UK Driving School Podcast

In this short video I want to show you the most common mistakes that learners make while doing the simple turn in the road (3 point) exercise during the UK driving test. Personally I think candidates should not be failing on this manuever, as it is usually the first learnt, the simplest and you should have had a lot of practise by the time you see the DSA examiner. If you require high quality affordable driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032 Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you. Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.Please let me know your views by posting a comment on the blog at http://www.ukadi.co.uk

In this short video taken from a typical driving lesson, I illustrate one of the common mistakes learners make while turning right at a traffic light. As has been mentioned so many times before on this blog, junctions are the number one reason for candidates getting serious driver faults, and you need to always approach them slowly, look, assess the situation, make a decision and then act (LADA). This procedure takes some time, and you must not rush or copy other cars in front of you. Get a copy of the Highway Code and read it from cover to cover as this will help you know how to deal with any situation you might get on the driving test, do not be lazy, the extra work done between your lessons will make the difference, and guarantee success. If you require high quality affordable driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032 Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you. Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.Please let me know your views by posting a comment on the blog at http://www.ukadi.co.uk

Some learner drivers preparing for the UK driving test have some difficulties knowing when to use signals or indicators at roundabouts, so I made this video to help out and hopefully clarify any issues as to what the DSA examiner will be expecting you to do in order to pass. The key to mastering roundabouts is getting a lot of practice at various times of the day so you can deal with different traffic conditions and knowing how to make progress when it is safe. If you need more help with mini-roundabouts or major roundabouts, click on the appropriate articles for additional tips and advice. Remember you don't need to signal or indicate when exiting a mini-roundabout, as you usually don't have enough time to do it safely, so concentrate on steering the car and being in control. If you require high quality driving lessons to deal with these junctions from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032. I can help with practice on the ever popular Apex Corner, Sterling corner, Mill Hill Circus if these are a source of concern for your next driving test in Hendon, Mill Hill or Borehamwood centres. Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you. Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email service is provided and powered by feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can removed yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click. More Reading Independent driving on the test DSA driving test routesPlease let me know your views by posting a comment on the blog at http://www.ukadi.co.uk

Since the 4th of October 2010 when the DSA introduced independent driving on the test, candidates have only been required to carry out one driving test manuever, as before this date learners would be asked to do two excluding the emergency stop procedure. The change has reduced the chance of commiting a serious driver fault by 50% during a manuever. Having said that, many learner drivers are still failing the driving test during manuevers the only part of the test where the candidate has complete control of what the outcome might be! The reason why I consider manuevers to be the easiest part of the practical car test, is that you know before hand what the DSA examiner requires (you would have been taught the 4 exercises by your instructor), should have practiced each one many times before and dealt with any weaknesses On the day of the test, the examiner would ask you to park the car on the left handside of the road (never try to stop on the right!), tell you which exercise you are required to perform and then you would be told to continue when ready. Even if you are nervous, you should still be able to do this driving skill if you are truly READY for the test. Now that you are taking driving lessons, it is up to you to master the manuevers, no matter what you find difficult, your instructor SHOULD be able to find a way of simplifying it for you. If they can't, find another instructor! If you require high quality affordable driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032 Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you. Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.Please let me know your views by posting a comment on the blog at http://www.ukadi.co.uk

Very soon some UK driving tests will be conducted from selected Halfords shops around the country according to a recent annoucement by the DSA. The DSA has selected Halfords plc as a preferred partner, and is also exploring partnerships with the Fire and Rescue Service and several universities. In one location the agency also expects to sign an agreement with training company Mantra Learning Ltd. The scheme focuses on 21 locations, centred around 5 different areas across the country: GlasgowKetteringManchesterWatfordWorcestershireStarting from autumn Testing from partner premises in these locations is expected to start from the autumn. These arrangements apply to practical car tests. Other types of practical tests and theory test centres will not be affected. Partners will allow the use of their premises at no cost to the DSA. Tests will still be conducted by DSA examiners. ‘Best possible service’ Road Safety Minister, Mike Penning, said: “It is vital that public services are as open and accessible as possible. This initiative is a great example of how working with partners in the public and private sectors can help to ensure that we offer people the best possible service wherever they live. “Our aim is to provide all driving test candidates with a local service that is convenient as well as being cost effective.” David Wild, Halfords CEO, said: “We want to help motorists wherever we can, so we look forward to working in partnership with the DSA to provide a first class service for drivers taking their tests.” While this might mean the introduction of new driving test routes, the standard will be the same, so you still need to be fully prepared to have any chance of passing. First DSA Driving Test From Halfords Wellingborough Feb 2013. If you require high quality affordable driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032 Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you. Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.Please let me know your views by posting a comment on the blog at http://www.ukadi.co.uk

