Tips

It’s ok to be feeling nervous about your driving test. Of course, you really want to pass and be rewarded for your hard work. Try not to worry too much. The examiner is not there to trick you and they won’t ask you to do anything you haven’t practiced many times before during your lessons.

Having said that, it’s good to be prepared for the big day and to know what to expect.

What to bring for your driving test?

Make sure you bring the following essential items:

• Your photocard provisional licence
• Your theory test pass certificate
• A car which is properly insured and licensed – you can use your driving instructor’s car or your own.

How long does the driving test last?

You’ll be driving for 40 minutes during the test.

What happens at the start of the driving test?

Before you start driving, you’ll be given an eyesight test. You’ll be asked to read a number plate from a distance of 20 metres. If you can’t, the test will end and you’ll have failed

Show me, tell me questions

Before and during the test, you’ll be asked two vehicle safety questions known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions:

• Tell me question: Explain how you’d carry out a safety task. This question is asked before you start driving.
• Show me question: Show how you’d carry out a safety task. You will be asked to demonstrate this while driving.

What happens during the driving part of the test?

Your driving test will be conducted on a test route designed to be as consistent as possible and take you through a range of typical road and traffic conditions. During the driving test, your driving examiner will give you directions for you to follow and ask you to carry out set exercises.

General driving skill

Your examiner will assess your general driving skill. They will also ask you to perform one reversing exercise.

The reversing exercise will be one of the following:

• Parallel park at the side of the road
• Park in a parking bay – either by driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out
• Pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for around two car lengths, and rejoin the traffic

You’ll also be asked to perform an emergency stop.

Independent driving

There will be a part of your test where you’ll be asked to drive independently by following:

• Traffic signs
• A series of directions
• A combination of both

What happens after your driving test

If you haven’t committed any serious faults, and you haven’t made more than 15 minor faults, you will pass your test.

If you’ve passed, well done! Your examiner will:

• Tell you about any faults you made
• Give you a pass certificate
• Ask if you want your full licence to be sent to you automatically (within 3 weeks) – if so you’ll need to give the examiner your provisional licence

If you haven’t passed, your examiner will discuss your faults. Try not to feel too bad about it. Learn from your mistakes, and you can book another test 10 working days away.

To help you pass your driving test the first time, get in touch with our team of instructors at Lanes School of Driving. We’ve been helping people pass their driving tests for over 100 years. Just give us a call on 020 8166 5678 and you can be our next success story. We offer single driving lessons, automatic driving lessons, and more to suit all learning needs and preferences.

With Brexit on everyone’s lips and the topic of conversation almost anywhere you turn, it’s hard not to get caught up in the uncertainty of it. As a nation, we love to holiday abroad and often that involves driving to somewhere in Europe for our summer hols or half-term. How will that be affected by Brexit and what can you do to prepare?

UK driving licences

First things, first. Your UK driving licence will still be valid in the UK. That will not change. The process of applying for and taking your tests will not be affected.

Driving overseas

This may change. At the moment there is still uncertainty over whether we will leave the European Union with an agreed deal or not – in other words, the potential for a no-deal Brexit. If a deal is to be struck, then details on the reciprocal driving licensing arrangements will be made public – at present it is unknown what form those may take.

If there is to be no deal, then going to a European Union country either with your vehicle or looking to hire one when you get there may require a little more forward planning. The system that will apply is the same as that which applies if you are looking to drive in a country that is outside the European Union – that of the International Driving Permit, or IDP. However, not all countries require one, and it will depend on what type of licence you have and how long you are going for.

For example, if you have a photocard licence and want to drive in Germany for a period of six months of less, then you don’t need an IDP. However, for longer periods of time or if you have an old paper licence, you will require one. To drive in France you will need an IDP regardless of the length of time that you are there or what kind of licence you have. For full details on what you need and for which country, visit the government’s dedicated website page.

Please be aware that if you are going to Ireland you don’t need an IDP, your UK driving licence will be enough.

International Driving Permits

There are three types of IDP with each one allowing you to drive in different countries, so you will need to check which one you need. It’s possible that you need more than one IDP if you are going to countries that are covered by different ones.

Getting an IDP is straightforward. All you need is your licence and passport-size photo for an IDP to be issued by the Post Office. It costs £5.50 for each type of IDP and they are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

Remember to take both your licence and IDP(s) with you when you travel, one is not valid without the other!

