Beverly Slater Driving School

Driving Licence Changed My Life

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Greenwood) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:50:00 +0000

Passing your driving test opens up so many opportunities.

"It has made such a difference to my work" said Charlotte from Macclesfield who passed her test after driving lessons in one of our automatic cars. Charlotte is a nail technician who now visits her clients as 'Charlotte-Mobile Nails' - and business has never been busier.

Charlotte is also a mum with a toddler and another baby due later this year.

'I look back and wonder how I ever coped before passing my Driving Test?'

Charlotte learnt in Macclesfield and her clients are local in Prestbury, Bollington, Tytherington and Poynton. However, driving will open up new areas like Stockport and Buxton for her too.

If you would like more information about learning to drive in manual, or automatic cars, our friendly staff are only too happy to help. Please ring 01625 402400 or 0161 222 6006 or click on the contact us link.

Change your life in 2012 and learn to drive!

Driving Instructor Wanted

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Greenwood) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:29:00 +0000

We are looking for another Driving Instructor to join our busy driving school. Our team of instructors are delivering driving lessons in Knutsford, Macclesfield, Stockport and the surrounding areas including Sale, Altrincham, Wilmslow, and Alderley Edge.

For more details please contact our helpful and friendly office by phoning 0161 222 6006.

Refresher Driving Lessons

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Greenwood) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:39:00 +0000

These are just some of the reasons people undertake a few Refresher Driving lessons:

passed your driving test but still lack confidence
regain confidence after an accident
maybe you passed but have not driven for a while or driven infrequently
recently lost your partner to illness or bereavement and you need to get behind the wheel again
would benefit from extra experience e.g. motorways
fear of night driving
lack experience driving in bad weather, for example, snow and icy conditions
open up new job opportunities

Each course is individually tailored to the customers needs. The length of training varies from one session to a long series of lessons for particularly nervous drivers. Some drivers prefer to stay until they are supremely confident whilst others prefer to get the basics and then practice on their own.

An understanding, patient and sympathetic driving instructor will help enormously

For more information please see our testimonials or ring 0161 222 6006 to speak to one of our friendly and helpful team.

New Female Automatic Instructor

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Greenwood) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:16:00 +0000

Welcome to Coralie Prosser who has joined Beverly Slater Driving School. Coralie will be specialising in teaching students to learn to drive in her automatic car.

Anyone struggling with the clutch and gears need have no fears as we now have two automatic cars and fully qualified instructors.

Coralie will be covering the Stockport, Macclesfield and Sale.

Her friendly and patient personality should take some of the stress out of learning to drive, sending new students confidently on their way with a valuable Driving Licence, and opening new doors with a new life skill.

For more information contact us or call our friendly and helpful team on 0161 222 6006

Quality Lessons - Quality Instructors - Quality Cars

Learning to Drive is Better Value than a Degree

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Greenwood) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 11:15:00 +0000

Nearly twice as many people think learning to drive gives school leavers better value for money than getting a degree.

A new survey has found that a third (33%) of people think learning to drive offers better value for money than getting a degree or getting on the property ladder. Only 18 per cent think getting a degree gives the best value for money, while more than a quarter (26%) think putting down a deposit on a first home offers the best value for money.

An AA/Populus poll of 11,361 AA members conducted between17 and 24 August 2011 asked:

After leaving school, young people have many important life skills to gain and many of their own priorities for life. With this in mind, which of the following would you describe as the best value for money?

5% said being fashionable
9% said gap year travelling
13% said buying a car
18% said getting a degree
26% said putting down a deposit on their first home
33% said learning to drive

Amongst 17-to-25-year-olds, results showed the perceived value for money offered by a degree decreases with age. 17-to-19-year-olds were twice as likely (46%) to think a degree offered value for money than 23-to-25-year-olds (21%).

Conversely, the perceived value for money of learning to drive increases with age among that demographic from 11% of 17-to-19-year-olds to 15% of 23-to-25-year-olds.

