16 June 2010
Proposed Lowering of Drink Driving Limit - The North Report
Read about it in the Telegraph here or in The Independent here
The actual report is here
Download it here (left-click to open in browser or right-click then 'save target as')
Read Minette Marrin's opinion in The Sunday Times here
01 June 2010
Major Road Safety Milestone as Driving Test Clocks Up 75 Years of Success
The British driving test marks three-quarters of a century of helping keep people safe on the road when it turns 75 on Tuesday 1 June.
The first car and driving licences were introduced in Britain in 1903. But it was not until 1 June 1935 - amid rising numbers of deaths as the popularity of the car increased - that a compulsory driving test was introduced.
The first driver to pass was Mr J Beene and within a year, the number of deaths on the road had fallen by 1,000.
In 1934, 7,343 people were killed on the roads and there were 1.5 million cars. The latest figures show there were 2,538 deaths on the roads in 2008 when there were around 34 million cars.
Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said: "The driving test is not just a rite of passage, it has helped save thousands of lives on our roads.The test and the learning needed to pass it are a vital part of giving drivers the skills they need to drive efficiently and safely. High standards of driver training and assessment are an essential contribution to helping Britain's roads remain among the safest in the world."
Trevor Wedge, Chief Driving Examiner at the Driving Standards Agency, said: "The driving test still retains some of the original elements included in 1935, such as turning in the road and reversing, but it is updated regularly. We continue to make sure that the test properly prepares drivers for the demands of modern roads.
"This year will see the introduction of independent driving into the test, to help candidates demonstrate their ability to drive without step-by-step instruction. We believe that this added element will lead to better and safer drivers."
Facts and figures:
- the test became compulsory on 1 June 1935, after being introduced on a voluntary basis on 16 March the same year
- the test was suspended during World War II and the Suez Crisis – examiners were put in charge of fuel rationing instead
- until 1975, candidates still had to demonstrate hand signals
- the theory test was introduced in July 1996
Source: DSA
May 2010
Is Your Licence a Fake?
A plight of a motorcycle rider highlights an issue with some paper licences. read about it here
Police Tackle Dangerous Driving On Country Roads... read the story at the BBC here
Drivers who ignore lollipop patrols warned to expect fines of up to £2,000 here
Cameras Help Combat 'lollipop rage'
Cameras are being fitted to the lollipop... read the story at the BBC here
14 April 2010
After 50 Years of Chaos, Two-Way Streets Are Back... read the story in the Times here
19 March 2010
DSA moves online test booking system to Directgov
The links shown below are live as of PM Friday 19th March, although the official date for the switchover is Monday 21 March.
This from DSA -
"The online booking system for practical driving tests is moving to Directgov. That means from 9.00 am on Monday 21 March from you'll need to visit direct.gov.uk/drivingtest to book, check, change or cancel your practical driving test.
The move means our existing system will be unavailable from 2.00 pm on Sunday 21 March. We're sorry for any inconvenience.
You can find out more about the practical driving test at direct.gov.uk/practicaltest, or by visiting the Driving Standards Agency's YouTube channel at youtube.com/dsagov and watching Are you ready?: a guide for learners."
17 March 2010
Here We Go Again - Examiners Strike
This from the DSA -
" Driving examiner strike on Wednesday 24 March
The PCS union is asking its members to take strike action on Wednesday 24 March.
If you have a driving test booked for that day, we ask you to attend as scheduled.
We won't know the effects of the strikes until the day as not all of our examiners and staff are members of the union. We don't know at this stage who will attend for work, which is why we ask that you arrive for your test regardless.
You don't need to do anything and there is no need to contact DSA.
If you can't take a test because of the action, you will have the test rebooked automatically, free of charge, and an appointment confirmation will be sent by email or post.
If your new appointment isn't suitable you can change it online at direct.gov.uk/drivingtest."
