10 Most Common Reasons for failing Driving Test in the UK during 2018 are revealed by DVSA data.

10 Most Common Reasons for failing  Driving Test in the UK  during 2018 are revealed by DVSA data.

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Every year millions of new motorists take the practical driving test to be able to get on the roads. It is estimated that pass rates across the UK dropped to around 46 per cent recently as it became harder with new rules introduced. Now the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has released a top 10 list of reasons why people failed the new driving test in its first year. The motoring body is urging motorists to take more time to practice their deriving techniques and skills before taking their driving test.

There is particular emphasis on focusing on the areas in which drivers are making these common errors which prevent them from passing.

In addition to this the DVSA is stating that learners should gain more experience on the roads in different conditions such a driving in rain and in the dark.

Top 10 common faults made during driving tests between 4 December 2017 and 3 December 2018 were:

·         Junctions – observation.

·         Mirrors – change direction.

·         Control – steering.

·         Junctions – turning right.

·         Move off – safely.

·         Response to signs – traffic lights.

·         Move off – control.

·         Positioning – normal driving.

·         Response to signs – road markings.

·         Reverse park – control.

The data revealed that insufficient observation at junctions and not using mirrors effectively when changing direction accounted for 368,047 test failures.

The faults being made in driving tests reflect the factors that cause accidents on Great Britain’s roads, found the research.

Scarily, 39 per cent of all accidents in Great Britain in 2017 were a result of a driver failing to look properly.

Mark Winn, Chief Driving Examiner, said: “It’s vital that learners can drive safely and have the skills to drive on all types of roads before taking their test.

“The driving test helps get drivers ready for a lifetime of safe driving and makes our roads safer for all.

“Failing to look properly at junctions is the most common serious or dangerous test fault and the largest cause of accidents in Britain.

“Good observation, including proper use of mirrors, is a crucial skill that drivers must learn.”

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.”

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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.

What Does Flashing Headlights Mean When Driving

Driving here in UK you can come across flashing in different situations. Many drivers flash their headlights to alert other road users of their presence, so it is important that you take care when you interpret flashing , remembering that you are responsible for your action regardless of what the flashing driver meant.

 use any lights in a way which would dazzle or cause discomfort to other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.·The Highway code states : Rule 114.You MUST NOT

Having said that lets have a look at situations where people use Flash lights.

1. Drivers on main road, sometimes flash at pedestrians waiting to cross road. This sort of situation arises when driver is some distance away from pedestrian and he/she feel that if they slow down, there would be enough time for pedestrian to cross road and they will be able to continue driving without having to stop.
2. A driver approaches slowly and is waiting at middle of junction, looking for safe gap in on coming vehicles before turning right or waiting near central line wanting to turn right. On coming vehicles may flash, alerting you that you may cross.
3. Waiting in queue behind another driver who is not responding to moving traffic or signal change and here Flashing your headlamp to alert driver ahead to move on.
4. You are overtaking another vehicle and often drivers flash their light to alert the vehicle you are overtaking.
5. Sometime driver on dual carriageway, motorway, who are driving fast, would flash at cars in right lane so that they can move over to left lane.
6. You are approaching meet situation on road, ie road narrows due other vehicles parking or road work. Here those driving often flash to on coming traffic to alert them that you have seen them, and they can continue to deal with this narrow road, while you will hold back. This situation requires extra CARE because sometimes drivers will flash to warn you that they are already committed and they want you to slow down so that everyone is safe driving .

Sometimes when you are waiting at a junction to emerge on to main road, Those driving on main road will flash at you, telling you to join main road. This is normally happens when there is heavy traffic, moving slowly

DVLA Now Requiring Autistic People to Disclose Their Diagnosis even if Driving Not Affected

Autistic people angry at having to disclose diagnosis to DVLA even if driving not affected

The National Autistic Society (NAS) is challenging a decision by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) asking people to inform them of their diagnosis even if it does not affect their driving.

The DVSA  did not communicate this change  to any autistic person, charities or medical professionals, instead it came to light when a  person with autism contacted the NAS and told them the DVLA website said drivers must disclose if they have an autistic spectrum disorder.

Until recently, the website has simply said that drivers must tell the DVLA if they have an autistic spectrum disorder “and it affects your driving”. This is standard for many conditions. The final clause has been removed and is now in a separate paragraph warning of the risk of a £1,000 fine or possible prosecution if these drivers are involved in an accident.

The Labour MP Jess Phillips criticised the decision and said  "  I will be asking the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to look into this.”

An EHRC spokesperson said the body would expect any change in policy affecting people with an impairment to be clearly consulted on and communicated. “Failure to do so may be a breach of the public sector equality duty,” they said.

 “Autism is a lifelong disability and if someone has passed their driving test we can’t see how an autism diagnosis would change their ability to drive.

The DVLA said: “There have been no changes to autism spectrum disorder being a notifiable condition – this has been the case for a number of years. We have recently aligned the advice on our A–Z guide for the public with the advice for medical professionals.

“Notifying DVLA of a medical condition doesn’t mean a driver will automatically lose their licence. In fact more often than not they can continue to drive.

