For many learner drivers, to successfully pass their driving test is a major milestone in their life, and to finally get out onto the roads on their own is a fantastic reward for their hard-earned efforts. However, one thing still trips many a newbie driver up – Their first trip to the petrol station.

As learner drivers, you are likely not familiar with the process of refuelling your car. so it is understandable that this might worry some of you. If in doubt, take an elder or more experienced driver with you for the first one or two times so they can show you the ropes – You will soon realise it’s really not that difficult!

Safe driving from Britannia!

As a pedestrian, you are probably more than familiar with the Green Cross Code – Having been taught to recite it before crossing a road since childhood, it is more than likely deeply ingrained in your memory by now.

However what you may not be aware of is that even as a car driver, it is necessary to remember the Green Cross Code. This helps you to think about what actions pedestrians are taking and will enable you to drive as safely as possible, particularly at crossings and traffic lights in the future.

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It looks like we’ve made it at last – Summer 2017 is upon us! Whilst this is great for many reasons – Not least the sunshine, allowing us to drive with our windows and roofs down to make the most of it – Summer driving does come with it’s inherent dangers.

One of the main things to watch out for this summer is the danger of pedestrians – Especially children. The hot weather brings more and more people out of their homes to enjoy the sunshine, but this also means a rise in people crossing the roads, and youngsters are particularly likely to step into the roads without due attention – So stay alert!

Safe driving from Britannia!

If you’re a learner driver, you may be all too familiar with the stress that being behind the wheel can cause. Maybe you’re struggling to master a particular manoeuvre or perhaps it’s just learning to fit your driving lessons in amongst your busy schedule – Sometimes it can get a bit much.

If you ever do feel like this, don’t worry – Just try taking a little time off. We don’t recommend going months without a lesson, as you will probably start to get rusty on your skills, but maybe leave the theory test revision book for a night, or hang up your keys for a day and put your feet up. You will likely feel that after a short break, you are fully replenished and eager to get back into the driving seat.

Safe driving from Britannia!

If you have passed your driving test, or even if you are part way along the process of learning to drive, you will likely be familiar with the challenges presented by driving in a variety of weather conditions. Unfortunately for every day we have driving in beautiful summer sunshine, we probably have three or more days of driving in summer rain!

When driving in rain, remember to keep your speed lower than you would normally drive at to allow for longer stopping distances on wet roads, and to maximise your visibility at all times, always keep those wipers working!

Safe driving from Britannia!

For many of us we have way too many items in the car and they’re usually non-important things. It’s everything from coats and bags, to receipts and empty chocolate wrappers.

At Britannia we talk a lot about having the right attitude when you drive and how to park safely. But today we want to talk about something else.

We want to take a moment though about the important items to store in your car just in case. Firstly, have a copy of your breakdown cover in your glove compartment. You can also have a list of key contact numbers in case your battery dies. Talking of a dead phone battery, it’s useful having a car charger in your car. Another useful thing is to have a small pouch of small change to pay for parking meters.

Safe driving from Britannia!

Whether you’re learning to drive in an automatic, taking an intensive driving course, or taking a refresher driving course, leaning to drive is challenging.

It’s important to remember a few things.

1)      Learning to drive takes time and effort. Everyone you know who has passed their test has had to spend time learning and it’s no different for you

2)      A positive attitude makes a huge difference. Before a driving lesson say to yourself, “This is another chance for me to improve my driving skills.”

3)      There’s nothing better than practice. The more you put in the more you get out. The more you practice the better you’ll do.

Safe driving from Britannia!

When our students are preparing for their theory and driving test we remind them the importance of defensive driving.

What does that mean?

Every time you get into your car one must be aware of the dangers around them. Whilst you should be a safe driver it’s important to remember that not everyone else on the road is as safe as you are.

Try your best to not get irritated by other drivers. Don’t be disrespectful to other drivers. Never try and race another car. Always avoid driving if you are feeling tired. Don’t feel that you need to impress your friends when they come into your car. You’ll very quickly regret this if you get into an accident.

Safe driving from Britannia!

When everyone begins learning to driving they have one goal in mind: to pass their driving and theory test .

For a very long time it has been a given that students in the UK should learn to drive in a manual car. This is for a few reasons. For one, a lot of people have manual cars and it’s just a norm. This isn’t the case in countries such as American, though, where people drive automatics.

However, times are changing and more people are wanting to learn how to drive in an automatic. This is something that Britannia offers.

There are definitely some advantages to learning in an automatic. For one thing so is no clutch control or biting point to master. This is the thing that can take a long time to learn when in a manual car.

For more information get in touch with Britannia.

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When driving to a new area there’s always a chance that you can get lost. You can create lots of stress when you get lost and end up going around in circles. It’s even worse if you have passengers and they just want to get there, too. Then you have to think about where to park .

The best way to solve this is to plan the journey ahead of time. Here’s what we suggest.

• Get the full address details of the place you’re going to
• Before your journey, and when you’re at home, go onto Google Maps and map out the journey
• Just looking at the route will make you feel calmer
• Most people have a satnav and if you don’t, it’s worth buying one. Having this on hand for your journey will help a great deal.

Safe Driving from Britannia!