- Vehicle Recalls That Affect The Driving Test
In addition to the Peugeot, Citroen and Toyota recalls I mentioned last month, I thought I would put on a list of other vehicles the DSA which needs recall work carried out before they are allowed.
Most of these cars are older models, so it's unlikely to be a problem if you are using your instructor's car. However, if you are taking your own car, and it's on the list, make sure it has had the work carried out on it.
Toyota AYGO, iQ, Yaris, Auris, Corolla, Verso, Avensis, Peugeot 107, Citroen C1 Problem: Accelerator pedal may fail to return to idle. Ford Fiesta - new shape 1995-96 Problem: faulty brake hoses. Ford Fiesta - 1989-90 Problem: faulty seat belt mechanism. Mazda 121 - 1998 Problem: faulty brake hoses. Peugeot 206 Problem: faulty brake linkage. Renault Clio ll, Renault Campus Problem: faulty bonnet catch. Toyota Yaris Problem: faulty headrests and or side airbag deployment Vauxhall Corsa D - new model Problem: Vauxhall is recalling a number of the new Vauxhall Corsa D model vehicles for safety reasons. Vauxhall Corsa, Combo, Tigra
Problem: faulty driver and front passenger seat belt locking mechanisms (vehicles built between 1999 and 2000). For more information on these recall notices, have a look at this DSA link
Rob Laird
RPL Driving
Our Driving School Cars
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
- Instructor Sitting In For Your Driving Test
Back in September I posted about the change in the decision to make every test candidate have a supervising driving sit in on the test.
From April this year, the only change that will happen is at the start of the test, the driving examiner will ask the person taking the test if they would like their instructor/supervising driver to sit in the back.
Up until now, it has been down to the candidate to ask the examiner, and the thinking is that some people may feel awkward. By having the examiner ask, it removes a bit of pressure from the candidate.
The main reason why you might want someone to sit in is your instructor gets to see the drive first hand, so pass or fail, they will have a better idea of what you need to practice.
At the end of the day, it's down to the person taking the test, the instructors don't mind it either way. Have a look at my driving test page for more general information.
Rob Laird
RPL Driving School - Romford And Brentwood
Sunday, March 07, 2010
- A Brief History Of The Driving Test
1935 - Mr J Beene is the first person to pass the driving test. It costs him seven shillings and sixpence (38p)
1939 - Driving tests are suspended because of the second world war until November 1946. They are suspended again during the Suez crisis in 1956
October 1956 - The test fee doubles from 10 shillings to £11975 Candidates no longer have to demonstrate arm signals
Juy 1968 -The test fee rises to £1.15 shillings
1990 - The Driving Standards Agency, which now overseas all driving tests in the UK, is created as part of the Department for Transport
1991 - Parallel Park introduced
1996 - A separate written theory test is introduced, replacing questions asked about the Highway Code during the practical test
1999 - Bay Park introduced where possible, test extended, randomising the emergency stop and failing candidates for committing 16 or more driving faults
2000 - Theory Test changed over to a computer setup
2002 - The hazard awareness test is introduced to the theory test, using video clips to test perception of danger
September 2003 - Show Me, Tell Me questions introduced
July 2008 - Show Me, Tell Me extra questions added
September 2009 - Case study questions introduced to the theory test
For the full list, including changes to the motorcycle, PSV and other updates, have a look at the DSA website
Rob Laird
RPL Driving - Instructors In Essex
Sunday, February 28, 2010
- Red Driving School In Administration
The parent company of Red, LVG, the UKs 3rd largest driving school has gone into administration.
In addition to the learner driver school, Red also has an Instructor training section and Fleet training.
LVG also took over Lets Drive back in 2004 and own the magazine adiNEWS and Practical Driver Instructor Aids.
Several offers have been received and we might expect a buyer soon.
For the full story have a look at the BBC website, and for the administration report take a look at MCR
Thursday, February 18, 2010
- Finished Changing The RPL Driving Websites :)
Just about finished the new design of websites.
I'm still experimenting with colours (blue and black at the moment).
I'm much happier with them, think the layout makes more sense and is much neater.
