The Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is expanding. This means that you could soon be charged to drive in Greater London when you weren’t before. We’ve put together this helpful guide to help you figure out how this expansion will affect you.
What is the ULEZ?
The ULEZ is a designated area of London implemented to discourage more heavily polluting vehicles from entering London with the aim of improving the air quality in the capital. Driving a more polluting vehicle that does not meet ultra-low emissions standards into the zone will require a fee to be paid. Currently this fee is set at £12.50 per day. When it was first implemented, the ULEZ only covered a small portion of central London. In 2021 it expanded by 1700% to – and including – both the North Circular and South Circular roads. The charge is active 24 hours a day, every day of the year except for Christmas Day.
How is it changing?
The ULEZ is expanding again. From Tuesday 29th August 2023, the zone will cover the entirety of Greater London. With the exception of some roads that only briefly pass through the county. Everyone driving into any of the 32 boroughs of the capital and the City of London will need to pay the ULEZ charge if their vehicle doesn’t meet standards. There are also new schemes to help Londoners with this expansion. Discounts and exemptions are available to those with disabilities, Taxis, and community transport organisers. There is also a new scrappage scheme that will offer eligible Londoners a payment to scrap their high polluting vehicles.
How will this affect you?
This change will affect everyone who drives a vehicle that does not meet ultra-low emissions standards in any part of London. The standards your vehicle will need to meet are Euro 4 (NOx) for petrol cars, Euro 6 (NOx and PM) for diesel cars, and Euro 3 for motorbikes. Petrol and diesel vans, minibuses, and specialist vehicles will also need to meet these standards to be exempt. TFL have prepared a tool you can use to check your vehicle and see if you need to pay the charge. When you drive a non-exempt vehicle into the ULEZ zone you have until midnight on the third day after your journey to pay or you may receive a penalty charge. You can pay online or register to have it automatically paid if you make frequent trips. You will need to pay £12.50 every day that you drive inside the zone. This applies even if you live there.
If you’re looking to start learning to drive, don’t let these changes overwhelm you. You can check quickly and easily if your vehicle or a vehicle you are looking to purchase is ULEZ appropriate, so you won’t have to pay extra while learning. At Lanes School of Driving, we’ve been offering driving lessons for over a century now. We have a professional and friendly team who can get you on the road and give you all the advice you need to navigate these new changes. To book your lessons, call us on 020 8166 5678 or email .
If you’re booking a trip away this year, make sure you know everything there is to know about driving abroad. Renting a car or taking your own can be more economical and ensures you have the freedom to go wherever you want. This means there’s no need to rely on public transport or risk getting ripped off by local cab companies. However, there are rules that you will need to follow. You’ll need to make sure you have the correct paperwork to drive abroad and observe local laws. Check out our helpful tips to make sure you’re driving safely and legally when you go abroad.
What do I need to travel abroad?
No matter where you go in the world, if you want to drive a car it is essential that you take your valid UK driving licence photocard with you. Make sure that it hasn’t expired or isn’t near its expiry date. If this is a concern you can easily get a new licence in as little as 5 days by applying online. If taking your own car, you will need your vehicle’s log book (V5C). This contains all essential information about your vehicle and identifies you as the registered owner. If you run into any problems when abroad, this is an essential document for your insurance and for any mechanics. You will also need your insurance certificate that verifies you have a proper policy in place. While you will hopefully not need it, it is better to be safe than sorry.
What is an international driving permit?
You may also need to get an international driving permit before you travel. If your driving licence was issued in the Isle of Man, Gibraltar, Jersey, or Guernsey, or you have a paper version instead of a photocard then you will need an IDP alongside your licence. It only costs £5.50 and is quick and easy to get hold of. You can get an international driving permit over the counter from a post office. You just need to be a UK resident with a licence issued in the UK, Jersey, Guernsey, the Isle of Man, or Gibraltar. Some countries require an IDP as standard to drive on their roads, so be sure to check before you travel.
What do I need to drive in Europe?
