Driving test advice

I regularly get asked for advice on how to cope with the driving test. So here are my top tips for success:

* Treat it like a driving lesson - It isn't a test, it's an assessment. Just treat it like another drive. The examiners want to see - safe, confident and controlled driving. So relax and enjoy!

* Get your Driving Instructor to organise a mock test - Get used to driving with someone new.

* Go the wrong way! - Be happy to go the wrong way. It isn't a test of your directional ability, so if it's safer to not turn or stop don't!

* Don't ask friends for advice - It's rarely good or even true!

* Get a good Driving Instructor - They MUST have an ADI badge in the window. They will give you honest advice and support you through the test.

* Don't aim to pass - Is 'the test' really your big goal? My drivers want freedom, safety and independence! The test is important for 40 minutes, but they are looking forward to the next 40 years!

* Enjoy it! - when you achieve that pass, maybe that first time pass, you will be smiling for a week!

Good luck!

Visit www.passwithcbs.co.uk for more help and advice

Rebecca's Driving Test Success in Sevenoaks - First Time Pass

Rebecca passed her Driving Test

first time with 3 faults! Her own analysis of her performance was spot on and CB's are looking forward to seeing her out on the road very soon!

Having racked up some real miles on her Driving Lessons, she is looking forward to exploring some new places.

Chris, Driving Instructor at CB's Driving School, wishes Rebecca every success on the road.

1 Fault pass at Sevenoaks Test Centre

Luke passed his test with just one fault at Sevenoaks today!

An issue free test with little to fluster him, Luke paid credit to Chris for training him.

Having taken his test in his own car, Chris arrived at the end of the test to ensure everything had gone well.

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

CB's Driving School Sevenoaks Test Pass first time

Congrats to Chloe for passing her test with CB's Driving School at the Sevenoaks Test centre!

A first time pass in 'Tuppy', can't ask for better than that. Stay safe :) Looking forward to some Motorways! http://www.passwithcbs.co.uk

Driving Lessons Sevenoaks

Passing your test with Chris Bensted from CB's Driving School doesn't end at the test centre. When Sheriff passed (after a long hard struggle and a number of instructors) we celebrated with a trip to choose his new car.

He hasn't yet decided on exactly what to get, but this one is in his current top 3 ;)

Can't wait for Motorway lessons!

What do you call 3 Chris' on a Driving Test in Tunbridge Wells?

Chris - Driver - passed his test

He was trained by Chris - Instructor - from CB's Driving School

At Tunbridge Wells test centre he was taken out by......

Chris - Examiner!

So, 3 Chris' gets you a pass!

But what do you call a gathering of Chris'?

A success?!

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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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.

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.

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!

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!

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

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

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

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