Redhill Driving Lessons

Learning to drive at 11 !!

2011-10-26T07:38:00.000+01:00

Underage driver training at Goodwood promotes good practice for when youngsters are finally able to start thier surrey driving lessons and drive on public roads.

Jasmine at the wheel of one of the Mini One automatics, with instructor Neil Sugarman

On the face of it, novice under-age drivers, sporty Minis and one of the fastest race tracks in the country doesn’t sound like a combination designed to promote road safety. But with the Mini Drivers scheme at the Goodwood Motor Circuit in West Sussex, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

As its name suggests, Mini Drivers is aimed at youngsters. And it involves them driving Minis. Thereafter, any notion of throwing juveniles into cars and watching as the carnage unfolds is a nonsense. The scheme was Goodwood’s brainchild and its aim is to fill the gap in educating children about driving before they actually take to the road. It’s already proved popular, with more than 800 young people taking part in the year the course has been running.

When Goodwood circuit director Mark Featherstone starts throwing out some facts about young drivers it sounds almost absurd that school-age training isn’t taken more seriously. There are four fatalities a day involving drivers under 21. One in five young drivers crash within six months of passing their test. And 50 collisions a day are caused by 18-year-olds at the wheel.

“We’re passionate about improving these statistics by changing the way young drivers are taught,” Featherstone says. “A driver can pass their test and they’ll never have driven on a motorway. They’ll never have driven at night. And they’ll probably never have driven on a country lane. That has to change.”

To enrol for Mini Drivers, age isn’t a factor. The scheme has had participants as young as nine. Height, however, is vital: so that drivers can reach the pedals, they must be more than 4ft 10in tall. With that box ticked a couple of months ago, Jasmine, my daughter, aged 11, was signed up to see how Mini Drivers works in practice.

Are driving test officers too horny?

2011-10-22T18:19:00.000+01:00

COMMENT:

Judging by a certain rumbling we heard this week, it would appear that the integrity of the South African driving licence system is under threat because testing officers are having some trouble inside their trousers. Something of a battle to resist the charm of a gorgeous pair of legs, more specifically.

But shouldn't we rather be blaming those opportunistic ladies who like to strut their stuff whenever there's something to gain?

That seems to be what our ever-vocal transport minister, Sibusiso Ndebele, implied earlier this week.

The Daily Sun quoted him as saying: “No miniskirts for women taking a driving test. It's fine if you like wearing miniskirts, but they shouldn't be extra short on the day of the test as they distract male testing officers.”

According to Sapa, the ministry spokesman has since denied that Ndebele spoke out against women wearing miniskirts during licence tests, citing the newspaper report as inaccurate, and stating that he was simply telling officers to carry themselves appropriately and professionally.

Paul from south nutfield driving lessons said “They (the officers) should not be interested in how applicants are dressed but should pay more attention to carrying out their duties properly.”

That should be a given, surely.

Any ladies out there who've 'dressed down' in the hope of gaining a licence?

Moves to ban foreign language driving test

2011-10-18T09:17:00.000+01:00

MINISTERS are considering banning people from taking driving tests in foreign languages amid safety fears.

The UK government is concerned that “political correctness” means thousands of drivers have been granted UK licences despite not being able to read road signs in English.
Under current rules, the theory test can be sat in 19 foreign languages, and candidates are also permitted to attend the practical test with a translator.
Transport Minister Mike Penning said it was “incredible” that 93,407 car driving theory tests were sat in a foreign language last year.
Department for Transport figures show 18,927 were in Urdu, 12,905 in Polish and 298 in Albanian.
Some 230 Russians took the test with a translator, 452 Romanians and 21 Bulgarians.
More than 1,500 people also took the theory tests to be qualified to drive a bus in a foreign language.
The taxpayer apparently meets the cost of translating theory tests into foreign languages – but people must meet the cost of paying for their own translator during the practical test. In total, about 7 per cent of all theory tests are not conducted in English.
Tory MP Penning said he was considering how to change the rules to ban the “politically correct” foreign language tests.
“I find it incredible that Labour thought it was a good idea to let people without a basic grasp of English loose on our roads,” he said. “Road safety should be our priority, not political correctness.
Paul from simply driving lessons surrey said “Instead of spending taxpayers’ money on costly translation services and interpreters we want to explore whether that money would be better spent on actually helping people to learn enough English to be able to drive safely.”
But the details of how an English-only test regime would be introduced without falling foul of European and anti-discrimination laws are still being hammered out.
The coalition government has already announced plans to tighten up the driving theory test.
The Driving Standards Agency previously published the multiple choice questions and answers that people would face in the tests. However, from January 2012, learner drivers will have to answer unpublished questions.

