fire hydrant while driving under the influence.

Would those lessons apply to their real lives? "I do text sometimes in my car and I occasionally do talk on the phone," says Henry. For Kaley too: "I change the song, I text occasionally and usually my GPS I use when I'm stopped, but sometimes I have to fix it while I'm driving." But watching scenes through the eyes of an arrested driver who is booked in a real police station and then taken before the judge for sentencing was unsettling for Kaley and Henry.

"One minor rear ending while you're texting or calling could end up being jail time," says Henry. Kaley fatally struck a pedestrian during her second driving simulation. "I was actually scared when I saw the video of what you get charged for when you hit people," says Kaley.

But will this virtual driving experience change their driving behaviors? Henry says he'll wait until he's at a stop before calling people and is rethinking his texting habits.

"I'll definitely prohibit myself from texting as often as I do," explains Henry.

Campbell says he's encouraged by the possibilities new virtual driving tools offer but advises teen and parents alike to also remember the low-tech fundamentals.

"The most important thing you can do as a parent is to drive with your teenager," he says.

Source : Leslie Wade - CNN Medical Producer http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com

Driving Standards Agency Confirms Barry Driving Test Centre Closure

2010-03-16T05:33:00.001-07:00

THE Driving Standards Agency (DSA) says there will be no reprieve for the Barry Driving Test Centre and that the office will close as planned - but Vale MP John Smith says the fight isn't over.

The DSA and the Department for Transport (DfT) last week announced that the closure will go ahead, regardless of a meeting between Vale MP John Smith and Transport Minister Paul Clark last month.

Chris Lee, a spokesperson for the DVLA, said: "The closure is still planned for March 26, 2010.

"It was stated in the meeting that if there was a future need for a test centre because of population growth, then it would be considered at a later date, should the need arise."

A DfT spokesperson added: "Paul Clark met with John Smith MP to discuss the test centre closure and understands the concerns Mr Smith forcefully put to him.

"However, to date, the evidence provided by the DSA is conclusive on the issue and Paul Clark has written to Mr Smith explaining that the closure is planned to go ahead."

But Mr Smith denied that any decision had been confirmed, and last week had a second meeting with the transport minister.

A spokesperson for Mr Smith said: "Mr Smith had a further meeting with the Transport Minister last week and what's more, he has recently submitted evidence on future population growth here in Barry and the Vale of Glamorgan which he believes hasn't been properly taken into account and warrants the retention of the Driving Test Centre in Barry.

"In the past when Barry Driving Test Centre faced closure, the case for keeping it open was properly listened to and closure was averted. Let's hope that the same happens this time around."

Barry driving instructor Lyndon Davies, who has led the campaign against the closure said: "Thousands of people signed the petition to keep Barry Driving Test Centre - we must do everything we can to convince the DSA to keep it open."

Barry driving instructors, backed by the town’s learner drivers and politicians, have tried to prove the need for a test centre in the town.

Source : Elinor Cross - www.barryanddistrictnews.co.uk

Passing Your Driving Test

2010-03-12T03:48:00.001-08:00

We've all heard the horror stories - the friend who took eleven times to pass their driving test, the relative who crashed during the exam and the colleague who was simply never granted the elusive license.

So, how does a learner motorist ensure that they do not become driving test folklore and pass their exam swiftly?

Firstly, it is important to know exactly what the test will entail so there are no surprises on the big day. Being caught out by the unexpected will only make a candidate's nerves worse.

The driving test will always begin with an eyesight check. This will normally involve the examiner asking the candidate to read the number plate of a car parked in the area. If a candidate fails this test, they will not be able to sit the rest of the examination - so those who suspect they might need glasses should get their eyes checked out prior to a driving test.

After this, the examiner will ask the driver to perform some basic safety checks on their vehicle, such as turning on the hazard lights and identifying where the oil gauge is.

The practical test will then begin. On average, this will last for about 40 minutes, during which the examiner will be assessing the candidate's overall standard of driving.

Candidates will be directed around the area by their examiner and those who are keen to pass would be advised to thoroughly familiarise themselves with the test route before the big day.

This will ensure that if there are any quirks in the road layout or confusing junctions etc the candidate will know to expect them and be confident in maneuvering the car through them.

Examiners will be assessing how well candidates change gears, their awareness of road hazards, perception of other cars and how they navigate the vehicle through junctions and roundabouts.

In addition to this, a candidate will be asked to perform a number of manoeuvres, which those hoping to pass their test should have practised and perfected before the big day.