AA President Edmund King said: “Getting a degree, buying a home and learning to drive are all key life milestones. Each one helps build an independent and successful life.

“As the cost of university rockets and the housing market remains volatile, it is not surprising that many people think learning to drive offers school leavers the best value for money out of the three options. Driving is important for young people as it brings independence, enhances employment prospects and gives job mobility. In today’s economic climate with greater competition for jobs, having a driving licence, as well as a degree, helps people get on the job ladder.

“School leavers taking their test at 17 are also more likely to pass than those who take their test later in life and therefore, learning to drive early can bring wider economic benefits. Added to that, if you drive regularly, once you have your licence you are reminded of the value of learning to drive most days. But as you progress your career, getting your degree can easily seem a distant, if happy memory. This may explain why the perceived value for money offered by driving lessons increases with age, and decreases with age for a degree.”

Enhance your job opportunities and increase your job mobility

For more information or a friendly chat with our experienced team please contact us on 0161 222 6006

Dangerous Drivers

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Greenwood) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:01:00 +0000

Channel 5 television starts a new series this week called Dangerous Drivers. Each episode will focus on drivers who have already passed their test but who have problems, especially with confidence.

The driving instructors will help them to become confident and smart drivers. Lessons will include motorways, nervous drivers and dangerous drivers with points on their driving licence. Ultimately, after a short course with their instructor, they will become safer drivers.

Here at Beverly Slater Driving School we can construct a short, specific, Drive Confidence course tailored to your needs. So whether you are:

returning to driving after a break
have specific concerns
worry about difficult driving conditions (for example bad weather)
have points on your license

We can construct a short, bespoke driving course to get you up and running again.

For a friendly and helpful chat please contact us or call us on 0161 222 6006

Christmas - Driving Lesson Gift Vouchers

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Greenwood) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 10:03:00 +0000

ONLY 12 weeks to Christmas!!

Great idea for a 'lifetime of value' present - a Driving Lesson Gift Voucher!

They are available from an individual 1 hour driving lesson right up to full driving courses. So for manual or automatic cars we can put together a memorable Christmas present that will last well after the Christmas festivities have finished - and the recipient will have many happy memories and a learn a 'skill for life'.

Learning to drive is one of the cheapest forms of education that brings a lifetime of opportunities.

A driving lesson gift voucher is for life not just for Christmas!

New Instructor Joins Beverly Slater

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Greenwood) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:48:00 +0000

Welcome to Adrian Lord, the latest instructor to join Beverly Slater School of Motoring. Adrian will be covering the Stockport, Macclesfield and High Peak areas. He has been a highly qualified and experienced driving instructor for a few years, but since joining us a few weeks ago Adrian has already had his test first pass at Buxton Test Centre. He is also aiming to get a few 'crash course' or intensive pupils through before they return to university. With his calm and patient enthusiasm, Adrian is another welcome addition to our professional team.

Quality Instructors - Quality Cars - Quality Lessons

Young Driver Insurance Premiums Falling

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Greenwood) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:03:00 +0000

Recently James (aged 20) from Stockport, saved a fortune in car insurance costs.

James, who drives a Vauxhall Corsa, paid £1760 for his car insurance last year. This year by changing and insuring his car with Co-Operative Young Driver Insurance, James has reduced his premium to £975 with the future potential to reduce even further depending on how he drives.

Every 3 months Co-Operative Insurance review his driving style and the premium he pays will reflect his driving style. Responsible, safe driving is rewarded by a further monthly discount, whilst bad driving is penalised.

For more information about Co-Operative Young Driver Insurance take a look at the weblink below:

http://www.co-operativeinsurance.co.uk/servlet/Satellite/1228203835143,CFSweb/Page/Insurance-Car

Boost your Job Opportunities

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Greenwood) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 08:42:00 +0000

Learning to drive is one of the cheapest forms of adult education and one of the most worthwhile qualifications you can hold.

