The Bromley Driving Test Centre will close on Friday 21 December 2018. (Bromley Court Hotel)
All driving tests from Thursday 3 January 2019 will be carried out at Club Langley, Bromley.
Driving test centre address
Club Langley driving test centre
2 Hawsbrook Lane
Beckenham
Kent
BR3 3SR
the driving skool.com Call 0333 123 0245
www.thedrivingskool.com Call 0333 123 0245
A fifth (20%) of drivers own a dashcam – and 51% expressed an interest in having one, a poll of over 21,000 members, found. Five years ago, just 1% of members had a dashcam, the AA said.
The main reason for having a dashcam, given by 60% of those who own one, was to help establish liability in the event of a crash. A quarter (25%) of dashcam owners said their greatest concern is to protect themselves against cash for crash fraudsters, who stage accidents in order to make insurance claims.
Young drivers aged 17 to 24 are most likely to have a dashcam, with over-65s being the next most likely age group, the research found.
Men were more likely than women to say they have a dashcam.
One in 20 (5%) of dashcam owners got one to reduce their insurance premiums, 3% wanted to record possible thefts or collisions while parked, 2% bought one to record bad behaviour by other drivers which they could highlight online, and 1% have a dashcam “because I like gadgets”.
The AA said that as well as helping insurers, dashcams can also be a useful tool for the police. Janet Connor, the AA’s director of insurance said: “Data is king in the event of a collision and dashcam footage provides proper, reliable evidence that can establish fault.”
She said: “While we are all familiar with dashcam footage loaded on to social media, only 2% of AA members said that this was their motivation. Overwhelmingly, drivers say their key reason for using one is to provide evidence in the event of a collision, thus protecting their insurance.
Several insurance fraudsters have been brought to book thanks to camera evidence.
New drivers could soon face new laws after the Department for Transport said it is to investigate introducing graduated driving licences
The proposals would limit the number of passengers new, young drivers could carry, set a minimum learning period of six months before a driving test could be taken and mandate the displaying of ‘P’ plates for the first two years after the passing of driving tests.
The news comes as a letter written by roads safety minister, Jesse Norman, says a proposed graduated driving licence system in Northern Ireland will be used as a “pilot” scheme to gauge whether graduated driving licences should be introduced across the UK.
In the letter, sent to Scottish SMP David Stewart, Norman writes: “The Department for Transport has decided to use the introduction of graduated driving licences in Northern Ireland as a pilot to gather evidence on the potential for graduated driving licences in GB”.
Northern Irish authorities are currently in the second stage of a public consultation, which proposes limiting the number of passengers new drivers aged 24 and under can carry for the first six months after passing their driving tests.
Under the plans, young drivers would only be allowed to carry one passenger aged between 14 to 20, between the hours of 11pm and 6am, for the first six months after passing their test – though immediate family members would be exempt from this rule.
The graduated driving licence would also mandate a minimum learning period of six months before a driving test can be taken, while new drivers would also have to display ‘R’ plates (short for ‘restricted’) for two years after passing the test – though any UK graduated driving licence scheme outside of Northern Ireland would most likely use the more familiar ‘P’ plates.
Novice drivers in Northern Ireland already face post-test restrictions, which mandate the carrying of ‘R’ plates for the first year of driving, and set a maximum speed limit of 45mph – though the proposed graduated driving licence system would see an end to that limit.
www.thedrivingskool.com Call 0333 123 0245
From Monday 4 June 2018, learner drivers will be able to take driving lessons on motorways in England, Scotland and Wales.
This will help to make sure more drivers know how to use motorways safely.
At the moment, you can only have motorway lessons after you’ve passed your driving test. Some newly-qualified drivers take lessons through the voluntary Pass Plus scheme.
Learner drivers will need to be:
Accompanied by an approved driving instructor
Driving a car fitted with dual controls
Any motorways lessons will be voluntary. It will be up to the driving instructor to decide when the learner driver is competent enough for them
The change only applies to learner drivers of cars. Learner motorcyclists won’t be allowed on motorways.
Trainee driving instructors won’t be allowed to take learner drivers on the motorway.
Motorway driving isn’t being introduced to the driving test as part of this change.
www.thedrivingskool.com Office: 0333 123 0245 Mobile: 07919 193299
The changes are designed to make sure new drivers have the skills they’ll need to help them through a lifetime of safe driving.
The changes will only apply to car driving tests to begin with.
The independent driving part of the test currently lasts around 10 minutes. During this part of the test, you have to drive without turn-by-turn directions from the driving examiner.
This part of the test will be made longer, so it’ll last around 20 minutes – roughly half of the test.
During the independent driving part of the test, most candidates will be asked to follow directions from a sat nav.
The examiner will provide the sat nav (a TomTom Start 52) and set it up. You won’t need to set the route – the examiner will do this for you. So, it doesn’t matter what make or model of sat nav you practise with.
You can’t follow directions from your own sat nav during the test – you have to use the one supplied by the examiner.
You’ll be able to ask the examiner for confirmation of where you’re going if you’re not sure. It won’t matter if you go the wrong way unless you make a fault while doing it.
One in 5 driving tests won’t use a sat nav. You’ll need to follow traffic signs instead.
The ‘reverse around a corner’ and ‘turn-in-the-road’ manoeuvres will no longer be tested, but you should still be taught them by your instructor.
