Thursday 30 May 2013

Driving Instructor pass rates


Practical Driving Test Pass Rates

We all love statistical information and it would seem from the overwhelming number of times that we are  asked, there is one question that tops the charts from a pupils perspective “What are your instructors' pass rates?
This is a fantastic question, as it shows the pupil is trying to find out which Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) has the best success getting a pupil through their exams.
Sadly this question is impossible to substantiate, as the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) will not publish the data, therefore if a driving school tells you they have a 90% pass rate there is no way to ensure this data is correct. Plus do you really expect them to tell you the truth if their pass rate is low?
However all is not lost when trying to determine an Instructors mentoring ability as the DSA grades each qualified driving instructor, and this grade tells you more about the ADI’s skill sets than the pass rates if they were available.
Approved Driving Instructors and Their Grades.
When an individual decides to become a driving instructor they are required to pass several exams in order to meet the required standards set by the DSA for an Approved Driving Instructor.
The DSA uses a 6-point grading system in order to quantify the instructor’s current levels. Grade 1 – 3 will result in a fail and Grade 4 - 6 a Pass.
In order for a trainee instructor to qualify as an approved driving instructor they must obtain a grade 4 or above in both sections of their final exam.
Trainee Instructors (ungraded) are given permission by the DSA to teach students for a maximum of 6 months before they are required to pass their final part 3 examination.
In the UK today there are approximately 43,474 registered and fully qualified Driving instructors and these instructors have been graded as shown below.
Grade 6 = 2,745 ADI’s have obtained the highest grade possible.
Grade 5 = 15,869 ADI’s have obtained the second highest grade possible.
Grade 4 = 24,339 ADI’s have obtained the lowest grade needed to be an ADI.
DSA Reviews
Once an instructor qualifies the DSA will continue to review the instructor with regular reviews called “Check Tests”.  These are tests carried out by Senior Examiners employed by the DSA to determine if the instructor should be increased in grade or have his grade lowered. 
My ADI and Their Grade.
Now you are armed with the correct information, instead of asking, “What is your Pass rate?” your question should be split into 2 new questions.
1) How Long has the ADI been a Qualified Driving Instructor?
This should give you an instant idea of the experience the Driving Instructor has. The more years they have been teaching the better the ADI should know the DSA requirements. Also if the ADI has been qualified for 5 years you can be assured that the grade (asked in the next question) has been maintained as any instructor that fails the Check Test will lose there grade.
2) What Grade is the Driving Instructor?
Grade 6 being the very best and 4 being lowest grade a qualified instructor can have to remain on the Register of ADI's.

Buying your own car.


Buying a used car

What you need to think about

 
Buying a used car is a great way of cutting the cost of your motoring
Buying a used car is a great way of cutting the cost of your driving as most new cars lose around 40% of their value in the first year.
But there are risks so it's important to take your time rather than rush into any deal, and to buy as far as possible with your head rather than your heart.

Pitfalls when buying a used car

Clocking

Clocking is the illegal practice of winding back the odometer on a high–mileage car to increase its apparent value and asking price. Every 1,000 miles removed increases the value substantially.

Car cloning

Sometimes one car is given the identity of another by replacing the number plates with those from an almost identical vehicle - same make, model and colour.

'Cut–and–shut'

This is when the remains of two or more cars, which have usually been accident–damaged and written off by insurers, are welded together, then illegally given the identity of one of the wrecks.
The cosmetic work is often outstanding, and it's usually very difficult to spot a 'cut–and–shut' from the outside.
For absolute confidence, invest in a Car Data Check to unearth the car's history.

General advice

Wherever you choose to buy, here are some general tips on buying a used car.

Budget carefully

Get insurance quotes and check car tax rates before signing on the bottom line, and remember to factor in the cost of any work that might be needed too.
If you're going to borrow money to buy the car it's a good idea to get loan quotes before you go out to view any cars.  That way you'll know what you can afford and will be able to tell whether any finance a dealer offers you is good value or not.

