Bedford driving schools support new proposed drug testing laws

Drug-driving in England, Scotland and Wales could become a specific offence with a jail term and fine, under a new law expected in the Queen’s Speech.

Police have to show driving has been impaired by drugs to prosecute.

But under the plans, drivers could face up to six months in jail for driving with certain controlled drugs in your body in excess of specified limits.

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said legislation would give police powers to “remove this blight”.

In the future, police will be equipped with handheld detection devices to test saliva at the roadside.

Offenders could face a fine of up to £5,000, a driving ban of at least 12 months as well as a prison term.

Mr Penning told BBC Breakfast it had taken so long to bring in such a law because testing had always been seen as “very complicated”.

He said in Germany, Spain and Australia this was already being done.

“What we are saying is drug-driving is blighting this country and people are being killed and seriously injured on a regular basis.

“We don’t know exactly how many because we’re not testing correctly so bring the technology through, give the police the powers and remove this blight.”

He said five different roadside saliva-testing devices were being considered at the Home Office which is expected to give approval by the end of the year.

 Gary and Natasha Groves on their campaign against drug-driving after their daughter, Lillian, was killed.

A scientific review panel is also looking at what drugs the devices would test for.

That panel has been considering a scientific case for a new offence and looking at the effect of individual drugs, such as cocaine and cannabis on driving.

The exact drugs covered by the offence and the specified limits for each will be decided following advice from the panel and public consultation.

“You’ll be tested for drink first because, that’s the natural assumption, that if a policeman thinks you’re impaired, he’ll test you for drink,” said Mr Penning.

“If you pass that and he still thinks you’re impaired, he’s actually going to take a saliva swab from you at the side of the road so we’re going to replicate what happens with drink for all the legislation going all the way through.  It’s important, not just for us, but for other families to come”

“Then we’re going to have a new piece of equipment in the station which will do exactly the same as what the drink testing does which will actually give the prosecution the evidential test to take you to court.”

Gary Groves, whose 14-year-old daughter Lillian Groves was killed outside her home in Croydon, south London, by a driver who admitted taking drugs before the accident, said the legislation was “very important”.

“It’s important, not just for us, but for other families to come,” he told Breakfast.

“Hopefully we can get this through – we’re trying to push for zero tolerance but we’ll just keep pushing and pushing.”

Lillian’s mother Natasha Groves said other parents had come forward.

“You think you are on your own but obviously there is a far wider problem, it is not just not us out there on our own. It happens all the time.”

‘Not acceptable’

Joanna Bailey, from road safety charity Brake, told BBC News: “Drink-driving’s not acceptable, it’s not acceptable to drug-drive either.”

The law is to be included in the Crime, Communications and Court Bill.

Prime Minister David Cameron said they wanted to get “drugalysers rolled out more quickly”.

Mr Cameron, who met the Groves family last year, said: “As they said at the time, it simply can’t be right that a schoolgirl like Lillian can lose her life and then we discover we don’t have the laws or the technology to punish drug-drivers properly.

“I hope now that something good can come out of their tragic loss.”

The proposed law affects motorists in England, Scotland and Wales.

Northern Ireland’s Department of the Environment said it was working towards creating an offence of driving with a “named substance in your body”.

A spokeswoman said it was currently illegal to drive in Northern Ireland whilst impaired through drink or drugs.

Your comments please

What are your views on these new changes?  If you would like to discuss this or any other issues with your local driving instructor in Bedford, visit our homepage and contact one of our Bedford driving schools.

Put your driving knowledge to the ultimate test with John Lyon’s challenging quiz.

Driving Instructors in Bedford invite you to take a challenge.

By Paul Hudson

6:30AM BST 18 Apr 2012
Let’s face it, we all take our driving licence for granted. Once we’ve   experienced the ecstasy of passing the test, how many of us actively seek to   make further improvements to keep up with changing technologies and, in the   UK in particular, traffic densities?