Need a refresher course before you head off? Just get in touch with our Lanes School of Driving instructors. We have been keeping drivers safe on the road for the over 100 years and you could be our next graduate. Call us on 020 8166 5678 with any questions or to book in your first lesson.

If you or your children are at the age when they are ready to start driving then you are probably wondering what the process is and how you go about it. Learning to drive and applying for your licence are fairly straightforward processes, and we’re here to help by setting them out for you in a simple and easy-to-understand way to help you get on your way.

Provisional licences

The first step in the process is applying for a provisional licence. To do this, simply apply to the DVLA online, providing the following:

• A form of identification, if you don’t have a UK biometric passport
• Your home address(es) for the previous 3 years
• Your National Insurance number

It costs £34 to apply online and you should receive your provisional licence within a week or so. You can also apply by post if you prefer. For this, the cost is £43, and you will need to enclose an original identity document (if you don’t have a UK biometric passport) and a colour photograph, together with payment by cheque or postal order. Your licence will take up to 3 weeks to arrive.

When can you apply?

You can apply for your provisional licence when you are aged 15 years old and 9 months. However, you can’t start driving a car until the age of 17, although you can drive a moped once you are 16 years of age. The exception to this is if you are getting the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance, in which case you can drive a car from the age of 16.

Can you drive with a provisional licence?

In short, yes. But there are rules that you must stick to and restrictions that you must adhere to. They include the following:

• You must be accompanied by someone who holds a full driving licence and is over the age of 21. They must also have held their licence for a minimum of 3 years. This could be a driving instructor, parent or other eligible person.
• The person accompanying you must be in the front passenger seat.
• They must also be fit to drive. This means that they must be within the legal limits when it comes to alcohol consumption.
• If you are in England you must display L plates on the front and rear of your vehicle. If you are in Wales, you must use D plates.
• You cannot drive on the motorway unless you are under the supervision of an approved driving instructor and the vehicle must be fitted with dual controls.
• In cars you can carry passengers – as long as your supervising adult fits the criteria above of being over 21, fit to drive and has held their licence for more than 3 years.
• You are not allowed to have passengers on a moped on a provisional licence.

As soon as you pass your driving test these restrictions will no longer apply, even before you receive your full licence in the post.

For more details or for an approved instructor to get you from provisional to full driving licence get in touch with us at Lanes School of Driving. Give us a call on 020 8166 5678 when you are ready, and we’ll get you on the road!

Have you ever wondered why speed limits are set at the levels they are at and why different limits apply to different types of roads? Why there are differences between single and dual carriageways, urban and rural roads, and why temporary limits are sometimes introduced? More recently, we have been seeing the introduction of lower speed limits in urban areas and city centres which some drivers welcome, while others find frustrating. We take a closer look at speed limits this month – what they are, how they are set, and the rationale behind them.

What are the speed limits?

As a refresher, the national speed limits for cars and motorcycles are as follows:

• Built-up areas: 30 mph
• Single carriageways: 60 mph
• Dual carriageways: 70 mph
• Motorways: 70 mph

There are exceptions where speed limits are different locally. The most frequently occurring ones are reduced limits in cities to 20 mph and single carriageways to 50 mph.

What is considered when setting a speed limit?

There are a wide variety of factors that are taken into account when the highways authorities and local councils set speed limits. Highways authorities, such as Highways England, are responsible for trunk and strategic roads (for example, motorways and A-class roads), while local authorities have responsibility for local roads, such as B-class roads.

When setting a speed limit, or altering it from an existing limit, they will consider the following:

• History of collisions. They will look at the types of collisions that have occurred in the past, their severity, frequency, and causes.
• The geometry of the road and its engineering design. For example, this will include consideration of the number of bends, the sightline ahead, the number and types of junctions, and the presence of safety barriers.
• Road function. In other words, whether it is a strategic or local road, and whether there is a lot of through traffic.
• Composition of road users. They will take into account the types of road users – i.e. vehicles, motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians, etc. Also accounted for is the existing and potential vulnerability of users, such as pedestrians and cyclists.
• Existing traffic speeds, either on a specific road or in the vicinity of a new road.
• Road environment. This includes both the level and type of road-side development – e.g. shops and residences – as well as the potential impact on residents through noise, air quality, or severance effects.
• Street lighting. Applicable to more urban, residential areas the presence of street lighting allows for the speed limit to be set at 30 mph. However, where there are high numbers of pedestrians or cyclists, local authorities can reduce this to 20 mph even when there are streetlamps placed no more than 200 yards apart (the minimum set out in the government’s guidance).

