2 Test passes this week, Got me thinking................

While waiting at the Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells Driving Test Centres - You never get used to those test day nerves!!!! - I got thinking:
Is the current Driving Test good enough?
Is it acceptable that UK drivers require NO Motorway training after the test, and cannot go on it before?

The current standard required for the test is a competent level of driving, An ability to show that you are safe on the road and a good level of control throughout.
However, there is very little in the way of improvement or monitoring following the test. The responsibility is with the driver to maintain a check on their health, eyesight and ability to drive.
Surely there is a need for occasional assessments, Motorway tuition and health checks.
With the current system of 10 yearly licences this provides the chance to keep driving standards up to par without huge inconvenience to licence holders.
This could be brought in by Insurance companies to reduce the cost of insurance.

Looking for Insurance?

Learning to drive?
Insurance for provisional licence holders can get in the way of learning. It can prevent essential practice outside of lessons increasing the cost of learning dramatically.
However - you could consider Short Term Provisional licence holder Insurance. This insures the learner themselves for the vehicle but does not effect the car owners own insurance or no-claims bonus in case of an accident. To get a quote try Collingwood Insurance (This link or quoting "368082" will provide CB's discount!)
Or get a quote from QuoteZone. an excellent Insurance comparison site.

Newly Qualified Driver?
Cost of Insurance can be higher than learning itself! To get some of the best quotes aimed at NQD's (Newly Qualified Drivers) Check out QuoteZone for a competitive quote.

ADI (Driving School Insurance)
As creator of the Facebook group "I'm a Driving Instructor and I'm on Facebook" I have negotiated recognition as a group for some great rates. So contact QuoteZone's ADI Specialist portal and get a quote to see how much you can save!

Driving Test Changes - Due October 2010

In October the DSA will be making a number of changes to the UK driving test. The details of which can be found on passwithcbs.co.uk.

The biggest change is that they are introducing an "Independent Driving" section of the test. This will affect all practical test candidates for all vehicle categories.
This new section of the test will involve either following road signs, following verbal directions or a combination of both. For some routes a diagram will be shown to support the verbal directions.

The DSA have reduced a YouTube video to detail the changes it can be seen here

If you have any questions regarding the changes to the test please contact us or Visit Direct.gov to find details on how to contact the DSA.

Toyota Recall worries thousands of drivers

Recent announcements by Toyota, Peugeot Citroen and Honda are causing worries with UK road users, as well as those abroad. Details of which vehicles are affected can be found here as well as what to do if you have problems when driving!

Independent Driving - A Change to the Current Test

The DSA have announced that there will be an addition to the DSA Driving Test as part of their measures to bridge the gap between learning and post-test driving. DSA Chief Executive, Rosemary Threw, explains "The independent driving section of the test will consist of a period of about 10 minutes, during which time the candidate will be asked to do one of the following:
- drive to a destination following traffic signs.
- drive following a series of verbal directions.
- drive using a combination of both of these methods."
Plans are to introduce this section of the test from 4th October 2010.

Further details to follow. Also keep an eye on our Advice Page for downloads relating to this and other aspects of the test.

At CB's we thoroughly support this move and look forward to its introduction. Other issues we hope will also be addressed in the future are:

Motorway Driving - while Pass Plus is available there is no formal test or compulsory training to ensure a driver has the ability to drive safely on the motorway. Maybe a system similar to that used in Canada of a 2 part Provisional Licence should be introduced, this could include such things as limited engine size, passenger limitations and even a curfew.

Health and Eye sight checks - While the new Photo ID Licences require renewal every 10 years, there is no health check required. The responsibility is with the licence holder, and with some reports showing figures of 40% not having adequate eyesight for driving while behind the wheel this must be addressed!

20mph = Safer speed?

20mph limits being trialled in London have shown initial success!
British Medical Journal reports show road injuries have been reduced by more than 40% in these areas. In a comparison to figures from 1986 to 2006, casualties were reduced by 41% with deaths and serious injuries to children reduced by half. Pedestrian injuries were reduced by nearly a third and cycling casualties by nearly 17%. With the zones preventing about 203 casualties a year in the current zones alone. If these zones were increased the reductions would also follow.
In addition the areas adjacent to the zones benefited from an average reduction of 8%.
For more on Road Safety check out - Think! Road Safety and Safe Speed

Happy New Year

And CB's new years resolution? To actually put something interesting onto the blog! At least once a month, hopefully once a week! So.....here goes!

What's new?
2010 prices – Special Offers available on our Prices Page. If you want something specific Get In Touch and we will put together a package designed for you.

CB's 207 – a flexible, easy to learn in and enjoyable car to drive!

Cheat the Theory Test? Well not quite, but you can get a breakdown of all the answers
on our Advice Page

Lousy weather, slippery roads and plenty of the white stuff – it can mean only one thing! Yes,Winter Driving Advice! Check out our advice page now.

Taxi Training – Looking to get your taxi licence? You have the driving experience, we have the test experience. DATT (DIA Accredited Taxi Trainer) tuition means you will be able to pass the test and start earning asap. With reported national failure rates of up to 80%! You would be silly not to!