A Driving Instructor in Biggleswade, Paul Burchell of Drive-Smart says he is “Delighted” at the success so far of his Downing Street e-petition to ban new driving instructors from taking to the road.

Currently more than 365 people across the country have backed the petition to draw a halt to the recruitment of new instructors and the total is growing daily.

As Paul says, “Of course the petition won’t please everyone, I never expected it to. The message that I am trying to get across here is simple. A learner driver is more likely to get good value and good quality instruction from a highly experienced,  and well qualified instructor than a PDI (trainee instructor) or a  novice instructor who is forced to offer lessons at £10 or £11 per hour (less than the minimum wage once running costs are taken into account).

Look, to make a comparison. Say you go into hospital for emergency surgery to save your life. Would you rather have a trainee or newly qualified doctor do it or a Consultant Surgeon? It’s your choice your life might depend upon it!

What I am concerned about is ensuring the safety of new drivers on the road and also protecting the livelihood of all current, well qualified and highly experienced instructors from the massive influx of inexperienced, newly qualified instructors who offer lessons at cut-throat rates to attract business.

For me it’s simple. “Good Driving Instruction Isn’t Cheap and Cheap Driving Instruction Isn’t Good” As the old saying goes, “If you pay Peanuts, you get Monkeys”.

To comment, please do on the BADDIA website. To sign the petition, follow this link..   http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/29335

Paul Burchell. Drive-Smart.

Bedford Driving Instructors will suffer due to high petrol prices

Campaigners against high petrol prices have taken their message to Downing Street ahead of a mass lobby of MPs later today.

FairFuelUK, representing car drivers and hauliers, presented a report to the Prime Minister calling for a cut in fuel duty this morning.

The campaigners will this afternoon gather in Westminster to protest to Parliament against sky-high fuel taxes and rising petrol pump prices.

The demonstration comes after average UK petrol prices hit a record high of 137.79p a litre.

Protestors hope that Chancellor George Osborne will stop a fuel duty increase which is planned for August in his Budget this month as well as cut the tax.

Quentin Willson of Fairfuel UK presents the report to Number 10

Presenting the document to Number 10, FairFuel UK spokesman Quentin Willson said: “The most powerful statement in the report I have just handed to the Prime Minister is that he can reduce fuel duty by 2.5p and not cost the Treasury anything because of the creation of jobs, the economic activity, the lack of welfare payment by putting people back in jobs.

“It will stimulate a whole area of the whole economy.”

The report, undertaken by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), says that even a modest cut in fuel duty of 2.5p per litre would create 180,000 new jobs.

The main findings of the report were given to Treasury Minister Chloe Smith last week by Mr Willson and FairFuel UK’s founder Peter Carroll.

Their meeting took place after separate findings showed UK drivers were paying the highest fuel taxes in Europe.

Mr Willson said: “We have shared the findings of this report with MPs and ministers.

“However, with only weeks to go to the Budget, we are concerned that the Government is not listening and not taking on board the significance of these findings.

“Families and businesses are being crushed by these cruel levels of tax – 82p on every litre we buy. It’s damaging the economy and holding back growth.”

Mr Willson went on: “The people are clamouring for the Government to look at fuel duty.

“This research shows that a cut in fuel duty won’t cost the Treasury a penny. It can cut duty and do any of the other options if it so wishes.

“So it is wrong of the Government to say it’s a choice between a fuel duty cut and other measures. It can, and should, cut fuel duty now.”

Ms Smith told Sky News that the Government “understands people’s concerns about high fuel prices.”

She said ministers had taken action to support motorists “to the tune of about £4bn”, meaning that petrol and diesel prices were 10p lower this year than they would have been under the previous Government’s policies.

Breakdown service RAC is among FairFuel UK’s supporters.

The company’s technical director, David Bizley, said: “These are dark days at Britain’s forecourts, with a record fuel price seemingly a daily event.

“The spectre of a further fuel duty increase in August is unthinkable for the millions of motorists that are having to make daily choices on what trips they take and how to afford to take them.”

If you are looking to take driving lessons in Bedford call one of our Bedford Driving Schools who will be pleased to help with your requirements.

A driving instructor in Bedford is calling on the Government to ban any new teachers saying that the industry is “over supplied”.

Paul Burchell, 54, who runs Drive-Smart based in Biggleswade, has set up a Downing Street e-petition and wants to see the register of Approved Driving Instructors (ADI) closed to new entrants.

He believes that the industry has too many instructors forcing many highly qualified and experienced teachers out of business.

He said: “In recent years, many people have been tempted into training to become driving instructors, from companies offering a lucrative career change, often following redundancy or unemployment.” Mr Burchell, who’s been an instructor for seven years, says that because there are too many the newly qualified ones cut their costs to attract business meaning that the more experienced can’t compete.

He added: “The net result is a lowering of standards in driver training.

