20.12.04 - DVLA Starts Up Tax Credit Drive - Drivers could soon be able to pay for their road tax by credit card. A new DVLA consultation exercise is one of a number of measures to encourage people to get a windscreen disc. Further details can be seen at www.dvla.gov.uk

20.12.04 - The government have announced increased penalties for motorists caught using mobile phones whilst driving. The fine has been doubled to £60 and offenders will also have 3 penalty points endorsed on their licence. Remember too, the knock on effect of this on your insurance - insurers can add up to 20 per cent on premiums for one conviction, 30 per cent for two convictions, and up to 80 per cent for three convictions. The message is clear - use your phone while you're driving and you will be penalised heavily - for a new driver 2 offences could mean losing your licence!

12.12.04 - The DSA learning materials have been updated and are now available for purchase. For those of you who like to use a computer and CD rom to study there is a combined pack containing The Official Theory Test for Car Drivers, The official guide to Hazard Perception and the Learning to Driver CD. If you're thinking of buying a copy of Driving The Essential Skills - wait - there is a new edition due out early in Jan 2005. All of the above publications can be bought on line at www.dsa.gov.uk or by mail order tel: 0870 241 4523 although it is often possible to find them cheaper in supermarkets like ASDA in their CD and music sections.

10.12.04 - DSA have made a statement about how they are tackling the waiting time for driving test candidates when they apply for a test. Some of the measures they are introducing include employing extra examiners (170 this year with 100 more currently being trained), 7.30 am test times (if we wanted one of these slots I'd be collecting you about 6.15 am!), and Sunday morning tests.
One of the biggest problems with backlogs in test applications is the poor pass rate - about 43% nationally. Again the message is "be absolutely ready for your test before applying". No one can guarantee a pass on the driving test but you and your instructor should be confident that you have a good chance of success when you attend.

08.12.04 - Fees for the driving tests change today! The cost of a car driving test will now be £42 during normal hours and £51 for an out of hours test.
Add this to the cost of your instructors car for the test and a "warm up" lesson and this could total around £90.
My advice to all my pupils is don't rush - take your instuctors advice regarding when you'll be ready to go for your test - being unsuccessful means considerable expense and no real learning on the day (other than getting a better understanding of how the test is conducted). It's often better to be patient, spend your money on extra lessons and make sure you are really ready for the test before applying.
For more details on test fees go to www.dsa.gov.uk

05.10.04 - DSA have just released the figures for new drivers who have been disqualified under the ‘New Drivers Act’ for May to July this year. In May 1205 new drivers lost their licences. In June 1265 and in July 1443. This is just crazy. They pay for all those lessons and put so much work into passing the test, just to get 6 points and lose their licences. More info on the new drivers act coming soon, but the message really is crystal clear . . . don’t speed, don’t drive like an idiot and keep your licence.

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