BEATING DRIVING ANXIETY ON YOUR DRIVING TEST

Beating Anxiety on Your Driving Test

1. Put any thoughts of drinking alcohol or taking drugs – at least the night before your driving test – out of your mind.

2. Have some food and stay well hydrated. There’s nothing worse than having the jitters before and during your test and focusing on a growling stomach will disturb your concentration.

3. Take an hour long driving lesson with your Driving Instructor before your test. This’ll give you the chance to have a last-minute practice, brush up on manoeuvres and warm up for your Driving Test.

4. It’s perfectly acceptable to let the examiner know if you have any additional support needs. Examiners give instructions in good time but if you don't understand ask them to repeat.

5. During your test, make safety your number one priority. If you’ve been told to go left, but you are in a right only lane for example, go where the lane takes you. You might have to pull over and allow your Examiner to reroute, but what is important is that you demonstrate your ability to follow traffic rules and are always aware of your surroundings.

6. After your test, whether you pass or not, pay close attention to your examiner’s feedback. This is what will be most useful to you afterwards.

7. Finally, stay safe, trust yourself and your instructor and treat your test as a learning experience, regardless of the outcome.

 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.

Learner Driver who killed three friends in Crash

 

Learner driver who killed three friends in crash

 

 A learner driver who killed three of his friends in a crash during which the car split in half has been jailed for four year and eight months.

Jake Loy, 19, lost control of his Honda Civic and smashed into another car just after midnight on the A711 in Dumfries, Scotland, after taking it out on a public road for the first time, without any supervision required by a provisional driving licence.

His three 16-year-old passengers – Tyler Johnston, Ian Cannon and Finlay Johns – were killed in the crash on March 16 2022. The three occupants of the other vehicle and Loy were seriously injured.

The court heard the other driver had been adhering to the 60mph speed limit and although Loy’s speed was “unknown”.

A judge heard how Ian had posted a message in a group social media chat before the crash that he was “scared” in the vehicle and that Loy was a “terrible driver”.

Ian Cannon, Finlay Johns and Tyler Johnston, all 16 years old, were killed in the crash 

 

Sentencing him to four years and eight months imprisonment, Judge Lord Drummond said: “Not only were you unqualified, you had no real familiarity with this car or its characteristics at speed or under adverse conditions.

“Your driving at the time of the collision formed part of a more prolonged and deliberate course of bad or aggressive driving with a disregard for the danger being caused to others.

“The victim impact statements all bear witness to the terrible devastation you caused to the lives of their family members of those you injured. This sentence cannot alleviate their anguish.”

Loy, of Moffat, Dumfries shire, was also disqualified from driving for eight years and must sit the extended test before he is able to drive again.

He showed no emotion as he was led to the cells. Family members in the public gallery were seen crying after the judge had concluded his sentencing.

 

Donald Findlay KC, defending, told the court that his client has “simply no memory” of the incident. He said: “Loy is distressed by what happened and the consequences to his friends.

“It is telling and quite moving to me when he said that if he could take their place he would. He would rather it be him. There is very clear and strong evidence of what is known as survivor’s guilt. There was no badness nor malice or intent of any kind.”

DVSA is selectively inviting people to book their driving test.

after Driving Test photo

DVSA is selectively inviting people to book their driving test.

DVSA will send emails out:

·    on 15 July to critical workers in England, Scotland and Wales who had a test booked during lockdown 

·    from 16 July to candidates in England whose practical car test was put on hold due to lockdown

Both emails will include a link to book a new test date as the candidate booking system remains closed.

This link will only work for people who have been invited to rebook their test.

When DVSA emails candidates whose tests were put on hold due to lockdown, they will initially invite around 10,000 each day, split in batches to spread out demand on the service.

All available appointments will be shown on the online service. Do not contact DVSA customer service centre as they will not be able to book any alternative test slots.

Making sure your pupils are ready

Driving Instructors should speak to your pupils before they rebook their tests to make sure:

·    they are ready to take their test

·    you are available to take them

As examiners will only be at test centres when they have a test booked, dvsa have increased the minimum notice period for booking a test from 60 minutes to 10 hours.

Wearing a face covering

All candidates must wear a face covering when taking their driving test, unless they have a good reason not to. This includes if:

·    they have a physical or mental illness or impairment, or a disability that means they cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering

·    putting on, wearing or removing a face covering would cause them severe distress

When they arrange their test, they’ll need to say if there’s a good reason they cannot wear a face covering. The email will tell them how to do this.

Smoking in cars carrying children is set to be banned

Smoking in cars  by driver or paggengers, carrying children is set to be banned after MPs overwhelmingly backed the plan in a free vote.

Shadow public health minister hails great victory for child health after vote which divided Conservative backbenchers

The House of Commons supported the plan, first put forward by Labour despite the misgivings of some cabinet members, including Nick Clegg over whether it will be too difficult to police.

Under the proposal the government will now have powers to introduce a new offence of exposing children to smoke in vehicles, with breaches of the law likely to incur a small fine.

David Cameron, who missed the vote, gave his personal backing to the idea, despite the government saying last week there was no need for the legislation.

For visitk story visit :   http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/feb/10/mps-smoking-ban-cars-children

Middle-lane hoggers on Motorway may face fines

What UK Drivers Need to Know

Middle-lane hogging on UK motorways can lead to fines and penalty points. Learn the rules, penalties, dangers, and how drivers can avoid costly motorway mistakes.

Middle-Lane Hoggers on Motorways May Face Fines

Motorway driving in the UK is designed to keep traffic flowing safely and efficiently. However, one driving habit continues to frustrate motorists and concern road safety experts — middle-lane hogging. Drivers who remain in the middle lane unnecessarily could face fines, penalty points, and even accusations of careless driving.