“If the register is closed to new entrants, then eventually the number of instructors will return to a sustainable level.” To sign the petition, which needs 100,000 signatures before it’s eligible for debate in the House of Commons, go to http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/29335

By Keeley Knowles

BOS

19/2/2012

Brought to you by Driving Instructors in Bedford

Good driving instruction isn’t CHEAP. And, CHEAP driving instruction isn’t good!!

Choosing a GOOD Driving Instructor can be tricky. Here are a few tips I would encourage you to follow.  It’s not a definitive list so if you’ve got any suggestions or comments you’d like to add, please do.

Firstly. Check the telephone number you are calling.  Some companies use 0870 telephone numbers.  The cost of an 0870 telephone call may not be included in your telephone package, so will not only cost you money, but could be at a premium rate. They are used as a way of making money by the companies concerned.  These are not my words, but from Money Saving Expert.COM. As saving money these days is very important, I would encourage you to follow the link and read their advice.  http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/phones/0870-say-no

Secondly. Check out the Driving Standards Agency’s (DSA’s) web site. The DSA will NEVER recommend an individual driving instructor but their advice, in particular about un-licensed driving instruction is very worthwhile. Also, consider the DSA’s instructor grading system. There can be a huge difference in the quality of lessons between qualified instructors. It is worth following the DSA’s advice. Read it carefully.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/LearningToDriveOrRide/DG_4022528

Thirdly. Don’t be fooled by the “Headline” price that some instructors might offer. There may be a catch. That catch might cost you more in the long run. Most Instructors will offer an “Introductory” price in order to catch your attention. There is nothing wrong with that. But you must take the longer term view.  Ask yourself and ASK THE INSTRUCTOR this question. “If I am an average learner, how much is this going to cost me in the long run”?

Fourthly. How long is a Lesson? You might find out it’s only for 45 minutes.

Fifthly. You should never be expected to “Double up” on a lesson. Your lesson should be on a one to one basis. You should not expect to see another learner driver in the car with you at any point. If you do, then you may well be being taken for a ride. Quite literately!

Sixthly. There are many time wasting techniques that a “Cheap” driving instructor might use. Just remember, you are paying for their time. This puts YOU in charge. A “Cheap” driving lesson at, shall we say £12 per hour? would be costing you 20p per minute.  If your instructor wastes your time needlessly for approx 10 minutes, (a typical “fag break”) that’s £2 of your money down the drain. Multiply this by the number of hours / lessons… How much does that cost you in the long run?

Next Week. “Spot The Difference” Comparing Good Vs. Cheap.

Call one of our Driving Instructors in Bedford for more information.

Driving schools in Bedford say Driving lessons in Bedford are to become more expensive unless fuel prices in Bedford are brought in line with other towns.

The facts speak for themselves: Local residents are getting a raw deal at the petrol pump. In and around Bedford we are forced to pay typically around 5 pence a litre more for petrol, and around 4 pence more for diesel, than drivers in nearby towns. Local drivers and businesses are not even able to shop around; at the time of writing this email, there is just one pence difference between the most expensive and the least expensive unleaded petrol price in and around Bedford. There is no justification for the difference in prices between Bedford and similar-sized towns just a few miles away.

It’s time for all of us to say enough is enough. We are not asking for special treatment. We just want fairness. Fuel bills make up a large part of many people’s weekly household budgets, and it is unacceptable that local residents here are forced to pay more to simply get to work and get around. I believe that by highlighting the indefensible unfairness of the situation facing local residents and businesses, we can shame the fuel retailers into action. They certainly should be ashamed.

Local newspaper the Times and Citizen has run a vociferous campaign on the issue, while numerous radio and television stations covered the story of my Council motion on the subject. The fuel retailers have never faced this kind of scrutiny of the unfair way they are treating local residents and businesses in Bedford Borough, and if they don’t like it, we all know that they can do the right thing and bring the prices down

ITV Anglia News covered this issue last week, and you can watch their report here: http://www.itv.com/anglia/fuel-debate76986/

I will also be reporting on the campaign on Twitter, where you can find me at www.twitter.com/davethemayor. Look out for the hash tag #fuelfairness

I intend to keep up the pressure on the fuel retailers over this intolerable situation for local drivers, and am seeking meetings with key figures in the coming days and weeks.

The more evidence I have about the unfairness of their approach, the stronger our case is. If you wish to email me with your experiences of petrol and diesel price unfairness in Bedford Borough, I would be grateful. Perhaps you work elsewhere, and notice the difference in price as you travel out of the area to your workplace? Whatever your experiences, I will be glad to receive them, as we join together to send a message loud and clear that we will no longer accept unfairness at the petrol pump in our Borough.

Dave Hodgson

Mayor of Bedford Borough

Contact one of your local Driving Instructors in Bedford for economical driving lessons

 Are you prepared for the changes to the theory test?

As from today the driving theory test questions will no longer be available and Driving Instructors in Bedford are advising candidates to study and prepare well before sitting the theory test.

Published: Monday, 28 September 2009

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has introduced case studies into the driving theory test. One case study will now be included in the exam for car drivers, moped and motorcycle riders.

