- Driving Tests, coming to a leisure centre near you...
There will shortly be trials starting in seven places around the country to see if towns without test centres can benefit from having Driving Examiners taking tests out from places such as hotels, leisure centres and local authority building.
This plan was brought up last year if I remember correctly, as an idea to replace driving test centres completely. It seems that this might be going one step closer.
The trials are due to take place in seven locations across Britain: Ashford, Ayrshire, Dumbarton, Louth, Warrington, Wiltshire and one location in Wales. These are all areas where there is no test centre, but is a significant demand for driving tests.
Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said:
“I want us to be more flexible and innovative in delivering driving tests to make sure that we are offering people the best service possible wherever they live.
“Our aim is to provide a more local service that is both convenient for candidates and cost effective.”
After the trials are under way, the DSA will decide on whether it will expand to other areas that have similar needs.
Rob Laird
RPL Driving
Brentwood Driving School
Driving Lessons In Romford
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
- Learner Drivers Will Soon Be Allowed On Motorways
This week, Mike Penning (the MP responsible for road safety and standards) announced that from some point next year, learner drivers will be allowed to drive on Motorways.
In the plans, they will be allowed on Motorways under the supervision of an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI).
It will not be a complusory part of learning to drive, as many people have no Motorways nearby, but Instructors will have the option of including it in the normal driving lessons.
The aim is to reduce the number of young people killed, and seriously injured on the UK's Motorways.
This is the latest in recent changes including removing test routes from the DSA website, and keeping the theory test question bank secret.
When I know more, I'll post it here...
Rob Laird
RPL Driving
Driving Lessons In Romford
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
- More Price Increases For The Dartford Crossing
A few years ago, there was a price increase on the Dartford crossingas it went up from £1 to £1.50.
Now there is talk about increasing it to £2.50 within a year's time, and there is a consultation running from now until September to gauge public opinion. Lorry drivers will also get hit hard with the increases, with a single crossing planned to go up to £6.
Unfortunately, not many people have a choice to avoid the crossing. The alternative is a very slow detour through London, or a going the long way round the M25.
Here's the full story...
Rob Laird
RPL Driving
Driving School In Romford
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
- My Grade 6 Check Test Write Up
I've recently taken my second check test, and after gaining a grade 6, a few people have asked me to write a short piece on my experiences of the test, and what I felt I did differently this time to get a higher grade. Here is a post giving you more information on ADI gradings.
First of all, a quick look at what happened on my first one. Being a bit nervous, I spent a few hours with a local ADI trainer, so I could get a good idea of what to expect. Unfortunately, one piece of advice I was given was to constantly ask questions on what the learner was thinking/doing.
After the test, the Examiner commented on the fact that I didn't shut up and let the learner try it completely on their own! Something I knew, but at the time, I think the pressure got to me. I ended up with a grade 4, which I was ok with, but disappointed as I knew I could have done better.
Since that time, I didn't have anymore specific check test training. I did however attend a coaching day, take the IAM advanced driving test and go on to be an IAM observer. I feel that these, in addition to picking up tips and advice from forums and other Instructors has greatly improved the way I conduct a driving lesson.
For the most recent check test, instead of taking my own pupil, I decided to try out role play. I had heard good and bad things about it, but the only way to truly find out about it is do it yourself. I opted to do a remedial lesson (recently failed test), as I quite enjoy the format of these types of lessons.
It started with a brief intro and chat with the Examiner. He gave me a test sheet, with a handful of driver errors marked in mirrors, clearance and following distance, along with a serious for clearance and following distance.
I was then given a moment to take this in and work out a plan of action, then we were off to the car.
Started with a quick chat about the test, a bit of Q&A about mirrors (when and why we use them). We then headed out on the road for a short drive for me to observe him. First faults were all mirror related, namely checking the mirrors after signalling. Left him to it for a few turns, and repeated the same faults, along with going a bit fast into a turn.
We then pulled over, did a bit more Q&A, why mirrors need to be checked first, and a bit about judging the tightness of a corner. We then did a quick lap around the block to look at the corner he got wrong, this time with me prompting him and getting him to tell me about the view of the road ahead.
From here, there were a few issues with cutting in early after parked cars, sorted by stopping alongside cars to show him how close he was getting, along with talking about reference points. The following distance was discussed, tying in the 2 second rule. We then stopped to talk about this further, how weather affects it, etc.
Through the test, I also made a bit of small talk about how long he's lived in the area, work, etc.
Towards the end, I got him doing a bit of hazard spotting, and practicing mirrors when slowing down.
