July 15, 2022
Showing gratitude may lead to £1000 fine ..

Throughout recent times it is clear the highway code’s reformation is an attempt to limit prior habits  some may suggest as being signs of gratitude and ‘harmless’. The new stipulations ensure that even a simple wave or thumbs up to another driver potentially could lead to a fine of up to £1000, according to rule 160 of the code this is evidence of a lack of control of the vehicle and this suggests why the fine has been introduced.

Furthermore, flashing headlights as a sign of gratitude can also lead to a similar fine according to rule 110 of the highway code.The rationale presented is that the headlights should only be flashed as a warning to other drivers to highlight that your vehicle is there. It can be portrayed that these new features of the highway code are nonsensical and counterproductive.

The same new procedures also stretch to the use of hazard lights for anything other than informing drivers of a hazard or danger.

A recent study showed that 63 percent of motorists wave to thank other drivers, while 42 percent flash headlights, and 35 percent put their hazards on. It is clear that something as harmless as this small sign of thankfulness should not be the sole focus, and more emphasis should be placed on ensuring topical and actually productive changes occur. These changes could involve a focus on more pressing issues and ensure the reputation of the highway code is improved.

Rule 116 of the highway code states: These may be used when your vehicle is stationary, to warn that it is temporarily obstructing traffic. Never use them as an excuse for dangerous or illegal parking. You MUST NOT use hazard warning lights while driving or being towed unless you are on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway and you need to warn drivers behind you of a hazard or obstruction ahead. Only use them for long enough to ensure that your warning has been observed.

Rule 160 of the Highway Code states:drive or ride with both hands on the wheel or handlebars where possible. This will help you to remain in full control of the vehicle at all times. You may use driver assistance systems while you are driving. Make sure you use any system according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Being in breach of having proper control of their vehicle can land drivers with a £1,000 fine, discretionary disqualification, and three penalty points on their licence.

 

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June 30, 2022

 

 

Drivers who kill while using a mobile phone will now face life in prison under tough new laws that came into effect this week, maximum laws will be imposed on those who take a life while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Its always best to not drink any alcohol when you are going to be driving but the legal limit is:

Level of alcoholEngland, Wales and Northern IrelandScotland
Micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath3522
Milligrammes per 100 millilitres of blood8050
Milligrammes per 100 millilitres of urine10767

UK Drink driving statistics:

2020Total drink driving convictions28,171
2020Drivers admitting to driving when believing they were over the limit140,000
2020Road traffic accidents involving a drink driver4,640
2019People injured or killed in a road traffic accident involving a drunk driver7,800

 

Regarding using a mobile phone: The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act will be creating a new offence of causing serious injury by careless driving came into force on June 28, 2022. Judges have been given the power to impose maximum sentences to drivers who break the new laws.

The law still applies to you if you’re:

  • stopped at traffic lights
  • queuing in traffic
  • supervising a learner driver
  • driving a car that turns off the engine when you stop moving
  • holding and using a device that’s offline or in flight mode

You can use a device held in your hand if:

  • you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop
  • you’re safely parked
  • you’re making a contactless payment in a vehicle that is not moving, for example at a drive-through restaurant
  • you’re using the device to park your vehicle remotely

You can use devices with hands-free access, as long as you do not hold them at any time during usage. Hands-free access means using, for example:

  • a Bluetooth headset
  • voice command
  • a dashboard holder or mat
  • a windscreen mount
  • a built-in sat nav

The device must not block your view of the road and traffic ahead.

You can get 6 penalty points and a £200 fine if you hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send and receive data while driving or riding a motorcycle.

You’ll also lose your licence if you passed your driving test in the last 2 years.

You can get 3 penalty points if you do not have a full view of the road and traffic ahead or proper control of the vehicle.

You can also be taken to court where you can:

Rebecca from Britannia says:

” Driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs often ends in terrible accidents resulting in death, when you are out enjoying yourself and driving its always best to not have any alcohol and certainly no recreational drugs. Even some prescription medication is not advisable to drive whilst taking (always read the label and consult with your doctor if you are unsure). Using a device whilst driving can be equally as dangerous as it dramatically impairs your concentration lowering your ability to asses risks ”

 

 

 

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June 9, 2022
Driving Tests being sold in the UK for an astonishing £200!

