Archive 26th September 2013

Tips on Driving Safely in the Rain

Rain never seems to be that far away in England, even during the summer months. However, we have now reached that time of year when we can get what seems like endless days of grey, miserable days with a never-ending deluge from the sky above.

You would think that many drivers are used to waking up to wet, and potentially dangerous roads and know all the precautions that should be taken when you get behind the wheel. But, you would be surprised at how inexperienced a lot of drivers are. So in the following few words, we’re going to give you some tips on how to drive safely when it’s raining.

Speed

This is an obvious point. When the roads are wet and you have to make an emergency stop, it will take far longer for your car to react. Sticking to the speed limit is something you should do whatever the weather conditions, but in the rain it’s vitally important! Accidents happen more often in poor weather, and a great number of them are due to the fact that people drive at the same speed they would in fine weather.

If you’re on the motorway, be especially careful and NEVER go above the speed limit that’s set out in front of you. That is to say, if you come across a digital sign telling you the limit is 50mph make sure you don’t go over this.

Aquaplaning

Some of you reading this may have no idea what we’re talking about. What aquaplaning means is when your car is travelling on water, and has little or no contact with the road. This can be incredibly dangerous and you could lose control. The main thing to do is stay calm. Slow down without using your brakes and steer as straight as you can. Of course, this point does kind of go hand in hand with speed so bear that in mind too.

The Car

There are a number of things you can do to make sure you’re visibility isn’t reduced when you’re on the road in the rain. Many shops sell rain repellent products you can spray on your side mirrors and windows which will help. Make sure your wipers are in good working order, and that the cool setting on your heating system is also working. The latter will help if your windows start to “fog” up.

If you’re Nervous

If you you’re worried about driving in the rain, where you can take an experienced driver with you. They can act as a second pair of eyes, and it will help your confidence. Where possible, avoid driving in the dark because rain repels light and this can affect your visibility. Most of all, TAKE IT SLOW!

Don’t worry about other road users who appear impatient with you (they’re probably not thinking about safety anyway). If you get to a point where the weather is really affecting your concentration, and you’re concerned about being safe find somewhere to pull over for a while. Following a few of the simple steps above will help your confidence grow, and most importantly will keep you safe!

The Costs and Learning to Drive

Learning to drive can be one of the most exciting yet stressful times in your life, and it doesn’t matter if you’re ready to take to the roads the minute you turn 17, or you decide to learn later in life. The trouble is many people don’t think about the cost implications, and that’s why some careful planning is needed. In the following few words, we aim to let you know about the costs associated with learning this all important skill.

Provisional Licence

Before you can sit behind the wheel of a car, there are two things you have to remember. One, you need to be 17 years of age (or 16 if you qualify under disability law). Two, you must have a provisional licence. This licence will currently cost you £50, so that’s the first outlay you should think about.

You should also remember that you cannot drive alone on a provisional licence. If you do, and get caught you may end up with a hefty fine (not the best way to start spending your hard earned cash)! Anyone who accompanies you in the car must have a full driving licence that’s at least 3 years old, and they must be at least 21.

Learning Materials

Some people think they can take shortcuts when it comes to using various learning materials, but this will only hold you back and that won’t help your budget. Remember, you have to pay for your driving test, and the more times you fail the more it will cost you.

Instead, make sure you have the money to buy at least the minimum amount of materials you need. These include a CD-Rom on hazard perception, and three books which include the Highway Code, the Official DSA Theory Test Question Bank and Driving – The Essential Skills. All of these can be found either online or in your local book shop, and should cost you about £30.

Driving Instructors

These people are highly trained in what they do, and in some cases it can cost as much as £20 per hour. However, do your research because many reputable driving schools will have offers from time to time. For instance, if you book a block of 10, you can get one additional lesson free. You may also come across deals such as 2 lessons for the price of one for novice drivers.

Don’t Cut Corners

All of the points above are vital if you’re going to successfully pass both your theory and practical driving exam so you can at last be free to drive your own car. If you decide not to use a professional instructor for instance, it could cost you more money in the long-run. These people are incredibly important during the learning process, and they can help you learn far quicker than if you were to rely on a friend or family member.

By saving enough money to cover the cost of your provisional licence, learning materials and the cost of your exams along with a few professional lessons, you’ll soon be joining the many millions of other drivers on the road.