Two arrested in fake driving test probe in Coventry

2011-10-17T16:38:00.000+01:00

TWO men have been arrested over allegations that they used fake IDs to take driving tests on behalf of complete strangers.

Police swooped on the Coventry test centre in Bayton Road, Exhall, last month following an investigation into the practice – which has already led to other arrests nationwide.

The men were due to take driving tests on September 13.

The matter has now been handed over to the Driving Standards Agency who will decide how to proceed.

Paul from reigate driving lessons says, too many people ring up just to book the car for test, yes they say I can drive. Never have I taken a pupil to test that was not mine.

If the pair are found guilty of the offence they could face lengthy jail sentences.

Andy Rice, head of the DSA’s fraud and integrity team, said: “Driving test impersonation is a serious offence which puts law abiding road users at risk.

“We investigate all suspected incidents and work closely with the police to make sure that those responsible are brought to justice.”

Karl Hinde, the chairman of Coventry Professional Driving Instructors’ Association, said that tricksters had approached him so they could arrive at the Coventry test centre in a recognised vehicle.

He said: “I was asked before if I was prepared to take pupils on short notice tests.

“I reported it to the authorities.

“These people claimed that they could drive but needed my car to take a test.

Traffic signs updated, clutter and red tape reduced in biggest signs review in 40 years

2011-10-14T08:12:00.000+01:00

Unnecessary Whitehall bureaucracy will be tackled and costs for councils reduced following the biggest review into Britain's traffic signing system for 40 years, announced today by Transport Minister Norman Baker.
The government hopes that the review will dramatically reduce the number of signs councils need to use by relaxing rules - such as by removing the requirement for some signs - including those to indicate the start of a pedestrian zone, to be placed on both sides of the road.
The new framework includes measures to update and improve traffic signs to make sure that they reflect the way we travel now, as well as providing clear information on prohibitions on the road network. Changes will include:

measures to improve cycle journeys by allowing journey times as well as distances to be added to signs on cycle routes and making it easier for councils to use Trixi mirrors to improve visibility of cyclists at junctions and 'no entry except cycles' signs to allow contra-flow cycling
a new sign warning lorry drivers that a road is unsuitable for their vehicles. This will help to prevent situations where lorries following sat nav systems use inappropriate roads, sometimes causing disruption to the local road network and delays to their journey
measures to simplify some parking signs after research showed that, although overall understanding of traffic and parking signs among drivers is good, there is scope for some signs to be made clearer
allowing councils to use innovative new measures such as pedestrian countdown timers and diagonal crossings without government approval

Paul from redhill driving lessons says this is a giant step forward to bringing our signs up to the 21st century, lets hope the councils will use this new power wisely.

Strictly's Craig Revel Horwood gets in L of twist on the road

2011-10-12T07:47:00.000+01:00

ACID-tongued judge Craig Revel Horwood got MINUS FIVE out of ten from his instructor on his first driving lesson.

Craig, 46, has just started learning to drive after buying a classic Triumph Stag.
The judge — who gave Robbie Savage just two points on the first Strictly show — has been keeping fans abreast of his progress on Twitter.
He revealed his first surrey driving lesson saw him stall FOUR times, drive over THREE kerbs and struggle to master the biting point.
He told one fan: "I suggested a 2/10 for my pulling out and the instructor said he'd go more into the minus area of about -5! How rude!!!! Haha."
His second lesson went slightly better as he hit the pavement just twice. And he got a big ten for not rolling backwards on a hill.

Cha cha car ... Triumph stag like Craig Revel Horwood's

Craig said: "Second driving lesson went well. Only two kerbs hit and two stalls! 10/10 for my hill handbrake start!"
However, pedestrians in Camden, North London, are warned to watch out today. Craig, who is now gearing up for his third lesson, told comedian pal Julian Clary: "I am learning in Camden so watch out darling — especially on pedestrian crossings. I tend to ignore them." His lessons are about to get more intensive as he goes out for two hours a day — and is even learning to park. But TV Biz reckons there is still as much chance of seeing Craig on Top Gear as Jeremy Clarkson wearing sequins and a spray tan.

