DRIVING CONVICTIONS

 What is Dangerous driving conviction?

Lets see here what constitutes a driving conviction, and how you can avoid a increase in your insurance costs because of one.

What constitutes as dangerous driving?

All motoring offences determined by magistrates or at a crown court will lead to a criminal conviction and it can can be anything from causing death by dangerous driving or driving under the influence of alcohol, to speeding or failing to wear a seatbelt.

All these offences can lead to a fine, penalty points on your licence, disqualification and, in extreme cases, imprisonment.

But it’s not just the manner of your driving that can lead to convictions. You may be committing an offence if you are driving a defective vehicle, perhaps driving at night with no rear lights, or driving without insurance or a valid licence or MOT. These offences can also lead to a driving conviction.

The rules are the same, whether the person pleads guilty, or is found guilty by the court.

However, offences that are committed but dealt with by way of a fixed penalty notice, do not lead to criminal convictions. The fixed penalty notice is served because the authorities believe the offence is serious, but not serious enough to be considered by a court of law.

Here are some of the examples listed by the police as to what constitutes as dangerous driving, but not limited to:

• Speeding, racing, or driving aggressively
• Ignoring traffic lights, road signs
• Overtaking dangerously
• Driving under the influence of drink or drugs, including prescription drugs
• Driving when unfit, including having an injury, being unable to see clearly, not taking prescribed drugs, or being sleepy
• Knowing the vehicle has a dangerous fault or an unsafe load

Distractions are also causes of dangerous driving, for example:

• Using a hand-held phone or other equipment
• Reading, or looking at a map
• Talking to and looking at a passenger
• Lighting a cigarette, selecting music, tuning the radio

Do I have to declare my driving convictions?

You will need to declare your convictions, both motoring and criminal when getting a quote for an insurance policy. If you fail to do so your insurance may be invalid and your insurer may cancel the policy. 

In the event of a claim you may not be paid, and if you have already been paid for a claim and a previous conviction becomes apparent, your insurer can ask for its money back.

LEARN TO DRIVE - EXPERT DRIVING LESSONS NEAR YOU

      Learn to Drive: Expert DrivingLessons Near You

Unlock the freedom of the road and gain the confidence to navigate any driving situation with our comprehensive drivinglessons. Our experienced instructors are dedicated to guiding you every step of the way. They will help you master essential skills and prepare you for your driving test.

Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced driver looking to improve, our tailored programs are for you. They are designed to meet your unique needs. This will help you become a safer, more proficient driver.

Key Takeaways:

• Expert driving instruction from experienced professionals
• Personalized curriculum to suit your skill level and learning style
• Gain the confidence and skills to pass your driving test with ease
• Flexible scheduling to accommodate your busy lifestyle
• Affordable pricing and payment options to fit your budget

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Learning to drive is key to enjoying the freedom of the road. Our professional driving lessons will guide you every step of the way. They help you gain the confidence and skills to drive safely and responsibly.

Gain Confidence and Master Essential Skills

Our experienced instructors will teach you important driving techniques. You'll learn how to change lanes, park in parallel spots, and navigate through busy junction / intersections. Our driving instruction will prepares you for any driving situation.

Experienced Instructors Guide You Every Step of the Way

Our instructors are dedicated to helping you become a confident driver. They offer personalized attention and hands-on practice. This ensures you're ready to drive with confidence and skill.

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Why Choose Expert for your Driving Lessons?

Learning to drive with professional driving instructor has many benefits. You'll learn safe driving habits and gain confidence on the road. Our skilled instructors use effective teaching methods to help you learn well.

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• Get hands-on experience in real driving situations with qualified instructors
• Learn key skills like defensive driving, spotting hazards, and controlling your vehicle
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• Feel ready for your driving test and boost your chances of passing it first time

Driving lessons are more than just getting your license. They're about making a promise to drive safely and responsibly. Our expert instructors will teach you how to drive with confidence. This makes you a safer, better driver for life.

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At our driving school, we know your schedule is full and can change often. That's why we offer flexible driving lesson scheduling to fit your life. You can choose from morning, afternoon, or evening lessons. We'll work with you to find the best convenient lesson times for your busy life.

Convenient Times for Your Learning Needs

We know everyone has different schedules and things they need to do. That's why our driving instructors are available at various times during the day. This way, you can fit your driving lessons around your other responsibilities. We offer early and late sessions to help you learn to drive easily.