Taxing Your Car

So you’ve passed your driving test, and you think you have it all covered. You’ve got your new driver plates correctly placed on your car so everyone knows they should be a little gentler when it comes to reaching for the horn if you make a mistake. You have your car insurance all sorted out, and you proudly carry your full driving licence with you at all times.

However, you do have one more hurdle to overcome, and this is something that can easily be missed by even the most seasoned drivers. This “little” thing to remember is the renewal of your car tax. If your tax runs out, you’re stopped by the police and you can’t prove you’ve already applied for a new disc you could be in a lot of trouble.

Whilst you may be looked upon a bit more leniently if it’s your first offence, you shouldn’t take this part of driving law lightly! In some cases you could end up with a hefty fine (which will cost you WAY more than if you had paid for your new tax disc in the first place), and if you’re really unlucky it might mean prosecution. Not a great way to start life as a driver is it?

When You Should Apply

You MUST do this before your current tax disc runs out. Before July of this year you had 5 days after the expiry date to display your new disc. Now however, you get 14 days but this doesn’t mean you can be complacent about making sure you get your application in on time.

If your car is spotted parked on public land, and the expiry date (which is usually the last day of any given month) has passed you will be asked to for proof that you’ve applied for a new one.

How to Apply

Well, this has got an awful lot easier since I first learned to drive. These days you have a number of options open to you. You can go direct to the DVLA website and apply online, you can go to your local post office and renew there or you can contact the DVLA by telephone. In fact, it’s that easy these days there is no excuse for not having an up to date tax disc in your car.

What If Your Car Is Off the Road?

I’m sure there many members of law enforcement that have come across the excuse “my car is off the road”, but you have to remember you need to be able to prove it. If you’re not currently using your vehicle, it MUST be parked on private land. Parking it on the road outside your home won’t cut it with the police.

You should also make sure you have completed a SORN form, or Statutory Off Road Notification. These forms can be obtained directly from the DVLA or at your local post office. Be honest when you complete the form because the chances are, if you lie, you will be found out.

Remember, paying your car tax is a legal requirement and as said, it does carry its penalties if you try to flaunt the rules!

Applying for Your Driving Licence Online

If you have been through the process of applying for your provisional driving licence, you will no doubt be aware that you can easily do this online through the DVLA. Of course, you can make use of the postal system which is obviously a lot slower, but some people don’t have regular access to the internet.

Once you’ve passed both your theory and practical driving exams, you will receive a pass certificate. This is a VERY important piece of paper, and if it gets lost you can end up having to deal with a whole lot of red tape which is something a new driver really could do without.

What to Do Next

If you have been using a driving instructor, the best thing to do is pass the paperwork on to them. They will then deal with the application that’s required so you can swap your provisional for a full licence. This makes life much easier for you because your instructor will have done this many times over, and should be able to complete what’s needed within minutes.

If you don’t have an instructor to fall back on, your next step is to send all the relevant paperwork to the DVLA in Swansea by post. Everything you need can be found on their website. If you don’t have access to the internet, pay a visit to your local post office. The staff there will be happy to let you know which form needs completing (which, by the way is called a D1). If you’re lucky you will also find someone who will be more than happy to help you complete what’s needed and make sure it’s safely posted.

Usually, you will receive your licence in the post within 4 weeks of sending it off and you’ll at last be free to make use of your own vehicle (which you’re licensed to drive) without any worries about having the right paperwork. However, there are pitfalls which you should look out for if you intend to make use of the internet when swapping your provisional for a full driving licence.

There are Sharks on the Market!

Just recently the DVLA announced a warning on their website detailing information about companies that offer to do a “check and send” for you, and they’re very convincing! When you enter the phrase “apply for a driving licence” into your search engine (or something similar), watch out for websites that may appear as paid or sponsored links.

You should be aware that these are NOTHING to do with the DVLA, and all you will ever receive from companies like this is an application form that has been completed for you. This is something that can be done in minutes, and you may end up paying as much as three times more for the privilege!

The standard fee from the DVLA for a driving licence is £50, nothing more, nothing less. So, if you’re asked to pay more avoid these services like the plague. The best thing to do is follow the advice given above and you’ll be fine.

Careless Driving – What You Should Know

In order to pass your driving test you will have to take a theory and practical exam. During the learning process you will be taught all sorts of things about careless driving. After all, this is one of the most common reasons accidents happen on UK roads, and being aware of what’s deemed careless or not is vital!