Dangerous drivers to face longer jail terms

2011-10-10T07:54:00.002+01:00

Dangerous drivers who seriously injure others could spend longer in jail thanks to a new criminal offence, Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke announced today.
The new offence of 'causing serious injury by dangerous driving' will carry a maximum sentence of five years in prison and allow the courts to impose tougher punishments on dangerous drivers who devastate the lives of others.
The changes will be taken forward as part of the Government's Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill.
For the vast majority of other dangerous driving cases, the maximum penalty of two years' imprisonment provides the courts with sufficient and proportionate powers to punish offenders.
Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke said:
"Dangerous driving can destroy lives and have a devastating effect on victims and their families and friends.
"We have listened to the victims of dangerous drivers, their families, MPs, judges and road safety groups and their experiences have directly informed these changes.
"Making our roads safer is a priority - five people died on our roads each day last year, so we need to do everything we can to further improve safety."
Ellen Booth, Brake senior campaigns officer said:
"Brake wholeheartedly welcomes this new offence which will help to provide justice to families whose lives have been ripped apart by dangerous drivers.
"As a charity that supports bereaved and seriously injured victims of road crashes, we repeatedly see victims' families being grossly let down by the justice system, which only adds to the terrible trauma they must endure.
"This new offence finally means that serious injury is recognised within the title of the offence, and this recognition is vitally important to victims and their families. It also means that dangerous drivers who inflict serious injuries can expect to see higher sentences to better reflect the terrible trauma and injuries they have caused."
Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said:
"The vast majority of motorists are safe and responsible but the wilfully reckless minority who put lives in danger must face serious penalties.
"We are taking action to help the police tackle drink and drug driving, as well as to crack down on uninsured and dangerous drivers, and this new offence will mean the courts can properly punish those who inflict serious injuries.
"These measures - together with improved surrey driving lessons educational courses for drivers who need to improve their skills - will help ensure Britain's roads remain among the safest in the world."
Andrew Howard, Head of Road Safety at the AA said:
"Dangerous drivers who do so wilfully choose to take risks and should face the consequences of their actions.
"These law changes should make sentences more proportionate to the devastation dangerous driving causes and should also deter people from driving badly."

First time pass for Kara Taylor

2011-10-08T10:29:00.000+01:00

Well done Kara Taylor for passing her driving test first time yesterday with only 6 minor faults.

Kara started her surrey driving lessons 4 months ago, having two lessons per week worked very well for her as she then didn't forget too much in between her lessons, of course some times this is not all ways possible but having a short time gap between your redhill driving lessons is going to help you learn much quicker then say only have one lessons per week.

Now Kara has passed she can think about looking for a better job and having a driving licence will certainly help her with this quest.

If you like Kara want to pass your driving test quickly then contact us and have an assessment lesson and see what we can do for you. If you are a beginner then your first three reigate driving lessons will be half price*

Government proposes 80MPH motorway speed limit

2011-10-04T07:42:00.000+01:00

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has announced his intention to consult on raising the national speed limit on motorways from 70 to 80 miles per hour. The Government plans to launch a full public consultation on the issue later this year with a view to implementing any change in early 2013.
Vehicles have changed dramatically since the current national speed limit was set in 1965. Technological advances mean that cars are significantly safer then they were - contributing to a fall of more than 75% in the number of people killed on British roads since 1965. That is why the Government feels it is now time to look again at whether the speed limit set in 1965 is still appropriate.
Road safety is a top priority for the Government and action is being taken to tackle uninsured driving thoughtout the SE not just in the London or surrey driving lessons area and help police enforce against drink and drug driving. However, the Government believes safety cannot be the only consideration when setting speed limits. Previous analysis shows that raising the motorway speed limit would generate significant economic benefits, worth hundreds of millions of pounds per year from savings of travel time.
Initial work by the Department suggests that setting the motorway speed limit at 80 mph is likely to represent the best balance of costs and benefits and it is similar to the motorway speed limit in other EU countries.
As many as 49% of drivers currently break the 70mph limit. Ministers believe that raising the limit to 80mph would mean that millions of otherwise law-abiding motorists would be brought back inside the boundary, restoring the moral legitimacy of the system.
Philip Hammond said:
"I want to make sure that our motorway speed limit reflects the reality of modern vehicles and driving conditions, not those of 50 years ago.
"While we must ensure that our roads remain among the safest in the world, we must also consider the huge economic benefits that can be created by shortening journey times.
"Increasing the speed limit on motorways from 70 to 80 miles per hour for cars, light vans and motorcycles could provide hundreds of millions of pounds of benefits for the economy and I will put forward formal proposals for making these changes later this year."

