On average, 80% of motorists don’t know about the new, tougher speeding fines. You could end up paying hundreds of pounds more for more serious speeding, so it’s definitely worth knowing about the increased cost of speeding tickets! That said, it is common sense that you should always stick to or below the limit when behind the wheel, and always drive safely.

Even if you’re doing 31mph in a 30mph limit, you are still breaking the law, so be rational and think: is it really worth doing that extra little amount of speed?

Furthermore, speedometers aren’t always 100% accurate; someone with a speedometer that’s gone out of calibration could innocently think they were doing 30mph, when they were in fact doing marginally more.

While awareness on speeding has increased, approximately 50% of vehicles last year broke the 30mph limit on roads. Campaign development research established that the most effective approach would be to look at the consequences a driver would have to deal with if they killed an innocent person as a result of speeding. To imagine the guilt and upset of causing the death of another person is indeed an effective reality check for chancy drivers.

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It’s common knowledge that seat belts save lives – in fact they reduce the risk of death in car crashes by up to 45%. Even when going on short, familiar journeys at low speeds you are still putting your safety and the safety of others at risks if you do not wear a seat belt in your vehicle.

The law states that all drivers and passengers aged 14 and over in cars, vans and other commercial vehicles must wear a seat belt. As the driver of a vehicle it is your responsible to ensure that your passengers have their seat belts fastened before a journey commences. If you do not adhere to this you are putting safety and potentially lives at risks, and if pulled over by the police, then you could face a fine of up to £500. While no points will be endorsed on your license, a fixed penalty notice will be issued. Passengers should wear a seat belt even if they are pregnant, or disabled, unless their GP has advised that they don’t have to for medical reasons.

For further information on the seat belt and law please read the Highway Code or if you require further information on Britannia Driving School’s seatbelt regulations, then please do not hesitate to contact us.

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There’s a fair amount of uncertainty regarding whether it’s against the law to drive barefoot, in flip flops or stiletto heels.
The Highway Code states that motorists must not wear footwear that compromises their ability to use the vehicle foot controls properly. Specifically, Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that before setting off on a journey, you should ensure that ‘clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner’.
Always bear in mind when stepping into your vehicle while wearing impractical footwear that you might well be putting yourself, your passengers and other road users at risk by not being able to drive the car safely. So while it is not illegal to wear improper footwear while driving, it is however against the law to drive unsafely.
According to the Driving Standards Agency, “suitable shoes are particularly important when behind the wheel. We would not recommend driving barefoot because you don’t have the same braking force with bare feet as you do with shoes on.”

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According to the news, learner drivers in England, Scotland and Wales will be allowed to have lessons on the motorway by 2018.
The Department for Transport stated that lessons would take place in cars with dual control pedals and must be given by an approved driving instructor, and not by friends or family members, however qualified or experienced.
At present only drivers who have passed their test are permitted to drive on the motorway, but in 2015 the Department for Transport had said it would consider a change in the law in the not too distant future.
One transport secretary stated that allowing learners to drive on motorways in a supportive environment will help them develop a practical understanding of how to use motorways safely before driving independently, while some people believe it could be potentially hazardous.
What are your thoughts on learners being permitted to have lessons on the motorways?

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Whether it’s for transportation of produce or relocating heavy agricultural equipment from one field to another, farmers will unavoidably need to make use of public roads. However, because tractors are so hefty and not the fastest of vehicles, it can be frustrating for other road users who just want to get to where they’re going, and sometimes potentially hazardous if tempers are lost.

The important thing is to be patient, respectful and to not to get exasperated when stuck behind a tractor. If you are able to overtake then do so, but only if it is safe. Do not attempt to overtake on any kind of bend or dip in the road, or especially if other motorists are coming towards you. Do not tailgate the tractor, flash your lights or honk your horn – put yourself in the farmer’s position and remember that he is just trying to get where he wants to go, just like you.

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While there is no legal age at which you must stop driving, it is advisable that you stop and think about whether or not it is actually safe for you to continue to do so. Sad as it is, our general health and fitness will begin to deteriorate as we get older, and age-related conditions begin to set in. It might be time to consider giving up driving if your reactions are notably slower than they used to be, or if your eyesight is getting worse. If you have a medical condition that could affect your ability to drive safely, you should ask your GP for advice on whether or not you should still be driving.

Since we all age differently, there is no specific age at which all drivers become unable to drive safely. However, you will need to renew your driving licence every three years after you turn 70.

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It’s one of the main causes of thousands of road accidents every year. Being a safe driver means being alert – and if you’re not, you are consequently putting your safety and the safety of others at risk. If you have trouble focusing, have poor judgement and slower reaction time, how do you think you are going to cope behind the wheel of your car on a busy road?

Perhaps you’re not getting enough sleep, on specific medication or choosing to drive at times of day or night when you would normally be sleeping. Whatever the reason, always ensure that you’re firing on all cylinders before deciding to take a drive, whether it’s for work or pleasure. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep, and don’t travel for more than eight to ten hours a day. Take regular breaks when necessary, and by absolutely no means drink any amount of alcohol before driving if you are feeling drowsy.

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We’ve all encountered at least one aggressive driver in our time – but how best should you deal with them? The best course of action is to make every attempt to safely get out of their way, avoiding eye contact and ignoring any rude gestures, flashing lights and/or honking horn. Most importantly DO NOT challenge them by speeding up or attempting to hold your own in the lane you are driving in, as it will only encourage further road rage. If they want to overtake, let them do so as quickly as possible. Don’t let aggressive drivers put your safety and the safety of others at risk.

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As a learner driver, you’re likely looking for tips to improve your skills all the time. Whether that’s advice on clutch control or even briefing on the theory or driving tests from more experienced learners, a little knowledge never hurt.

Always keep developing your knowledge – This might be revising possible questions you could be faced with during the Theory, taking mock tests, or even just asking questions to people who have passed their tests for a first-hand perspective… You will likely be glad you did.

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If you’re keen on improving your driving skills or want to practise for your driving test more, then one of the best ways for you to learn will be to step outside your comfort zone. Try driving in new or unfamiliar areas, tackling different test routes – Or even driving at nighttime.

Driving at nighttime is a different ball-game to its daytime counterpart – The dark forces you to focus on your visibility more and to adjust your driving style to account for lower visibility, as well as reminding you to drive with your lights on – Try it, and let us know if you think it is harder or easier than day driving?

Safe driving from Britannia!