Back at the test centre, we had a quick recap on the things we covered and I tested him a little on knowledge such as the 2 second rule to check he understood everything.
Then the waiting happened, and around 5-10 minutes later (seemed like ages!), the Examiner came out and we talked through the test. His only real comment was that I could have asked a few more questions at a few points to check his understanding (I was probably being slightly cautious after doing too much last time).
The end result was top marks in everything, except for a small blip (grade 5) in the Q&A technique, but an overall grade 6, which I was obviously very happy with!
Looking at the test, I have wondered whether I would have got the same grade if I had a pupil. Honestly, I don't know. Maybe next time I'll try it with a pupil again and see how it goes. But I won't have to worry about that for another 4 years or so.
Any questions or comments, feel free to let me know.
Rob Laird
RPL Driving
Brentwood Driving School
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
- Speed Sensitive Traffic Lights
Swindon is the first town in the UK to start using traffic lights that turn red if the oncoming driver is driving over the speed limit.
Back in 2009, under a Conservative-led council, they abandoned using fixed speed cameras, and now this new measure aims to tackle driver behaviour without fining them.
The idea is that a driver who consistently speeds, will be forever getting stopped at traffic lights. Over time, people like this will (hopefully) realise that by keeping to the speed limit they will get to where they're going sooner.
Speed measuring sensors will be used at some point on the road just before the traffic lights to control the timings.
It's an interesting way of approaching the problem, and could well be effective. With speed cameras being turned off around the country as their effect has not been completely proven, new methods need to be trialled.
If it works well in Swindon, you may see other councils around the country introducing it.
If there are any updates on this, I'll post it here.
Rob Laird
RPL Driving
Romford Driving School
Brentwood Driving Instructor
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
- RPL Driving Now Has A Mobile Website
With more and more people using their mobile phones to browse the internet, I decided to build a simple mobile website for the driving school.
This means, instead of having to view the entire site on a small screen, you get diverted to a basic, cut down version which has a good amount of information on the driving lessons. If you need more, than just simply click on the link to the full site.
If you would like to test it out, use your phone to go to the main RPL Driving Site and (hopefully!) you will get directed to the RPL Driving Mobile Site.
Any problems, please let me know.
Rob Laird
RPL Driving
Driving School In Brentwood
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
- Driving Examiners Strike On 30th June 2011
Well I go away for a week, and come back to find out that more strike action has been planned for 30th June.
The union in question is the PCS, which has over 300,000 members, has decided to strike over changes to pay and pension.
The union is made up from people in a wide variety of jobs including the HMRC and unfortunately the DSA.
However, going from previous experience, not all Driving Examiners will strike, but you won't know until the day whether your driving test will go ahead.
You have 2 choices if your test is on this day.
- Re-arrange the test (probably to a later date) to make sure your test will go ahead.
- Turn up on the day. It might be fine, and there will be an examiner there for you. If not, you will get the next test paid for, and you will get compensation for the money you pay your Instructor on the day of the test.
At the end of the day, it's your choice, and your Instructor may be able to offer some advice, but the truth is, it'll be pot luck if your test happens or not.
For more information on the strike, visit the PCS website.
Rob Laird
RPL Driving
Driving School In Romford
Chelmsford Driving School
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
- Driving Instructor's Grades - What Do They Mean?
Something that a lot of people don't know, is that once someone has qualified as a Driving Instructor, they have to be regularly assessed (called a check test) by an Examiner who will look at the standard of their teaching.
Everything from the advice and knowledge, to the Instructor's appearance and the way they behave is marked. The test is an hour long, and afterwards the Instructor will be given an overall grade of 1-6 (6 being the highest). Each section is given a grade, and the final grade is a reflection of all the marks put together.
The exception to this would be if the ADI was newly qualified. If this is the case, the check test would be classed as an 'educational'. So advice will be offered by the Examiner, but no grade will be given.
Moving onto the grades, below is a brief guide of what each grade means:
1 - An extremely poor overall standard, with incorrect or dangerous instruction. No recap, improvement in pupil's skills or summary at the end.
2 - A poor overall ability, with several issues with the Instructor's knowledge. Very little lesson structure.
3 - An inadequate performance, with some lack of ability. Gaps in knowledge and poor choice of route.
4 - An acceptable lesson. Some minor deficiencies, but overall good fault identification and remedial action.
5 - A good lesson. Minor weaknesses might occur, but all faults were recognised and dealt with well. Good attitude and feedback with the pupil.
6 - An overall high standard, with no significant weaknesses. Quick to recognise faults, and dealt with them in the best way. Very professional at all times.