The manoeuvres candidates should prepare include a reverse around a corner, a parallel park, a turn in the road and an emergency stop - although it is very unlikely they will be asked to perform all of these in one test.

Those taking their driving test should also think carefully about which vehicle they take the exam in. If a driving instructor cannot make the test date, choosing to undertake the test in a friend or relative's car, which the candidate is not as familiar with, could prove to be a fatal mistake.

Finally, try to be as calm as possible on the big day.

Source : www.uknetguide.co.uk

Drivers Who Pass Test at The Second Attempt Are Safest

2010-03-05T05:18:00.000-08:00

Drivers Who Pass Test at The Second Attempt Are Safest

New Study Reveals Drivers Who Pass Test at The Second Attempt Are Safest On Roads.

Surprising results from a study performed by Continental Tyres reveals those who pass on their second attempt have fewer points on their licence, are less likely to suffer road rage or be stopped by police.

Motorists who pass their driving test second time round are the safest on the roads, a recent study has revealed. Researchers at Continental Tyres have found those who pass on their second attempt have fewer points on their licence, are less likely to suffer road rage or be stopped by police.

Guy Frobisher, director of safety at Continental Tyres which surveyed 6,200 motorists on their driving history and skills said: “It seems that second time around is perfect when it comes to the best drivers.

“Second time passers appear to fare better, especially when it comes to driving safely and considerately. Perhaps this is down to concentrating more and taking into account different road conditions and other drivers.

“First time passers know how to handle a car but some might be over-confident and that can quickly lead to recklessness. Safety should be the priority for all drivers, this includes making sure the car is roadworthy before you set off and being aware of issues such as stopping distances being affected by weather.”

Second time passers are also less prone to being cautioned for using their mobile phone behind the wheel, have had the fewest accidents in the last 5 years and are unlikely to scare passengers with their driving.

However, the research also found the more attempts Brits take to pass their test, the severity and frequency of their bad habits increase.

Rather unsurprisingly, drivers who need a dismal four, five or six efforts before making the grade have the worst record when sat behind the wheel. They run more red lights, admit to driving the wrong way down a one-way street and have been stopped by police for speeding more than any other driver. They have also had their car clamped, hit stationary objects whilst trying to park their car and claimed on their insurance more than anyone else.

The nationwide survey of 17-65 year old motorists quizzed them on 20 aspects of their driving life – including who would feel confident teaching others to drive, who have been issued parking tickets and how often they take their eyes off the road. The sometimes surprising statistics include:

* The average first-timer passer emerged as being able to perform driving manoeuvres – such as parallel parking, hill start and three point turns - the best

* Second time passers are least likely to drive at a snail’s pace

* Those who need six goes or more are cheeky enough to clip a car and not own up

* Motorists who enjoy first-test success are least likely to stall the engine and happy to teach others to drive

* Those who have three or more tries to pass are guilty of letting their eyes wander off the road ahead

* The average driver has broken the law four times in the last month but has escaped being caught

* The typical motorist currently has three points on their licence and takes at least two years to become a confident driver from the moment they pass their test

Also included in the survey was a selection of the worst driving distractions. Items topping the list include re-tuning the radio (51 per cent), talking to a passenger (49 per cent) and listening to loud music (44 per cent).

Source : PRlog.org

Driving Examiner Strike - Candidates To Attend Tests

2010-03-05T05:15:00.001-08:00

Driving Examiner Strike - Candidates To Attend Tests

The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union is asking its members to take strike action on Monday and Tuesday, 8 and 9 March.

If you have a driving test booked for either day, we ask you to attend as scheduled.

We won’t know the effects of the strikes until the day as not all of our examiners and staff are members of the union.

We don’t know at this stage who will attend for work, which is why we ask that you arrive for your test regardless.

You don’t need to do anything and there is no need to contact DSA.

If you can’t take a test because of the action, you will have the test rebooked automatically, free of charge, and an appointment confirmation will be sent by email or post.

If your new appointment isn’t suitable you can change it online at direct.gov.uk/drivingtest.

Source DSA

Call For Tougher Drink-Drive Rules

2009-10-29T09:46:00.000-07:00

Campaigners are to step up their bid for a lower alcohol limit for motorists after tighter drink-driving legislation was announced in Ireland.

From the end of this year, the Irish level of 80mg alcohol per 100ml blood will be cut to 50mg, with a lower limit of 20mg for learner drivers and people who drive for work.

The move leaves Britain and Malta as the last two European countries with drink-drive limits of 80mg, saiys Brake, the road safety charity.

