Monthly Archives: November 2022

November 28, 2022
Tips For Driving In Ice Or Snow Conditions

 

This time of the year is when the weather really takes a turn for the worst and roads can become icy. Learning to drive on roads that are icy can be tricky, when the ice becomes slippery it can cause accidents. Its easy to loose control on icy roads as steering wheels may also be more stiff due to the cold weather.

So what can you do to combat icy roads?

  • When weather conditions are particularly bad such as ice or snow, the first question you should as yourself is ” Do i need to make this journey? ” If the roads are very icy.

 

  • Plan your journey, give yourself plenty of time to get where your going as rushing whilst driving on slippery roads is very dangerous. Also check weather reports before heading out.

 

 

  • Make sure your vehicle is de iced and no snow or ice remains on the roof of your vehicle and that your lights and license plate are completely clear.

 

  • Check your tyre tread at regularly, the legal limit is 1.6mm, during snowy and icy conditions it would be a good idea to change them whenthe depth wears down to 2.5/3mm. You could also consider changing to winter tyres.

 

  • Keeping your ‘ coolant reservoir ‘ topped up with Anti Freeze, it prevents the water in your engines cooling system from freezing. Antifreeze comes in various formulas, and these should not be mixed with each other. Your vehicle handbook will tell you what type of antifreeze you need, and the correct ratio of water and antifreeze to put in your radiator. (You can also buy ready-mixed antifreeze for greater convenience.) You’ll find the ‘coolant reservoir’ under the bonnet – but, again, check your handbook for the exact location. Once you have a bottle of correctly mixed antifreeze, pour it into the reservoir, up to (and no higher than) the ‘maximum’ level marking.

 

  • Once your out on the road, Keep in mind the tyres will no grip wont be as effective as normal, so allow yourself extra room between your vehicle and the one in front.

 

  • Be on the look out for patches of ice and try to avoid them if possible, or drive carefully and as slow as safely possible.

 

  • Main roads should be clearer than rural roads which could have a heavy build up of snow and ice, so make sure you are checking up ahead.

 

Rebecca at Britannia says: If you feel unsafe at any point whilst driving, or feel like the conditions are too dangerous then always pull over when safe and take a moment to consider if you should continue.

 

 

 

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November 18, 2022
How Many Driving Lessons Will I Need?

 

 

Learning to drive is a very exciting time, once you have your provisional license you are ready to book in professional driving lessons!

But how many will i need? Is a regular question we get asked here at Britannia Driving School. There isn’t actual set amount as each pupil is different and learns at different speeds. In this blog we will delve into the average number of lessons needed to pass your test and our intensive driving courses we offer.

As we stated above there is no set amount of lessons legally required in order to pass your test, however on average a learner needs 20 hrs of practice and approximately 45 hrs of driving. Every learner is different so for instance some may take 40 hrs and some may take 70. It really doesn’t matter, what matters is that when it come to taking your practical driving test and passing you are a confident and safe driver.

Choosing an instructor is a crucial part of it, here at Britannia all our driving instructors are fully approved by the DVSA.

Another thing to consider is passing your theory test as soon as you feel ready, this will give you a chance to book your practical driving well in advance. There is at the moment a backlog in regards to booking tests, so if you are able to start looking or use our test booking service we can help you book a test.

An intensive Driving Course gives you the opportunity to do a bulk amount of lessons in a shorter amount of time. Here is our intensive course information:

 

15 Hours
£494.25
• 2 hours intensive driving tuition a day for 6 days
• 3 hours for the day of the test
• This intensive course is suitable for those who have recently failed a driving test and just require a brush up (Failed with less than 7 minors)
21 Hours
£691.95
• 3 hours intensive driving tuition a day for 6 days
• 3 hours for the day of the test
• This intensive course is suitable for those who have recently failed a driving test and just require a brush up (Failed with more than 7 minors)
27 Hours
£889.65
• 4 hours intensive driving tuition a day for 6 days
• 3 hours for the day of the test
• This intensive driving course is suitable for those nearing test standard
39 Hours
£1,285.05
• 6 hours intensive driving tuition a day for 6 days
• 3 hours for the day of the test
• This intensive driving course is designed for the complete beginner. Most people will achieve a high standard of driving and will normally be ready for their practical driving test after completing this course which covers the whole DSA syllabus.

With an intensive course we will book you a test in for straight after your intensive course finishes. With the backlog being taken into account we do need notice in advance to be able to secure a test date and also make sure the instructor is free for the duration of the course and of course the test.