 

 

 

Driving tests in the UK have reached an at all time high in cost, due to the DVSA backlog. An ever increasing number of hopefuls are being fear led into paying this astronomical price in the hope of being fast tracked into priority booking. This service is being provided by online operators taking advantage of the growing number of learner drivers willing to pay over double to try and book a test date before the end of the year.

According to a BBC investigation, companies are using automated computer software to monitor part of the DVSA system meant for driving schools, and grabbing test slots as soon as new dates are added or existing bookings are cancelled.

The DVSA announced last month that learners could be waiting until 2023 to get a test date booked in, which has only fueled more learners into seeking this alternative extortionately high price option. The DVSA have stated that the covid-19 pandemic is to blame for these long delays and shortage of test dates. The delays have a knock on effect with many hopeful drivers’ theory tests will either have expired or be close to the expiry date, adding extra costs due to many aspiring drivers will now have to re take there theory test which could have a domino effect on the theory test waiting time.

The DVSA state on there website :

“We are also exploring options temporarily to contract in experienced driving assessors to qualify as driving examiners.

The Royal Society of the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) have offered to support us as we explore the feasibility of this opportunity.

We’ll keep you up to date on this area of work as it develops.”

 

Learner drivers are being urged not to book with these operating services and to only book through the DVSA website, the prices for test are:

£62 for a week day

£75 for a weekend or bank holiday

Unofficial operators and resellers are taking advantage of hopefuls by charging the extortionate prices, some may even be scams so be warned to not take up these offers no matter how appealing they may seem at the time as they may only lead to further disappointment and ultimately could be a pricey mistake to make.

Rebecca at Britannia said:

“We are getting an increasing amount of calls daily from learner drivers who have managed to get a booking through these companies usually a cancellation that the unofficial operators have obtained, but we are unable to accommodate these last minute bookings, as they are usually unaware that an instructor needs to take me them out on a few lessons to check they are test ready and road safe before committing to taking them to test.”

On our website we have a range of different resources to help you with preparing for the theory test and driving test.

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June 6, 2022
Do You Have What It Takes To Be An Independent Driving Instructor?

Should you work for a franchise or go it alone? Each has advantages and disadvantages, ranging from the freedom of being your own boss to joining a ready-made brand – like Britannia Driving School – where you can concentrate on developing yourself as an instructor.

It takes time and effort to build your own business and create a decent customer portfolio; by joining a franchise, you won’t have to worry about these things.

If you need to earn money quickly and have a full diary, a franchise with a well-established driving school like Britannia may be the better option. If you want to work 40 hours per week and earn a monthly salary, joining a franchise could be a good option; going independent takes time to establish.

 

 

If you’re considering joining a franchise, keep in mind that a school with a high-profile office location, a robust online presence, friendly office staff, and a track record of satisfied customers will all help to draw in new students and keep you busy on a consistent basis. Britannia Driving School provides consistency, which is a rare commodity. Working from home schools cannot possibly provide the same level of work, services, or backup.

Being on your own in any business is difficult, so it may be worthwhile to spend time as a part of a Driving School before deciding to go independent. It is critical to have a solid business plan in place before committing to becoming an independent. This business plan will entail much more than simply creating your own website and placing advertisements in store windows – though this could always be a part of your plan.

Advertisements on search engines like Google and Yahoo are not free. You can display them for free, but you must pay every time someone clicks on it. It works similarly to a bidding system in that you set a price for how much you are willing to pay per click, and bidders who offer the highest price have their advertisement displayed in the highest position. The issue is that because online marketing avenue is the preferred method for most businesses, you must pay a premium to have your advertisement prioritised. Close to £9.50 per click on the front two pages.

If you’ve been in the industry for a while before going independent, you may have developed a network of contacts through teaching, attending events, and/or being a member of membership organisations. Extending your expertise beyond in-car training (for example, motorcycles and/or vans) will result in more work and excellent opportunities for an independent trainer.