The new rules in Ireland could see a driver over the limit after just one pint of beer while the lower limit is effectively a ban on any alcoholic drink.

'Once Ireland's new drink-drive limit comes into effect, all other European countries will have limits of 50mg or lower and in the wake of this announcement, Brake calls on the UK Government to follow the example of our Irish neighbours by lowering the drink-drive limit and stepping up enforcement of the law," said a Brake spokesman..

'During November, our Road Safety Week will highlight the risks of drink and drug driving to challenge the behaviour of drivers who think it is acceptable and put a stop to the carnage they cause on our roads.'

According to Brake, research shows drivers are two to 2.5 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash between 50mg and 80mg and that driving is impaired by even a very small amount of alcohol in the blood stream.

'Last year, 430 people were killed by drink-drivers, an increase of 20 fatalities compared to 2007. In addition, 1630 were seriously injured and 10,970 suffered lesser injuries from crashes involving drivers over the 80mg limit," added the spokesman.

'Experts have estimated that reducing the drink-drive limit in Britain to 50mg/100ml blood could save about 65 lives and 230 serious injuries per year but the Government is still dragging its heels on cutting the UK limit.'

Source: Maurice Glover - www.ayrshirepost.net

L-Plate Law Breakers

2009-10-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

More than 300,000 learner drivers are thought to be breaking the law by driving without insurance
cover.

In most cases, this is as a result of the 'extortionate costs' involved in adding the names of learner drivers to insurance policies held by their parents, claims insurance firm Young Marmalade.

'Traditional car insurance policy holders have to pay a surcharge of between £2,000 and £50,000 per year to add a 17 year learner driver to an existing policy," says a spokesman.

'Rather than pay, thousands of people are risking their own and other people's lives by driving uninsured,'

The firm claims to have revolutionised car insurance for 17 year old learner drivers with a new cover called Provisional Marmalade. Purchased over the internet, it is in the name of the learner so as not to risk parents' no-claims bonus arrangements and is paid monthly in advance.

Source: www.ayrshirepost.net

Young Drive More Dangerously With Friends In Car

2009-10-16T06:36:00.000-07:00

Young drivers are dangerously influenced by peer pressure when carrying friends as passengers, a leading car insurance provider showed.

A third of motorists aged 17-21 admitted driving differently when friends were in the car, the poll by a leading car insurance provider revealed.

More than 20% paid less attention to the road, a quarter took their hands off the wheel and 15% performed illegal manoeuvres, according to the survey.

Also, 11% of male drivers aged 17-21 and 6% of women motorists of the same age group did not wear seatbelts when in the car with friends.

Yet nearly all (97%) of the young drivers followed rules of the road more strictly when their parents or grandparents were in the car, while 44% drove more slowly.

The poll also showed that 39% of women motorists aged 17-21 were not confident of driving on motorways, while 29% were unsure about driving on their own.

Just 27% of young drivers had paid to have driving lessons and of these, 50% took more than four attempts to pass the test.

A spokesperson said: “Young drivers remain the age group with the highest proportion of insurance claims, accidents and fatalities on our roads.

“According to claims data, injuries increase exponentially in relation to the number of passengers being carried.”

He went on: “In order to reduce these statistics young drivers and passengers alike need to take personal responsibility for their own actions. This means wearing a seatbelt at all times regardless of who is in the car, driving with fewer passengers and not conforming to peer pressure while behind the wheel.”

Source : Tom Scott - www.news-insurances.com

Government Drops Plans To Force Driving Instructors To Sit In On Their Pupils L-Tests

2009-10-15T09:22:00.000-07:00

Radical plans to force driving instructors - whether parents or paid-for professionals - to sit in on
their pupils' L-tests have been 'put into reverse' by the Government.

Ministers announced last May that a revamp of the driving test would 'require' candidates to take with them during their practical driving test an observer who could be their instructor, a parent or a friend.

The idea was that this 'observer' could give valuable feed back to candidates who fail the test.

But that mandatory requirement has now been dropped, though candidates are free to have their instructor on-board if they wish, the Daily Mail can reveal today.

As a result, new driving test regulations being drawn up by the Government's Driving Standards Agency and which were planned originally to be introduced in October 2010 could now be accelerated and introduced sooner.

Transport Secretary Lord Adonis denies the reversal is a road safety u-turn - insisting that the decision had been taken to 'avoid unnecessary regulation' and arguing that the measure was too bureaucratic, would slow up introduction of the new test, and that 'education not regulation' was needed to improve standards.

