June 19, 2020
Changes to practical driving tests.

Practical driving tests are to be very different from the norm,Driving instructors will face a number of changes when lessons and tests can begin again after being postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.The Government has issued new guidance ahead of test centres reopening in the coming weeks – but as of yet no date has been set.

But updated government guidelines published this week suggest ways that instructors and examiners can keep themselves and their pupils safe once things do get up and running again.

The letter, written by Gareth Llewellyn, chief executive of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) to driving instructors, said that civil servants are currently reviewing the guidance for driving examiners about carrying out tests.

This includes things like the personal protective equipment they need to wear, how they might greet candidates and how to properly clean equipment such as sat navs and tablets

The letter said masks and gloves have been ordered for all driving examiners, but there has been a delay in obtaining them because of wider shortages.

The agency, which is in charge of carrying out driving tests and approving people to be driving instructors, also warned that social distancing measures might limit the number of tests it can carry out in the coming months.

Currently all driving tests have been put on hold – meaning driving instructors, who are not employed by the government, have also been unable to work.

The Driving Instructors Association currently recommends that instructors should only give training in a car to key workers preparing for an essential driving test, such as emergency workers.

Of course all our instructors at Britannia Driving School are eager to get back on the road to get their pupils back up to test standard and we will be following the guidelines to the letter.

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June 17, 2020
Are you waiting to take your practical driving test?

Hundreds of thousands of people have had their driving tests cancelled or delayed as a result of the pandemic. It has been more than just a minor inconvenience for those looking for work and caring for children, while instructors face a nervous wait to find out when and how they can return to work safely.

Natasha Wilson was heavily pregnant when she was due to take her test in April. With a three-year-old already in tow, she had been banking on passing before she had her baby.”It’s been a struggle,” said the 21-year-old from Oxford. “I’m not able to go shopping, I’ve had to get my mum to go and get it for me.”Ms Wilson, who has been learning since 2017, applied for her test at the beginning of the year. She said: “I got an email saying they had to cancel it. Now my test is on 9 July but I feel like I will fail at the moment because I have had no practice. “I’ve got two lessons booked in the week before. Passing my test would mean being able to do my food shopping, taking the kids out, going to see my mum and my family.”

In rural areas, the situation is difficult for other reasons – the government advised people to avoid public transport, so those without their own way of getting around are struggling.

George Vane, who lives in the village of Headcorn in Kent, had been due to take his test this month, but has had it postponed until August. “It’s really frustrating because it’s put a hold on being able to find work and I’m relying on my parents to drive me around,” said the 17-year-old.

“Living in the village, there’s a couple of jobs here and there, but it’s quite hard to get a proper job where I can earn enough money. Not being able to drive has hindered my chances of getting work. It’s a huge frustration.”

Abigail Showan, 17, was due to take her test on 19 March – the day her driving test centre closed.”I got an email saying it was just the tests from then on that were cancelled so if I’d have booked it for 18 March then I’d have been fine. “Abigail, from Witney in Oxfordshire, said: “I was so nervous – you mentally prepare for it so for it to be cancelled was so frustrating. “It’s been rebooked and early July is the supposed date but I’ve got no idea whether that will go ahead. “I’ve been able to go out with my parents a few times which is OK for confidence but it’s not the same as having your instructor sitting next to you.”

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) suspended all driving tests for up to three months from 20 March. It said the official number of cancelled tests was not yet available but government statistics show about 400,000 people take their practical car tests in Great Britain each quarter.

Instructors are facing numerous considerations about returning to work and have been advised by the Driving Instructors Association to check whether learners have been in contact with anyone experiencing virus symptoms, as well as asking them to wash their hands or use sanitiser before getting in the car.

They should also keep windows open for ventilation and wipe down contact points in the vehicle between lessons.

Jane Hunt,who teaches in the Wimbledon area says she will be reducing her teaching hours to make time for cleaning the car between pupils and may make lessons longer to reduce the number of people in the vehicle each day.