Luckily, driving in most of Europe is still relatively simple. You will need your valid UK licence, vehicle’s log book, and insurance certificate to drive your own car. To rent a car, all you will need is your photocard licence. The rental company will already have third party liability insurance, but will offer other policies regarding personal injury, damage, or theft and it’s up to you to weigh up if you need it. You do not need an international driving permit to drive or rent a car in EU member states, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, or Serbia. If you are travelling in Europe outside of these areas, be sure to check the local requirements.
Driving in Europe
If you’re travelling from the UK, there are a few key differences to note when driving on the continent. We’ve prepared a quick list but there are many differences between the different countries, so be sure to double check the specific laws where you are travelling.
Remember to drive on the right and overtake in left hand lanes. This can be disorientating so try and practice in a quieter area before venturing out onto major roads.
Speed limits in many countries are posted in kilometres, not miles. 90 kilometres is equivalent to approximately 55 miles and 130 km to around 80 miles.
Countries like France, Spain, and Italy make use of toll roads. Check your route in advance and have cash or a card to hand to pay these tolls when you encounter them.
Some countries like Germany, Austria, and Finland will require you have winter tires for certain months of the year. Make sure you are safe and compliant with local laws.
What do I need to drive in the USA and Canada?
You can drive in both the USA and Canada with a valid UK photocard licence. However, some states in the US, and some car hire companies in Canada require an international driving permit, so double check where you will be travelling and get hold of the necessary paperwork. You will need to be at least 21 years of age to rent a car, with some companies only renting to those 25 and older. You will also need your valid UK passport and other travel documents like visas to verify you are in the country legally before renting any vehicles. Car insurance for your vehicle is not compulsory in every US state, but we would recommend taking a policy to cover yourself in the event of an accident.
Driving in the USA and Canada
There are several differences between North American roads and those in the UK and Europe. The US and Canada are made up of states, provinces, and territories that can each set their own laws. Be sure to see where you’ll be driving and research the specific laws of that area.
In North America drive on the right and overtake using the left-hand lanes of larger roads. Where possible, practice in a quiet area before jumping into busy city centres or motorways.
You may turn right at a red light in both countries. If there is no cross traffic, you may make a right turn into the rightmost lane when the light is still red.
38 US states and 4 Canadian provinces make use of toll roads. Know ahead of time what you will need to pay and have cash, card, or a transponder
Many junctions are controlled by 4-way intersections, not roundabouts. Normally, the first car to arrive at the junction has the right of way. If you arrive at the same time as another driver, priority goes to the rightmost vehicle, or whoever is turning right.
You’re ready to go! Wherever your adventures take you this year, be sure to drive safely and be careful to observe local traffic laws. Look up the specific laws in the cities or territories you will be driving through to be thoroughly clued up on driving abroad.
Need to pass your test quickly in time for your big road trip? Book in lessons with our qualified instructors. Or, if you’ve passed but are still feeling a little nervous about driving abroad, why not book a refresher lesson? With a century of experience behind us, Lanes School of Driving has everything you need to get you on the road for your next adventure. To find out more just give us a ring on 020 8166 5678 or email .
We all know that learning to drive can be a tricky experience. Along with the novelty of getting behind the wheel, there’s the theory test to pass… The experts recommend 20 hours of revision before you attempt to take your theory test to ensure you have all the knowledge locked in your brain! The added pressure of a timed theory test could seem daunting, which is why downloading theory test apps to help you learn the ways of the road could save the day. Theory test apps allow you to practice both the important parts of your theory test, the multiple choice and the hazard perception. They provide you with mock tests that use questions that will actually come up on your real test. There are many different driving theory apps to choose from on both The App Store and Google Play. But which ones are the best…?
