For the most part, driving a car is not actually that difficult. Of course, there is a learning curve associated with picking up the basics, and eventually mastering skills such as the more advanced manoeuvres to the level required to pass the driving test, but actually making the car move is relatively easy.

The hard part is learning to drive amongst other road users. Nowhere is this more important than at road junctions – When you need to watch out for drivers pulling out in front of you unexpectedly, or to keep an eye open for a safe gap in the traffic for you to pull out without any danger to yourself or others.

Safe driving from Britannia!

We’ve all been there – After a long day at work, stuck in mind-numbing traffic on the commute back home, looking forward to getting a good night’s rest… Slowly, the mind wanders away from the road, as you gradually begin to succumb to driving fatigue.

Unfortunately that is all it takes to have a life-changing accident. Falling asleep at the wheel is one of the biggest dangers that could happen to any motorist, as it renders the driver entirely incapable behind the wheel, endangering their own lives, as well as those of their passengers and other road users. If you do start to feel tired behind the wheel, make sure to pull over in the first safe place to rest until fully awake, or have a strong cup of coffee before setting off again.

Safe driving from Britannia!

There are a variety of factors that influence how well (or badly) you drive. For starters, the amount of experience you have behind the wheel is a huge factor in your driving skill, as is your physical condition whenever you are driving – Try not to drive when ill, tired, dehydrated, and especially if you have been drinking!

One obvious factor many people miss is the clothing they wear when driving. Many women still attempt to drive when wearing high heels, and we have seen more than one occasion of loose and baggy items of clothing becoming caught on gear sticks or indicator switches – So if you’re going to be driving, make sure you are dressed correctly for the activity.

Safe driving from Britannia!

Struggling to come up with a good idea for a gift for a friend or family member for an upcoming birthday? Or does your other half want to start learning to drive, but has not yet made the first step? Then think about getting them driving lessons as a gift.

Learning to drive can be a rewarding experience, and if the recipient is nervous about finally getting around to starting driving lessons, don’t worry, we have lots of experience with nervous drivers and we are certain we can soon turn even the most apprehensive pupil into a confident driving machine – And don’t forget, we also offer Gift Vouchers for driving lessons!

Safe driving from Britannia!

Here at Britannia we try to do our bit to keep drivers out there safe on the roads, especially the younger and possibly less experienced drivers. We publish a lot of information and tips about how to stay safe when behind the wheel, with advice on how to drive properly and cautiously at all times – But what about your actual behaviour when in the driving seat?

Studies have shown that a high proportion of accidents involving younger people involve drivers who are distracted when behind the wheel, whether that’s due to using a mobile phone whilst driving or interacting with other road users or vehicle passengers.

Always stay sensible and act safely when driving.

Safe driving from Britannia!

One of the key aspects to becoming and staying a safe and conscientious driver is maintaining a good level of concentration when behind the wheel. This means staying aware of the traffic and your surroundings at all times, to identify any sudden changes that may appear without warning, as well as to identify any problems with your car that could spring up and put yourself or others at risk.

Of course it is also good to feel relaxed when driving, so try not to concentrate too strenuously or you may find yourself making more mistakes.

Safe driving from Britannia!

There are an almost endless amount of hazards that can happen to you when you are out and about in the car. From staying safe in poor weather or road conditions, to making sure your car is up to the job, you do need to be on your guard when behind the wheel.

Because of this, it is advisable to always think ahead when driving. A good rule is to keep an eye on the road ahead of you as far as 10 to 15 seconds in front of your car, to help anticipate any changes in the road conditions or traffic that may cause you to alter your driving speed or direction.

Safe driving from Britannia!

Here at Britannia Driving School, we pride ourselves on our vast amount of information we offer online to help young and inexperienced drivers to get behind a wheel for the first time, to beat the nerves that come with tackling the driving test, and to finally become a confident and fully qualified driver.

However it’s not only learner drivers that we offer tips to. As a driving instructor, you may need a fair share of guidance too – For example, how to mange your busy schedule of pupils, how to handle particularly nervous drivers, and what to do in the unfortunate event of an accident.

Are you a driving instructor with a question, or do you have any tips for our instructors? Let us know below!

Safe driving from Britannia!

Being a learner driver can present a wide variety of difficulties to inexperienced drivers. From first learning to master the art of pulling away, to the challenges of revising for your upcoming theory test, it almost seems an endless stream of obstacles in your way of becoming a fully qualified driver.

One such milestone you will have to pass is the hazard perception test, one half of the driving theory test. This consists of identifying aspects of a moving video that you would consider to be a hazard – i.e. something that may cause a danger to yourself either immediately or at some point in the future, and may result in you needing to change speed or direction to avoid.

Safe driving from Britannia!

Learning to drive can be a struggle for many, going through the various trials and tribulations that come with being a trainee driver, from the initial pain of learning to pull away and to master the steering, to the more complex skills of manoeuvring to the level required to pass your driving test. But it’s important to remember that it’s always worth it in the end.

Not only does becoming a fully qualified driver have it’s obvious rewards, with being granted the freedom of the roads, but it also has many more uses too. Need to help a friend move house? No problem. A relative have an office appointment? You’ll be there. Taking your partner and yourself away for a romantic break? Well, maybe they can drive this time…

Safe driving from Britannia!