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Throughout this website there are links to associated web pages - where available, simply 'click' on the picture to visit the related site or 'bookmark' within this site. Note that some of these sites might be unavailable at the time.

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News articles related to learning to drive are updated here regularily. ('Click'  more to read the full article).

• Theory Test Booking extortion - There are a at least a couple of web sites out there offering theory test booking facilities but charging a premium rate for the service - you could end up paying up to £20 extra.

  These are the official links:

  direct.gov.uk/booktheorytest

  direct.gov.uk/changetheorytest

  direct.gov.uk/bookpracticaltest

  direct.gov.uk/changepracticaltest
  

  Independent driving: the facts. Driving Standards Agency sent this bulletin on June 04, 2010 09:30 AM

  Independent driving will become part of the practical driving test in Great Britain in October 2010.
  It's tasking the candidate to drive for about 10 minutes, either following a series of directions, following traffic signs, or a combination of both.
  To help the candidate be clear about where they’re going, the examiner can show them a diagram too.
  It doesn't matter if candidates don't remember every direction, or if they go the wrong way - that can happen to the most experienced drivers.
  
  Newspaper reports
  The claim in some newspapers that independent driving would lead to a fall in the driving test pass rate is based on early research where conditions did not reflect the eventual design of the new element of the test.
  Subsequent trials with a larger number of participants and more closely reflecting the conditions in the planned new test showed no significant fall in the pass rate.
  
  Video shows independent driving
  DSA has published a short video on its YouTube channel explaining more about independent driving.
  Watch the video on YouTube.

   

• BBC News Wednesday, 14th. April 2010. Elderly motorists 'safer than younger drivers' ... more
  
  

• Horse & Hounds.co.uk Sunday, April 11th. 2010. New horsebox rules to affect learner drivers...  more
  
  

• Berrows Worcester Journal, Friday, 10th April 2009.  Roads clear as learners leave estate. LEARNER drivers are no longer clogging up the streets through a quiet Worcester housing estate. Driving instructors are now taking their students off the local test routes in Warndon Villages to practise..... more

• Driving Standards Agency (DSA). Wednesday 1st April 2009. Driving test fees [increase] effective from 30 March 2009 - Car Theory Test £31, Practical Car Driving Test £62 (£75 evenings & weekends).
  
  
• Worcester & District Driving Instructors' Association. Wednesday 25th March 2009. In response to the Worcester News article below, Rob Gillmor, Chairman wrote this full response....
  "My response is as honorary chairman of the local Instructors' Association, representing about 30 instructors using Worcester Test Centre. I meet regularly with the Test Centre manager and work with him to resolve any issues that arise. Approved Driving Instructors are highly trained and qualified - we are professional and responsible people, sensitive to the feelings of local residents and do spread our training around; for one thing our pupils need as much experience of different places and situations as possible. We avoid teaching manouvres on test routes but, as with any exam, it is helpful (and expected by pupils and their parents) to practice on test areas but we try not to over-do it.
   
  It is also worth mentioning that the closure of Malvern, Evesham and Bromsgrove test centres in recent years has increased "L" traffic in Worcester, and the possible forthcoming closure of Kidderminster will only add to it.
   
  We would ask the public to remember that they were learners themselves once and understand if a learner does not move off at a junction as quickly as you could. I can do no better than to quote the Highway Code (when did YOU last read it?) "Learner and inexperienced drivers. They may not be so skilful at anticipating and responding to events. Be particularly patient with learner drivers and young drivers." (rule 217).
   
  We do appreciate the respect and courtesy shown by the majority of other drivers, but suffer the odd example of aggressive driving. If so-called experienced drivers can't deal with a learner without "nearly" having an accident should they themselves be driving?
   
  I have contacted Councillor Buckley and Mr. Bishop and look forward to meeting them to discuss their concerns. After all, our main concern as instructors is safety on the road, for both the public and our pupils throughout their driving careers."
   
  Rob Gillmor ADI
  Hon. Chairman,
  Worcester & District Driving Instructors' Association

   

• Worcester News, Saturday 21st March 2009.  Warning over road clogging... The chairman of Worcester’s driving instructors’ association has warned the closure of test centres will increase learner traffic in the city. Rob Gillmor’s comments come in response to complaints ..... more

• Worcester News, Thursday 5th March 2009.  Too many learner drivers are using our roads, say residents... LEARNER drivers are clogging up the streets of a quiet Worcester housing estate. Quiet residential roads in Warndon Villages are not only on test routes but are also used by learners..... more

Glyn Williams Dip.DI DIAmond Advanced Instructor

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Last updated:  Sunday, 29 August 2010