Driving Test Success 2023 4 in 1 Kit
This app promises a first-time theory test pass, or your test fee money back! Available on Android and iOS app stores at a cost of £4.99, you have the ability to test yourself on 85 hazard perception clips, the 2023 Highway Code, UK road signs and theory test questions. This app offers similar content to the DVSA official app. However, it is presented in a more approachable style, with an easy navigation system that makes it straightforward for young learners to familiarise themselves with each part of the test. The app will monitor and track your progress over time, allowing you to be aware of your results and know when you are ready to take the test. It also contains bonus content not found in other apps. This feature informs you of the 10 top ways to avoid failing your practical test, as well as additional exclusive offers. This app has a pass rate of an enormous 97%. Say hello to Driving Test Success!
Official DVSA Theory Test Kit
Having been created by the DVSA themselves, you can rely on this app to be 100% accurate – a reason why it remains so popular amongst learner drivers. Available on both iOS and Android, the app comes at a price of £4.99, but those will be pennies well spent as you will be able to revise and test your knowledge with multiple choice questions before sitting accurate practice tests. The questions throughout the app mirror the ones you can expect on the real test with slightly alternate wording, as well as 34 CGI hazard perception videos and the ability to study the Highway Code. The app will also send you helpful and encouraging reminders as your real test date approaches!
Driving Theory Test UK 2023
This app offers a free trial, before paying a price of £3.99. This cost will allow you the options to listen to, as well as read, the questions you are attempting to answer, and revise the Highway Code in their accompanying app, also included in the price. Available across Android and iOS app stores, you will have the options to both revise the questions and sit a mock test, ensuring that you are ready to pass your theory test in no time. This app has intelligent learning systems that take into account your past scores and suggests topics you need more practice on.
2023 Driving Theory Test UK
This app, available on iOS 13.0 or later, offers you a free trial allowing you to revise sections of the updated 2023 Highway Code, exam questions, all UK road signs, and take hazard perception tests. It is essentially 6 apps in 1, including questions for other types of driving licence if you decide you want to take a more advanced test for a different type of vehicle in the future. The app includes a personal trainer feature, which will allow you to track your progress and follow your improvement as you get closer to the day of your theory test. This is accompanied by cheat detection software, encouraging you to be truthful to yourself! You can then purchase the full app at a price of £4.99, unlocking the remaining questions in each section. The app also works offline, allowing you to practice from anywhere.
Driving Theory Test Genie UK
This driving theory test app is based on information from the official 2023 Highway Code manual. It includes 725 questions that are written based on this updated manual, meaning that there are no surprises when you get to the real test! The app provides theory test revision questions, detailed explanations and varying difficulty levels so that you can control your own progress. There are new questions every time you enter the app to keep you on your toes! Whether you are just a beginner or you have your theory test round the corner and want to challenge yourself with the toughest questions, this app has questions suited to every level of knowledge. This also works offline so that you can inch closer to your practical driving test every day, without worrying about Wi-Fi!
Top tips for passing your theory test
As well as practicing on your theory test app for the big day, there are a number of tips you can follow to ensure a good result!
Book in advance
Booking your theory test in advance will give you an incentive to do the revision. A deadline could give you just the right amount of pressure to make sure you open up that app and work through the multiple-choice questions on a regular basis. There can often be a waiting list of a few months to take your theory test, so you should make sure that you are aware of the wait time and book well in advance. This will give you plenty of time to practice and make sure you are fully prepared once the day arrives.
Pay attention when travelling
Whether you’re on the bus or a passenger in a car, consistently pay attention to the road. Observe how cars go over roundabouts and the road signs that are sprinkled along your journey, you are likely to encounter many of the signs and scenarios that will appear on the multiple-choice section of your theory test – this will also help you with hazard perception!
Take regular mock tests
Mock tests are the best way of monitoring your progress. The more you do these tests, the more prepared you will feel for the real theory test. There is no way of knowing the set of questions you will get on the day of your test, but taking mock tests all the time will allow you to familiarise yourself with as many questions as possible. This will mean there are no surprises or questions that you aren’t familiar with on the day. This confidence will help you on the day of your test, along with being as ready as possible.
