Monthly Archives: September 2023

September 29, 2023
Why Choose Britannia Driving School?

With so many driving schools and independent driving instructors out there, why choose Britannia?

Here at Britannia we are dedicated to giving impeccable customer service at all times, ensuring you get the best possible help and support when it comes to booking in your driving lessons. Our helpful office staff are at your beck and call to offer our expertise in finding an instructor who is tailored to your learning style.

What makes us different to other schools?

  • Unlike the majority of local schools we have a head office where you are able to walk in and book a driving lesson on the spot, or just have a friendly chat about your driving needs. We have an easily accessible live chat option on our website whereby you can speak with us directly between 9-6pm Monday – Friday, via this option you are able to get more information or check when your next lesson is etc. We also answer all our calls so no unhelpful call centers!

 

  • We know  our instructors, the cars they drive, which postcodes and test centers they cover. We also will be able to determine the type of instructor you need from any information you give us, such as which days/times you are available for lessons as we are up to date with the days and times the instructors work.

 

  • We have an extensive website where you can find answers to common questions relating to driving or taking lessons as well as help with theory such as mock tests, with a fully up to date price list and an option send in a booking request and we respond to emails as they come through to the minute.

  • We offer pay as you go lessons as well as block bookings with a discount for 12 or more! Plus an introductory offer for new students, who are complete beginners.

 

  • We offer 1 hour lessons! And we mean 1hour not 45 mins.

 

  • We accept card payments.

 

  • We offer door to door service where possible and if not our helpful office staff will help you find an easy meeting point for you to meet your instructor.

 

  • No extra charges for Weekend or evening lessons and our lessons are all a set fee so no paying extra for manual or automatic!

 

  • We have a no piggy backing policy, so you will never have any other students in the car with you on your lesson.

 

If this all sounds good to you, then get in touch with us. Our friendly office staff are waiting to help you invest in your future by starting your driving journey.

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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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September 13, 2023
Lack of driving tests in London

DVSA driving test centres will be affected by strike action in December and January

London, known for its bustling streets and iconic landmarks, is also home to millions of residents eager to obtain their driver’s licenses. However, a significant challenge that aspiring drivers in London face is the scarcity of driving test slots. In this blog post, we will delve into the reasons behind the shortage of driving test slots in the city, its impact on individuals, and potential solutions to this problem.

The Demand vs. Supply Discrepancy

London’s population density and the sheer number of individuals seeking driving licenses create a substantial gap between the demand for driving test slots and the available supply. This discrepancy has left countless Londoners struggling to secure a test date, sometimes waiting for several months before getting a chance to take their test.

Reasons for the Lack of Driving Test Slots

  1. High Population Density: London is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. The sheer number of residents seeking driving licenses puts immense pressure on the limited test slots available.
  2. Limited Test Centers: London has several driving test centers, but they are often spread out across the city. This geographic dispersion can make it challenging for individuals to find a nearby test center with available slots.
  3. Backlog Due to COVID-19: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted driving tests globally, leading to a backlog of postponed tests. This backlog has further strained the availability of test slots as examiners work to catch up.
  4. Instructor Shortages: The demand for driving instructors in London often outstrips the supply. This can result in delays for learners in completing their required lessons and, subsequently, booking their tests.

Impact on Aspiring Drivers

The lack of driving test slots in London has several significant consequences for individuals:

  1. Delayed Independence: Obtaining a driver’s license is often seen as a rite of passage that grants individuals a sense of freedom and independence. Delays in securing test slots can postpone this milestone.
  2. Hindered Career Opportunities: Many job opportunities in London require a driver’s license. A delay in obtaining one can limit career prospects for individuals.
  3. Increased Costs: Extended waiting periods can lead to additional expenses, as learners may need to take more driving lessons to maintain their skills while waiting for their test.
  4. Frustration and Stress: The uncertainty and frustration of not knowing when one will get a test date can be emotionally taxing, affecting the mental well-being of aspiring drivers.

Potential Solutions

Addressing the lack of driving test slots in London requires a multi-faceted approach:

  1. Increase Test Centers: Building new test centers or expanding existing ones in strategic locations can help alleviate the shortage.
  2. Online Booking Systems: Implementing efficient and user-friendly online booking systems can streamline the process and reduce waiting times.
  3. Extended Operating Hours: Extending the operating hours of test centers, including evenings and weekends, can increase capacity.
  4. Training More Examiners: Increasing the number of qualified examiners can expedite the testing process.
  5. Prioritizing Essential Workers: Giving priority to essential workers, such as healthcare professionals and delivery drivers, can ensure they can access tests promptly.

 

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September 12, 2023
The Law For Car Seats

Are you confident that you know the correct child car seat to use, according to a child’s age? Do you know what age a child can travel without a car seat? Being familiar with the laws regarding children’s car seats is very important.

What is the law on children’s car seats?

According to UK child car seat laws children must use a car seat until they are either 12 years old or at least 135cm in height (whichever comes first). Once they are able to sit in the car without a car seat, they must wear an adult seat belt and it is the drivers responsibility to make sure they do so.

It’s recommended that children travel in the back of a car for their safety along with staying in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible.Once children move to a forward-facing car seat, it’s recommended that they stay in the back of the car for as long as possible. This is to minimize impact injuries from the car or airbag, should there be an accident.

What type of car seat is right for my child?

There are many things to factor in when choosing the right car seat for your child, such as height and weight. You may also what to consider how long the child will be using the seat on average, so for instance if you are planning on doing long road trips where your child may want to sleep then choosing a car seat that has built in comfort features will be something to consider. Above all else they must be EU-approved

Weight-based car seats

The type of seat your child can use depends on their weight. On the Gov.uk website, you will find a list of weight-based categories that car seats fall into. Only EU-approved weight-based child car seats can be used in the UK. These have a label showing a capital ‘E’ in a circle and ‘ECE R44’.

GroupSeats
0kg to 10kg0Lie-flat or ‘lateral’ baby carrier, rear-facing baby carrier, or rear-facing baby seat using a harness
0kg to 13kg0+Rear-facing baby carrier or rear-facing baby seat using a harness
9kg to 18kg1Rear- or forward-facing baby seat using a harness or safety shield
15kg to 25kg2Rear- or forward-facing child car seat (high-backed booster seat or booster cushion) using a seat belt, harness or safety shield
22kg to 36kg3Rear- or forward-facing child car seat (high-backed booster seat or booster cushion) using a seat belt, harness or safety shield

 

Height-based car seats

Height-based seats are known as ‘i-Size’ seats. They must be rear-facing until your child is over 15 months old. Your child can use a forward-facing child car seat when they’re over 15 months old.Only EU-approved height-based child car seats can be used in the UK. These have a label showing a capital ‘E’ in a circle and ‘R129’.

Can children travel on short distances without a car seat

In most cases, a child under 12 or under 135cm in height must always travel in a car seat when in a car. The exceptions are:

  • a child is in a taxi or minicab
  • a child is in a minibus, coach or van
  • a child is on an unexpected journey, for example, an emergency
  • there is no room in the vehicle for another car seat

Fitting a car seat

You must only use a child car seat if your car’s seat belt has a diagonal strap, unless the seat is either:

  • specifically designed for use with a lap seat belt
  • fitted using ISOFIX anchor points

You must also:

  • deactivate any front airbags before fitting a rear-facing baby seat in a front seat
  • not fit a child car seat in side-facing seats

Places like Halford’s will fit your seat for you, if you are unsure.

 

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