DRIVING instructors in Swindon are calling for a change in the law to make resitting your driving test compulsory for people over 70 years of age.

 Picture from Open Road website

Currently there is nothing which requires pensioners to sit their driving test again, even though some people won’t have sat a test in the first place since the exam was only introduced in 1935.

However, some driving instructors are now saying veteran drivers should be made to resit their test, since pensioners often lack awareness of the road rules and are slower to react behind the wheel.

Brendan Whitiskie, of B3 Motoring School, in Rodbourne, said: “Most pensioners do not understand what the road signs are.

“I find I have to explain things a lot slower to them before they grasp the idea.

“It is not that they are bad drivers but they are certainly not the best.

“They are very cautious about what they are doing and get confused really easily.”

Mr Whitiskie believes that everyone, irrespective of age, should have to retake their test every five years because road signs and driving rules are constantly changing.

He said people lose their quality of driving too easily once they pass.

Jeffrey Syed, of Safedrive Motoring School, agreed there was a need to make older people resit their test.

“It would be a great idea to make people over 70 sit another test,” he said.

“A lot of them do not know the rules and regulations. I do not doubt their experience on the road, but their reaction time is a lot slower and we need to assess if they are still capable of being on the road safely.

“There is a risk older people are too set in their ways and not able to adapt to how rules have changed.

However, one instructor believes a refresher course would be sufficient, rather than making older drivers sit a test again.

Richard Griffin, also of Safedrive, said: “So many things have changed since they learned to drive.

“The volume of traffic has increased massively and the roads are more complicated.”

“It is in everybody’s interest they sit a refresher course and get back up to speed. But making them take their test again is a step too far.”

At present, a driving licence must be renewed at the age of 70 and every three years from then on.

This does not involve re-sitting the driving test, but filling out a form.

There are currently three million licence holders in the UK over the age of 70. It is expected this will rise to 4.5 million by 2014.

But Margaret Hall, 73, of Wolsely Avenue, Park South, has been driving for 52 years.

She said there would be no need for her to resit her test.

“I’m more than capable of still being a good driver despite my age,” she said.

“My grandson took his theory test last week and I would probably fail that now.

“But nothing can beat experience on the road. I have plenty of that.

“If they want me to resit my test then fine, because I would pass it I think. I’m a safe driver and haven’t got those shaky hands just yet.”

Source: This is Wiltshire website

Comments please from driving instructors and driving schools who are BADDIA (Bedford and District Driving Instructors Association) members giving driving lessons, Pass Plus, a2om BTEC in Driving Science, advanced lessons, automatic lessons, disabled lessons, towing lessons, refresher courses, motorway lessons, fleet training, instructor training, in preparation for driving tests or driver improvement in the Bedford area

DRIVING INSTRUCTORS from Somerset have been learning more about road safety, as part of an innovative scheme run by Somerset County Council and Somerset Road Safety Partnership.

 Somerset driving instructors collect their awards at the ceremony at Somerset College on 24 July 2009. Picture from About My Area website

Workshops have been arranged across Somerset to bring local driving instructors up to date with a range of road safety topics, including accident investigation, road safety, business skills, educational methods, and awareness of drug and alcohol abuse.  

It is hoped that the instructors will now pass on the information to their students, particularly young drivers who account for a third of all casualties on Somerset’s roads.

The workshops finished with an awards ceremony at Somerset College on Friday 24 July 2009 and a talk by Dr Cris Burgess, of the School of Psychology from the University of Exeter.  

Cllr Anthony Trollope-Bellew, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member – Environment, said: “Somerset County Council continues to look for innovative ways to reduce casualties on Somerset’s roads. I would like to thank all the driving instructors who have taken part in this trial scheme and hope that these important safety messages will be passed on to Somerset’s next generation of drivers.”   

Trevor Wedge, Great Britain’s Chief Driving Examiner, from the Driving Standards Agency, said: ”DSA is very supportive of this scheme and appreciates the work of everyone involved in developing it, and the efforts taken by the driver trainers in completing it.”

Janet Francis, the South West Regional Manager of GoSkills said: “I am delighted that Somerset County Council is supporting Approved Driving Instructors to gain access to continuing professional development. In particular, that these forward thinking Driving Instructors‘ views will form part of a national consultation to drive forward continuing professional development to all Approved Driving Instructors“.

The courses were also supported by the Driving Standards Agency and GoSkills, the Sector Skills Council for passenger transport.

 

Dr Cris Burgess, of the School of Psychology from the University of Exeter, concluded the courses with a presentation on ‘Why do people drive in the way they do?’ held at Somerset College.

