EXTRA, EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT...
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Increase In Driving Theory Test Questions
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From 3rd September 2007, the theory test questions are increasing for the car and motorcycle theory test. Currently 35, the number will increase to 50. The pass mark will be 43 and the time allowed to complete the test is 57 minutes. A new fee of £28.50 will also be introduced.
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Britain a nation of “car” junkies (BritanniaBlog 6th June 2008)
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As A Nation, we are just as car dependent to day as we were in the early 1990’s, according to a new research paper released by the RAC Foundation.
The study finds that those using public transport in the early 1990 are the only ones who have used it more since. People who have never used a bus have not been persuaded to give it a go. The number of people driving a car has risen steadily over this time and the number of frequent car drivers is also on the increase.
The Foundations Fact File on Car Dependence finds that over the period between 1993 and 2005.
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The percentage of the population with a valid driving licence has risen from 67 to 72 per cent.
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The total mileage driven has increased by 17 per cent across the country
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There has only been a slow down in car usage in London since 2002
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The number of women driving has risen rapidly from under 50 to over 60 per cent
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The number of men driving has risen more slowly (75 to 80 per cent)
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In London the proportion of frequent drivers has fluctuated around 80 per cent
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Car use peaks amongst the 35-44 age groups
Bus usage in the UK (outside London) has declined by 13 per cent over the past ten years and only 19 per cent of people frequently use a bus; a figure which has hardly changed over the years. An increasing number of people never use the bus-currently standing at 50 per cent.
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Britain’s roads no better than in Roman times (BritanniaBlog 2nd June 2008)
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Britain’s Road have seen little improvements since Roman times according to a new RAC Foundation paper, which warns the lack of investment in transport infrastructure could prove detrimental for all UK road users.
The report, entitled What Went Wrong? British Highway Development before the Motorways points out that it took the Government 100 years to take responsibility for main roads following the decline of the turnpike system in the mid-nineteenth century, and that Britain may face the same economic problems if the Government fails to implement a long-term management plan.
While the idea of road tools remains unpopular, the paper states that roads will not improve without funding and road users charging may be an invaluable way to ensure roads are maintained to the best quality.
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Passing the test at 25 leads to safer driving (BritanniaBlog 27th May 2008)
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The ideal age to pass your driving test is 25 according to new research from the insurance company Admiral.
Admiral studied information from more than a million drivers to find the best age to pass the test. The research found that those who pass at the age of 25 go on to have the fewest accidents and motoring convictions.
The study found the top 20 areas in the UK with the highest average age passing the driving test of 21.9 were in London, with motorist in Wimborne, Dorset, having the lowest pass age at 19.4 years.
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Mobile phone use on the increase (BritanniaBlog 28th May 2008)
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The number of drivers caught using a hand-held mobile phone has risen by almost a third, according to a report by the Ministry of Justice, despite a recent controversial government campaign warning drivers of the dangers. The figures show a dramatic increase in police taking action, having recently been granted greater powers to deal with offenders. Nearly 164,900 fixed penalty notices were issued to drivers caught using a hand-held mobile phone across England and Wales last year, resulting in a £60 fine and three points on their licence.
Head of road policing for the Association of Chief Police Officers, Chef Constable Steve Green, told BBC News he wanted the Government to push the message of road safety by better educating drivers.
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Lies, damned lies and Insurance claims (BritanniaBlog 27th April 2008)
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Motorinsurance.co.uk has compiled a list of the most bizarre claims received over the past year, including the following gems.
“The accident happened because I had one eye on the lorry in front, one eye on the pedestrian and the other on the car behind”
“I had a massive argument with my father, after which he deliberately drove into my parked car, and then drove off”
“I was coming to a slow stop on my drive, when the car suddenly bolted forward and crashed through my garage door”
“My car was stationary at the set of traffic lights, when a strong gust of wind pushed my car forward into the flow of traffic”
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Motorist ignore risk of eating while driving (BritanniaBlog 28th April 2008)
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One In Seven motorists who drive for a living eat a meal while at the wheel at least once a week according to a survey carried out by road charity Brake and Green Flag.
“Driving is the most dangerous activity that most of us do on a daily basis” said Cathy Keeler, Head of Campaigns for Brake. “No-one would dream of snaking on a sarnie or picking up the phone while using a chainsaw or doing any other safety-critical job-and we mustn’t when driving.”
Brake is also continuing its call on the Government for total ban on the use of hands free phone kits while driving
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Beetle Banned from Driving Test (BritanniaBlog 2nd April 2008)
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VW Beetle Convertibles have been banned for use on a driving test after a risk assessment conducted by Standards and Regulation and the TUS found the examiner’s view of the rear offside was severely restricted. The assessment also found that when the vehicle is turning left onto major roads, or when changing lanes, the examiner cannot see approaching traffic, posing a serious risk.
Have you got a VW Beetle Convertable? Please give us your opinion
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Road Tax Excuses ( BritanniaBlog 1st April 2008)
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Here are the top five most ridiculous excuses motorists have given the DVLA for not having any car tax in the past year:
- I gave the car to a man in the pub
- My mate took my car for a test drive a year ago, and hasn’t brought it back yet
- I did tick the box, but didn’t realise I had to actually send you the form
- The weather’s been nice so I haven’t needed to use it
- The letter advises me to ignore any correspondence
Do you know any lies, damned lies and tax excuses? Please let us know
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Coffin drives home “speed kills” message (BritanniaBlog 11th March 2008)
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A Driver has installed a mock-up of a child’s coffin in the back of his car to warn of the dangers of speeding.
