September 30, 2025
Fast Track or Slow Lane?

Learning to drive is one of life’s biggest milestones-right up there with graduating, getting your first job, or finally parallel parking without traumatising the curb. But when it comes to lessons, learners often face a fork in the road: intensive driving courses or weekly lessons. So, buckle up-we’re about to take this debate for a spin.

Intensive Driving Courses: Pedal to the Metal
Pros:
• Speedy Pass: Need your licence yesterday? Intensive courses are the motorway to freedom. Britannia Driving School offers 15-hour packages over just six days at shockingly sensible prices. That’s faster than your mum saying, “I’m not your taxi service.”
• Full-Throttle Focus: With lessons packed tighter than the Tube at rush hour, you’ll barely have time to forget clutch control.
• Confidence Boost: The non-stop immersion makes driving feel less like an alien activity and more like… well, driving.

Cons:
• Brain Drain: Four hours a day in a car can leave your brain running on empty. (Warning: coffee not included.)
• One-Size Doesn’t Fit All: Some people need more pit stops. If you learn best with breaks, you may find yourself stalling.
• Pressure Cooker: Tests often follow immediately. It’s like doing karaoke in front of Simon Cowell when you’ve only practised in the shower.

Weekly Driving Lessons: Cruise Control
Pros:
• Steady Progress: One to three lessons a week means you learn slowly, like a slow-cooked stew. And who doesn’t prefer that over a microwave meal?
• Easy on the Wallet: Pay-as-you-go (with block booking discounts) keeps your bank account from skidding into overdraft.
• Fits Around Life: Whether you’re balancing school, work, or a Netflix marathon, weekly lessons slide neatly into your schedule.
• Great for Nervous Drivers: Extra time between lessons lets you reflect—without reflecting off someone’s bumper.

Cons:
• It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint: With around 45 professional hours needed, weekly learners may be in it for the long haul.
• Forget-Me-Nots: Long gaps risk you forgetting what you’ve learned-like mirror-signal-manoeuvre turning into mirror-signal-erm… what was it again?
• Booking Battles: Snagging your favourite instructor’s slot can feel harder than finding parking in central London.

What Do the Experts Say?
At Britannia Driving School, learners get the best of both worlds. Nervous beginners thrive under patient instructors, while fast trackers benefit from competitively priced crash courses.

One Trustpilot reviewer nailed it: “My instructor was patient, calm, and really boosted my confidence. I passed first time!”. That’s the kind of testimonial that makes stalling almost sound cute.

Final Thoughts: Which Lane is Yours?
If you’re racing against the clock, intensive courses are your turbo boost. If you’d rather enjoy the scenery (and the occasional tea break), weekly lessons are your best lane. Either way, Britannia Driving School will steer you right-with expert instructors, modern cars, and prices that won’t make your wallet put on the handbrake.
Because whether you’re zooming or cruising, the finish line is the same: confidence, independence, and that sweet, sweet Driving Licence.

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September 20, 2025
Automatic vs Manual Cars: Which is Best to Learn in 2026?

For decades, the classic rite of passage in Britain was learning to drive a manual car. Mastering the clutch was almost a national sport, with hill starts ranking just below cricket in terms of stress and tradition. But times are changing. Automatic cars are no longer just for the lazy, the nervous, or the Americans—they’re rapidly becoming the new normal. Let’s have a light-hearted look at why this shift is happening, what the UK test requirements say, and where the future is heading. And of course, how Britannia Driving School can steer you in the right direction (pun intended).

The Case for Manual Cars
Manual cars have long been seen as the ‘proper’ way to learn. They give you more control, can be cheaper to buy, and until recently, were everywhere. Plus, once you’ve got that manual licence, you can drive both manuals and automatics. It’s like getting the full buffet instead of the salad bar. The downside? Stalling at roundabouts, grinding gears, and clutch control that feels more like a medieval torture device than a learning experience. Learners often spend half their early lessons just figuring out how not to bunny-hop down the road.

Why Learners Are Shifting to Automatics
Enter the automatic car, the smooth, gear-free saviour of nervous learners everywhere. The rise of electric vehicles (which are all automatic by design) and the increasing popularity of hybrid cars has made automatics far more mainstream. No clutch, no stalling, and no sweating bullets when traffic on Wimbledon Hill decides to grind to a halt just as you’re pulling away. For many learners, automatics offer less stress, faster progress, and fewer grey hairs for their instructors. In fact, DVSA stats show that demand for automatic tests has doubled in recent years, and for good reason: learners want simplicity.

The UK Test Requirements
Here’s the important bit: if you pass your test in a manual car, you’re allowed to drive both manual and automatic cars. If you pass in an automatic, however, you’re limited to automatics only. So, while automatics are easier to learn in, they do restrict you (for now). That said, with automatics and EVs becoming more common, that restriction is looking less dramatic every year. Soon, “I can’t drive a manual” might be about as relevant as saying “I can’t churn butter by hand.”

The Future Outlook
With the UK planning to ban new petrol and diesel cars by 2035, and most carmakers shifting their line-ups to electric and hybrid models, it’s clear the future is automatic. In 10 years, finding a manual car might be trickier than finding a phone box that still works. The tide is turning, and learners today are already ahead of the curve if they choose the automatic route.