On the day… take your time
For your test, you will be given 57 minutes to answer 50 questions. Make the most of this time and consider each question carefully – rushing could mean that you miss the details in a question, resulting in the wrong answer! Although you may feel confident and prepared, it is important not to rush through and to read each question multiple times to ensure you have fully understood it. There is also no need to rush the hazard perception portion of the test, as the hazards may be spread out between clips. Make sure not to click continuously or in a pattern.
On the day… flag the hard questions
If you find a question particularly difficult, there is a feature on the test technology which lets you flag the question, and come back to it at the end. This ensures you have enough time to complete the test, and give the question more attention. If you are struggling with a particular question and are worried you are spending too long on it, don’t panic. Simply flag the question so that you can refer back to it, and this will give you more time to think as you continue through the other questions.
After you’ve passed your theory test, your practical driving test will be next. Give yourself the best chance you can at becoming a proficient car driver, and invest in lessons from Lanes School of Driving! Our experienced instructors will ensure you’re safe on the roads and feel confident behind the wheel. We offer both single and block lessons, making sure you learn at a pace that is comfortable for you and allowing you to feel prepared once the time comes for you to take your practical driving test. Give us a call on 020 8166 5678 or email us at .
When getting behind the wheel, it can’t be underestimated how important it is to be fully alert and focused. Unfortunately, it is a common occurrence that many drivers get behind the wheel whilst not fully rested and without a full night’s sleep. There are significant risks associated with driving tired, and this can lead to serious injuries and death. Allow us to explain the risks associated with driving tired, and provide advice on how you can ensure you are as alert as possible when getting behind the wheel.
Why is driving tired dangerous?
The recommended sleep amount according to the NHS is 7-9 hours, which will allow you to be properly alert and function at your best. Any less than this and your ability to complete daily tasks is reduced. Due to various distractions, many of us often don’t hit this recommended amount of sleep, and this can affect our ability to drive safely. Studies have indicated that a lack of sleep can have a similar affect on driving ability as alcohol. The longer you are awake, the more your ability to drive carefully reduces as your brain becomes less able to function properly. Sleep deprivation can affect:
Reaction time
Attention span
Judgement of distances and spaces
Decision making
All of the above can put you and other road users in danger, and lead to potentially fatal collisions, so it is essential that you are well rested when getting behind the wheel.
How can you stay alert whilst driving?
Following a few simple steps can allow you to remain focused if you are getting behind the wheel and avoid the risks associated with driving whilst sleep deprived. These include:
Getting enough sleep
First and foremost, it is essential to be alert whilst driving and the number one way to achieve this is by getting enough sleep. You should aim for the recommended 7-9 hours before driving, particularly if you are planning a long journey. It is much more difficult to maintain concentration for longer periods of time.
Regular breaks
If you are feeling the effects of a lack of sleep whilst driving, you should ensure you take a break immediately before you further lose focus. Stopping at a service station for a short nap or walk can allow you to regain this focus and drive safely.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine
Alcohol and caffeine are consumed by many on a daily basis. However, both can make it more difficult to sleep and can also affect the quality of sleep you achieve. Avoiding energy drinks or alcohol can allow you to get the quality of rest you need to drive safely.
Healthy lifestyle
Living a healthy and active lifestyle can help to keep your energy levels stable. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help you to get good quality sleep and make sure you are awake and alert whilst driving.
Taking these steps can help you to ensure you are safe behind the wheel once you get on the road. If you want to make sure you are fully prepared for your driving test, get booked in with us at Lanes School of Driving. You can book either block lessons or an intensive course with us. To make an enquiry regarding lessons, call us now on 020 8166 5678 or email .
The motorway can seem like a very daunting part of learning to drive, but it doesn’t need to be. While they do require caution, statistically the motorways are Britain’s safest roads, and they have rules like any other that are simple to follow.
Can I drive on the motorway as a learner?