She is also scrapping late cancellation charges to encourage pupils to be honest if they don’t feel well or should be isolating.

“I know it’s going to impact on my business but it’s going to be about trusting each other. We will work together with our pupils in the interest of safety.

A spokesman for the DVSA said its priority was to “stop the spread of coronavirus and keep everyone safe”.

“We will continue to work closely with driving instructor associations on how and when we can resume driving tests and lessons.”

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June 3, 2020
When will driving lessons start again?

Our instructors at Britannia Driving School recommend , to pass their driving test, the average learner requires 40 to 50 hours of teaching on the road. But with the recent changes to the UK’s lockdown guidelines, when can lessons start again?

No date has been given for when drivings lessons might be able to resume.

Under the government’s new guidelines, people in England have been instructed to go back to work if they cannot work from home and it is safe to do so.

However, in the case of driving instructors, it is not possible to maintain social distancing in the car with a learner. This means driving lessons should not be conducted during the lockdown, unless it’s for key workers. Driving tests have also been put on hold for up to three months as from March 2020, driving tests and theory tests were cancelled or moved to a later date,but emergency tests are available to those whose work is critical in the coronavirus response.

A statement from the National Associations Strategic Partnership (NASP) read: “Any decision to return to on-road training needs to be carefully evaluated by each individual trainer (and training school) and all the risks considered and weighted accordingly.

“So far we have urged caution on this issue and recommended that training should be restricted to that of key workers with an essential need to acquire a new licence or develop their driving for the purposes of driving for work or for essential journeys to work locations. However we cannot make any decisions for you, NASP recommends this is done with your risk and discretion.

“What can do is offer advice and guidance on the risks associated with delivering training at this time, how to evaluate them and how to manage them. NASP will send out our updated guidelines in a few days, Nasp will be working together to deliver under gudance for the industry at large.

“However no one at this time should feel coerced into returning to training”

Driving instructors are among the professions to be hit hard by the COVID-19 lockdown as many are self-employed.

Chris Bensted, who has been an instructor for 12 years, told Kent Live: “The interesting thing about driving instructors, even in big companies is that everyone is an individual instructor.

“This means that they are a group of individual instructors who are self-employed.

“About 40% of instructors aren’t getting help and are not eligible for Universal Credit.”

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May 18, 2020
Can i restart my driving lessons now?

Driving tests were suspended in England, Scotland and Wales for three months from 20 March. So unless it was booked for a date after 20 June, the test will not take place as planned. A similar situation is in place in Northern Ireland.

A new date for anyone whose test is cancelled will be automatically sent out by the Driver and Vehicles Standards Agency (DVSA). You cannot book a new date for a driving test yourself.

You can still apply for an emergency driving test if you’re classed as a critical worker.

In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, taking a family member out for a driving lesson is still not allowed, as it is not counted as an essential journey.

The Department for Transport has indicated that this is also still the case In England, despite the recent lockdown changes. However, the AA says it’s not clear whether this would be the case if, for example, a driving lesson was given on the way to do essential shopping.

NASP advises that trainers should carefully evaluate the risks of on-road training at this time, and establish whether there is an essential need for such before taking on any new key worker pupil.

We remind trainers that they engage in in-vehicle training during this period entirely at their own discretion due to the risks involved.

The type of training NASP deems unessential, and should therefore be avoided includes:

Learner and novice training of any non-key worker
Learner and novice driver/rider training from scratch where the pupil is a key worker but does not have an essential need to drive at this time, ie they can use other modes of transport to commute and they are not required to drive for work. It is also unlikely that new learners would pass their test soon enough to be able to undertake a useful and safe driving role as a key worker at this time. It could also cause too much road risk to encourage novice drivers to rapidly gain a licence and undertake pressured occupational driving roles at this time
Training or driver/rider development of a driver or rider who is not a key worker
Training or driver development where the key worker (whether full licence holder, vocational licence holder etc) does not have an essential need to drive in their role (ie they are not driving for work or could commute using alternative forms of transport)

Training which would deem necessary :

