The Hidden Test Danger

The DSA has released figures showing that 339 learner drivers and examiners were injured last year during UK practical tests. 147 major injuries and 192 minor.
There was also 1 death recorded, but this was due to a heart attack not connected to a test itself.

There were 1,605,599 practical tests taken in 2010, 744,044 were passed. A national success rate of 46.3%. Overall more than a million faults were recorded!

There were reports of 5 examiners being physically attacked and 209 verbally abused.

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Pass Positive

We all know that tests of any kind are stressful occasions. The driving test is renowned as stressful to the extreme, often causing some "sure passes" to fail.
So, if the driving test isn't just about driving what else can you do to pass?

Be prepared - Know what the test is about, what you will be asked to do, and what is expected of you.

Rehearse - Both practical practice and mental run-throughs.
a) Practical - The more experience you have, the more plays in your playbook, the better your chances.
b) Mental - The brain does not know the difference between imagined/visualised and real. Therefore, mentally rehearsing your test and the various elements of it complete with a positive outcome will enhance your ability to succeed and combat your nerves.

BREATH - It is amazing how many test candidates try to hold their breath for 40 minutes. It won't work, and will only over stimulate your sympathetic nervous system (make you panic). Focus on clear breathing. Any time that something goes wrong (or at least you think it does) take a breath, leave it behind, and carry on.

NEVER assume - It doesn't matter what happens. You are not the one deciding the result, so leave that to the examiner sat next to you. Remain positive, often easier said than done, and stay focused. It's amazing how many people fail for something after they "know" they have failed.

Remember the basics, trust your gut feeling and your training, and you will be fine!

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Having the correct tyre pressure results in improved fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions

Under-inflated tyres create more resistance when your car is moving. This means your engine has to work harder, so more fuel is used and more CO2 emissions are produced.

Check and adjust your tyre pressures regularly and also before long journeys. This will also help to increase the life of your tyres.
Under-inflated tyres increase CO2 but over inflated tyres can be unsafe, so check your car manual for the correct tyre pressure. Remember, a car with a heavier load may need different air pressure in the tyres.

The way you drive is not only important for you, your families and others, it also matters to the environment. So check your tyres once a week or whenever you refuel.

(Information provided by Murco)

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Fuel prices still increasing

With unleaded pushing 140 per litre and diesel 5-9p ahead of that motorists are starting to reconsider car use.
CB's top tips to save fuel are:
1 - Keep your engine maintained. An efficient healthy engine can be up to 50% more efficient.

2 - Check your tyres. Just 1pdi under the optimum pressure can loose 3% in efficiency.

3 - Avoid heavy acceleration and braking, this just wastes fuel.

4 - Use block gear changing to optimize fuel use on your journey.

Interested in more tips & practical advice to save you money? Visit CB's website http://www.passwithcbs.co.uk and book an Eco-awareness lesson. It could save you up to 20% on fuel costs! Not in CB's area? Call your local Instructor for advice or visit the Shell website to see what they can offer.

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Female driver insurance takes a hike!

The European courts have ruled that it is illegal to charge women less for car insurance. Women under 26 are now facing a 25% hike in insurance premiums.
Will insurance companies now reduce policies across the board in view of their increase in profits? I strongly doubt it! I'm sure the naive individual who started this claim expected them to match the lower rates, where as those of us who are familiar with the world of insurance would expect nothing more than an overall hike.

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BSM throw out the Fiats

After spending 1000's telling us how Fiat 500's were the ONLY car to learn in BSM has done a U turn and will be returning to Corsa's. The 500's were victim of the now famous BSM flip, in which they hit the headlines after a pupil managed to roll the vehicle on their second lesson. They were also part of a Pink campaign supporting breast cancer awareness. They were also the trigger for many ADI's to leave BSM going either to other Franchises or starting out Independently.
Reports state the examiners have complained that there is not enough space in the rear of the 500's for them to perform Check-tests. BSM are claiming that they are making the move based on Instructor and Customer feedback, and that Corsa's are what they want.
Whatever the reason the little Noddy cars will be leaving our roads over the next 18 months, and the BSM Corsa will be making it's comeback. But have BSM lost too many good Instructors to maintain their reputation?

See the Daily Mail for the full article

CB's Secure the 1st pass on the New Sevenoaks Test

Congratulations to Chris Cavanagh for his 1st time pass! Not only was it his first attempt, but he was also the very first pass on the new Independent Driving style Driving Tests at the Sevenoaks test centre.

The new style driving test contains a 10 minute drive following either a schematic diagram of local roads or traffic signs towards a destination. For full details visit my Driving Test Changes page.