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November 14, 2022
Combating driving through tunnel fears

 

 

Gephyrophobia is the fear of crossing bridges while claustrophobia is the fear of enclosed spaces. Perhaps the fear of driving through a tunnel is a combination of both. Overcoming this fear will help you to gain control of your life and avoid accidents or risky driving maneuvers!

How do you know that tunnels are causing you anxiety? Imagine that you’re driving down the road beneath the open sky. You feel relaxed but alert and know that you have full control over your vehicle. However, all of that begins to change as you approach an oncoming tunnel.

Tunnel anxiety may manifest physically. You might feel shortness of breath, an increased heart rate, and it may even feel like your eyes are struggling to focus. Your hands may begin to shake or your body temperature may increase.

In this blog we will delve into driving through tunnel phobias, we will be looking at safety tips in case of an emergency and how to stay calm.Driving through tunnels can cause anxiety for some drivers, the long narrow road along with the darkness can cause panic.

Is driving through a tunnel safe?

Before we get into the in’s and out’s of overcoming your fear, let’s address the safety aspect. Perhaps you worry that your safety levels decrease once you enter a tunnel.

In actuality, statistics reveal that fewer accidents occur inside of tunnels than they do on the open road. It’s not entirely clear why this is the case but may have to do with drivers’ heightened alertness that is brought on by driving through a dark, enclosed space. It may also be that the discouragement of changing lanes or abruptly changing speeds in a tunnel could also contribute to a low accident rate.

In other words, you have little to fear when driving in a tunnel. Remembering this could be an important part of overcoming your tunnel anxiety!

 

Try some grounding techniques such as deep breathing: draw a deep breathe in through your nose and let it out slowly though your nose. Another relaxation technique is to tense your muscles (safely whilst driving), try tensing your muscles tight and then slowly releasing which sends a signal to your brain that the coast is clear!

Driving through tunnels safely :

  • Make sure you get in the lane you need early
  • Make sure your lights are on, even on the sunniest of days won’t affect the dark tunnel
  • Watch out for speed limit changes as you approach the tunnel, so stay vigilant as you approach and enter the tunnel
  • Having the radio tuned into local traffic news will help you be aware of any issues regarding the tunnel before you enter it.

Once you are in the tunnel :

  • Make sure to keep plenty of distance between your vehicle and other road users, this will allow you time to react accordingly to any problems that arise
  • If you become anxious just remind yourself that driving through the tunnel is only a very small part of your journey, Focus of visualizing yourself emerging safely out the other side of the tunnel.

Traffic in the tunnel :

  • Allow space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front
  • Turn your engine off if traffic comes to a standstill
  • Never leave your vehicle unless there is an emergency

If you break down in the tunnel :

  • Pull over to the left
  • Switch on your hazard lights
  • Turn off your engine
  • Use an emergency telephone to call for help

Kerry at Britannia says:

I used to have a fear of driving through tunnels, I used to feel a sensation of not being able to breathe etc. Since trying these tips i have managed to overcome my fears and can now drive stress free through tunnels and enjoy my drive.

 

 

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November 4, 2022
New permit proposal to drive across British city

Drivers may soon need a permit to drive through Oxford if drastic new plans go ahead. The strict plans have been slated by motorists, who would be capped at just 100 days of travel through the city a year. Oxfordshire county council proposes to keep track of city residents through automatic number plate recognition. Up to three permits will be issued per household, only residents within Oxford will be able to apply for one.

The limits would run between 7am-7pm, £70 fines will be issued for motorists without a permit. This rule would apply to all vehicles except buses, coaches, vans, lorries, emergency services, blue badge holders and care workers.

 

 

 

The council plans to make a decision whether to implement the permits next month. This has caused quite a stir amongst motorists who have branded the idea “ridiculous”.But Robin Tucker, the chair of Coalition for Healthy Streets and Active Travel, recently defended the councils plans. He told the BBC ” Currently our buses are slower than a horse and cart, our city doesn’t feel safe enough to get around. ”

“We need to see measures including traffic filters, a clean air zone and ways to encourage people away from commuting by car so we can all move freely and get where we want to go.”

The county council’s website says the plans are “designed to reduce traffic, make bus journeys faster and make walking and cycling safer.

“When they are operating, private cars will not be allowed through the traffic filters without a permit.”

Councillor Duncan Enright, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Travel and Development Strategy, said the filters will aim “to reduce the need to travel in private cars and make walking, cycling and public transport the natural first choice.”

Respondents were also asked about plans to expand the Zero Emissions Zone, and 69% were in favour, with 23% against.

Rebecca at Britannia said:

” Permits can help reduce traffic flow and help residents move more freely around there home town, but also could be problematic for other road users. I’m sure whatever decision is made it wont be made lightly and all motorists will be considered.

 

 

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