Someone who gets a 5 or 6, is tested again in 4 years. A grade 4 results is another one in 2 years, while a 3 -1 will have another in around 8-12 weeks. Someone who fails to improve to a 4 or higher risks losing their licence to teach people to drive.
Keep in mind that this check test is a one hour snapshot taken every few years. There are some very good grade 4 Instructors, and some not so good grade 6s. Saying that, if you are trying to find an Instructor, and you've had no recommendations, their grade is one place to start (but unfortunately, without the results sheet, there's no way you'll know they're telling the truth).
Just for a bit of extra info, below are some figures taken from March 2011, showing the number of Instructors at each grade.
Grade 1 - 0
Grade 2 - 54 (0.1%)
Grade 3 - 303 (0.6%)
Grade 4 - 24,526 (52%)
Grade 5 - 15,644 (33%)
Grade 6 - 2,845 (6%)
Ungraded (New) - 3,449 (7%)
Total On Register - 46,821
Rob Laird
RPL Driving
Driving Lessons Romford
Driving School Hornchurch
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
- No More Paper Driving Licence
After over 10 years of the photocard and counterpart driving licence, the Department of Transport will be going ahead with plans to get rid of the paper counterpart licence in 2014. The old style paper only licences will also be replaced shortly after.
The DVLA plan to make driving licences more efficient, by keeping the driver's endorsements on a database, which can be checked easily by the police and other authorised organisations such as employers and insurers.
According the the DVLA there are more than 12 million old paper licences still in use, and replacing these is a logical step once the paper counterpart is no longer needed.
Hopefully, the service to check the drivers details we be free, or I'll expect there to be some complaints from Driving Instructors and other people who need to do regular driver checks.
Rob Laird
RPL Driving
Driving Instructor In Brentwood
Driving Lessons In Upminster
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
- Devon Examiner 'Bullied' Over Low Driving Test Pass Rate
An update on this story...
During a 3 day employment tribunal panel, Ms Bentley-Lovell lost her case after the panel ruled that she was not unfairly dismissed.
I came across this article on the BBC website reporting on Nicola Bentley-Lovell, and how she quit her job as a Driving Examiner after 7 years due to "a large amount of bullying and harassment for her pass rate".
During 6 years, she apparently had to take 165 check tests (when another examiner sits in the back to supervise the test), whereas the average for this period is around 45-50.
She told the employment tribunal panel in Exeter that her immediate bosses urged her to increase her pass rate because her rate was below the "acceptable variance".
She said during one test, a learner driver reversed round a corner and ended up on the wrong side of the road and she claims that her bosses said she should have given the applicant just a driver fault "to get her pass rate up".
She said she refused to compromise her pass rate, which was around 36% compared with the national average of 46%, because of the health and safety risks to the public.
It all sounds a bit odd, and I suspect if it turns out to be true, the DSA will get a lot of grief from it.
The case continues...
Rob Laird
RPL Driving
Driving Lessons In Danbury
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
- Call For Driving Lessons In Irish Schools
I came across this article on an Irish news website looking at changes to the process of learning to drive, along with some possible changes to road traffic laws.
A cross-party group of politicians have said that compulsory driving lessons in schools will make the Irish road safer. There are also calls for provisional licence holders to take their driving test within a specific period.
On the road traffic law side of things, there are plans to impose penalty points onto the last registered keeper of vehicles that are dumped, and reductions to parking tickets if they are paid early.
I'll be keeping an eye on any changes, especially the driving lessons, as it might be something that comes over our schools soon.
Rob Laird
RPL Driving
Driving Schools In Brentwood
Driving Lessons In Romford
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
- 10 Steps To Changing A Car Tyre
After an unplanned tyre changing lesson in a pupil's car, I decided to sit down and write out a brief overview of how to change a car tyre. It's something that's not overly technical, and everybody should be able to do it.
- First is safety. Where possible, try and park the car in a safe place, away from traffic if possible. A car park is ideal, failing that, quiet side roads would be ok. Make sure the ground is as flat as possible and is also firm (no grass or gravel surfaces).
- Consider using your hazard warning lights if necessary, and again wearing a fluorescent jacket and using heavy duty gloves can make things that little bit safer.
- Make sure you get the car jack, spare tyre and wrench ready. It's also worthwhile (if you haven't done already) checking the spare is in good condition and inflated properly. There's nothing more annoying than having a flat spare tyre.
- Use some form of wedge either side of the tyre diagonally opposite from the flat tyre. This, along with the handbrake and using either park (automatics) or reverse gear (manuals) will make sure the car stays put while on the jack.