Have a look at rpldriving.co.uk and rpldriving.com and let me know if there's anything that could be improved.
There are still a few pages and things to finish, but it's pretty much done!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
- Toyota, Peugeot and Citreon Vehicle Recalls
Below is a update from the DSA concerning the recent vehicle recalls. If you are a driving instructor with an affected manual car, you are ok to continue with tests until the vehicle gets sorted (assuming you have dual controls fitted).
However if you have an automatic, or you are planning to take your driving test in one of the listed cars, you must have the work done that is needed, and show proof of it, before the examiner allows you to take your driving test.
Following vehicle recall notices issued by Toyota and Peugeot Citroen, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has announced conditions for allowing affected vehicles on the driving test. Recall notices affect the following vehicles with the specified build dates:
Toyota
AYGO (Feb 2005 – Aug 2009)
iQ (Nov 2008 – Nov 2009) The iQ is already considered unsuitable for test
Yaris (Nov 2005 – Sep 2009)
Auris (Oct 2006 – 5 Jan 2010)
Corolla (Oct 2006 – Dec 2009)
Verso (Feb 2009 – 5 Jan 2010)
Avensis (Nov 2008 – Dec 2009)
RAV4 (Nov 2005 – Nov 2009)
Peugeot 107 (Feb 2005 – Aug 2009)
Citroen C1 (Feb 2005 – Aug 2009)
In total, Toyota and Peugeot Citroen are recalling around 320,000 UK-based vehicles. As yet, VIN number ranges have not been released.
Using these cars on the driving test
If one of the vehicles affected is presented for test, it will only be conducted if either:
the vehicle has a manual transmission gearbox and is fitted with dual controls to help the examiner control the car in the unlikely event of a failure
documentation is supplied to show that the remedial work has been carried out – this will usually be in the form of the Toyota or Peugeot Citroen recall letter stamped by the respective dealer and containing written confirmation
Candidates who cannot proceed with their test should contact DSA customer services to arrange for their test to be rebooked once the remedial work has been done.
As there has been no prior warning of this action, if the test is not conducted the fee will be refunded or a free retest given on the first occasion that a specific vehicle is presented for test. Customers can ring DSA customer services on 0300 200 1122.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
- Information Codes On Your Driving Licence
On the back of the photocard licence, you've got a column entitled 'codes'.
Most people have no idea what they mean, so just to clear it up I though I would provide a full list. The most common ones I see are 1 (needs correction to eyesight), 71 (duplicate licence) and 115 (organ donor). Other codes apply to required modifications to the cars you drive or limits to weights or sizes of vehicles (more for larger vehicle licences).
Below is the full list:
| Code |
| Description |
|---|
|
|
| | 01 |
| eyesight correction |
|---|
| 02 |
| hearing/communication aid |
|---|
| 10 |
| modified transmission |
|---|
| 15 |
| modified clutch |
|---|
| 20 |
| modified braking systems |
|---|
| 25 |
| modified accelerator systems |
|---|
| 30 |
| combined braking and accelerator systems |
|---|
| 35 |
| modified control layouts |
|---|
| 40 |
| modified steering |
|---|
| 42 |
| modified rear - view mirror(s) |
|---|
| 43 |
| modified driving seats |
|---|
| 44 |
| modifications to motorcycles |
|---|
| 45 |
| motorcycle only with sidecar |
|---|
| 70 |
| exchange of licence |
|---|
| 71 |
| duplicate of licence |
|---|
| 78 |
| restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission |
|---|
| 79 |
| restricted to vehicles in conformity with the specifications stated in brackets |
|---|
| 101 |
| not for hire or reward |
|---|
| 102 |
| drawbar trailers only |
|---|
| 103 |
| subject to certificate of competence |
|---|
| 105 |
| not more than 5.5m long |
|---|
| 106 |
| restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission |
|---|
| 107 |
| not more than 8250kg |
|---|
| 108 |
| subject to minimum age requirements |
|---|
| 110 |
| limited to invalid carriages |
|---|
| 111 |
| limited to 16 passenger seats |
|---|
| 113 |
| limited to 16 passenger seats except for automatics |
|---|
| 114 |
| with any special controls required for safe driving |
|---|
| 115 |
| organ donor |
|---|
| 118 |
| start date is for earliest entitlement |
|---|
| 119 |
| weight limit does not apply |
|---|
| 120 |
| complies with health standard for category D1 |
|---|
| 121 |
| restricted to conditions specified in the Secretary of State's notice |
|---|
| 122 |
| valid on successful completion: Basic Moped Training Course
|
|---|
The full list is also available here
Rob Laird - RPL Driving School
Thursday, January 07, 2010
- Increased Fines For Speeding And Other Offences
Motorists fined for speeding and other driving offences will have to pay an extra £15 to help pay for a victim compensation fund, it has been revealed.