Keep in mind

It is important to remember that speed limits are not goals to be reached, but a top limit of how fast you should be driving on that particular road. The limit should be well signposted, and you should also keep a look out for any changes to the speed limit, for example near schools where it may be reduced for a section of road. It’s also important to remember that going too slowly can also be dangerous – if the limit is 60 mph you could be driving dangerously if you are going at speeds of 30 mph.

Want to know more about speed limits or looking for a driving instructor? This is what we are here for at Lanes School of Driving. We have been helping people stay safe on the road for over 100 years. Let us help you too! Get in touch with us on 020 8166 5678.

Next month marks the one-year anniversary of the start of learner drivers having the opportunity to drive on a motorway. It’s a topic we have covered extensively as it is an important one for people learning to drive who depend on motorways in order to get around. For a reminder of the differences in driving between motorways and other roads have a read of our previous article on the subject.

With the anniversary of this change coming up we turn our focus on to how it works and what you, as a learner driver, should be aware of before taking this next step in your driving. Here are our top 5 things to know.

It’s voluntary

No one is going to make you drive on the motorway if you don’t want to or don’t feel ready. It is a voluntary thing, primarily because not everybody lives near a motorway so it would be impractical to enforce. However, for those who do it is an excellent opportunity to get some experience of these very different driving conditions, particularly if you are likely to be driving on one soon after passing your test. Your instructor will know when you are ready, and it will be your decision to make. If you want our advice though, if you are ready and know you will need to drive on motorways, grab the opportunity with both hands. You will be under expert supervision and will be in a car with dual controls – there is no safer environment in which to do this.

Changes to the Highway Code

The introduction of motorway driving has meant changes to the Highway Code to reflect them, so you need to be aware of those. The updated Rule 253 came into effect on the 4^th June 2018.

L plates

Your instructor may normally have a roof-top box on the car that you are driving when taking lessons. When it comes to taking learner drivers on to the motorway they can choose to remove this. However, they will need to retain the L plates on the front and back of the vehicle, if it is removed, to show other motorists that the driver is still under instruction.

You can only drive with an approved instructor

Unlike other roads, when it comes to driving on the motorway you can only do so with a DVSA-approved instructor; you cannot do so with friends and family. Your instructor will have a green badge displayed on the vehicle’s windscreen to show they are DVSA approved.

Taking Pass Plus lessons

Whether you choose not to drive on the motorway before you pass your test, or you feel you need more practice, there is always the option of a Pass Plus course once you have your licence. Pass Plus courses offer the opportunity to practise in those areas where you feel less confident or would like more experience in before going it alone. They also have the added benefit of reducing your first insurance premium with certain insurers.

If you are looking to take your first lesson, want a refresher course or a more practice with something talk to our team at Lanes School of Driving. We have been helping drivers stay safe on the road for over 100 years and we would love to help you too. Just give us a call on 020 8166 5678 with any questions or to book your first lesson.

Fraudsters operate in every way you can imagine. The unfortunate truth is that they succeed in scamming people out of their hard-earned money and are constantly coming up with new and ingenious methods of getting around the walls put up by authorities to try to stop them. Our article this month focuses on how they target motorists and what you can do to stay safe.

According to the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) there were over 1,200 reports of online tax scams during a three-month period in 2018. When the time comes to pay your vehicle registration tax, there is only one safe way to do it if you are going online – through the GOV.UK website. This way you know that you are dealing with the genuine DVLA and not some fraudster trying to get money off you. The latest scams that the DVLA has become aware of include the following:

Emails

Fraudsters will send an email claiming to be the DVLA and sending you a link to make a payment.

Websites

Fake or third-party websites can look very authentic and even if they are intermediaries, they will charge you more than you would be paying on GOV.UK to apply for a driver’s licence or to tax your car.

