Why are the signs and road markings so poor in Bedford? It is difficult for drivers who have been driving for years to deal with,so the learner driver has no chance.Bedford driving instructors are looking at dealing with the local council to improve this matter.

 “ Paul Burchell of Drive Smart based in Biggleswade and Bedford was horrified recently when he discovered that a client ofhis had paid £51 for her Theory test”.  Paul is calling for action from the DSA to stamp out these third party booking agencies.

The “Official” price for the theory test is £31 and £62 for the normal weekday practical test. This is the price charged by the Driving Standards Agency ( DSA), who administers the test. However, there are a lot of “Booking agency’s” springing up who will charge a booking fee on top of the real cost. In most cases this amounts to an additional £20 each for the theory and practical tests.

“This seems to be a growing industry. A casual search on the internet using the sort of phrases a person might use if considering booking a test, will be directed to a number of companies, who all look very professional, and will lead you through the entire booking procedure, without even mentioning the price until you actually Submit  the booking confirmation. By this time, the learner just accepts this as being the correct price and just pays up”

This sort of practice has been going on for quite a while, and is perfectly legitimate but be aware that by booking through an agency, you are paying well over the odds and getting nothing more than you would have got had you booked direct with the DSA.

“What has really upset me this week is that there is now a Bedfordshire based driving “School”! who are trying to cash in on the current bad weather situation. If, as is pretty well inevitable in snow, ice and fog, a driving test is cancelled, then the candidate will be given an alternative date by the DSA as soon as possible. However, demand is so high that this could be 6 to 8 weeks ahead. Naturally, the candidate would be upset about this.

 A “Driving School”, who also operate a booking service, have just contacted me saying that they can re-book a test on behalf of the candidate much sooner.  They claim, even next day on some occasions or typically within 21 days. So, my question is, “How can they do that”? Well, the answer is that they “Buy” a block of test spots from the DSA, (quite legally) and then re-sell them, at a profit, to somebody who is desperate enough to pay well over the odds for the test”.

“I suppose” Paul continues, “It’s similar to Ticket Touting outside a Take That concert!!

The fact is that if an instructor or the pupil is willing to spend a few minutes on the phone or the internet, an earlier date can usually be found at no extra cost”!!

So, be warned. The Theory test should cost you £31 and the standard Practical test £62. If you are paying more than that. Well,!!!!!!

Driving Instructors in Bedford suggest you watch this video from BBC on how to drive in ice and snow     http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12015993

With a new onslaught of freezing conditions predicted and roads becoming more treacherous, the usual advice is not to drive unless you really have to.

But what if your journey really is essential? The BBC’s Richard Westcott spoke to the AA’s Ben Graham to find out more about the safest way to drive on ice.

Published by BBC    17 December 2010 Last updated at 09:33

 BADDIA Member,  Keith Butcher offers Advanced Driving Courses in Bedford

 So what is advanced driving?

It is an intelligent planned system of driving which puts you in the right position, speed and gear in sufficient time to negotiate hazards safely and effectively. The acknowledged standard is Roadcraft tm that is taught in all Police Driving Schools and by both the IAM & RoSPA.  Advanced driving has been proven to significantly reduce the risk of motorists either causing or becoming involved in a road accident.

First of all some sobering facts:

• On average, over 80 people a day are killed or seriously injured in road accidents.
• Most of these accidents are caused by bad driving – not the vehicle or the road conditions.
• One in three accidents involve young men under the age of 20.
• Some 12% of drivers involved in injury accidents are aged between 17–25, yet only account for 7% of all licence holders.

Who can benefit from advanced driving?

Average drivers cover about 10,000 miles per year and have a one in seven chance of an accident during that time. Some groups of drivers are more at risk than others.

• Male drivers.
• Motorists who drive more than the average per year.
• Young and inexperienced drivers.

What are the benefits?

• Drivers who receive advanced driver coaching significantly improve their safer driving skills.
• Drivers who complete an advanced course are 70% less likely to become involved in an accident.
• Advanced drivers are less likely to incur penalty points for bad driving.
• Recognised advanced drivers enjoy lower motor insurance premiums with many insurance companies.
• Smoother driving uses less fuel and saves wear and tear on tyres and other mechanical components.

How can K-Class help?