Costs can mount when you go it alone. To begin, you’ll need to decide on a company name and a phone number for your new venture. An entry-level receptionist will set you back at least £10.00 an hour at the bare minimum. What areas you intend to cover and how you intend to promote your business and the cost of advertising.

Keep in mind that you may not immediately set prices at the initial figure you have in mind. As a new business, you may initially gain customers by setting a low price to compete but be aware that if your price is too low, you may not be making a profit.

As you are aware, adding fuel to your car is not cheap, nor is the upkeep and repair of wear and tear that occurs over time due to the heavy workload of driving instructors’ cars, so these are additional factors to consider when setting your prices. Cleaning your car may not be expensive, but it does take time. Time, as the adage goes, is money.

 

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August 13, 2021
Always Do your homework when looking for an instructor!

A couple who mis-sold driving lessons to thousands of learner drivers across the country have been sentenced to 46 weeks’ custody, suspended for two years, at Leeds Crown Court today (Friday 24th July) after pleading guilty to breaching the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations.

The pair have also:

  • been ordered to undertake 200 hours of unpaid work
  • received director disqualifications for seven years
  • been ordered to pay £24,974.09 in compensation, £50,000 in court costs and £100 each in victim surcharges.

Beverley Midgley-McDonald (51) and Alistair Midgley-McDonald (52), of Stanwell Road, Penarth, ran ‘Drive Dynamics’, a driving school that promised customers very cheap driving lessons with local instructors, who were either independent driving instructors or franchisees.

The company advertised online, describing itself as ‘the UK’s most liked driving school’. This attracted many learner drivers who paid hundreds of pounds up-front for driving lessons. They were told their money would be refunded if a local instructor was not available.

Customers soon discovered the promises made by ‘Drive Dynamics’ were too good to be true. Specifically:

Customers would not be contacted as promised or even at all about arranging a lesson.

Instructors were not available in the learner’s area so lessons could not be provided unless the customer was prepared to travel elsewhere to get them, sometimes hours away.

Instructors who were available were not prepared to provide or continue with lessons, if they had started, because they had not been paid by ‘Drive Dynamics’

Every year from 2013 the company received hundreds of complaints, either directly or via Citizens Advice, Action Fraud, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and Trading Standards services from across the country. Hundreds of customers sought refunds or repayment through chargebacks, but the company actively tried to avoid giving refunds.In mid-2014, ‘Drive Dynamics’ was contacted by West Yorkshire Trading Standards and received training and advice to improve business practices, such as processing refunds, terms and conditions, cancellation rights and claims on its website. This advice led to a fall in complaints.

The company behind Drive Dynamics went into liquidation in 2015 – as it was unable to pay its creditors – and ceased trading, although it appeared that Drive Dynamics itself was still operating. The company was still trading, still making sales and still generating complaints under a newly incorporated company. Thereafter, the company continued with the same flawed business model that generated even more complaints.

Customers regularly posted negative reviews of the company on Trust Pilot, which led the defendants to hire outside agencies to manipulate review sites rather than provide refunds or improve business operations. As well as customer detriment, many drivers who had provided lessons simply weren’t paid.

Lord Toby Harris, Chair of National Trading Standards, said:

“The defendants profited from a business model that cheated learner drivers and instructors. Their company took people’s money, frequently didn’t give them what they’d paid for and ignored complaints and refund requests. Rather than take steps to improve their operation, they have acted dishonestly and it is only right that they now face consequences for their actions.”

The sentences follow an investigation by the National Trading Standards Regional Investigation Team (Yorkshire and Humber), which is hosted by City of York Council.

Councillor Andrew Waller, portfolio holder for Trading Standards at City of York Council, said:

Our team undertook a complex investigation into a prolonged period of unfair trading. Not only did the defendants leave hundreds of learner drivers, parents and driving instructors substantially out of pocket, but they tried to frustrate and delay the investigation getting to court. I applaud our investigators for their persistence and showing that unfair trading won’t be tolerated.”

The Advertising Standards Authority had also issued warnings to Drive Dynamics, ruling that its advertising to instructors was misleading.