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is to start offering practical car driving tests from branches of the Halfords chain of stores starting with Wellingborough from Tuesday 5th Feburary 2013. The move which has been approved by the department of transport is aimed to make it possible of DSA examiners to test candiates much closer to where they live and reduce travelling distances for learner drivers. You will be able to book a driving test at these halford centres through the normal dsa website as they become available. If you require high quality affordable driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032 Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you. Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.Please let me know your views by posting a comment on the blog at http://www.ukadi.co.uk

As a provisional licence holder, would you know how to deal with a zebra crossing very close to a junction such as a roundabout or T-Junction? From experience as a driving instructor, these situations are not very common, however if you happen to take the test in an area you are not familiar with due to earlier availability dates, you need to know what to do. Remember pedestrians are road users, and as they are the most vulnerable, they have priority over cars following behind you. Forward planning is essential so you notice these hazards, and are able to slow down and stop if neccesary. You do not want to fail the driving test for a simple mistake just because you were more concerned about a car that has been following you for a while even tailgating and thus not giving way at the zebra crossing. If you require high quality affordable driving lessons in the NW London area from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message today Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you. Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.Please let me know your views by posting a comment on the blog at http://www.ukadi.co.uk

If you have narrowly missed passing your first driving test, then you like many other learner drivers will be thinking that I'm going to rebook my next test as soon as possible and take one lesson the day before the appointment and will ace it this time! I have seen many adopt this tactic, and it has backfired on them because it is the wrong approach to passing the driving test, especially here in London where there could be 8 weeks between the 2 test dates due to long waiting lists at DSA test centres. While you might have narrow missed passing with a serious fault and maybe only a few minor driver errors, what you need to realise is that your standard of driving will drop if you do not continue to practice all the things that you did so well on your first driving test attempt. You will start to forget those simple mirror checks, that blind spot before moving off, the smooth control you had while reversing round the corner. Taking just a lesson once a week, will keep your skills current, while allowing you to continue strengthen any weaknesses that you might have been working on. This is not about making more money out of you, it is about improving your chances of passing the driving test on your next attempt. Set a goal for each lesson, whether it be practising multi-lane roundabouts, gaining more confidence in the parallel parking exercise or gaining more experience driving on the 70mph A1 dual carriageway. You are paying for a service, so make sure your instructor is working with you to achieve your goals, do not allow him/her to bully you into doing what they prefer doing (avoiding dual carriageway to conserve fuel). If you take this advice not only will you improve on your first driving test attempt, you might surprise yourself passing without any driver errors! Do not assume you will get the same test route and remember failing at junctions is the top most serious dsa driving test fault. If you require high quality affordable driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032 More Reading Independent Driving Test Tips Video with DSA advice. Pass Plus Advanced Motorway Driving Lesson Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you. Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.Please let me know your views by posting a comment on the blog at http://www.ukadi.co.uk

If you have recently passed the driving test, you still need to drive safely and keep up the good habits transfered to you by your instructor. Many people because they have the freedom develop unsafe habits which one day could result in incidents they would not be proud of. The video clip below shows what goes on our roads today. Just because they were not involved in an accident this time does not make them safe drivers. Do not wait until you get points on your driving licence or you are banned and have to take an extended driving test. Make a habit of being a safe driver, no matter what. If you require high quality affordable driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032 Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you. Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.Please let me know your views by posting a comment on the blog at http://www.ukadi.co.uk

