UK Driving School Podcast

Driving Instructor Time Wasting

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:57:13 PST

As a hard working, honest high quality driving instructor, I get upset when I see a few rotten apple ADI's giving less value for a provisional licence holder's money by using various time wasting techniques to reduce the amount of actual driving time the learner gets. While some of these methods are blatant and I wonder why learners put up with them, others are very subtle.

The most common way these instructors time waste is by giving very long driving lesson briefings, and a lot of the times it might not be for just introducing new subjects or topics.
How can anyone teaching a practical skill like driving justify a 15-20 minute lecture on how to do the left reverse round a corner exercise?
I was once told by a foriegn licence holder that 45 minutes of a 2hr lesson was spent by an instructor inducting him on how to drive in the UK all via talking while the car remained stationary!
A learner driver does not need a 5-10 minute explaination following making a mistake at the junction. If the error was serious enough to require stopping, you can still draw a diagram, give corrective advice within a minute or 2.
Using the toilets at a driving test centre. Every time I don't go in the car with a learner on the driving test, I usually encounter an instructor who comes into the centre use the toilets, and then has a 5 minute or so chat with one of the other ADIs, while the student sits in the car! Nothing wrong with going to the toilet if caught short during a lesson, but then going on to use a learner's time to have a social with a 'mate' is very un-professional! You as a learner should not tolerate this (there is a particular local instructor who I've seen regularly in one of the test centres I use, each time he spends more than 7 minutes after going to the toilet chatting), maybe they get away with it because they only charge £20 per hour, which is cheaper than other local schools.

Other time wasting tactics include practising manuevers for a long time, getting stuck in traffic, going to the shops/bank, etc.

As a driving instructor, I can't tell other ADIs how to operate their business, but you as a learner driver can have a say on what type of service you pay for. Many instructors get away with offering sub-standard services because the customer is willing to pay for it. The fear of changing instructors keeps a lot of learners with the same person hoping to pass the driving test and then not recommend them to a friend, but that is exactly the reason why they are still in business!

Is your driving instructor using any of these time wasting techniques on your lessons? Will you continue to give them your hard earnt money?

If you require high quality affordable driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Driving Test Route Videos

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Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you.

Subscribe to my driving test tips if you are learning to drive so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter, and I have the UKADI Podcast to download driving videos from.

Drive on the left except when turning right

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 04:37:48 PST

As a learner driver preparing for the UK practical car test, you should always drive in the left hand lane especially when approaching a junction, unless you know you are turning right.

I always emphasis this driving tip because you don't want to find yourself in the wrong lane especially on approach to a multi-lane roundabout with other road users being forced to overtake you on the left hand lane.

Many provisional licence holders are always concerned about going the wrong way during the driving test, but in the 10 years that I have been a driving instructor, I have never seen a DSA examiner fail a candidate just for taking a wrong turn SAFELY! While you would be expected if at test standard to be able to read road markings and signs, you are never expected to know the test route, and if you veer off route (you will not be the first to do so) the examiner will get you back to where they want you to be, even if this is during the independent driving element.

At most junctions you can use the left lane for turning left or following the road ahead, and even if you find yourself in a left only lane, the SAFEST thing to do is check your mirrors, indicate left and follow the road. All driving test routes are carefully planned and the examiner will have from the experience with previous candidates known all the options that you can take, so if your road position and approach shows that you intend to take a LONG detour, the will step in and give you a prompt in order to avoid being late for the next appointment, so stop worrying about making a mistake by taking a wrong turn.

Having said this, you should of course use your driving lessons to get used to spotting signs even in the low winter sun position and glare, as you will need to do this once you pass the driving test, and you do not want to be involved in an accident at a junction because you missed a give way sign.

Every individual is different when it comes to learning to drive, so you need to let your instructor know what your concerns/weaknesses, work on them and don't go for a test if you are not fully confident of your driving skills

If you require high quality affordable driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school marketing advertisements, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you, including Pay As You Go.

Subscribe to my free online driving lessons tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

Passed Driving Test Insurance may Increase

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:49:37 PST

If you have just passed your driving test, and where insured on a provisional licence to drive your car, you need to inform your insurers that you have now passed the test and are qualified to drive on your own if you don't want your policy to be invalidated in the case of a claim or check by ANPR police car.

One of the downsides of this, is that your insurance premium could go up as a result of passing the driving test!
Many learner drivers don't seem to understand why the cost of insurance would go up, after all I have now proved and the DSA examiner has confirmed I'm safe enough to be un-supervised.

The main reason for the increase, is a case of you might me a higher risk, when factors like age, driving experience, where you live and gender are factored in. Consider a 19yr old on a provisional licence, they would always be supervised by an older and more experienced driver. If the 19yr old passes the test, they are free to drive on their own, and thus pose a greater risk of being involved in an accident due to inexperience or peer pressure. This is opposite to a 44 year old woman who insurers might think would be extra careful having passed, especially if she has children.

Warning Note: It is very important that you provide the correct details to your insurance company, including who the main driver is, a common practise that many newly qualified drivers do to reduce their insurance costs is to say their parent is the main driver and they are an additional driver even when the parent doesn't live at the same address. This is illegal, and will invalidate your insurance in the case of a claim, other 'lies' told include things like saying your car is parked in a garage or driveway overnight when you don't have one.

One thing with insurance, is that you should always shop around to find the best deal, as there is uaually a massive difference in prices that various companies quote for the same person. Even if your policy is not up for renewal, you might find it cheaper (even with cancellation fees) to move insurers once you passed the driving test.

If you require high quality affordable driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

More Driving Advice
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Passing at Mill Hill Test Centre

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:06:27 PST

Ms Y passed her driving test first time with only 3 driving errors recently at the dsa Mill Hill centre Bunns lane, NW7 after taking 12 driving lessons with me, and considering that Mill Hill has a lower pass rate than nearby Hendon Beaufort Park and my learner driver client had a Nigerian foreign driving licence with many bad habits acquired over the years, it goes to show that with the right guidance, hard work you can pass the UK driving test.

If you also want to have the same result as Ms Y, you might be interested in my special Mill Hill video which contains valuable information that I have learnt over the last 10 years of using the centre.

Buy Now

Or you might be interested in my video covering the hardest driving test route used by the Mill Hill DSA examiners which contains a few tricky spots including Apex corner roundabout and MS Y tackled this with ease following my guidance.

Buy Now

On the day of the test, my client was not confidient of being successful despite my assurance that she was at the required DSA standard, and was inparticular nervous about the bay parking exercise which we had spent a condiserably time on the previous day and I was thus apprehensive for her when it turned out that she had to do this maneuver at the very beginning in the test centre car park!
If only she could hold herself together she would be alright. I didn't stay to see how she did, as she might lose concentration if she spotted me, so I went back to the waiting room and started chatting with one of the other driving instructors.

I was very delighted at the end of the 40 minutes when she passed and from the 3 faults on the DL25 report sheet, it was a confirmation that her hard work from the lessons, private practice and her following my simple advice to continue to read the highway code during her spare time paid off with the DSA examiner commenting about the drive being a safe one and feeling relaxed with her in control of the vehicle at all times.