 

 

Source: Somerset County Council website

Comments please from driving instructors and driving schools who are BADDIA (Bedford and District Driving Instructors Association) members giving driving lessons, Pass Plus, a2om BTEC in Driving Science, advanced lessons, automatic lessons, disabled lessons, towing lessons, refresher courses, motorway lessons, fleet training, instructor training, in preparation for driving tests or driver improvement in the Bedford area

 

 

IN A CAR PARK, do you reverse into a parking space and drive out, or drive in and reverse out?.

 Picture from IAM website

The next time you are in a car park, have a look around and see how many people reverse into the space. You will probably find that most people actually drive in and reverse out. There is no doubt this may be safer/more convenient if the spaces are angled, when you have to load/unload items from the boot or if it would cause inconvenience to other road users.

On the other hand, reversing into the space provides you with several advantages. The first of these is that it is safer to reverse into somewhere you can see into (the parking space), rather than reverse out, into somewhere you can’t (the line of moving traffic). Many people find that it takes them a few minutes to settle into “driving mode” when they start their journey. Therefore it doesn’t make sense to undertake a potentially high risk manoeuvre such as reversing when you are not concentrating fully. It is also easier to control a car going forwards, rather than backwards when the car is first started and the automatic choke is activated. The reduction in wear and tear on you and the car is useful too – plus the fact you can pull away immediately while the engine is cold, rather than labour it doing a reversing manoeuvre.

From a security point of view, reversing close to an object such as a wall can make it more difficult for thieves to access your boot. If you need to exit a parking space quickly for personal security, driving out provides you with better acceleration and improved vision.

Over the next week why don’t you try reversing into a parking space? You may find it helpful if you have electric mirrors, to lower your left (nearside) mirror as this will provide you with a guide to your lateral position. Another option where all the spaces run in parallel rows is to line your car up with the space in front and reverse back in a straight line. This should automatically position you in the centre of the space.

Source: The IAM Newsletter and website

If you always find it hard reversing into a space, why not have a refresher lesson with a local approved driving instructor who is a BADDIA member?  You can find one on this website who will show you how to reverse with accuracy!  Just click on your nearest town for a list of members.

Comments please from driving instructors and driving schools who are BADDIA (Bedford and District Driving Instructors Association) members giving driving lessons, Pass Plus, a2om BTEC in Driving Science, advanced lessons, automatic lessons, disabled lessons, towing lessons, refresher courses, motorway lessons, fleet training, instructor training, in preparation for driving tests or driver improvement in the Bedford area

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACCIDENT sites along the M1 will soon be hidden by giant screens to prevent passing motorists becoming distracted.

 Pictures from Nothing To Do With Arbroath website

DRIVING for pleasure and/or for work is the highest risk activity that most people are exposed to.

  Logos from RoSPA

Better Driving Courses are run by many RoADAR Groups around the country to assist members of the public to gain a sound theoretical understanding of advanced or defensive driving skills which, if applied consistently, would enable them to be safer drivers and less likely to be involved in road accidents.

 

By running Better Driving Courses, Groups hope that at least some of those attending the courses will then be stimulated to join the Group and undertake practical training (which is provided free to Associate Members) in preparation for the RoADAR Advanced Driving Test.

 

The topics covered by the course will include:

Observation and anticipation                                 Overtaking safely

Driver attitude                                                       Coping with adverse conditions

Hazard identification                                             Motorway driving

The system of car control                                      Night driving

Vehicle balance & use of main controls                 Accidents and breakdown

Dealing with corners & bends                                Personal safety for women drivers

Correct positioning                                                Drive commentaries

Effective signalling                                                 Assessment drives

 

On the final Sunday morning before the end of the course there will be an opportunity to have an ‘assessment drive’, where a member of the Group accompanies you on a 20 – 30 minute drive in your own vehicle and offers you an assessment of your driving against advanced standards.  After your drive you will be given a demonstration drive by one of us over the same route.

 

The next course being run by the Bedford Group will take place on six consecutive Wednesday evenings, 8.00pm – 9.30pm, commencing on 9th September 2009 at facilities kindly made available by St. John Ambulance in Bedford.    The course fee is £25 payable in advance.

 

Enquiries to Stan Jones on 01234 782071.

Source: RoSPA Bedford website and Newsletter

Comments please from driving instructors and driving schools who are BADDIA (Bedford and District Driving Instructors Association) members giving driving lessons, Pass Plus, a2om BTEC in Driving Science, advanced lessons, automatic lessons, disabled lessons, towing lessons, refresher courses, motorway lessons, fleet training, instructor training, in preparation for driving tests or driver improvement in the Bedford area

 

 

 

HOW’S my driving? The system will let you know…

 Picture from Wikipedia

First UK Bus – the UK’s largest bus operator – is to install new technology to monitor how well its 9,000 buses are being driven.