With police continuing to crack down on poor motorway discipline, many motorists are now asking: Is middle-lane hogging illegal? What are the penalties? And how can drivers avoid getting fined?

Here is everything UK drivers need to know about motorway lane discipline and the consequences of ignoring the rules.

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What Is Middle-Lane Hogging?

Middle-lane hogging happens when a driver stays in the middle lane of a motorway without overtaking another vehicle. According to the Highway Code, motorists should normally drive in the left-hand lane unless overtaking slower traffic.

Many drivers remain in the middle lane even when the left lane is completely clear. This behaviour can disrupt traffic flow, cause congestion, and force other motorists into dangerous manoeuvres.

Rule 264 of the Highway Code clearly states that drivers should keep to the left unless overtaking.

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Is Middle-Lane Hogging Illegal in the UK?

Yes. Middle-lane hogging is considered a form of careless or inconsiderate driving under UK traffic laws.

Since 2013, police officers have been able to issue on-the-spot penalties to drivers who unnecessarily occupy the middle lane. Drivers caught lane hogging may receive:

• A £100 fixed penalty fine
• Three penalty points on their licence

Police can issue these penalties without taking the case to court in many situations.

In more serious cases, careless driving offences can result in much larger fines and additional penalties decided by the courts.

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Why Middle-Lane Hogging Is Dangerous

Many motorists view middle-lane hogging as simply annoying, but road safety experts warn it can create serious risks.

1. Causes Congestion

When drivers block the middle lane unnecessarily, faster traffic is forced into the outside lane. This creates bottlenecks and slows down motorway traffic.

Instead of using all available lanes efficiently, vehicles bunch together in the middle and right lanes while the left lane remains empty.

2. Encourages Undertaking

Frustrated drivers may attempt to pass slower vehicles on the left-hand side, a manoeuvre often referred to as undertaking.

Although undertaking is not always illegal, it can be considered dangerous depending on the situation and may lead to careless driving offences.

3. Increases Driver Frustration

Middle-lane hogging can trigger aggressive driving behaviours such as tailgating, sudden lane changes, or speeding. These actions increase the likelihood of motorway accidents.

4. Reduces Motorway Efficiency

Motorways are designed around proper lane discipline. When drivers ignore the rules, traffic flow becomes less predictable and less safe.

Road safety organisations continue to warn that poor lane discipline contributes to unnecessary risks on busy UK roads.

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Why Do Drivers Hog the Middle Lane?

There are several reasons why motorists stay in the middle lane unnecessarily.

Lack of Awareness

Some drivers simply do not realise they are supposed to return to the left lane after overtaking.

Fear of Joining Traffic

Motorists may stay in the middle lane to avoid dealing with vehicles entering from slip roads.

Laziness or Convenience

For some drivers, staying in the middle lane feels easier than repeatedly changing lanes.

Poor Motorway Training

Many motorists passed their driving tests before motorway lessons became more common. As a result, some drivers never developed proper motorway habits.

Surveys suggest that a significant number of UK drivers admit to middle-lane hogging despite knowing it is discouraged by the Highway Code.

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When Is It Acceptable to Use the Middle Lane?

Using the middle lane is not always wrong. There are legitimate situations where remaining in the middle lane is appropriate.

Examples include:

• Overtaking slower-moving traffic
• Allowing vehicles to join from slip roads
• Avoiding hazards on the hard shoulder
• Driving in congested traffic where all lanes are occupied

However, once it is safe to do so, drivers are expected to move back into the left lane.

The key principle is simple: use the left lane unless overtaking.

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How Police Enforce Middle-Lane Hogging Rules

Traffic officers often monitor motorway behaviour using patrol vehicles and roadside cameras.

Drivers may be stopped if officers believe they are:

• Remaining in the middle lane unnecessarily
• Causing congestion
• Driving without due care and attention

Police can issue fixed penalties immediately at the roadside. In some cases, motorists may instead receive warnings or educational advice.

However, repeated or dangerous offences are more likely to result in fines and points.

Road safety campaigns by National Highways and police forces continue to remind motorists about the importance of correct lane discipline.

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Tips to Avoid a Middle-Lane Hogging Fine

Drivers can avoid penalties and improve motorway safety by following a few simple rules.

Keep Left Unless Overtaking

Always return to the left-hand lane after safely overtaking another vehicle.

Check Mirrors Frequently

Regular mirror checks help drivers stay aware of traffic conditions and lane positioning.

Plan Ahead

If you expect to overtake several vehicles close together, remaining briefly in the middle lane may be reasonable. However, do not stay there longer than necessary.

Avoid Distracted Driving

Drivers who lose concentration are more likely to drift into poor lane discipline habits.

Understand the Highway Code

Refreshing your knowledge of motorway rules can reduce the risk of penalties and improve driving confidence.

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Public Frustration Over Lane Hogging

Middle-lane hogging remains one of the most complained-about motorway behaviours in the UK.

Many motorists believe stronger enforcement is needed to improve motorway safety and reduce congestion. Online discussions and driving forums frequently describe lane hogging as a major cause of frustration for regular motorway users.

Road safety experts also argue that better driver education could help solve the problem.

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Final Thoughts

Middle-lane hogging is more than just bad motorway etiquette — it can lead to fines, penalty points, and dangerous driving conditions.

UK drivers are expected to follow proper lane discipline by keeping left unless overtaking. Failing to do so may result in a £100 fine and three points on a driving licence.

As police continue targeting careless motorway driving, motorists should make sure they understand the rules and use motorway lanes correctly.

Good lane discipline not only helps drivers avoid penalties but also makes UK roads safer and less stressful for everyone.