14 March 2010
Drivers face ban if they drink a pint
THE government has signalled that it plans to cut the drink driving limit to less than a pint of beer or a glass of wine. Read the story in The Times here.
03 March 2010
The Civil Servants are on strike again - this from DSA -
Driving examiner strike - candidates to attend tests
The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union is asking its members to take strike action on Monday and Tuesday, 8 and 9 March.
If you have a driving test booked for either day, we ask you to attend as scheduled.
We won't know the effects of the strikes until the day as not all of our examiners and staff are members of the union.
We don't know at this stage who will attend for work, which is why we ask that you arrive for your test regardless.
You don't need to do anything and there is no need to contact DSA.
If you can't take a test because of the action, you will have the test rebooked automatically, free of charge, and an appointment confirmation will be sent by email or post.
If your new appointment isn't suitable you can change it online at direct.gov.uk/drivingtest.
Source: DSA
February 2010
TOYOTA AND PEUGEOT CITROEN CAR RECALL
Following vehicle recall notices issued by Toyota and Peugeot Citroen, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has announced conditions for allowing affected vehicles on the driving test. Recall notices affect the following vehicles with the specified build dates:
Toyota
AYGO (Feb 2005 - Aug 2009)
iQ (Nov 2008 - Nov 2009) The iQ is already considered unsuitable for test
Yaris (Nov 2005 - Sep 2009)
Auris (Oct 2006 - 5 Jan 2010)
Corolla (Oct 2006 - Dec 2009)
Verso (Feb 2009 - 5 Jan 2010)
Avensis (Nov 2008 - Dec 2009)
RAV4 (Nov 2005 - Nov 2009)
Peugeot 107 (Feb 2005 - Aug 2009)
Citroen C1 (Feb 2005 - Aug 2009)
In total, Toyota and Peugeot Citroen are recalling around 320,000 UK-based vehicles. As yet, VIN number ranges have not been released.
Using these cars on the driving test
If one of the vehicles affected is presented for test, it will only be conducted if either:
- the vehicle has a manual transmission gearbox and is fitted with dual controls to help the examiner control the car in the unlikely event of a failure
- documentation is supplied to show that the remedial work has been carried out – this will usually be in the form of the Toyota or Peugeot Citroen recall letter stamped by the respective dealer and containing written confirmation
Candidates who cannot proceed with their test should contact DSA customer services to arrange for their test to be rebooked once the remedial work has been done.
As there has been no prior warning of this action, if the test is not conducted the fee will be refunded or a free retest given on the first occasion that a specific vehicle is presented for test. Customers can ring DSA customer services on 0300 200 1122.
Source: DSA
SIMPLIFICATION OF SPEED LIMIT RULES FOR BUSES, COACHES AND HGVs
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Proposals to simplify motorway speed limits for buses, coaches and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) were published today by the Department for Transport.
The changes are needed because of differences that have arisen between new vehicles, which are fitted with speed limiters, and older vehicles which are not. This means that while newer HGVs are limited to 56mph older vehicles are able to drive at up to 70 mph on the motorway. Similarly, new passenger vehicles with over eight seats are limited to 62.5 mph on the motorway but older vehicles are able to drive at 70 mph.
This can cause confusion for other drivers and creates a disincentive for companies to invest in safer and more fuel efficient vehicles. In addition, vehicles with speed limiters are not allowed to use the right hand lane of three lane motorways but those without speed limiters currently are.
The proposals put forward in today's consultation include:
- setting a 65 mph limit for all buses, minibuses and coaches with more than eight passenger seats regardless of whether or not they are fitted with a speed limiting device
- setting the motorway speed limit at 60 mph for all HGVs over 3.5 tonnes regardless of whether or not they are fitted with a speed limiting device
- prohibiting all HGVs between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes and all buses, minibuses and coaches with more than eight passenger seats from using the right hand lane of motorways with three or more lanes
Road Safety Minister Paul Clark said:
"We want to provide clarity for everybody - drivers, operators, other motorists and the police - as well as making sure that there is a level playing field for those operating in the bus, coach and road haulage industry.