Last week news headlines suggested that there has been a decline in the number of young people taking a driving test in recent years, according to Driving Standards Agency figures. The number of 17 - 25 year olds taking their driving test has fallen by 19% since 2005/06, dropping by more than 200,000.

Much of the blame has been apportioned to the increased cost of learning to drive and running a vehicle as it's very easy to grab the headlines. Some of the costs associated with driving have increased slightly and insurance premiums have risen dramatically for youngsters, but the cost of learning has actually reduced or at most maintained similar levels over the same period.

Official statistics available from the Office of National Statistics suggest that the population for 17 year olds has decreased since 2008 so reducing the numbers of those driving.

Economic factors in general have contributed to young people having to make decisions about where they spend their money. For example, university fees have gone up, so young people are putting off learning to drive until a later date, perhaps beyond the age of 22.

It therefore might be true to suggest that 17 - 25 year olds are not being put off learning to drive because of the cost of learning but perhaps due to social trends, fashions and economic priorities.

Learning to drive is one of the cheapest forms of adult education and one of the most worthwhile qualifications you can hold!

Take a look at our All Inclusive Package

Learner Drivers Count The Costs as Pass Rates Fall

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Greenwood) — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 10:47:00 +0000

The Independent July 10 2011

Olivia Baldock, training co-ordinator at the Driving Instructors Association, said: "As the recession has hit harder over the past few years, more and more people have decided to save money and take lessons from parents and other relations.

"This is not always a good combination and can mean that people have to spend a lot more as they do not get the right training and end up having to take more tests and pay for more lessons."

At Beverly Slater School of Motoring we encourage private practice with family and friends because additional experience will make a safer driver. Our Instructors will work with the supervising driver, giving advice on what the learner needs to practice, where to take them. We also encourage the supervising driver to sit in on a lesson, so they can see the learner's ability before venturing out with them.

To read the full article please click on the weblink:

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/motoring/motoring-news/learner-drivers-count-the-cost-as-pass-rates-fall-2309912.html

Learn to Drive Before or After University?

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Greenwood) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 15:14:00 +0000

University tuition fees are a real hardship for today's students. When my sons went to university a couple of years ago, they encountered the same problems and had to make important 'lifechanging' choices.

My boys chose to learn to drive at 17 and so when they went off to uni they had already obtained their driving licences. This saved a fortune in the cost of driving lessons as the younger you are the faster you learn, therefore, it took less time and cost less money. Their ability to drive helped them with job opportunities whilst at university and once they finished university, it also meant they could hold down holiday jobs without the need of mum's taxi service.

Tuition fees do not have to be paid back until they started earning a set amount (£21,000pa now), which means that for the first couple of years they didn't pay anything back. The Martin Lewis website has great, useful information re Student Loans:

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/student-loans-tuition-fees-changes

A lot of my sons' friends went to university first and have then had travel to and from jobs on unreliable, expensive, and busy public transport. It also limited their job prospects and are finding learning to drive in their spare time, combined with a full-time job and building a career exhausting. They also need more lessons and ultimately it's taking them longer and costing more money.

Thank goodness my boys learnt before university as it has paid for itself several times over.

Driving is a Skill for Life

Memories of my Driving Test

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Greenwood) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 14:46:00 +0000

I was brought up in Sale and attended Sale Grammar School, so the Sale Test Centre on Poplar Grove is a well known area to me. I took my original driving test there and passed first time. I still remember it vividly.

The Driving Examiner took me along a test route which included a hillstart at Brooklands Station, the A56 Washway Road up to Broadheath, near the Ice Rink in Altrincham, and then over a level crossing somewhere nearby. In those days the Theory Test consisted of a couple of questions on the Highway Code at the end of the drive. How things have changed and the standard required today is so much higher. Back then the saying was 'pass your test and then learn to drive.' These days that no longer applies - if you cannot drive you will not pass your test!

My driving instructor was a lady called Moira who was very patient and experienced, just like all the male and female instructors we have working at Beverly Slater School of Motoring. Little did I know that many years later I would run a driving school with instructors regularly teaching in the Sale and Altrincham areas where I was once a nervous learner.