If you also would like to benefit from my high quality driving lessons and knowledge of what it takes to please these strict DSA examiners and be a safe driver, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032. I can also provide a hire car to take a test in if you need a vehicle that meets the DSA requirements, and yours is not suitable or you are un sure.

The video below is of one independent driving test route in use by the DSA examiners in Bunns lane, Mill Hill:

Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you.
Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email service is provided and powered by feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can removed yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click.

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DSA Driving Examiner Strikes Tests as Normal November 30th 2011

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 02:25:55 PST

If you have a driving test booked for the 30th November 2011, the DSA is advising all candidates to attend as normal, despite the threat of examiners striking due to industrial action by the Public and Commercial Services union.

I have a driving test at Borehamwood on wednesday, and if it doesn't go ahead as normal, then I will advice my candidate to seek compensation from the DSA, even though he will get a free rebooking within 10 days of the last appointment.
Because you can't be sure of how many driving examiners will tuen up, it is best if you make your way to the test centre just in case you are lucky, and it goes ahead.

If you require a high quality driving instructor in NW London who is very helpful, patient and fully qualified, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

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Bad Driving Habits Will Catch You Out Sooner or Later

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 02:54:23 PST

As a driving instructor, I teach my provisional licenced learners safe techniques to observe while in the car, obviously because without these they have no chance of passing the driving test. I do however during each lesson emphasize the importance of being a safe driver even after getting the full UK licence using appropriate examples where possible.

Human beings are creatures of habit, and if you as a driver do something unsafe once and get away with it, then you tend to keep doing it. A typical example is the amount of drivers you see on the road using their mobile phone while driving. Just yesterday a woman narrowly missed being hit by a HGV lorry while changing lanes on a dual carriageway because she was talking on the phone and had moved into the middle lane without looking or indicating causing the lorry driver to brake harshly. The sad thing is that she was not even aware of the danger she had caused because the HGV driver did not blow his horn. When I caught up with the car at the next traffic lights she was still chatting away. Sooner or later this driver will be involved in a car accident, and it might be a fatal one if it occurs on a motorway or a higher speed road.

If you are reading this blog, you are most likely a provisional licence holder, but you will pass the driving test one day, and the relief plus freedom of being able to drive unsupervised will soon start to overide all those safe driving habits. First you might start off with breaking speed limits, soon you won't be checking mirrors, using your indicators. you will start tailgating other vehicles, eating while driving and before you know it you are an unsafe driver. You will then justify your actions by saying you have not been involved in an accident and thus you are safe, and since a lot of other drivers are doing the same driving actions, it doesn't matter.
Well like I said, sooner than latter you will be caught out whether you like it or not, it could be 10 years, but are you willing to wait till you and your family are invlolved in a life changing crash?

I listen to the radio a lot because of the amount of time spent in the car, and everyday the traffic reports always involves delays caused by road accidents and that's just the ones that occur on main important roads. Think of the many others that do not get into the news. now is the time for you to learn and maintain the safe driving habits, don't wait till you are one of the statistics on the 6 o'clock news.

Many learners only use instructors because they want to pass the test and get a full licence not becuase they want to be a safe driver. You might be thinking no I am not one of them, but I have the evidence to prove it, less than 20% of those that pass the driving test take up the pass plus course, and many of these newly qualified drivers will have never driven in the dark, been on a motorway or will be driving a powerful fast vehicle in the winter for the very first time with no previous experience, and age has nothing to do with it, being 35 doesn't mean you will be able to drive safely on a motorway or handle a car more safely than a 19 year old!

For the sake of your loved ones if not yourself, drive safely, don't allow ego, peer pressure to change your mind. It only takes a moment of distraction for an accident to happen, you have a better chance of reacting correctly if you kep your speed under control, leave the right distance between you and the vehicle ahead, plan your journey and leave early. There are more cars on the roads today than there were 10 years ago, so the chances of being involved in an accident are more today, especially with the high number of unsafe drivers around!

If you require high quality affordable driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

Do not buy a Second-Hand Car from someone on the Roadside

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 06:40:36 PDT

I was picking up a student of mine for a driving lesson from a local train station when I noticed a man inspecting a car in one of the bays. It soon occured to me that he was planning to buy the vehicle from the current owners. Here is some advice if you are planning to buy a used vehicle privately.

1. Do an HPI check on the vehicle before considering buying it. This would reveal if it has finance owning, has been written off by an insurance company following an accident, or any other unusual activity. This is especially important if the car is only a few years old and is being offered at a reasonably bargain price.

2. Make the deal at the car owner's house. If there is nothing wrong with the vehicle, or the seller is the true owner, there should be no reason why they would be trying to hide their home address. While it is your responsibilty as a buyer to make sure you are happy with the condition of the vehicle being sold, be wary of anyone who asks you to meet at a motorway service station, train station or other public place, they might have something to hide.

3. Take someone familiar with cars along to the sale (especially if this is your first time of buying second-hand). You don't really need a mechanic, but asking the right questions could help delve into a car's history. Does it have a service history, MOT, registration documents?

4. Check documents carefully. Is the name on the car registration document (DVLA Log book) that of the seller, if not why not? If you suspect anything walk away. If you buy a stolen or cloned vehicle, the police will seize it, and you will lose your money.

5. Make sure you have insurance to drive any vehicle you buy. There is no special dispensation that allows you drive a newly bought car home. If you haven't got insurance, get someone with full comprehensive insurance who KNOWS they can drive any vehicle with the owner's consent with 3rd party cover to take it home for you.

6. Get a receipt for the sale, with the date and time acknowledged. This will help to avoid any parking tickets or driving offences involving the car before you became the owner.

7. Don't forget to buy insurance when you get home if you didn't have any before, new car insurance rules came into effect in june 2011 which means all registered vehicles need to be insured even if not being driven temporarily unless a SORN is declared.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

Taking Driving Test in Winter Wear Sunglasses to deal with Glare

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 13:31:03 PDT

I have already mentioned previously that you should wear sunglasses when driving in the winter sun, and recently a test candidate found this out the hard way.

Just about 3 mins from the end of a driving test, the learner was approaching a cross road junction with the sun in his face, and for some reason he had decided not to use the vehicle's blind to reduce the glare and was unaware of the giveway lines ahead. The examiner had to use the dual controls to slow down the car to avoid entering the junction blindly. During the de-brief the candidate said he didn't see the giveway due to the sun in his eyes!

Wearing sun glasses would have saved this provisional licence holder from having to take the driving test again, as that was the only serious fault made so close to the end of the 40 minutes, and it is a much safe option than having to use the car's sunblind which you might have adjust constantly as the position of the sun changes which could be asking too much in an already stressful situation for a nervous driver.

The other thing to bear in mind while driving in winter with the sun low in the sky is that other road users might be affected by the glare especially oncoming vehicles so be ready to give way or slow down if they mis-judge distances in a meeting situation, don't assume that because they are not displaying 'L' plates that they will be safe.

If you require high quality affordable driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

More Advice for Learners
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DSA Examiners and Private Cars on Driving Test

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 06:07:47 PDT

I was speaking to a driving test candidate yesterday and this person mentioned that DSA driving examiners are more likely to fail you if took the test in a private car as opposed to using an instructors dual controlled vehicle.