The original Driving Test revamp consultation unveiled by former Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly in May 2008 said: 'We propose that the person presenting the candidate should have to sit in the car with their student when the candidate takes the practical test, and to stay as the examiner gives their pupil feedback.'

Last night Transport Secretary Lord Adonis told the Daily Mail that the plan to insist that driving test candidates are accompanied by an observer 'have been reversed to avoid unnecessary regulation.'

The Department for Transport has now ruled that 'Candidates will be encouraged to take an observer – who could be their instructor or a parent or friend – in the car for the test to help them understand feedback from examiners and tailor further learning. But after a review of the proposals the Government will not regulate to make this mandatory.'

Transport Secretary Lord Adonis said: 'We want all learner drivers, from the start of the process, to consider the benefits of having an observer with them on their test.

'Having someone sitting in will enhance their learning experience and, in turn, improve road safety. An observer who has witnessed the test can give far better advice to the learner on how they performed and what areas of their driving they need to work on - whether they pass or fail.

'But after reviewing plans we have decided that encouraging candidates to take an observer is much more appropriate than introducing regulations to make it compulsory. It also means we can take this forward much sooner than previously planned – delivering the road safety benefits without the delay and costs of new regulation.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1219711/Government-drops-plans-force-driving-instructors-sit-pupils-L-tests.html#ixzz0ThzwvbUS

Driving on International Licence in UK

2009-09-21T07:28:00.000-07:00

Some learner drivers seem to be unclear about the law regarding using an international licence to drive in the UK and how it affects their provisional licence if they have one.

If you are only visiting the UK for a short time, or are temporarily resident in Britain for less than 12 months, then you can legally drive a car here as long as it is insured and fully roadworthy. You therefore don't need to apply for a provisional licence and take the UK driving test. If on the other hand you are going to be resident in the UK for longer than 12 months or have permanently moved to the UK, then your international driving permit is only valid for 1 year after which you will need to obtain a UK provisional licence and only drive while being supervised by a Full British licence holder of 3 years or more and must display "L" plates.

This means that you can't be legally insured to drive a car on your international driving permit 12 months after your initial arrival in the UK, even if you have been back to your country of origin. You will also not be able to drive a car in the UK on a provisional licence even if that car is insured for you to drive with your international licence.

Your insurance policy can only cover you either as an international foreign licence holder or a provisional learner, not as both, so while your local licence is still valid, you don't need L plates and can practice for the UK driving test using that, but once you apply for your provisional licence, you will need to inform your insurance company and only drive while being supervised. If in doubt, always speak to the insurance company, and get things covered in writing, as in the event of an accident you want to be covered.

Quality Tuition V Cheap Prices in the Current Financial Climate

2009-09-21T06:50:00.001-07:00

Can you have quality tuition and still retain value for money in todays financial climate??

Usually the two don't go hand in hand, why would a Driving Instructor want to charge less if they are busy with plenty of recommendations referring new work continually. On the other side of the coin why are Instructors charging sometimes half of their busier counterparts in an effort to attract new customers??

From a Driving Schools point of view we see this price scenario raised virtually every day and unfortunately the criteria for selecting an Instructor should be far more broad that just "how much are your lessons", usually followed by "I can get them much cheaper than that"............
Quite possibly, however you need to ask yourself WHY they are cheaper, is it because they don't want to make more money???, do they drive an older vehicle which may make lessons more unpleasant or unreliable - there are many reasons for price fluctuation in this Industry but perhaps before selecting a driving school you should consider a few other thoughts, have I seen their cars around, do they have a website where I can find out more about them, do I know anyone who's passed with them, are their Instructors reliable and professional, the cars clean and tidy and what is their Instructor grading.

Our prices here at Select are competitive and represent good value for money, if you are lucky enough you may stumble across one of our adverts offering you a few lessons at a reduced price, these are sometimes in local press, leaflet campaigns or on local radio.

Remember it's not all just about "how much are your lessons?"

Theory Test Changes – September 2009

2009-09-21T05:35:00.000-07:00

Later this month will see extra questions introduced into the driving theory test, it has been announced.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) revealed that the changes would come into force on September 28th in a bid to test potential drivers on both understanding and knowledge.

Candidates will be confronted with one case study example during the test, which will involve 5 questions based on a scenario or short story.

"Over time, we plan to introduce more case studies into the theory test to assess candidates' understanding of what they have learned," revealed DSA Director of Driver Education and Learning Jill Lewis.

However, just one case study will be used for the time being in order to allow the DSA to monitor the impact on the theory test, she added.

At present. candidates are expected to answer 50 questions in 57 minutes, with the pass rate standing at 43 out of 50.