Where is 2016 going? It seems like only a week ago we were bringing in the New Year, now all of a sudden we are looking forward to one of the holidays that signals the imminent arrival of Spring; The Easter Holiday.

Easter can be a great time – Not only do we get to indulge in lots of chocolate guilt-free (mostly), we also get to enjoy a well-deserved Bank Holiday – Until it comes to driving.

Remember that roads can be a lot busier at this time of year, especially on motorways, so always drive with more caution than normal.

Safe driving from Britannia!

Car insurance can be a headache to take care of sometimes – There are a lot of variables to consider, for example will you need comprehensive insurance, third-party only, or third-party fire and theft cover? What do these terms even mean?

One common query is that of being a “Named Driver” – This simply means to be an additional driver on an existing car insurance policy, allowing you to be legally covered to drive that car. This can be useful for new drivers as it may result in being cheaper for the driver than being on their own car insurance policy.

Safe driving from Britannia!

We’ve all had some sort of accident or other when driving – From the minor bump of the wheel against the pavement, to accidentally scraping another car on a car park (You know who you are!) – Sometimes these types of incidents are unavoidable.

One such event is having a tyre blow out on you – This can be terrifying for the driver, especially if they are inexperienced or if this is the first time it has happened to them. It is important to just remember to stay calm, and to maintain control of the vehicle, so that you can bring it to a gentle stop in a safe location.

Also, knowing how to change a tyre never hurts either!

Safe driving from Britannia!

You might take pride in your car – Showing off your new pride an joy to your friends and family can be a great feeling, but do you ever take a second to think what would happen if someone were to attack your car?

We’re not talking about mindless vandalism here. No, one of the main reasons for cars being damaged is leaving valuable goods on sight. Whilst is it very difficult to steal a car these days, unfortunately it is not very difficult to smash a car window and make off with a phone, handbag or wallet – Unless the would-be-thief can’t see one in the first place.

Always keep your valuables hidden safely in your car when you are not using it, otherwise you will have the costs of replacing your belongings as well as a broken window.

Safe driving from Britannia!

If you have finally managed to pass the driving test, you will likely be looking forward to getting behind the wheel of your own car and taking to the roads – But whilst this is a great privilege, it also comes with it’s own responsibilities too.

When you are driving your own car, you are in charge of everything that happens in that car whilst it is moving. Are your friends fighting on the back seat, causing you to lose concentration? Is your dog trying to join you on the drivers seat? Is the cars physical condition causing a danger to other road users? This is all your responsibility.

Remember, after having a car accident, assigning blame to others is not likely to give you much comfort – So accept the responsibility yourself.

Safe driving from Britannia!

Driving can present a wide variety of challenges – From learning to manoeuvre the car successfully, to managing to navigate traffic safely and much more, there is a long learning curve to be faced when becoming a qualified driver.

One such challenge is first mastering the feat of driving alone. For many learner drivers, it is a source of comfort having a passenger next to them such as their driving instructor or a family member, often giving prompts to help them with their driving.

Having this crutch removed can be daunting at first – Just try to act as if you are still on a driving test, and make every move as safely as possible, to ensure your first drive alone does not go awry.

Safe driving from Britannia!

There are many nerve-racking scenarios we can face whilst driving – Some of these might include coming up to traffic lights that are not working, or entering a motorway for the first time. But one event keeps drivers on the edge of their seat more than any other – Being pulled over by the police.

If this does happen, it is important to know what to do. Firstly, always remember to stay calm – Starting to panic will never help, and will just make you look suspicious. Remember it is possible that the police car is not even following you – So just pull over to the side of the road and let the officer pass, or pull up and approach you.

Always cooperate with the police officer in question, even if you believe you have been pulled over unfairly. Never get aggressive or argue – This will just make the situation worse for yourself. In most cases, it is just a routine check anyway, so don’t worry!

Safe driving from Britannia!

There are any number of problems that can befall a modern motorist – From your car overheating to running out of petrol, or even your handbrake failing – You really need to be prepared for any eventuality.

However one event many drivers dread is puncturing a tyre, necessitating a tyre-change part-way through your journey. Whilst many of us may simple opt to call a parent or even roadside assistance, it is actually surprisingly easy to change a tyre.

Always make sure you are fully safe before attempting to change a tyre, such as parking in a safe space, rather than the hard shoulder – If possible, request the help of passengers or passers-by to assist – Why make things harder for yourself?

Safe driving from Britannia!

As a driving school, we have seen all types of learner drives – From the young confident learners, to middle-ages drivers looking to brush up on their skills behind the wheel – But one type of learner we find to be very common is the nervous driver.

What many don’t realise is that some drivers can actually have a phobia of driving – Often this comes as a result of a traumatic incident from behind the wheel, such as a car accident at a young age, or a fear of the unknown aspects of driving. However don’t worry if this sounds like you – We can help you to beat your driving fears and become a confident enough driver to tackle these phobias!

Get in touch with us to find out more!

Safe driving from Britannia!

Many of us will have pets, and those of us that are dog lovers will enjoy taking our favourite canines out for a drive to get them out of the house – But are you aware of the safety precautions you should take when out and about with your dogs.

First of all, always take care when getting in or out of your car with your dog – It only takes a second for a dog to jump out of a car and dart into a busy road, so always maintain a good grip on their leads. Secondly, always ensure they are properly restrained when inside the car – A dog harness or seat belt should help to keep them safe when driving.

Finally always remember to never leave your dog in the car on a hot day – This can be dangerous and potentially fatal, even if it is cloudy.

Safe driving from Britannia!