The system, from telematics company GreenRoad, will assess drivers’ performance by analysing how well they perform manoeuvres such as cornering and braking.

Over 120 manoeuvres can be assessed by the system, using its onboard motion detector, GPS receiver and computer, with the logged driving patterns able to be accessed by managers at First’s offices.

Drivers are also expected to learn from the system, which provides them with instantaneous feedback on how well they are performing, using an LED display on the dashboard that flashes red, yellow or green.

The idea is that drivers will be motivated to keep the light green and in the process will learn to improve their driving skills.

As well as keeping an eye on drivers’ day to day performance, the system will be used as a teaching aid with up to 20,000 bus drivers set to be trained using the system under the five-year contract with GreenRoad.

Computers that monitor or even control our driving are growing in popularity, with the Ministry of Defence already installing the GreenRoad system in 120 vehicles and Transport for London trialling a technology that can stop a driver from breaking the speed limit.

First claims that drivers are enthusiastic about the project and has said it will reward the best drivers with money from a £2m pot.

The system will both improve passenger safety and help the company reduce its CO2 emissions by 132,000 tonnes over the next three years, according to the company, by travelling at a more constant speed and cutting breaking and accelerating.

First started to trial GreenRoad’s service in March this year on 1,000 buses and the company says it has already seen a significant decrease in the amount of CO2 emissions from its buses. The company’s remaining 8,000 buses will be fitted with the system over the course of the next year.

Source: Silicom.com

Comments please from driving instructors and driving schools who are BADDIA (Bedford and District Driving Instructors Association) members giving driving lessons, Pass Plus, a2om BTEC in Driving Science, advanced lessons, automatic lessons, disabled lessons, towing lessons, refresher courses, motorway lessons, fleet training, instructor training, in preparation for driving tests or driver improvement in the Bedford area

NEVER MIND map reading and confusing foreign roundabouts, keeping awake is often the most difficult challenge.

 Picture from IAM website

One method drivers are using to beat the fatigue is high energy, caffeine-based drinks. These drinks often pitched as the driver’s defence against weariness can in fact lead to what the American Food and Drink Administration have termed “caffeine intoxication.”

The National Safety Commission (NSC) in the US has issued an alert for those driving under caffeine intoxication, similar to warnings associated with drinking alcohol and driving. Excessive caffeine consumption can cause similar symptoms to alcohol intoxication including nervousness or excitement, disorientation, impaired judgement, muscle spasms and hallucinations. Pro- longed or excessive use of energy drinks can actually slow reactions as someone who is sleep deprived can suddenly hit a wall of tiredness, in some instances actually fall asleep at the wheel.

The IAM suggest that, while energy drinks are good as a quick fix, they’re no substitute for regular breaks. In order to beat fatigue on long drives this summer the IAM recommends:

• Combine the high energy drink with a twenty minute nap – you will be refreshed at the end and the caffine will work its way into your system.
• Consider stopping overnight on long-haul journeys
• Share the driving with someone else – don’t do it all yourself if you don’t have to
• Stop for a break every two hours, whether you feel the need or not
• Disengage cruise control

 Picture of Peter Rodger from IAM website

IAM Chief Examiner Peter Rodger said: “Having a high-caffeine drink is a one-off hit – you can’t repeat it as this type of drink does not produce the same effect in a couple of hours time. There is no substitute for proper rest before driving.”

Source: IAM website

Comments please from driving instructors and driving schools who are BADDIA (Bedford and District Driving Instructors Association) members giving driving lessons, Pass Plus, a2om BTEC in Driving Science, advanced lessons, automatic lessons, disabled lessons, towing lessons, refresher courses, motorway lessons, fleet training, instructor training, in preparation for driving tests or driver improvement in the Bedford area

A CAMPAIGN to cut the number of children killed and injured by cars on driveways has been launched.

 Picture from IAM website

The move by RoSPA follows claims that as many youngsters are victims of driveway accidents as die in collisions while actually travelling in cars.

Said RoSPA spokesman Lindsey Simkins: “There have been a number of tragedies across the country in which young children have been killed after being struck by a vehicle on their own or a neighbour’s driveway.

“This will enable us to understand how these types of incidents happen, and we will use the information to develop the best advice to help parents and carers keep young children safe.”