I want to use this website page to show you some of the simple driving test mistakes that many learner drivers fail the DSA practical car assessment on. Most of these driver errors are usually caused either by a quick lapse in concentration or by lack of knowledge of the rel="nofollow"Highway Code. Road Signs In this first example the error was ignoring or not noticing some road signs 3 of them (a common leaner bad habit). The driver was about to go through a red stop light, and I had to intervine. This footage was taken during a mock test. Road Positioning Here is the classic mistake of not taking notice of road markings painted on the tarmac surface. While the driver shown is this video is not a learner, the footage illustrates the point, and explains why an examiner might classify it as a serious fault on the DL25 report. Do not get into the habit of classifying any mistakes you make during driving lessons as minor, work on all weaknesses and put in the effort not to do them. It only takes ONE mistake to fail. Observations When Moving Off After Normal Stop This is one of the most simplest mistakes that you should really be avoiding. On the driving test you will be asked to stop at least 4 times on the left by the driving examiner, and then told to move off almost immediately. Many provisional licence holders make the common mistake of not checking the right blind spot before moving off, and think that because nothing was there, it is not a serious fault. On the driving test if you do not check the blind spot 3 times when moving off, you are very likely to get a serious fault even if there was no cars coming. More Reading First 5 minutes of drving test are very crucial. 10 good driving test tips to help pass first time. If you require high quality affordable driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032 Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you. Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.Please let me know your views by posting a comment on the blog at http://www.ukadi.co.uk

If you are a foreigner living (resident for 185 days or more) in the UK and hold an international driving licence, you need to know that you can only drive a car legally in the UK for a year on your home country's licence! Also note that just because you leave the country for a week 9 months after your first entry does not reset the one year clock, the 12 months starts from the day of your first entry, so make sure you are still legal if using an international driving licence. Remember your insurance is dependent on you having a valid driving licence. Once your 12 months is up, you will need to apply for a provisional driving licence, take both a theory and practical car driving/riding test before you will be allowed to drive unsuprvised in the UK again. My advice to any foriegn licence holder who wants to minimise the risk of not being able to driving in the UK alone, is to take driving lessons while your international licence is still valid, practice and get rid of any bad habits (which you do have), and take the DSA driving test before your 12 months is up, this will reduce any pressure and last minute panic trying to get a full UK driving licence. Many people do not understand that there are waiting lists of up to 14 weeks for test in some metropolitan places like London, Birmingham, Manchester as such you can not just get a licence in 2 weeks! If you require help in finding out what bad habits you might have or what the DSA examiners are looking for during the DSA UK driving test, then why not get in touch with me. I am a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, with many years experience helping foreign licence holders from various countries get the full UK licence. You can call or send me a text message on 07956233032 Did you know that Borehamwood driving test centre has one of the shortest waiting times for practical tests in London? Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page. Please let me know your views by posting a comment on the blog at http://www.ukadi.co.uk

If you have finally passed the driving test and the DSA examiner took both parts of your provisional driving licence, then it is perfectly legal to drive a vehicle in the UK with just your pass certificate, as long as the car is insured to be driven by you. It should normally take about 3 weeks for your full pink driving licence to arrive from the DVLA after you have passed, but if for any reason it has not, you should contact the DVLA office on 0300 7906801. If you do decide to drive a car, it is best if you have your DSA pass certificate with you in the vehicle at all times to avoid problems if you get stopped by an ANPR police car while out and about. Finally remember that you are on a 2 year probabtion period, so be safe on the road, and adhere to the highway code and traffic regulations, or you might find yourself having to take another practical driving test. If you require high quality affordable driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032 Why not subscribe to my YouTube UKADI driving Video channel for tips and advice on how to be a safe driver, and gain experience from the mistakes of others. You can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.Please let me know your views by posting a comment on the blog at http://www.ukadi.co.uk

