Passing your driving test in Milton Keynes.

Congratulations.

Well done to Lucy on passing her driving test today at the Bletchley driving test centre, Milton Keynes.  A great standard of driving resulted in her passing with only 4 minors.  Safe and happy driving in Milton Keynes.

www.drive-travis.co.uk  for driving lessons in the Milton Keynes area.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC94rkNhixyVA2N_UYTQyVeg for videos to help you improve your driving around Milton Keynes.

Easiest and hardest place to take the test.

Easiest and hardest places to pass your driving test 

Where you take your driving test can really affect your chances of passing.Photo: PA

It turns out there's a stark difference in your chances of passing your driving test, depending on where you take your test. 

It's been 80 years since the UK's very first driving test.

According to the latest figures from 2014, the pass rates vary greatly across the Midlands, with those living in rural areas finding it easier to pass than those living in urban areas. 

Buxton in Derbyshire is the easiest place to take your test according to the pass rates, with nearly two thirds of learners passing. 

While South Yardley in Birmingham was the hardest place to pass your test, with less than a third leaving with their certificate. 

The easiest place to pass in the Midlands was in rural Derbyshire, while the hardest place was in Birmingham. Credit: PA

Easiest places to pass in the East Midlands:

• Buxton 62% pass rate 
• Melton Mowbray 61% pass rate
• Hinckley 59% pass rate 

Hardest places to pass in the East Midlands:

• Leicester (Gipsy Lane) 39% pass rate
• Nottingham (Ashfield) 41% pass rate 
• Leicester (South Wigston) 41% pass rate 

Easiest places to pass in the West Midlands:

• Whitchurch 56% pass rate 
• Nuneaton 55% pass rate 
• Lichfield 54% pass rate 

Hardest places to pass in the West Midlands:

• Birmingham (South Yardley) 32% pass rate
• Wednesbury 35% pass rate 
• Birmingham (Kingstanding) 35% pass rate

Last updated Mon 1 Jun 2015

http://www.itv.com/news/central/2015-06-01/easiest-and-hardest-places-to-pass-your-driving-test/

Driving on a windy road

Tips for driving on windy roads

Hope you like this short video about driving in windy road conditions.  If you do, please like it.

Safe driving

Common mistakes from the driving test

Hope these tips help you to improve your driving.

www.drive-travis.co.uk

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC94rkNhixyVA2N_UYTQyVeg

Registration for new driving test to close

Practical driving test trial: Registration for ADIs to close

DVSA will close registration for approved driving instructors (ADIs) to the practical driving test trial on 31 January 2016

From 1 February 2016, ADIs will no longer be able to register to take part in the practical driving test trial. The trial is now approaching the number of driving instructors required. Please note that if you are an ADI that has registered for the trial, you can still recruit learner drivers.DVSA began trialling changes to the practical driving test in April 2015 to look at ways of better assessing the learners' ability to drive safely on their own. The trial is currently running at 32 driving test centres across the UK. Read further details about the trial on GOV.UK.

Bletchley driving test route

Driving test route
This driving test route is in Bletchley, Milton Keynes.

Passing your driving test in Milton Keynes

A great driving test pass.

Congratulations to Lydia on passing her driving test today at the Bletchley driving test centre.

To find out more about starting driving lessons in Milton keynes www.drive-travis.co.uk

Or if you want to view videos on learning to drive https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC94rkNhixyVA2N_UYTQyVeg

Safe driving

Driving on snow for the first time

I done this short video to help new drivers when driving on snow for the first time.  I hope it helps you to understand.
www.drive-travis.co.uk

Driving test route No10, Bletchley.

I was asked by one of my pupils to cover this driving test route in Milton Keynes.  As I always say to my pupils the driving test routes will test your ability to drive safely.
www.drive-travis.co.uk

Driving lessons in Milton Keynes

I passed my driving test.

Congratulations to Stephanie on passing her driving test in Milton Keynes.

www.drive-travis.co.uk

If you are looking for driving lessons in the Milton Keynes area then check out my website for all the latest news on how to drive, the new driving test, help with your theory test and preparation to take the practical driving test.  

You can also check out my Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC94rkNhixyVA2N_UYTQyVeg

to watch videos on how to drive.

Safe driving 

Great driving test pass in Milton Keynes

First pass of the New Year.

Congratulations to Amy on passing her driving test this week.

All the hard work has paid off.  You are just starting your driving journey now so remember to keep the standard of driving high and enjoy every minute of driving on your own.

Safe driving.

If you are looking to start driving lessons in Milton Keynes.  Then check out my website www.drive-travis.co.uk for all the information you need to get you driving.  From help with the theory test to booking and taking your practical driving test.  I give out free lots of tips on driving from help and advise on the theory test to mock driving test, refresher driving lessons to pass plus.

