September 25, 2023
DVSA Crack Down

If you’ve been one of the many learners trying to book a practical driving test in recent months, then you will understand the frustration it causes. Logging on to the DVSA website after being given the green light from your instructor to go ahead and book a driving test, to be greeted with 0 tests available. Very disheartening to say the least, these tests have been most likely snapped up by ‘bots’ designed to buy any test dates and then the hacker will re sell them on to desperate learners looking for a test date, at an extortionate price.

The buying and selling of tests has been likened to similar situations in the music industry where concert tickets are bought and resold simply to gain a profit. This has not only caused many learners to pay out hundreds for a test date, but it has also increased the number of learners either turning up to their tests unprepared or even worse turning up to the test center on the day of the test to find out there is no test!

However, the DVSA is in the process of now blocking nearly 5,000 unauthorized accounts that were using the system designed specifically for driving instructors and driving schools to book multiple tests at a time. Also implementing tougher security measures to block the use of any automated software to mass book tests.

The blocking of authorized accounts will help clear some of the backlog of tests, but despite the high demand, the DVSA has said 6,000 test slots per month are wasted by candidates who fail to turn up.

A further 1,100 are unable to take their tests due to the following reasons:

  • Turning up late to the test
  • Do not bring their provisional license
  • The car doesn’t meet the requirements

A text message service is being launched which will send test date reminders to learners in a bid to prevent wasted test slots.

An estimated extra 425,000 tests have taken place since April 2021, the DVSA said, after more examiners were recruited and more tests offered at weekends and on bank holidays.

 

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April 3, 2023
4 Vital Changes Regarding Your Driving Test

Last week it was announced the DVSA will be making some important changes to government policies regarding Driving Test bookings.

They ran a consultation between 25 January and 8 March 2022 about changing some policies that affect learning to drive and driving tests.

  • encourage learner drivers to be better prepared when they take their car driving test
  • reduce the number of car driving test appointments that are wasted
  • update when and how we carry out the eyesight check at the start of the driving test

They currently have very high demand for driving tests. There are 3 main reasons for this:

  • fewer tests than usual have taken place because of restrictions and other factors related to the pandemic
  • learner drivers who are not yet ready to take their test have heard that waiting times are high, causing them to book earlier than they normally would
  • the pass rate for driving tests – for many years, less than half of people pass on their first attempt, meaning they’ll need to take at least one more test

Many driving instructors have said that some learner drivers want to pass their driving test as quickly and cheaply as possible. They say they are unable to stop their pupils from booking a test before they are ready.

They put forward some of these proposals because they think they’ll:

  • encourage learner drivers to be better prepared for their driving test
  • help to reduce the number of driving test appointments that are wasted
  • give us more flexibility in how and when we can carry out driving tests

Other proposals were to help them to:

  • find out more about what information learner drivers and their families want to know when choosing a driving instructor – which in the longer term will help learner drivers to find the best driving instructor for them
  • move to replace paper pass certificates with digital versions, saving millions of sheets of paper each year

1. Encourage learner drivers to be better prepared when they take their car driving test:

What’s been decided

Ministers have decided to extend the period a candidate can take another car driving test from 10 working days to 28 working days.

They have decided this because:

  • the period gives candidates time to take extra training
  • it will have a positive impact on car driving test waiting times
  • gaining more knowledge, skills and experience will help keep new drivers safe at the crucial point that they drive on their own for the first time
  • better prepared drivers should have a positive effect on road safety
  • one-third of learner drivers admit this will encourage them to only book their test when they are ready while waiting times remain the same – this increases to 42.8% if waiting times reduce

What will happen next

This change can be made by ‘secondary legislation’. This is law created by ministers under powers given to them by an Act of Parliament (primary legislation).

The Department for Transport will draft a document called a Statutory Instrument (SI) to make changes to the law. This will be published with an explanatory memorandum, which outlines the purpose of the SI and why the change is necessary.

When the change will happen

The dates the SI will be made and come into effect as law have not yet been confirmed.

2. Reduce the number of car driving test appointments that are wasted:

What’s been decided

Ministers have decided to extend the notice period a candidate must give to change or cancel a car driving test from 3 full working days to 10 full working days.