However, once you have passed and you’ve at last got your hands on a full driving licence, it’s very easy to pick up bad habits that you might not think are dangerous, but the police do. There have been many stories over the years about people who have been taken to court for what a policeman thinks is careless driving, but might seem a little “over the top” to the average person. However, you have to remember it takes a split second for an accident to happen and it can have horrendous consequences.

Standard Rules That Apply

There are some obvious rules you should make sure you adhere to at all times, but if you’ve only recently passed your test, it doesn’t hurt to refresh your memory. Think about the following every-time you get into your car:

  • Never overtake another vehicle on the inside.
  • Do not drive too closely to the vehicle in front of you. Not only will this catch the attention of the law, you may end up having to make an insurance claim because you’ve hit the back of someone-else.
  • Of course this is a pretty obvious point but don’t think you will never get caught if you drive through a red light. In fact, you’ll be surprised at the number of drivers who end up in an accident for this reason.
  • Be very careful when you’re coming out of a side road. If you do this and you’re in the path of another vehicle people can get hurt!

The Less Obvious

It’s not difficult to let your concentration lapse when you’re driving. After all, it’s not long before it becomes second nature to you so consider some of the points below:

  • Don’t eat your lunch while you’re driving.
  • NEVER use your rear view mirror for anything else other than what it’s there for.
  • As you will no doubt know, using a mobile phone without a hands free kit is now illegal in the UK but even if you do use one, this may be frowned upon by the police.
  • Taking out a cigarette and lighting it will take your mind of what’s happening on the road, and it will also give your hands something-else to do other than steer your car!
  • Tuning your car radio in or putting a CD on to listen to can also land you in a fair bit of trouble.

Overall

The words above are just a condensed collection of information when thinking about careless driving. The fact is you can run the risk of getting points on your licence, being handed a hefty fine or even worse being disqualified from driving if you’re deemed to have been careless. Never forget that your car is not an invincible bubble that will protect you from anything, and you’re the one that should be in control at all times!

Learning to Drive with a Disability

If you have some form of physical or mental disability, you may think that finally getting your full driving licence is beyond your reach. This couldn’t be further from the truth! You have the right, just like any other able bodied person to be able to get about by car. Whilst there may be certain restrictions in place when you apply for your provisional licence, as long as you’re honest this shouldn’t be a problem. In fact, the DVLA encourages everyone at, or over the age of 17 to learn to drive.

Finding an Instructor

You might be surprised to discover this, but there are lots of companies that have specially trained instructors to help people with a disability learn how to drive. Of course, patience is a must for anyone who teaches a person how to drive, but if you have special needs you should look for an instructor who is used to dealing with type of disability you have.

One great source is the internet. If you’re not able to do this on your own, ask someone to help you. You will be met with a plethora of choices, but make sure you look into a company’s background. Ask questions about how long their instructors have been working with disabled people, what type of training they’ve had, and most importantly how well equipped the cars they use are.

Don’t Shy Away from Learning

Life can be far more difficult for you if you’re in some way disabled, but that doesn’t mean you can’t live a perfectly normal life. In fact, there are many thousands of people just like you that can take themselves off to the shops in their own car. They go about daily life just like anyone-else.

When you find the right instructor, this person will help to build your confidence as well as teach you how to drive. You’ll be met with someone who is patient and knowledgeable about your disability.

Higher Rate Disability Allowance

If you’re someone who receives the mobility component disability allowance, you can actually apply for a provisional driving licence at the age of 16. If you’re between the ages of 16 to 24 years old, you may also be eligible to receive some form of financial help in order to get you on the road. Just make sure you check all the avenues available to you.

There is Help Out There

Of course, there are various aids out there to help you pass both your provisional and practical driving test (other than an instructor). If you have a disability that prevents you from using these aids that are designed for able bodied people, there are plenty that have been designed to help you as well.

Just because you’re disabled it doesn’t mean you have to be house-bound. Learning to drive and gaining your full licence will open up a whole new world for you. Just like anyone-else you will have more independence, and you’ll be able to live a more fulfilling life overall.

If you’re in anyway concerned, talk to the DVLA who are there to help not hinder!

Aids for Learning to Drive – Use Them!

