Need help to pass the driving test?
Are you a learner driver or a full licence holder who needs help to pass the driving test. This learner driver blog is here to help you. Check out the posts and search for posts.
We updated you in August and September 2016 about what we’re doing to reduce driving test waiting times. Since then, we’ve cut the waiting times from an average of 11.2 weeks to an average of 7.8 weeks now (16 December 2016).
We understand the impact these waiting times have on you and your pupils and we would like to share what we are doing to address this issue.
Increasing staff availability for testing
From mid-September to early October, driving examiners were joined by Local Driving Test Managers and Operations Managers from across DVSA to carry out driving tests. This led to an extra 182 staff carrying out around 20,000 extra tests.
Taking on more examiners
Since April this year, we have recruited 264 examiners. We expect that figure to increase to around 400 by the end of March 2017.
Safe Driving for Life's latest blog looks at what the DVSA can do for people who need additional help to learn and sit the driving theory test.
DVSA wants to give everyone who’s capable of being a safe and responsible driver the opportunity to pass their driving test. We provide help and support for people with reading difficulties, disabilities or health conditions. This blog explains what support we provide and advises what information we need from you when booking your theory test. Read 'Disability and the theory test'
A short video on double mini roundabouts. The video was filmed at Fenny Stratford, Bletchley, Milton Keynes. It covers the approach, which lane to use, who you giveaway to and where you should be looking.
So we are approaching winter and at this time of the year I start to look at my windscreen wipers. I am checking that they will last the harsh winter of rain, grit, mud and snow.
I test them to make sure they can still clean my windscreen without leaving dirt lines and smudges on the windscreen. If the wipers don't clean the windscreen so that it is clear to see ahead, then it is time to replace them.
This week Nikita agreed to do a mock driving test. We recorded it to look back on and to review areas that could be improved before the actual driving test.
Ministers want to double the punishment for the illegal use of a mobile phone while driving, under new plans.
Motorists caught using a handheld phone while driving are currently given three penalty points and a minimum fine of £100.
But that could be increased to a six point penalty - meaning new drivers would lose their licence the first time they are caught using a handheld phone - and a minimum fine of £200.
Edmund King, AA president, said: "This is radical. One text and you're out. But if we are to change the attitudes of young drivers maybe it has to be that harsh.
A short video explaining the difference between a minor driver fault, to a serious and dangerous driver fault on the driving test. I am hoping that if you know the difference you are more likely to avoid a serious driver fault.
Are you learning to drive?
This is a short video on how to do hill starts. I hope it helps you to understand what to do and what not to do. I filmed the video in Milton Keynes.
Safe driving.
Today we’ve launched a consultation on changes to the driving test. I thought it would be helpful if I explained the proposals and gave you information on why these changes will better prepare new drivers and improve road safety.
I’m hoping by doing so you’ll be able to share this information with your pupils, their parents and your colleagues within the driver training industry.
The proposals are to:
increase the ‘independent driving’ part of the test from 10 to 20 minutes
ask candidates to follow directions on a sat nav as an alternative to following road signs
replace current manoeuvres such as ‘reverse around a corner’ with more real life scenarios for example, driving into and reversing out of a parking bay
ask one of the two vehicle safety questions while the candidate is driving, for example, asking candidates to use the rear heated screen
Why we need to do something
Chart 9: Casualties by severity and road type, GB: 2015; Source: 'Reported road casualties in Great Britain: main results 2015' (Department for Transport)
Road collisions are the biggest killer of young people
Young people are a vulnerable group. of road users. We all know this.
Road traffic collisions:
are the leading cause of death for people aged between 15 and 24
account for over a quarter of all deaths of those aged between 15 and 19
One in 5 people killed or seriously injured on the roads are in a collision where a car driver is aged between 17 and 24.
Most fatal collisions are on rural roads
Most deaths happen on rural roads. These are roads where the speed limit is 40 mph or faster (this doesn’t include motorways).
At the moment it’s not always possible to use these types of roads in the driving test because:
driving test routes rely on good signage for candidates to follow - and these don’t always lead to rural or other higher risk roads
access is needed to side roads and other quieter roads to carry out the current manoeuvres
I want to make changes to the format of the test so more higher risk roads can be used. The introduction of following directions from a sat nav will open up these types of roads.
Driving test candidates need to be better prepared
Research shows that some learner drivers only learn what they need to so they can pass the driving test. This causes them to take their test before they’re properly ready, which results in a lower overall driving test pass rate.
I also want parents, relatives and friends to understand the importance of getting the best training available. We’ll be publishing a blog post about this in the coming weeks.
Like a real journey
The driving test can’t cover all of what learners need to know but where new drivers tend to get it wrong are when they are confronted by fast rural roads and complex junctions so the test will focus on these higher risk areas.
