Monthly Archives: January 2023

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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January 17, 2023
Top 10 Causes For Failing The Practical Driving Test

In this blog we will explain the top 10 reasons people fail the practical driving test in Great Britain, below are some examples of the types of mistakes people make.

41.7% was the pass rate between January and March 2022

The driving test pass rate was 47.1% between January and March 2022. Many people who failed their test made at least one of the mistakes:

1.Not making effective observations at junctions:

  • You must make effective observations before moving into a new road
  • Make sure it is safe before proceeding

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Junctions – Observations’ fault on your driving test result.

2. Not using mirrors correctly when changing directions:

  • Make full and effective use of mirrors
  • Check the mirrors carefully before signalling, changing direction or changing speed
  • Use the mirror – signal- manoeuvre routine effectively

some examples:

  • Not using mirrors when exiting a roundabout
  • Not checking mirrors when on a dual carriageway

Any mistakes you make in this area when changing direction will be counted under the ‘Mirrors – Change direction’ fault on your driving test result.

3. Not having proper control of the steering:

  • You must be able to steer the car as smoothly as possible and at the right time.

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Control – Steering’ fault on your driving test result.

4.Incorrect positioning when turning right at a junction:

  • You must be able to position the car as close to the center of the road as is safe.

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Junctions – Turning right’ fault on your driving test result.

5. Not moving off safely:

You must be able to move off safely while making the correct observations:

  • On a slope or hill (gradient)
  • From the side of the road
  • From behind a parked vehicle, so you have to move off at an angle

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Moving off – Safety’ fault on your driving test result.

 

 

6. Not responding appropriately to traffic lights correctly:

  • You must take notice and respond correctly to traffic lights

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Response to signs – Traffic lights’ fault on your driving test result.

7. Poor positioning on the road during normal driving:

  • position the car correctly for your intended route
  • position the car in the middle of marked lanes
  • only change lanes when necessary

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Positioning – Normal driving’ fault on your driving test result.

8. Not corresponding correctly to traffic signs:

  • You must be able to understand and be able to react to all traffic signs

Any mistakes you make in this area will show as ‘Response to signals – Traffic signs’ in your result.

9. Not having control of the vehicle when moving off:

  • You must be able to move off under control, including on a slope or hill (gradient), from behind a parked vehicle and at junctions.

Any mistakes you make in this area will be counted under the ‘Move off – Control’ fault on your driving test result.

10. Not keeping control of the vehicle during reverse parking:

  • You must be able to parallel park at the side of the road
  • You must be able reverse to park in a parking bay

 

 

 

 

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January 9, 2023
‘UK’s Most Confusing Bus Lane’

 

Whilst driving avoiding bus lanes is always top priority for motorists to avoid being given a fine, but motorists have been caught of guard by a confusing bus lane in Clapham Common in South West London.

The bus lane has been the talk of the town, having been the cause of more than 15,000 penalty charge notices (PCNs) since october 2021, totaling up to an outstanding £1.9 million in fines! Since being made permanent in 2000, Clapham Park Road bus lane is thought to of brought in an estimated £6million in fines.

Richard Newell, appealed his fine and won, after he was caught turning into the bus lane. Local drivers have stated that the signs warning drivers not to use the bus lane to turn left are unclear. Motorists have claimed there is an arrow marked on the road that urges them to use it.

The fine being issued for early payment is £65 rising to £130.00, It means Lambeth Council has pocketed between £985,075 and in excess of £1.9 million, a Freedom of Information request shows. With March 2022 being the highest issuing for fines.

An AA spokesperson said these kind of lanes are “scary” as they’re expected to be rolled out across the UK.

“It is beggars belief that, after all these years of driver protests and traffic penalty tribunal adjudicators allowing appeals because the junction layout and signage is flawed, this bus lane continues to trap so many drivers,” they added.

“When is the local authority going to accept that motorists don’t throw themselves like lemmings into bus lanes for the ‘joy’ of getting a fine in a cost of living crisis?

“Probably never, because it’s such a nice big earner for the council.

“This year, adjudicators have again condemned this bus lane and, clearly, enforcement with poor signage isn’t fair or doing its job in keeping the lane free for buses – simply because it is issuing so many fines.

“I suspect the locals are very aware of what they should do at this junction but, for anyone coming from outside the area and unfamiliar with the road, it’s a potential nightmare.

 

“The adjudicator’s concern about how well the warning signs show up at night is a problem the AA has seen with other London bus lanes that have turned into fines’ magnets.

“What really scares the AA and drivers is that this type and quality of enforcement is now being rolled out to councils across England.”

The lane is signposted with filter lights for buses, cabs and bikes – which some could find confusing.

However, a spokesperson for Lambeth Council said: “Our bus lanes are clearly marked and comply with all regulations and standards.

“People who illegally drive in bus lanes cause delays to bus passengers and other commuters.

“We regularly check our signs and road markings where we enforce using CCTV to ensure we are compliant, and the vast majority of motorists who use Lambeth roads every day do so without receiving a Penalty Charge Notice.

“The bus lane in Clapham Park Road is clearly marked and complies with all regulations and standards.

“However, if a motorist feels that he or she has been issued with a ticket unfairly they are able to challenge it and we have an independent appeal process.”

 

Beccy at Briannia says:

This Bus lane sounds very confusing and causing lots of problems for not only local residents but visitor mainly.

 

 

 

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