"These proposals simplify motorway speed limits for buses, coaches and lorries so that everyone has to abide by the same rules regardless of the age of their vehicle."
The consultation can be found at dft.gov.uk/consultations/open and closes on Tuesday 27 April 2010.
Source: DSA
SEAT BELT ADVERT SHOWS DEADLY CONSEQUENCES OF NOT BELTING UP
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A hard-hitting THINK! campaign reminding drivers of the potentially fatal consequences of not wearing a seat belt was launched today by Road Safety Minister Paul Clark.
The £1.3 million campaign shows that if you have a crash without wearing a seat belt you actually experience three crashes, even at everyday speeds like 30mph. First, your car crashes and stops. Second - because there's nothing to stop you moving - your body carries on and hits the inside of the car. Third, you stop but your internal organs keep moving, hitting the inside of your body and can rupture under the force of the impact.
Paul Clark said:
"If you are involved in an accident while not wearing a seat belt then your body experiences a series of three collisions damaging vital internal organs. This campaign reminds drivers that - no matter how short their journey or how slowly they are driving - they are risking their life if they set off without putting their seat belt on.
"I hope this campaign will help everyone realise that they need to belt up every time they get in a car."
You are twice as likely to die in a crash if you are not wearing a seat belt and about one life could be saved in Britain each day if everyone always wore a belt.
The THINK! campaign - which includes television, radio, cinema, and outdoor advertising - is based on detailed research into people's seat belt wearing habits which showed that people are less likely to wear seat beats on low speed, short journeys on familiar roads, even though they are still risking their lives in these cases.
The advert is so realistic and graphic it can only be shown after 9pm. An edited version will be used for earlier showings - describing but not showing the damage to internal organs.
Watch it here
Source: DSA
January 2010
DISQUALIFIED DRIVERS FACE INTERNATIONAL BAN
From January 28th 2010, UK drivers disqualified for serious motoring offences in Ireland will no longer escape punishment when they return home, under a new law. The ban also extends to Irish drivers disqualified while in the UK, who will find the ban enforced when they return to Ireland.
International action on disqualified drivers
The new law means that if you are banned from driving in the UK, you will be banned in Ireland, and vice versa.
The measures are the result of a deal agreed between British, Irish and Northern Ireland ministers. The new law is the first practical step to recognise driving disqualifications in Europe under the terms of the 1998 European Convention on driving disqualifications.
Road Safety Minister Paul Clark said: 'We have cut the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads by 40 per cent since the mid-1990s - that is more than 19,000 fewer deaths or serious injuries in a year. This means we now have some of the safest roads in the world.
'But we need to continue to work to make our roads even safer and if a UK driver commits a serious offence while in Ireland it is right that their ban should still apply when they return home.
"From today this new law will ensure that disqualified drivers are not able to escape their punishment and so keep dangerous drivers off the roads.'
Find out more about driving disqualifications
Source: DSA
PASS PLUS REBATE SCHEME
The Government Pass Plus scheme, locally administered by the Borough of Poole has just ended. This is a funding issue, and the scheme may return in the future in one form or another.
December 2009
SPEED-CAMERA CLUSTERS TO POLICE 20mph RESIDENTIAL ZONES
Read the story in the Times HERE
September 2009
IMPROVEMENTS TO THEORY TEST
- DSA introduces case studies into the theory test
- Candidates to be tested on understanding as well as knowledge
- Case studies are widely used in education to put learning into context
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) will start to introduce case studies into the driving theory test from the end of this month, it has announced today. From 28 September 2009, one case study will be included in the exam for car drivers, moped and motorcycle riders.
As part of the multiple choice section of the test, the case study will assess candidates' understanding of driving theory, whilst the multiple choice questions will continue to assess their knowledge of the subject.
The introductory theory test case study will take the form of a scenario, or short story, on which five questions will be based. Candidates will answer the questions in the same way as they do now, using either the touch screen or mouse.
