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Driving Lessons Bridgend and Swansea | Driving Test Changes | FiveDrive

2017-04-15T12:50:00.000+01:00

Driving Test Changes from December 2017

The driving test in England, Scotland and Wales will change from Monday 4th December 2017.

The changes are designed to make sure new drivers have the skills they’ll need to help them through a lifetime of safe driving.

The four main changes to the driving test are:

the independent driving part of the test will increase to 20 minutes

most candidates will be asked to follow directions from a sat nav

the reversing manoeuvres will be changed

answering a vehicle safety question while you’re driving

This video shows how the test will work from 4 December 2017.

The four driving test changes

1. Independent driving part of the test will increase to 20 minutes

The independent driving part of the test currently lasts around 10 minutes. During this part of the test, you have to drive without turn-by-turn directions from the driving examiner.

This part of the test will be made longer, so it’ll last around 20 minutes - roughly half of the test.

2. Following directions from a sat nav

During the independent driving part of the test, most candidates will be asked to follow directions from a sat nav.

The examiner will provide the sat nav and set it up. You won’t need to set the route - the examiner will do this for you. So, it doesn’t matter what make or model of sat nav you practise with.

You can’t follow directions from your own sat nav during the test - you have to use the one supplied by the examiner.

You’ll be able to ask the examiner for confirmation of where you’re going if you’re not sure. It won’t matter if you go the wrong way unless you make a fault while doing it.

One in 5 driving tests won’t use a sat nav. You’ll need to follow traffic signs instead.

3. Reversing manoeuvres will be changed

The ‘reverse around a corner’ and ‘turn-in-the-road’ manoeuvres will no longer be tested, but you should still be taught them by your instructor.

You’ll be asked to do one of 3 possible reversing manoeuvres:

parallel park at the side of the road

park in a bay - either driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out (the examiner will tell you which you have to do)

pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for two car lengths and rejoin the traffic

4. Answering a vehicle safety question while you’re driving

The examiner will ask you 2 vehicle safety questions during your driving test - these are known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions.

You’ll be asked the:

‘tell me’ question (where you explain how you’d carry out a safety task) at the start of your test, before you start driving

‘show me’ question (where you show how you’d carry out a safety task) while you’re driving - for example, showing how to wash the windscreen using the car controls and wipers

Pass mark, length of test and cost not changing

The pass mark is staying the same. So, you’ll pass your test if you make no more than 15 driving faults and no serious or dangerous faults.

The examiner will still mark the test in the same way, and the same things will still count as faults.

The overall time of the driving test won’t change. You’ll still drive for around 40 minutes.

The driving test cost will also stay the same.

Why the changes are being made

Road collisions are the biggest killer of young people. They account for over a quarter of all deaths of those aged between 15 and 19.

DVSA wants to make sure that training and the driving test reduce the number of young people being killed in collisions.

These changes are being made because:

most fatal collisions happen on high-speed roads (not including motorways) - changing the format of the test will allow more of these types of roads to be included in driving test routes
52% of car drivers now have a sat nav - DVSA wants new drivers to be trained to use them safely
research has shown that new drivers find independent driving training valuable - they can relate it to driving once they’ve passed their test

Driving Lessons Bridgend and Swansea | Show Me, Tell Me Questions | FiveDrive

2017-04-15T12:48:00.001+01:00

Show Me, Tell Me Questions

On your Driving Test, you will be asked two Show Me, Tell Me questions.

The examiner will ask you one:

'tell me' question at the start of your driving test, before you start driving
'show me' question while you are driving

If you get one question wrong, or even both wrong, you will only pick up one minor fault.

YOU WILL NOT FAIL YOUR TEST ON THESE QUESTIONS!!

You will not need any technical knowledge for the “Show Me, Tell Me” questions. In fact, try to think of the really obvious answers. If you have any questions, please ask your FiveDrive instructor.

These questions will apply from 4th December 2017

'Show Me' questions (asked while you are driving)

When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you would switch on your dipped headlights?
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you would set the rear demister?
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you would operate the horn?
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you would demist the front windscreen?
When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you would open and close the side window?

'Tell Me' questions (asked at the start of your test before you start driving)

Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

As you move off check the brakes. They should not feel spongy or slack and the car should not pull to one side.

Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

Information will be found using the car manufacturer's manual. Check the tyre pressures by using a reliable pressure gauge when the tyres are cold. Don't forget the spare tyre and remember to refit the valve caps.

Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of 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. Some restraints might not be adjustable.