Beverly Slater

Driving Without a Licence?

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Greenwood) — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 16:13:00 +0000

is your job in jeopardy because you don't hold a full driving licence
do you drive but you have never passed your driving test
are you worried about being caught and the consequences

Many people have driven for years but are worried about taking their first steps towards gaining a valid driving licence because they are embarrassed and do not want to admit to colleagues, family and friends they have been driving illegally.

We are not here to judge!

We believe you should be given a chance and we can help you to become legal - fast. We will be sensitive to your situation and will not treat you like a beginner - you can already drive. We will polish up your driving and enhance your skills and level of understanding, so you can pass your test quickly and be a legal driver.

You will probably not need many lessons but just a few pointers. You could hold a licence in no time at all.

Beverly Slater the Key to your Driving Success!

Have you failed a Driving Test?

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Greenwood) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 09:12:00 +0000

There are many reasons why people fail:

made a silly mistake
test day nerves
lacked confidence
didn't feel ready
worried about manoeuvres
lack of understanding

We offer short Rescue Courses, tailored to suit you, to pull together and remedy the common causes of people failing their test. Sometimes all that is needed is 'a fresh pair of eyes.'

Our qualified and patient instructors are experienced in spotting and rectifying your driving problems quickly, so your level of understanding improves thus building your confidence ready for your test success.

Beverly Slater the Key to your Driving Success!

Learning to drive with a Relative or Friend

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Greenwood) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:14:00 +0000

For those learning to drive who are lucky enough to have a patient and understanding relative or friend to take them out to practice, the rewards are plentiful.

Practice helps you to obtain vital experience which will boost your confidence. Combined with driving lessons with an experienced, professional driving instructor, you will be ready for your test sooner, thus saving you money.

At first you may struggle driving two different cars but within a few hours this will become second nature as we all learn to adapt very quickly. Driving on a variety of roads on different days and times in all sorts of weather conditions will also help.

On your test the Driving Examiner will expect you to be able to fit in amongst all the other road users and for you to be safe, confident and fully in control of the car at all times. The old myth that 'you pass your test and then learn to drive' no longer applies on today's busy roads.

The supervising driver must be over 21 years old and have held a Full UK Driving Licence Holder for and observe all the rules of the road whilst in the passenger seat.

Intensive/Semi-Intensive (Crash) Coures

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Greenwood) — Sat, 28 May 2011 11:49:00 +0000

Do you need to pass your test quickly?

Perhaps

a new job depends on you being able to drive
you need to pass before you start university
you now time to spare between finishing exams and starting college/university
you have late birthday and you want to catch up your friends who may have already passed
you're pregnant and need to pass before the baby arrives

We can help, and will tailor the course to suit to your specific needs and around your availability.

An intensive course can be completed in one or two weeks or a semi-intensive course can be spread over a slightly longer period.

Payment by Credit and Debit card accepted.

We teach you to drive - not just to pass the Test

Credit and Debit Card Payments

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Greenwood) — Mon, 23 May 2011 09:59:00 +0000

Beverly Slater School of Motoring now accept payment by all major Credit and Debit cards:

quick and easy
safe - no need to carry cash
save time - no need to go to the cash machine
flexible - pay for one driving lesson, a block of lessons or a full intensive driving course
cheques being phased out

Covering all areas of Stockport, Macclesfield, Knutsford & High Peak our driving instructors are all patient and experienced, with above average passrates.

Teaching you to be a safe, confident driver and

NOT just to pass your test!

Refresher Lessons

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Greenwood) — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 18:03:00 +0000

'There are two things no man will admit he cannot do well: drive and make love', said ex racing driver Stirling Moss. But surely it's time for both men (and women) to rethink at least the first part of this statement and accept that for most of us there's going to be some room for improvement. In our working lives we realise the value of ongoing training to help us adapt to changing circumstances and avoid getting rusty, so surely we should take the same approach to our driving?