Key workers who have a practical emergency test confirmed with DVSA
Key workers requiring new licences for essential front line roles, such as emergency response workers acquiring a first licence or needing licences in new categories
Key workers needing driver or rider development in order to safely and competently drive or ride in different/new vehicles which they are unused to in the same licence category, ie delivery drivers
Key workers needing driver or rider development to drive in a new, or increased, occupational context and whose driving risk may therefore be greater. This includes increased commuting to multiple work locations and increased driving/riding in contexts they are unused to such as motorway driving, driving after dark, rural roads, unfamiliar vehicles, UK familiarisation

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May 15, 2020
Thousands targeted with scam insurance policies

ONLINE scammers are targeting thousands of Brits with fake insurance policies that offer cover at a heavily discounted rate. Motorists who take out the fake insurance could be left uncovered in an accident and potentially be hit with hefty fines.

Known as ghost brokers, these criminals offer drivers comprehensive policies at heavily discounted rates for a small fee. But instead of providing genuine cover, drivers are sent a fake certificate that doesn’t even exist

In other cases, a real policy is actually purchased, but some of their details are changed to lower the cost of insurance. In both situations, drivers will quickly realise their insurance is illegitimate when it comes time to make a claim.

Ghost brokers will also use another person’s details such as address, birth date and even name instead of the actual customer. These details can be accessed using the electoral register, while some scammers will buy data from other hackers.

Drivers are urged to do their research before committing to an insurance policy, no matter how cheap the cover is. Motorists should purchase their policy through an insurer’s direct website or a price comparison site.

Car insurance is a legal requirement in the UK to help protect you and any other road users.

If you’re caught without insurance, you can be hit with a £300 fine and six penalty points on your licence. In more extreme cases, you could be hit with an unlimited fine and disqualified from driving.

Jenny Ross, money editor at Which?, said: ‘Ghost-broking is an increasingly prevalent car insurance scam that can lead to serious consequences, including drivers being hit with fines, penalty points or even disqualification.

‘Fraudsters are using sophisticated tactics online to trick vulnerable customers into thinking that they’re buying a legitimate policy, when in fact it’s bogus.

‘Consumers should watch out for warning signs that the insurance may not be genuine, including suspiciously low prices, and always check that the provider is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.’

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May 11, 2020
Drivers warned that short essential journeys could lead to flat batteries

If you’ve left the car unused since lockdown rules began, you might find it struggles to start when you need it next.

It’s been Seven weeks since Boris Johnson asked the public not to leave home except for absolutely essential journeys and exercise – long enough for weaker car batteries to go flat.

Motorists can attempt to charge batteries themselves or call for breakdown assistance to get back on the road if they need to make an essential journey.

Despite a recent upturn in road traffic, Department for Transport (DfT) figures show that journeys have fallen by around two-thirds in the past 7 weeks.

RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “Many people will find their cars have flat batteries as a result of them being left idle for Seven weeks.

“This is an unfortunate consequence of the ‘stay at home’ advice and something we’re dealing with on a daily basis.”

Jump Starting a Car Battery

Batteries will often discharge because of a combination of constantly occurring chemical reactions and energy-sapping systems such as immobilisers, that still function even when your engine is off.

Mr Williams explained that starting a car occasionally “isn’t likely to help” either, as that does not allow enough time for batteries to recharge.

“In fact, this may end up draining a weak battery,” he said.

Alternators recharge the battery as well as generating power. It takes time for them to power cells in the battery and five to ten-minute journeys are insufficient.

Households with two cars should alternate using them for essential journeys to avoid flat batteries.

Mr Williams added: “You should also consider driving the one with the older or weaker battery more often.”

Drivers should ensure that they take precautions before leaving their car parked for an extended period of time.

Using a battery conditioner or trickle charger is perhaps the best way to ensure your car makes it through lockdown. These devices keep your battery from being drained without the need to run the engine.

Topping up fuel and oil, and cleaning your interior will improve the performance of your car after social distancing restrictions are lifted.