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July 15, 2021
The driving questions that stump motorists the most

DRIVING laws can cause confusion and there can sometimes be a grey area over what could land you with a fine and what doesn’t.

The rules and regulations of driving often have motorists scratching their heads trying to figure out the legislation.

Some of the laws could land you in trouble with the police, with some having more serious repercussions than others.

Experts have encouraged drivers to check the legalities before stepping behind a wheel, in an attempt to keep people safe.

Here we run down the motoring myths and reveal what is legal and what is not.

Is it illegal to drive with an expired driving licence?

Motorists who are caught without a valid driving licence could face losing it for good.

It is illegal to drive without a licence that is not in date, and there are hefty punishments in place if you do.

Your car could be seized, and repeat offenders can even have their vehicles crushed or disposed of by police.

It could also land you with a fine of up to £1,000 and between three to six points on your licence. The date can be checked on the card under section 4b.

Is it illegal to drive with bare feet?

There is currently no legislation in place that requires Brits to wear appropriate shoes for driving.

However, suitable shoes are always recommended when behind the wheel so you can competently operate the pedals.

Driving barefoot carries the risk of having poor grip on the pedals, and if an accident is linked to this it could cause your insurance to be void.

Is it illegal to drive in certain footwear?

No footwear is illegal to drive in, so long as they are considered safe to do so.

Flip-flops or sandals may also be a risky choice as they can sometimes get wedged underneath the pedal or slip off.

There are some guidelines for what footwear is suitable:

  • Have a sole no thicker than 10mm…
  • … but the sole should not be too thin or soft.
  • Provide enough grip to stop your foot slipping off the pedals.
  • Not be too heavy.
  • Not limit ankle movement.
  • Be narrow enough to avoid accidentally depressing two pedals at once.

  • Is it illegal to drive with one headlight?

    Anyone who is caught driving with one headlight is breaking the law, and risks getting a fixed penalty notice.

    Police will pull over any vehicle that is not working properly, and hand the driver £100 fine. Points will not be added to the licence.

    If it is challenged in court you could face a fine of up to £1,000, so it is important for drivers to check their lights regularly.

     

    According to the highway Code, “lights, indicators, reflectors, and number plates MUST be kept clean and clear”.

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    Is it illegal to drive without a shirt?

    Driving without a shirt is not illegal, as it should not hinder any movement or driving ability.

    However it might cause other drivers to take a second look at you while driving on the road.

    You also run the risk of police officers stopping you for indecent exposure, but depends on the situation.

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    Is it illegal to drive without an MOT?

    It is illegal to drive without an MOT, unless you are driving to a booked MOT test or from a garage for repairs.

    If you are caught driving by the police you can get a fine of up to £1,000, and the Automatic Number Place Recognition system will flag up any cars that do not have a valid MOT.

    It is important to carry proof of your MOT booking with you when travelling, so it can be produced to give as evidence.

    Anyone who continues to drive without an MOT is putting themselves and other road users at risk.

    Fines can go as high as £2,500 and multiple offences can lead to the loss of a licence altogether if you are already carrying points.

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    Is it illegal to drive with headphones?

    Driving with headphones in is not illegal, but it can lead to reduced awareness on the road.

    People may wear the devices to operate a phone hands free or listen to music, but it could cause a distraction.

    If you are deemed to be driving carelessly you could face a fine of £100. But if your case reaches court then it can go up to a maximum fine of £5,000, nine penalty points and a possible driving ban.

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    Is it illegal to drive without a spare tyre?

    It is not illegal to travel without a spare tyre, but there are rules that have to be followed if you choose to do so.

    Any tyre has to comply with tyre laws, which means ensuring that the pressure is suitable for driving.

    They must also meet the minimum requirement of 1.6mm across the central ¾ of the tyre width.

    Anyone who is found to be driving with a tread that is lower than the legal minimum can be given up to three penalty points and a fine of £2,500 per illegal tyre.

    Is it illegal to drive with loud music playing?

    Driving while playing loud music is likely to be safer than listening through headphones, and is not illegal.