The value of immediate post-test training such as the Pass Plus course is widely promoted. But increasingly people who've held a licence for a number of years are realising that they'd benefit from extra tuition and are deciding to take a driver refresher course. A fairly common motivation is in the case of older women who've left most of the driving to their husbands and now because of bereavement or their partner's illness are having to get behind the wheel again. Other reasons include wanting to overcome common motoring fears such as motorways or night driving, getting a job that involves high-mileage driving, needing to regain confidence after an accident, and moving from the country to the city or vice versa. Driving in icy and snowy conditions is a challenge many people won't have tackled as learner but a session with an driving instructor can teach techniques for avoiding skids that can make the experience a lot less hair-raising.

For people wanting to improve their driving, a sympathetic driving instructor is usually a good first port of call.

Maria McCarthy,

Motoring author, journalist and media motoring commentator

Click here for full article and testimonials

Driving Test Myths

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Greenwood) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 17:47:00 +0000

Over the years, I’ve spoken to many people who have a wide range of ideas of what happens on a driving test. Some of these ideas might be wrong, and often come from a friend who heard it from a friend. So although there might be some element of truth, it ends up like a game of Chinese whispers, and gets a little exaggerated.

Below are the Top 5 I hear most often, with some explanation of the real truth behind the myth. If you have any more myths you would like the truth on, please leave a comment below.

1. Examiners Are Only Allowed To Pass A Certain Number Of People Each Week/Month

Completely untrue. It is true that the Examiner’s pass rates are monitored, but this has no effect on the number of people they pass. Put simply, if you are good enough during the driving test, you will pass.

2. If you stall or bump into a kerb, you will fail.

With this one, it depends on the situation. If you stall in the middle of a busy roundabout, and traffic has to brake or steer to avoid you, then yes it could be a serious fault. However, most stalls occur when moving away in traffic, or on a hill. So long as you keep calm and deal with it safely, without being a risk to other drivers, it will only be marked as a driver error (minor fault).

Also, when reversing, if you feel the car touch the kerb, the best thing to do is stop. From here you can work out what you need to do next to correct the error, and moving forward if fine if done safely. Like the stalling, if you deal with this well, and continue with the rest of the reversing exercise as you should, it will only be marked as a driver error.

3. You should set your mirrors slightly off, so you move your head more when checking them.

This one often comes up, sometimes through misunderstanding your Driving Instructor. However, you should never adjust your mirrors incorrectly as it makes quick observations harder, which will mean you often have to look away from the front of the car for longer.

As far as the test is concerned, the Examiner can tell when you are checking your mirrors, by the slight change of your eyes, or a small twitch of your head. You might not realise you are doing these movements, but you do. These are what will the Examiner will use to tell when you are checking your mirrors. Just concentrate on doing what you’ve been taught to, and you’ll be fine.

4. The minimum age for the driving test is going up to 18.

Once again not true. This one comes up a lot, and more recently, the media has a part to play in this myth. A few years ago, the DSA (Driving Standards Agency) had a consultation on what the future of learning to drive will be. In this, with a whole lot of other ideas, was the suggestion to raise the driving test age.

There was no proof that it would make a difference to road safety so it wasn’t taken further, but no doubt it will come up again.

5. You must take your test in your Driving Instructor’s car.

This one doesn’t affect many people as the majority of people prefer take the test in their Instructor’s car, as it’s the car they are most used to. However some people who do a lot of private practice might want to use their own car.

So long as it’s a vehicle allowed for the driving test, is legal for road use and the test (correct insurance), and you have L-plates and an interior mirror, you can use any car you like.

Reproduced with the kind permission of Rob Laird

RPL Driving

Learning to Drive With Dyslexia

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Greenwood) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 13:14:00 +0000

It takes some people, who suffer from dyslexia, longer to learn to drive. They may have to concentrate harder and may not be able to talk and drive at the same time.