Mr Williams said: “If your car doesn’t start after a period of not being used and it’s needed for an essential journey, please call us.

“We’re still attending customers, whether that’s people doing their food shopping or going to work because they have to, or emergency service vehicles, delivery lorries and other critical service vehicles.”

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May 6, 2020
Safety Measures Here At Britannia Driving School

At Britannia Driving School please be rest assured our instructors and pupils health and well being is paramount.

Thinking as to when instructors can return to everyday teaching we have been devising ways to keep you all safe.

This will include the instructors not giving lessons if they have any of the corona virus symptoms, instructors asking their pupils if they have been feeling unwell or in contact with any body who is unwell or showing symptoms.

Some instructors are thinking about having a digital thermometer to check themselves and pupils alike.

They will all be carrying hand sanitizer which each pupil will be asked to put on just before they enter the car, Before and after each pupil the car will be cleaned with antibacterial wipes, handles, steering wheel, mirror, gearstick, seatbelt etc.

We are asking that the pupils wash their hands immediately prior to the lesson commencing.

When we return to the office we will still be social distancing so ask that if at all avoidable to contact us by telephone or email, we will be sanitizing everything in the office and the two meter rule will be in place, also only allowing one person at a time in the office.

We will of course be thinking of other ways we can all keep ourselves in the office, our instructors and of course our pupils.

Like everyone in the country we have been following the Downing Street Briefings for rules to abide by when we return to work and of course all of the above is subject to any changes that the Government make, The Dvsa (Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency) and the DIA (Diving Instructors Association) have both been a great help to us and our instructors during the last 7 weeks. Boris Johnson our Prime minister will be making an announcement on Sunday 10^th May, Britannia Driving school will be taking information from that briefing.

Please check back for any new news here on our website or on our Facebook page, For the past 7 weeks our fantastic office staff have been remotely working from home, rest assured we are still here for you.

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May 4, 2020
More than 9,000 motorists are still legally driving with 12 or more points on their licence

SOME 9,349 drivers are still legally on the roads with 12 or more licence points, data shows. Most have pleaded “exceptional hardship” in court to avoid a driving ban of up to two years.

Being unable to work is more than often an argument — but footballers and celebs have got off the hook by claiming they would have to stop helping charities.

The DVLA told Auto express Express: “A court can exercise its discretion and not disqualify the driver.”

Jack Cousens, of the AA, said “eyebrows will be raised” at the figures. “There are concerns from the Sentencing Council that the ‘exceptional hardship application’ used by drivers to keep their licence is used too frequently “It’ll be interesting to see what conclusions they come to.” Lord Justice Holroyde, chairman of the Sentencing Council, said: “The Council is aware of public concern that offenders w ho have incurred 12 penalty points or more are not always disqualified from driving.

“There are legitimate reasons why this might happen; the law allows for such a disqualification to be avoided or reduced for reasons of exceptional hardship.

“We have recently consulted on proposed new guidance that will set out clearly the matters to be considered by the courts when deciding exceptional hardship applications.

“We will consider the responses to that consultation, and will issue guidance that will help make sure these cases are dealt with fairly, consistently and in accordance with the law.”

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May 1, 2020
NASP guidance for training critical workers

The three joint associations of NASP have put together some guidance if you have customers who are granted a critical worker practical test with the DVSA.

We have already published the operating procedures that volunteer DVSA examiners will use when conducting a test and have reiterated some of those in the document. This list is not exhaustive, however it hopefully covers all you will need to consider before taking on any critical worker training before a test.

