CB's Driving School @ www.passwithcbs.co.uk

The Hidden Test Danger

2011-07-12T09:36:00.001+01:00

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

2011-04-19T15:07:00.001+01:00

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

2011-04-12T20:10:00.001+01:00

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

2011-03-14T09:17:00.001Z

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!

2011-03-01T10:52:00.001Z

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

2010-10-14T22:38:00.000+01:00

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

2010-10-14T22:21:00.000+01:00

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.

Newly Qualified Driver - Night-time Driving Ban

2010-09-21T11:14:00.001+01:00

"Banning newly qualified young drivers from night-time motoring, drinking any alcohol or carrying passengers of a similar age could save 200 lives a year and lead to 1,700 fewer injuries, according to researchers." reports the Guardian Newspaper

Various other countries already use such restrictions, and Ireland uses a "Restricted" Plate system to prevent NQD's from overstepping their ability level. Is this something that the UK should introduce? The UK Driving Test is renowned worldwide for reaching high standards of car control, but it can fail heavily on installing self-assessment skills and a true sense of danger, cause and effect.
60% of accidents in drivers aged 30 and under are due to cornering too fast.

Will restrictions on Engine size, A curfew, Age, Passengers really reduce the dangers? Or will they just cause issues in an already difficult jobs market, effecting traditional apprentice jobs such as mechanics?

Is it not the place of the Driving Instructor to try and instil the necessary judgements? Yes, I would agree it is. But is not always possible. Society is against us. I have regularly had debates with pupils about the fact that "EVERYBODY speeds", reinforced by the parental influences often encouraging them to break speed limits during private practice, while still asking me to produce a safe controlled driver.
Why is braking the law acceptable if it is a road law? And how do we change it?

Personally, I think we should remove speed limits totally, expecting a safe limit from all drivers with a loss of licence if this is broken. Stricter penalties, and regular refresher training for ALL drivers every 10 years AT LEAST.
But it won't happen! So maybe starting with NQD's is the only way forward?

I'd be interested to hear your views!

Facebook for ADI's

2010-09-21T11:14:00.000+01:00

My Facebook group (I'm a Driving Instructor and I'm on Facebook) is going from strength to strength! 525 members and growing!
It seems that ADI's like having somewhere to chat, discuss and share that in National, but not looking for profit, covering huge costs or to make a wage. So thats the way it will stay guys and girls, as long as I can! (Obviously if the DSA, MSA or similar offer me £1,000,000 for control of the group I MIGHT have to reconsider.....)

So, if you are a Driving Instructor exploring my site (or maybe pinching some ideas...) check it out!

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

2010-07-13T13:10:00.001+01:00

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?

2010-07-05T13:13:00.000+01:00

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

2010-07-05T12:33:00.000+01:00

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

2010-02-08T00:11:00.000Z

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

2010-01-12T22:28:00.005Z

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?

2010-01-12T21:22:00.003Z

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

2010-01-12T21:06:00.003Z

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!

CB's now on Twitter!

2009-07-27T21:03:00.003+01:00

CB's has now launched our own Twitter page to keep you informed of the latest events, advice and general changes in both CB's and the driving world. Visit our Twitter page here to follow us and receive regular updates.

If you’re new to Twitter, it’s basically a website that allows you to stay in touch e with people from all over the world through the exchange of quick, limited answers to one simple question: “What are you doing?”

After you open up an account, you can use the site to post short updates of no longer than 140 character’s. People then sign up to follow your feed, and you can sign up to follow theirs. For more info and to sign up visit www.twitter.com and don’t forget to follow us by visiting www.twitter.com/passwithcbs!

Counting Down! Ticking Things off the list! And NEARLY ready to roll!

2009-07-24T10:29:00.003+01:00

Bye Bye BSM
Hello to the new TOTALLY Independent CB's Driving School!

Official fully independent launch date 4th September

Car - On order
Signs - Designed and being placed on the car
Business cards - Being passed around
Pupils - Coming thick and fast
Lessons - Running smoothly!

Job done!

Oh & special thanks to Louise Welfare ADI for the Lit Headboard! Gonna look great!

So, have a surf around the site www.passwithcbs.co.uk, tell your friends, share our FREE downloads.

AND now Follow CB's on Twitter!

Trailer Test

2009-07-01T16:04:00.002+01:00

Busy Busy Busy! Sorry for the delay in posting.
Trying to sort out my training so I can pass my Trailer test (I, like anyone passing now, didn't automatically get the + E Trailer allowance on my licence so yet another test to take!). However, taking means that I will be able to offer you all Value for Money Trailer training. Which I am sure will appeal to any of the horse or sailing fans amongst you - or those who go to Caravan Club (The Inbetweeners - C4). Any interest let me know, I will keep you updated!

Lovely weather, thank God for air conditioning! Although preferring the window open option, even if my left arm is 2-3 shades darker than the right! I'm not greedy though, I'd be quite happy with 24-26 degrees instead!

Looking forward to my new car in August, finalise details in 2 weeks!

Check back soon!

Round and about

2009-06-15T09:51:00.005+01:00

Busy week ahead! A couple of tests and a large number of pupils approaching test. Now we get to see all the hard work pay off!
I finally get to go out for another session of RoSPA training on Sunday. Great fun and really useful for focusing your driving skills, I would recommend it to everyone.

Uneventful week last week, some great progress and breakthroughs, but nothing to report.
Getting a good few hits on the website www.passwithcbs.co.uk but looking for more listings and links. If you have a suitable site or location where I can link to, or just advertise, then let me know! (advice@passwithcbs.co.uk)

A reminder to everyone that Theory Test Advice is available on the website, a huge help to everyone who needs it. It is FREE and can be shared with anyone who is learning to drive.
Off to a day full of lessons now, but I thought I deserved a lay in after a long day in London on Saturday - Clinical Hypnotherapy advice for nervous drivers coming in the future, Watch this space!

More FREE DRIVING DOWNLOADS coming soon, I will keep you informed.
Safe Driving and check back soon

Welcome to my blog

2009-06-10T10:35:00.000+01:00

So, I have finally got the website up and running! Thanks to everyone who helped, advised and critiqued it for me.
Check out the Theory Test, Accompanying a Learner Driver, and Show me Tell me downloads for FREE advice for anyone who is learning - Feel free to share with friends and family.
Any visitors are welcome to drop me a line using the feedback form with questions, comments or just to say hi.

Great week last week. TWO first time passes, one at T Wells and one at Sevenoaks - Both lady drivers for the chauvinists amongst you! - AND TWO Theory test passes! So really pleased for you all! It's been a week of blue flashing lights with both Practical tests having emergency vehicles to deal with and minimal driver faults to show for it. A great result all round, next step Pass Plus.

Busy busy busy getting the website listed, spreading the word and arranging promotional merchandise, advertisements, cars and insurance for the next steps. Will at SSDM is trying to incorporate the website branding into my new car livery, can't wait to see it! I will post pictures as soon as it is finalised.

I will do my best to keep you all up to date with how things are going. Any new developments in life on the road either just for me, or changes effecting everyone - i.e. If they actually do something silly and reduce the National Speed limits!

P.S. Speed cameras have gone live on the Dartford crossing section of the M25! Not that it will cause any of you safe, sensible drivers a problem. But forewarned is forearmed! Forgotten the limits?