I want the test to be like a real journey and by making use of sat nav we can see that new drivers can manage this distraction safely. Those involved in the trial have said this helps them to concentrate on their driving and forget about the examiner!
More drivers are using sat navs
The National Travel Survey 2014 shows that over half of all car drivers in England now use a sat nav. It’s increased from 32.5% in 2009 to 51.9% in 2014.
As more people are using these devices, I want new drivers to be trained to meet the standard to use them safely.
The new manoeuvres
The new manoeuvres are used in every day driving and will mean that whilst the turn in the road and reverse around a corner should feature in the training syllabus, they will not be part of the test which will remove the need to spend time in the quieter low risk roads.
Prepared for a lifetime of driving
As Chief Driving Examiner, I care passionately that learner drivers are trained to be fully prepared for a lifetime of driving.
I want this new test to encourage the right training so new drivers have the knowledge and skill to drive well, manage risks and distractions and have a greater chance of remaining safe on our roads.
What work has been done so far
Starting in April 2015, we’ve worked with the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) and run a research trial into the a new test. Two groups of volunteers – trial and control – have been monitored. The trial group has taken the new test, whilst the control group has taken the current test.
You passed your driving test and now you are about to start driving your first car. Just pause for a minute and think about what you are going to do.
I remember my first drive on my own, it was a mixture of excitement and nerves. So I have done this short video to help you in the transition from the learner car to your own car.
On the day of your driving test you will be asked at the start by the driving examiner if you would like your driving instructor to accompany you along for your driving test. If you say yes, the driving instructor will sit in the back of the car. If you say no, the driving examiner will ask you if you want the driving instructor to sit in the debrief at the end of your driving test.
Learning to drive and are not sure who has priority at crossroads with traffic lights on. Then watch my quick video to help you get a better understanding.
If the want to watch more free video tutorials on learning to drive, then just check out my YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/c/JamesTravis
Lots of learners become confused when approaching the driving test with when to use the handbrake. I am hoping this short video will cover some of those points.
Ben took his driving test today in Bletchley, Milton Keynes. This is a short video of what he said at the end. We talked about what he was thinking about before and during his driving test.
What would happen if you took a summer holiday a week before your driving test? What is best, taking a gap in driving lessons, moving your driving test.
Reverse to the left(also know as Left Reverse) on the driving test can be tricky, so I am hoping this short video will give you a better understanding to how to complete it successfully. If this video does help, then feel free to like, share and subscribe. Safe driving.
Getting started on the theory test can be a bit offputting. So I am hoping this short video will help start you in the right direction. I have put the links below to help. Good luck with your theory test. Safe driving.
If you are learning to drive with a driving instructor or with your mum or dad then the push and pull method is the way to steer the car correctly and safely.
Most pupils get confused with the pushing and pulling of the steering wheel, this is normal and will take practice to fine tune it.
You will hear your instructor saying to you either ten to two or quarter to three (on a clock face), not crossing your hands. When you are sat there listening, you completely understand, but trying to put it into practice and not swerve to the left or right is a little tricky at first.
I have done this short video that demonstrates it. Hope it helps you to understand it more clearly. If if does, then like it and if you want you can share it with your friends.
I have a short video full of tips and advise on how to avoid having that car accident in your first year of driving. I hope you find it helpful, if you do please like it. Safe driving.
Hi all, this short video covers four area's that if your work on will improve your chances of passing your driving test. So check out my video below and like and subscribe for further videos.
How to approach pedestrian crossings. This is a quick video full of tips on what you should be doing when approaching pedestrian crossings. What you should be doing on approach and where you should be looking. Anticipation of what could happen and observations on approach. Filmed in Newport Pagnell, Milton Keynes. Hope the video helps improve your skill levels on pedestrian crossings. Don't forget to like and subscribe and share. www.drive-travis.co.uk
Hi all, I have recorded this great video that covers what will happen on your driving test day.
If you ever wondered what will happen and want your driving test nerves to less jumpy then this is the video for you. If it helps and you find it helpful, then like the video. You can also checkout my Youtube channel at James Travis https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC94rkNhixyVA2N_UYTQyVeg
and subscribe to my weekly FREE videos on learning to drive.
Driving to collect a new pupil for her first driving lesson in Milton Keynes. When I arrived she gave me permission to carry on filming so on the way to the start we set our goals for the driving lesson. At the end we had a recap to see if we met them goals. Hope you enjoy the video. If you do please like and subscribe to my channel on Youtube.
This week we saw Josh pass his driving test in Milton Keynes. All the hard work and commitment paid off with Josh passing his driving test at the first attempt at the driving test centre in Bletchley, Milton keynes.