The surcharge - used to finance support services for crime victims - is already added to fines for those convicted of crime in court. But now ministers want to extend the levy to on-the-spot fines and fixed penalty notices in England and Wales. This would include motorists caught speeding, using a mobile phone while driving, not wearing a seatbelt, or given a parking ticket. People found scrawling graffiti or being drunk and disorderly would also be hit. Under the plans, the current fine of £60 for speeding would be increased to £75. Campaigning group the TaxPayers' Alliance said the move amounted to a "stealth tax". Spokesman Matthew Elliott said: "If the Treasury wants to raise money from the courts, it should be more honest and call this surcharge a 'justice tax'." Justice minister Claire Ward said in a parliamentary answer: "The victim surcharge was introduced on April 1, 2007 and has been applied initially only to fines imposed in magistrates and Crown courts at a rate of £15. "We intend to add the surcharge to other disposals as soon as it becomes feasible to do so." Taken From Sky News
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
- How Does Learning To Drive In The UK Compare To Other Countries?
Something that people have asked me about before, is how does the UK compare to other countries when it comes to learning to drive? The belief is that the UK is tough on learner drivers, but that's not entirely true. Below are 4 examples of how other countries grant drivers their full driving licences.
Belgium
From the age of 17 you take the theory test. This must be passed before you get your provisional licence (4 types based on age and how you are being taught). If you fail the theory test twice, you must take 12 hours of theory tuition before taking it again. While learning, if you are under 24, you have restrictions on when you can drive. Once you are over 18, you can take the driving test, during which the examiner and instructor are always present. Failing the driving test twice, means you must take at least another 6 further hours training.
France
Can register from 16 years old. You would be assessed by a driving school and must take at least 20 hours of lessons before taking the theory test. Once passed, you are issued with a 3 year certificate which allows you to drive with a supervising driver. Once you are 18, you need to take further lessons with a driving school as preparation for the full driving test.
Germany
Must take part in 12 classroom based theory lessons before driving. The lessons themselves have to meet strict requirements. At least 225 minutes must be spent driving on trunk roads or country roads with a distance of at least 50 km being travelled in any one session; at least 135 minutes just be spent driving on motorways or dual carriageways with each journey lasting at least 45 minutes; and a minimum of 90 minutes should be reserved for driving in twilight or darkness, half of this on trunk roads or country roads.
Once these requirements have been met, and the theory test passed, you may take the practical driving test.
Australia
Proabably the must complicated, but best I've come across. At age 16 you can take a theory test, which must be passed before getting your provisional licence. Then you can take lessons and so long as you are at least 16 years and 6 months, you may take the driving test. However, this is where it's gets interesting. For at least 6 months you must drive under supervision, displaying 'L' plates for at least 25 hours (recorded in a log book).
Then you must pass the hazard perception test (be at least 17). During this time there are limits as to when you can drive. Once passed this test, you are allowed to drive unsupervised, but you must display 'P' plates for a further 2 years (during which time, you must have a zero alcohol level while driving). After this last 2 year period, you have earned an open licence.
Rob Laird
RPL Driving - Essex
Friday, January 01, 2010
- Happy New Year, VAT Goes Back Up...
With it now being 2010, the VAT holiday has now finished, meaning the rate returns to 17.5%.
Looking at the price of fuel, this means a 2.5p increase from today. Like most years, there are plenty of rumours about increases in fuel tax, maybe up to a point where fuel is up to 20p per litre more than it was last month.