If you regularly read the blogs on our website, you will know that we tell you over and over again that learning to drive can be a pretty stressful business. Not only are you about to learn something that’s completely foreign to you, you’re also going to be in charge of handling a vehicle on the open roads which can have it’s dangers.

Today, we’re going to give you some information on what aids there are to help you pass your test with flying colours. If you don’t already know there are two parts to a driving test these days, and they are the theory test (which comes first), and the practical test which you won’t be able to take until you’ve passed the first one.

Here are some of the more obvious things you can do:

  • Get plenty of practical help from friends and relatives, BUT don’t rely on them solely in terms of teaching you to drive. The main reason for this (apart from frazzled nerves) is every single driver will pick-up their own bad habits, and you don’t need these being passed on to you. This brings us to the next point.
  • Get a professional driving instructor. If you’re not sure how to go about this, there is plenty of information elsewhere on our website to help you.

The Less Obvious

Text Books:

There are a myriad of text books that will teach you all about what’s expected of you when you take both your theory and practical test. The DVLA website is very helpful in this respect, and you’ll find plenty of information on books they recommend.

DVD’s:

Again there is plenty to choose from in this respect, you only have to take a look on the internet and you’ll be met with lots of reputable online retail sites that have DVD’s to help you through the process when you’re learning to drive.

These are a great additional aid to use because they’re visual. It’s much easier to take pictures in than words (for most people), and if you use this resource in conjunction with text books it will give you the head start you need.

Practice:

One of the best ways to make sure you take in what you’re learning is to practice. We have already mentioned relying on friends and family from a practical point of view, but lean on them as well when it comes to testing your knowledge.

A Couple More Tips

  • Don’t sit back and think you can just book your theory or practical test and cram everything in right before you’re due to take it. This will just confuse you, and you may not remember everything.
  • Aids for learning to drive are there for a reason and the more you use them, the easier it will all fit into place.

As said, this can be a daunting time in your life but remember you’re not the only one and thousands of people gain their full driving licence every-day. If you use the proper aids to help you, you could soon be one of them!

How to Apply for a Provisional Driving Licence

So, you’ve just turned 17 and you’re eager to learn how to drive. Or, you could be someone that’s always been a bit nervous about learning, but you’ve decided to face your fears and go for it. Well, happy belated 17th birthday, and good for you that you’ve decided to get out there and learn how to drive!

However, you cannot do this without a provisional licence. If you do drive on the open roads without one and get stopped, you could be in a whole heap of trouble so make sure you follow the rules.

What You Will Need

Whether you like it or not, the DVLA will have to gather some personal information about you. The reason for this is they need to be sure that you are in fact, allowed to learn how to drive. Of course, any personal information will be protected and not passed on to anyone that shouldn’t have it.

So, what will you need?

  • You must be a resident of the UK.
  • Obviously, you need to be old enough to drive and can prove this.
  • You must let the DVLA know if there are any problems with your eyesight. This won’t necessarily stop you from being able to apply, but additional checks might be needed. Be honest! It will come back on you if you’re not, and the reason for that is your eyesight will be checked at some point.
  • You must have a valid UK passport or some other form of ID such as a certificate of Naturalisation or Residence Permit.
  • You will be asked for your National Insurance number (if you have one).
  • You will also be asked to provide your address, or addresses for the past 3 years.
  • A valid credit or debit card will also be needed (if you’re applying online) because there is a charge of £50 for the licence.

How to Apply

Most people will apply online these days, and the DVLA have made it very easy for you to do as long as you have all the documents detailed above. You can however, still apply through the post by completing something called a D1 application form. These can be found at your local post-office.

If you do intend to apply by post make sure you have original documents to prove your identity. If you send copies, the application will be denied. You will also need to send a photograph. For this, it’s best to use a passport style photo. Other than that, you will just need to send either a cheque or postal order for the £50 charge. The address to send your completed form and other documentation is provided on the form.

Don’t Worry!

For first time drivers all of this can seem pretty daunting, but there really is nothing to worry about (as long as you have nothing to hide). All the documents required are pretty standard and easy to get hold of. Just make sure you’re honest and within 2 to 6 weeks you’ll be able to book your first driving lesson.

Happy learning!