The organisation will be surveying parents and grandparents about the driveway dangers to children aged up to seven, while also looking at the issue of children being left alone in vehicles.

It was moved to act after being approached by the parents of 17-month-old Iain Goodwill, who was killed by a car on the driveway of his home near Inverness in Scotland.

Source: The IAM website 

Comments please from driving instructors and driving schools who are BADDIA (Bedford and District Driving Instructors Association) members giving driving lessons, Pass Plus, a2om BTEC in Driving Science, advanced lessons, automatic lessons, disabled lessons, towing lessons, refresher courses, motorway lessons, fleet training, instructor training, in preparation for driving tests or driver improvement in the Bedford area

AN EXPERIMENT, organised by Kia Motors UK, found that 50% of experienced drivers would probably pass the driving test if they were required to retake it.

 Picture from The Independent website

That’s scarcely better than the 42 per cent pass rate for new drivers in the actual test.

The tests in the Kia Motors Driving Test Challenge were undertaken by an approved driving instructor, Damien Burke, who assessed candidates over a standard forty minute test route according to the official Driving Standards Agency score sheet. Even worse than the headline failure rate was the proportion of experienced drivers who committed a so-called “major”, a more serious motoring mistake that would lead to automatic disqualification in the real test; about half of those who failed notched up one of those. The commonest problems involved poor observation. For example, drivers often failed to use their mirrors properly or look over their shoulders to check blind spots when performing manoeuvres such as pulling away from the kerb.

Other common infractions included hesitation at junctions, speeding, following the car in front too closely and failing to signal where appropriate. Male and female drivers lived up to their gender stereotypes; men were often over-confident and used excessive speed, while women generally drove more intelligently but tended to be marked down for hesitation. Burke also noticed that experienced drivers tended to get into bad habits that wouldn’t necessarily formally count against a candidate on the test but are nevertheless frowned upon, including poor anticipation, approaching junctions too quickly and coasting.

A final sobering thought; if that’s how some of these drivers conduct themselves under the watchful eye of an instructor while trying to pass a test – albeit a simulated one – how on earth do they drive when they’re not under that sort of scrutiny? Nobody was reported to have failed for using a hand-held mobile phone at the wheel during the test, for example, although that’s a common enough sight on British roads.

Source: Excerpts from The Independent website, by David Wilkins

Comments please from driving instructors and driving schools who are BADDIA (Bedford and District Driving Instructors Association) members giving driving lessons, Pass Plus, a2om BTEC in Driving Science, advanced lessons, automatic lessons, disabled lessons, towing lessons, refresher courses, motorway lessons, fleet training, instructor training, in preparation for driving tests or driver improvement in the Bedford area

A GENERATION of younger British drivers is incapable of driving on motorways due to a fear of multi-lane roads and a lack of skill, according to a new survey from the AA’s driving school.

 Picture from Autocar website

As many as one in five drivers who have passed their test in the past five years say they lack the skill necessary to tackle motorways. This finding comes as the AA’s driving instructors encounter an increasing number of people terrified of Britain’s motorway network.

Just 44 per cent of female drivers and those aged 18-24 said they were confident of driving on motorways. This leaves a majority of female and younger drivers who either avoid motorways altogether or don’t feel confident when they drive on them.

Research carried out by the AA last year suggested that, in their first year of driving, 40 per cent of women avoid motorways — a figure that falls to 28 per cent by the third year. By contrast, 65 per cent of drivers aged 55-64 and 70 per cent of male drivers said they were confident enough to drive on motorways.

Overall, one in seven motorists in the UK say they lack the skills for motorway driving — equivalent to five million drivers. Driving too slowly, failing to observe safe following distances and failing to merge safely when joining the motorway are the problems most commonly seen by AA instructors.

The survey results come as Autocar and the AA call for motorway driving to be included in the driving test. Currently, learner drivers are not allowed on motorways and are not tested on the practical skills needed for motorway driving.

“Drivers aged between 17 and 24 are involved in more than a quarter of motorway accidents involving death or injury, so it’s time the driving test played its part in tackling this issue,” said Autocar news editor Dan Stevens.

Source: Autocar website 29/07/09

This seems like a good opportunity for BADDIA driving instructors to market motorway lessons to young drivers and older drivers in the Bedford area.

Comments please from driving instructors and driving schools who are BADDIA (Bedford and District Driving Instructors Association) members giving driving lessons, Pass Plus, a2om BTEC in Driving Science, advanced lessons, automatic lessons, disabled lessons, towing lessons, refresher courses, motorway lessons, fleet training, instructor training, in preparation for driving tests or driver improvement in the Bedford area.