We aim to make learning to drive easy and stress-free with our convenient lesson times and flexible scheduling. We want to accommodate your busy schedules and support you in becoming a confident driver.

Comprehensive Curriculum for Beginner and Experienced Drivers

At our driving school, we offer a comprehensive driving syllabus for all skill levels. Whether you're starting from scratch or want to improve your skills, we have lessons for you. Our program is designed to meet your specific needs and goals.

Our curriculum includes all the essential topics you need to know. You'll get well-rounded instruction that helps you drive safely. From learning how to operate a vehicle to mastering complex maneuvers, our Driving lessons for all skill levels are tailored to you.

Empowering Beginner and Experienced Driver Training

For beginner learner drivers, we start with the basics. You'll learn how to start, steer, and brake safely. We also teach you about traffic rules, road signs, and safe driving habits. This ensures you have a solid foundation for your driving journey.

For experienced drivers, we focus on improving your skills. We'll work on your defensive driving techniques, reaction time, and instill habits that make you a better driver. This will boost your confidence and responsibility on the road.for obstacle courses, and traffic signal models, all set in a bright, inviting environment.

"Our driving lessons have transformed countless lives, empowering students to take control of the road with confidence and skill."

We combine our comprehensive driving syllabus with expert instructions. This approach ensures you gain the knowledge and skills needed to drive safely and confidently, no matter your experience level.

Driving Lessons for Every Age and Level

Are you a teenager starting to learn or an adult looking to improve your driving skills? Our driving lessons cater to your specific needs. Our skilled instructors provide personalized instruction. They help students of all ages and skill levels to become safe and responsible drivers.

Tailored Instruction for Teenagers and Adults

Our driving lessons for all ages focus on what each student needs. For teenage driver training, we work on skills like vehicle control and traffic awareness. For adult driver education, we cover basic skills or advanced maneuvers.

We tailor our lessons to meet each student's unique needs. This approach helps them overcome challenges and gain confidence on the road.

Teenage Driver Training	Adult Driver Education
Developing vehicle control Learning traffic rules and regulations Practicing defensive driving techniques Building confidence on the road	Refreshing basic driving skills Addressing specific areas of concern Mastering advanced maneuvers Boosting confidence and road awareness

Behind the Wheel: Real-World Practice

At our driving school, we think the best way to learn is by getting hands-on experience. Our behind the wheel training gives you the practical skills you need to drive with confidence.

You'll get to use your skills in real-world driving practice during your lessons. Our skilled instructors will take you through different road types, like busy city streets and winding country roads. This helps you develop the skills and quick thinking needed to stay safe.

Master Defensive Driving Techniques

Our Driving lessons also focus on defensive driving techniques. You'll learn to spot potential dangers, keep a safe distance, and act fast in unexpected situations. These skills will make you more confident in handling any driving situation.

• Learn to scan the road for potential risks
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• Understand how to maintain a safe following distance
• Practice defensive driving maneuvers, such as emergency stop and evasive steering

Our training aims to give you the knowledge and experience to be a safe, responsible driver. With our expert help, you'll be ready for your driving test and enjoy the freedom of the road.

"The best way to learn to drive is by getting behind the wheel and practicing in real-world conditions. Our driving lessons ensure you develop the skills and confidence to handle any situation on the road."

Boost Your Confidence with Driving Lessons

Learning to drive can change how you feel on the road. Our expert driving lessons aim to boost your confidence. They help you overcome driving anxiety and make driving easier.

Our lessons are for everyone, whether you're new to driving or have been driving for years. We focus on what you need and help you learn step by step. With our skilled instructors, you'll learn the skills to drive safely and with confidence.

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Overcome Driving Anxiety with Expert Guidance

If driving makes you anxious, we're here to help. Our instructors will work with you to find out why you're scared and how to overcome it. With practice and support, you'll become a confident driver.

• Learn techniques to manage stress and anxiety behind the wheel
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Tailored Lessons for Your Unique Needs

Everyone learns differently, so our lessons are made just for you. Whether you're a teen or an adult, we'll make a plan that fits your goals and worries.