Case studies in driving theory test

Book your theory and practical test online

As part of the multiple choice section of the test, the case study assesses candidates’ understanding of driving theory, while the multiple choice questions continue to assess their knowledge of the subject.

The theory test case study takes the form of a scenario, or short story, on which five questions will be based. Candidates answer the questions in the same way as they complete the rest of the test, using either a touch screen or a mouse.

DSA’s Director of Driver Education and Learning, Jill Lewis, said: “Case studies are widely used in education to put learning into context and test comprehension of a subject, so many candidates will have encountered this type of question before.

“Initially we are introducing one case study based on existing questions in the theory test question bank, to get candidates used to the concept. It will also allow us to monitor any impact on the theory test. Over time, we plan to introduce more case studies into the theory test to assess candidates’ understanding of what they have learned

An example of a case study and the questions based on it can be viewed online at DSA’s YouTube channel.

• Visit the DSA’s YouTube channel to watch the video, ‘Are you ready?’

If you need help or advice from your local Bedford driving school visit www.baddia.co.uk and one of our instructors will be please to speak to you.

Good driving instruction isn’t CHEAP.  And, CHEAP driving instruction isn’t good!!

I am a Driving Standards Agency (DSA), Approved Driving Instructor (ADI).
Becoming a driving instructor is a lengthy and expensive task.  It’s not just about being able to drive in a straight line or how to do a three point turn.  It is a much more complex and academic subject than most people realise.  That’s why so many trainee driving instructors fail their test.
Not that that matters to a learner driver, all they want to do is to pass their test as FAST as possible and as CHEAPLY as possible.  But learner drivers really should consider the longer term implications of CHEAP driving instruction..
The DSA’s own figures suggest that on average a learner driver will require about 48 hours of professional driving instruction plus plenty of private practice, before they are able to pass their test.  So where private practice is not possible, more instruction will be required. But here’s the thing. It really isn’t just about passing a test. The DSA’s own motto is that Driving is a “SKILL FOR LIFE” .

So, what value would you put on a skill that will remain with you for your entire life. Indeed, in some instances on which your life might depend? Would you value your life being worth, say, £11 per hour or £25 per hour?
Think about it.  Are you worth £495 or £1,125?  Are you CHEAP or are you QUALITY?

Next Week.  I will be considering the differences between CHEAP driving instructors and GOOD driving instructors.  In the meantime, any comments or questions please don’t hesitate to e-mail me. paul.drivesmart@gmail.com

Bedford driving instructors are urging parents to set a good example to children by driving safely and in accordance with the law. 

Children start learning to carry out all sorts of skills from a very young age.  It may be surprising to know children copy and mimic their parents very early in life.  They start learning to drive as young as 2 years old.

We frequently see drivers, using mobile phones, smoking and eating whilst negotiating hazardous road conditions.  Young children, seeing this behaviour, will naturally believe it is quite acceptable and, when they themselves learn to drive, they will doubtless follow the example set by their parents.  After all, we teach our children everything they know, and driving is no exception.

So next time you take your children out in your car, bear in mind exactly how much notice they are taking of your skills behind the wheel.

 If you think you could benefit from some refresher lessons to improve your driving skills, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our instructors.  If you are finding any aspect of your driving difficult, BADDIA Driving instructors in Bedford will be pleased to help you.  Click here http://www.baddia.co.uk/index.php

If you live in Bedford you will know only too well the traffic situation drivers face on a daily basis.  Battling your way through the traffic is an arduous task and one which causes much frustration to drivers.  So spare a thought for driving instructors in Bedford who are teaching learners to drive in such conditions and how to cope with the heavy traffic.

Bedford driving instructors have a great link to a blog from a member of the public who has obviously gone to a lot of trouble to photograph the current situation with the St. Mary’s road works.  We hope you find it an interesting read!  Please excuse the title!

Please feel free to leave a comment about your own experience of this situation.

http://buggeredbedford.blogspot.com/2011/10/day-1-of-st-mary-street-roadworks.html

Please be patient, you were a learner driver once!

How many times have you seen this on the back of driving school cars in Bedford?

Cast your mind back to the days when you sat behind the wheel of a car for the first time.  You may have had high expectations of your potential driving skills and took to driving easily and quickly.  On the other hand, you may have been nervous and things didn’t quiet go as well as you hoped.

In either case, you will probably remember the hard work it took to achieve reaching a high enough level of skill-full driving and confidence before your driving instructor was happy for you to undertake your driving test.

As time goes by, we all forget what it was like to learn this new skill and how dangerous it can be if we get things wrong.  So, the next time you are following a driving school car in Bedford, please spare a thought for the learner driver behind the wheel who is trying to learn how to control their car, at the same time, concentrating on what you are doing behind them!

Bedford driving instructors and their learner driver both know you are in a hurry and don’t want to hold you up.  The more patient you are, the less likely they are to stall their engine, and the quicker they will move off!

Bedford Driving Schools are doing our best to create safe, confident drivers and we can only do this with your help! 

This message is brought to you by Driving instructors in Bedford.  Please feel free to leave a comment.