At Beep driving school we’ve been teaching independent driving from the first lesson, ensuring that our students can drive independently, following directions, following road signs and generally keeping safe on the roads. After all that’s what driving is all about. Once you have passed your test you need to be confident to go out on your own. If you aren’t then maybe you aren’t ready for your test!

Here’s a video from the DSA which explains in more detail what the new element of the test involves

Warning! Drunks on the road”, is the new road sign that Romanian motorists will be seeing. It comes “following an increase in traffic accidents involving drunks stumbling into the road”, reports Mirror.co.uk. They say there is a universal increase of drunk drivers, but the problem in Romania isn’t the people behind the wheel, it’s the people who stumble in front of them.

There are lots of distractions facing drivers on the road, but this latest addition for the Italian motorists may raise a few eyebrows!!!

…and lets hope this one doesn’t confuse too many of us in the U.K.

If you’d like a motorway lesson then why not give us a call today:  07791 628 840 or use the contact form on the Beep Driver Training Website

Young drivers have the odds stacked against them – research by a comparison website in November 2009 revealed they pay an average of £5,731 just to get on the road after the average cost of a car, driving lessons, insurance, a provisional licence, test fees and tax is taken into account.

So it is reassuring then, to know that there is one way for young drivers to save money on their car insurance while enhancing their driving – the DSA Pass Plus course.

What is the Pass Plus course?

The Pass Plus course is an established training course aimed at young drivers, designed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA). Though it can be taken at any time, it is primarily aimed at new drivers during the first year after passing a test.

The Pass Plus course consists of six modules with the aim of enhancing a new driver`s experience in unfamiliar environments. The modules are:

- Driving around town: Focusing on observation, eye contact, showing caution, keeping space around your car and consideration for vulnerable road users.

- All weather driving: Looks at driving in various conditions including rain, snow, fog and bright sunshine. It also looks at what causes skidding and how to prevent it.

- Driving in the countryside: Helps drivers prepare for dealing with farm entrances, slow moving vehicles and horse riders; as well as bends, hills and uneven roads.

- Driving at night: Teaches the importance of correctly using headlights, dealing with dazzle, hard-to-see road users and adjusting to the dark.

- Driving on dual carriageways: Includes joining and leaving a dual carriageway; lane discipline; the correct use of speed; judgement and planning ahead.

- Driving on motorways: Looks at journey planning; joining and leaving a motorway; safe speeds in different circumstances; dealing with motorway fatigue and more.

Where can you take the Pass Plus course and how much does it cost?

To take the Pass Plus course you need an approved driving instructor to train you and he or she must be registered with the DSA as a Pass Plus instructor.

Costs of the course vary depending on the individual instructor. Many local authorities support the Pass Plus scheme and offer financial support to those undertaking the course.

How does it help to save money on car insurance?

Many car insurance providers recognise that the Pass Plus scheme creates safer driving, which in turn reduces the risk of an accident occurring. As such, several offer discounts for those that complete the course in their first year of driving – the discount could be as high as 35 per cent, depending on the insurer you choose.

Though the discounts can be significant, don`t assume that the largest discount will necessarily equate to the cheapest deal. You should still use a comparison website to compare quotes and policy features to ensure you`re receiving value for money.

Don`t forget too that there are other ways to save including:

- Agreeing to a mileage cap;

- Increasing your vehicle`s security;

- Increasing your voluntary excess but keeping it an affordable level;

- Parking in a garage overnight;

- Paying premiums annually to avoid interest charges.

If you`re a new driver you may also wish to consider a learner drivers car insurance policy from a specialist provider which won`t tie you into a long term contract if you don`t plan to drive as soon as you pass your test.

In the Waiting Room:

The examiner will ask, “Would you like your instructor/accompanying driver to accompany you on the test and be there for the result and end of test feedback?”.

If the customer says “No”, the examiner will ask, “Would you like your instructor/accompanying driver to be there at the end of test for the feedback?”
“Thank you, will you lead the way to your car please.”

End of Test – pass / fail

The examiner will say, “Please switch off the engine and give me a moment to complete my paperwork.”

If the test was not accompanied and the instructor/accompanying driver comes over to the vehicle to listen to the conclusion of the test, the examiner will confirm with the customer that they want their instructor/accompanying driver present.

At Beep driving school stockport we will discuss this with each of the learners well before the day of the test so that each person can decide for themselves if they would like us to sit in on the test.

Please feel free to contact us if you would like to talk this through with us, why not use the contact box on www.beepdrivertraining.co.uk

Step 1: Declutter: Added weight and resistance means your car must work harder – get rid of empty roof racks and unnecessary junk, keep tyres inflated & turn off airconditioning. general rule of thumb is that aircon best (when really needed!) at higher speeds, open window at lower speeds.  A full tank of fuel weighs a lot, so unless you need it for a long journey then try keeping it topped up to half full if you don’t do a high mileage.

Step 2: Drive better: This is where the big savings are from, think of the accelerator as a ‘money pump’ so gentle acceleration (not lower speed), can cut cost by 30%  Why not book a refresher session to find out more about saving fuel with a few changes to driving style Use the contact form to find out more.  All our learners find out how best to do this and will learn to drive efficiently.

Step 3: Find petrol at the best local price using this tool just click to find your nearest cheapest prices. Shopping around locally can make big savings so long as it’s within an area that you already drive, the link included here will help you to search before you leave home!

Click on the this link to watch a DSA video.

Well done to Charlotte who passed her test in Macclesfield today (Feb ‘10)