Tell me how you would check the tyres to show that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

A safe tyre will have no cuts or bulges. The tread depth should be at least 1.6mm across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

Explain that you would operate the switch - turn on ignition if necessary, then walk around car and check that the lights are on.

(as this is a 'tell me' question, you will not need to physically check the lights)

Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.

Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.

Tell me how you would check that the direction indicators are working correctly.

Explain that you would activate the indicators or hazard warning lights and then walk around the car to see if all the indicators are working correctly.

(as this is a 'tell me' question, you will not need to physically check the lights)

Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.

Explain that you would operate the brake pedal and then make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help.

Tell me how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

If the steering becomes heavy the steering may be faulty. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made.

1) Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained whilst the engine is started, should result in slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate.

2) Turning the steering wheel after just moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assisted steering is functioning correctly.

Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them.

Explain that you would operate the switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use - when visibility is less than 100m.

Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on.

Explain that you would operate the switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.

Tell me how you would check that the engine has enough oil.

Identify the dipstick, explain that you would pull it out and check the oil level against the min/max markings.

Tell me how you would check the engine has sufficient engine coolant

Identify the coolant tank and check the min/max markings. If the coolant is below the min mark then more coolant will need to be added. To do this, unscrew the cap and pour in coolant until the max mark is reached.

Tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

Explain that you would identify the brake fluid reservoir and check the fluid level against the min/max levels.

Driving Lessons Bridgend - Save Money Pass First Time - FiveDrive - Gabby Smith Driving Test Pass

2017-02-27T17:20:00.000+00:00

Driving Lessons Bridgend

BOOOOOOOOOM!!!! It’s yet another fantastic FIRST TIME PASS and we are massively congratulating Gabby Smith who passed her practical driving test on 27th February. Gabby took her driving lessons in Bridgend with her BRILLIANT driving instructor Paul Curryer 😉 Can’t wait to see you driving yourself to school! THANKS SO MUCH for choosing FiveDrive and we wish you all the very best for the future. Here’s to all that FREEEEDOM!!!!! Driving lessons Bridgend

www.fivedrive.co.uk

Driving Lessons Bridgend - Save Money Pass First Time - FiveDrive - Callum Chilcott Driving Test Pass

2017-02-27T14:00:00.002+00:00

Driving Lessons Bridgend

BOOOOOOOM!!!! Another fantastic FIRST TIME PASS and our huge congrats go out to Callum Chilcott who absolutely SMASHED his practical driving test on 25th February with just 2 minors (you’re allowed 15!!!!!). Callum took his driving lessons in Bridgend with his FABULOUS driving instructor Paul Curryer What an amazing result! THANKS SO MUCH for choosing FiveDrive and we wish you all the very best for the future. Enjoy your FREEEEDOM!!! Driving Lessons Bridgend

www.fivedrive.co.uk

Driving Lessons Bridgend - 5 Star Customer Reviews - FiveDrive - Shannon Brown Customer Review

2017-02-16T12:18:00.002+00:00

Driving Lessons Bridgend

"When looking for a driving school, it was really important to me that they had excellent reviews and the prices were affordable. I wanted friendly support from the driving instructor. I found FiveDrive through Facebook and their website and they were easy to get in touch with. I was nervous about learning to drive but after having lessons with my driving instructor Paul, I found it enjoyable and quickly became more confident. I found Paul's teaching methods effective. He'd focus on the areas I was struggling with and instead of reacting in a negative way if I did something wrong, he was always relaxed and supported me through it. I would definitely recommend FiveDrive to friends and family. They teach in a relaxed environment, help with confidence and you learn far more on your first lesson than I was expecting." Customer Reviews Bridgend

Shannon Brown Bridgend

www.fivedrive.co.uk

Driving Lessons Bridgend - Brilliant Driving Instructors - Pass First Time - FiveDrive - Jay Rowlands Driving Test Pass

2017-02-16T11:45:00.000+00:00

Driving Lessons Bridgend

BOOOOOM!!!! My goodness we have another brilliant FIRST TIME PASS and this time we are saying a huge congratulations to Jay Rowlands who passed his practical driving test on 16th February. Jay took his driving lessons in Bridgend with his SUPERB driving instructor Paul Curryer 😉 Well done Jay! Well worth the early start. THANKS SO MUCH for choosing FiveDrive and we wish you all the very best for the future. Enjoy your new found FREEEEDOM!!! Driving Lessons Bridgend

www.fivedrive.co.uk

Driving Lessons Bridgend - Pass First Time - FiveDrive - Katie Williams Driving Test Pass