- Now onto the main part. Remove the wheel cover if you have one, and use the wrench to loosen each wheel nut slightly. They can be tight, so be careful. Do this before raising the car to make it as easy as possible.
- Find the jacking point of the car. This is normally somewhere under the doors, near to the wheels. Every car will be slightly different, so if you don't know where they are, take a look in the owner's manual.
- Use the jack that came with the car, or a trolley jack to raise the car until the flat tyre is enough off the ground to allow the good tyre to be fitted.
- Use the wrench to take of the wheels nuts completely, and make sure you put them somewhere safe (keep clear of drains!). Then carefully remove the wheel and put it out of the way, with the inside edge on the ground.
- Now fit the spare, taking care not to damage the fittings. Then take the wheel nuts and do them up finger tight to begin with, before using the wrench to tighten them up some more in a X pattern (but only hand tight).
- Now lower the car gently until all of the weight is off the jack. Then use the wrench to fully tighten up the wheel nuts, again in a X pattern.
That's it, all done. Now remember to pack up the flat tyre, jack and wrench and you're off.
As soon as possible, take the car to a garage where they can check the tightness of the wheel nuts, and they can also replace the flat tyre.
Rob Laird
Romford Driving School
Brentwood Driving Instructor
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
- We're looking for a new Driving Instructor...
After much consideration, I've decided we can take on another Driving Instructor with RPL Driving.
I you work in or near to an area we cover, and are interested in a low-cost franchise, get in touch through the RPL Driving School website.
Rob Laird
RPL Driving
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
- Colchester Theory Test Centre To Close
As of the 31st August 2011, the theory test centre in Colchester will close. People wishing to take the theory test will now have to travel 17 miles to Ipswich, or 24 miles to Chelmsford.
According to the Driving Standards Agency, the centre has the ability to conduct 30,000 tests a year, but last year only 9,000 people passed through it's doors.
It will be one a further 9 to close at the end of August. The other theory test centres to close will be:
- Basingstoke
- Bath
- Birkenhead
- Clydebank
- Dunfermline
- Durham
- Motherwell
- Runcorn
- Solihull
- Workington
Rob Laird
RPL Driving
Driving Schools In Hornchurch
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
- Avril's Driving School
A quick recommendation for Avril's Driving School. Avril Allan is a Driving Instructor in Woking.
She uses a Hyundai i20 which has a manual gearbox and a 1.2 petrol engine. It’s easy to handle, looks good and has an excellent specification including power assisted steering, air conditioning, ABS, dual controls, electric windows, adjustable seat and steering wheel, front and side airbags, easy-to-read dashboard and a spacious interior.
If you are look for driving lessons in Woking take a look at www.avrilsdrivingschool.co.uk
Rob Laird
RPL Driving School
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
- Government To Look At Driving Instructor Training
It's been talked about for a while, but today, the BBC seem to be focusing on the way Driving Instructors are trained.
The main issue so far, is the use of the trainee licence. People who have passed the first 2 parts of the training process are allowed to apply for a trainee licence once they have taken some further training. This allows them to teach people to drive and receive payment for it.
The problem is that some trainee aren't open with their trainee status, and some even go out of their way to conceal it from the people they are teaching. There is also nothing to say they can't charge the same as a fully qualified Instructor, and most do.
I agree that experiencing a 'real' learner during your training is very beneficial, and while I was training I taught a few friends for free to get a better idea of what to expect. Most people feel that the Trainee (or Pink) Licence needs to be controlled more, with more supervision from the sponsoring Driving Instructor and a way of being more open with the learner.
Even Trevor Wedge, the Chief Driving Examiner, agrees that there needs to be some changes:
"The trainee licence system has been set up to allow trainee driver instructors to gain some practice as they are preparing for the final part of their examination process," he said.
"They are encouraged to work very closely with a supervising instructor.
"We recognise that we will need to develop some proposals to improve the system.
"However, there have been significant improvements in the quality of the training provided by the driving industry."
Hopefully, news storys like this one from the BBC will bring the differences of Instructors to the attention of the public. In 5 years of teaching, I have only had 2 people ask to see my badge. Every fully qualified Instructor has a green badge, while Trainees have a pink one. It will normally be found on the passenger side of the windscreen.
For more information on the training process take a look at my post, how to become a Driving Instructor.