Here in the UK being issued with a full driving licence that allows you to drive a vehicle unsupervised is a privilege that can only be earned after passing a rigorus practical assessment by strict DSA examiners. . Passing the driving test for many involves taking professional lessons which costs hundreds and for some thousands of pounds in addition to multiple failed attempts at getting a pass certificate. So having spent so much time, money and effort in getting a full UK driving licence I would expect people to value their driving licences, especially if it also happens to be their means of earning a living! Figures from the DVLA however paints a different picture, with each month having many licences revoked under the new driver's act for those who have held it for less than 2 years, while more experienced drivers are either banned by magistrates at court for various offences or getting more than 12 points on their driving licence. My driving school car broke down recently due to a manufacturer defect, so I was without a car for a day, during which time I had an appointment. Because there was no time constraint, I decided to go by Bus instead of taking a Mini Cab, and ended up arriving 1 hour 10 minutes after leaving home. If I had driven, it would have taken a maximum of 20 minutes (that includes delays due to traffic congestion)! This experience got me thinking, I would not be able to do without my driving licence, even if I wasn't a driving instructor. !function(d, s, id) { var js, pjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "http://player-services.video-loader.com/embed-code/index/find?placementVersionId=51214887133224853740009"; pjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, pjs); }(document, 'script', 'gv_script_51214887133224853740009'); Do you value your driving licence? Have you ever considered what your life would be like if you had to go back to provisional licence status, or worse not be able to drive because you have been banned by a magistrate and be ordered to take an extended driving test? As a new driver it is very easy to get 6 points for offences like not stopping at a red traffic light, or being caught driving 35mph in a 30 zone if you do not pay attention while on the road, other cases like being drunk at the wheel or driving without insurance do deserve you being banned as it is a delibrate breaking of the law, and just shows that you probably do not value the privilege that a driving licence gives you. Next time you get into a vehicle to drive, think about the consequeunces of not having a licence, and be a little more considerate to other roads users, drive carefully not being in a hurry (leave earlier if necessary) and don't break the road traffic act. If you require high quality affordable driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032 Thinking about becoming an instructor? My advice would be not to, if you are wondering why, then you can read the article and make up your own mind. It is not as easy as you think, and it is becoming harder to make a decent living especially with the current climate where money is hard to come by and many households are struggling to make ends meet. Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.Please let me know your views by posting a comment on the blog at http://www.ukadi.co.uk

The DSA has announced a new driving test centre will be opening in Micham South London on Monday 25th June 2012. The new car examining centre will replace the nearby DSA facility in South Norwood which will be closing on Sept 21 2012. The new driving test centre boosts modern facilities including customer toilets, on-site parking for candidates (so expect to carry out the bay parking exercise and a spacious waiting area. The address of the DSA Test Centre in Micham is: Redhouse Road Mitcham CR0 3AQ You will be able to book a driving test on the DSA website for any appointments starting from the 25th June. If you require high quality affordable driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032 Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you. Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or watch my UKADI Driving School Videos.Please let me know your views by posting a comment on the blog at http://www.ukadi.co.uk

On the driving test, a sign of being a safe drver is you being able to react to everything you see in front of the vehicle and dealing with it adequately. Passing the hazard perception theory test does not mean that the driving examiner will not assess this skill on the pratical car test, in fact they want you to demonstrate that you understand those video clips, so you need to transfer that knowledge into the car cockpit. The basic rule is if you spot a hazard, react and deal with it in a safe manner. What is a Hazard? As far as the DSA is concerned, a Hazard is anything that COULD POTENTIALLY cause you to change your current speed or direction. Examples are pedestrians, junctions, traffic lights, other cars approaching, narrow road, obstacles. How do you deal with a Hazard? IMMEDIATELY you spot a hazard, you should use the MSPSL Routine to deal with it. M: Check your MIRRORS (interior first, and exterior on the side you might need to move to, or exterior right if slowing down). S: Signals are not usually necessary when dealing with hazards, even if you are overtaking obstacles as the next step takes care of that (the execption to this is on Dual Carriageways where you SHOULD ALWAYS signal when moving out of your lane). P: Position your vehicle EARLY if you need to change direction. Learner drivers tend to get this wrong, ending up stopping too far to the left behind an obstacle, and then finding it hard to get past as cars behind overtake them. S: Adjust your speed to safely deal with the hazard ahead. Slowing down does not always mean braking, sometimes all you need to do is come off the gas, while in other cases it might be essential to almost come to a stop to go through a narrow gate. L: Look to make sure it is safe to proceed. If approaching a crossing remember people might run across, on unmarked junctions know who has priority, and be prepared to give way to others who might force their way or exibit other unsafe skills. The key to dealing with hazards and passing the driving test is to react early to every one of them. NEVER think it is too early, if you have spotted it, then so would the examiner who is a much more experienced driver, so they will know exactly why you are doing what you are doing. Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.Please let me know your views by posting a comment on the blog at http://www.ukadi.co.uk