I also have a YouTube channel that is full of videos from starting to move off to tips to help you pass the driving test.  Check it out now https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC94rkNhixyVA2N_UYTQyVeg

Safe driving and best of luck with your driving lessons.

B & Q roundabout, Bletchley.

Denbigh roundabout in Bletchley.

I was on a lesson with a pupil working on the B & Q roundabout in Bletchley in Milton Keynes, so we recorded some of it to review later.  Hope it helps to understand the spiral effect on the  large Denbigh roundabout.  If it helps, please like it. www.drive-travis.co.uk

We were working on the lane changing and when to check your left and right shoulders before you change lanes.

Online ADI registration update

Online ADI registration: your DBS number will be needed

From Thursday 14 January 2016, you'll need to give your Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate number when you apply online to renew your ADI registration or start the qualification process.

This is because DVSA's online registration will no longer accept your application or renewal without this information. Make sure you have a valid certificate The certificate must be no more than 6 months old, provided by DVSA's contractor, GB Group, and be specifically for DVSA purposes. The online registration system won't accept a certificate that has been provided by another contractor or has been produced for another role. Don't leave it until the last minute You should apply for your DBS certificate in good time as some police forces may take up to 4 months to finish their checks. DVSA's registration team will continue to send out reminders 6 months before ADIs' registrations expire. To avoid any delay, please make sure that DVSA has your current postal address.

Automatic driving lessons in Milton Keynes

Automatic driving lessons in Milton Keynes.

You have been looking around for driving lessons in the Milton Keynes area.  You have tried driving lessons in a manual car, but it didn't work out.  Why not try driving lessons in an automatic car.  Here at MK Automatic Driving School http://www.mk-automatic.uk we understand that everyone is different and our driving lessons in Milton Keynes are tailored to suit your individual needs. All your driving lessons will be on a one to one basis and you will never be asked to share your driving lessons with anyone else.  The teaching methods that we use will bring the best out of you so that you can pass the driving test in Milton Keynes and give you the freedom that you want.

Your driving instructor has over 12 years experience at teaching learners to drive safely so that when you pass your driving test in Milton Keynes you will be a safe and confident driver. 

MK Automatic Driving School is the place for automatic driving lessons in the Milton Keynes area

07739801881

First Contact.

First Contact.

How do you convince the new pupil that you are the one? 

What is important to the learner?  They are expecting you(the driving instructor)to teach/coach them to be that good safe driving and pass the driving test, which is your goal too.  So how do you convince the pupil that quality driving lessons at your driving school if better than the one down the road.

Remember most of the time you could only get one chance to talk to the potential pupil which could be either by a phone call, text, e mail or Facebook.

• Do you tell them about your qualifications?  
• Do you tell them about all your customer reviews?  
• Do you offer a special deal to start with to tempt them? 
• Do you tell them about your excellent pass rate? 
• Do you sell yourself and your driving school?
• Does a lot depend on your area?
• Do you ask them to look at your website?

Even the recommendations from past pupils will ask you questions and your answer could convince them that you are the instructor for them or put them off.  In which case that is lost income.

Do you write down all your enquiries and look at how many are converted into new pupils. What is the percentage of enquires to conversion.  Is that improving or declining? 

Waiting times for driving tests.

Waiting times for driving test.

I was in my local driving test centre in Milton Keynes in December and took a picture of the waiting times in our area.

I find it strange that at that time it was saying 14 weeks yet my my pupils are trying to book a test there is nothing available, which suggests 18 weeks waiting time or above. When you look at post form other ADI's they are saying the same that it is 12 weeks and above in most cases.  

The Milton Keynes test centre is recruiting more examiners in an effort to bring the waiting times down to an acceptable level.  There are four examiners there at moment but should be eight so is not going to happen overnight.

www.drive-travis.co.uk

Pass Plus driving lessons in Milton Keynes

The course is a minimum 6 hours door to door.

Travis School of Motoring run Pass Plus lessons in the Milton Keynes and Buckingham area. The training scheme is designed by the Driving Standards Agency in order to help address the high accident risk of new drivers. The course is aimed at newly qualified drivers to provide them with extra skill and experience in situations that they may not have covered in depth whilst preparing for their driving test. Pass Plus is made up of six practical modules: driving in town driving in all weathers driving on rural roads driving at night driving on dual carriageways driving on motorways Anyone who holds a full UK licence is eligible to take part in the scheme. Pass Plus does not involve a formal test, but you are assessed by your Driving Instructor during the Training Sessions and you must successfully complete all the modules in the course to an ?achieved? or ?exceeded? standard. http://www.drive-travis.co.uk/pass-plus-lessons-in-mk

Driving test nerves

You have been learning to drive for anything from 5 months upwards.  Your driving lessons have been going to plan and now your driving instructor has said lets get the driving test booked.  

