September 2, 2019
Common Reasons For Test Failure.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has revealed the  10 top reasons people failed the new driving test in its first year.

DVSA is encouraging learner drivers to spend more time practising their driving skills and techniques in these areas, using a variety of different roads, such as country roads and dual carriageways.

DVSA also wants learners to spend more time practising driving in different road conditions, such as driving in rain and driving in the dark.

This will better prepare them for a lifetime of safe driving.

  1. Junctions – observation.
  2. Mirrors – change direction.
  3. Control – steering.
  4. Junctions – turning right.
  5. Move off – safely.
  6. Response to signs – traffic lights.
  7. Move off – control.
  8. Positioning – normal driving.
  9. Response to signs – road markings.
  10. Reverse park – control.

The driving test report you get given after your practical driving test tells you what each area means, and what you need to do to pass.

Insufficient observation at junctions and not using mirrors effectively when changing direction accounted for 368,047 test failures.

You automatically fail your test if you make a serious or dangerous fault – sometimes called ‘majors’.

Driving test faults reflect the factors that cause accidents, 39% of all accidents in 2017 in Great Britain were as a result of drivers not looking properly.

Driving test faults reflect factors that cause accidents on Great Britain’s roads.

Drivers in 2017 failing to look properly contributed to 35,993 accidents and was the most common contributory factor in accidents.

 

Chief Driving Examiner, Mark Winn, said:

“It’s vital that learners can drive safely and have the skills to drive on all types of roads before taking their test. The driving test helps get drivers ready for a lifetime of safe driving and makes our roads safer for all.

Failing to look properly at junctions is the most common serious or dangerous test fault and the largest cause of accidents in Britain. Good observation, including proper use of mirrors, is a crucial skill that drivers must learn.”

Rules, Guidance and advice on how to avoid these common faults can be found in The Highway Code including:

When emerging from a junction look all around, and do not cross or join a road until a gap is

Large enough to do so safely.

Checking your mirrors frequently and you will know what is to each side of you and behind you, making sure you use them in plenty of time before you signal or charge you speed or direction.

Positioning your vehicle correctly in the road and maintaining a steady course.

It’s completely normal to be nervous on the day of your practical driving test. You will have no need to worry if your prepared properly and your driving instructor thinks your test standard, the driving examiner is there to check you can drive safely.

Why not check out our helpful tips on our website at Britannia Driving School.

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August 9, 2019
Theory Test

How would you fare if you had to sit your test again? As it emerges half of learner drivers now fail the tough theory exam, try our 25 sample questions to see if it’s still safe for you to be on the roads

  • The proportion falling the theory test has soared to its highest level in a decade 
  • Last year, only 47 per cent managed to pass a series of recently reformed tests
  • The AA has complained that some of the new questions are now ‘quite obscure’

 

Never mind getting behind the wheel — the challenge that really strikes fear into learner drivers is the written theory test. The amount falling at this first hurdle has soared to its highest level in a decade — last year, only 47 per cent managed to pass it.

A number of changes designed to toughen up the test has included increasing the number of multiple-choice questions and no longer publishing them online in advance to stop people from memorising the answers.

The AA has complained that some of the questions are now ‘quite obscure’ — such as knowing what to do if someone suffers a burn in a road accident — which makes it hard for all but the most dedicated of learners to pass first time.

 

This may have led to more cheating. Last year, there were a reported 889 cases of fraud in practical and theory tests — a significant rise, says the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

For example, In July a 41-year-old woman was sentenced to 20 weeks in jail, suspended for 12 months, for hiding a radio headset under her hijab so that someone could supply her with the answers on her theory test, while others have used impersonators.

Would you pass the car theory exam today? Take our sample test to find out . . .

  1. Following a collision, someone has suffered a burn. The burn needs to be cooled. What’s the shortest time it should be cooled for?
    1. A) 5 minutes.
    2. B) 10 minutes.
    3. C) 15 minutes.
    4. D) 20 minutes.

     

    1. What colour are the reflective studs between a motorway and its slip road?
    2. A) Amber.
    3. B) White.
    4. C) Green.
    5. D) Red.

