Author Archives: Kerry Smith

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.

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

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.
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.
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.
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:

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.
Hindered Career Opportunities: Many job opportunities in London require a driver’s license. A delay in obtaining one can limit career prospects for individuals.
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.
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:

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

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’.

	Group	Seats
0kg to 10kg	0	Lie-flat or ‘lateral’ baby carrier, rear-facing baby carrier, or rear-facing baby seat using a harness
0kg to 13kg	0+	Rear-facing baby carrier or rear-facing baby seat using a harness
9kg to 18kg	1	Rear- or forward-facing baby seat using a harness or safety shield
15kg to 25kg	2	Rear- or forward-facing child car seat (high-backed booster seat or booster cushion) using a seat belt, harness or safety shield
22kg to 36kg	3	Rear- 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.

Recent driving news in London-August

London’s Push for Electric Vehicle

With a growing emphasis on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, London has been actively encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). The city’s expansive network of EV charging stations has been expanding, making it increasingly convenient for residents and visitors to charge their vehicles. In a bid to tackle air pollution, certain areas in Central London have become Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ), where only vehicles meeting strict emission standards can enter without incurring charges. This move not only promotes cleaner air but also nudges drivers toward Eco-friendly transportation options.

Autonomous Vehicles on the increase

The dream of self-driving cars is inching closer to reality, and London is playing its part in this technological revolution. Various autonomous vehicle trials have taken place on the city’s roads, with companies testing their driver-less technology in real-world scenarios. These trials have not only showcased the potential of self-driving cars to enhance road safety but have also sparked discussions about the future of transportation and the implications for urban planning.

Cycling Infrastructure Enhancements

London’s efforts to promote sustainable and healthy modes of transport extend beyond electric vehicles. The city has been investing in cycling infrastructure, with dedicated bike lanes and cycle superhighways becoming a common sight. These enhancements aim to make cycling a safer and more attractive option for both commuters and leisure riders, contributing to reduced traffic congestion and improved air quality.

Pedestrian-Focused Initiatives

In a bid to create more pedestrian-friendly spaces, London has been transforming certain areas into car-free zones. Prominent streets and squares have been pedestrianized, allowing people to enjoy the city without the noise and pollution associated with vehicular traffic. This shift aligns with the broader vision of creating a more livable and accessible urban environment.

Challenges of Congestion and Mobility

While London’s efforts to promote sustainable transportation are commendable, the city still grapples with issues of congestion and mobility. As a response, authorities have been exploring congestion pricing and other innovative traffic management strategies to alleviate the strain on road networks. Balancing the needs of a growing population with the limitations of existing infrastructure remains an

Elderly Motorists Fine Warning

The DVSA have issued warnings to elderly drivers as millions risk a fine, They have urged those above the age of 70 to update their Driving License, or risk facing a penalty.

They have urged drivers to check their Driving Licence expiry date and have suggested that visiting their website to update details is the quickest and easiest route to do so. Those above the age of 70 must renew their licence every three years compared to every 10 years for younger drivers.

Anyone turning 70 may be unaware of the new rules and find themself being landed a fine by the changes. Road users who don’t renew with officials could be hit with fines of up to £1,000 in a major blow.

There are around 10 million drivers aged over 70 on UK roads who could be at risk of breaking the rules. If you have any elderly relatives, friends or neighbors who this change might affect you could help them out by making them aware of it and offering help and support in updating their license.

The DVLA issued a regular reminder on Twitter last night.

They posted: “Renewing your licence at 70 is easy to do online, plus it’s quick and secure.”

The DVLA’s warning contained a link straight to their website where road users can complete a renewal online.Motorists should use the service if their licence has expired or is set to expire in 90 days.

Those over 70 can drive following the meet the following criteria :

Have full support of their doctor
Their last licence wasn’t revoked or refused for medical conditions

However, some DVLA services cannot be used online with some drivers forced to use a postal service.

Motorists looking to renew a C1 (medium-sized vehicles) or D1 (minibus) entitlement must do this through a paper application.

