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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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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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.

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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.”

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November 4, 2020
Britannia lockdown update.

As of tomorrow we have to close our offices but not our business.
We are still open!
Our doors maybe closed, but we are still working for you,with us working safely from home we can continue to provide the same level of service to all our pupils and instructors through our usual phone,email and livechat contact details.
Whilst we may not be meeting in person you can be assured we are just as keen to look after everyone and will commence usual services as soon as the government restrictions have been lifted
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November 2, 2020
Update On Lockdown Measures.

Update on lockdown measures in England

Following the announcement on Saturday 31 October 2020 around further lockdown measures being introduced in England, we are working closely with the Government to agree the impact these will have on DVSA services.

All driver and rider training and tests will be suspended in England from 5 November until 2 December 2020. We will be contacting affected test candidates soon.

We’ll keep you updated on the situation and provide further guidance when we’re able too.

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November 2, 2020
Will Driving Lessons go ahead in the November Lockdown?

After Saturdays  announcement by Boris Johnson on the second National Lockdown in England from Thursday 5th November 2020 to Wednesday 2nd December 2020, what does that mean for driving lessons and driving tests?

Q: When will we know if driving lessons can continue during the November National Lockdown?

A: We are awaiting information from the DVSA, as soon as we receive this we will communicate this on our website and to our Driving Instructors

Q: Will Theory Driving Tests be suspended due to the November National Lockdown?

A: It is currently unknown, as above, we are awaiting information from the DVSA. Please keep an eye out for emails from your booking.

Q: Will Practical Driving Tests be suspended due to the November National Lockdown?

A: It is currently unknown, as above, we are awaiting information from the DVSA with regards to Practical Driving Test. Please keep an eye out for emails from your booking.

Q: I have a driving lesson before Thursday 5th November, is it okay to continue?

A: Yes, we are still taking bookings and our Driving Instructors will remain teaching driving lessons, whilst we await confirmation from the DVSA that we can continue.

Q: If driving lessons are temporarily stopped again, can I still book lessons with you?

A: Yes! Like with the first Lockdown our lovely customer service advisors will be working to help our Instructors fill their diaries and ensure you can learn to drive as soon as possible.

Q: Will driving lessons and driving tests continue for Key Workers, regardless of the lockdown?

A: During the first lockdown driving lessons and driving tests did continue for essential workers, whilst they were cancelled for everyone else. We will update you with confirmation on this when we hear from the DVSA.

Q: I have my Practical Driving Test booked between 5th November and 2nd December, what should I do?

A: We recommend that you speak to your Britannia Driving School Instructor, we will keep them updated with the latest information from the Government and DVSA. And please check your emails regarding your booking.

A spokesperson for the Agency said: “We are working closely with Government to agree the impact of the lockdown in England on DVSA services.

“We will update customers as soon as possible.”

The DVSA will contact you directly if your test is affected by local restrictions in England and Scotland.

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October 29, 2020
War veteran driving instructor ‘has to stand in rain’

A disabled war veteran driving instructor said he has been repeatedly forced to sit outside during wet and windy weather because of the closure of test centre waiting rooms.

Andy Small, from Cornwall, said blanket national closures due to Covid-19 were “ridiculous”.

“All instructors now have to sit or stand, outside, for up to 40 minutes while tests take place,” he said.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency said it was reviewing the situation.

Mr Small was medically discharged from the army in 2010 and has rheumatoid arthritis.

He served in the Gulf War, completed two tours of Bosnia and was awarded the Royal Warrant in 2005.

He said he could not stand for long periods so when pupils have been taking their tests, he would be sitting in the car park in a camping chair, holding an umbrella.

“The inclement weather conditions will only deteriorate over the coming months,” he said. “There is no cover.

“A number of instructors have underlying health issues which will be made worse.

“This will lead to many experiencing a physical and financial difficulty because they’ll become ill and need time off to recover.

“Now a tiered lockdown has been introduced across the country, surely test centre waiting rooms should be reopened using a similar approach?”

He said it was ridiculous to have a blanket closure when “some areas of the country are at lower risk than others”.

Mr Small said he wanted the DVSA to look at waiting rooms based on the size of the test centre.

“We have five examiners covering Bodmin and can maintain social distancing guidelines with no difficulty,” he said.

“The examiners can sit in our cars, inches from strangers, but we’re not allowed to be in a waiting room that can accommodate us with social distancing.”

The DVSA said it was working with the Health and Safety Executive and driving instructor associations to ”review our centres”.

“We are initially reopening nine waiting rooms and to ensure everyone’s safety we will review the measures we put in place and get feedback from staff and our waiting room visitors before we open anymore,” it added.

Bodmin test centre is not one of the nine. Our automatic instructor Jane has said its very difficult in some of these treacherous weather conditions if there is no cafe nearby, to seek shelter with a warm drink.

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August 26, 2020
Driving test chaos as website crashes AGAIN as 100,000 people queue to book online

THOUSANDS of learner drivers were struggling to book their driving test this morning after the DVSA website crashed again.

More than 100,000 people were placed in a virtual queue after more driving test slots were released today.