Notes to Editors

1. An increase to the national motorway speed limit would apply to England and Wales. Responsibilities are devolved in Northern Ireland and are planned to be devolved in Scotland.
2. Increased motorway speed limits would apply to cars and motorcycles. Lorries on motorways are subject to lower speed limits and we have no proposals to increase them. The consultation is however likely to seek views about the position related to vans/light goods vehicles on motorways.
3. A thorough impact assessment which takes account of the full environmental, social and economic costs and benefits is being progressed.
4. Some stretches of motorway would be likely to retain a 70 mph limit because of their engineering and environment.
5. We are also considering the case related to increasing the speed limit on other high standard, near-motorway dual carriageways. Changes would be implemented case by case and we are not proposing to consult about raising the default national speed limit of 70 mph for all purpose dual carriageways.

TV Star Quentin Wilson shows white van man how to save money on his fuel bill !!

2011-09-30T07:30:00.000+01:00

SAME-DAY courier Alan Pearce has been taking surrey driving lessons – from motoring guru Quentin Willson.

Not that Alan can’t drive.

In fact he covers some 50,000 miles per year on his Vauxhall Astra van delivering parcels all over the country.

But, after picking up some hints from Willson on how to drive more economically, he finds he is saving about £25 per week in petrol

Alan, aged 42, from Kingsbury, near Tamworth, was one of four high milers chosen for a place in Britain’s first Shell FuelSave team.

That not only won him some one-to-one training with Willson but also a year’s supply of fuel worth £3,650.

He learnt how to drive smarter, save fuel and cut his motoring costs, and his next job will be to host his own event in Kingsbury to teach others to do the same.

His training culminates with a role in a world record attempt for the largest fuel efficiency masterclass in London next month.

Villa fan Alan said: “It’s been a real eye-opener, and the surprising thing was that so many of the tips I’ve learnt to save myself a bit of fuel are so easy.

“I will be sharing them my friends, family and with the lads at the next Villa game.” Alan now turns his engine off whenever his van is stationary and is less likely to rush through his gears.

“As a courier I always wanted to get everywhere fast and raced through my gears. Now I regulate my gears more,” he said.

Male driving lesson costs revealed

2011-09-29T07:59:00.000+01:00

Driving lessons and a first year of motoring are likely to cost young drivers well over £12,000 a year before they even drive anywhere on their own, a survey has claimed.
Car insurance is the biggest proportion of the cost, said road safety charity the IAM.
The charity said a 17-year-old male would have to shell out £12,300 - with the average full-time salary for 16-17 year-olds in 2009 being £9,300 - and 18-21 year-olds would have to pay £14,440.
It costs on average of £1,128 for surrey driving lessons, £100 in total for the theory and practical parts of the test, £3,000 for a five-year-old Kia Picanto, £7,900 for insurance, based on a popular comparison site quote, and £180 for tax and MOT.
Although young males pay the most for insurance, being at the highest risk on the road, legislation is being introduced at the end of next year to make it illegal for firms to discriminate over gender.

Driving tests confirm: Women really are worse at parking

2011-09-28T07:09:00.000+01:00

It is a question which has long been the source of domestic strife at the wheel - are women really worse at parking than men?
Sorry, ladies, official figures have revealed the truth: you are not very good at it.
Almost a third of the 170,000 women who failed their driving test in the UK last year for mistakes in reversing or failing to use their mirrors came unstuck on parallel parking.
And if those figures released by the British Driving Standards Agency are not enough to ensure a rare victory for men in the battle of the sexes, then they have the support of science as well.
Researchers at the Ruhr University Bochum, in Germany, who asked 65 volunteers to park a £23,000 Audi, found that women took up to 20 seconds longer than men.
Some women have blamed the problem on the fact their breasts make it more difficult to turn around while parking.
The agency has listed the top five faults by gender for those who failed.
The most frequent - forgetting to check right, left and then right again at junctions - was common to both sexes.
About 1.5 million drivers in the UK take the test each year. "So far this year the pass rate is 50.7 per cent for men and 44.1 per cent for women," said an agency spokesman.
Female drivers need an average 52 hours of tuition to pass but men speed through in just 36 hours of lessons. I am saying we are pperfect but so far this year our pass rate is 92% first time, so surrey driving lessons are a cut above the average, give us a try.

New breath test laws to be introduced “within weeks”

2011-09-25T12:06:00.000+01:00

IRELAND’S DRIVERS WILL be subjected to stricter drink-driving laws within a matter of weeks, Transport Minister Leo Varadkar revealed today.