2017-02-16T11:28:00.002+00:00

Driving Lessons Bridgend

BOOOOOOOOM!!!! Yet another fantastic FIRST TIME PASS and our massive congratulations go out to Katie Williams who passed her practical driving test on 14th February. Katie took her driving lessons in Bridgend with her FANTASTIC driving instructor Paul Curryer 😉 Happy Valentines Katie! THANKS SO MUCH for choosing FiveDrive and we wish you all the very best for the future. Here’s to all that FREEEEEDOM!!!!! Driving Lessons Bridgend

www.fivedrive.co.uk

Driving Lessons Bridgend - Save Money Pass First Time - Five Drive - Shannon Brown Driving Test Pass

2017-02-16T11:12:00.000+00:00

Driving Lessons Bridgend

BOOOOOOOOOM!!!!! Another amazing FIRST TIME PASS and a huge congratulations goes out to Shannon Brown who SMASHED her practical driving test on 10th February. Shannon took her driving lessons in Bridgend with her AMAZING driving instructor Paul Curryer 😉 Well done Shannon! Looking forward to seeing you driving around in your Corsa! THANKS SO MUCH for choosing FiveDrive and we wish you all the very best for the future. Enjoy that FREEEEDOM!!!!! Driving lessons Bridgend

www.fivedrive.co.uk

Driving Lessons Bridgend - 5 Star Customer Reviews - FiveDrive - Ben White Customer Review

2017-02-08T10:41:00.002+00:00

Driving Lessons Bridgend

“I was looking for a driving instructor who had proven success with previous pupils. My sister had used FiveDrive and recommended them. Getting started was a lot easier than I expected. You’re actually driving around on your first lesson!!! My driving instructor was Paul Curryer. I found his teaching methods were ideal for what I needed. It was a very quick and enjoyable experience and I would definitely recommend FiveDrive to others.” Driving Lessons Bridgend

www.fivedrive.co.uk

Driving Lessons Bridgend - 5 Star Customer Reviews - FiveDrive - Trudy Williams Customer Review

2017-02-08T10:13:00.003+00:00

Driving Lessons Bridgend

“When I was looking for a driving school, it was really important to me that they could be flexible. I needed to learn around my work schedule. I wanted to know they had good quality lessons, a high pass rate and could be contacted easily. Having had lessons a few years ago, learning to drive had been far more complicated than I’d expected and I really struggled. I thought you could just start the car and go but I found I struggled with the gears and controlling the car. My driving instructor was Paul Curryer. I got on well with him straight away and preferred the more relaxed attitude he had compared with my old instructor. I found him very calming and I didn’t panic like I had in the past. I would definitely recommend FiveDrive. I found them very organised and they have a variety of driving instructors to suit individual needs. Paul was a brilliant driving instructor. He was willing to fit my lessons in around my work which sometimes meant very early mornings or late evenings. I honestly don’t think I would have pass yet without him.” Driving lessons Bridgend

www.fivedrive.co.uk

Bridgend Driving Schools - Brilliant Driving Instructors - FiveDrive - Ben White Driving Test Pass

2017-02-03T14:48:00.001+00:00

Bridgend Driving Schools

MAAAAASIVE CONGRATS going out to Ben White who passed his practical driving test on 3rd February. Ben took his driving lessons in Bridgend with his SUPERB driving instructor Paul Curryer 😉 Nice job Ben! Good luck with the running competitions, hopefully the injury will heal soon. THANKS SO MUCH for choosing FiveDrive and we wish you all the very best for the future. Enjoy your FREEEEDOM!!! Bridgend driving schools

www.fivedrive.co.uk

Bridgend Driving School - Learn With The Best - FiveDrive - Trudy Williams Driving Test Pass

2017-02-03T13:53:00.003+00:00

Bridgend Driving School

HUUUUUUGE CONGRATS going out to Trudy Williams who absolutely NAILED her practical driving test on 1st February with just 5 minors (you’re allowed 15!!!!!). Trudy took her driving lessons in Bridgend with her AMAZING driving instructor Paul Curryer Hope you’ve found a car Trudy. Let’s make that commute to Cardiff easier! THANKS SO MUCH for choosing FiveDrive and we wish you all the very best for the future. Enjoy your FREEEEDOM!!!!! Bridgend Driving School

www.fivedrive.co.uk

Driving Lessons Swansea | 5-Star Customer Reviews | Laura Griffiths

2017-01-24T21:21:00.001+00:00

Driving Lessons Swansea

“The main reason I chose FiveDrive was that I wanted to pass my driving test at the first attempt. It was also important to me that I found a driving instructor who understood my way of learning and who could help me pass my driving test as quickly as possible."