The only problem is you tend to get nervous when:

• Put under pressure
• With strangers
• Under exams situations 
• On a mock driving test

You will be glad to know that you are not alone.  Most people get nervous in any of the above situations so taking the driving test combines all of them resulting in everyone getting nervous on the driving test.  

Everyone will cope with the driving test nerves in different degrees from taking mock driving tests and getting used to the pressure to trying herbal remedies.  But what happens if none of these work and you have taken the driving test and the nerves has made you fail time and again.

Would you consider looking at other methods to help you cope with the pressure of the driving test.  

One such method is tapping.  The video below is a great introduction to tapping with a link to a website by Sean Grey.

 www.confidenceontap.com

http://www.drive-travis.co.uk/driving-test-nerves

Show me tell me questions for the practical driving test

Part of your driving test includes a Show me, Tell Me' section. This is when your examiner will ask you one 'Show me' and one 'Tell me' question about general maintenance and safety checks on your car at the start. 

If you get the questions wrong you will get minors on your test sheet before you have even started the driving test, so please study them and watch my videos.

Tell Me Questions

Q1.Tell me how you would check the brakes are working before starting a journey

A1.Brakes should be tested as you set off by applying gentle pressure at slow speed. Brakes should not feel spongy or slack and the vehicle should not pull to one side.

Q2.Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked

A2.In the manufacturerʼs guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, donʼt forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.

Q3.Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road

A3.No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3⁄4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

Q4.Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash

A4.Adjust the rigid part of the restraint so that it is close to the back of your head and level with your eyes or top of your ears

Q5.Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working? (no need to exit the vehicle)

A5.Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), get somebody to walk round vehicle.

Q6.Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system

A6.The ABS warning light would become illuminated on the instrument panel if there is a fault

Q7.Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil

A7.Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/ maximum markers.

Q8.Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid

A8.Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.

Q9.Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level

A9.Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

Q10.Open the bonnet, identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level

A10.Identify reservoir and explain how the washer fluid should be filled to a level between the min and max markers on the side of the reservoir or where there is no min/max marker to keep it topped up regularly.

Show Me Questions

Q11.Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey

A11.If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.

Q12.Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you keep control of the vehicle

A12.Apply footbrake firmly, Demonstrate by applying parking brake so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.

Q13.Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only)

A13.Check is carried out by pressing gently on the control (turn on ignition if necessary)

Q14.Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working

A14.Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators.

Q15.Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please donʼt start the engine)

A15.Switch ignition on, operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors etc, ask someone to help.

Q16.Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washers and wipers

A16.Operate windscreen washer control button and then activate the windscreen wipers (turn on ignition if necessary).

Q17.Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens

A17.Set all relevant controls including air vents at both sides to point towards the side windows, use the control switch to direct hot air onto the windscreen then operate the fan, press the heated rear screen switch to clear the rear window

Q18.Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it /them (no need to exit the vehicle)

A18.Operate the rear fog switch after switching on dipped headlights check switch is illuminated and explain that they should only be used when visibility is reduced to 100 metres or less

Q19.Show me how you would switch on your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car

A19.Move the stalk attached to the steering column forwards which will illuminate a blue warning light on the instrument panel

http://www.drive-travis.co.uk/show-me-tell-me-questions

Driving in windy conditions

Driving in windy weather

• Take extra care on the roads and plan your journey by checking the latest weather conditions. 
• Though high-sided vehicles are particularly affected by windy weather, strong winds can also blow other vehicles off course. This can happen on open stretches of road exposed to strong cross­winds, or when passing bridges, high-sided vehicles or gaps in trees.

Driving in heavy rain.

Driving in wet conditions can be hazardous and even drivers with local knowledge can be caught out during heavy downpours, as the most modern road surface is still susceptible to standing water.

Standing water creates a potential aquaplaning hazard as well as reducing visibility.

Take it easy through standing water and if the steering does become unresponsive due to the rain, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually.

Only attempt to drive through flood water if you know it's not too deep and maintain a steady, slow speed to avoid creating a bow wave. The air intake on many cars is low down at the front and just an egg cupful of water in the combustion chamber is enough to wreck an engine.

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/seasonal/floods-and-wet-weather.html

Independent driving on the driving test

The independent driving part of the practical driving test

The independent driving part of the practical driving test. Rather than giving you specific step-by-step instructions as you go, the examiner will give you a set of directions accompanied by a diagram and expect you to drive safely on your own. 

You may be asked to follow traffic signs or rely exclusively on the directions you are given before you set off. Remember; this isn't an exercise in navigation, the priority is to drive safely and well at all times - it doesn't matter if you go the wrong way.

www.drive-travis.co.uk