    However it can still land you with a penalty if it is deemed a distraction. It can result in a £100 fine and three points on your licence.

    In circumstances that are deemed more extreme you can be hit with a £5,999 fine and a driving ban.

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June 4, 2021
Fraudster wrapped bandage round his head to take theory tests for other people

A fraudster has been jailed after taking driving theory tests for other people while disguising himself with a bandage around his head.

Izmir Senaj, 28, used several excuses for his injuries as he turned up to DVSA centres across England to impersonate people whose tests he had agreed to take for them.

He was eventually caught by a staff member at a theory test centre in Swindon, who recognised him from a wanted appeal and called the police.

Senaj, of East Ham, London, was jailed for two years and four months at Swindon Crown Court  after he pleaded guilty to four counts of fraud.

Judge Jason Taylor QC said: ‘Your actions show a callous disregard for the system which is designed to ensure that only those qualified to drive safely get behind the wheel of a car.

‘This could have had significant consequences both for road users and pedestrians and therefore my public duty requires me to reflect that.’

Judge Taylor said he noted Senaj had twice been jailed for driving test fraud since 2014 and committed the latest offences while on licence.

The court heard in late 2018 and early 2019, Senaj went to four test centres in southern England to take the driving theory test on others’ behalf.

On October 11, 2018, he arrived early to an appointment at the Eastbourne test centre.

Dressed in a high visibility vest and wearing a bandage around his head and plaster over his nose, he handed over a provisional driving licence in the name of an Albanian man.

He explained to the receptionist he had been working on a building site earlier that day when he was struck by scaffolding and was sent home early by first aiders.

He was allowed to take the test, which he passed.

Five days later, on October 16, he used a similar cover story at the Hastings test centre – this time claiming to have fallen off a ladder.

After he was recognised by the same staff member who’d dealt with him days earlier in Eastbourne, he claimed he needed to use the toilet then left the centre.

On November 28, 2018, he was turned away from the Harlow test centre as staff were not convinced he was the Serbian national whose provisional driving licence he presented at the front desk.

Two months later, on January 24, 2019, a staff member at the Swindon theory test centre in Milton Road recognised him from an internal DVSA poster.

She allowed him to take the test, buying her time to wait for police to arrive.

Interviewed by fraud investigators, Senaj claimed he owed gambling debts to two of the people he impersonated, including one he described as a ‘violent gangster’.

Judge Taylor said Senaj had earlier been sentenced to 11 months prison at Snaresbrook Crown Court in 2014 for seven offences of driving test fraud.

He received a three-year sentence for another seven offences in 2017.

In total, he had five convictions for 28 offences.

Tanveer Qureshi, mitigating, suggested his client had been a ‘one man band’.

However, Judge Taylor told the defendant he was satisfied to the criminal standard there was a group or gang element to the crimes and it was organised.

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April 20, 2021
DVSA refuses to extend expired theory tests

LEARNER drivers have lost £1.14million as a result of car theory tests expiring due to Covid backlogs.

Driving tests and lessons have been suspended during much of the pandemic, causing a pile-up of 420,000 car driving tests and 380,000 car theory tests.

But the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has resisted calls from learners to extend expiry dates on tests or suspend charges for repeat tests.

When the test booking system reopened in August it crashed following almost seven million applications for just 35,000 driving test slots.

With practical driving tests set to restart on April 22 in England and Wales, there will be 50,000 learner car drivers whose theory tests certificates will have expired.

Many drivers have also experienced multiple cancellations for driving test due to Covid restrictions.

The theory test costs £23 and is valid for two years.

Almost 50,000 car theory tests expired during the first and second lockdown, according to a Freedom of Information request made by Marmalade Insurance.

Learner drivers now face a 17 week wait to book a driving test, meaning many more theory tests will expire.

Over 79,000 people have signed an online petition for theory tests to be extended, with another petition calling upon the UK Government and Parliament to reconsider waiving theory test resit fees.

Experts have called for certificates to be extended or for the fee to be waived.