"I found FiveDrive through a Google search and contacted them to book my driving lessons in Swansea. I expected learning to drive to be easy at first, but I realised there was more to it than just hitting the gas pedal and steering the car!! My driving instructor was Simon. He was very relaxed but made sure that I learnt all that I needed to know, in a short period of time."

"My confidence was pretty low before my driving lessons with Simon, but after the first couple of lessons with him, I felt much better and ready for my driving test. I would definitely recommend FiveDrive to others. I had two other driving instructors before and didn’t feel that I was getting anywhere after months of driving lessons. I turned to FiveDrive for help. My driving instructor believed in me and I passed first time!!”

Customer Reviews Swansea Laura Griffiths

http://fivedrive.co.uk/driving-lessons-swansea/

Customer Reviews Bridgend Scott Dance | 5-Star Reviews | FiveDrive

2017-01-24T21:09:00.001+00:00

Customer Reviews Bridgend

"The main reason I chose to learn to drive with FiveDrive is because a family member also learnt with them and said they were amazing! In addition to this, I also wanted a driving instructor who was going to be patient and helpful."

"My driving instructor was Simon. He was amazing and extremely helpful. I found learning to drive was easier than I thought it would be, thanks to Simon. He was very patient and explained things in details."

"I would definitely recommend FiveDrive to others because of how patient, helpful and understanding my driving instructor was.”

Customer Reviews Bridgend Scott Dance

http://fivedrive.co.uk/driving-lessons-bridgend/

Driving Lessons Swansea | Save Money, Pass 1st Time | FiveDrive | Laura Griffiths Driving Test Pass

2017-01-24T13:06:00.004+00:00

Driving Lessons Swansea

MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS to Laura Griffiths from Swansea who passed her practical driving test on 23rd January. Laura took her driving lessons in Swansea.

WELL DONE Laura, an absolutely stunning drive, passing at your FIRST ATTEMPT and with only two minors!! (you’re allowed 15).

Good luck and best wishes from your driving instructor Simon, and all the team at FiveDrive.

Swansea Driving Lessons

http://fivedrive.co.uk/driving-lessons-swansea/

Driving Lessons Bridgend - Save Money Pass First Time - FiveDrive - Hollie Morris Driving Test Pass

2017-01-10T13:08:00.002+00:00

Driving Lessons Bridgend

BOOOOOOOOM!!!!!! It's yet another amazing FIRST TIME PASS and our massive congratualtions go to Hollie Morris who SMASHED her practical driving test with only 4 minors (you're allowed 15!!!!!) on 10th January. Hollie took her driving lessons in Bridgend with her AMAZING driving instructor Simon ;) Great job Hollie! THANKS SO MUCH for choosing FiveDrive and we wish you all the very best for the future. Enjoy that new found FREEEEDOM!!!

www.fivedrive.co.uk

Driving Lessons Porthcawl - Pass First Time - FiveDrive - Ezra Hames Driving Test Pass

2016-12-19T17:46:00.001+00:00

Driving Lessons Porthcawl

BOOOOOOOOOOM! Another fantastic FIRST TIME PASS and Ezra Hames absolutely SMASHED it with just 5 minors (you're allowed 15!!!!). Ezra took his driving lessons in Porthcawl with his FANTASTIC driving instructor Simon ;)

A brilliant drive Ezra and even better because you took your driving test in Swansea! Time to relax and enjoy the surf!!!!! THANKS SO MUCH for choosing FiveDrive and we wish you all the very best for the future.

www.fivedrive.co.uk

Driving Lessons Bridgend | Save Money, Pass First Time | FiveDrive | Sophia Campion Driving Test Pass

2016-12-15T23:02:00.003+00:00

Driving Lessons Bridgend

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Sophia Campion from Aberkenfig who passed her practical driving test on 15th December. Sophia took her driving lessons in Bridgend.

WELL DONE SOPHIA!! A stunning drive on the day of your test, passing at your FIRST ATTEMPT!! Now you can drive your 1.6 car!!!

Good luck and best wishes from your driving instructor Paul, and all the team at FiveDrive.

Driving Lessons Bridgend

www.fivedrive.co.uk

Driving Lessons Porthcawl - Five Star Customer Reviews - FiveDrive - Yael Ulmrich Customer Review

2016-12-08T10:21:00.003+00:00

Driving Lessons Porthcawl

"Paul's teaching methods were very applicable to my needs."