     

    1. You’re approaching a red light at a puffin crossing. Pedestrians are on the crossing. When will the red light change?
    2. A) When you start to edge forward on to the crossing.
    3. B) When the pedestrians have cleared the crossing.
    4. C) When the pedestrians push the button on the far side of the crossing.
    5. D) When a driver from the opposite direction reaches the crossing.

    1. What does this signal mean?
    2. A) Cars must stop.
    3. B) Trams must stop.
    4. C) Both trams and cars must stop.
    5. D) Both trams and cars can continue.

     

    1. You wish to tow a trailer. Where would you find the maximum noseweight allowed on your vehicle’s tow hitch?
    2. A) In the Highway Code.
    3. B) In your vehicle registration certificate.
    4. C) In the vehicle handbook.
    5. D) In your licence documents.

     

    1. You’ve just passed your practical test. You don’t hold a full licence in another category. Within two years, you get six penalty points on your licence. What will you have to do?
    2. A) Retake only your theory test.
    3. B) Retake only your practical test.
    4. C) Retake your theory and practical tests.
    5. D) Reapply for your full licence immediately.

     

    1. You’re driving on an open road in dry weather. What should the distance be between you and the vehicle in front?
    2. A) One car length.
    3. B) Two metres (6 ft 6 in).
    4. C) Two car lengths.
    5. D) A two-second time gap.

    1. At a junction, you see this sign partly covered by snow. What does it mean?
    2. A) Crossroads.
    3. B) Give way.
    4. C) Stop.
    5. D) Turn right.

     

    1. You are travelling at 50 mph on a good, dry road. What is your typical overall stopping distance?
    2. A) 36 metres (118 ft).
    3. B) 53 metres (175 ft).
    4. C) 75 metres (245 ft).
    5. D) 96 metres (315 ft).

     

    1. At a puffin crossing, which colour follows the green signal?
    2. A) Steady red.
    3. B) Flashing amber.
    4. C) Steady amber.
    5. D) Flashing green.

     

    1. You are turning right on to a dual carriageway. What should you do before emerging?
    2. A) Stop and apply the handbrake and then select a low gear.
    3. B) Check that the central reservation is wide enough for your vehicle.
    4. C) Position your vehicle well to the left of the side road.
    5. D) Make sure you leave enough room for a vehicle behind.

    1. What does this sign mean? A) Contraflow pedal cycle lane. B) With-flow pedal cycle lane. C) Pedal cycles and buses only. D) No pedal cycles or buses
    2. A) Contraflow pedal cycle lane.
    3. B) With-flow pedal cycle lane.
    4. C) Pedal cycles and buses only.
    5. D) No pedal cycles or buses.

     

    1. You see a pedestrian with a dog. The dog has a yellow or burgundy coat. This especially warns you that the pedestrian is . . .
    2. A) Elderly.
    3. B) Dog training.
    4. C) Colour blind.
    5. D) Deaf.

     

    1. For how long is a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) valid?
    2. A) Until the vehicle is taxed, sold or scrapped.
    3. B) Until the vehicle is insured and MOT’d.
    4. C) Until the vehicle is repaired or modified.
    5. D) Until the vehicle is used on the road.

    1. What does this signal from a police officer mean to oncoming traffic? A) Go ahead. B) Stop. C) Turn left. D) Turn right
    2. A) Go ahead.
    3. B) Stop.
    4. C) Turn left.
    5. D) Turn right.

     

    1. Given that one of the below is correct, what does the law require you to keep in good condition?
    2. A) Gears.
    3. B) Transmission.
    4. C) Door locks.
    5. D) Seat belts.

     

    1. You are travelling behind a bus that pulls up at a bus stop. What should you do?
    2. A) Accelerate past the bus.
    3. B) Watch carefully for pedestrians.
    4. C) Sound your horn.
    5. D) Pull in closely behind the bus.

     

    1. You may use front fog lights with headlights ONLY when visibility is reduced to less than . . .
    2. A) 100 metres (328 ft).
    3. B) 200 metres (656 ft).
    4. C) 300 metres (984 ft).
    5. D) 400 metres (1,312 ft).

    1. What does this sign mean? A) No parking for buses or coaches. B) Direction to bus and coach park. C) Parking area for cars and coaches. D) Direction to park-and-ride car park
    2. A) No parking for buses or coaches.
    3. B) Direction to bus and coach park.
    4. C) Parking area for cars and coaches.
    5. D) Direction to park-and-ride car park.