How Britannia Driving School Can Help
Whether you want to conquer clutch control like a traditionalist or glide smoothly into the automatic era, Britannia Driving School has you covered. Our instructors across London—from Wimbledon to Battersea-are patient, professional, and more than capable of helping you pass in whichever gearbox you choose. Want to master the manual? We’ll guide you through every stall and start. Prefer to keep things stress-free in an automatic? We’ll make sure you’re test-ready faster than you can say “gearbox.”

At Britannia, we believe learning to drive should be about confidence, not chaos. So whichever path you choose-manual, automatic, or eventually electric-we’ll get you there with humour, patience, and a licence you can actually use without fear of stalling.

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August 31, 2025
Driving Lessons, Eye Tests & Payment Tech

If you thought learning to drive in the UK was just about stalling gracefully at roundabouts and pretending parallel parking isn’t terrifying, think again. 2025 has brought a flurry of changes for learners and drivers alike—some useful, some eyebrow-raising, and all guaranteed to spice up the road to your license. But don’t panic—Britannia Driving School, with our ever-patient instructors in Richmond upon Thames, has you covered.

1. Scotland’s Driving Test Shake-Up (And Why It Matters to You)
Scotland recently rolled out a seven-point plan to tackle horrendous wait times for driving tests. Think: 450 new examiners, a better booking system, and stricter cancellation rules. Translation? Less time refreshing the DVSA website and more time practising three-point turns. While the reforms are Scotland’s test track for now, the rest of the UK could soon follow. At Britannia, our Richmond instructors are already helping learners plan smart, so when those changes hit London, you’ll be ready to ace your test instead of queuing endlessly.

2. Eye Tests for Older Drivers (Yes, Gran, This Means You) ️️
The government is steering towards mandatory eye tests for drivers over 70, with re-checks every three years. Add in whispers about tighter drink-driving limits, and it’s clear road safety is the big headline. While Granny might grumble, the truth is clear (pun intended): sharp eyesight keeps everyone safer. Britannia’s instructors often joke that checking your mirrors is only useful if you can see them. In Richmond, we mix patience with practicality—whether you’re 17 or 71, we make sure you’re confident, safe, and not mistaking a bus for a bike.

3. Payment Tech is Revving Up
Cash is so last decade. With schools across the UK turning to smarter payment tech, learners can now book and pay for lessons as easily as ordering takeaway. At Britannia, we’ve embraced the trend too—smooth booking means you spend less time fiddling with coins and more time mastering clutch control on Richmond’s charmingly narrow streets. Tech aside, our instructors remain proudly old-school in one way: they still deliver patient, calm, human instruction (no app can do that).

4. Learner Costs & Test Scheduling Woes
Here’s the kicker: costs are creeping up. Theory prep, apps, and those DVSA books all add up. On top of that, many learners are sweating over test dates, with long waits risking their theory expiring before they even get a shot at the wheel. At Britannia, we’ve seen this stress firsthand, and we guide our learners through it with good humour. We keep lessons efficient, practical, and fun—because the last thing you need when juggling costs is more pressure.

Britannia’s Advantage
From new rules to old frustrations, the UK learner landscape is shifting gears. But Britannia Driving School remains the go-to pit stop. Our instructors—patient, professional, and blessed with a sense of humour—make the difference. We believe in keeping learning accessible, affordable, and stress-free.

So, whether it’s eye tests, payment tech, or the dreaded DVSA booking screen, Britannia Driving School helps you navigate it all—with a smile, a laugh, and eventually, a pass certificate.

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June 23, 2025
Start Your Engines WIN A FREE DRIVING LESSON!!

 

This week we have an exciting competition launching!! With the chance to win a FREE DRIVING LESSON!! To be in with the chance of winning this amazing prize all you have to do is:

  • Follow us on Facebook or Instagram
  • Like & Share the competition post via one of social media platforms
  • Tag 3 friends
  • Take our first time drivers quiz

You may enter your answers below in the comment section

 

Winner to be announced on Monday 7th July

Good luck to everyone!!!!!

*Competition closes Sunday 6th July

 

NEW DRIVER QUIZ:

What does a RED traffic light mean?

A. Proceed with caution

B. Stop and wait at the stop line

C. Stop only if there is other traffic

D. Prepare to go

When can you use a mobile phone whilst driving?

A. When the car is moving slowly

B. Only if you are using hands-free

C. Any time if its on speaker

D. Never under any circumstances

What is the national speed limit on a single carriageway road for cars?

A. 30 MPH

B. 50 MPH

C. 60 MPH

D. 70 MPH

What should you do when approaching a roundabout?

A. Stop no matter what

B. Give way to traffic coming from the right

C. Accelerate to merge quickly

D. Always take the inside lane

It is legal to drive in the UK without a seat belt if you are over 18

A. True

B. False

You should flash your headlights to let others know you have the right away 

A. True

B. False

You are allowed to cross a solid white line in the centre of the road to overtake a slow-moving vehicle

A. True

B. False

Driving with snow or ice on your windscreen is illegal 

A. True

B. False

You can park on the pavement if there is no double yellow lines

A. True

B. False

You are driving at 60 mph on a country road when a sharp bend appears ahead, what should you do?