Do your homework

Check price guides and compare similar cars in the classifieds so you know as much as you can about the value of different cars to avoid being overcharged.
Websites like www.honestjohn.co.uk  and model-specific forum sites can be a useful source of information on 'common' faults and 'what to look for' tips but bear in mind that the few who've had a poor experience are likely to be more outspoken than satisfied customers.

Don't view a car in the rain, in poor light or at night

You won't be able to check the condition of the car properly if it's wet – water hides scratches, dents and other problems. Make sure you can see the vehicle clearly and from all angles.

Ask about service history

Most cars require some work during the year so the owners of a car a few years old should have amassed quite a sheaf of garage bills for work or parts as well as previous MOT certificates, and records of regular servicing.
  • If there's no history then ask why
  • Does it look like there might be a persistent fault that still may not have been fixed?
  • Does the history tell a consistent story

V5C registration document

Insist on seeing the V5C vehicle registration document - this shows the registered keeper and not the legal owner.
Is the present keeper the person selling you the car?  If not, then why are they selling the car for someone else?
The V5C shows the details of previous keepers too. Why not contact them to find out more about when they owned the car, what work was done and how many miles they covered?
Previous keepers have no vested interest so you should be able to rely on their comments
  • Did they service it regularly?
  • Did they do much mileage in it?
  • Did they have any major servicing work done it?
  • Did they modify the vehicle in any way?

MOT

If the car is three years old or more make sure there's a continuous series of annual MOT 'certificates'.
If you know the vehicle's registration number and the document reference on the V5C you can check a vehicle's MOT status and history (back to 2005) online too.
You can also enquire by telephone.  Contact the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency's (VOSA's) MOT status line on 0870 330 0444.
Recorded mileage should increase steadily with age and be consistent with the service record. If it doesn't then you'll want to hear a good explanation as to why not.

Buyer beware

Be wary of anything that seems like a real bargain, or has a very low mileage for its age.  There are bargains to be had but in general, if a deal looks too good to be true then it most likely is.
If you know what you're doing then use our DIY inspection checklist to help make sure you look the car over thoroughly.
To help you avoid making a mistake when you buy a used car, get an AA Car Data Check and consider getting the car looked over by AA Vehicle Inspections.

Cam belt

As well as regular (usually annual) servicing there are major items like brake fluid, antifreeze or cam belt renewal that car manufacturers specify should be done at a certain age or mileage.
If a cam belt breaks the resulting damage is likely to run into several thousand pounds and often a new engine is the most economical option.
Some engines have a chain instead of a belt and these normally last the life of the vehicle but if your car does have a belt you must make sure it's replaced when due.
If a belt change was due but the service record doesn't show clearly that it was done then the belt will have to be renewed as soon as possible for peace of mind.

Handbook

Make sure the handbook is in the car as they can be expensive to replace if not.
Look to see how the security system works – and check that it does – and find out what keys were provided when the car was new. Modern car keys can cost £100+ to replace so if you need more than one key and there's only one available you'll need to bear that cost in mind.
Coloured 'master' keys provided by some manufacturers to programme new spare keys for the car are even more expensive to replace.
There's no legal requirement but cars are generally sold new with at least one spare key.  If there's not a spare now ask why not.

Test Drive

The test drive is your only opportunity to check the car's general mechanical condition and to find our for sure that it meets all your needs:
  • Is the driving position comfortable?
  • Can you reach/operate all the controls easily?
  • Do the child seats fit?
  • Does the golf bag or pushchair fit in the boot?

Look carefully

Misaligned panels or mismatched colours on doors, bonnet and tailgate can indicate that the car has been repaired after a shunt.  Traces of spray paint on door handles, window seals and mouldings can indicate repairs too.
If the engine bay looks like it has recently been power-washed clean the owner could be trying to remove evidence of fluid leaks.  A check under the bonnet after a lengthy test drive should reveal any problems.

Seats and carpets

Seats and carpets can always be cleaned, or even replaced, but stains on internal fabric head–linings are impossible to remove completely.
If seat covers have been fitted, check underneath them for signs of damage.  You can get seats replaced but this can be very expensive, particularly if they contain electric motors or airbags.