According to AgeUK, those without access to an internet connection can still send in physical evidence for their driving licence renewal.

If you have a photocard licence, drivers need to fill in a D46P form and return it to the DVLA with your current photocard.

Motorists may also need to include a passport-style photograph if they intend to change their picture.

Motorists Not Feeling Fine!

This month will see the roll out of new fines, in this article we will look at ways to avoid them if possible, the new charges include Ultra Low Emission Zones, pavement parking and HGV levy tax.

Pavement parking:

A pavement parking ban will be introduced to increase the safety of pedestrians and to also make sure pathways are kept clear.

The first pavement parking ban came about in Scotland in 2019, it is thought to be implemented nationwide by the end of 2023. It was first due to commence in 2021 but has been delayed to August 2023.

Motorists will be issued with a £70 penalty notice if the law is enforced.

How to avoid:

Plan your route and check parking ahead of the journey
Look for local car parks (check the restrictions)
Use the Ringo App for assistance

Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) Levy

HGV’s that weigh over 12 tonnes have to pay a levy charge, this will go towards the roads being taken care of as HGV’s cause damage over time to our roads.

This cost was suspended when the Covid Pandemic hit, and was continued for another year in August 2022.

However this will continue from the end of August 2023, unfortunately there is no running from this one as it is mandatory!

ULEZ And Clean Air Zones

London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone will be extending to all 33 London boroughs from August 29, 2023.

The policy is designed to improve air quality and reduce pollution. Those whose car’s do not comply with the minimum emission standards can pay £12.50 a day.

Since the roll out in Manchester, Tyneside and Sheffield TfL reported more than four out of five motors now meet the minimum emission levels.

Sheffield kickstarted a Class C zone on February 27, which involves buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans and minibuses.

The charge will be between £10 and £50 per day.

In Glasgow, since June 1, 2023, motorists have been slapped with a £60 fine if they didn’t comply with the Low Emission Zone.

Fletchers Associate solicitor and team leader Jayne Orme said: “All diesel cars are allowed to be driven in London, but around 9.5 million of them don’t meet the latest emissions standards.

“These cars will incur a fee if they are driven in these zones so at a time when money is tight it is really important to check before you travel as you don’t want to be caught out with unnecessary fines.

“I do believe something like this needed to be done to try and reduce the effects of climate change, however the timing for such changes is probably not great.”

How to avoid:

Ensure your vehicle is ULEZ compliant
To be ULEZ compliant, petrol cars must meet Euro 4 emissions standards. Most petrol cars registered after January 2006 meet these standards. Petrol cars that meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards are exempt from paying charges.

Unfortunately there are more fines on the horizon these include 20mph speed limit caps and Benefits in Kind tax rates.

Man who impersonated learners faces 10 years in jail

A man has pleaded guilty to receiving payment for committing fraud by impersonating learners to take their Theory Test for them.

It is thought Singh of Swansea charged at least 36 learner drivers up to staggering £1,500 a time. Satwinder Singh, 34, took the tests illegally for the non English speaking learners. The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) even issued pictures of Singh to centres as a warning while he travelled to test sites up and down the country.It was on June 6 his luck ran out, when a staff member recognised him at Reading test centre as he tried to take fraudulent test.

He was found carrying a driving license under a different name, He accepted he had intended to deceive the staff at Reed test centre into believing he was Amritpal Singh in order to take a theory test.The other test centres he targeted were in locations such as Manchester, Sheffield, Southgate, Oxford, Aylesbury, Guildford, Staines and Bristol.

Singh admitted the specific offences of impersonating genuine test candidates for payment at Person and Reed test centres.

Singh, of Swansea pleaded guilty at Reading Magistrates court. He was bailed on the condition that he does not attend any Reeds or Pearson driving theory test centres. Magistrates in Reading, Berks, sent his case to crown court for sentencing at a later date. He was bailed on the condition that he does not attend any Reeds or Pearson driving theory test centres.