This is absolutely not true, the car used has no bearing on the driving test result, it is what the driver does during the practical assessment that determines the outcome of getting a pass or fail.

Statistically though you are are more likely to fail the driving test in a private car for a few reasons:

1. You were probably taught to drive and prepared for the test by a family member or friend who doesn't know what the examiner fully expects of a candidate. This means that you might not be at the DSA standard, as you can only be taught what they know or remember from when they took the test which could be years ago.

2. Your car might not meet the DSA vehicle requirements. While you technically haven't failed a practical driving test, if the car is not fit for purpose, the examiner will not take you out, and you will lose the fee, and the faults could range from tyres with inadequate tread depth, faulty brake lights, expired tax discs, faulty windscreens or wrong number plates.

3. Bad habits. These could have been picked up from your teacher, or developed on their own, and while many candidates taking the test in thier own private car have come to me for a one hour driving lesson, it is very hard to get rid of a habit in that amount of time. On the day of your test you might start off well, but 40 minutes is a long time, so towards the end you will start acting yourself again, and that is when the serious faults are committed.

The DSA examiners do prefer to conduct driving tests in dual controlled cars, as they provide a safer working environment especially since they can only mark a candidate on what they actually do, not what they might do. This means for example on approach to a junction the examiner needs to be sure the candidate has not seen a hazard before issuing a verbal alert which has to be done in-time to avoid an accident, in a dual controlled car, this can be left till later due to the safety brakes available to the examiner. If you are a safe driver, then there is nothing to worry about, and you will pass if you don't make any mistakes which are considered serious or dangerous.

If you require high quality affordable driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

Passed Driving Test Young Be Safe

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 12:04:02 PDT

If you have passed the drivng test and are young, then it is important that you adopt a safe attitude towards driving, as a pass certificate is just the beginning of a journey to gaining experience on the busy UK roads that you now have the freedom to roam on.

Don't allow the joy of finally getting a full british driving licence cloud your judgement, you are inexperienced, and if you do the research you will know that newly qualified young drivers are more likely to be involved in a serious accident within a year of passing for the following reasons.

1. Youthful exuberance: It is natural to want to live on the edge when young, be adventerous and enjoy life, unfortunately public roads are not race tracks, so if you want an adrenaline rush from driving a car fast, go to a race track where you will get the proper training and be able to race in a controlled environment. Driving fast on a public road is not a sign of a safe person, and sooner than later you will be involved in an incident if you keep going that way.

2. UK roads are very busy today: Compared with just 10 years ago, the roads are much more busier nowadays, and you need to think about not just you driving safely, but compensating for the actions of other road users (this includes pedestrian, cyclists, motorcycles and other cars). Almost everytime you see a road collision, it is usually down to either excessive speed or inadequate observations.

3. Mechanical things do breakdown, especially if not maintained properly, so always relying on your brakes to stop you at the last minute is not the right attitude. Anticipating, reducing speed on spotting hazards, always considering the worst case scenario when thinking if a situation is safe or not, all help to keep drivers safe.

Make progress when it is safe by all means, but speed limits are put in place for a reason, and breaking them not matter how good or safe a driver you think you are, only goes to show why there are so many accidents and injuries on UK roads today. Listen to any radio traffic update and almost 99% of delays, road closures are due to accidents which if investigated, the root cause would be human error.

BE SAFE AND STAY ALIVE.

Finally, now that you have passed the driving test, remember you were once a learner and be patient when you see a car displaying 'L' plates.

If you require high quality affordable driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

Driving Lesson Briefings

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 06:02:29 PDT

When a DSA qualified driving instructor wants to introduce a new subject to a learner driver, they would normal use a driving lesson briefing which might include diagrams to illustrate and clarify the new skill being taught.

The purpose of driving lesson briefings is to draw on any previous knowledge and experience when introducing the new subject, so an experienced instructor should tailor the briefing to suit the individual and not always follow a set procedure. For example when starting the parallel parking exercise, the ADI might ask the learner what clutch control is and how does one use it to keep a vehicle slow during a manuever. One student might be able explain it properly, and say he/she has no issues with this skill, while another might never have heard of it!

The use of diagrams on lesson briefings can help some learner drivers more easily remember concepts of a particular subject, while for some it can help stopping boredom though no lesson briefing should be more than 10 minutes.

I know in the real world some ADIs do not use lesson briefings when introducing a new subject, but they are a very useful tool and resource that any DSA fully qualified instructor should be using.

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Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

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Theory Test Provisional Licence Required

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 06:03:09 PDT

You need your provisional licence for you to book and take the theory test in the UK.

If you already have a theory test booking, and for some reason you are unable to produce your provisional driving license either because it lost, misplaced or revoked by the dvla, then you will not be allowed to sit the computer based examination even if you have no plans of driving a car until a replacement arrives.

The UK driving test consists of two seperate parts (computer based theory examination and a practical car/motorcycle assessment), and you need to pass both (theory first) in order for the DVLA to grant you the priviledge of driving or riding alone with out restrictions. It is for this reason that your entitlement to drive needs to be checked before you can sit the theory test. Remember you need both parts (counterpart and photo id), without which you will not able to take either the theory or practical tests.

If you require high quality cheap driving lessons in London from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

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Driving Lessons Progress

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 05:09:05 PDT

One of the most frequently asked questions a provisional driving licence holder starting lessons wants to know the answer to, is how do I know that I am making progress with my instructor?

Because individuals learn at different paces, the number of driving lessons taken is no indicator of what stage one should be at, rather the learner driver needs to assess on a daily basis what they have gained during each tuition session.

Every DSA qualified instructor should be following a structured approach to your lessons, this would include introducing the new skill, offering a briefing, then a full talk through allowing you to practically try the skill out yourself. Having had a few practises of trying the new skill with your instructor's full talk through, you should now progress to a stage where you only need to be prompted to do the newly learnt skill. With practise you will soon get to a stage where you only need to be prompted once in a while and still be able to do things at the dsa standard. This is a sign of progress.

Lets take an example of doing the turn in the road exercise, before you start this manuever, your instructor should have taught you how to reverse a car and use clutch control both going forward and backwards.
The driving lesson briefing will explain to the learner usually with the aid of diagrams how the exercise should be carried out, the main safety concerns and the expected standard you are striving to achieve.

During the talk through stage, the instructor gives you a step by step guide in performing the turn in the road, starting with Preapring, Observations, moving off, steering the vehicle, approching other side of road, etc.

After 2 or more attempts depending on the indiviual, you will now move to the prompted stage, and if this goes well, then you will have learnt how to carry out this exercise.
Progress would now mean that on the next few lessons you will carry out the 3 point turn in the same location, move to a slightly more busy road, learning how to deal with traffic, from there you should also gain experience doing the manuever at night (if possible), on hill or downhill.

So if after a few lessons on this manuever, and you only carry it out in the same road, are still having full talk through, don't full understand reference points, then your progress is not as it should be, and you and your instructor need to address any issues that is preventing you from moving on.

With a bit of practice and time, you should have enough experience and confidence to pass the driving test, remembering, one step at a time.

