Are smart motorways safe and as clever as they are supposed to be? If the answer is yes, then why do people keep getting killed on them? Over the last five years, 38 people have been killed in incidents that would probably not have occurred on a regular motorway. On […]
Hatched Road Markings – What Do They Mean?
Modern roads seem to have more and more markings, and they seem to be in an increasingly large range of colours. But what do the ‘hatched’ road markings mean? Hatched markings are an area of stripes painted across the road, usually painted in white. Their function is to separate streams […]
Taking Driving Lessons & Coronavirus
Taking driving lessons & coronavirus do not sit well together. For the second time the year the government has announced a national lockdown due to Covid-19; but this time the rules are different depending which part of the UK you live in. The DVSA has suspended driving tests in England […]
Driving Test Centre Waiting Rooms to Reopen
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, driving test centre waiting rooms have been closed to the public for some time. Test candidates and their instructors have had to wait in their cars or at the side of the building. With the onset of cold and wet weather, this has not been […]
Driving Test Pass Rates
A common question for people to ask when they are learning to drive is “What are the driving test pass rates?” Well here they are for 2020. You will notice that there is a lot of variation in pass rates among the test centres, but this does not mean that […]
Do I Have to Wear a Mask for My Driving Test?
Do I have to wear a mask for my driving test? Yes, the wearing of face coverings is compulsory. However, if there is a valid medical reason why you cannot wear one, you need to state the reason for this when you book your test. This may mean that you […]
Hazard Warning Lights & When to Use Them
All cars are fitted with hazard warning lights; you should use them as a warning to other road users. But when should you turn them on? Some drivers use them as an excuse for unsafe and inconsiderate parking. But pulling up on double yellow lines to make a phone call […]
When Can I Wait in a Yellow Box Junction?
‘When can I wait in a yellow box junction’ is a very common question from new drivers. There are some who think you cannot. The purpose of a yellow box junction is to keep an area clear. So the basic rule is not to enter it unless you have a […]
Choosing a Driving Instructor
Choosing a driving instructor is not a straightforward task. If you are going to pay a driving instructor to teach you to drive, then you should choose with care. Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs), need to pass qualifying exams and be registered with the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in […]
Double Declutching – a Forgotten Art
The art of double declutching mostly died out when synchromesh gearboxes were invented, so what place does it have in modern driving? Well, have you ever changed into a lower gear and felt that kick as the engine braking comes in? Double declutching helps to smooth out your gear changes […]