"I was recommended FiveDrive through a friend."

"Although at the beginning there was some brainwork, I came to find the lessons easy, fun and enjoyable."

"Paul's teaching methods were very applicable to my needs and I felt well prepared to take my test."

Yael Ulmrich

Porthcawl

www.fivedrive.co.uk

Driving Lessons Porthcawl - Pass First Time - FiveDrive - Alex Owen Customer Review

2016-12-08T10:16:00.005+00:00

Driving Lessons Bridgend

"I was given the freedom to figure things out for myself which allowed me to quickly develop my skills."

"I chose FiveDrive because of the reviews from other pupils."

"Paul was an excellent instructor. He understood my needs and taught at the appropriate level."

"I never once felt patronised or given negative reinforcement. I was given the freedom to figure things out for myself which allowed me to quickly develop my skills."

"The lessons were relaxed and enjoyable and I found the whole experience worthwhile."

Alex Owen

Bridgend

www.fivedrive.co.uk

Driving Lessons Porthcawl - Quality Instructors - FiveDrive - Yael Ulmrich Driving Test Pass

2016-12-06T13:29:00.002+00:00

Driving Lessons Porthcawl

A MAAAAAAAASIVE CONGRATULATIONS to Yael Ulmrich who braved the cold and fog this morning to SMASH her practical driving test. Yael took her driving lessons in Porthcawl with her BRILLIANT driving instructor Paul ;)

A great drive Yael. You can go back to Germany on Friday a very happy lady! THANKS SO MUCH for choosing FiveDrive. Good luck and all the best for the future from Paul and all the team at FiveDrive!

Driving Lessons Porthcawl

www.fivedrive.co.uk

Driving Lessons Bridgend - First Time Pass - FiveDrive - Alex Owen Driving Test Pass

2016-12-06T13:14:00.005+00:00

Driving Lessons Bridgend

BOOOOOOOOM!!!!! Another FIRST TIME PASS and a massive congratulations to Alex Owen who absolutely SMASHED it with just 3 minors (you're allowed 15!!!!!) Alex took his driving lessons in Bridgend with his FABULOUS driving instructor Paul ;)

A stupendous drive on the day, it was a real pleasure teaching you Alex! THANKS SO MUCH for choosing FiveDrive. We wish you all the luck and best wishes for the future from Paul and all the team at FiveDrive!

Driving Lessons Bridgend

www.fivedrive.co.uk

Driving Lessons Bridgend - Relaxed & Friendly Instructors - FiveDrive - Driving Test Pass

2016-12-05T13:32:00.001+00:00

Driving Lessons Bridgend

HUUUUUUUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Harry Courtney who passed his practical driving test 2nd December. Harry took his driving lessons in Bridgend (but took his test in Swansea) with his amazing instructor Paul ;)

WELL DONE Harry, what a fantastic drive on the day passing with just 4 minors (you're allowed 15!!!!!). THANKS SO MUCH for choosing FiveDrive. Good luck with your apprenticeship in Reading. No more trains!!!!!

Good luck and all the best for the future from Paul and all the team at FiveDrive!

Driving Lessons Bridgend

www.fivedrive.co.uk

Driving Lessons Bridgend - Pass First Time - FiveDrive - Lisa Clatworthy Driving Test Pass

2016-12-02T18:51:00.000+00:00

Driving Lessons Bridgend

MAAAASSSSIIIIVVVEEEE CONGRATULATIONS to Lisa Clatworthy from Bridgend.who passed her practical driving test 1st December.

Lisa took her driving lessons in Bridgend with her amazing instructor Donna!

WELL DONE Lisa. What a result passing on your FIRST ATTEMPT!!!!!

THANKS SO MUCH for choosing FiveDrive and all the best for the future!

Driving Lessons Bridgend

www.fivedrive.co.uk

Driving Lessons Swansea - 5 Star Customer Reviews - FiveDrive - Luke Davies Customer Review

2016-11-30T13:24:00.003+00:00

Driving Lessons Swansea

"My driving instructor was calm, positive and never got stressed. He was fantastic."

"Choosing FiveDrive was easy as they had glowing reviews."

"My driving instructor was Paul. Paul was calm, positive and never got stressed on my driving lessons. He was fantastic."

"I would absolutely recommend FiveDrive to friends and family. The only improvement I could suggest would be to get more driving instructors like Paul!!!"

Luke Davies

Swansea

Driving Lessons Swansea