Sir Peter North CBE QC is leading an independent review of the law on drink and drug driving. The Secretary of State for Transport, Lord Adonis, has asked Sir Peter to examine possible changes to the legislative regime, reporting by the end of March 2010.
The North Review is completely independent of the Department for Transport and the Secretary of State for Transport. It will be a matter for Sir Peter how he proceeds; and he will act wholly independently in publishing his conclusions and advice.
More information --> http://northreview.independent.gov.uk/
I hope caffeine is to be included in the 'drug' section of this review. I discovered some startling facts relating to caffeine last week and have issued a document to all Beverly Slater Instructors.
I have attached the document to spread the word of the dangers of high levels of caffeine and how it can affect your driving.
driver%20awareness%20-%20caffeine.pdf
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Friday, 12 February 2010
Meet the Instructors - Jenny's Story
Hello my name is Jenny,
I orginally trained to be a PE teacher at Manchester Metropolitan university. I decided very early on that teaching in a school was not for me, I saw an advertisement in a newspaper to train as a driving instructor, and I have not looked back since.
In 2005, Beverly asked me to join her, at the time there were only 3 driving instructors. I remember being very nervous about the huge change I was making, but very confident that my teaching ability would get me through. Beverly has helped me so much, and I am grateful.
I have now been a driving instructor for 5 years and have seen Beverly Slater School of Motoring expand dramatically especially over the last 2 years, to date there are 16 driving instructors. Beverly has maintained her commitment to helping and supporting the Instructors and the pupils, maintaining the high standards and quality we had in the early days.
I would not change my job, its great, you get to meet a lot of different and interesting people, all with different personalities, but they all have one thing in common - they want to learn a new life changing skill. Helping people achieve this is very rewarding. As well as teaching learner drivers, I am now training potential driving instructors. This is another huge challenge for me, which I am enjoying very much.
Outside work I do alot of sport. I play hockey at the weekend and go to the gym during the week. I also do kickboxing where I have achieved brown belt up to date.
I orginally trained to be a PE teacher at Manchester Metropolitan university. I decided very early on that teaching in a school was not for me, I saw an advertisement in a newspaper to train as a driving instructor, and I have not looked back since.
In 2005, Beverly asked me to join her, at the time there were only 3 driving instructors. I remember being very nervous about the huge change I was making, but very confident that my teaching ability would get me through. Beverly has helped me so much, and I am grateful.
I have now been a driving instructor for 5 years and have seen Beverly Slater School of Motoring expand dramatically especially over the last 2 years, to date there are 16 driving instructors. Beverly has maintained her commitment to helping and supporting the Instructors and the pupils, maintaining the high standards and quality we had in the early days.
I would not change my job, its great, you get to meet a lot of different and interesting people, all with different personalities, but they all have one thing in common - they want to learn a new life changing skill. Helping people achieve this is very rewarding. As well as teaching learner drivers, I am now training potential driving instructors. This is another huge challenge for me, which I am enjoying very much.
Outside work I do alot of sport. I play hockey at the weekend and go to the gym during the week. I also do kickboxing where I have achieved brown belt up to date.
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
Meet the Instructors - Susan's Story
Hello all, my name is Susan, I have been a Driving Instructor for almost five years now, and, I love it!
I previously worked as a mini-bus driver, taking children with disabilities to and from school. I then moved to driving a bigger bus when I joined Stagecoach, Manchester. Driving regular buses was also fun on a day-to-day basis, I met lots of different people which made the job interesting just like being a Driving Instructor.
Being a Driving Instructor is great, I love getting to know my pupils and developing a bond with my pupils, so that they all feel comfortable in the car, I think that is very important. One thing to remember is if you are not happy in the car - you won’t enjoy it like you should!
I previously worked as a mini-bus driver, taking children with disabilities to and from school. I then moved to driving a bigger bus when I joined Stagecoach, Manchester. Driving regular buses was also fun on a day-to-day basis, I met lots of different people which made the job interesting just like being a Driving Instructor.
Being a Driving Instructor is great, I love getting to know my pupils and developing a bond with my pupils, so that they all feel comfortable in the car, I think that is very important. One thing to remember is if you are not happy in the car - you won’t enjoy it like you should!
If you are not enjoying your lessons – it will be harder to learn!
Masterclass with Beverly – Cold Weather
It’s cold (-3oC) and you need to make a journey in the car. What do you need to take into consideration?
The car is frozen, so allow yourself extra time to defrost the car, make sure you have good all round visibility – not just your windscreen. DO NOT SWITCH ON THE CAR ENGINE AND LEAVE THE CAR – if your car is gone when you come back out, the car insurance is invalid as you left the keys in it! Think First! Plan ahead!
The roads are icy, busy, difficult, and it may be dark. You may be a newly qualified driver or lack experience and confidence in these conditions, so allow yourself extra time to make the journey. Stopping distances can increase by 10 times in icy conditions – leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front.