You can, under certain conditions. Learner drivers are permitted on the UK’s motorways if they are accompanied by DVSA approved driving instructor. They must also be driving in a car with dual controls and L-plates clearly visible. The law was changed in 2018 to give learner drivers a broader experience of the country’s roads. This also serves to boost confidence and give drivers experience with motorways before going out on their own. This change only applies to cars, motorcyclists must still pass their theory, Module 1, and Module 2 tests before venturing onto the motorways.
How do I drive on the motorway?
We’ve put together some information that will help you begin to get to grips with motorway driving. Be sure to ask your instructor for more advice and check out the highway code to be fully informed of the rules of the road.
What do motorway lanes mean?
There are usually three lanes on a motorway, left, middle, and right. The general rule is always: keep left, except when overtaking. The highway code says that you should always keep in the left-most lane when the road is clear. Use the middle and right lanes to overtake slower traffic and then return to the left-hand lane. Sometimes left lanes become slip roads so you may need to change lanes to remain on the motorway.
How do I get onto the motorway?
You will usually join a motorway from a slip road, which is a smaller one or two-lane road that leads into the faster flow of traffic. Accelerate down the slip road to match the speed of traffic, wait for a suitable gap in the other vehicles, check your mirrors, indicate, and join the motorway. Remember to only move from the slip road to the motorway when the lines between the two are dotted, do not cross solid lines.
How do I drive safely on the motorway?
There are a number of extra considerations you’ll need to make when driving on the motorway:
Speed: The speed limit on UK motorways is 70 miles per hour. It is the maximum legal speed at any time on the motorway. If you are towing a trailer, or driving a vehicle over 7.5 tonnes it is 60 mph. In bad weather conditions, remember to reduce your speed.
Stopping: Remember the importance of stopping distances. You will be moving considerably faster than on normal roads and will need to leave more space between you and the vehicle in front. At 70mph the stopping distance is 21 metres.
Signage: There will be other signs to alert you to hazards, closed lanes, and reductions of the speed limit as you travel. Learn what each one means and how to safely navigate them. Keep an eye out for them on the hard shoulder and gantries while driving
Should I book a motorway driving lesson?
Reading about the motorways online and consulting family or friends is no replacement for professional instruction. You should book a motorway driving lesson with a qualified instructor and consult the highway code before venturing onto Britain’s motorways. Call 020 8166 5678 to get in touch with Lanes School of Driving and arrange lessons with a professional instructor today. Learn how to safely navigate the UK’s motorways from the best.
Doing some research on your test centre and the area that surrounds it can make all the difference when the big day arrives and it is time to take your driving test. If you have booked your test in Sidcup and are looking for a few tips to help you feel more prepared for the day, allow us to help. We have put together a guide to Sidcup Driving Test Centre, that will give you a better idea of what to expect and will help you to get ready.
Where is Sidcup Driving Test Centre?
You will find Sidcup Driving Test Centre at Crayside, Five Arches Business Estate, 2 Maidstone Road, Sidcup, DA14 5AG. This large business estate can be difficult to navigate, but the test centre should be clearly signposted, and your instructor will be able to guide you to the entrance. As a large test centre, there is plenty of room for parking so that you can wait for your time slot.
How do you get to Sidcup Driving Test Centre?
Sidcup Driving Test Centre is located just off the A211 and Foots Cray High Street. It is located nearby to the Sidcup Bypass and the A20, connecting it to the rest of London and Swanley. You can also reach it via the Five Arches Business Estate bus stop, which the 233 and 492 buses pass through. Sidcup Rail Station is the nearest train station to the test centre and is around a 30-minute walk.
Driving in Sidcup
Sidcup is a popular location for learner drivers as the test offers a wide variety of challenges, from smaller residential roads such as St. George’s Road, to busier main roads such as A223 and the complex Crittalls Corner roundabout. The different options you could face will give you the valuable experience you will need, as you are likely to encounter many different challenges along the route. Practicing enough on these roads will allow you to feel more confident on your test.
Driving test routes in Sidcup
There are numerous different test routes that your examiner may opt to take you on in Sidcup. Sadly, there is no way of knowing the exact route, so you won’t be able to prepare for specific challenges. Some popular routes have included the Ruxley roundabout and following the B2173 up towards Swanley, or alternatively following the A20 Sidcup Bypass Road up towards Eltham.