Texts

Texts have been circulating to say that you are entitled to a refund, together with a link. Clicking on that link will take you to a page asking for your credit or debit card details in order to release the refund.

Premium rate phone numbers

Some websites claim to connect you to the DVLA call centre, but they use a premium number which could end up costing you a lot of money.

How to stay safe

There are a few things you can do to ensure you stay safe and don’t fall victim to fraudsters:

• Only ever use the official DVLA website for anything related to driving and vehicles. If you are unsure go through the GOV.UK website and navigate to the DLVA’s pages.
• Never click on any links whether you receive them through an email or text message. Report the text or email and then delete it to avoid any accidental clicks later on.
• If you are calling the DVLA look out for the 0300 number which will only ever cost as much as a local call. Anything else is likely to be a premium number through a third party and therefore excessively expensive.
• Be wary of what you share online. Social media is a way of life nowadays and fraudsters will take full advantage wherever they can. Sharing information such as vehicle details or images of vehicle documents or even your driver’s licence could result in identity theft.
• Report any suspicious emails, texts or messages to the Police via Action Fraud to help shut fraudsters down.

For any driving related queries, for information on a driving course or to book a new driver or refresher course get in touch with us at Lanes School of Driving. With over 100 years of experience we make sure you are safe on the road at all times. Get in touch by phone on 020 8166 5678 for an informal chat or to book your first lesson.

Brexit is on everyone’s lips at the moment and it seems that there are some big issues still to iron out ahead of the big exit date. It’s easy to forget the smaller things though, especially if they do not require immediate attention – such as driving in the EU. Most of us only worry about that come the holidays – typically around the summer – when many of us look to travel to the continent for a few days with the family.

Brexit may not change how we holiday in mainland Europe, but it could change what we have to do in terms of being able to legally drive there – particularly if we exit without a deal. While we’re looking at this issue this month we thought we would also do a quick roundup of the rules for UK and EU licence holders. Here is a summary of everything you need to know.

Driving in the EU

Assuming there is no deal, then you may need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before leaving the UK if you plan to drive in the EU. This is something that you would need to do for countries outside of the EU and the process is the same. There are two types of IDP, covering different countries. The Post Office, which is issuing your IDP, can advise on which one you need. Keep in mind that you may need both if you are driving in more than one country.

The cost of an IDP is currently £5.50 for each and all you need is a passport-sized photograph (again, for each one so if you are applying for two you will need two photos).

Living in the EU

If you are planning to or already live in the EU after Brexit you may need to act now as well. If you are currently living in another EU country, then you may want to consider exchanging your UK licence before the 29^th March as there are no guarantees that you will be able to after that date. You can change it back to a UK licence if and when you move back at a later date.

EU licences in the UK

If you are a resident of another EU country and are planning to visit or live in the UK there is no need to do anything just yet. You can drive with your EU licence for as long as it is valid, even after the 29^th March, and you do not need an IDP to drive here. However, if you are planning to stay for more than three years then you will need to change your licence to a UK one.

The exceptions to this are if you hold an EU licence but passed your test in a country outside of the EU. If that is the case then check whether the exceptions attached to this apply to you. If your licence covers lorries and buses different rules will also apply, so it is worth checking if you intend to drive such vehicles.

For more advice on driving in the EU or for new driver or refresher courses talk to our team of instructors at Lanes School of Driving. With over 100 years of experience we are here to help new and returning drivers when they are ready. All you need to do is give us a call on 020 8166 5678 for a chat or to book your first lesson.

The recent story about a driver being stopped for watching YouTube on his mobile phone has reignited the debate about what is and isn’t allowed when driving. With technology constantly evolving and people spending more and more time in their vehicles, whether for work or on the way to the opposite side of the country on holiday, means that an increasing number of people are either unsure of the rules or choose to flout them. To help set things straight we turn our focus this month to what hands-free really means so that you know what you can and cannot do and how to stay safe while driving.

Sat-navs and mobile phones

For the avoidance of any doubt, it is illegal to hold a sat-nav or mobile phone while driving a car or motorcycle. This includes being stuck in traffic or waiting at traffic lights. It is, of course, possible to use either device, as long as the following are applied:

• Your devices are Bluetooth-enabled
• You have a windscreen mount, dashboard holder, or mat to secure the device
• Voice command is enabled where available
• Your sat-nav system is built into the vehicle

At no point should the device block your view of the road or traffic and you should have programmed your sat-nav before setting off. If you do need to make changes then you must pull over and park safely before doing so.