The coffin, emblazoned with the words “Speed Kills” has caused controversy in the North Yorkshire market town of Richmond, where some people have branded it disgusting.
But its creator, John Dobinson, said he was only trying to make people realise the consequences of speeding. “Some say it’s disgusting, but personally, if it helps save just one accident, it definitely a good idea. I don’t get tailgating anymore-they soon slow down”
Richmond resident Dave Hodgson said: “There is something very emotive about a child’s coffin. People seem to drive more carefully in its presence.”
Please give us your view. |
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DSA losses ADI’s and pupils personal data (BritanniaBlog 10th March 2008)
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It was revealed that the loss of theory test candidates’ personal data by test providers Pearson Driving Assessments Ltd-affected not just learner drivers but driving instructors as well.
The DSA (Driving Standards Agency) has been unable to provide a figure for the number of ADI’s (Approved Driving Instructors) affected by the security breach but it is thought likely to be a large percentage of instructors on the Register.
According to the DSA, the lost records contained the following information: the name of the candidate their postal address, their telephone number; the test fee paid; their theory test centre; a code indicating how the test was paid for; and, where provided an email address.
DSA Chief Executive Rosemary Thew was forced to make a humiliating double apology to ADI’s and learners.
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Ban gas-guzzlers says ex oil chairman (Britannia Blog 8th March 2008)
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The EU should ban the sale of cars that do less than 35 miles to the gallon according to the ex-chairman of oil company Shell.
In comments that motoring associations have branded “breathtaking hypocrisy”, ex-oil boss Mark Moody-Stuart said the industry would have to adapt to cope with stricter environment rules, and everyone in society had a duty to play their part through choosing cleaner cars.
In response to his comments the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders immediately released a statement opposing the idea and pointing out that drivers of the most polluting cars already pay extra through road tax and petrol duty.
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Test fees to rise again
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The DSA is proposing a massive increase in driving test fees from 1st April 2008. In its consultation document Improved Services for Customers and General Fee Increase for 2008, the Driving Standards Agency proposes putting up the cost of the theory test for cars and motorcycles riders to £30, and the practical car test to £56.50: a rise of 1.50 and £8 respectively.
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Most experienced drivers fail the test
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THREE IN FOUR motorists would fail if they retook their driving test today, and 79 per cent of drivers think motoring standards are declining according to a new survey.
The survey carried out by What Car? Magazine, asked 20 drivers, with a total of 416 years experience on the road between them, to retake their driving test. ONLY FIVE PASSED.
One candidate failed the initial eye test and another went the wrong way down a one-way street.
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Examiners and ADI's join forces to save doomed Weybridge centre
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LOCAL EXAMINERS have joined forces with ADIs in a campaign to halt the possible closer of Weybridge Test Centre.
Campaign organiser, David Barrett, said: “We are worried that when the Weybridge test centre lease is up for renewal at the end of the year, the DSA will close the site and redirect pupils to the Chertsey test centre which at the moment has quite a lot of spare capacity.”
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Trainee Driving Instructor told to finish course in car park
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A MAN WHO spent £3,500 on a training course has been told he must finish his driving instructor tuition in a supermarket car park.
Dean Aston-Langley, 45, started a course with the INSTRUCTOR COLLEGE last year in the hope of becoming a full-time driving instructor. But his plans took a wrong turn when he received a letter to say the college at Manor Royal was closing down, and his future lessons would not be taking place on site. Instead, the trainee instructor will have to complete his training at rather unexpected location-Sainsbury’s car park, in West Green, Crawley
Mr Aston-Langley, from Broadfield, said the experience had put him off becoming an instructor.
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ITC Suspended From ORDIT
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THE ORDIT COMMITTEE have suspended the Instructor Training College for a period of three months from the ORDIT Register. The suspension is due to repeated advertising irregularities.
DIA Driving Magazine (July/August 2001)
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Cost of Driving Licence Goes Up
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The DVLA has announced that the driving licence fees will rise. From 1st May 2007, the fee for a first driving licence will increase by £7 to £45 and the fee for a first vehicle registration will increase by £38 to £350. The fee for replacing a paper licence with a photocard will be reduced by £9.
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Revised Highway Code
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A revised High Code is planned for publication in Summer 2007. Changes to cycling-related issues, vulnerable road users and stopping distances are anticipated.
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Hazard Perception Test Pass Mark Increase
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From 1st September 2003, the pass mark for the HPT for learners and motorcyclists is now 44 out of 75. The pass mark for learner lorry and bus drivers is 50 out of 75 and for trainee driving instructors, 57 out of 75.
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Driving Test Marking System To Get Even Toughter
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A major change, heavily publicised in recent months, was that 15 driver errors in the practical driving test would result in a fail.
Research suggests that this change in the marking system, brought in on 4th May 1999, will lead to an extra 10,000 failures a year.
Proposals to decrease the 15 threshold to 12 could add to an extra 40,000 failures.
The Government is looking at the research which has shown that candidates who commit minor errors in the test are more likely to have accidents after they have passed. The date for reducing the pass mark from 15 to 12 has yet to be announced.
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