What to expect for your test
It’s worth arriving 10-15 minutes before your test at Sidcup Driving Test Centre, so you’re well prepared and ready to proceed. Remember to bring your provisional licence with you, as you’ll need this to be allowed to take the test. Your test will include:
An eyesight test, which requires you to read a car number plate from a distance of 20 metres.
“Show me, tell me” questions which cover vehicle safety and important working parts. Your instructor will practice these with you.
A general driving section of the test, which is around 20 minutes of driving guided by your examiner. You will need to perform one manoeuvre, which could be parallel parking, bay parking, or pulling up on the right-hand side of the road.
Independent driving will follow, where you must follow a sat nav or signposts to reach a specified destination.
You can expect the route to lead back to the test centre, where you will learn whether you’ve been successful.
Booking your driving test in Sidcup
You are able to get a practical driving test booked in Sidcup once you have passed your theory test. Keep an eye on the gov.uk website to check availability at Sidcup Driving Test Centre. You can also look at West Wickham or Bromley if you are unavailable to book a test in Sidcup.
If you want to build up your experience and prepare for your test, our experienced instructors at Lanes School of Driving can help. Regardless of your driving experience, we can help with block lessons or an intensive course. To get booked in, call 020 8166 5678 or email .
In the run up to Christmas, learning to drive can be a different type of challenge and you may encounter distractions that you don’t have to deal with at other times of year. Whether it’s Christmas songs on the radio or bright Christmas lights that could cause you to take your eyes off the road, it is important to make sure you keep your focus. Allow us to explain some of the most common distractions you might experience this Christmas, and how to make sure they don’t affect your ability to drive safely.
Don’t get distracted by Christmas songs
As much as we love hearing Mariah Carey or Slade on the radio when it gets to this time of year, it’s important not to get carried away. You may be tempted to turn up the radio and sing along to your favourite Christmas classics, but loud music will affect your awareness of what’s going on around you. You may be less likely to spot a vehicle pulling out or cars in your blind spot if you can’t hear them properly. You can still enjoy these festive songs whilst driving safely, we recommend keeping the volume at a low level so that you can still take in the sounds of the road at the same time.
Don’t do your Christmas shopping at the wheel
We’re not suggesting you’ll be picking out presents for your friends and family whilst behind the wheel of your car, but your phone can often be one of the biggest distractions to you whilst driving. It can be tempting to quickly check your messages or browse the web for Christmas deals whilst stuck in slow-moving traffic, but the consequences of doing so can be serious. Not only could you cause a collision or hit a pedestrian if you are not paying attention, but you could receive six points on your licence and a £200 fine if you are caught on your phone whilst driving.
Be aware of Christmas lights
Many of us will enjoy getting in the festive spirit by covering our houses with lights and other Christmas decorations. Although they are great to look at for passersby, flashing lights or other eye-catching details can cause a significant distraction to drivers. If you are relatively new on the road, or are undertaking lessons over the Christmas period, it is important to remain focused at all times and keep your eyes on the road. You should also be aware of how other drivers may be distracted and keep a safe distance where possible so that you will have time to react.
Watch out for the weather
Many of us may be hoping for a white Christmas this year, but snow and ice on the road are dangerous and create the most unsafe conditions for driving. We would recommend avoiding driving in snowy and icy conditions unless absolutely necessary, so it is unlikely that your lesson will go ahead if the weather takes a turn for the worse. If you do end up having to drive in these conditions, make sure that your vehicle is properly prepared. You should also accelerate gently and maintain a safe stopping distance from other vehicles, as much as 10 times more than usual according to the RAC. You should also brake earlier and more gently than usual.
If you are learning to drive this Christmas, you will want to be taught be experienced instructors who can help you feel confident on the road. Our team at Lanes School of Driving have extensive experience and have helped thousands of pupils pass their test. Whether you want to book block lessons or an intensive course, allow us to help you prepare for your test. To get booked in with us, call 020 8166 5678 or email .