DSA's Director of Driver Education and Learning, Jill Lewis, said: "Case studies are widely used in education to put learning into context and test comprehension of a subject, so many candidates will have encountered this type of question before.
"Initially we are introducing one case study based on existing questions in the theory test question bank, to get candidates used to the concept. It will also allow us to monitor any impact on the theory test. Over time, we plan to introduce more case studies into the theory test to assess candidates' understanding of what they have learned."
Changes to the theory test are part of Learning to Drive, a long-term programme of major reforms that will progressively strengthen the way that people learn to drive and are tested. This approach received general support from the almost 7,000 people who responded to the consultation.
Source: DSA
June 2009
ACCOMPANYING DRIVERS TO ATTEND TEST DEBRIEFS
Accompanying drivers, whether an instructor or unqualified supervising driver,
will be required to sit in on all car practical tests and the test debrief
from October 2010.
Other key proposals from the DSA Learning to Drive consultation
are:
- Continued roll-out across Great Britain of the new pre-driver
qualification in safe road use - Introduction of partial credit for the theory test for car drivers
for those awarded the new pre-driver qualification in safe
road use - Introduction of case studies into the theory test for learner car
drivers and moped/motorcycle riders with the next refresh of
the question bank - The trial of the new 3D hazard perception test
Source: Driving Instructor magazine June/July 2009
Consultations at DSA website HERE (document not posted on DSA site as of July 2009)
May 2009
FATAL DISTRACTIONSThe growing addiction to social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook are driving motorists to distraction with motorists openly admitting that to breaking the law by "tweeting" behind the wheel and potentially putting lives at risk.
According to research published by Esure car insurance, nearly one in ten of motorists questioned areusing mobile internet services and social networks whilst driving... to tweet, text and update their Facebook profiles.
While the research shows 92% of UK motorists know it is illegal to use their hand-held phone while driving, 45% of motorists openly admit to breaking the law by texting and making calls while driving and with tens of thousands of mobile phone applications widely available on
smartphones such as the Apple Iphone and the Blackberry, it seems that motorists are finding it increasingly difficult to resist the urge to reach for their mobile devices whilst driving.
Advice to motorists is to remove this temptation altogether by switching off all mobile technology before driving to ensure focus solely remains on the road ahead.
Source: MSA magazine May 2009
March 31 2009
CHANGES TO DSA SERVICES ON THE INTERNET |
This affects Instructors and Driver-Trainers only: The DSA have moved many of their services for instructors onto the Business Link website. Some of the services affected are:
From 1 April you should access most of those services through the Business Link website HERE. Despite this, the original DSA site is still up, and can be accessed for news and other information. HERE. |
March 30 2009 - New Test fees from DSA - Slight variation on proposed rises
March 08 2009 - LEARNERS TO FACE TEST ON FOLLOWING ROAD SIGNS
Read the article in The Telegraph here
March 08 2009 - GOVERNMENT PROPOSE REDUCTION IN NATIONAL SPEED LIMIT
Read the article in The Times here, or in Bournemouth Daily Echo, here
DSA PROPOSED INCREASE TO TEST FEES FOR 2009
The DSA have proposed to introduce an increase to new fees for tests booked on or after the week beginning 30th March 2009. AAs the following information is only a proposal, you would need to contact DSA for more clarification.
- Theory tests taken by learner car drivers and motocycle/moped riders - increase of £1 to £31.00
- Practical tests taken by learner car drivers - increase of £7 to £63.50
- Practical vocational and car plus trailer tests - increase of £14 to £119.00
- Theory test taken as part of the ADI qualification process - increase of £10 to £90.00
- Practical tests taken as part of the ADI qualification process - increase of £12 to £111.00
- ADI Trainee licence - increase of £15 to £140.00
For any more proposed tests and fees increase by the DSA please contact the agency direct on 0115 936 6666