For such a fraudulent crime sing, could be facing up to 10 years in prison.The case follows similar instances across the country, including Salim Basalim, 32, who admitted twelve counts of fraud and received a year in jail for taking tests.

A DVSA spokesperson said: “Driving test fraud is a serious offence, and we’re working closely with social media companies and other agencies to crack down and prosecute those attempting to cheat the system.”

Rebecca at Britannia said:

This is a very concerning crime, not only is fraudulent against a governing body but it is a scary though to think there are people out there driving with a ‘full license’ which may have been attained fraudulently meaning the driver may be driving unsafely especially if they don’t fully understand the road signs.

Tips for ADI’S & PDI’S

Being a driving instructor is a very sociable job, where you spend lots of time in close proximity with your pupils. When teaching there is many things to consider to help you keep your pupils happy and ensure they continue lessons with you. Along with being professional at all times and ensuring you are teaching your pupils to the best of your ability, there a few other things that can go against you.

Personal Hygiene:

Keeping yourself clean and smelling fresh is a top priority when you are teaching a pupil, in a car you are right next to the pupil and with the windows closed in the winter any odours in the vehicle will be amplified and in the summer odours will be heated up due to the increased temperature. Having a quick shower in the morning before you go out on lessons will not only freshen you up, but also wake you up so you are ready to take on the day.

Top tip:

Try reducing the water temperature towards the end of the shower to you end the shower with a blast of cold water, there are many benefits of this which include: Increases endorphins, helps improve metabolism, improves circulation, helps fight off common illnesses and increases mental ability.

Keeping the vehicle clean and hygienic:

You should treat your car as an extension of your house, keep in mind your car is where you will be spending your working day and where your student will be learning. Your vehicle has to be cleaned to the highest standards, so avoiding eating and drinking in your car would be a good start as small spaces can hold smells for a long time. This would also avoid any spills or crumbs, hoovering your car and polishing off any dust is always a good idea. Not forgetting the exterior of the car, either washing your car yourself or going to a professional car wash will ensure your vehicle is appealing to the outside. Remember when you drive your car you are advertising your business to the general public and potential future students.Don’t store anything in your car unless you need it for every trip. There is no point in cluttering your car with things like toys, gym bags, books and magazines. Besides adding to the stress, such items take up valuable space.You can prevent odors by keeping the upholstery clean and dry. Using dryer sheets under the seats and a good car deodorizer will help.

Top tip:

An air freshener will keep your car smelling good at all times, but choose wisely as some can be very overpowering.

Punctuality:

It sometimes is not possible to avoid traffic caused by an unexpected accident but keeping up to date with the latest traffic updates can help you plan out your routes, for example if there is on going roadworks in a certain area then you can make a plan to use different routes. There will of course be times when you can’t avoid it or it is sprung upon you, so having good communication with pupils will really help. If you are running late for any reason parking up and giving them a quick call or a text to inform them you are running behind will be very much appreciated and help ensure you keep a good communication between you and your student.

Rebecca at Britannia says:

These are all extremely important tips that can help to ensure an instructor can retain their pupils.

Learner Driver Insurance

When you are taking regular driving lessons with an instructor who is fully covered by the correct insurance, you may be enthusiastic to continue practicing in between lessons with a family member or a friend. This will give you a chance to practice what you would have learnt on the previous lesson and help build your confidence for when you pass your driving test and are able to go out alone and drive without an instructor with dual controls.The Supervising Driver must: Be at least 21 years old. Have a full driving licence (for the type of vehicle being used – manual or automatic) Have held that valid licence for a minimum of three years.

It is a legal requirement that you have learner driver insurance to cover you if you did have any bumps or scrapes you and the driver are fully covered. It is also a legal requirement to have ‘L’ plates on the front and back of the vehicle Failure to display an L plate, or an L plate that is the incorrect size, can result in you receiving up to six penalty points on your driving licence. This is so other road users are aware that you are a learner, this not only helps other drivers be aware that you may need extra time or for them to be patient. It also shows to pedestrians that you are an inexperienced driver.