If you require high quality affordable driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

More Driving Advise
Driving and Stalling.
Provisional driving license rules.
Car insurance laws june 2011.
Avoiding speeding tickets and points.

Driving Lesson Stalling on the Test

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 06:04:16 PDT

If you are taking driving lessons in a manual car, then sooner than later you will stall the car at one point or the other, and usually there will be a vehicle behind you which causes a lot of learner drivers to panic and further stall on their next attempt to move off.

Before I talk about what to do when you stall a car, especially on the driving test, lets have a look at why a manual transmission vehicle stalls when you attempt to drive off.

When a manual car stalls, it is a way of the engine telling you that you have placed too much load on it, and as a safety measure to avoid any damage, it switches off.
The 3 main ways to stall a car are:

1. Improper coordination of the clutch and accelerator. If you lift the clutch pedal up too quickly, then the car stalls. Many learners when under a little pressure (at traffic lights or performing a hill start on a junction for example), will start bringing up the clutch slowly, but immedately the vehicle shows signs of moving, lift the left foot up as if they stepped on a hot potato barefooted and stall. The correct thing to do is continue the slow but definite lifting of the left foot as the right foot depresses the gas pedal gradually.

2. Moving off in the wrong gear. Many provisional licence holders will stall the vehicle because they attempt to move off in 2nd or 3rd gear usually at a junction. While it is possible to do so under some circumstances (downhill, using a lot of gas), most of the time it will result in a stall.

Stalling on the driving test

3. You can also stall the car when stopping if you fail to depress the clutch quickly enough.

If you stall while on your practical car assessment with the driving examiner next to you, the first thing to know is that you have committed a driver error, it will be marked (not always immediately) as a fault under 'moving off under control', so don't make things worse by not following the correct procedure to recover.

The most important thing is not getting the car moving ASAP, but keeping the car safe and under control, so you need to stop the vehicle with the footbrake, apply the handbrake, put the car in neutral (you don't always have to do this, but if you stalled because you were in the wrong gear, then this automatically stops you from doing it again, something I've seen nervous candidates repeat). Re-start the engine, put in first gear, check mirrrors and move off swiftly but properly coordinating clutch and gas pedal.

The worst thing you can do is panic, depress the clutch, trying to re-start asap, with the car rolling either forward or backwards out of control!

If you are having problems stalling a car, then you need to ask your driving instructor to take you to a quiet road and practise moving off swiftly in various conditions (uphill, down hill, flat, at an angle) till you are confident, but remember even experienced drivers stall so you will not be perfect, but everytime you do stall follow the procedure above to get yourself back moving.

If you require high quality affordable driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

More reading
3 Point turn in the road
Instructor guarantee driving test pass.
Provisional driving licence rules and law
Check Test for Instructors.

Provisional Licence, Insurance and Driving Alone

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:38:28 PDT

So is it illegal to drive a car alone on a provisional licence even if you are insured and older than 21 years old?

The simple answer is yes, and you will be caught sooner than later by traffic police in an ANPR car if you continue to do so.

In fact you are commiting 2 offences under the road traffic act:

1. Driving other than in accordance with a license. Your provisional licence conditions require you to display 'L' Plates in addition to having a supervising driver aged 21 or over who has held a valid full UK licence for the type of vehicle you are driving of 3 years or more.

2. Driving without insurance. Even if you have a valid insurance policy on the vehicle you are driving with a provisional licence, it will be invalidated by the mere fact that you were not being supervised by a full UK licence holder, so not only will you be reported for the offence of not being insured to drive, but the police will also seize your vehicle and you will have to pay towing and storage fees to get it back.

Do not risk being caught breaking the law, if you are a competent and confident driver, then take and pass the driving test and you will have the freedom to drive anywhere you like alone, unspervised, not having to constantly look over your shoulders when a police car is behind or you hear a siren.

If you require high quality cheap driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

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Pass Driving Theory Test Before Practical Car Test

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:25:31 PDT

You need to first take and pass the UK theory test before you will be able to apply or book a practical driving test.

There is no way you can get a full UK driving licence if you don't follow this procedure, so if you currently possess a provisional licence, then you need to start preparing for taking the theory test and getting that out of the way, and then concentrate on the practical driving test.

Please note if you don't think you will be taking the theory test before 1st Jan 2012, you need to use the new dsa theory test books for your preparation.

Please do not think you can use a fake driving licence to insure and drive a car, the ANPR police will catch up with you sooner than later.

If you require high quality affordable driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

More Reading
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Mirrors, Signal Maneuver while driving.
Turn in the Road.

Failed Turn in the Road Driving Test

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 12:06:32 PDT

One of the first driving manuevers you will have learnt on your lessons with an instructor is the turn in the road (often refered to by some as the 3 point turn), and by the time you have booked a driving test you should have performed this exercise very many times.

It is therefore very unfortunate if you fail the test on what I think is the simplest of all driving test manuevers, especially if doing it in an automatic vehicle.

Now I know that sometimes it can be hard to get rid of driving test nerves, but the turn in the road exercise is one of times when you have total control over the situation, especially because you can easily see around you, most of the road will be flat, and if you have been taught how to properly deal with other road users, then other road users turning up, should not be an issue.

So why do people fail the turn in the road exercise on their driving test.

There are only two columns on the driving examiner's DL25 marking sheet.

Control: Hitting the kerb, is usually the fault that trips candidates. It could happen either going forward, but usually the reverse portion tends to be more difficult part.
Observation: Ineffective obeservations means the learner fails to notice another road user, be it a pedestrian or another vehicle.

Take your time during the 3 point turn exersise, keep calm if another vehicle turns up, memorise your referenc points, and get enough practise on busy, narrow, hilly roads.

If you require high quality cheap driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

Failed Driving Test in Automatic Car

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:52:35 PDT

It is just as easy not to pass the driving test in an automatic car as it is in a manual transmission vehicle.

While you will take fewer driving lessons to get to test standard in an automatic car compared to the same individual using a car with gears, once you are ready to take a practical car driving test, then the errors that candidates commit are similiar, and most of the time it is not gears or the lack of them that contribute to the serious driving fault.

So what are the most common causes of candidates not passing a driving test even in an automatic car that has no gears?

1. In-effective observations when moving off, usually not checking right blind spot (some actually turn their head, but don't SEE), failing to notice vehicles on road that they are moving into.

2. Junctions - Rushing into a junction when it is not safe either because you missed a gap and the vehicles behind you are getting impatient, or you think the examiner is going fail you for undue hesitation even though it was not totally safe. Knowing the rules that apply at a roundabout and planning ahead to know if you can proceed or not.

3. Loss of control during driving test maneuvers. This could either exibit itself in the candidate's inability to perform the exercise (car not inbetween lines on bay parking exercise for example), or hitting the kerb while reversing round the corner. While clutch control is normally a problem for some learners in a manual car, everyone still needs to remember the reference points and which way to turn the steering wheel.