Lesson Type	Tailored Approach
Beginner Drivers	Comprehensive instruction in all the fundamentals of driving, building a solid foundation of knowledge and skills.
Experienced Drivers	Focused on refining techniques, addressing problem areas, and building advanced skills for greater confidence and control.
Nervous/Anxious Drivers	Specialized strategies to overcome fears, manage stress, and develop the self-assurance to handle any driving situation.

Drive with confidence and improve your skills. Contact us today to book your driving lessons and unlock the freedom and independence of the open road.

Driving Lessons Near You: Convenient Locations

We know how important it is to learn to drive near you. That's why we've placed our driving schools all over the area. This makes it easy for you to find a school close to your home or work.

Find a Driving School Close to Home or Work

Do you want to take driving lessons on your way to work or in a place you know well?

We're committed to offering driving lessons near me and convenient driving school locations. This shows how serious we are about making learning easy for everyone. We make sure our students can get the skills they need to drive safely and confidently.

Affordable Pricing and Payment Options

Our driving schools, deliver quality driving lessons that fit your budget. This will makes our services available to everyone, no matter your financial situation.

Learning to drive is a big step towards gaining freedom. With our flexible payment plans, you can pick the option that suits your budget best. Whether you pay all at once or spread it out, we've got you covered.

Payment Option	Description	Price from
Pay as you Go	Pay for driving lesson before starting every time	£30
Package Deal	Pay for 5 Lessons	£145
Package Deal	Pay for 10 Lessons	£280

Our cost-effective driver education programs aim to give you the skills and confidence to drive safely and responsibly.

 

Prepare for Your Road Test with Expert Guidance

Our driving lessons teach you more than just the basics. We give you the skills and confidence you need to do well on your driving test. Our experienced instructors will work closely with you. They provide personalized guidance and support to make sure you're ready for the real-world and your driving test.

Our comprehensive curriculum covers everything you need for road test preparation. You'll learn defensive drivingtechniques and how to navigate the test route easily. By the end, you'll have the knowledge and practical experience needed to pass the driving test and get your driver's license with confidence.

If you're a beginner or just want to improve your skills, our expert driving test coaching is here to help. We'll prepare you to approach the driving test with confidence. With our guidance, you'll show your driving skills and prove you can drive safely and responsibly.

 Fire chiefs warn of growing risk of e-bike ‘explosions’

 

A total of 149 fires caused by exploding e-bike batteries were recorded by the London Fire Brigade (LFB) in 2023, an increase of 71pc from 2022.

Three people died as a result of the incidents while around 60 people were injured.

And at least a further 40 e-bike fires have been recorded so far this year.

The fires are typically triggered when the lithium battery of an e-bike becomes damaged or is charged using the wrong equipment, said Charlie Pugsley, the London Fire Brigade’s deputy commissioner.

He said: “Growing e-bike ownership is a good thing if they help people get around and it supports our climate objectives.

“But what really worries us is the speed and severity of these battery fires when they break out.

In December last year, the LFB revealed how a mother and son were forced to jump from the first-floor windows of their home in Ilford, east London, after an e-bike that had been left charging overnight burst into flames indoor. Both survived but had to be treated in hospital, while large sections of the house’s first floor and roof were destroyed.

The amount of energy packed into lithium batteries makes them particularly dangerous when they explode, leading to fierce flames and billowing smoke that fills the area within seconds, Mr Pugsley said.

The LFB is now advising households not to charge e-bikes when they are sleeping, to avoid placing them next to exits or stairways that could block escape routes and to always use the correct charger, among other things. Households have been advised to store them outside or in outbuildings, where possible.

Mr Pugsley raised concerns about growing spread of illegal e-bikes with more powerful motors and batteries, as well as DIY conversion kits that can lead people to charge batteries with the wrong charger.

Despite the legal limit for e-bikes being 250 watts of power, a string of models with capacities of up to 2,000 watts are openly sold online, described as “road legal”. In UK speed limit for electric bikes is 15.5mph, this means that the motor's assistance must stop when bike reaches this speed.

“In the vast majority of cases, it is not the fault of the consumer because they have bought the bikes in good faith.

“But obviously for those who buy the motorbike-style ones that is a deliberate choice.”

He added that proposals recently set out by the Government to increase the legal limit of e-bike power to 500 watts should not go ahead until more research had been done around the safety implications of such a move.