    1. What does this sign mean?
    2. A) Waiting restrictions apply.
    3. B) Waiting permitted.
    4. C) National speed limit applies.
    5. D) Clearway (no stopping).

     

    1. Braking distances on ice can be . . .
    2. A) Twice the normal distance.
    3. B) Five times the normal distance.
    4. C) Seven times the normal distance.
    5. D) Ten times the normal distance.

     

    1. For what percentage of all emissions does road transport account?
    2. A) 10 per cent.
    3. B) 20 per cent.
    4. C) 30 per cent.
    5. D) 40 per cent.

    1. What does this sign mean? A) End of restricted speed area. B) End of restricted parking area. C) End of clearway. D) End of cycle route
    2. A) End of restricted speed area.
    3. B) End of restricted parking area.
    4. C) End of clearway.
    5. D) End of cycle route.

     

    1. You can park on the right-hand side of a road at night . . .
    2. A) In a one-way street.
    3. B) With your sidelights on.
    4. C) More than 10 metres (32 ft) from a junction.
    5. D) Under a lamp-post.

     

    1. At an incident, it is important to look after any casualties. When the area is safe, you should . . .
    2. A) Get them out of the vehicle.
    3. B) Give them a drink.
    4. C) Give them something to eat.
    5. D) Keep them in the vehicle.

     

Sample questions from the DVSA. To pass the theory test, learners must answer at least 43 out of 50 questions correctly.

  • Answers: 1b, 2c, 3b, 4b, 5c, 6c, 7d, 8c, 9b, 10c, 11b, 12b, 13d, 14a, 15b, 16d, 17b, 18a, 19d, 20a, 21d, 22b, 23b, 24a, 25d

Check out our free interactive theory help on our website!

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May 23, 2019
   Motoring changes drivers need to know for 2019

There’s a lot for drivers to keep track of this year, increases in tax,

More ways to fail the MOT, licencing updates and emission zone charges.

Here’s our need to know changes for the year ahead.

Driving and law changes in 2019:

1.London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone

On 8th April 2019, the new Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) IN London came into effect, this replaces the previous T- charge scheme, with the hopes of improving the air quality and reducing harmful emissions in London.

The new scheme applies to most vehicles, including vans and cars. If a vehicle doesn’t meet the ULEZ emission standards its driver will need to a daily charge to drive within the area. Cars, motorcycles and vans are £12.50 a day and lorries will be £100 a day.

The new charges will apply 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The ULEZ covers the exact same area as the congestion charge and is in addition to the already in place Congestion Charge. In 2021 the zone will be extended to cover all areas that are within the boundary of the north and south circular.

 

Clean Air zones:

The Environmental Law Organisation Client Earth Issued the UK with a lawsuit for breaching EU LIMITS FOR (NO2) nitrogen dioxide, the government called for other cities to reduce emissions thus creating Clean Air Zones (CAZ).

In January 2020 Leeds and Birmingham are expected to be introducing a CAZ, Bath, Sheffield, Greater Manchester, Oxford and Glasgow are expected to be consulting or implementing similar proposals, it is also possible that after Brexit the UK may change the NO2 limits.

 

  1. Tax increases

Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) in line with inflation went up in April 2019, These rises apply to all cars not just new model so for most drivers the annual cost of car tax will increase by £5. High emission car owners will be charged an additional £15, diesel owners whose vehicle doesn’t meet the RDE2 standard emissions which is mandatory in 2020, must pay tax at the higher rate. New car owners may face an extra £65 on first year car tax. Fuel duty has been frozen until April 2020 and there are no VED rises due but with the budget in November we will see….

3. New Mot rules

The government changed the rules for MOT tests in May 2018. New regulations include:

. Exemption for cars over 40 years old

. A new certificate design

. New items being tested, headlight washers, reversing lights, fluid leaks, brake pad warning lights and tyre inflation.

. New defect categories : dangerous, major, minor, advisory and pass.

. Stricter limits for emissions from diesel cars with a diesel particulate filter  (DPF)

4.Diesel surcharges for residential parking

According Car buyer the price of residential parking permits can be a postcode lottery .Some London councils have been quietly been introducing an annual diesel surcharge with the London Borough of Barnet charging up to £10 more and the London Borough of Merton a whopping £150 !