Learners had complained that the website was still crashing for them shortly after it reopened after 8am this morning.

The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), which is in charge of booking driving tests, says the website is now working – but with the queuing system in place.

It comes after the DVSA website also crashed on Friday as it opened for the first time since the coronavirus crisis.

The government suspended driving tests on March 20 as the UK was gripped by the coronavirus pandemic.

Frustrated learner drivers joked the DVSA could “keep their licence” this morning after struggling to get online.

One tweeted: “Just gone to book my driving test to be in a queue with 73,000 PEOPLE, just keep my licence who can be arsed.”

Another said: “Just logged onto the driving test… I have 105,092 users in front of me in the queue…”

A third tweeted: “Probably the longest queue I have had in my entire life 99,606. Wish me luck.”

A fourth said: “Nothing like spending four days doing maintenance on your site, only for it to crash 30 seconds after re-opening. Cracking effort.”

Another tweeted: “Absolutely ridiculous service DVSA wasted 12 hours of my time trying to book a driving test on Friday and Saturday, then closing the website until today for ‘essential maintenance’ yet all the website still does is crash!”

When Britannia Driving School tried to access the DVSA website this morning, we were placed in a queue with 192145 people ahead of us.

The DVSA is only releasing limited driving slots so that learners and examiners can comply with social distancing restrictions.

It confirmed in a tweet that it had 35,675 tests available over the next 6 weeks, but it’s not clear if the DVSA is offering spaces beyond this timeframe.

The DVSA was supposed to release more tests this Monday, August 24, but it pushed the next batch back until 8am today due to “unprecedented demand”.

It said “essential maintenance” was done over the weekend to help the website to cope with the number of bookings.

Those who had their driving tests booked before lockdown measures were introduced were allowed to rebook from July 25 to help with the backlog.

The theory tests resumed on July 4.

The DVSA apologised to those who were struggling to get online in a tweet this morning.

It tweeted: “Driving test booking service update.

“For those who have experienced a problem with getting into the booking system, please try again.

“You should now be able to get into the booking system queue. Sorry for any inconvenience.”

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July 22, 2020
Driving Tests restart today in England .

LEARNER drivers in England are able to take their tests again from today – but it won’t be the same as before. Driving tests were suspended in March at the start of lockdown to help stop the spread of the deadly covid 19.

Lessons and theory tests were allowed to restart in England from July 4th but learner drivers have been forced to wait two more weeks to take their practical. Easing lockdown measures is a matter for devolved governments so car practical tests won’t go ahead in Wales until August 17.

Dates for when tests can start again in Scotland and Northern Ireland haven’t been confirmed yet.

Those who had their tests cancelled due to lockdown will be prioritised to clear a backlog of Brits waiting to get their licences.

New bookings are taking a back seat for now and the government hasn’t said when it will start taking new bookings again. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) sent emails to learner drivers who had their tests postponed on July 16 asking them to rearrange their exams

Unfortunately, you’ll have to take your theory test again before rebooking your practical exam if it expired during lockdown.

DVSA chief driving examiner Mark Winn said: “I know many learners are keen to take their driving test but it is vital they have the right skills and knowledge to help them through a lifetime of safe driving before attempting it. “Learners should practice driving on a variety of roads and in different driving conditions so they are well prepared for driving independently.”

Like pubs and shops, driving centres have to make some changes to the way they carry out tests to make them Covid- 19 secure.

1. You will have to wear a face mask

Drivers and examiners will have to wear a face mask when they take their tests.

If you cant wear one, for example you suffer from asthma, then you should let the test centre know as soon as possible.

Some examiners can choose to wear gloves and use disposable seat covers as well.

You may be asked to remove your face covering briefly so that the examiner can check your ID.

You should also make sure you have one that fits correctly. The examiner will ask you to pull over if you need to adjust it.

If it becomes a safety issue, the examiner will end your test early.

2. You will find out midway through your test if you’ve failed

Normally, drivers have to wait until the end of their test to find out whether or not they had passed.

But now, those who commit a serious offence early on will find out immediately if they have failed.

They will immediately be directed back to the test centre to minimise the amount of time they spend in the vehicle.

Learners should carry on with the test if they make a minor mistake.

3. The car must be cleaned before your test

You must make sure the car has been cleaned before the instructor is allowed in the vehicle with you.

The examiner will also need to use an antiviral wipe to clean the passenger door and anything else they will need to touch inside the car.

5. Driving instructors can’t sit in the car during your test

To minimise the number of people in the car at the same time, driving instructors are not allowed to sit in the back seat while you take your test.

This is part of the new social distancing measures introduced at driving test centres.

6. You’ll be asked to get out of the car to get your results

To minimise the amount of time that you spend in the car, you and the examiner will need to step out of the vehicle while you get your results.

You will also be asked whether or not you’d like your instructor to join you while you hear the feedback.

7. Don’t come for your test if you’ve got coronavirus symptoms

You must not go for your drivers test if you or a member of your household have coronavirus symptoms.

If you’ve been contacted by NHS Test and Trace, you also shouldn’t go to the test centre.

If you get ill, you can change the time and date of your driving test free of charge, even if you do this at short notice, within three working days of your test.

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