These are usually the main reasons why people fail. Other less common errors are

4. Lane Discipline on dual carriageways or roundabouts.

5. Meeting Traffic - Approaching too fast due to lack of planning and anticipation of the situation ahead.

6. Making Progress. Not spotting speed signs or lack of confidence to drive at higher speeds.

There is so much to passing the driving test, and if it were that much easier to pass in an automatic, hardly anyone would be learning to drive manual!

If you require high quality affordable driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

Additional Test Advice
Getting earlier test appointment dates.
DSA theory test changes 2012.
Emerging at junctions.

Driving Test Pass Certificate Usage

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:03:42 PDT

When you Pass the driving test, the DSA examiner will issue you with a driving test pass certificate and offer you the option of having your new full UK licence delivered directly to your home address. If you go for this option, your provisional licence will be retained by the examiner, and it is important that you keep the test pass certificate in a safe place till your full driving licence arrives in the post, which could be up to 3 weeks.

If you need to drive a car immediately, it is advisable that you always carry your pass certificate with you, as if you are stopped by the police in an ANPR car, it will save you hassle being able to prove your entitlement to drive, as the DVLA might not have updated your details on their database.

Your driving test pass certificate contains all the information you need to chase the DVLA if you have not got the full licence after the 3 weeks period has elapsed. If for any reason you don't want the examiner to request your licence on your behalf (motorcycle test, moving adddress or old style paper licence), then you need to make sure you exchange your certificate within 2 years of passing the driving test, or your entitlement will lapse and you will need to pass another practical car test.

If you lose your pass certificate, and haven't applied for a full UK driving licence, then you will need to contact the DSA about a replacement for which you might have to pay a fee. Once you have been issued with a full UK driving licence, your test pass certificate has no use, apart from being a keepsake to remind you of your achievement.

If you require high quality affordable driving lessons in London from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

More Reading
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Practical car test requirements.
Theory test changes 2012.

£9 Cheap Driving Lessons

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 05:53:33 PDT

I can't offer you any £9 or other cheap driving lessons that seem to be popping up all over the place, I know there are some genuine offers from companies like Red or BSM who have the financial muscle to back them, but be careful when dealing with local driving instructors.

I was at a driving test centre recently, and a candidate was unfortunately stopped from going out on the practical car assessment because the instructor's ADI badge had expired and had been 'forgotten' in the car where the examiner saw it! Now I have no idea if the instructor had be disqualified or genuinely just forgotten to renew with the DSA, but you as a learner driver need to be sure of who is teaching you, and that you are fully insured to drive a vehicle (it is still your responsibility as a driver).

Most instructors are legal and fully qualified, but if an ADI is not currently on the DSA register, then they can not charge you money for teaching you, so make sure you check the credentials of anyone offering you £49 for 5 lessons or any of the other variants of cheap lessons. Having to re-book another test at £62 is not too bad, but being sued for £100,000 personal injury is a very high price to pay for being ignorant and not carrying out due dilligence on your instructor.

If you require a high quality affordable driving instructor who is very helpful, patient and fully DSA qualified with many years of experience in the NW London Area, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

More reading
Theory test certificate and taking practical test
Passing driving test at first attempt.
Theory test changes in 2012.
New Car insurance laws.

5 Driving Test Passes this Week

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:31:04 PDT

This week I've had 5 out of 6 driving test passes with my learner drivers, 2 of which where first time passes.

The key advice I can give to anyone who wants to pass the driving test is make sure you are prepared, get enough experience of all the skills being tested, work on any weaknesses, get a strong knowledge of the Highway Code.

For those of you that might have failed the driving test on previous occasions, dont give up, many good and well prepared candidates fail the driving test either due to test nerves, a lapse in concentration or silly mistakes. If you continue to work on it, you will get that driving licence.

If you require high quality driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

Driving Test - Examiners cant fail you if you don't commit error!

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 02:18:27 PDT

If you are taking a UK driving test, the driving examiner can not fail you if you dont commit a driving error!

The problem is that a driving error could be classified as serious or dangerous and this would lead to a fail and there is sometimes only a thin line between passing and failing!

For this very reason, I always teach my learner drivers to take serious any faults or weaknesses they have during driving lessons, taking the time to practice and overcome especially bad habits that they might have picked up.

If you have the mindset that it is okay to have faults which are usually marked just as a driving error (minor as some like to call it), then you could be setting yourself up for disappointment, as the examiner has final say when it comes to the driving test.
Simple mistakes like not checking the right blind spot before moving off, coasting by putting the car into neutral when stopping, rolling back slightly on Hill starts, stopping at mini-roundabouts for traffic approaching from the left are all faults that I have seen candidates fail on!

During a 40 minute driving test, it is very hard to hide bad habits, and while commiting one of the driving faults above should not usually lead to a failure, you will be suprised at how often one individual will do them when the examiner is in the car. Also that slight roll back during a hill start could occur at a junction with a car stopped too close behind you, leaving the examiner no choice but to fail you!

DONT GIVE THE EXAMINER ANY EXCUSE TO FAIL YOU! If you regularly commit a driving error work with your driving instructor to get it corrected, as it will not just go away, and hoping you do not get a harsh examiner is wishful thinking.

If you require high quality driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

More Reading
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Theory Test Changes September 2011

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:23:35 PST

This is just to let you know that the theory test does not change today 1st september 2011, though sometime later in the month, the DSA will be publishing new theory test study materials for those who will be taking the theory test from Monday 23rd January 2012.

If you don't already know, then from January 23rd 2012, the theory test will be based on questions and answers that will not have been avaialble to the public via publications or the various licenced websites on the internet, this basically means that you need to have studied and understood the highway code to correctly answer the quetions.

So if you plan to take and pass your theory examination before 31st december 2011, you can continue to use the current study materials available, however if you dont reach the driving age of 17 till then or your commitments will not allow you to take the test till the new year, then you should wait till the new Books/CD Roms/DVDs are released later in the year by the DSA.

My top advice for anyone who wants to pass the UK driving test of which the theory is the first phase is to thoroughly go through the UK Highway code, as most of the informtion you need is there, but more importantly it will make you a safer and more confident driver when out on the road.

If you require high quality driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

Additional test advice
Theory test centres closing.
Lost theory test certificate, can I take practical car test?
Hazard perception test games.
Car test hire information.
Pass Plus for new drivers.

Pass Plus is not just for Young Drivers

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 06:36:43 PDT

Pass Plus is not just for young drivers who have passed the driving test and are looking for discounts to cheaper car insurance, but it will benefit all newly qualified inexperienced drivers who want to be safe drivers and keen to learn more about driving from their instructor.

While Pass Plus might be targeted more at the teenaged drivers, there is a lot in the 6 hour course that will benefit anyone whose only driving experience has been the driving lessons taken while preparing for the practical car test.

Some of the topics covered on Pass Plus include:

* Town driving
* All-weather driving
* Driving out of town
* Night driving
* Driving on dual carriageways
* Driving on motorways

However the most important emphasis is on how to be a safer driver, even taking into account the mistakes or actions of other drivers or road users, knowing that the right attitude is always key!

If you have recently passed the driving test, have no previous experience, then you might want to speak to your instructor about Pass Plus, the cost of the course could easily save you not just insurance premiums, repairs to your car, but even your life or of someone you love, and no price can be attached to that!