 

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May 15, 2019
Driving test pass rate is at its lowest for a decade due to harder theory questions – can you get them, right?

Only 47% of learner drivers are passing the practical exam due to changes in the theory test. Passes are at a ten-year low because theory questions have become tough to get correct.

Over the past year only 47% of learner drivers passed the theory test a fall of a quarter in ten years. Eight sample questions were given to 2,800 drivers to test how difficult the new tests were and only 11% got them all correct.

The theory test- which was introduced in 1997 has had more multiple-choice questions added, to stop pupils memorising the questions and answers they have stopped them being shown online.

Statistics according to The Department for Transport show that women have a higher pass rate then men. To test the knowledge of driving conditions, which includes extreme weather conditions i.e. snow and sleet were added (Hazard Perception).

Example Theory Questions

 

  1. Following a car collision, someone has suffered a burn. The burn needs to be cooled. Given that one of the below is correct, what’s the shortest time it should be cooled for?
  2. a) 5 minutes b) 10 minutes c) 15 minutes d) 20 minutes
  3. You’ve just passed your motor practical test. You don’t hold a full licence in another category. Within two years you get six penalty points on your licence. Given that one of the below is correct, what will you have to do?
  4. a) Retake only theory test b) Retake theory and practical tests c) Retake only practical test d) Reapply for full licence immediately
  5. Given that one of the below is correct, what colour are the reflective studs between a motorway and its slip road?
  6. a) Amber b) White c) Green d) Red 4. You wish to tow a trailer.
  7. Given that one of the below is correct, where would you find the maximum nose weight allowed on your vehicle’s tow hitch?
  8. a) In the vehicle handbook b) In the Highway Code c) In your vehicle registration certification d) In your licence documents
  9. Given that one of the below is correct, when are anti-lock brakes (ABS) most effective?
  10. a) When you keep pumping the foot brake to prevent skidding b) When you brake normally but grip the steering wheel tightly c) When you brake firmly and promptly until you’ve stopped d) When you apply the handbrake to reduce the stopping distance
  11. Given that one of the below is correct, what does the law require you to keep in good condition?
  12. a) Gears b) Transmission c) Door locks d) Seat belts
  13. You’re driving on an open road in dry weather. Given that one of the below is correct, what should the distance be between you and the vehicle in front?
  14. a) A two-second time gap b) One car length c) Two metres (6ft 6in) d) Two car lengths

The answers are at the bottom of this article

Moneysupermarket the price comparison website run a study which showed that four out of ten drivers were confident enough to pass the theory test if retaken. A third of drivers were able to identify correctly the reflective studs between the motorway and slip road as being green.

Learner drivers have to pass the theory test before they can take their practical driving test,they are asked 50 multiple choice questions and to pass must answer 43 correctly, to pass the hazard perception part they are required to answer 44 correctly out of 75 after watching clips to spot road dangers.

The Department of Transport have reported 1.34million learners took the theory test in the last year with 47.4% passing, this is the lowest percentage since 2007-2008 when figures were first published and down 48.7% in 2017-18.The pass rate in 2007-2008 was 65.4% which dropped in 2013-14 when new theory questions stopped being published online.

Answer: 1=b, 2=b, 3=c, 4=a, 5=c,6=d, 7=a

For help with practicing the hazard perception or theory questions why not use our sample papers on our website or book in with one of our trainers for one to one theory training at our head office.

 

 

 

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January 6, 2016
Motorway Lessons for Learners

Learner drivers will be given motorway experience with an instructor before they can pass their driving test under new plans announced by the government.

The Department for Transport is considering the move as a way to make sure learners are properly prepared for everyday driving before they pass their tests. Under the plans, they would be allowed to gain experience on motorways under the supervision of an approved driving instructor.

Currently motorists are only allowed on the motorway once they have passed their practical test. The possibility of learners on motorways will be explored under a £2M project of examining driver education. It will look at whether the current regime gives the best training for learner and novice drivers. Compulsory basic training for learner motorcyclists will also be reviewed.

As part of a plan of reforms known as the road safety plan, transport ministers are also planning a £50M grant for better cycling training in schools, and looking at forcing lorries to keep their sideguards to better protect cyclists.