The school specializes in providing advanced driver training to Police Roadcraft tm standards. The proprietor is an IAM Registered Senior Observer and Instructor who is qualified to give both theory and on road instruction for those wishing to prepare and take the IAM’s Advanced Driving Test. Alternatively the school can provide subject specific lessons for those wishing to improve their driving skills in key areas such as cornering and car control. To maintain his registration the proprietor is periodically re-examined by an IAM Staff Examiner who holds a National Police Advanced Driving Certificate.

 For more information and to book Advanced Driver Training please contact:  Keith Butcher on 0845 026 0192 or 07763 919505. 

 Email: naldera11-kclass@yahoo.co.uk

Three Shires Towing – BADDIA Bedford Driving School

Three Shires provide towing training for those who wish to tow trailers and find that their driving licence does not have that category (B+E).  For towing lessons in Bedfordshire and towing lessons in Northamptonshire, Three Shires provide proffessional instruction with highly qualified and experienced DSA approved driving instructors. 

Since 1997 the DVLA no longer issue licences with that category and ‘new’ drivers are restricted to a vehicle and trailer of a maximum of 3.5 tonnes.  This restricts driver as the weights are a combination of the maximum weight of the vehicle and the maximum weight of the trailer.  Towing an empty car trailer for example behind a Ford Mondeo would take them over the limit even though the actual weights would be less than three tonnes the car maximum weight would be 2.1 tonnes and the trailer probably has a maximum weight of 3.0 tonnes : total would be 5.1 tonnes maximum. 

We supply each candidate with a workbook containing all they need to know about the towing test.  The tests are carried out at vocational test centres such as Weedon and Peterborough.   The test lasts for about an hour and a half and comprises of five elements.

1,  Show me tell me questions aimed at loading and loading safety also some of the usual car care

2,  Manoeuvre, this is an ‘s’ shaped manoeuvre carried out off road, control and accuracy are paramount as you may not touch any of the cones or yellow border lines and must park with the back end of the trailer exactly within a one metre box

3,  Braking exercise, this is carried out on the off road site.  The candidate has to drive at 20 miles per hour and perform a controlled stop when they reach a certain pre determined point.

4,  Driving: around fifty to fifty five minutes on the road displaying good trailer craft such as more mirror work, watching the trailer as it cuts in on corners plus the independent drive too.

5,  Uncouple and couple exercise, at the end of the test the candidate is asked to uncouple the trailer and drive forwards then alongside the trailer.  They must then drive forwards and couple up the trailer as if the trailer had been left for them by another driver.  Routine is so important here as one slip up in the order they do things can result in a negative outcome!

On average candidates take about nine hours to master all of the above, remembering of course that they are qualified drivers.

Find us on http://www.threeshires.co.uk/and on the BADDIA site.

Three Shires Towing – BADDIA Bedford Driving School

Three Shires provide towing training for those who wish to tow trailers and find that their driving licence does not have that category (B+E).  For towing lessons in Bedfordshire and towing lessons in Northamptonshire, Three Shires provide proffessional instruction with highly qualified and experienced DSA approved driving instructors. 

Since 1997 the DVLA no longer issue licences with that category and ‘new’ drivers are restricted to a vehicle and trailer of a maximum of 3.5 tonnes.  This restricts driver as the weights are a combination of the maximum weight of the vehicle and the maximum weight of the trailer.  Towing an empty car trailer for example behind a Ford Mondeo would take them over the limit even though the actual weights would be less than three tonnes the car maximum weight would be 2.1 tonnes and the trailer probably has a maximum weight of 3.0 tonnes : total would be 5.1 tonnes maximum. 

We supply each candidate with a workbook containing all they need to know about the towing test.  The tests are carried out at vocational test centres such as Weedon and Peterborough.   The test lasts for about an hour and a half and comprises of five elements.

1,  Show me tell me questions aimed at loading and loading safety also some of the usual car care

2,  Manoeuvre, this is an ‘s’ shaped manoeuvre carried out off road, control and accuracy are paramount as you may not touch any of the cones or yellow border lines and must park with the back end of the trailer exactly within a one metre box

3,  Braking exercise, this is carried out on the off road site.  The candidate has to drive at 20 miles per hour and perform a controlled stop when they reach a certain pre determined point.

4,  Driving: around fifty to fifty five minutes on the road displaying good trailer craft such as more mirror work, watching the trailer as it cuts in on corners plus the independent drive too.

5,  Uncouple and couple exercise, at the end of the test the candidate is asked to uncouple the trailer and drive forwards then alongside the trailer.  They must then drive forwards and couple up the trailer as if the trailer had been left for them by another driver.  Routine is so important here as one slip up in the order they do things can result in a negative outcome!