By law, an L plate must be a red letter on a white background and the size outlined in the diagram below:

L plates must be displayed at all times when you are driving.

Learner driver insurance sits alongside the car owner’s existing policy, so if you needed to make a claim, it wouldn’t affect the owner’s no-claims discount (NCD). However, if you decide to be added to the owner’s existing car insurance policy and have to make a claim, they’ll lose their NCD.Alternatively, if you have your own car, you can take out provisional driver insurance and add a family member or spouse as a named driver. This will enable you to build up your own NCD.If you’re only driving during lessons with an approved instructor in a vehicle they own, they’ll usually sort out the insurance which is then included in the price of your driving lessons.

When practising outside of lessons, it’s essential to focus on the areas that you find challenging. This could be anything from manoeuvres such as parallel parking, to navigating roundabouts or driving on motorways (although motorway driving won’t be part of your test, it will nonetheless be a big part of your future driving). Practising on different types of roads, in different weather conditions and at different times of the day will also help you gain a broader range of experience and prepare you for any eventuality on the road.

If you’re practising outside of lessons, it’s essential to have learner driver insurance to cover your practice. Temporary learner driver insurance is designed to cover learner drivers who want to practise in someone else’s car. This type of insurance allows you to practise in a family member or friend’s car without the need to be added to their policy. This means that you can practise in a car that you’re comfortable driving, without having to purchase a new car or be restricted to practising in your driving instructor’s car.

Temporary learner driver insurance is typically available for short periods, usually ranging from an hour to several weeks. This makes it ideal for learners who want to practise in a car for a specific period, such as during school holidays, or for those who are approaching their driving test and want to get some additional practice in.

To get learner driver insurance, you’ll need to provide some basic details, including your name, address, age, and the registration number of the car you’ll be driving. Once you’ve paid for the insurance, you’ll receive a policy document via email that you can present to the car owner or the police if required.

Overcoming Driving Anxiety

Learning to drive can be a anxious time for many first time drivers, The thought of learning a new skill can be daunting. I should know, i was one of them! In this blog i am going to give you some advice and tips on combating the nerves and getting yourself on the road.

I think generally the thought of something is usually what builds up anxiety, its the unknown and the what ifs. But if you can overcome the negative anxious thoughts and give it ago you will find that its actually not that scary! I think overthinking and ruminating is what builds things up in our minds and leads us to become stuck in a negative thinking pattern, which leads us to become stuck and frozen in fear. Sometimes you have to feel the fear and do it anyway..

Once you have decided you would like to give driving ago, the best piece of advice i can give you is to find a driving instructor who you gel with.Someone who is patient and will understand you are nervous and help you to overcome your fear. Learning to drive with an instructor who you get on well with will make driving lessons feel like a pleasurable experience and you will even find you are having fun at the same time!

Have confidence in yourself, remember the instructor will have dual control of the car. You are not in danger, they have the ability to be able to emergency stop if needed or help take control of the car. Be clear with your instructor and communicate your worries, they can help eliminate your fears.

Stay calm and listen to your instructor, let them instruct you. Patience is everything, don’t rush yourself, remember learning to drive is learning a whole new skill, which takes time. So don’t be hard on yourself if you don’t pick it up straight away or feel like you can’t remember it all. Just keeping up the momentum and having weekly lessons will do you the world of good, regular lessons will help it all sink in and come together.

Ensure you don’t partake in anything stressful or tiring before your lesson, try and get a good nights sleep the night before to ensure you are well rested for the lesson. Drink plenty of water and eat a healthy meal before hand to ensure you are hydrated and don’t get hungry during the lesson.

If you are able to, take a few moments before the lesson to gather your thoughts and take some deep breaths to help calm your nervous system.

Keep in mind it is totally NORMAL to have nerves and be anxious, but you can do this.

We offer a first basic lesson for complete beginners at £19.95 so why not give us a call today and get your first lesson booked in?

This blog was written by Rebecca at Britannia.

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