Need some advanced driving lessons after passing your test or refresher confidence building help from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

More Reading
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Hire driving instructor for practical test.

Taking Driving Test without Instructor or Lessons

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 10:07:31 PDT

If you are a foreign licence holder or have been taught to drive by a family member do not think you can pass the UK driving test without taking a lesson or two from a driving instructor!

You might be confident and very capabale of driving a car from A to B, but the driving test examiner is looking for more than an ability to just drive a car, and only a DSA qualified driving instructor will be able to tell you what the current standard and requirements are.

One other important thing that only a qualified instructor will be able to help you with, is to identify bad driving habits that might cause you to commit serious faults during the test. The problem is that you might even have been taught these habits by your parents who passed their test many years ago, and are not in touch with current DSA requirements.

Foreign drivers wishing to get a full UK licence will no doubt have many habits that they have built up over the years, some which might be acceptable in their country of origin, but will cause you to fail here in the UK. Don't assume because you passed the theory test first time, that you know everything that the DSA examiner requires. In fact I've meet many overseas drivers who knew nothing about the POM Routine which showed in their driving skills, hardly applied MSM, just flicking the indicator switch on hearing the words left or right, and thought they had a good chance of passing (they did after spending a few hours taking lessons to educate them)!

So the truth of the matter is that you need an instructor's guidance to know what the driving test is all about, and make sure you have the knowledge and skills to pass the 40 minutes dsa driving assessment, and I can tell you that the money spent on driving lessons will pay off if you choose the right instructor.

If you need the reassurance that you have what it takes to pass the current UK driving test, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032, you will be glad you did when you pass on the first attempt.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

More Driving Test Advice
Need a car to take test in?
Top reasons for failing driving test.
Roundabouts on the driving test.

Driving Instructor and Bad Driving Habits

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 23:28:45 PST

If you have bad habits which might cause you to fail the driving test, did you know that it is your driving instructor's fault (or whoever is teaching you to drive if you don't have one)?

Habits don't form overnight, so it is the job of your instructor the first time you fail to check your right blind spot before moving off, take in-effective observations at junctions to correct you, and help you overcome the weakness and not develop into a bad habit, as the day before your dsa practical driving test is too late!

Every individual is different, so the time it takes to form a habit (good or bad) will vary, but one thing is sure, if you repeatedly do the same thing over and over again, you will not have to think hard about it after a while, as it becomes a habit, and this is the key to passing the UK driving test. If you spend enough time during your driving lessons practising the skills the DSA examiner expects, then you are more likely to be relaxed and able to do what is required at the correct standard. The problem is sometimes people cut corners and don't have enough practice or the experience, and because your driving habits have not fully formed, the driving test turns out to be harder than it needs to be.

If you take driving lessons with me in North West London, I will do my very best to help you get rid of any bad habits you have, getting you to the required DSA standard very quickly, but you must be prepared to put in the effort, as habits die hard. Why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032, and lets work together to achieve that driving test pass on your next attempt. I have helped many in the past, and you could be next. Lessons are £25 per hour, not cheap, but well worth the value you will get.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

More Reading
Bad Driving Instructors.
Should you be changing driving instructors?

Check Driving Instructor before Advance Money Payment Block Lessons

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 00:46:21 PDT

I have always adviced that as a learner driver you need to check your driving instructor is legal, not only to make sure you are not breaking the law by aiding/abbeting a criminal offence but also to safeguard yourself and your money if you are paying for block driving lessons in advance. This is very easy to do by having a look at the instructor's ADI badge on the first meeting and making sure it is currently valid and shows the picture of the person teaching you and not someone else.

If the instructor can not produce the registration certificate (which needs to be displayed every time they are giving a paid lesson) you can refuse to pay for any services already offered (I would dare them to call the police). Read the story below, to see how this simple step can save you a lot of heartache.

instructor disappears with student's money!

It is surprising how easily people trust someone who turns up in a car with a roof sign or 'L' plates.

If you have any problems with a driving instructor taking your money and not giving lessons or disappearing read the DSA advice on what to do.

If you require high quality driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school marketing material you see as shown by the link and story above, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

More reading
Intensive driving courses and test.
Driving test car.
Check the driving school instructor green badge.
DSA theory test changes jan 2012.

Driving Test Junctions

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 01:08:33 PDT

One of the reasons why many candidates fail the driving test at junctions is because they don't cocentrate fully on dealing with the junction looking for a safe gap to emerge or join the roundabout, instead part of their mind is thinking about the impatient car behind them, how long they have been at the junction, is the driving examiner going to fail me for undue hesitation, especially since I've just missed a gap with that bus that was approaching slowly.

I have said this many times before, but many learner drivers would still rather believe what someone who has only taken a DSA test once or twice says: The examiner will not fail you just because you spent a long time at a junction. Many of you will be taking your tests during the rush hour, and a t-junction or roundabout can be very busy, and no matter what the car behind you is doing, you MUST NOT ENTER THE JUNCTION if it is not safe!

Some of the skills you need to be able to deal safely with junctions include:

1. Moving off smoothly and quickly especially in not taking automatic driving lessons.

2. Spotting safe gaps in traffic. This particular skill requires a lot of pratice to get right, and you are going to make a few mistakes along the way, but you should not allow this to discourage you. It is things like this where your driving instructor should work for their money giving you the necessary advice, tips to help you build your confidence in this important decision making step.

3. Resistance to other road users bullying you. We all know that there are not a lot of patient drivers out their when it comes to learners, many will stop right behind not leaving enough space to get round you if you stall, or expect you to take risks including causing others to stop or slow down when you enter a junction. You need to remember while it might be acceptable for them, the DSA examiner will fail you for doing what might be common behaviour for full licence holders.

4. A car hooting their horn at you is not an automatic fail. There are so many myths about like this. You need to concentrate on being safe and not rush a junction.

Driving Lessons are meant to be used to learn a skill, get enough experience via continual practice which then leads to confidence (you don't have to like it).

Since Junctions are in the top 5 reasons for failing you need to make sureyou take enough time dealing with any weaknesses, not just going over test routes but covering a wide variety of different roads and conditions including rush hour traffic.

If you require high quality driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

Driving Test Routes can change anytime

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 01:33:03 PDT

If the only thing you do on driving lessons is to insist that your instructor concentrates on going over the local test centre routes, then you are not adequately preparing yourself, because driving test routes can change at anytime especially if there are local roadworks or an accident. What will you do in that situation?

Apart from that, how do you know that the instructor is actually covering the whole routes, but more importantly how will you know how to drive safely once you have passed, bought your own car, and need to go somewhere you have never been before. There are many people who have passed the driving test, and been killed in a traffic accident not long after! While you might be more interested in a pass certificate, shouldn't your priority be knowing how to deal with any situation that you might encounter on the road, including fast dual carriageways, multi-lane roundabouts, narrow country lanes, and develop some defensive driving skills?

The UK roads are becoming more congested everyday (despite rising cost of driving), and knowing how to be safe should always be at the back of your mind, especially for young inexperienced motorists. Passing the driving test is just the first step to gaining the necessary experience that will keep you safe during your life long career as a driver, and test routes will never cover everything you will encounter in real life!