The Minister is hoping to push through laws to allow for mandatory testing at the new, lower drink-driving limits within weeks.
A spokesperson for his department told TheJournal.ie that the legislation is a priority and that the testing of new equipment is going well.
Under the new laws, the legal blood alcohol limit will be reduced from 80mg to 50mg per 100ml of blood.
There will also be stricter rules on professional and learner drivers, who will have to adhere to a “virtually zero” rate of 20mg per 100ml of blood. Paul from surrey driving lessons said this is a huge step forward to the "Zero" level we need.
These lower limits were legislated for in the Road Traffic Act 2010 and will be implemented once the Road Traffic No. 2 Bill is passed through the Oireachtas.
The department said that arrangements around breath tests will not change. Anyone who fails a breathalyser test will be arrested and taken from their car to a Garda station.
The reductions in the blood alcohol limit mirror changes made in Queensland, Australia which saw fatal accidents fall by 18 per cent.
Commenting on the new rules, Varadkar said, “The combination of lower alcohol limits and mandatory testing represents a considerable toughening-up of the drink driving regime. It’s a necessary step to maintain the good work achieved so far in road safety, and to ensure that Ireland continues to make progress.”
Gardaí will be required to test all drivers involved in collisions, where injuries have occurred. They will also conduct tests when they suspect that a driver has consumed alcohol.
In 2010, 212 people were killed on Irish roads.

Driving theory test preparation ‘on the go’ – the official way

2011-09-21T07:30:00.002+01:00

The latest official help for learner drivers and riders

2011-09-20T07:51:00.000+01:00

New editions of the best-selling official DSA theory test books publish today, giving learner drivers and motorcyclists the best possible support as they prepare for their tests.
From January 2012, the theory test will change for all candidates, when DSA stop publishing the live bank of multiple choice test questions.
DSA’s chief executive Rosemary Thew said:
“The reason behind the move is to stop candidates from simply memorising theory test questions and answers and learning by rote. The new books contain questions and answers for revision and also explain the theory behind each question.
“This approach to learning will help candidates to gain a better knowledge and understanding of driving theory which will help them respond correctly to the new, re-worded live questions used in the actual test. Our aim is to help road users to be safer and more efficient.”
The official publications support this approach by including the full DSA explanations for every revision question, helping candidates fully understand the answer. Each question has extra help for candidates to improve their knowledge of the theory by including references to the official source materials where they can read the background information and learn more (this feature is available for drivers of large vehicles for the first time in this new edition). The official DSA theory test titles are the only range on the market to also include official practice case studies for every topic, enabling complete test preparation.
TSO (The Stationery Office) – DSA’s official publishing partner – has moved the answers for each question to the back of the book for these new editions, enabling learners to test themselves more efficiently to see how much they have learnt and to help them gauge when they are ready to take their tests. Paul from surrey driving lessons said " this change has been along time coming, pupils will now have to learn/read the books not just the answers.
Learner car drivers are set to benefit even more from this update, as the new edition of The Official DSA Theory Test for Car Drivers includes a free down loadable Theory Test Extra eBook, worth £6.99. This additional content explains the theory behind each topic in an easy-to-remember way and also includes some mock tests. Accessible via a web link or through scannable QR codes for smartphone users, this eBook will really help learners get to grips with the topics covered in their theory test.
New editions publishing 19 September 2011

The Official DSA Theory Test for Car Drivers and The Official Highway Code; ISBN 9780115531828; £14.99
The Official DSA Theory Test for Motorcyclists; ISBN 9780115531866; £12.99
The Official DSA Theory Test for Drivers of Large Vehicles; ISBN 9780115531897; £15.99
The Official DSA Complete Learner Driver Book Pack; ISBN 9780115531835; £29.99 (includes the new edition of The Official DSA Theory Test for Car Drivers book, The Official DSA Guide to Driving – the essential skills and The Official DSA Guide to Learning to Drive, offering a saving of £7.98 on buying the titles separately).

First Three lessons Half Price !

2011-09-10T09:31:00.000+01:00

If you are thinking of starting to learn to drive then we can help you.

Have your first three surrey driving lessons at half price*

You will need to check our web site for all our offers and what areas we cover.

Weather its Redhill driving lessons or just a few refresher lessons we can help you.

Tests challenge drivers, examiners

2011-09-09T08:04:00.000+01:00

Driving tests can be a stressful experience, but preparation on the part of the driver can go a long way toward making the examination a successful one.