We can all take steps to improve our driving, especially in terms of the   confidence and greater safety it promotes. John Lyon is renowned among the   advanced driving profession for his wealth of knowledge gleaned over more   than 45 years of instruction.

He was one of the few civilian instructors at the Metropolitan Police Driving   School in the Sixties. At the time, the school was renowned for the highest   driving standards in the world. He has taught advanced driving techniques to   thousands of people on the High Performance Driving Course at the British   School of Motoring and subsequently through his own company. He is also a   skilled racing driver, having won 96 races internationally.

Lyon has written Advanced Driving (Haynes Publishing) to pass on his   knowledge to those of us wishing to improve our skills behind the wheel. It   covers every aspect of safe driving, including handling skills, observation,   cornering, overtaking, driving at night and in bad weather. The text   includes photographs and diagrams.

But it’s not simply a training manual. Advanced driving includes some   surprising theories about how our roads are engineered to slow drivers, such   as the trend of obstructing the view on the approach to a roundabout to   force drivers to stop.

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He also believes that the driving test should be much more rigorous, covering   more driving on country roads, dual carriageways and motorways, and that   drivers should be incentivised to take an advanced driving course.Lyon has prepared 20 tough questions based on his extensive knowledge. How   good a driver are you?

Questions:
1. According to the Transport Research Laboratory, what is the primary   cause of crashes when overtaking?           2. How can you check if you have missed a safe opportunity to pass?                                                                                   3. What offence is committed by resting your arm on the doorframe?                                                                                 4. Apart from excessive speed, what is the suspension component that   may cause the car to understeer on a dry road?                                                                                                                                                                                                     5. On modern automatic transmissions, electronics will synchronise   engine speed when changing down. Even with a torque converter, what   component in the transmission is potentially damaged if you do not   synchronise engine, gear and road speed? What must you do to avoid this?                                                                                               6. With an automatic transmission, should you stay in Drive in all road conditions?                                                        7. What does the term “tyre trade-off” mean?                                                                                                                             8. The “limit point” is not moving. What does that indicate?                                                                                                  9. What is meant by proactive steering technique?                                                                                                                   10. What gearchanging technique will help you to match engine speed when you change down?                                 11. Which paragraph in The Highway Code deals with advice   relating to the warning line painted in the centre of the road? What does it say?                                                                                                                                                            12. When skidding, would you apply ABS anti-lock braking?                                                                                               13. If a front-wheel-drive car oversteers, would you accelerate rather   thantake your foot off the throttle?              14. Name the three road users you can pass across a solid central   marking line. What maximum speed must they be travelling when you must not pass and cross the line?                                                                                                        15. What are the three warning sounds of a car horn? With a centre   button, which hand would you use to sound the horn?                                                                                                                                                                                             16. Would you sound the horn before taking other precautions?                                                                                         17. Define the proper use of speed in any given situation.                                                                                                     18. Define anticipation in relation to driving.                                                                                                                           19. Define concentration in terms of its impact on your driving.                                                                                         20. Define the quality of a driving commentary in terms of desired   outcome.

