Monday, 17 March 2025

Driving Test Short Notice Cancellation Period to Change

 


DrivingTest Short Notice Cancellation Period to Change on 8 April 2025

When we published our 7-point plan to reduce DrivingTest Waiting Times on 18 December 2024, we confirmed that one of the actions would be to increase the short notice cancellation period.

DVSA is increasing the short notice cancellation period for Car Driving Tests from 3 clear working days to 10 clear working days. DVSA intend to introduce this change on Tuesday 8 April 2025.

To do this, dvsa will need to change legislation. This process has already started and  Statutory Instrument has been laid before Parliament to change the rules. If Parliament approves the change, it will come into force from 8 April 2025.

This change only applies to Car Driving Tests.

Telling pupils about the change

DVSA is emailing everyone with a car driving test booking to tell them about this new deadline to change or cancel without losing driving test. Theses emails are being sent today.

Please make sure that your pupils know about the change when you have your next lesson with them.

What happens next

DVSA will email everyone with a cardriving test booking again to tell them and remind them of their new deadline.








Monday, 10 March 2025

Conquering Your Driving Test Anxiety:

 

Your Guide to StayingCalm and Confident During your Driving Test

Picture this: Your palms are sweaty, your heart races, and your mind is a whirlwind of worst-case scenarios. This is driving test anxiety. You aren't alone. Many people face this. It can ruin your performance. But you can manage it! This article gives you useful ways to handle stress and You can pass that driving test with flying colours.

UnderstandingDriving Test Anxiety

Let's explore what driving test anxiety really is.

What is Driving Test Anxiety?

Driving test anxiety is a type of performance anxiety. It happens before or during your driving test. You might getnervous when you know you are being watched. Your body reacts. Maybe your heart pounds. Perhaps you sweat a lot. Negativethoughts pop into your head. "I'm going to fail!" you think. This anxiety can make driving hard.

Common Causes of Driving Test Anxiety

Why does driving test anxiety happen? Many reasons exist. Fear of failure is a big one. The need to do well adds pressure. Feeling unsure of your skills can also trigger anxiety. If you had a bad driving lesson before, this could make it worse. Also, going to an unknown place can be unsettling. All these things add up.

The Impact of Anxiety on Driving Performance

Anxiety hurts your driving skills. It can blur your focus. You might take longer to react. Making good choices becomes difficult. Your muscles get tense. It's hard to steer smoothly when stressed. So, controlling anxiety boosts your driving.

Pre-Test Preparation: Building Confidence and Control

Good preparation before the test is essential.

Thorough Practice and Preparation

Practicemakes perfect. Get plenty of driving time. Drive in all kinds of weather. Know the test route well. Have your instructor act like an examiner. This will make the real test seem less scary.

Mastering Relaxation Techniques

Learn ways to calm down. Deep breathing helps. Breathe in slowly, hold, then breathe out. Try tensing and relaxing muscles. Imagine yourself succeeding. These tricks lower stress.

Positive Self-Talk and Affirmations

Change your thinking. Stop negative thoughts. Tell yourself, "I can do this!" Focus on your good points. Remember when you did well. Positive words build confidence.

Strategies for the Day of the Test

Here is how to handle test day itself.

Arriving Prepared and On Time

Be on time. Plan your trip to the test centre. Have all your papers ready. Don't rush. Rushing adds stress. Being ready calms you down.

Managing Anxiety in the Waiting Room

Keep doing relaxation methods. Listen to soothing music. Read something light. Find something to take your mind off the test. This keeps worry away.

Communicating Effectively with the Examiner

Speak clearly. Make eye contact. If you don't understand something, ask. Good communication can ease stress. It also shows you're confident.

During the Test: StayingCalm and Focused

Staying relaxed during the exam is important.

Maintaining a Calm and Composed Demeanor

Sit up straight. Breathe deeply. Keep your face relaxed. Act calm, even if you don't feel it. Looking calm can make you feel calmer too.

Dealing with Mistakes and Setbacks

Everyone makes mistakes. If you mess up, don't panic. Admit the mistake. Don't dwell on it. Focus on driving safely from that point forward.

Staying Present and Focused on the Task

Pay attention to the road. Ignore distractions. Don't let your mind wander. Focus on each moment. Staying present boosts your driving.

Post-Test Strategies: Learning and Moving Forward

After your test, learn from the experience.


Sunday, 2 March 2025

VEHICLE TAX RATES ARE CHANGING FROM 1ST April 2025


ROAD TAX  IS CHANGING FROM 1ST April 2025

How much car tax do I pay?

Vehicle Excise Duty is linked directly to your car, van and the cost varies depending on vehicle age, list price and CO2 emissions. The different rates are known as car tax bands, road tax bands or VED bands.

Vehicle tax cost is based on:

  • How old your vehicle is.
  • Its engine size.
  • Its official CO2 emissions. This figure is on the V5c registration document. It’s measured in official tests before a new model can be put on sale. 
  • Since April 2017 it depends on the car’s list price when new, too.

Cars registered between on or after 1 April 2017

These are the VED rates for cars registered on or after 1 April 2017. Cost is first payment.

CO2 emissions (g/km)

Diesel cars (TC49) that meet the RDE2
standard and petrol cars (TC48)

All other diesel cars (TC49)

Alternative fuel cars (TC59)

0

£0

£0

£0

1 - 50

£10

£30

£0

51 - 75

£30

£135

£20

76 - 90

£135

£175

£125

91 - 100

£175

£195

£165

101 - 110

£195

£220

£185

111 - 130

£220

£270

£210

131 - 150

£270

£680

£260

151 - 170

£680

£1,095

£670

171 - 190

£1,095

£1,650

£1,085

191 - 225

£1,650

£2,340

£1,640

226 - 255

£2,340

£2,745

£2,330