If someone asked you to drive all day in an unfamiliar car, with a person you had never met before who had a restricted learner's driving licence, would you do it?
There are people who do it every day. In fact, they may do it as many as nine times a day. They are driving examiners.
Their job is difficult and rewarding, with the potential for disaster at every turn. The examiners do not set the criteria for a pass or fail result on a driver's test. That dubious responsibility lies with the government or their delegated authority.
The examiners assess the driving candidates on a relatively strict number of predetermined tasks.
The first of these tasks is a demonstration of the vehicle controls by the person about to take a driver's test. After a visual inspection of the vehicle, the driving examiner will ask the candidate to start the vehicle.
Tooting the horn, flashing the high-low beam headlights and making sure the signals and brake lights are operational are all part of a pre-trip routine prior to the on-road test. Examiners are concerned when these elementary tasks cannot be performed properly. If a driver cannot locate the basic controls, what will their driving be like?
Every examiner realizes how nerve-racking a driving test can be, even to an experienced driver. These testers are instructed to smile as they introduce themselves to anyone who is about to be tested. Putting the driver at ease is part of the job, but if a driver has no knowledge of the most basic vehicle controls at the beginning of a road test, the examiner is well within his or her rights to discontinue the testing process. I once had a student who was so nervous she forgot how to start the vehicle on a driver's retest, despite having driven safely for 30 years. Never underestimate the stress of a driver's test.
Every examiner will tell the person being tested how the test will unfold. The examiner will not trick the person being tested or ask any driver to do anything illegal. Ample time and warning will be allowed for the performance of each skill and safety manoeuvre. Drivers being tested are encouraged to ask for clarification of instructions at any time prior to or during the trip. Experienced examiners will actually point left or right when giving the instruction to turn. Many people are apt to confuse the right and left direction on a driver's test. Examiners are not permitted to tell candidates how to perform a task.
Examiners will keep track of mistakes on the test. Most experienced testers will record a mistake well after the fact, so as not to telegraph the indiscretion or unnerve the driver being tested. Just because a tester is writing does not mean a mistake has been made. Examiners must record all sorts of administrative information on every test sheet. Positive comments often appear on a test sheet.
Some tests are aborted for various reasons. If there is an obvious lack of skill or safety, the examiner has a duty to end the drive and return to the testing station immediately.
At the conclusion of the test, there will be time to have the result given and explained by the examiner. The examiner will plainly state that the driver being tested was successful or not successful. Drivers are well within their rights and encouraged to ask for clarification of the results of the test. Appeal processes to supervisory staff on site are in place if the test result is to be contested.
Driver testing is stressful for everyone, candidates and testers alike. The better prepared a driver is for the test, the less stress will result for both driver and tester.
So you will need to book your surrey driving lessons now to get started and pass your test first time.

Driving test success depends on centre

2011-09-06T07:42:00.000+01:00

The dreaded driving test is one of the most nerve-wracking experiences in people’s lives – and it seems success rates can vary depending on where you take it.

Fresh statistics today suggested the place a driver takes a test could have a significant impact on the result – with Cannock looking like the most likely place in the region to achieve success. Out of 4,950 tests taken at the Hawks Green Lane test centre in the 12 months leading up to March this year, 52.2 per cent of candidates, or 2,585, emerged triumphant.
In contrast, the Knowles Street test centre in Wednesbury appears to be the hardest place in the region to pass with just 35.4 per cent of tests taken last year – 3,589 out of 10,134 – ending with a positive result.
Those taking the test in Spring Road, Wolverhampton, had a decent chance of losing their L-plates. Out of 10,043 tests taken, 4,934 – or 49.1 per cent – resulted in a pass.
Meanwhile, there were 1,493 passes out of 3,010 tests taken in Stafford – a pass rate of 49.6 per cent – and 3,357 passes out of 7,300 tests taken in Lower Gornal, a pass rate of 46 per cent. The national pass rate last year was 46.34 per cent.
Surrey Driving instructor Paul Allen, from Simpy Driving Lessons, said: “Wednesbury has got a bit of a reputation for being quite difficult.
“The examiners are said to be strict. There are nasty junctions at either end of the road when you come out of the test centre.”
Driving instructor James Quinn, from Smethwick-based Sandwell Driving School, said there were many regional factors that could affect the outcome of a test.
“In a more affluent area pupils are likely to have had more preparation and more lessons,” he said.
Today Driving Standards Agency spokesman Liz Wilford denied it was harder to pass in Wednesbury – or easier to pass in Cannock – than any other test centre.
“It’s essential that all drivers demonstrate they have the right skills, knowledge and attitude to drive safely,” she said.

First time pass for David Bowen

2011-09-01T07:42:00.000+01:00

Congratulations to David Bowen for passing his driving test yesterday first time with only 3 minor faults.

David started his surrey driving lessons at the start of the year, having regular redhill driving lessons with us.

He has had many different driving experiences as there has been snow at the start of the year along then with the potholes that followed. After this of course we had the long spells of rain, some times very heavy even on lessons.

I would like to say we had hot sunny weather too but alas not very much, so driving in sunshine was not done very often.