KEEP SCROLLING DOWN FOR THE ANSWERS

Answers:
1. Passing on the approach to a blind entrance or junction on the right hand side of a two-way road.                          2. Look in the mirror at the time and place where you would have completed a safe overtake.                                      3. Road Vehicles (construction and use) Regulation 1986, being under   proper control. The Highway Code advice is rule 160.                                                                                                                                                                                           4. The front anti-roll bar might affect understeer.                                                                                                                     5. Excessive friction to the brake bands that change the gear ratios at   high engine speed, causing them to overheat and potentially fail. Use light   pressure on the accelerator, after manually using the gear selector.                              6. You would use a manual overdrive a) To maintain your position in a   safe following distance in a traffic stream; b) To vary road speed with   acceleration (and gearbox) through a series of bends, or to negotiate a roundabout, for example; c) To overtake more than one vehicle in a traffic   stream and fit in safely with the best car control, without unnecessary   braking; d) Prior to descending a steep hill, before the warning sign   reading “low gear now”.                                                                                                                                                                                                     7. You can alter the grip of the tyres front to rear, by altering the pitch (tip and tilt) front to rear, to load and grow a tyre contact patch, to give greater grip, and conversely, reduce grip, with skilful and delicate use of acceleration and braking. The skill can trade off the grip of tyres, one against the other.                                                                                8. An acute, sharp blind bend. Do not accelerate while the sight line is the same length.                                                9. You are thinking in advance, in anticipation, and you know the steering requirements. You prepare your hand high first, corresponding to   the anticipated turn of the wheel, passing the wheel through alternate hands, making large sweeps before changing grip. The objective is to have your hands on the wheel at a quarter to three when in a danger zone or  hazardous area, so that you have something in reserve, to deal with an emergency and avoid the airbag.                                                                                                                                                                                                10. Double declutching. Match engine speed to gear and road speed, to avoid mechanical stress and skidding.        11. Rule 127: “When this line lengthens and the gaps shorten it means   that there is a hazard ahead. Do not cross it unless you can see the road is   clear and wish to overtake or turn off.”                                                                              12. Yes, instantly, along with other systems such as pre-safe system (PSS) and electronic stability control (ESC). 13. Yes, lightly, while keeping the front wheels pointing where you wish to go.                                                               14. The Highway Code paragraph 129: “You may cross the line if   necessary, provided the road is clear to pass a stationary vehicle, or overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle, if they are travelling at 10mph or less.”                                                                                                                                                                                                    15. Tap, medium warning or long continuous note. Use your left hand, to hold the steering steady, with your thumb on the horn button.                                                                                                                                                                           16. No. Mirror, signal (if necessary) four seconds before you select your road position or course, brake early (once) to a safe appropriate   speed. Separately select the correct gear, only then give one warning note with time to react. Give an acknowledgement courtesy signal, with the left hand. If the courtesy signal is too late, so is the driving plan.                                                                                                                                                                                                    17. To give you and others plenty of time to react in the ever-changing road scene.                                                         18. To be able to foresee what you reasonably expect is most likely to occur.                                                                   19. The complete application of the mind to the exclusion of anything irrelevant.
20. It is not the quantity, or content; it is the correct assessment of   the value of what you see and your judgment to take the appropriate action in good time. This involves basing your judgment not only on what you can   see, but also what you cannot yet see but reasonably expect might occur.

HOW DID YOU SCORE?
15-20: Outstanding. You show excellent knowledge of car mechanicals, driving skills and awareness, but remember that there’s no room for complacency.
10-15: Well done. You are likely to have reasonable competence and confidence   behind the wheel but greater knowledge and anticipation is required.
5-10: Poor knowledge of the rules of the road and the finer points of car   control. You might think you’re good, but the test doesn’t lie.
0-5: Take an advanced driving course immediately.

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.

If you are not sure what speed limits are on our roads, Bedford driving instructors can help!

Those who did badly in the tests did not know the limit on a rural road, single carriageway, dual carriageway, motorway or a road in a built-up area. But drivers would do well to consider that any ignorance or neglect of speed limits leading to driving too fast can result in a hike in car insurance premiums.

When shown photographs of different roads, 33% of them drivers tested could not identify the 60mph limit for a single carriageway, and just over half (52%) did not know the speed limit on a rural road with no street lights.

The ICM research also revealed that since 2009 almost a tenth (9%) of drivers were caught speeding and 17% of these were caught two or even three times.

Most speeding drivers are caught going over the limit by a few mph but some are caught at breakneck speeds more suited for a Formula One track, said the study.

Drivers have been caught on average going too fast by 8.5mph, and 4% sped by up to 20mph or even more, endangering other motorists as well as themselves.

Do you know the speed limits on UK roads?  Driving instructors in Bedford will help you to understand the speed limits and other road signs.  Visit our website now for more information and to book with one of our driving schools in Bedford.

Main article  – Copyright © Press Association 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 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.

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.