Do you suffer from any of the following:

do you ever wonder about your spacial awareness
have difficulty focussing, and are easily distracted
do you have difficulty remembering things you have just been taught
struggle to tell left from right
have problems remembering sequences

What can we do to help?

learning takes place in a person centred enviroment
our patient instructors will give you control over the pace and content of your lessons
our instructors are specially trained to be able to change the way they teach, thereby allowing you to learn and make decisions by yourself, leading to confident and independent driving once you have passed your test
choice of manual and automatic cars

Teaching safe, confident driving for all abilities

Nervous Drivers

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Greenwood) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 13:30:00 +0000

Do you suffer from any of the following?

you failed your driving test, or maybe several tests, because of your nerves
you suffer from exam nerves generally
you have achieved lower exam results because of your nerves
your nerves spoil your chances for all practical tests

Overcoming driving nerves and especially their influence during driving tests is a very common problem. Over the years our wealth of experience has helped hundreds of nervous drivers to pass their driving tests and be to safe, confident drivers on obtaining their licence.

How can we help?

all learning in people centred enviroment
very patient instructors
learning individually tailored to your personal needs and overcoming your personal fears
lessons are conducted at your pace
instructors are trained to adapt the way they teach/coach allowing learning in a way that suits you
confidence building by helping you to learn to make decisions by yourself
choice of manual and automatic cars

Young Driver Awareness

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Greenwood) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 12:33:00 +0000

Recently, Approved Driving Instructors from Beverly Slater School of Motoring took part in a series of presentations at Aquinas 6th Form College in Stockport. The Instructors are passionate about keeping young drivers safe and are Ambassadors for Brake - The Road Safety Charity.

Various topics were covered including:

How to choose a Driving Instructor
Distraction and driving - with special reference to mobile phones & texting
Drink driving & drug driving
Responsibility and driving

We would like to thank all the Aquinas students and staff for giving us the opportunity to deliver these important messages to the drivers of the future and making us feel so welcome in their fabulous new college building.

We teach you to be a safe, confident driver

How to Save Money and Driving

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Greenwood) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 08:56:00 +0000

Today's tough economic times are hitting us all in our pockets. Everyone is having to make their money stretch further. One way of saving money is by changing the way you drive.

Here at Beverly Slater School of Motoring, our instructors teach everyone to drive in a way that is eco-friendly and saves you money.

Below is a list of ways that you can help to reduce your fuel bill, as well as your carbon footprint:

Maintenance:

Regular servicing to maintain engine efficiency
Correct tyre pressures

Before you go:

Lose weight - empty the boot
Streamline - remove empty roof racks and boxes
Don't get lost - plan unfamiliar journeys
Reverse into parking bays/driveways
Combine short trips - cold starts are inefficient
Consider alternatives like walking or cycling

On the way:

Don't start the engine until you're ready to go
Drive smoothly, accelerate gently, anticipate and plan ahead
Decelerate smoothly by releasing the accelerator in good time, leaving the car in gear
Rolling - keep the car moving if possible
Drive in the correct gear for the speed - do not labour the engine or over-rev
Cut down on the air-con
Turn off heaters, demisters, headlights
In a queue, turn the engine off if it looks like you could be waiting for more than three minutes

Adopting these methods of driving could reduce your fuel bill by up to 15%

Enhance your job opportunities

noreply@blogger.com (Carol Greenwood) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 11:33:00 +0000

finishing college or university in summer
work shifts/unsociable hours
job opportunities outside your local area
new job or career change which would involve travelling
promotion which includes a car
delivery jobs
relying on lifts

How many times have you seen employment opportunities but you are being held back because you cannot drive?

High unemployment means any extra skills you have that differentiate you from 'the others' will add to your employment chances.

We specialise in enabling you to pass your test quickly (maybe with a semi-intensive or 'crash course'). You may be a complete beginner or someone who started to learn at 17 and then gave up, but who would now benefit from holding a driving licence.

Perhaps you can already drive but are intimidated by motorways, or just lack confidence. We can solve all these problems, and help drive you to the path of future job success.

A Full Driving Licence - could be the key to a new career