Road position when turning right

Waiting times for the practical driving test.

Update on driving test waiting times, December 2016

Peter Hearn, 16 December 2016 — Driving test

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.

https://despatch.blog.gov.uk/2016/12/16/update-on-driving-test-waiting-times-december-2016/

www.drive-travis.co.uk

Show me tell me questions, under bonnet.

Mini combination roundabouts.

Disability and the theory test

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'

Double mini roundabouts

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.

How to replace windscreen wipers.

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.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC94rkNhixyVA2N_UYTQyVeg

Nikita's first mock driving test.

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.

The mock test was recorded in Milton Keynes.

Easy tips to improve your driving lessons

6 points for texting behind the wheel.

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.

"They are going to have to turn off their phones at the wheel otherwise they will be taken off the road."
http://news.sky.com/story/punishment-for-texting-behind-the-wheel-to-be-doubled-10581249

Pass your driving test at the first attempt.

Passing the driving test at the first attempt.

Passing the driving test is no easy thing.  The average pass rate in the UK is around 50%.

So I have this short video giving you tips on how you can pass the driving test at the first attempt.