Locking wheel nuts

Adaptors for locking wheel nuts have a habit of going missing. If locking wheel nuts are fitted, check to make sure that the special adaptor required is included with the toolkit and that it fits the nuts.

Don't be pressured into buying

There are always other vehicles out there so if this one doesn't feel right in any way it's time to walk away.
Be wary of and don't be swayed by  'sob stories'  like change of job, break-up of relationship, moving aboard, new baby on the way and so on.  The bottom line is that you're buying a car to help yourself, not anyone else.

Before you hand over any money

  • Agree collection/delivery arrangements
  • Confirm exactly what's included in the price
  • Confirm any work that the seller has agreed to do
  • Make sure you get a receipt showing vehicle details, price, terms of sale and the seller's details.
 More car buying advice

Tuesday 28 May 2013

Hemel Hempstead Driving Tests.

DSA logo

Hemel Hempstead: driving test service

From Wednesday 12 June, car practical tests will be available from the Halfords site in Hemel Hempstead.
You can now book practical tests for this site - these will be conducted every Wednesday and Friday.
www.travis-drive.co.uk

Passed the driving test.

Congratulations to Geraint Bancroft on passing the driving test today and with only 4 minors.  Safe driving around Milton Keynes.
www.travis-drive.co.uk

Friday 24 May 2013

Driving test examiners strike.

DSA logo

Driving examiner strike: candidates urged to attend tests

Driving test candidates with tests on Friday 31 May should still come for their test despite the threat of strike action by examiners.
Driving examiners who are members of the Public and Commercial Service union are planning to take strike action on Friday 31 May 2013.
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is doing everything it can to make sure that tests go ahead as planned and urges all candidates to come for their test as usual.
You won’t have to contact DSA to rebook if you can’t take your test because of the strike action. You should hear from the agency with a new date within 5 to 10 working days.
Out-of-pocket expenses
You can claim out-of-pocket expenses if your test is cancelled, but you must have turned up for your test to do this. If you don’t turn up, you’ll have to rebook your own test and you won’t be able to claim expenses.
Find out how to claim out-of-pocket expenses.
Cancelling or changing your test
You’ll still be able to book, change or cancel practical driving tests online on GOV.UK.
Theory tests
Theory tests aren’t affected by the strike action and will be taking place as planned.

Driving Crossroads


A crossroads is usually the junction of a major and a minor road - traffic on the major road will pass through uninterrupted, while traffic on the minor road will have to stop and give way.
When approaching a crossroads always look well ahead to see if any traffic is waiting to pull out and remember, emerging traffic may misjudge your speed and pull out too early.
Crossroads can be accident blackspots. Serious collisions can occur when one vehicle pulls out in front of another that is travelling at high speed. About 100m before you reach the crossroads you should see a crossroads road sign, as soon as you do, you should start the MSM/PSL routine. Be aware, crossroads road signs can be hidden by trees and difficult to see, especially when driving at night.
Marked and Unmarked Crossroads
There are basically two types of crossroads, marked and unmarked. On an unmarked crossroads, which will have no road signs or road markings, neither road has priority. You need to be extra careful when negotiating an unmarked crossroad. Approach slowly and be prepared to give way to traffic moving along the other road.
Marked crossroads may have Stop or Give way signs, traffic lights and/or yellow box road markings.
Road Position When Turning
When turning left or going straight ahead, you should keep to the left, leaving the right lane clear for traffic turning right.
When turning right, you should keep to the right of the lane.
On your driving test, when dealing with a Crossroads the examiner will expect you to:
  • Use the MSM/PSL routine in good time
  • Comply with the correct rules for turning at, entering into and emerging from the junction
  • Position your car correctly and use the correct speed
  • Understand the rules of priority
  • Pull away safely, smoothly and under control.
Key Signs
Crossroads Road Sign
Crossroads Road Sign. The broader line indicates priority through the junction.

Stop Sign - stop and give way.
Give Way Road Markings
Give Way road markings seen at crossroads between the minor and major road.

Stop line at a Stop sign.

Warning of a Give way ahead.