You’ll be asked to do one of 3 possible reversing manoeuvres:
Parallel park at the side of the road
Park in a bay – either driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out (the examiner will tell you which you have to do)
Pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for 2 car lengths and rejoin the traffic
The examiner will ask you 2 vehicle safety questions during your driving test – these are known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions.
Tell me question (where you explain how you’d carry out a safety task) at the start of your test, before you start driving
Show m’ question (where you show how you’d carry out a safety task) while you’re driving – for example, showing how to wash the windscreen using the car controls and wipers
The pass mark is staying the same. So, you’ll pass your test if you make no more than 15 driving faults and no serious or dangerous faults.
The examiner will still mark the test in the same way, and the same things will still count as faults.
The overall time of the driving test won’t change. It will still take around 40 minutes. The driving test cost will also stay the same.
Allowing learner drivers to have lessons on motorways will help to make sure more drivers know how to use motorways safely.
At the moment, you can only have driving lessons on motorways after you’ve passed your driving test. Some newly-qualified drivers take lessons through the voluntary Pass Plus scheme.
The change will apply to England, Scotland and Wales. Learner drivers will need to be
Accompanied by an approved Driving Instructor
Driving a vehicle fitted with dual controls
Any motorways lessons will be voluntary. It will be up to the driving instructor to decide when the learner driver is competent enough to have a motorway lesson.Trainee driving instructors won’t be allowed to take learner drivers on the motorway.
Motorway driving will not be included in the driving test changes coming into force on 4 December 2017.
The change will only apply to learner drivers of cars – learner motorcyclists won’t be allowed to have motorway lessons.
The exact date in 2018 will be confirmed nearer the time.
The change will be well-publicised so driving instructors and learner drivers are prepared for the change, and other road users know what to expect. The Highway Code rules on motorways will also be updated.
Driving instructors will be allowed to decide whether or not to keep their driving school roof-top box on during motorway lessons, based on the manufacturer’s instructions.
However, the car will still need to display L plates on the front and rear if the rooftop box is removed.
As we move into summer, it’s worth talking about some of the road users that begin to appear when the weather improves. Motorcyclists are one of the most vulnerable groups to injury or fatality when involved in collisions.
When a crash happens involving a motorcycle and other vehicle, who is typically found at fault?
It’s most often the fault of the OTHER DRIVER…. SURPRISED?
In fact when it’s not a single vehicle incident involving the motorcycle, it’s usually the other driver who has made a mistake that resulted in the accident.
What is the most common place and type of collision involving a motorcycle and other vehicle?
There are certainly many places where vehicles can collide; but the most common place for another vehicle and a motorcycle to collide is at an intersection when the other driver is turning left or right and turns in front of the motorcyclist.
Why does this happen? (a driver turning in front of an oncoming motorcycle)
There are 2 primary reasons that this can happen:
Tailgating Tips:
Motorbikes are vulnerable road users; they do not have the protection that a car or Lorry has. Almost, always result in injury.
If you expect to see motorbikes, you are more likely to detect them. Often we can filter out the things we don’t expect and just not see them Always look for motorbikes especially at intersections
Motorbikes are much more lighter than other vehicles and can stop in much shorter distances. This means that when you are following a motorbike, you should leave more distance. If the rider has to make an emergency stop, the bike will stop in a much shorter distance than your vehicle.
When you see a motorcycle approaching, realize that it’s easy to misjudge the speed because the size of the cycle and the fact that its coming towards you makes it difficult to estimate speed.
Practical Challenge:
For the next week, make a point of watching for motorcycles and develop a habit of identifying them as soon as you can. Be especially careful at junctions/intersections.
The Driving test is changing on 4 December 2017. The questions you can be asked, and how you’ll be asked them will change.
The examiner will ask you one:
Tell me’ question (where you explain how you’d carry out a safety task) at the start of your test, before you start driving
Show me’ question (where you show how you’d carry out a safety task) while you’re driving
Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.
No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference.
Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).
Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), and then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).
Explain you’d operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.
If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, 2 simple checks can be made.
Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.
Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.
Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.
Identify high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings.
The new product – a first for the UK market – requires the car owner to take out a monthly subscription of between £10 and £30 that then has to be topped up for each hour the vehicle is used.
Cuvva, which already offers by-the-hour insurance cover for individuals to drive vehicles belonging to friends and family, said car owners will have to pay from £1.20 each time they want to get behind the wheel.
Aimed at younger drivers who live in cities and cover less than 4,000 miles a year in their car
Cuvva says it could save some drivers up to 70% on a standard insurance policy
The cover is aimed at ‘young city dwellers who pay high insurance premiums for cars that are driven for fewer than 4,000 miles a year’, the Edinburgh-based insurer said.
According to Department for Transport and DVLA figures, there are approximately six million cars in the UK that are described as being driven ‘very infrequently’.
Cuvva said these low-mile drivers are forced to pay hefty premiums despite spending little time on the road, effectively subsiding higher-mileage motorists
The monthly subscription can be cancelled at any time at no cost, though drivers run the risk of a fine from the DVLA if the vehicle isn’t insured by another provider or declared off the road – or SORN – at the end of the 28-day subscription period.
For more information please go to www.cuvva.com
Practical Driving Test Centre