If you require a good quality driving instructor in London that is very helpful, patient and fully DSA qualified, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

More Driving Test Reading
Car to use for Driving Test.
Parallel Parking video.
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Pass Plus advanced drivers course.

I Know How to Drive, need to Pass DSA driving Test

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 01:46:22 PDT

I have heard it so many times before either from foreign licence holders or those who have 'taught' themselves, I know how to drive, I just want to pass the DSA UK driving test!

First of all, the DSA driving examiner is going to be assessing you to a particular standard, that is why it is called a test, so knowing how to drive a car from A to B is only a third of the equation. You not only need to know what the examiner requirements are, you also MUST be able to drive consistently at the level which is why it is not usually possible for a foreign licence holder or an experienced car driver with bad habits to pass the practical test after just taking a 2 hour lesson!

DSA examiners are experienced drivers, and over 40 minutes it is very hard to hide habits that you have formed over the years from them, which is why those serious errors fail people.

I'm not saying this just so you can take more driving lessons with an instructor, but because you need to realise that if you practice driving at the standard expected on the test, and it becomes a habit, then you are less likely to make a mistake on thus increase your chances of passing the driving test.

A lot of candidates have access to insured cars but don't take the time to put in the effort to drive the way that is expected of them even after taking advice from an instructor.

If you require a high quality driving instructor who is very helpful, patient, honest and fully qualified, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

More Reading
Taking a Mock Driving Test.
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Bay Parking Advice.

Driving Instructor making too many decisions for you

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 03:29:23 PDT

Many learner drivers think they are ready for the driving test, and are surprised when they don't succeed because they have not realised the impact of their driving instructor making so many decisions for them during driving lessons.

It could be something as simple as a prompt 'Is there enough space for you and the bus' all the way to complete instructions like 'slow down and change to second gear for this junction', you need to be completely independent with your decision making process for you to have a good chance of passing the driving test.

I recently had a pupil start driving lessons with me who had previously failed a practical test, and I was surprised by how many times this person would ask me questions like 'can I go', 'what gear should I be using here', should I indicate right at this mini roundabout' how on earth did the driving instructor allow this person to sit a practical car test if they couldn't make decisions by themselves?

I have mentioned in a previous article the learners driver record which is a list of skills the driving examiner will be checking during the 40 minute car assessment, and the need for every candidate to be independent (level 5) before going for a test.

The job of your driving instructor is to make sure you do not rely on them in order to deal with anything you encounter on the road in the weeks/days leading up to your test, a good way of checking this is by taking a mock assessment where you are only given directions and no other advice during the driving session. This should highlight any over dependence on the ADI during the decision making process.

With the right instruction and enough practice, anyone can develop the confidience and ability to make the correct decisions that will enable them to pass the UK driving test irrespective of what test centre, examiner or route the DSA throws at them!

If you require high quality driving lessons in north west London from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified and experienced instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school marketing materials you see all over the place, do the proper research and know all the options available to you.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

More Reading
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Driving Instructors and Learner's Money Complaints

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 04:01:58 PDT

It is a common practice for driving instructors to offer a discount to learner drivers for advance block booking of driving lessons, where money is paid upfront.

But what is the responsibility of an ADI when it comes to the money of any learner driver?
Well before you give any instructor your money for advance bookings you should satisfy yourself that they are fully qualified (except in the case of trainees) and are registerd with the DSA (they must display their certificte in the tuition vehicle).
Have you ever thought that the only details you know about the person you are giving money to is First name and mobile phone number (in the last 5 years I've only ever had one person actually check my ADI badge!), you don't know where they live, many will not take note of the car registration number, nor will many even know what make or model the driving school car is, and I won't be surprised some may even get the car colour wrong.

Now most driving instructors are honest and hard working individuals, and will fufil their part of any contract for lessons, by turning up when agreed, give you a full hour, will not give you a late notice cancellation (unless totally unavoidable), but what if you do have problems with an instructor have paid in advance and need to get your money back?

Your first point of contact is the instructor, try and iron out the issue with them, if that fails either because you cant contact them, they ignore your calls or have gone AWOL, then you should contact the DSA:

email adireg@dsa.gsi.gov.uk or
write to: ADI Section, DSA, The Axis Building, 112 Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham, NG1 6LP.

If your instructor has taken your money and not provided the lessons or other services agreed, you need to contact the local Trading Standards office

Remember you need evidence, so always ask for a reciept for monies paid in advance, know what the terms of business of an instructor is, they have a right to charge you for late cancellation of a lesson (much easier if you paid in advance), also what happens if you don't want to have the 10 lessons you agreed on, is there a penalty?

If you don't want to lose your money, make sure you know who you are dealing with, get the details from the ADI badge, not all instructors have driving school names plastered on their car, but anyone being paid to teach you to drive MUST have a valid green or pink badge.

Use the DSA website to find a qualified instructor near you.

If you require high quality driving lessons in NW London from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

More Advice
Dealing with Driving test nerves.
Driving test mistakes.
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Learn to drive a car in 7 days!

Easiest Driving Test Centre London to Pass

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 02:37:05 PST

Many people think that the easiest place to pass in London is the Pinner driving test centre, and judging by the the fact that the current waiting time is 20 weeks, many people are booking their appointments there, even willing to travel long distances across London in the hope of getting a pass certificate.

I had my first driving test at Pinner recently, and the candidate passed, so you can make of that what you like (there were quite a few driver errors I had to correct in the sessions before the assesssment), but you still need to bear in mind that no matter how easy you think the driving test routes are there is a lot that can go wrong during the 40 minutes you are in the car with the DSA examiner, so preparation is the key even if you are taking the automatic car driving test and don't need to worry about gears.

One thing to bear in mind is that routes can change at anytime, and even simple things like road works or a car accident can severely change traffic conditions, so having enough driving experience is critical and more important than memorising routes or locations of driving test manuevers.

£4.99 Buy Now

If you think that a particular driving test centre is an easy place to pass at, you could be giving yourself false hopes and just putting money into the DSA's pockets if you don't concentrate on getting your skills to the required level but instead want to play games of chance.

I don't use Pinner for my learner's tests, the centres near to me and which I am familiar with the examiners and routes are Watford,Hendon, Borehamwood and Mill Hill NW7. I have even created a Special Video for anyone taking their test in the difficult Mill Hill Centre to help them succeed especially when you consider it has a low pass rate of 34%!

£4.99 Buy Now

If you require high quality driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

Driving Test Right Blind Spot Checks

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 02:23:06 PDT

Personally I think it is a sign of not being properly prepared if you fail the driving test for something as simple as not checking your right blind spot when moving off, but more importantly you should be getting a refund from your driving instructor for not doing his/her job properly because this should be a habit that should have been drilled into you from the first day they met you for a lesson (unless of course you ignored their advice and would rather believe a friend, colleague or family member who advised you that this is not important)!

The only time I ever let a learner driver pull off or continue with a maneuver after stopping without taking effective observations is during the first 15 minutes of an assessment driving lesson, after that we start working on developing the habit of always checking that right blind spot before moving into the road.