David is looking to take the Pass Plus course with us and improve his skills even more. This will be at half term as he is off to Uni next week.

F is for Fail...

2011-08-23T07:58:00.000+01:00

recent survey that suggests two-thirds of drivers are so lacking in confidence that they doubt their ability to pass the driving test if they had to sit one.
A survey by Ford has found that 67 percent of drivers are not confident that they would easily pass the driving test if they had to take it again today, a figure that increases to 73 percent among 17 to 24-year-old.
DIAmond Advanced Motorists chief examiner Mike Frisby recently 'retested' British Touring Car champion Jason Plato for a feature in the new issue of the DIA’s Driving Instructor magazine and found that he failed to meet the required standard. If a highly experienced professional UK driver can't pass the driving test, drivers might be right to doubt their abilities.
But help is at hand. M an M surrey Driving instructors are not just there to help teenagers learn to drive: they are always available to help licence holders brush up their skills.
And drivers don’t have to stop at a few refresher lessons. They can also take their driving to the next level and embark on an advanced driving course.
DIA general manager Steve Garrod said: “While we’re pleased that drivers recognise that they might have picked up bad habits since originally passing their driving test, we would now like to see them do something about it. A few refresher lessons with one of our members would be a great start, but becoming an advanced driver not only makes you safer, but it will also save you money, because you’ll be smoother and more efficient, and your no-claims bonus will be better protected."

Driving instructor offered wine to pupils during class... before continuing with the lesson

2011-08-22T08:41:00.000+01:00

A driving instructor has been charged with providing alcohol to minors after allegedly offering wine to two teenage girls during class.
The teacher from Coralville, Iowa, is accused of then continuing with the lessons.
Frederick Binder, who operates Auto Right Driving School, is accused of offering wine to the girls at a restaurant on June 27, The Iowa City Press-Citizen reported.

Early days:Teens usually get their first lessons from a driving instructor

A third driving student did not take any wine and told her father, who contacted police.

At m and m surrey driving lessons we dont offer wine or even beer but we do offer cheap driving lessons. See our web site to check out our offers this week.

Safety first at Driving Miss Daisy

2011-08-21T10:14:00.000+01:00

Belfast’s newest driving instructor is throwing open her doors to all ladies – and gents – looking to learn how to drive.
Driving Miss Daisy is the brainchild of Belfast woman, Alison Allen, who decided to create the company following a career change and spotting a gap in the driving school market.

Alison Allen, Driving Miss Daisy

Alison said: “I was in sales, driving all over Northern Ireland which was one of the aspects of the job I really enjoyed.
“When I was made redundant last year I considered going back to study teaching, but because of my passion for driving I decided to look at the driving school market.
“After doing some digging I realized how few female driving instructors there were, so I decided to channel my passion for driving and choose a career I would be good at and enjoy, whilst filling a gap in the market.”
Driving instructors these days have a thorough test procedure they need to complete before becoming a qualified instructor, and Alison said it is something she feels learners need to be aware of.
The Driving Miss Daisy founder also feels there aren’t enough female instructors available to people in the Greater Belfast and North Down areas. At m and m surrey driving lessons we have female and male instructors so just like Alison we can help all ages and offer a choice to new pupils.
“So far, my clients have been an even mix of men and women. I’m really interested in working with people from all ages, whether it’s the young 17 year old first time learner, or someone older who has never had the confidence to learn to drive.”
And when asked about the age old women versus men drivers Alison has her own views.
“If a pupil is taught safely and thoroughly, regardless of their gender, they should be equally good drivers. It’s the person, not the gender, who passes!
“All too often I hear women being ridiculed for their driving skills but when it comes to road safety I feel women are in pole position.”
The road safety statistics from the PSNI for 2010 would appear to support this, with men involved in over 500 more accidents during that year.
“My style of instruction puts learners at ease, allowing them to feel more comfortable and start learning as quickly as possible. This cuts down the number of lessons required to pass, which saves the learner money, and makes the process much more enjoyable.”