In control of the vehicle

The Highway Code’s rules 149 and 150 state that you must be in control of the vehicle at all times. This means that even with hands-free devices you must not be distracted – for example, by trying to read a map or using a hand-held microphone to make or receive a phone call. The same goes for using devices to assist you when driving, such as congestion warning systems or motorway assist systems. Similarly, multimedia devices could prove to be distracting and must be managed to minimise the chances of them interfering with your attention to controlling the vehicle.

Is there any occasion when a hand-held phone can be used?

Only when you need to make an emergency call to 999 or 112 and it is either not practical to stop or not safe to do so for any reason.

What are the penalties?

They have recently been updated so that if you are caught driving while using a hand-held phone you will receive a £200 fine and six penalty points on your licence. If you only passed your test in the last two years then you will lose your licence. If you do not have proper control of your vehicle or full view of the road and traffic ahead you risk getting three penalty points. Should you get taken to court, the potential fine escalates to a maximum of £1,000 or you could even be banned from driving.

Looking for a refresher driving course or want to learn how to drive? At Lanes School of Driving we have been helping drivers learn and stay safe on the road for over 100 years. Call us on 020 8166 5678 to book your first lesson or for an initial chat.

Winter brings with it uncertainties and dangers when it comes to driving, particularly if weather conditions are poor. While we often have plenty of notice from forecasters when winter storms, icy conditions, or snow are expected the reality is that it can take a turn suddenly and unexpectedly. Our cars can also let us down, leaving us stranded in the cold and dark – whether through a flat tyre or a mechanical problem. With winter in full swing, we take a look at what you should have in your car during the colder months to help keep you safe and warm should the worst happen and you find yourself in a broken-down vehicle in poor conditions.

Standard kit

We advise having the following in the boot of your car all year round no matter what the weather:

• A first-aid kit. Include some sterile wipes, plasters, gloves, and a resuscitation face protector.
• Jump start cables. Even if you don’t need them, you may be able to help someone who does.
• Food. Long-life products such as cereal bars are ideal. High-calorie foods for winter, such as chocolate, are also useful. They can all come in handy if you are stuck waiting for road-side assistance, particularly if you have hungry little ones in the car with you.
• Empty fuel can. You just never know when you run out – either because you were unable to find a petrol station in time or because your fuel gauge has let you down.
• Reflective warning triangles. Ideally, you should have two, one for the front and one for behind the vehicle. While they may not be required by law in the UK, they are in many European countries and it is good practice to have them in your car. Remember though, that they shouldn’t be used on motorways.
• A map. Your sat-nav may be out of range, your mobile phone battery may be out of juice… An old-fashioned map is perfect for helping you find your way again if you are lost.
• In-phone charger and spare battery. To help reduce the chances of running out of battery on your mobile when you need it most or to be able to keep the sat-nav working.
• Torch. It’s a good idea to have a wind-up torch so that you don’t have to worry about batteries, but if you don’t have one of those remember to pack some spare batteries as well. It could come in very handy if you have to change a flat tyre in the dark.
• High-visibility jacket. If you need to leave your vehicle in the dark, it is good to make yourself as visible as possible to other passing motorists to avoid potential accidents, particularly on darker country roads.

Winter kit

In addition to the standard kit, we recommend adding the following during winter time and when you are on a longer journey during the colder months:

• Ice scraper and de-icer. If you do end up stranded and your windscreen or rear window have frosted up you will need to clear them before setting off again – it is a legal requirement to keep them clear.
• A shovel. Useful for digging your way out of deep snow on smaller, untreated roads.
• Hot drinks. A flask with a hot drink can be a life-saver in cold conditions – it could be tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or soup, whatever will keep you warm.
• Blankets or warm clothes. If you break down, you won’t know how long you may have to wait for help and keeping the engine running and the heat on is not practical.

No one wants to break down or end up stranded but being prepared can make the experience a lot less unpleasant. If you have any questions around driving in challenging conditions, need a refresher course, or are looking to get your driver’s licence talk to our team at Lanes School of Driving. Just call us on 020 8166 5678 and we’ll have you feeling confident on the road in no time.