What are your thoughts on this article? Send your views to Britannia Driving School by using the comments link below:

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December 3, 2015
Passing First Time Doesn’t Make You A Safe Driver

Those who take three attempts to pass their driving test are the safest drivers on the road. By contrast, ‘overly confident’ motorists who pass their driving test first time around are most likely to be in an accident. That is because they seem to be more ‘rash’ in their behaviour and take more risks compared to more cautious drivers who may fail at their first attempt, a new report has revealed.

The report by LV= car insurance also found that those who have to take their driving test multiple times before passing are less likely to be pulled over for drink-driving or dangerous driving.

The study looked at the driving records of those who passed after one, two, three or four or more driving tests. Researchers said they uncovered a connection between the number of times a driver takes his or her practical driving test and the likelihood of being involved in an incident such as a collision or being caught driving dangerously. This is thought to be down to over-confidence. The report notes that those who fail their first test say it was largely down to nerves and lack of confidence, which while temporarily denying them a licence, ironically means they may be safer once they do pass.

Selwyn Fernandes, managing director of LV= car insurance said that those who pass first time pass because they are confident. By contrast, he said if you fail first time, you could take comfort in the fact that your natural nervousness or caution will serve you well once you get a licence.

What are your thoughts on this article? Send your views to Britannia Driving School by using the comments link below:

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November 26, 2015
Further Examiner Strikes

Some driving examiners are planning to take strike action at various times from Tuesday 1st December until Friday 4th December 2015.

Some driving examiners who are members of the Public and Commercial Service (PCS) union are planning to take strike action.

PCS has planned action at various times from Tuesday 1st December until Friday 4th December 2015.

DVSA is doing all it can to make sure that tests go ahead as planned. Not all examiners are union members, and many test centres are expected to be operating as normal.

What are your thoughts on this article? Send your views to Britannia Driving School by using the comments link below:

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November 19, 2015
UPDATE: Driving Examiner Strikes

There is the potential for strike action by some driving examiners on Thursday 19th and Friday 20th November 2015. The DVSA wants all instructors and their pupils to turn up for their driving test despite this.

DVSA is doing all it can to make sure that tests go ahead as planned and recommends that you turn up for your test. You’ll get details of your new appointment within 5 to 10 working days.

You can claim out-of-pocket expenses if your test is cancelled, but you must have turned up for you test to do this. If you don’t turn up for your test, you’ll have to rebook your own test and you won’t be able to claim out of pocket expenses.

What are your thoughts on this article? Send your views to Britannia Driving School by using the comments link below:

 

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November 18, 2015
Your Reaction Age

A new test has been developed that tests your reaction age. The online game gives you a driving age from 18 to ‘a very, very old person’ based on your ability to perform an emergency stop.

The game was created by London-based start-up Justpark.com, which matches drivers with spare car parking spaces.

It places a player behind a virtual steering wheel as they begin to drive down a road. They are asked to strike a key on their keyboard as quickly as possible to perform an ‘emergency stop’ when a red stop sign appears on the screen. The driving age is then swiftly displayed on the screen.

The results are based on the results of a survey of 2,000 people aged 18 and over who were asked to play the game. The reaction time was plotted against their age. The predicted age is the age that most closely matched the age of people with that reaction time.

The company behind the game found left-handed people had better reactions times than their right-handed peers, and men were very marginally faster on the ‘brakes’ than women. Drivers who get behind the wheel at least once a week reacted more swiftly than less regular motorists, while heavy drivers who consume between 31 and 40 units of alcohol a week had slower reaction times than occasional drinkers. People who reported drinking between one and five coffees or teas a day were more alert during the test than those who avoided caffeine.

You can try out the test here.

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:

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November 12, 2015
Driving Examiners To Strike

Driving test examiners have voted to go on strike in a row over working hours. The Public and Commercial Services union (PCS) said its members had walkouts by 91% and other forms of industrial action by 96% in a turnout of 64%.

The union represents 1,600 DVSA staff at 360 sites across the UK, including driving examiners and officers who carry out vehicle and traffic safety checks. The row is over new working patterns which the union say will lead to longer shifts.

The union said it will now consider possible dates for industrial action.

Britannia Driving School will advise pupils who may be affected by this as more details are announced.

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