As you can see Josh looks happy.
I caught up with Josh a few days later to check out his first car( Hyundai i20). He was even happier to have passed his driving test and so quickly been able to buy himself a car.
So, you can do the same. All it takes is the commitment to setting aside one or two hours her week and you will soon be in the same position as Josh.
This is a video on what will happen on your first driving lesson. What you need to bring along to your first driving lesson, such as your provisional driving licence and the licence checker and lots more.
If this video helps feel free to share and like it.
Safe driving.
Congratulations to Henry on passing his driving test at the Bletchley driving test centre in Milton Keynes. Henry worked hard on his driving lessons from the first driving lesson in Newport Pagnell to his last driving lesson driving around Milton Keynes.
The result was a first time pass
If you have the determination to improve and want to be a good safe driver then Travis School of Motoring is the driving school for you. www.drive-travis.co.uk
This is Josh's mock driving test. He kindly allowed me to film it so he could look back on and see if there are any areas that could be improved leading up to his actual driving test.
The mock driving test was done in Milton Keynes at the Bletchley driving test centre. We hope you find it helpful in the lead up to your own driving test. If it helps you to understand what is going to happen on your big day. Then click like on the video, or subscribe to my Youtube channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC94rkNhixyVA2N_UYTQyVeg
Most of us at some point want to or need to pass the driving test. It can for some be a struggle while others pass the driving test first time with ease.
All learner drivers want to know the key ingredients on how to pass the driving test. Everyone’s ability is of course different and there are many factors involved that can make the learning to drive process easier and the best chance of passing the practical driving test first time.
Here you will find the best tips and advice directly from highly experienced driving instructors from learning to drive to getting that first time driving test pass.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DRIVING TEST
It is always a good idea to know exactly what you are going into. Having a thorough understanding of what to expect on the driving test will give you more confidence as you will be aware of what exactly is going to happen on the day of the test.
So I just finished a driving lesson at Newport Pagnell and was about to head to my next driving lesson in Milton Keynes. I put my camera on record to see what is happening as I drive along. Whilst I drive along to Milton Keynes I talk about what I see ahead and what you should be doing to drive safely. Hope you get some tips off the video. If you do please like and subscribe. safe driving.
Lost your confidence to parking in a car a park or have not been shown. If the answer is yes then this short video film in Milton Keynes will help you.
It is 80 years since driving tests became compulsory for all new drivers in Britain. But does it really matter where you take the dreaded exam?
Sweaty palms, a pounding heart? It is a seminal point in a person's life when they take their driving test.
Pass and you are rewarded with freedom, career prospects and new friends who need lifts. Get it wrong and you are left with the stigma of failure, a reliance on public transport and an overwhelming feeling of disappointment.
The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) says instructors are regularly assessed to ensure tests are consistent across the country. But does that mean the test location is irrelevant?
Advanced Driving Instructor Sandra Macdonald-Ames, who was the driving expert in the BBC documentary So You Think You Can Drive, said test centres with higher pass rates tend to be in rural areas............................
When you see a t-junction sign watch out for vehicles that might cut across or swerve into your path when leaving the main road. There may also be more pedestrian activity. www.drive-travis.co.uk
T-junction ahead
T-junction showing priority - the road indicated
by the broad line has priority.
You MUST stop at this sign
Give way to traffic on the road that you are entering - you may proceed without stopping
but must not force other drivers to change their speed or
direction - stop if you are in any doubt
This sign is places in advance of Give Way or Stop signs where the
junction is concealed or hazardous (the plate indicates the
distance and type of junction)
This sign tells you that you must turn left ahead
This sign is placed at the location of a 'left turn only' junction.
You must 'turn left now'
Why do you need to check your mirrors? Its
essential to know if there are other road user’s following behind you before you start any
manoeuvre. Roughly speaking, you should check them between 25 and 50% of your
driving time glancing in the mirrors. If you spend any more time, you are not
paying enough attention to the road.
Losing
control of the steering, either in normal driving or during a manoeuvre. This
can be because you have allowed the steering wheel to 'spin through your hands'
Today we’ve launched a consultation on changes to the driving test. I thought it would be helpful if I explained the proposals and gave you information on why these changes will better prepare new drivers and improve road safety.
I’m hoping by doing so you’ll be able to share this information with your pupils, their parents and your colleagues within the driver training industry.
The proposals are to:
I caught up with Josh a few days later to check out his first car( Hyundai i20). He was even happier to have passed his driving test and so quickly been able to buy himself a car.
Don't understand this roundabout in Bletchley and need help. Manual driving lessons www.travis-drive.co.uk Automatic driving lessons...