“We always keep our advice under review and work with our independent medical panels to do so.”

Despite that reassurance the change in policy has caused a great deal of anxiety in the autistic community.

UK driving licences will not be valid in Ireland under no-deal Brexit

Laura James, ambassador for the NAS, said: “We’re upset on a number of levels, but the lack of communication is horrifying as we’ve all potentially been driving illegally since they changed the rules.

“Also, we were all autistic when we passed our tests, which are obviously designed to test people’s skills and ensure they are safe to drive, so this change seems nonsensical.”

Informing the DVLA is not a simple process. The form asks questions that relate to substance abuse and psychiatric treatment but nothing about autism itself.

Drivers have to give information on their GP and specialist and, said James, “as most GPs have a very vague understanding of autism and most autistic adults don’t have a specialist, it is hugely worrying as many of us could lose our driving licences for essentially being different”.

Motorway Rule That Fines Driver Automatically

New Motorway Rule That Fines Driver Automatically

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New legislation will give police authority to automatically fine drivers breaking smart motorway rules.

Home Office has introduced new legislation in June that penalises drivers who ignore smart motorway lane closures.

Drivers breaking the rules can expect an automatic fine of £100 and three points on their driving licence.

Current Motorway Driving Rules?

Automated cameras can open and close smart motorway lanes at any time – drivers see this in action when the hard shoulder opens up to ease congestion.

If the lane is closed, gantry signs above the smart motorway show a big red ‘X’. These signs also show variable speed limits.

Driving in a closed motorway or dual carriageway lane is illegal. But as a smart motorway lane can open and close at any time.

What’s changing?

Highways England has issued 180,000 warning letters to drivers ignoring smart motorway lane closures since the beginning of 2017.

From 10 June 2019, the law has changed so that police can use cameras to automatically catch drivers breaking the rules – hitting them with a £100 fine and three penalty points.

However, Highways England says that the new cameras won’t be operational until later in the summer.

Do red ‘X’ signs improve safety on motorways?

A March RAC survey revealed that over eight in 10 drivers (84 per cent) have seen a red ‘X’ sign on the motorway – and 99 per cent of those know that it means the lane is closed.

But 23 per cent of drivers admitted to disregarding the rule – either “occasionally accidentally” (19 per cent), “often accidentally” (one per cent) or “occasionally on purpose” (three per cent).

The RAC went on to say that red ‘X’ signs “are paramount in safety terms as any stricken driver who has not managed to reach an SOS area is at tremendous risk of being involved in a collision with vehicles that ignore them.”

With new rules in place when driving on Motorway, drivers  should take extra care and move to an open lane when a red ‘X’ sign is showing, keeping to the speed limits on the gantries and signs.

Do you think the rule change will make drivers take extra care on motorways? Let us know in the comments below.

New DVLA figures suggest motorists are missing out on millions

British motorists could have missed out on savings of nearly £5 million last year by not going online to apply for or renew driving licence, according to new DVLA figures published on 27th June 2019.

Online driving licence applications now account for nearly 4 out of 5 provisional driving licence applications and around half of all driving licence renewals – an increase of around 10% over the last 3 years. A provisional licence costs £43 when applying by post, but only £34 online, with renewals costing £17 by post and £14 online.

But some drivers missed out on the savings last year with more than 1.2 million drivers posting their applications to DVLA.

DVLA Chief Executive Julie Lennard said:

Each year, more and more people are choosing to use our online services and it is always cheaper and quicker to renew your driving licence on GOV.UK. It’s also the quickest way for those who have lost or misplaced their licence to apply for a replacement.

Notes to editors:

1.   Drivers who apply online should only use GOV.UK so they can be sure of dealing with DVLA directly and paying the lowest price for services that carry a fee.

2.   By using GOV.UK when applying for services online, motorists can also ensure they avoid using third party websites. Such sites will often charge an additional fee for services that are free - or cost significantly less - on GOV.UK. Websites such as these are not connected with the DVLA in any way.

3.   Customers can apply for a provisional licence online with DVLA on GOV.UK

4.   Customers can find out more about renewing their driving licence and renew it online with DVLA on GOV.UK

5.   If they are aged 70 or over, customers can renew their driving licence online with DVLA for free on GOV.UK

6.   It’s free to renew a driving licence at the age of 70 or older, irrespective of the route chosen.

Learner Drivers to be allowed on Motorways

Learner Drivers to be allowed on motorways

Government is considering plans under which learner drivers will be able to take driving lessons on motorways before passing their driving test.

Learner drivers would need to be accompanied by an approved driving instructor and in a car fitted with dual controls.

These changes will allow learner drivers to:

• get broader driving experience before taking their driving test
• get training on how to join and leave the motorway, overtake and use lanes correctly
• practice driving at higher speeds
• put their theoretical knowledge into practice

 

Ultimately this should lead better prepared drivers and reduction in road accidents.

Do you need motorway driving lessons if so visit   www.afzalschoolofmotoring.com  and send text message to book your driving lessons with afzal school of motoring.

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

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.