Driving Instructors in Bedford are warning drivers to take particular care with this weekends predicted snow fall.

Last year we suggested 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 if your journey really is essential make sure you know how to drive on ice and snow.

If you would like further advice on driving in adverse weather conditions or whether you should be learning to drive in such conditions, please call one of our driving instructors in Bedford who will be pleased to help.

If you thought failing your driving test the first time around was bad luck, spare a  thought for a poor man in the UK that has failed his theory test a whopping 92 times – he hasn’t even had the chance to sit his practical examination yet.

 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

Driving Instructors in Bedford urge learners not to skimp on taking professional, good quality driving lessons. 

Figures show that nearly 300 people took their driving test for the tenth time in 2011 and only 88 of them passed.

Driving instructors in Bedford welcome the new theory test changes.

The days of cramming for the driving theory test may be over after it was announced that the exam’s questions and answers will no longer be planted in revision books, in a bid to stop learner drivers “simply memorising” the correct responses.

The changes come in reaction to Driving Standards Agency (DSA) fears that drivers were “learning by rote” and mean that the old system, under which many of the questions featuring on the test were reproduced word-for-word along with the answers in revision materials, will be swept away early next year.

“It is about getting people to actually understand the knowledge behind the driving theory, as opposed to just learning an answer and regurgitating it when the candidate recognises the corresponding question,” said a DSA spokeswoman.

She added: “We want to avoid the situation where people are able to sit down and recognise a question then write down the answer.”

The spokeswoman said that the changes, which will come into effect on 23 January 2012, were in response to a consultation with driving instructors who said that the current testing system encourages learner drivers to just use their memories, rather than actually reflect on the reasons behind pieces of driving theory.

The consultation, carried out in 2008 but only acted upon now, also revealed instructors’ fears that learner drivers viewed the theory test as “just something to get through before the real driving started”.

What is your view of these planned changes?  Please feel free to comment.   Bedford driving instructors are interested in your opinion.

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

New theory test books published

Bedford driving instructors urge pupils to use official DSA study aids

New official driving and riding theory books were published on Monday 19th September to help candidates revise in preparation for changes to the test in January 2012.

Since theory tests began in 1996, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has published the questions and answers from the question banks for all categories of tests for cars, motorcycles, lorries and buses.

However, DSA announced last November that it was to stop publishing the multiple choice questions and answers, with unpublished questions being used from January 2012.

DSA’s Chief Executive Rosemary Thew said: “The reason behind the move is to stop candidates from simply memorising theory test questions and answers and learning by rote. The new books contain questions and answers for revision and also explain the theory behind each question.

“This approach to learning will help candidates to gain a better knowledge and understanding of driving theory which will help them respond correctly to the new, re-worded live questions used in the actual test.”

Other theory test products including CD Roms, downloadable PDFs and ebooks have been revised too and will be published shortly after the theory test books are published on 19 September.

The agency has also launched its first ever mobile phone apps for theory test revision, which have been developed to help candidates learn in this way.

To view the full range of official DSA products visit  tsoshop.co.uk/dsa.

Bedford driving instructors  encourage pupils to view these videos 

Four new videos are now available on YouTube.
Show me, tell me
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has published a new video playlist about the ‘show me, tell me’ part of the practical driving test.

• Watch the playlist on DSA’s YouTube channel

How to book your theory test
Directgov has published a new video showing how to book your theory test online.

• Watch the video on Directgov’s YouTube channel

Providing Driving Lessons in Bedford

For over fifteen years BDS has provided high quality driving tuition in Bedfordshire and surrounding areas. This has consistently produced driving test success and hundreds of satisfied customers.

 By providing a family run, friendly, personalised service we achieve most of our work through recommendation and our customers’ satisfaction and enjoyment of their learning experience has always been our main objective.

 Our experience shows us this approach works time and time again. (See our testimonials page at www.bdsdrivingschool.co.uk)

 So if you are looking for a driving school and are not sure who to choose get in contact, and we will be pleased to provide you with references from both current and past pupils. You can also try a FREE off road taster session. (Please ask for further details, must be 16 or over, no licence required) to get to know both the car you will be learning in and your selected instructor to suit your individual needs.

We will be pleased to discuss with you our BDS discounts and pupil benefit packages to tailor your learning experience.

 Please visit our website www.bdsdrivingschool.co.uk or contact Tim Chandler on 07901984943 tim@adiselect.co.uk