They have decided this because:

  • it is currently difficult for DVSA to make tests cancelled with 3 working days’ notice available to another candidate, which means that a test slot is wasted
  • it will free up wasted test slots, which means these slots can be offered to other candidates to make tests available more quickly

What will happen next

This change can be made by ‘secondary legislation’. This is law created by ministers under powers given to them by an Act of Parliament (primary legislation).

The Department for Transport will draft a document called a Statutory Instrument (SI) to make changes to the law. This will be published with an explanatory memorandum, which outlines the purpose of the SI and why the change is necessary.

When the change will happen

The dates the SI will be made and come into effect as law have not yet been confirmed.

3. Update when and how we check someone’s eyesight at the start of the driving test

 

What’s been decided

Ministers would like to introduce the proposals to:

  • do the eyesight check in the driving test in any level of light – not just good daylight
  • use more methods of checking people’s eyesight when they take the driving test

We will look at options available to introduce an alternative means to conduct an eyesight test that is not dependent on good daylight or reading a car number plate, but that will continue to ensure a driver’s eyesight is assessed consistently with the current test.

What will happen next

We are exploring alternative means of assessing eyesight. This is being done with DVLA’s Medical Panel. This is necessary because DVLA is the driving agency responsible for licensing drivers and it is important for any new procedures to meet the standards that currently apply. It will be necessary to ensure that any alternative is thoroughly tested and assessed to ensure it replicates the requirements of the current test and is sufficiently rigorous.

In the consultation, a majority of respondents supported the proposal for DVSA having the flexibility to conduct the eyesight test by means other than reading the number plate attached to the vehicle. This will enable us to provide driving tests at more times, in different levels of light, and will give us the flexibility to test eyesight if there are few vehicles parked nearby.

4. Replace paper pass certificates with digital pass certificates

What’s been decided

Ministers would like to modernise the administrative process of notifying candidates that they have passed their test by replacing the current paper pass certificates with digital test pass certificates.

What will happen next

It will be necessary to update legislation to do this. This will require both primary and secondary legislation. We plan to make provision which requires primary legislation when an opportunity is available.

We will need to make sure that the electronic record, when provided without a paper version, will be available to successful candidates as soon as a test is passed.

 

 

 

 

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January 30, 2023
Driving Test Backlog

If you are currently trying to book a driving practical test and struggling you are not alone! There is a backlog with the DVSA which has been on going since Covid Lockdowns restrictions eased.

At the moment even driving schools are struggling to secure tests and the DVSA have spoken out about a 6 month wait, which means June/July is what is becoming available on the booking site.

This situation is very frustrating not only for learners waiting for take their test but also driving schools and instructors who are trying to book tests for their pupils! Cancellations do pop up every now and then but its all about being on the test booking site at the right time.

What we would like to discourage is pupils becoming desperate and paying over the odds for tests, when giving out your driving license details to unauthorized operators they can then use your details to their own advantage.

Some desperate to pass learners have even booked tests in unknown areas to them in hopes to pass, but the disadvantage to this is not having a good knowledge of an area especially the test routes could go against you on the day of the test. Its always a good idea to have a good few lessons on the routes the test center you plan on taking your test at use. Our instructors who are taking you to test will always take you on those test routes to get you familiar with them in preparation for the test, which not only helps calm nerves as you feel prepared and know the routes but also gives you a head start on practicing on the roundabouts etc.

If a cancellation does pop up and you manage to secure it, please be mindful that you also need to make sure your instructor can do the test date/time and goes to the test center. Also if its too short notice this could also be a problem, a new instructor would need to arrange some assessment lessons before committing to take you to test. An instructor has the right to refuse to take you to test if they don’t feel you are ready.

Below is a breakdown of how the estimated backlog works;

2022Estimated demand for testsMax number of tests that can be carried outExcess tests rolled over to following month
Jan244377130622113755
Feb332689130622202067
March427539130622296917
April476619130622345997
May520581130622389959
June502589130622371967
July482797130622352175
Aug463005130622332383
Sep443213130622312591
Oct423421130622292799
Nov403629130622273007
Dec383837130622253215
Jan ’23364045130622233423
Feb ’23344253130622213631
March ’23324461130622193839
April ’23304669130622174047
May ’23284877130622154255
June ’23265085130622134463
July ’23245293130622114671
Aug ’2322550113062294879
Sep ’2320570913062275087
Oct ’2318591713062255295
Nov ’2316612513062235503
Dec ’2314633313062215711
Jan ’24126541130622

Rebecca at Britannia said:

Everyday i log onto the Business Account to look for tests for pupils, it did ease up a little in Novemeber/Decemeber but now in January 23 it is at what feels like a standstill, i think the DVSA strikes are now adding to the problem. We hope it will ease up ASAP.

