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.

MOTORISTS TO TAX VEHICLES WITHOUT LOG BOOK

Motorists to tax vehicle without log book and tax reminder letter

 

Motorists applying for a duplicate V5C (log book) can now tax their vehicle without needing to wait for their log book to arrive.

V5C - Log Book

DVLA has announced a new service update that allows motorists to tax their vehicle even if they have lost their V5C (log book) and their vehicle tax reminder letter (V11).

Previously, customers who had lost these documents would have had to wait up to 5 days for a replacement V5C to arrive, or phone DVLA’s Contact Centre to tax their vehicle. This latest update will allow customers to apply online for a new V5C and tax their vehicle at the same time.

This is the first time that DVLA has linked their online registration service with their online licensing service, allowing the customer to self-serve through the 2 digital channels in one seamless customer journey.

Julie Lennard, DVLA Chief Executive, said:

We are always looking for ways to improve our digital services to provide more convenience for motorists. This latest enhancement will enable customers who have misplaced or lost their V5C to get a replacement and tax their vehicle quickly and easily.

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

Unlock the Freedom of the Road with Professional Driving Lessons

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.

Start your journey to driving freedom with our expert professional driving lessons today.

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.

Here are some advantages of picking professional driving lessons:

• Get hands-on experience in real driving situations with qualified instructors
• Learn key skills like defensive driving, spotting hazards, and controlling your vehicle
• Learn at your pace and stay focused to meet your learning needs
• 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.

"The best investment you can make is in yourself and your future. Choosing expert driving lessons is a smart decision that will pay dividends for the rest of your life."

Don't wait any longer. Start your journey to becoming a confident, skilled driver by signing up for your driving lessons today.

Flexible Scheduling to Fit Your Busy Life

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
• Develop the ability to react quickly and appropriately
• 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.

Feeling confident while driving is more than just passing your driving test. It's about feeling free and comfortable in any driving situation. Our lessons will help you face your fears, handle tough situations, and enjoy driving.

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
• Develop the skills to navigate complex driving situations with ease
• Gain the confidence to make decisions and react quickly on the road

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.

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.”

Highway Code changes lay down the law on new Motorway Rules

Highway Code changes lay down the law on new Motorway Rules

Highway  Code is the official guide  to inform all drivers of their legal obligations and best practice for day-to-day driving.

The use of MUST NOT within the Code signifies that this is a legal requirement and drivers can be prosecuted for ignoring it.

The standard penalty for ignoring a red X symbol is a £100 fixed penalty notice.

The new updates have been made to reflect changes to the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (2016) legislation, which sets out the appearance and purpose of the country’s road signs.

Smart motorways

The changes have been made to inform drivers about how they should respond to the red X symbol, which appears on central reservation signs and smart motorway, overhead gantries to inform them of lane closures.

Rule 258 of the Code now states:

“Red flashing lights. If red lights flash on a signal and a red “X” is showing, you MUST NOT drive in the lane shown as closed beyond the signal. This applies until you pass another signal indicating that the lane is no longer closed, by displaying the word “End” or a speed limit sign and you are sure that it is safe to proceed.

“Red flashing lights. If red lights flash on a signal in the central reservation or on the side of the road and lane closed sign is showing, you MUST NOT go beyond the signal in any lane.”

******************

The red X signs are used on around 300 miles of smart motorway where there is no hard shoulder or the hard shoulder has been converted into an extra lane for traffic.

They can be activated remotely to shut a lane affected by a breakdown or accident but there are fears many drivers are ignoring them and having to swerve at the last minute to avoid obstructions.

Until recently, police had to catch you in the act to be able to issue an FPN but since June 10, forces have been able to use footage from gantry cameras to identify offenders and automatically issue then with fines.

Controversy                             

Smart motorways have caused controversy since they were introduced.

On some the hard shoulder has been turned into an extra regular lane either at peak times or permanently. Supporters say this helps add road capacity and ease congestion with relatively little cost.

Matt Pates, who manages the East Midlands division of Highways England, recently argued that hard shoulders were no longer necessary as modern cars were far more reliable than older vehicles.

He also claimed motorways are “as safe, if not safer” without hard shoulders as they are “inhospitable” places for drivers, most of whom now get advanced warning if their car is developing a fault.

Critics, however, argue that removing the Emergency Lane would leaves drivers without somewhere safe to stop should their car develop a sudden fault and puts recovery crews at greater risk. They also argue that not having a clear hard shoulder makes it harder for emergency vehicles to get through traffic when called to an incident.

Government looks at steps to make New Drivers Safer

Government looks at steps to make New Drivers Safer

Road safety action plan to explore if Graduated Driver Licences should be introduced in England.

www.afzal-driving-lessons.co.uk

·         Graduated Driver Licensing is to be  explored further in a bid to cut new driver crashes

New drivers could face limits on what they can do on the road, to ease them into a lifetime of safe driving.

The government will publish road safety action plan, later this week.

These new schemes could put restrictions on new drivers, such as a minimum learning period, not driving at night, or not driving with passengers under a certain age in the car.

One in 5 new drivers crashes within their first year on the road, and so any changes would be designed to help reduce this number and improve road safety.

Graduated Licensing Schemes already operate in New Zealand; New South Wales and Victoria in Australia; New York and California in the USA; Ontario and British Columbia in Canada and in Sweden.

Previously these schemes have been rejected due to concerns that it would adversely affect the ability of young people to get on in life — potentially restricting education and jobs.

However, conducting further research means the Department for Transport can build an evidence base to fully understand how graduated driver might work.

Currently, new drivers have their Driving Licence revoked if they accumulate 6 points within the first 2 years — equivalent to points for using a handheld mobile phone while driving or 2 speeding offences.

The government changed the driving test in December 2017 to reflect modern-world driving conditions, including adding a satellite navigation section.

Learner drivers are now also allowed to travel on motorways with an approved driving instructor to climatise new drivers to these roads.

Any changes to licensing will be consulted on before being introduced.