The only confirmed change at the moment is for April 2010 where the government will apply a raise of at least 1p to fuel duty.
Unfortunately to need to balance the nation's finances might lead to further increases.
As well as increasing the financial burden on motorists, it is predicted that up to 750 filling stations will close during 2010.
Rob Laird
RPL Driving
Instructors In Essex
Friday, January 01, 2010
- If You Have A Full Motorcycle Licence, Do You Need To Do The Car Theory Test?
The title says it all. The question about whether or not you need to do the theory test for the car driving test if you have already done it to get your full bike licence comes up fairly regularly.
And it depends on when you passed your bike test.
The text below is taken from this DSA document:
"Candidates who hold a full Motorcycle licence (category A) issued before the
1st February 2001, will have received category B1 entitlement showing on their licence. Candidates with category B1 entitlement are exempt from taking the Car (category B) theory test ONLY."
So if you passed after 1st February 2001, you'll have to take the car theory test. It should be nothing to worry about though, as the hazard perception is the same, and the questions are pretty much the same, but without the few that are tailored towards motorcycle riders.
Rob Laird
RPL Driving
Driving Instructors In Chelmsford And Romford
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
- Driving Test Passes In November
Well done to everyone below for passing their driving tests.
Hayley - Brentwood
Ali - Chelmsford
Gary - Basildon
Ed - Chelmsford
We're getting closer and closer to the 100th driving test pass. Won't be long now!
Rob Laird
RPL Driving
Instructors In Romford And Brentwood
Monday, December 07, 2009
- Driving Tests Passes In October
Ed - Chelmsford
Paul - Chelmsford
Cath - Chelmsford
Cheryl - Chelmsford
Danni - Hornchurch
Well done to the 5 of you. These passes bring the total number of people who have passed with us to 72. Only 28 to go until the century :)
Rob
RPL Driving School
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
- Taxi Drivers Go On Strike
Last week, Chelmsford taxi drivers went on strike for 2 days, claiming that the increased number of taxis on the road, is making it hard for taxi drivers to take home a decent wage.
The council have refused to cap the number of licences (can't see them doing it), and now the local MP has been involved.
Have a look here for the full story
Monday, November 09, 2009
- RPL Driving On YouTube
A new company, chelmsford123.com, has produced a promotional video for RPL Driving
A bit different from the usual advertising you see around :)
Rob Laird
RPL Driving - Lessons In Hornchurch
Friday, October 30, 2009
- Fuel Prices Are On The Up
Despite BP making £1 billion profit in a month earlier this year, average fuel prices are up to their highest point so far this year.
The way things are going, after Christmas, there is a chance prices might exceed what they were last year.
Rob Laird
RPL Driving - Essex
Friday, October 30, 2009
- New DSA Road Safety Video
Have a look the new DSA video (strong images, you have been warned)
It's the latest road safety video that aims to shock people into really looking at their driving. Will it work? Not sure, so many people think that accidents happen to other people.
Rob Laird
RPL Driving - Lessons In Hornchurch
Thursday, October 29, 2009
- Britain's Safest Driver
Law abiding George Geeson has been driving for 84 years, and has only ever been involved in one accident, when he was shunted from behind.
George got his driving licence aged 15, back when there wasn't a formal driving licence, but that hasn't given him any problems.
Now aged 99, he says he just enjoys driving to and from the shops.
Read the full story here
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
- Crime Figures Map
I've just come across an interesting map which shows crime figures in areas around the UK. Have a look at http://maps.police.uk/
It also allows you to compare areas, and look at last years figures aswell. It might help to explain your insurance costs, and any changes compared to last year.
Rob Laird
RPL Driving - Lessons In Hornchurch
Have a look at the new RPL Driving website, let me know what you think.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
- New Website Layout
I've decided to re-arrange things on the main website. The new trial site is at http://www.lessons.rpldriving.com while the current one is http://www.rpldriving.com.
What do you think about the new simpler layout?
Rob
Friday, October 09, 2009
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07763 715312 /01277 888604
info@rpldriving.co.uk