A. Maintain your speed

B. Brake hard into the bend

C. Slow down before the bend

D. Swerve if necessary

You see a horse rider on the road, what should you do?

A. Sound your horn to alert them

B. Pass quickly

C. Slow down and pass wide and slow

D. Turn around

You are at a junction with poor visability, what is the safest way to proceed?

A. Edge forward slowly and look

B. Pull out quickly

C. Flash your lights and go

D. Wait for someone to let you out

Answers will be put up here on our blog week commencing Monday 7th July

 

 

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July 5, 2023
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.

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May 25, 2023
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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March 20, 2023
Are Automatic Cars Better For Nervous Drivers?

Taking lessons can be a very overwhelming experience for first time learners, it can be a daunting for more experienced learners too. The thought of having to control the pedals, gears and maneuvering a vehicle, especially in traffic can be anxiety inducing. Leading some learners to ponder if automatic cars could cater to their needs and help calm the over thinking of having to control everything at once.

Here are some advantages to driving an Automatic car :

  • Simpler To Learn :

One of the biggest advantages of automatic cars is that they are more simple to learn. With an automatic transmission, pupils do not need to worry about operating the clutch or shifting gears, making the learning process less complicated.

  • Less To Think About :

Driving an automatic car is less stressful than a manual car. With an automatic car, drivers can focus on other aspects of driving, such as traffic conditions and road safety, without the added stress of having to shift gears or operate a clutch pedal.

  • Convenient :

Automatic cars are more convenient than manual cars. With an automatic car, drivers do not need to worry about stalling in traffic, and can easily switch between driving and parking modes with the push of a button.

  • A Feeling Of Safety :

Automatic cars can be safer for nervous drivers. With an automatic car, drivers can keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times, reducing the risk of distraction and increasing their ability to react to sudden changes in road conditions.

Here are some disadvantages of driving an Automatic car :

  • Greater Costs :

Something to think about is the cost, so once you’ve passed your test it would be more expensive to purchase a automatic than a manual. Automatic cars require more complex technology and parts, which can add to the cost of purchasing and maintaining the vehicle.

  • Limited Control :

Automatic cars provide limited control over the vehicle. With an automatic car, drivers do not have the ability to downshift to increase engine braking, which can be useful when descending steep hills or driving in slippery conditions.

  • Lower Fuel Efficiency :

Automatic cars are generally less fuel-efficient than manual cars. With an automatic car, the engine is not as responsive to changes in driving conditions, which can lead to a decrease in fuel efficiency over time.

Conclusion :

For nervous drivers, automatic cars can be a great choice. They are easier to learn, less stressful, more convenient, and can be safer on the road. However, it is important to keep in mind that automatic cars can be more expensive, offer limited control, and have lower fuel efficiency than manual cars.

Ultimately, the choice between an automatic and manual car will depend on personal preferences and needs. Nervous drivers should consider their comfort level with driving and their budget before making a decision.

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March 6, 2023
DVSA Issued warning to anyone who has a test booked in March

Civil servants from the PCS union are staging 11 days of strikes this month which could impact driving tests.

The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has issued a warning to learners who have driving tests booked this month.

It comes as civil servants begin their next round of strikes in March, which will affect some driving examiners who are members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS). It is part of national industrial action by the PCS union over pay, pensions, jobs and redundancy terms.

Ten days of regional strikes and one day of national strikes will be held in March. The DVSA has advised learners on what to do if their driving test is scheduled for a strike day.

The DVSA’s official Twitter account said: “If you’ve got an appointment on a strike day, please attend as planned, unless you have been contacted directly to say it has been cancelled. If you turn up for your test and it is cancelled because of strike action we will automatically reschedule it for the first available date and you will be able to claim out of pocket expenses.

“If you want to rearrange your car, motorcycle, vocational or instructor test, you can do this through our change your driving test service. Keep checking emails, texts and GOV.UK for updates and confirmed strike dates.”

 

When do civil servants go on strike?

Civil servants strike for 11 days in total, with 10 taking place regionally and one nationally. The dates include:

  • Monday March 6 and Tuesday March 7 – London and south east England
  • Thursday March 9 and Friday March 10 – South west England and Wales
  • Wednesday March 15 – All areas of Greater Britain
  • Monday March 20 and Tuesday March 21 – East of England, East Midlands, West Midlands and parts of London
  • Thursday March 23 and 24 – North west England and Yorkshire and the Humber
  • Monday March 27 and Tuesday March 28 – North east England and Scotland

 

Which driving tests will be affected?

The strikes could impact car driving tests, motorcycle tests and vocational tests for lorry, bus, coach and minibus. Tractor or specialist vehicle driving tests, approved driving instructor (ADI) tests and ADI standard checks and moped and motorcycle compulsory basic training might also be affected.

 

Kerry from Britannia Driving School said:

Please keep an eye on your emails and any texts you receive from the DVSA regarding your test bookings, for any cancellations or rescheduled test dates.

 

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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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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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