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October 7, 2022
Driving test top tips to help you pass first time!

 

Is your driving test date nearing? Are you feeling those nerves? Feeling nervous is completely normal but there is ways you can help make yourself feel more at ease is to be prepared!

Use our top tips to help you stay calm on your big day:

Be On Time :

Its a pretty obvious one but being punctual is a very important starting point, arriving late puts you at risk of missing your slot completely or arriving late feeling rushed and overwhelmed.

Aim to arrive 10/15 minutes early in order for you to go over any notes and have a warm drink to sit and gather your thoughts.

Make sure the night before you get a good night sleep, aim to go to bed early to avoid any unnecessary stress or anxiety.

 

  • Have A Lesson On The Day Of The Test :

Our day of test package includes a lesson on the day of the test, so if we are taking you to test our instructors will take you out on a lesson before your test. But arranging a lesson for the day before if its not possible to do the day of the test would be very helpful as that way you can go over any maneuvers or get clarifications on any last minute questions you have.

A lesson will also put you in the right frame of mind for driving, We would also recommend 2 hourly lessons in the weeks leading up to your test.

 

  • Use Your Instructors Car :

Taking your test in a car you feel comfortable and used to will enhance your chances of passing first time.

It will be up to the examiners’ standard plus be helpful to you as it will have additional mirrors.

 

  • Take Your Instructor Along For Reassurance :

It is not compulsory but if you have a good rapport and your instructor it can boost your confidence and help you to feel at ease having them sit in on the test.

In worst case if you do fail they will be able to pick up on the things which made you fail and give you some guidance on follow up lessons on how no to make the same mistakes as-well as some constructive criticism.

 

  • Be Vocal :

Don’t be scared to be vocal with the examiner, if you don’t hear something clearly or you don’t understand something ask the examiner to repeat it.

 

  • Don’t Think The Worst :

Don’t assume you have failed, if you make a mistake remember you are allowed up to 14 minors, stay positive and assume you are going to pass.

Try not to let mistakes play on your mind or you run the risk of making more.

 

  • Know Your Test Routes :

Its impossible to know where you will be directed on the day of your test or what traffic or hazards will occur on the day.

Once you’ve booked your test centre, you can ask your instructor to cover the test routes and show you all the possible routes for the day of the test. A mixture of major roads and minor roads is important if you want to avoid any nasty surprises on the day.

 

 

  • Learn To Drive In All Weather Conditions :

Be prepared for all different weather conditions, We can all hope for sunny and dry conditions but living in the UK we can be sure the weather has a mind of its own so be sure to be confident in all weathers.

 

  • Take Your Instructors Advice :

After having hours of lessons with your instructor they will have a pretty good idea of if you are test ready, so listen to their advice. They will also be able to help you concentrate on you weak spots leading up to the test and concentrate on going over things that you may be worried about so always vocalize any concerns or worries you have.

 

  • Refresh Your Memory :

It may have been sometime since you took your theory test so go over your copy of the highway code and road sign, also checking up on the DVLA standards of driving just in case they have changed or updated.

 

  • Don’t Rush :

It is understandable to feel like you want to get on the road as quickly as possible but rushing to take your test when you may not be ready could end up in knocking your confidence and wasting your money. Its best to wait until your instructor has given you the green light and most importantly you feel 100% ready and confident!

 

Johnny who covers the SE areas at Britannia Driving School says:

Driving test nerves are very normal, but with help of our top tips hopefully we can help you stay calm and focused on the end goal! The recent backlogs with regarding tests have made people rush to book the first test they can get but like our article states it is important to communicate with your instructor and wait until you are ready even if it means waiting for a test. Taking those extra lessons whilst you wait could make all the difference between you passing and failing! Good luck!

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

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

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

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

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

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August 12, 2022
Heatwave and driving

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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June 9, 2022
Driving Tests being sold in the UK for an astonishing £200!

 

 

 

Driving tests in the UK have reached an at all time high in cost, due to the DVSA backlog. An ever increasing number of hopefuls are being fear led into paying this astronomical price in the hope of being fast tracked into priority booking. This service is being provided by online operators taking advantage of the growing number of learner drivers willing to pay over double to try and book a test date before the end of the year.