The three joint associations of NASP have put together some advised guidance if you have customers who are granted a Critical Worker practical test with the DVSA.
Firstly, you should appreciate that all Critical Workers will not necessarily be granted a critical worker test and we would advise that you do not give training until your customer actually has a practical test confirmed by DVSA, those are at the ,moment only being given to front line NHS, Police & Fire Service personnel, that may change as time goes on and we will keep you updated.
We have already published the operating procedures that volunteer DVSA examiners will use when conducting a test and have reiterated some of those below, this list is not exhaustive, however hopefully covers all you will need to consider before taking on any Critical Worker training before a test.
• Make sure your customer has checked with DVSA at: critical.worker.driving.test@dvsa.gov.uk to ensure they will be granted a practical test. • Check with pupils before each lesson to ensure they have not been exposed, or are experiencing symptoms which could be related to Covid 19, or have travelled recently from a region severely impacted • You should note, that any test booked will be carried out with a volunteer examiner as they will have to break the social distancing rules and check where the test is actually booked, do not assume it will be at the customers usual test centre • We would suggest you wear suitable safe clothing when giving lessons/training, the examiner has been advised to wear long sleeves and full-length trousers. • Your customer will be asked on arrival at the test centre to wash their hands before the test will start, please advise your customer not to shake hands with their examiner • In these unusual times, you should consider wearing gloves and the examiner will, however you should be aware that some people are allergic to latex based materials, always ask first • If you or your customer present for the test with any clear symptoms, excessive coughing, high temperature etc, the examiner will refuse the test and another test will be rebooked. If during the test, any of these symptoms present themselves, the examiner will terminate the test • All the normal procedure will be carried out on the test as it normally would following the DT1 guidance • You will not be invited to travel in the back of the test or be involved in the debrief at the end.

• You should ensure your customer, that everything the examiner uses before, during and at the end of the test has been thoroughly cleaned and will be before each test • We would advise you to continue with the earlier guidance we gave regarding using antibacterial hand gel and wipes to ensure you keep clean all areas, you or your customer touch. • During the test, the examiner may ask you to take off any roof board you may have, this is simply to avoid abuse from other members of the public. The examiner will supply a pair of L plates if you don’t have any, preferably marked with NHS above the L

A key worker trainer voluntary register will shortly be available providing certification for driver and rider trainers to be able to display whilst training, as well as allowing members of the public, police etc to check with the register than the trainer is indeed carrying out essential training. Trainers applying for certification will have to complete a short online course and theory test on safe training protocols, designed to mitigate the risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19, as well as provide evidence they are training key workers.
We hope this gives you some useful advice, please Stay Safe

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April 22, 2020
LOCK AND ROAD Drivers racing at THREE TIMES speed limit on empty coronavirus lockdown roads with one clocked at 134mph in 40mph zone

RECKLESS drivers have been speeding at over three times the limit on empty roads during the coronavirus lockdown.

Police chiefs have slammed the speed demons for using empty motorways as a “personal racetrack”, as one driver from London was recently clocked doing 134mph in a 40mph zone.

While data from the Department of Transport has shown a decrease in motor vehicle use of two thirds over the past month, senior officers say that speeding is up by nearly 50 per cent, the Daily Telegraph reported. Police have warned that incidents caused by speeding could take up “vital resources” in the NHS and the police that are already stretched by the coronavirus crisis.

Superintendent Julie Ellison, from the Greater Manchester Police, said the force had seen “a massive increase in speeding offences” since the beginning of the lockdown. She added that one driver in the city was recorded doing 115mph on a 40mph road, with another reaching speeds of 129mph on the M62.

It comes as the Metropolitan Police are even set to launch a special unit to crack down on speeders in the capital, which has seen seven people killed in road traffic accidents since the beginning of the lockdown. Superintendent Andy Cox, from the Met Police, will be heading the unit and vowed that police would come down hard on “unacceptable” speeding. He told the Telegraph: “In some roads where we have checks, the average speed has increased by more than 50 per cent and one 20mph road is averaging 40mph. “Such behaviour is totally unacceptable and increases the chances of a serious collision.

It comes after police arrested a biker who was caught doing 150mph on a motorway earlier this month. Police followed the bike off the M23 to Fulking, West Sussex, where the rider momentarily managed to slip out of sight. Chief Inspector Michael Hodder said the biker was “lucky to be alive” and urged drivers not to speed on empty roads.

It was revealed today drivers booked on speed awareness courses will be taken online as all class based courses are suspended until June.

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