Rob Laird
RPL Driving
Driving Lessons In Billericay
Driving School In Hornchurch
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
- 10 Steps To Changing A Car Tyre
After an unplanned tyre changing lesson in a pupil's car, I decided to sit down and write out a brief overview of how to change a car tyre. It's something that's not overly technical, and everybody should be able to do it.
- First is safety. Where possible, try and park the car in a safe place, away from traffic if possible. A car park is ideal, failing that, quiet side roads would be ok. Make sure the ground is as flat as possible and is also firm (no grass or gravel surfaces).
- Consider using your hazard warning lights if necessary, and again wearing a fluorescent jacket and using heavy duty gloves can make things that little bit safer.
- Make sure you get the car jack, spare tyre and wrench ready. It's also worthwhile (if you haven't done already) checking the spare is in good condition and inflated properly. There's nothing more annoying than having a flat spare tyre.
- Use some form of wedge either side of the tyre diagonally opposite from the flat tyre. This, along with the handbrake and using either park (automatics) or reverse gear (manuals) will make sure the car stays put while on the jack.
- Now onto the main part. Remove the wheel cover if you have one, and use the wrench to loosen each wheel nut slightly. They can be tight, so be careful. Do this before raising the car to make it as easy as possible.
- Find the jacking point of the car. This is normally somewhere under the doors, near to the wheels. Every car will be slightly different, so if you don't know where they are, take a look in the owner's manual.
- Use the jack that came with the car, or a trolley jack to raise the car until the flat tyre is enough off the ground to allow the good tyre to be fitted.
- Use the wrench to take of the wheels nuts completely, and make sure you put them somewhere safe (keep clear of drains!). Then carefully remove the wheel and put it out of the way, with the inside edge on the ground.
- Now fit the spare, taking care not to damage the fittings. Then take the wheel nuts and do them up finger tight to begin with, before using the wrench to tighten them up some more in a X pattern (but only hand tight).
- Now lower the car gently until all of the weight is off the jack. Then use the wrench to fully tighten up the wheel nuts, again in a X pattern.
That's it, all done. Now remember to pack up the flat tyre, jack and wrench and you're off.
As soon as possible, take the car to a garage where they can check the tightness of the wheel nuts, and they can also replace the flat tyre.
Rob Laird
Romford Driving School
Brentwood Driving Instructor
Monday, November 21, 2011
- Driving Tests, coming to a leisure centre near you...
There will shortly be trials starting in seven places around the country to see if towns without test centres can benefit from having Driving Examiners taking tests out from places such as hotels, leisure centres and local authority building.
This plan was brought up last year if I remember correctly, as an idea to replace driving test centres completely. It seems that this might be going one step closer.
The trials are due to take place in seven locations across Britain: Ashford, Ayrshire, Dumbarton, Louth, Warrington, Wiltshire and one location in Wales. These are all areas where there is no test centre, but is a significant demand for driving tests.
Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said:
“I want us to be more flexible and innovative in delivering driving tests to make sure that we are offering people the best service possible wherever they live.
“Our aim is to provide a more local service that is both convenient for candidates and cost effective.”
After the trials are under way, the DSA will decide on whether it will expand to other areas that have similar needs.
Rob Laird
RPL Driving
Brentwood Driving School
Driving Lessons In Romford
Monday, November 21, 2011
- Driving Examiners Strike On 30th June 2011
Well I go away for a week, and come back to find out that more strike action has been planned for 30th June.
The union in question is the PCS, which has over 300,000 members, has decided to strike over changes to pay and pension.
The union is made up from people in a wide variety of jobs including the HMRC and unfortunately the DSA.
However, going from previous experience, not all Driving Examiners will strike, but you won't know until the day whether your driving test will go ahead.
You have 2 choices if your test is on this day.
- Re-arrange the test (probably to a later date) to make sure your test will go ahead.
- Turn up on the day. It might be fine, and there will be an examiner there for you. If not, you will get the next test paid for, and you will get compensation for the money you pay your Instructor on the day of the test.
At the end of the day, it's your choice, and your Instructor may be able to offer some advice, but the truth is, it'll be pot luck if your test happens or not.
For more information on the strike, visit the PCS website.
Rob Laird
RPL Driving
Driving School In Romford
Chelmsford Driving School
Monday, November 21, 2011
- Driving With Donna - Lessons In Nuneaton
A little recommendation for Donna Green who runs Driving With Donna. She provides driving lessons in Nuneaton in a Citroen C3.
So if you are looking for a Driving Instructor in Bedworth, or a nearby area, give her a call or visit www.drivingwithdonna.co.uk
Rob Laird
RPL Driving
Monday, November 21, 2011
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info@rpldriving.co.uk
