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.

Comments(0)

July 29, 2021
DRIVERS’ LONG HAUL Motorists clock up 285,012 miles in their lifetime – the equivalent of going around the world 11 times

DRIVERS clock up 285,012 miles in their lifetimes — the equivalent of ­travelling around the world 11 times.

They cover an average of 87 miles a week in 14 individual journeys, making an annual total of 4,524 miles, a poll revealed.

But the figure is likely to rise when life returns to normal after the pandemic as a third of workers plan to avoid public transport on going back to the workplace and one in four will use a car more.

More than half of drivers have relied more on their vehicles during the past 16 months, with a quarter wanting to avoid public transport and a similar proportion checking on family and friends.

Three in ten even bought a new car amid the lockdown.

 

Greg Gormley, boss of navigation app SKOOT which commissioned the poll, said: “This demonstrates that driving is essential to our lives.

Nearly half of journeys are solo — but one in three drivers would prefer to have a passenger.

A fifth said lockdown made them realise they wanted to drive but did not like the environmental impact.

A further four in ten would reduce carbon emissions if they knew how to.

Comments(0)

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”.

  •  

    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.

  •  

    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.

  •  

    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.

  •  

    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.

Comments(0)

April 28, 2021
Britain’s roads will have DRIVERLESS cars travelling on them by end of year!

Today Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is said to  announce that vehicles with new technology enabling them to stay in their lanes automatically will be legal within months.

The bold move will help to prevent up to 47,000 serious accidents and save 3,900 lives over the next decade as it cuts out human error, said the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

It will mean motorists in Britain may be the first in the world to be able to legally take their hands off the steering wheel and check their emails while driving.

The cars will travel at a maximum of 37mph and on motorways only.

They will not be able to change lanes, but will automatically slow down as they react to other traffic.

The driver will be able to take control in an emergency.

The cars will help to improve the traffic flow, reduce commute times and slash emissions as the ride will be smoother, ministers said.

Announcing a consultation, Transport Minister Rachel Maclean said: “This is a major step for the safe use of self-driving vehicles in the UK, making future journeys greener, easier and more reliable.”

The tech will appear only in newly-built cars.

It cannot be adapted for use in cars already on the road.

But Edmund King, of the AA, said: “More needs to be done to test these systems.”

Comments(0)

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.

 

Comments(0)

April 1, 2021
Britannia After Lockdown

On Tuesday the 6th of April our dedicated office staff will be returning back to the office after working from home since December.

This will be to carry on answering the telephones, emails, livechats and to process an payments, once the instructors return back to teaching on the 12th April the office will remain closed to the public, if you have any enquiries this can be done online or over the phone, please if you need to purchase lessons this too needs to be online or over the phone.

Any vouchers that need extending can be posted in and we will look at extending them.

All lesson instructors and pupils unless exempt will need to wear a facial covering and sanitize hands,the teaching cars will be fully sanitized before and after each lesson.

We would like to wish everyone a safe , happy bank holiday and happy easter!

Comments(0)

March 11, 2021
Driving Lessons to Resume

Driving lessons are to resume on Monday 12th April.

We at Britannia Driving School are now having the busy task of rebooking all cancelled pupils due to the National Lockdown.

As before the lockdown all students will be asked to wear a facial covering to sanitise  hands and not to take lessons if they have any covid symptoms or have been near anyone who has.

Instructors will be santising their cars inbetween pupils and also wearing a facial covering.

The DVSA hasnt yet releaased a date for practical driving tests to take place but we anticipate this to be a long lengthy progress as lots of tests had to be postponed.due to the covid situation.

Contact one of our advisors to book in a lesson on Livechat, via a booking form or over the phone to get your lessons started!

 

Comments(0)

January 5, 2021
Driving and riding lessons and tests – National lockdown

On 4 January, the government announced a new national lockdown to control the spread of coronavirus.

You can read more about the lockdown measures on GOV.UK

Driving and riding lessons

Driving and riding lessons, including CBT must not take place until the restrictions are lifted. This includes ADI part 2 and 3 tests and standards checks.

Driving and riding tests

All driving and riding tests have been suspended from 5 January until the restrictions are lifted.

We’ll email candidates who are affected by this to let them know we will reschedule their test.

If you have booked a test for any of your pupils you will receive an email to let you know it will be rescheduled to a new time and date. You will need to contact your pupil to let them know.

We’ll then send you an email with the new time and date as soon as possible; please ask your pupils to be patient.

If the new time and date is not suitable for you or your pupil, you can choose a different time and date on GOV.UK. You will need your pupil’s driving licence number to do this. Your pupil does not need to pay again to do this.

Theory tests

All theory tests will be suspended until the restrictions are lifted.

We will email anyone who has booked a test and is affected by this to let them know their theory test is on hold and that they will need to reschedule it by visiting https://www.gov.uk/change-theory-test.

If you booked your pupil’s theory test you will need to log into the booking system and rearrange their test for a new date and time.