There are a number of toll roads dotted around the UK which you may encounter on your journey, and you are most likely to encounter then when travelling across the country. There are a total of 23 tolls all over the UK, 18 of which are river crossings. There is a high chance that on your travels you will eventually encounter one of these tolls, so it is worth knowing what they are, why they exist, and the process of paying a toll charge so that you do not suffer a fine. We have put together a guide to help you better understand, so allow us to talk you through UK toll roads.
What are toll roads?
A toll road is a public road that charges drivers a fee to use it. You will have to pay to continue driving on this road, bridge, or area. Motorists will either have to stop and pay the specified fee at a toll booth, or their number plate will be picked up by a camera and they must go online to pay the fee after their journey.
Why do you have to pay tolls?
The fees collected for toll roads go towards general road maintenance costs, as well as funding additional construction work and further road improvements. This continuous improvement and development of the UK’s roads and bridges only helps to make the roads safer and more efficient, so all road users can have a more straightforward journey to their destination.
Where are UK tolls?
Allow us to highlight the most expensive toll roads in the UK. There are a total of two UK motorways which are major toll roads, these are:
M6 Toll – West Midlands
M25 – Dartford Crossing
There are an additional nine A roads which charge per use, these are:
A4 Batheaston Bridge – Bath, Somerset
A15 Humber Bridge – Hull, Yorkshire
A19 Tyne Tunnels – Wallsend, Tyne and Wear
A38 Tamar Bridge – Plymouth, Devon
A41 Mersey Tunnels – Queensway – Birkenhead, Liverpool
A57 Dunham Bridge – Lincoln, Lincolnshire
A59 Mersey Tunnels – Kingsway – Wallasey, Liverpool
A533 Mersey Gateway – Halton, Cheshire
A3025 Itchen Bridge – Southampton, Hampshire
How much are UK tolls?
Toll charges vary amongst the different motorways and A roads in the UK. For a standard car, the M6 Toll will cost £7.60 to use the mainline between 7am and 7pm on a weekday, or £7.30 on a weekend. The Dartford Crossing standard charge for a car is £2.50, and there is a wide variance in prices depending on the toll road or crossing that you are using. It is worth referring to the website of each one before setting off so that you know what to expect.
It is important to be aware of the various toll roads you may encounter once you eventually get on the road, so in order to prepare yourself for the different challenges you may encounter, contact our team at Lanes School of Driving. You can choose between block lessons to build up your experience, or intensive courses to prepare for your test as quickly as possible. Get booked in as soon as possible by calling 020 8166 5678 or email us at .
If your practical driving test is fast approaching, carrying out some preparation in advance will help you to feel more confident once the day arrives. We are knowledgeable on the Bromley area and, more specifically, the Bromley Test Centre, so allow us to provide you with some pointers that will make you feel more at ease once the time comes for you to get behind the wheel for your test.
Where is Bromley Test Centre?
You can find Bromley Test Centre at 121 Burnt Ash Lane, Bromley, BR1 5AB. Located next door to Boots Pharmacy and Gardenya Café. It can be found round the back near to Burnt Ash Lane car park, which can get busy particularly during rush hour, so be aware of this when planning your arrival time. You should enter the car park via Brindley Way, not the alleyway between shops.
How do you get to Bromley Test Centre?
Burnt Ash Lane is an easily accessible road located on the A2212, which leads north towards Blackheath and Lewisham, and south towards Bromley town centre. There are bus stops located on this road, just a 1-minute walk to the test centre from each one. The 126, 261, and 638 bus services go directly past the test centre. You also have Sundridge Park station nearby which is an 11-minute walk.
Driving in Bromley
As a large town in south east London, Bromley is a popular test location with a range of different roads and challenges awaiting learner drivers. The roads can get particularly busy during rush hour, so if you are taking your test in Bromley be aware of the heavy traffic you could encounter. There are a lot of car-lined roads, roundabouts, and junctions for you to practice on so that you can prepare yourself for the practical test.