Cyclist Killed on Road

 Another Cyclist Killed on Road 

83 years old cyclist who suffered serious head injuries in a fall from his bike after striking a path hole has died. Roger Hamer of Manchester road, Ramsbottom died at Salford Royal hospital, Manchester.

Hamer who was not wearing a helmet, was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to hospital. Police said there was no evidence that another driving vehicle was involved.

Earlier in March, Surrey resident Ralph Brazier, 52 of Thames Ditton, suffered fatal injuries when he rode over deep path hole on a busy road in Weybridge.

www.afzal-driving-lessons.co.uk

Do we take driving while drowsy seriously enough? 

Driving when you are drowsy can be as dangerous as having a few drinks, says the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.    A survey of 1000 drivers in UK by Brake, the road safety charity, found that one in eight drivers had nodded off for up to 30 seconds. Drowsiness, like alcohol, makes you less alert, slows your reaction times and it means you are more likely to have an accident even if you don’t actually fall asleep. About one in five crashes, in which a person is killed involves a drowsy driver.
Driving while drowsy usually occurs at high speeds, is most common in men between 16 and 24 years of age and occurs most often between 11pm and 8am. The car typically veers off the road and the driver isn’t alert enough to brake.

What can we Do ?

When tired you are bit too relaxed about driving. Shift workers, people on medications that cause sleepiness and anyone who is sleep deprived, as a new parent, should realise that they could be drowsy drivers.

There are obvious symptoms of tiredness such as yawning, but other big clues include, unable to recall the last few miles, missing road signs, drifting out of your lane, getting too close to the car in front or finding it hard to maintain your speed and needing more effort to keep your head up. If you do feel sleepy you should pull over immediately or, if you’re on a motorway, as soon as it is safe to do so.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents says that two cups of caffeinated coffee and a 15-minute nap is the most effective way to stop feeling sleepy. Turning on the radio, opening the window or asking a passenger to say something interesting won’t wake you up sufficiently.
Driving is best done during normal waking hours; in particular, avoid driving between midnight and 6am, when you are naturally sleepy. Plan your journey so that you have a break for 15 minutes every two hours – ideally getting out of the car – avoiding long drive after you have worked a full day. If your drive is monotonous, especially if its on a motorway driving, it is even more important to get a good night’s sleep (around seven hours). Whenever possible, avoid driving alone and, if on a long trip, try to share the driving.

Government unlikely to end motorway fuel rip-off

 Signs to help drivers compare the cost of motorway fuel have been in the pipeline for two years. But ministers still can’t say when the scheme will be up and running.

Drivers continue to face sky-high motorway fuel prices because the government is dragging its heels on plans to increase competition between service stations.

Investigation carried out by Office of  Fair Trading  in 2013 found that fuel prices were typically 7.5p a litre more for petrol and 8.3p more for diesel on motorways.

The watchdog recommended that a network of signs which compared fuel prices at all the service stations  should be placed on upcoming sections of motorway.This would enable drivers to use the best-value retailer, and the competition would help force prices down and make driving cheaper.

At present, service stations can get away with charging higher prices for fuel as well as for other amenities, because drivers are unable to shop around for cheaper deals.

The OFT’s suggestion was initially welcomed by ministers, with David Cameron announcing in May 2013 that he had ordered the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Highways Agency to begin work on developing a network of signs.But more than two years later, Britain still awaits its first motorway fuel price sign.

Meanwhile, Figures published by the AA at the end of July showed that while the average price for both petrol and diesel was 116.6p a litre, costs on the motorway were more than 10p a litre higher. Service-station diesel cost as much as 127.9p a litre while petrol cost 125.9p a litre at the time the research was carried out.

The government now appears to have changed its tune and is going back on what it clearly stated about a national roll-out in last year’s Autumn Statement and Motorists needing to buy fuel on the motorway continue to be forced to pay over the odds for no apparently good reasons, instead of seeing how these signs work in practice and whether drivers find them a benefit.

www.afzalschoolofmotoring.com

Driverless cars to be tested in UK

Business secretary, Vince Cable, sits in a driverless car.

Driverless cars are to be tested in Bristol, Coventry, Milton Keynes  and the London borough of Greenwich and those locations in trials will put the UK at the forefront of automated vehicle technology.