Your Car and Extremely Hot Temperatures

We felt it prudent to go “off track” with our blog this week. Normally, you will find us writing about learning to drive and everything that goes with it. However, this past week or so, the UK has experienced a heat-wave. Something that appeared to take everyone by surprise, especially given the winter we’ve just experienced.

As usual, there are has been various reports in the news stating how people are suffering as a result. In some cases, people were even sent home from work! However, what we intend to deal with today is the safety and comfort of your car when the UK does get extremely warm temperatures.

General Car Maintenance

Tyres

Your tyres will warm up far quicker when the weather is hot (for obvious reasons). This is why it’s imperative you check the air pressure is correct. In fact, this should be part of your routine car maintenance but, it’s especially important in hot weather. The reason is that rubber swells and that’s what your tyres are essentially made of. Air also swells in the heat.

Put the two together and you have a recipe for disaster. In the very worst case scenario, you may suffer a blowout while you’re on the motorway, and the consequences can be disastrous. If you’re not sure how to check your tyre pressure, consult the handbook that comes with your vehicle. If you’re still unsure, ask someone who is likely to know.

Water

Yes, it is a good idea to keep a small bottle or two in the car so you can remain hydrated if you get caught in a traffic jam. But, you should also remember that your car gets thirsty too. Make sure the water levels are where they should be or you could end-up on the side of the road with an overheated radiator. You should also make sure you have plenty of screen-wash to keep those pesky insect remains at bay.

Keeping Yourself Comfortable

Lots of cars these days have air-conditioning. At the very least, they give you the option to turn the air that comes out of the vents to cold. Once you’re aware a hot spell of weather is on the way, make sure your air-conditioning is working, especially if you’re going on a long journey. As mentioned, make sure you keep plenty of drinking water in the car as well. Heat exhaustion can catch you unawares, and whilst accidents caused by this are very rare, you don’t want to take the chance.

If you have leather seats, these will need to be shielded from the sun. Not only will this help to keep the upholstery in tip-top condition, it will save you from a burnt behind when you get into the car. You may also want to consider keeping a towel to sit on (leather can get pretty sweaty).

Overall

These are just a few very basic points to consider when you’re out driving in extremely warm temperatures. Just bear in mind your car needs to stay cool just as much as you do!

Finding the Right Driving Instructor

There is loads of information to be found on the internet giving you advice about how to go about learning to drive. Many articles will start by telling you that if you’re in your teens, this is probably one of the most stressful things you can do (apart from taking your exams), and this is true. However, the process can be made a whole lot easier if you find the right instructor to help you.

Friends and Relatives

Money is tight for a lot of people right now, and turning to a friend or relative to help you learn to drive might seem like a great way to save the cost of using a properly qualified instructor. However, this might raise your stress levels as well as have the person sat next to you reaching for the blood pressure pills!

You see, driving instructors don’t just go through training so they can learn how to teach you to drive according to current Government regulations, they also learn how to keep their cool. The chances are you won’t have your own car, which means using the car that belongs to the friend or relative that’s agreed to help you.

Whilst their intentions may be well meant, their first thought will be to protect their precious vehicle, and the slightest mistake made by you could result in a lot of waving of arms and general panic. For this reason, it’s a good idea to save up so you can use an instructor.

What to Look For

When you first start your search there are a couple of things to look out for:

  • Make sure you use a properly registered company. It’s OK to go with a privately owned firm, but you should make some additional checks.
  • Ensure the person who is going to teach you has the proper credentials. This means they should be an Approved Driving Instructor and hold the ADI badge. This qualification is issued by the Driving Standards Agency, so make sure you check this out – it’s VITALLY important.
  • Make sure the car you will be learning to drive in is legal and properly insured to protect you should anything go wrong while you’re on the road.

You and Your Driving Instructor

It’s not just about making sure you find a reputable instructor to help you learn to drive so you pass your test with flying colours; it’s also about knowing you can feel comfortable with the person sat next to you in the car.

It won’t hurt to take a lesson or two from a couple of different instructors. You need to make sure you can get on with them. If you’re not comfortable, you won’t take in what’s being relayed to you, and your chances of making dangerous mistakes could be heightened.

Bear in mind how professional your instructor is. Do they smoke when you’re in the vehicle? Are they clear and concise with their instructions? Above all, are they calm and reassuring when you do make a mistake, (in the beginning you will do this).

Taking some (if not all) of the advice above will send you on the first step to gaining your very own full driving licence.