On average candidates take about nine hours to master all of the above, remembering of course that they are qualified drivers.

Find us on http://www.threeshires.co.uk/and on the BADDIA site.

New A421 stretch is open for service

 Published by Bedford Times and Citizen Wed Dec 1st 2010

Bedford Driving Instructors and DSA warn driving test may be cancelled due to bad weather

Some driving tests may be affected by winter weather over the next few days.

The Met Office has forecast colder weather with snow showers becoming increasingly likely. Some parts of the country may have significant snowfall. 

Your driving test

If you’re due to take your practical test,  follow the advice given on your appointment email or letter. You should call your test centre only if there is snow or ice in your local area on the day of your test.

DSA do not conduct tests in bad light or bad weather conditions for the safety of the candidate and the examiner.  Another appointment will be arranged automatically at no further cost, but compensation is not payable.

A new appointment date is usually sent within three working days.  This may take longer when there’s a period of prolonged bad weather.

If you haven’t heard about a new appointment within seven working days, you can check the status of your booking online at direct.gov.uk/drivingtest.

If your test hasn’t been rebooked at that time, you should call our customer service centre.

Related links:

• practical test for cars explained: Directgov
• driving in adverse weather conditions: Highway Code
• winter driving advice: Highways Agency
  

BADDIA – Bedford Driving Instructors ask why people fail their driving tests

The driving test can be one of the most worrying things a person can do, because passing will have a life-changing effect.  The majority of people fail for the same sort of reasons, and fortunately they’re not impossible to overcome.

Lack of proper preparation

Some pupils are tempted to rush into the test, only to be knocked back by failing. The key to passing is to make sure you are well prepared and take enough lessons with a BADDIA professional instructor, backed up by practice with a relative or friend.

According to the Driving Standards Agency, those who pass their test have had, on average, about 45 hours of professional training plus 22 hours of private practice.  Research shows the importance of professional tuition: the L-test success rate for those who don’t use instructors is 15 per cent worse than the UK average. 

It’s also important to choose a good instructor.  Ask for recommendations from friends or relatives who have learned to drive, and when booking lessons, ask if your instructor will be fully qualified. Look out for a green badge in the windscreen of the driving school car.   A pink badge means the instructor has not passed an exam on their ability to instruct.  Look on the BADDIA website for Driving Schools in Bedford.

Nerves

Nerves are a big issue for many learners on test day.  Some resort to superstition to try and stay calm.  Some have been known to wear lucky pants, socks and T-shirts, or even bring calming aromatherapy oils and a lucky champagne cork.

The best advice for mastering your nerves is far more worldly than that.  Harking back to the previous point, preparation is everything – luck has very little to do with it.  Arrive at your test well prepared and confidence should follow.

Observation/use of mirrors

Observation is a key issue that needs to be mastered when pulling away, as well as at junctions, including roundabouts, emerging at a T-junction or crossing the path of oncoming cars.  Some candidates find themselves rushing or feel pressured by vehicles behind them.  This can mean they fail to make effective observations and exercise good judgement.

Ineffective observation, or not checking mirrors, is a sure route to a fail.  The examiner will check to see that you not only look at your mirrors at the appropriate times, but also that you react safely and act on the information the mirror provides.

Poor control of the car (including indicators)

Failing to turn off an indicator or confusing other drivers or pedestrians with misleading signals are often preludes to a fail, as is incorrect positioning on the road. This includes failure to use the correct lane at a roundabout or to obey road markings and stay in your lane on a dual carriageway.

Passing also means avoiding cutting corners or crossing the middle line when turning right.  Not surprisingly, safe and accurate steering is also a must. Steering too early or too late has taken many candidates on a nasty turn towards failure.

The other big issue is speed.  Some people think they’ll impress the examiner with their ‘safety’ by driving slowly – but if it’s too slow they’ll fail. And, of course, breaking the speed limit brings about the same result!

Manoeuvres

Reversing around a corner is one of the driving test manoeuvres most likely to trip up candidates.  Poor observation or accuracy, or a lack of good control, are the main problems.  Reverse parking is another bugbear for the ill-prepared.

Effective observation is again crucial to getting this right, while many candidates come unstuck in terms of accuracy and control of the vehicle, or by moving too fast. Hitting the curb is the usual result, and a test fail could follow.

So, to find a suitable Driving Instructor in Bedford, visit http://www.baddia.co.uk/index.php 

Taken from an article By Mark Nichol