Comments(0)

December 18, 2020
Could you be fined up to £5,000 for one of these christmas driving mistakes?

If you’re driving home for Christmas or going anywhere in the car make sure you’re staying safe, here  some tips to avoid getting in any trouble

In the run-up to Christmas, many drivers might want to get in the festive spirit as they make their way to finish up their Christmas shopping before heading home to visit the family.

Some might want to decorate their vehicle for the occasion, while others will be blaring Wham! or Mariah Carey and sing along at an incredible volume.

But despite the holiday fun, the most important thing is to always be safe in the car.

Driving at Christmas can be exciting, however there are some little-known things that could put your safety at risk and invalidate your insurance.

“Whilst singing along to christmas songs and adding decorations to your car may seem like fun, they could also be a huge distraction and land you a hefty fine or increased car insurance premium.

“Keeping your car safe from crime is also increasingly important during the festive season, as the winter months are notorious for car theft.

“Always keep your vehicle locked and avoid leaving expensive items on display.”

Hereare the top three Christmas driving mistakes to avoid to save you from fines of up to £5,000.

Decorating your car for Christmas

Last month, over 3,240 Brits searched google for ‘car reindeer antlers’ and a staggering 10,320 have been looking for ‘Christmas car decorations’.

Whilst Christmas car decorations may definitely add some festive cheer to your motor, they could also invalidate your insurance policy, as companies may refuse to pay out on claims if you’re involved in an accident.

This is because decorating a car is considered a vehicle modification. Companies invalidate cover because upgrading the aesthetics of a vehicle can make the car more attractive to thieves and criminals. It could also mean your car insurance premiums increase, as the likelihood of you claiming on a policy would have also increased.

Anything from snowflake stickers to tinsel could cause the agreement to be compromised, so it might be worth keeping the festive décor to just your home.

Having a festive sing-along

When the weather gets colder and the twinkling lights are switched on, we love nothing more than a Christmas sing-along, but it seems the car isn’t the best place to belt out a bit of Bublé, as those who sing and dance behind the wheel could be hit with a hefty fine of up to £5,000 if they get caught.

Alongside this, you could also pick up a ‘driving without due care and attention’ or even a ‘dangerous driving’ charge.

The penalties can be severe, with a fine of up to £5,000 and nine points on your licence in the most serious of circumstances.

Driving with a tree on top of your car

It’s not illegal to drive home with your Christmas tree tied to your roof but you could land in trouble with the law if it’s not tied down securely enough.

The Highway Code states motorists must secure their load and ensure heavy and sharp objects are safe.

Your Christmas tree must also be small enough to be transported safely. Large trees should not be carried by small cars or vans, as they could easily fall off and cause an accident, which would invalidate your insurance policy.

Police officers will stop drivers if they deem a load to be too great and can issue fines of £100 for breaking the rules.

To avoid increasing your risk of an accident, or landing a fine from the police, ensure your Christmas tree is properly fitted to your car roof before driving home. If you’re in doubt, ask a professional to help assist you tie the tree down.

Comments(0)

December 9, 2020
Driving Test cancelled due to dirty car.

Leo Sargent, 17, forked out £62 for his driving test but will now need to retake the exam after his examiner allegedly told him his 14-year-old car’s footwell wasn’t clean enough

A teenager who waited months to sit his driving test was left “devastated” after it was cancelled last minute because the examiner thought his car was “too dirty”, his mum has claimed.

Leo Sargent, 17, was ready to start his driving test last Friday in a 14-year-old Ford Fiesta, but was gutted when the examiner looked at his footwell and is said to have halted the test.

Leo’s mum Jane Sargent, from Morningthorpe, Norfolk, said she had gone out in the snow on the same morning of the exam last Friday to ensure the car was spotless.

But the examiner wiped a cloth over the footwell and told them the £62 test wouldn’t go ahead because it was “too dirty”, she said.

Mum-of-three Jane, 55, said: “It was a real kick in the teeth. We were both really miserable.

“They basically expect you to have a brand new car in order to take the test.

“There was a little bit of mud in the footwell by the time we arrived, but we live on a farm, so there’s not much we could do about it.

 

“It’s an old car, so it’s going to have a bit of wear and tear.

“I basically begged the driving examiner to let me clean the car again then and there so that Leo could still take his test – but he said that it was too late.

“He was completely uncaring.

“I think he was really paranoid about Covid and cleanliness, because he wouldn’t even touch the door handle to open the door to show me the footwell.”

She added: “I understand the need to be Covid-safe, but if they’re going to be that particular about it, I think they should provide plastic sheets to cover the seats and the footwells during the test.”

Jane, who is also mum to a 19-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter, said that Leo has struggled with not being able to drive himself around during the Covid-19 pandemic.

She said: “We live right out in the middle of nowhere, so Leo has found it really hard this year not being able to see his friends, or go and play any sport or go to the gym.

“This has just been an extra kick in the teeth. I really want him to be able to be independent.

“With the lockdowns it has taken him months to be able to make an appointment.”

Comments(0)