Feds back off commercial licenses for farmers idea

2011-08-18T07:41:00.000+01:00

Federal highway officials have decided that farmers who operate tractors, combines and semitrailers can keep driving on rural roads without the same kind of regulations that apply to long-haul truckers. Of course this is only in the US and does not affect the surrey driving lessons rural roads.
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced last week that it won't require farmers to get commercial driver's licenses after agriculture organizations and lawmakers from farm states flooded Washington with letters opposed to the idea.
It's a victory for farmers who argued that requiring them to carry commercial licenses would cost them time and money.
Agriculture groups were alarmed this spring when the transportation department asked for thoughts on whether commercial truck safety regulations also should apply to farmers who drive their equipment on highways and rural roads within their own state.
Farmers worried they would need to spend money on training and driving tests, keep track of how much time they're behind the wheel and carry medical records. It also would have made it harder to find help, they said, because many teens who work on family farms are too young to get a commercial license.
"You add all that up together, and it's a tremendous drain on resources," said Justin Knopf, 33, a grain farmer near Gypsum, Kan. "There's not a farmer around my community that this would not impact."
Dropping the idea, he said, just made sense.
Family farms would have a tough time surviving if younger generations couldn't drive tractors and trucks, said Bill Myers, 50, who grows corn, soybeans and wheat just outside Toledo.
"My son's been operating equipment since he was 14," Myers said. "He's been hauling grain since he was 17 or 18."
"I'd understand if there are safety concerns, but you don't hear that," he added.
Dozens of members of Congress from farm states in the Midwest and West wrote to the transportation department, asking that the idea be scrapped. Members representing both parties complained that the changes might make sense in heavily populated areas, but not in rural ones where there is little traffic.
"Driving a farm vehicle down a country road in eastern Montana is a whole lot different than driving it through Times Square in New York City," said Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont.
States can give farmers exemptions from buying commercial driver's licenses and many do for those who drive farm vehicles short distances or haul grain within the state. U.S. Transportation Deputy Secretary John Porcari said in a statement last week that that will continue.
"The farm community can be confident that states will continue to follow the regulatory exemptions for farmers that have always worked so well," Porcari said.
No formal proposals or changes were on the table, but the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said it decided to look at the idea because states seemed to be applying the exemptions in different ways. It's not practical to expect farmers to keep their equipment off public roads, it said.
"Most states have already adopted common sense enforcement practices that allow farmers to safely move equipment to and from their fields," an administration statement said.
The cost of a commercial driver's license varies state to state. Ohio, for example, charges a $50 fee for written and road tests and another $42 for the license. In neighboring Pennsylvania, a commercial license costs $10 more per year than a standard license. The fee in Illinois is $60, twice as much as a basic license.
But costs were only one concern.
"A lot of farmers tend to be pretty independent," said Gordon Stoner, 56, who grows wheat, peas and lentils and raises cattle on 11,000 acres around Outlook in eastern Montana. "The idea of government laying on more bureaucracy definitely touched a nerve."
Farmers also didn't think it made sense to group them with truckers because they only use their big rigs to haul grain for a few weeks during harvest season, while commercial drivers are on the road all year.
"They'll travel more miles in a few weeks than these semis on the farms will travel in a lifetime," said Dalton Henry, a lobbyist for the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers. "We need to recognize those differences."

That's not Clarkson driving! - report

2011-08-17T07:30:00.000+01:00

Top Gear

This is Jeremy Clarkson at the wheel of a Lamborghini Murcielago, but whether Clarkson was driving it on the actual top-speed runs is now open to debate.

Zebra Crossing Dealing With them for driving tests

2011-08-15T08:00:00.000+01:00

How to deal with Zebra crossings

The Zebra crossing is a path across a road for pedestrians to cross safely.It is marked by its distinctive black and yellow continual flashing beacons. Some towns have more crossings then others, some have them just after roundabouts, if you learning in the redhill driving lessons area then you will be very aware of this.

On approach the driver should notice there are zig zag lines on both sides of the crossing. The rulings are that the driver is not allowed to park or overtake anywhere within the area of the zig zag lines.Thus making sure the visibility of pedestrians and vehicles are seen alike. Now remember pedestrians have priority as soon as they put a foot onto the crossing, so the key to a driver dealing with these types of crossings are that they must be looking out for people who are approaching the zebra crossings and look like they suspiciously want to cross the road.
Clues to look for are people looking round before they get to the crossing or people who are angling towards the crossing, as soon as you see any one of these situation happening then it is time to start slowing down so we don't have to go slamming on the brakes at the last minute.When you see a zebra crossing in advance check your mirrors early so you can check what traffic is behind you. For slowing down purposes the highway code recommends using the slowing down signal arm signal. This helps pedestrians and other drivers alike know that you are intending to slow down. Once you have stopped at the crossing make sure the pedestrian has fully crossed out of the way before continuing on with your journey.
Things not to do. Never call or wave a pedestrian to cross the road, you can not guarantee the other drivers will stop.Avoid edging forwards, revving the engine or beeping the horn when at the crossing as this could be classed as harassing the pedestrians. Follow this ruling and you should pass a driving test. Make sure you have a comfortable pair of driving shoes when you taking your test.