Longer broken white lines in the centre of the road indicate a crossroads (or another hazard) ahead.

Saturday 18 May 2013

What to expect on the driving test day.


On the day of your test

Documents you must take for the Practical Driving Test.
You must bring the following documents with you for the driving test.
If you do not bring the right documents, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) may refuse to carry out the test and you may lose your fee.

For all types of tests
You must bring:
your theory test pass certificate (or confirmation) if you are not exempt
both parts of your photo card licence

For motorcycle tests
You must also bring your:
compulsory basic training certificate (CBT) to both modules
motorcycle module one test pass certificate to your module two test

For lorry and bus tests
You must also bring both your multiple choice and hazard perception pass letters or your overall theory test pass certificate letter.

If you have an old-style paper licence
You must take your signed driving licence and you must also bring one of these with you:
a valid passport
an identity card for European Economic Area and Swiss nationals who live in the UK

No other form of photographic identification will be accepted.

If you have lost your provisional driving licence

If you misplace your driving licence, you must apply for a replacement from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), which could take up to 15 days.
If this happens, you may have to rearrange your test.

Arrive at the Test Centre in good time.
Each examiner works to a tight schedule, with up to seven tests to conduct each day.
Lateness can mean that the test cannot be carried out and you will lose your fee.

On the time of your test, the Examiner will call your name and ask you to sign an Insurance declaration.
This gives the Examiner a chance to check your signature against your provisional driving licence. The Examiner will then ask you for your Photo identity. If you are excused from wearing a seat belt on medical grounds, you should show your exemption certificate.
You could be asked whether you suffer from any physical disability that has not been declared on your application form. This is done to get an information update, since the form may have been filled in some months earlier.

Since April 2010 driving examiners have asked you, if they would like your instructor (or another observer - preferably the person who taught you to drive) to sit in on your test and listen to the feedback at the end.
Find out about the benefits of taking someone with you on your driving test2passMore

When the formalities are over,
the Examiner will ask you to lead the way to your car, and identify it to the Examiner. On the way to the parking area the Examiner should introduce himself and ask you what name he should refer you as - Joe, Fred, Di, Babs that sort of thing.
Is this You!At the Parking area and the Examiner knows that he is not asking you to read your own number plate the Examiner will select a vehicle at random and ask you to read the number plate out to him. Get the number plate reading wrong twice, and the Examiner will measure out the statutory distance (20.5 metres or 67 feet, If a new style number plate is read the distance is 20 metres or 66 feet) using an official tape. Get the reading wrong now and you fail the whole test. You can, wear glasses when taking the eyesight test. If you do, then you must wear the same glasses throughout the rest of the test.

Since September 2003 you have to answer two questions about the vehicle checks you would carry out before driving. These include such things as tyres, brakes, coolants, lights. 2passClick here to see the list of questions you could be asked.
If you answer one or both of the questions incorrectly this counts as a single driving fault. More than a total of 15 driving faults and you fail.

The Examiner will walk around your car. He will take details of the make and model on his driving test report sheet. The Examiner will also check to see if the vehicle is roadworthy. He will check for no broken lights, the windscreen wipers are in place, the tyres comply with the legal requirements. Make sure you don't have a dirty windscreen, and the 'L' plates are properly displayed. If the Examiner is happy he will join you in the car.
The Examiner will tell you that he wishes you to follow the road ahead unless traffic signs direct otherwise, or unless he asks you to turn. You will be expected to know and act on all traffic signs and signals, as well as signals given by other drivers. Failure to do so and the section Take prompt and appropriate action on all traffic signs/road markings/traffic lights/signals given by traffic controllers/other road users is marking against you
Then he will ask you to drive away when you are ready.
Take proper precautions before starting the engine this means, making sure that the handbrake is on and the gear lever or selector ( If driving an automatic) is in neutral - you are then off, for a busy 35 minutes. reduce speed

The Examiner will be marking your performance on his sheet. You have to avoid failure points if you are to pass your test. Throughout the test the Examiner will be looking for reasonably smooth use of the controls. So you are expected to Make proper use of /accelerator/clutch/gears/foot brake/handbrake/steering. cone