Government funding of £19m will allow three separate trials to take place: one in Bristol, one in Greenwich and one split between Coventry and Milton Keynes. The trials, lasting from 18 to 36 months, will test different aspects of self-driving technology. All will take place away from public roads, though each is aimed at making automated vehicles on Britain’s roads a reality.

The trials will use semi-autonomous cars that can drive themselves for periods of the time with a human driver behind the wheel, as well as lightweight self-driving pods designed for low-speed shuttle services. The three projects will be linked by an external monitor who will coordinate all the data.

The Greenwich trials – named the Gateway project – will involve self-driving shuttles being tested on closed roads and in simulation facilities. The project is led by the TRL with contributions from the Royal College of Art, Imperial College London and the University of Greenwich along with General Motors, the AA and RAC.

“These shuttles are a relatively mature technology, so our trials will be more about how to manage participants and the vehicles, to get us towards these vehicles being a real proposition for public roads,” Reed said.

Gateway will also test cars that can drop off passengers then park themselves. The vehicles will then return on command, similar to concepts shown off by Audi and other carmakers.

The Bristol trials – named the Venturer project – will involve tests investigating legal and insurance issues, as well as public reaction to self-driving cars.

well as public reaction to self-driving cars.

The Venturer project will be led by project management group Atkins Highways & Transportation. Also involved will be the Bristol robotics lab at the University of Bristol and insurance company Axa.

Driverless vehicles could change the way we move around cities. Photograph: Alamy

The question of who pays in the event of a crash involving a driverless car is seen as one of the major barriers to letting self-driving cars loose on highways.

The trials in Milton Keynes and Coventry will be run by a consortium named UK Autodrive. Arup is to lead this project with Jaguar Land Rover and Ford contributing. The project will focus on car-to-car and car-to-road communication and the infrastructure required.

The government has made clear its support of the automated vehicle industry. “The UK is a world leader in the development of driverless technology,” said business secretary Vince Cable. “This not only puts us at the forefront of this transformational technology but also opens up new opportunities for our economy and society.”

Full Report on :   http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jan/01/driverless-cars-tested-uk-bristol-coventry-milton-keynes-greenwich

UK driving licence fees fall

Cost of provisional licence will fall from 31^st Oct 2014, to £34 from £50, while cost of renewing licence online will drop to £14

The cost-cutting measure, which will see the price of a provisional licence fall to £34 from £50, was announced by ministers, who estimated it would save all new drivers in the region of £80m over the next decade.

Other cuts coming into effect on 31 October include the costs of renewing a licence online every 10 years, reduced from £20 to £14, and a tachograph card used by businesses to monitor how far staff drive, which will fall from £38 to £32.

Transport minister Claire Perry said: “The cost of driving, especially for young drivers, can be significant and we are committed to cutting costs where we can. Thanks to DVLA making large-scale savings to their running costs, we have been able to cut the cost of the driving licence which will save drivers and businesses £150m over the next 10 years.”

The agency processes 1m “first licence” applications every year and the fees drop is expected to save new drivers £82.2m over 10 years, with more than 77% of these applications made by 17 to 24-year-olds.

In addition 2.1m  photocard licences are renewed every year, meaning motorists already on the road would save £61.3m collectively over a decade.

Businesses make another 85,500 renewals a year and will save £2.44m over 10 years while the cost savings to tachographs will save another £3.58m over the decade.

Read full story at :  http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/oct/25/uk-driving-licence-fees-fall

Cost of driving lessons and insurance blamed for drop in young learners

The percentage of 17-20-year-olds with a provisional driving licence has fallen from 43% to 36% in recent years

Getting behind the wheel is no longer such an attraction for young people  in Britain. Applying for a provisional driving licence was once a rite of passage, but since the 1990s boom there has been a big dip in the number of young learners.

While many younger drivers share their parents' car, the costs of learning, and insuring a car for a teenage driver, are blamed for the decline. The percentage of 17-20-year-olds with a provisional licence has fallen from 43% to 36% in recent years – with little more than 30% of girls in the age group now learning to drive. In the 1995-97 peak years more than half of males aged 17-20 were on the road.

According to the most recent National Travel Survey, young people are mainly put off by the prohibitive cost of lessons, followed by soaring insurance premiums and the cost of purchasing a car and keeping it on the road.

Beyond costs, some speculate that the use of mobile phones has made young people more content to travel as passengers on public transport, where they can stay online through the journey.