Travis School of Motoring: The Driving Theory Test.

Travis School of Motoring: The Driving Theory Test.: The Theory Test The first part of the Theory Test consists of 50 multiple choice questions. Each question has 4 possible answers of which on...

Travis School of Motoring: Independent Driving on the Driving Test.

Travis School of Motoring: Independent Driving on the Driving Test.: The driving test consists of 10 minutes of Independent driving.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXd6npRMyFI The Video from the DSA shows yo...

Travis School of Motoring: Show Me / Tell Me Q & A for driving test

Travis School of Motoring: Show Me / Tell Me Q & A for driving test: Part of your test includes a Show me, Tell Me' section. This is when your examiner will ask you one 'S...

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 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.

More about clocking »

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.

More about car cloning »

'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?

More test drive advice »

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.

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/car-buyers-guide/cbg_usedtips.html

 More car buying advice

Hemel Hempstead Driving Tests.

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

Travis School of Motoring: Theory Test. How to work out the stopping distanc...

Travis School of Motoring: Theory Test. How to work out the stopping distanc...: Stopping distances theory test The UK theory test involves questions on stopping distances. An easy way for how to remember the overall ...

Travis School of Motoring: Theory Test. How to work out the stopping distanc...

Travis School of Motoring: Theory Test. How to work out the stopping distanc...: Stopping distances theory test The UK theory test involves questions on stopping distances. An easy way for how to remember the overall ...

Driving test examiners strike.

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. The broader line indicates priority through the junction.

Stop Sign - stop and give way.

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.

http://www.driving-test-success.com/crossroads/crossroadjunction.htm