During the whole test the Examiner will be building up a picture of your ability and common sense as a driver. The Examiner will expect you to suit your speed to the road and traffic conditions. This is marked in the Make progress by/driving at a speed appropriate to the road and traffic conditions/avoiding undue hesitancy. You have to choose a proper speed for general driving and when coming to corners, bends, junction, roundabouts etc. This will be marked in the Exercise proper care in the use of speed section.
Mirrors and signals have to be used correctly. The faults recorded in this section come under the heading Make effective use of the mirrors well before signalling/changing direction/slowing down or stopping.
The Examiner will be checking that signals are given in good time and that the correct signals are given. If not they will be marked in the Give signals where necessary/correctly/in good time

The Examiner will also be watching to see how you deal with other road users. Show awareness and anticipation of the actions of pedestrians/cyclists/drivers. And you need to know how to Overtake/meet/cross the path of/other vehicles safely
At junctions the Examiner will be watching to see that you apply the M.S.M routine. You have to know how to deal with different junctions- Act properly at road junctions.Dealing with other road users means you must Allow adequate clearance to stationary vehicles
Every test route includes a pedestrian crossing, so you have to Take appropriate action at pedestrian crossing.

The Examiner will ask you to stop at various places during the driving test. Whenever you stop, you should do so in a safe place. The Examiner will not trap you by asking you to stop in a illegal place, but you have to Select a safe position for normal stops. It will be after one of these "stops" when the Examiner will ask you to do one of the many special exercises. In one in three tests you will be required to Stop the vehicle in emergency/promptly/under control/making proper use of brakes.The Examiner will explain to you that you have to stop the vehicle in an emergency. He will show you what he intends to do in order for you to stop quickly at his request. You need to stop the vehicle 'under control' Which means you should apply a constant firm pressure to the brake pedal, holding it just short of the point at which the wheels lock. Don't leave putting the clutch down too long, or you'll stall the engine. When stopped apply the handbrake, and put the gear lever into neutral. Move off again when told. Don't forget the M.S.M. routine.
More about 2passThe Emergency Stop

Since October 2010 You will only be asked to do ONE of the following 4 manoeuvres:-
 Reverse into a limited opening either to the right or left/under control/with due regard for other road users. How to do:- 2passThe Reverse around the corner
Turn round by means of forward and reverse gears/under control/with due regard for other road users. How to do:-2pass The Turn in the Road
Reverse park in reverse gear/under control/with due regard for other road users.How to do:- 2pass Reverse Parking
Reverse into a parking bay at the driving test car park. How to do:- 2pass Bay Parking

During the test you will be asked to do a new excersise called 2passIndependent driving.
This is tasking you to drive for about 10 minutes, either following a series of directions, following traffic signs, or a combination of both.
To help you be clear about where they’re going, the examiner can show you a diagram of the route they wish you to take.

Right that's all over its back to the test Centre.
The moment of truth. The Examiner faces you and tells you that the test is over . Then "I'm pleased to tell you that you have passed" or "I'm sorry you haven't passed". Either way, you will receive a certificate.
Is this You!The PASS certificate (DSA10) has to be signed and sent to the DVLA in Swansea, together with your provisional licence which is surrendered when a "Full" licence is issued. If the have an ADLI licence (issued after 1st March 2004), they just need to keep the certificate, and the examiner will keep both parts of your licence and it will be sent it off to the DVLA for you.

Less welcome is the alternative 'Statement of Failure' form, (DL25C)on which the Examiner will have marked with a '\' in the columns.
You will also be given another application form to apply for your next test!

Data Protection Act
At this point the Examiner will ask you if you would like an explanation of any faults that you have occurred.
If you say. "Yes". A debriefing will follow when the Examiner has asked you if you want your Instructor to hear the debriefing with you.