“We’d like them [the DVSA] to extend theory test certificates, because it’s not the fault of learner drivers that they can’t take their driving tests,” Howard Redwood, head of road safety at the Driving Instructors Association (DIA), said.

Gunnar Peters, CEO at learner driver insurance specialist, Veygo said: “This will be understandably frustrating for many learner drivers who will find themselves out of pocket if forced to retake expired theory tests through no fault of their own, so we’d like to see the DVSA waiving fees for those affected.”

Robert Cowell, interim managing director of AA Driving School said: “With the unprecedented demand for driving lessons that we’ve seen as lockdown restrictions lift, we anticipate the backlog will only increase.

“Our hope is that the recent DVSA recruitment drive to recruit an additional 300 examiners will make more test slots available for learners who have waited months to re-start their driving journey.

“If theory test certificates which expired in one of the UK’s lockdowns are extended in the same way MOTs and driving licences were, these learners could be on the road to passing their test sooner.”

Despite the backlog the DVSA has warned that extending theory test certificates could be a safety issue.

It is also feared that an extension to tests could cause costs to rise for others.

A DVSA spokesperson told The Sun: “Those with theory test certificates expiring will have taken their test in early 2019.

“Since then, their more recent lessons and practice sessions will have been significantly curtailed during recent lockdowns and it is likely that their skills base will have diminished. “Research shows that this would be particularly harmful for hazard perception skills, a key factor in road safety.”

“We are advising customers to regularly check the booking system as they might find an earlier date due to a cancellation or more tests being added.”

Driving tests were given the go ahead to resume from April 12th, so learner drivers will be able to get back out on the road now.

There are new rules around the test too, but we have the lowdown on how to book.

For example, one new rule is that test-takers must wear a mask while driving.

If you need to practise your theory test we have a fully equipt classroom here at Britannia, we also offer free interactive help on our website.

 

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March 19, 2021
Practical Driving Tests To Resume On The 22nd April.

The DVSA has announced practical driving tests will resume on the 22nd April, as of yet we are unaware how this will pan out.

In the first lockdown in 2020 driving tests were rebooked for everyone who had their test cancelled due to Covid  first of all which did cause some frustration and some candidates were left waiting for months for a chance to book a new date let alone take the actual test.

Keep an eye on your emails if you have had a test cancelled due to the lockdown so you can get your link to rebook it

As far as we are aware no extension will be given to theory tests so please keep an eye of your dates of passing two years sounds like a long time but as the DVSA suspended tests this may creep up quicker than you thought.

At Britannia-Driving-School we do offer a test booking service, when we can book tests we will be booking for intensive driving courses as a priority

As and when we have any further news regarding the practical driving tests it will be uploaded to our website..

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March 17, 2021
L-TEACHERS DATES OK WITH U-18S

The following story has been in the news recently, what do you think?

At Britannia Driving School we wouldn’t condone this type of behaviour from any of our instructors.

DODGY driving instructors won’t be banned from having relationships with teenagers under tough new laws.

Ministers blocked proposals to the motoring teachers to be included alongside sports coaches, and religious teachers in a list of professions that are deemed “positions of trust” – which bans them from having flings with teens aged 16 and 17.

But driving instructors have been left off the list as Whitehall insiders felt it “ran the risk of criminalising legitimate relationships and undermining consent law.”

Campaigners had hoped to see instructors added to the list, but Whitehall sources said it risked “increasing age of consent to 18 by the back door.”

Justice Secretary, Robert Buckland QC said: “This Government has pledged to crack down on crime and build safer communities.

“We are giving the police and courts the powers they need to keep our streets safe, while providing greater opportunities for offenders to turn their lives around and better contribute to society.”

Home Secretary Priti Patel added: “On becoming Home Secretary, I vowed to back the police to cut crime and make our streets safer.

“This Bill delivers on that promise – equipping the police with the tools they need to stop violent criminals in their tracks, putting the thugs who assault officers behind bars for longer and strengthening the support officers and their families receive.”

Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC, said: “We are delighted that after relentless campaigning, the Government has finally listened to our calls and agreed to close this legal loophole.

New tough laws will be unveiled to Parliament today in the new Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.

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