What driving test routes are there in Bromley?
There are no specific routes that your examiner can take you on in Bromley, it will be completely random on the day, so unfortunately there is no way to prepare for your exact test route. There are some routes that have been known to be taken, such as travelling along Widmore Road and past Bickley station. Alternatively, you may head through Grove Park, then back along Sidcup Road and the A20, so it may be worth practicing these routes.
What can you expect on the day?
Once the day has finally arrived for you to take your all-important driving test, you will want to know what to expect and how your examiner will conduct the test. You should arrive at Bromley Test Centre at least 10 minutes early to make sure you leave some time before your slot, and it is essential you bring your provisional licence so that you are allowed to take the test. Your driving test will contain the following elements:
The eyesight test will require you to read a car number plate which is 20 metres away.
The “show me, tell me” questions, which your instructor should practice with you beforehand. These cover vehicle safety and general maintenance.
The general driving portion of the test, which you can expect to last around twenty minutes. You will have to perform one manoeuvre, which could be parallel parking, bay parking, or pulling up on the right.
This is followed by independent driving, where you will need to follow a sat nav or signposted directions to reach a specified destination.
The route of your test should lead you back to Bromley Test Centre, where you will hopefully receive the good news!
How to book your driving test in Bromley
Before booking your practical driving test, you must have passed the theory test. Once complete, check the gov.uk website for availability in Bromley. Other nearby test centres include West Wickham and Croydon.
For years, drivers using their phones whilst on the road has been a worry. As tempting is it is to take a minute to switch over to another playlist halfway through your journey, there are countless reasons why this poses a threat to yourself and other road users. Due to these dangers, there has been a change in the rules about how you are permitted to use your phone during your drive. Here is the need-to-know information, all in one place…
New rules for mobile phone use
From 25th March 2022, the rules changed so that all motorists who are using a handheld mobile phone behind the wheel, for any reason, are breaking the law. This includes:
Taking pictures
Filming videos
Scrolling through playlists
Playing games
Calling or texting
These strict rules carry ramifications if they are broken. If you are caught on your phone, this can result in a fine of £1000 and 6 points on your licence. You could even be given a full driving ban.
Can I ever use my phone?
The only circumstance that you can use your phone on the road is if it’s entirely hands-free. This means that, provided your phone is in a cradle, you can accept calls or use your phone as a sat-nav. This can come in handy during the inevitability of getting lost on your road trip. However, if a police officer is of the opinion that you aren’t in complete control of your vehicle, they can still serve you with a fine. So, get a friend to change the song in future!
Why has the law changed?
In the past, the law regarding mobile phones only applied to interactive use, including taking calls whilst holding the phone. Sometimes, people were able to avoid consequences of their actions by saying that even though they were using their phone, they weren’t engaging in interactive activity. The law has been tightened so that people cannot use this loophole to avoid punishment!
Why is using my phone whilst driving dangerous?
Driving with any kind of distraction is dangerous, but with our phones so readily available, many people have become more blasé about using them in the car. Here are the dangers of driving whilst on your phone:
Mental distractions
Being on your phone takes your attention off the road. You should always have your full focus on your driving, and phones reduce your awareness of your surroundings.
Decreased reaction times
A lack of concentration will result in decreased reaction times, leading you into a possible accident if you don’t see a hazard in time.
Affected distance judgement
Your stopping distances and braking distances could be affected by your lack of focus. This could result in an accident if you are driving over the speed limit and don’t notice a hazard.
The road safe charity, Brake, discovered that using your phone whilst driving makes you four times more likely to be involved in a crash. This level of risk just isn’t worth it, so make sure that you are in line with the law and are keeping yourself and your passengers safe.
Here at Lanes School of Driving, our driving lessons ensure that you know the rules of the road and feel comfortable and confident behind the wheel. Contact us now for single or block lessons that can get you ready for your test. Call 020 8166 5678 or email us at .
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