If you allow your Instructor to listen to a debriefing then it should be made clear to you, by the Examiner, that the information is privileged to you under the Data Protection Act and you have the right to exclude your Instructor from the privileged information passed from the Examiner to you. If you agree to your Instructor listening to the Examiners' debriefing you waive your protective rights under the Data Protection Act. The Examiner will make this clear to you.
Even if your Instructor accompanies you on your Driving Test you retain the right to exclude your Instructor from the debriefing that the Examiner gives at the end of your Test. In other words, you may ask your Instructor to leave the car before the debriefing begins.

If you decide to listen to the Examiner's debriefing without your Instructor present then you may run the risk of not fully understanding the Examiners wording.

Even if you haven't passed, you will have learnt a great deal. You can build on these skills in order to pass next time. Decide on what steps you can take to improve your technique and ask your instructor for advice.

There is no magic formula for passing your driving test - but here's some advice that will certainly be helpful.
Get a good night's sleep before the test.
Make sure you eat a good breakfast. Even though you may be nervous and have lost your appetite eating breakfast is very important. Research has shown that your brain needs food to concentrate, so give yourself some food for thought!
Dress comfortably - make yourself feel good.
Have confidence in your ability.
Arrive in plenty of time You should be present in the test centre at least ten minutes before the appointed time of your test. If you are late the test will be cancelled, and the fee will be forfeited.
Listen carefully to the examiner's instructions, act on them in good time, and ask for them to be repeated if necessary.
Give the examiner a beautifully smooooth drive, one that both of you can enjoy.
The examiner just wants to see what you would normally do - nothing that you do not already know.
If you make a decision that you think could be misjudged by the examiner, explain your reasons while you drive.
If you come across a new situation, hold back and assess it carefully before you decide to proceed - and be prepared to change your decision if necessary.
Show the examiner that you deserve to have those L plates removed.

If your question is not answered here, why not visit our 2pass2pass Learner Driver Forum.
Ask questions and perhaps another visitor may have the answer you are looking for. Posting new messages and replying to existing ones is simple and fun.


Practice the theory test.


Car Theory Test

  • To qualify for your car driving licence in the UK, you have to pass the Car Theory Test administered by the DSA. Thorough practice is necessary to complete the test successfully, so we are here to assist you with your preparation. You can set up your account with us in few simple steps and gain access to our meticulously designed modules, which will help you learn for the test easily. The learning materials will help you pass the Car Theory Test the very first time you appear for it. Until you pass your theory test, you will have access to your account.
    The car theory test comprises of two parts: multiple choice section and hazard perception section. The multiple choice section was introduced in the year 1996. Later in 2002, the hazard perception section was added to meet the demands of the traffic volume increase and the need for increased agility in driving safely.
    The subjects covered in the theory test aim to educate you and assist you with your practical training. The practical lessons will equip you for driving in the real world. The multiple choice questions would quiz you on the basics that every driver on the UK roads must be aware of the safety of self and the others. The hazard perception part deals with the most important part of driving – response time and action of a driver in predicting and on facing a hazard.
    There are 15 sections from which you would have to answer questions on your car theory test. Different number of questions from each section will be presented to you randomly for your test. To help you prepare effectively, we have categorised our practice test questions under each category. In your account, you will find 988 questions categorised as 15 sections. The 15 sections, which help you understand how to drive safely, are as follows,
    • Documents
    • Motorway Rules
    • Road Rules
    • Alertness
    • Attitude
    • Hazard Awareness
    • Accidents
    • Traffic and Road Signs
    • Emergencies, accidents and incidents
    • Vehicle handling
    • Safety Margins
    • Vehicle safety
    • Vehicle Types
    • Vehicle Loading
    • Safety Margins
    • Vulnerable Road Users
    • Case Studies
    The DSA car theory test will have 50 random questions, out of which you have to answer at least 43 correctly to pass the test. Our easy start and practice test modules will help you in preparing for and passing the car theory test successfully.

Hazard Perception Test Clips

Hazard Perception Test Clips
  • Test and Review your performance step by step from DSA Revision Video clips
  • Buy now to practice unlimited no. of hazard perception tests and theory questions of DSA with all latest applications

Highway Codes & Traffic Signs

Highway Codes & Traffic Signs
Learn from The DSA Highway code and practice before you take the test.

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