The car is frozen, so allow yourself extra time to defrost the car, make sure you have good all round visibility – not just your windscreen. DO NOT SWITCH ON THE CAR ENGINE AND LEAVE THE CAR – if your car is gone when you come back out, the car insurance is invalid as you left the keys in it! Think First! Plan ahead!
The roads are icy, busy, difficult, and it may be dark. You may be a newly qualified driver or lack experience and confidence in these conditions, so allow yourself extra time to make the journey. Stopping distances can increase by 10 times in icy conditions – leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front.
If you feel stressed whilst driving, pull over somewhere safe, legal and convenient and compose yourself. Chill! Set off again in your own time when you feel ready.
Make sure you know where all the controls are on your car – lights, demisters, air conditioning, fog lights, wipers etc. Put these on, where applicable, before you set off – then you can concentrate on driving and planning ahead.
Antifreeze – check it is at the correct level?
Tyres – is the tread depth ok and are they at the correct pressure?
Have you got enough fuel or do you need to fill up?
Windscreen/washer fluid use Screenwash – it contains alcohol which freezes at a lower temperature than water.
Drive Carefully and Arrive Safely!
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Show Me Tell Me (Vehicle Safety Questions)
Vehicle safety checks have always been part of the officially recommended syllabus for learning to drive. Below is a list of the combinations of questions to be used on test.
Q: Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
A: Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.
Q: Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
A: Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
Q: Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.
A: Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
Q: Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
A: Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
Q: Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
A: Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.
Q: Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
A: Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary, but do not start the engine).
Q: Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
A: Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.
Q: Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
A: Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators. (You may need to switch the ignition on, but you should not start the engine).
Q: Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on the car. (I can assist you with this if you wish.) If you need to switch the ignition on, please do not start the engine.
A: Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (The examiner is allowed to check for you.)
Q: Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
A: Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
Q: Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit the vehicle)
A: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle. (This is a ‘Tell Me’ question there is no need to physically check the lights.)
Q: Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
A: Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
Q: Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
A: No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
Q: Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
A: Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen. (You may need to switch the ignition on, but you should not start the engine.)
Q: Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively. This should include both front and rear screens.
A: Set all relevant controls, including fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.
Q: Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle.)
A: Operate switch; turn on dipped headlights (and ignition if necessary, but without starting the engine). Check warning light is on. Explain when to use fog lights.
Q: Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
A: The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part f the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. NB Some restraints may not be adjustable.
Q: Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
A: Warning lights should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
VehicleSafety.pdf
Q: Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.
A: Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/maximum markers.
Q: Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
A: Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
Q: Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.
A: Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
Q: Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
A: Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
Q: Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.
A: Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.
Q: Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
A: Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary, but do not start the engine).
Q: Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
A: Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.
Q: Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
A: Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators. (You may need to switch the ignition on, but you should not start the engine).
Q: Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on the car. (I can assist you with this if you wish.) If you need to switch the ignition on, please do not start the engine.
A: Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (The examiner is allowed to check for you.)
Q: Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
A: Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.
Q: Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working. (No need to exit the vehicle)
A: Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle. (This is a ‘Tell Me’ question there is no need to physically check the lights.)
Q: Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
A: Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
Q: Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
A: No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
Q: Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers.
A: Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen. (You may need to switch the ignition on, but you should not start the engine.)
Q: Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively. This should include both front and rear screens.
A: Set all relevant controls, including fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration.
Q: Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle.)
A: Operate switch; turn on dipped headlights (and ignition if necessary, but without starting the engine). Check warning light is on. Explain when to use fog lights.
Q: Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
A: The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part f the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. NB Some restraints may not be adjustable.
Q: Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
A: Warning lights should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.
VehicleSafety.pdf
Monday, 18 January 2010
Are you ready for your Practical Driving Test?
Here at Beverly Slater School of Motoring, we will never tell you that you are not ready to take your test when you are. The National Pass Rate is 45% and it is so low because people go in for their test too early. Learning to drive is expensive and taking your test is expensive (approximately £100).
The cost of a weekday practical driving test is £62, plus use of the car and one hour's lesson prior to test. If you fail you will need to take another test, take more lessons to correct what went wrong and keep everything at test standard. Therefore the cost of a failed test is £62 (test fee) + £138 (additional hours) + £46 (use of car) = £246.
How will I know when I am ready?
You will be able to drive without your instructor saying or having to intervene at all, whilst you are driving, and you will not have to ask their help or advice.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Can you cope with every situation you meet on your driving lessons?
- Can you complete all the manoeuvres without any prompting and full observations?
- Are you confident emerging onto busy roads and roundabouts?
- Are you comfortable handling a car at 60-70 mph?
If you have answered YES to ALL the above question, you are probably ready for your Practical Driving Test.
Official DSA Car Practical Test - Are you ready? Can be found on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-40HK9tJWk&feature=PlayList&p=7C69D49DC86A8F23&index=1