According to a BBC investigation, companies are using automated computer software to monitor part of the DVSA system meant for driving schools, and grabbing test slots as soon as new dates are added or existing bookings are cancelled.

The DVSA announced last month that learners could be waiting until 2023 to get a test date booked in, which has only fueled more learners into seeking this alternative extortionately high price option. The DVSA have stated that the covid-19 pandemic is to blame for these long delays and shortage of test dates. The delays have a knock on effect with many hopeful drivers’ theory tests will either have expired or be close to the expiry date, adding extra costs due to many aspiring drivers will now have to re take there theory test which could have a domino effect on the theory test waiting time.

The DVSA state on there website :

“We are also exploring options temporarily to contract in experienced driving assessors to qualify as driving examiners.

The Royal Society of the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) have offered to support us as we explore the feasibility of this opportunity.

We’ll keep you up to date on this area of work as it develops.”

 

Learner drivers are being urged not to book with these operating services and to only book through the DVSA website, the prices for test are:

£62 for a week day

£75 for a weekend or bank holiday

Unofficial operators and resellers are taking advantage of hopefuls by charging the extortionate prices, some may even be scams so be warned to not take up these offers no matter how appealing they may seem at the time as they may only lead to further disappointment and ultimately could be a pricey mistake to make.

Rebecca at Britannia said:

“We are getting an increasing amount of calls daily from learner drivers who have managed to get a booking through these companies usually a cancellation that the unofficial operators have obtained, but we are unable to accommodate these last minute bookings, as they are usually unaware that an instructor needs to take me them out on a few lessons to check they are test ready and road safe before committing to taking them to test.”

On our website we have a range of different resources to help you with preparing for the theory test and driving test.

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June 6, 2022
Do You Have What It Takes To Be An Independent Driving Instructor?

Should you work for a franchise or go it alone? Each has advantages and disadvantages, ranging from the freedom of being your own boss to joining a ready-made brand – like Britannia Driving School – where you can concentrate on developing yourself as an instructor.

It takes time and effort to build your own business and create a decent customer portfolio; by joining a franchise, you won’t have to worry about these things.

If you need to earn money quickly and have a full diary, a franchise with a well-established driving school like Britannia may be the better option. If you want to work 40 hours per week and earn a monthly salary, joining a franchise could be a good option; going independent takes time to establish.

 

 

If you’re considering joining a franchise, keep in mind that a school with a high-profile office location, a robust online presence, friendly office staff, and a track record of satisfied customers will all help to draw in new students and keep you busy on a consistent basis. Britannia Driving School provides consistency, which is a rare commodity. Working from home schools cannot possibly provide the same level of work, services, or backup.

Being on your own in any business is difficult, so it may be worthwhile to spend time as a part of a Driving School before deciding to go independent. It is critical to have a solid business plan in place before committing to becoming an independent. This business plan will entail much more than simply creating your own website and placing advertisements in store windows – though this could always be a part of your plan.

Advertisements on search engines like Google and Yahoo are not free. You can display them for free, but you must pay every time someone clicks on it. It works similarly to a bidding system in that you set a price for how much you are willing to pay per click, and bidders who offer the highest price have their advertisement displayed in the highest position. The issue is that because online marketing avenue is the preferred method for most businesses, you must pay a premium to have your advertisement prioritised. Close to £9.50 per click on the front two pages.

If you’ve been in the industry for a while before going independent, you may have developed a network of contacts through teaching, attending events, and/or being a member of membership organisations. Extending your expertise beyond in-car training (for example, motorcycles and/or vans) will result in more work and excellent opportunities for an independent trainer.

Costs can mount when you go it alone. To begin, you’ll need to decide on a company name and a phone number for your new venture. An entry-level receptionist will set you back at least £10.00 an hour at the bare minimum. What areas you intend to cover and how you intend to promote your business and the cost of advertising.

Keep in mind that you may not immediately set prices at the initial figure you have in mind. As a new business, you may initially gain customers by setting a low price to compete but be aware that if your price is too low, you may not be making a profit.

As you are aware, adding fuel to your car is not cheap, nor is the upkeep and repair of wear and tear that occurs over time due to the heavy workload of driving instructors’ cars, so these are additional factors to consider when setting your prices. Cleaning your car may not be expensive, but it does take time. Time, as the adage goes, is money.

 

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