Now dont blame the driving examiner for being harsh on you, it is up to you meet the requirements of the test (it is a test afterall). More importantly when you get your full UK driving licence you don't want to be involved in a serious accident that could have been avoided if only you had taken effective observations and not assumed there was nothing there because you had only just pulled up on the left, or didn't hear anything.

Passing the driving test is only the first step in being a safe driver, everyday in the UK, someone is injured in a car accident that could have been avoided, it costs just second or two to take effective observations, and could not only save a life, but maybe even reduce your car insurance premiums as your no claims bonus accumulates.

If you require high quality driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

More Driving Test Advice
Parallel Parking Video in a Toyota Yaris.
Theory Test changes 2011 and 2012
Driving Test Car

Driving Lesson Roundabouts Confusion

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 03:25:57 PDT

I have seen it many times during driving lessons in London where learner drivers just get totally confused at roundabouts, not remembering who to give way to, which lane to use, should I indicate or not, what about exiting, I'm turning right, why do I have to first go to the left?

Everyone will have their least favorite part to learning to drive, and for many roundabouts are like a major obstacle, which is why you need to make sure your driving instructor not only gives you enough practice on these, but makes sure you understand and overcome any fears you have of these junctions.

To recap, the basic principles are:

1. Give way to traffic approaching from the right. If roundabout is controlled by traffic lights, then these take priority, so go if they are green.

2. You need to make an effort to go round mini-roundabouts, but it is okay if you wheels touch part of the white markings on very small ones.

3. Signalling: The video below should help you with signalling:

4. Don't approach any junction too fast, the faster your car is, the faster your reactions/thinking process needs to be.

As with all your driving test preparations, practise, practice and practise some more, confidence comes from a combination of knowlwdge and experience, your driving lessons should be structured to get rid of weaknesses while re-empasising your strenghts.

If you require high quality driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

Blag a Driving Test

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 05:13:06 PDT

I am going to make this short and simple, you can not blag a driving examiner into passing you after a driving test.

At the end of the assessment, you will be told to switch off the engine and relax while the examiner completes the DL25 test report, it is at this point that a decision is made as to whether you have passed or failed (some examiners will not mark a serious fault immediately it occurs), and then you are told the result.

There is therefore no amount of blagging or pleading that can make them change their decision, as they can't alter the report sheet.

If you want to pass the driving test, then your best bet is to know what the examiners are looking for, get enough practice and experience performing these driving skills and make a habit of it. Part of being ready for a full licence is knowing how to deal with other road users even when you are in the right and they do something wrong.

If you require high quality driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

Driving Test Advice T-Junction on Hill

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 08:54:13 PDT

The most common place that candidates fail the driving test, are at junctions, so having to deal with a T-Junction on a hill adds extra pressure, especially if you have cars behind you who are in a hurry to emerge.

Let me immediately say that when it comes to dealing with junctions during the driving test, your priority must be safety, there is a myth that the examiner will fail you for undue hesitation if you wait for longer than a set period of time at the junction. This is not true. The examiner can see exactly what is going on, and if it is not safe, you should not enter the junction no matter how long you have been waiting or how impatient the vehicles behind you are getting.

Having said that, let's see how you should deal with a T-Junction on a Hill. Now if you have not had enough practicse on your driving lessons carrying out hill starts, then you need to get your instructor teaching you this basic driving skill, as it is the key to successfully emerging at a junction on a hill, and will boost your confidence as a test candidate.

Most T-Junctions on a Hill are closed junctions, which means that you have very limited or no view of the traffic on the major road as you approach, so it is best if you just stop at the giveway line, prepare yourself for a hill start and proceed to emerge once it is safe. Don't try and copy other road users who might not stop, or drive half way into the junction.

Call or send me a text message on 07956233032 if you need to practise dealing with T-Junctions in the Mill Hill, Hendon, Borehamwood areas of NW London.

Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

More Advice for DSA practical car test candidates
Don't fail your driving test at a junction.
Parallel parking video lesson.
What do DSA examiners want from you.
Taking your driving test in Mill Hill London.

Choose the Right Driving Instructor

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:29:01 PDT

With the current economic hardship in the UK, there has never been a more important time than now for you to make sure you choose the right driving instructor when learning to drive and preparing for the DSA practical car test.

For many people the price of driving lessons is the most important determining factor, regardless of how good the quality of tuition or other things like instructor attitude, puntuality, etc.

I'm going to illustrate with a real life story why you should not just go for cheap driving lessons, but in addition to price need to consider, the instructor, services being offered as well as thinking about what will be the best value for your hard earned money.

About 8 weeks ago I got a call from a foreign licence holder who wanted to pass the uk test which was already booked, and was looking to take some driving lessons to prepare as well as use my car for the test. When I told him I charge £25 for a one hour lesson, he commented that I was even more expensive than Red Driving School, to which I replied I offer a high quality service and charge accordingly. He decided not to go with me, as he thought I was too expensive.

On monday this week, I got a call from the same guy asking if I was able to take him for a test next week because he had not been able to do the last test due to the fact that he didn't have his provisional licence counterpart with him when the DSA examiner called his name in the waiting room! Now I didn't ask him the details of how that happened, but surely I would have expected his instructor to have checked he had the right documents with him when picking up a test candidate from home!
Now whatever amount of money he was hoping to save by paying £21 per hour for driving lessons has now been lost because he not only has to pay the DSA for another test, he'll have to take a couple more lessons as well as the fee I charge on the day of the test!

Now I'm not saying that all driving instructors that charge £21 an hour for lessons in London are not honest or poor quality, but surely any ADI who has been in the business for at least a couple of months will know test candidates don't always think straight as their appointment draws near, nerves, and irrational behaviour can exibit themselves, and you should be there to calm them down and make sure everything is in place for the driving test.

Other horror stories I have dealt with include instructors talking on the phone conducting business while learners drive, shouting, sexual or racial harrassment, late or non turn up for lessons, all because people are looking to only pay £15 for driving lessons in London in the 21st century.

Learners always seem to think they can tell when they are being ripped off, the truth is many don't, and even those who do are afraid or too embarassed to change, and only seem to take action when and if they fail, some ending up taking more lessons at a cheaper rate or multiple attemps at the test.
One of the most important things that instructors should do during driving lessons is make sure you develop safe habits starting from when you learn how to move off and stop. Simple things like not checking the right blind spot before driving off if not corrected could lead to failure on the test, and the learner might not even know they have this fault!

Not matter how good you are as a driver, there is always something that you can learn during a driving lesson with a fully qualified instructor even if it is only the fact that you are doing things right, and building up experience with different situations, there is more to a test than learning a driving test route, bearing in mind that road works are very common in London which could lead to diversions into unfamiliar roads, which without the right skills you might not be able to deal with!

If you require high quality driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032, at £25 per hour, I'm not the cheapest in this area of London, but it is good value for money, and you can be rest assured that you will be getting the best tuition tailored to your ability, and nothing will be held back from you in a bid to get more lessons from you than you actually need,

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

Driving Test coming to your local supermarket?

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 05:32:22 PDT

Following trials in Ashford, Kent, in the future DSA practical Car and Motorcycle tests could be delivered from Local council buildings or your local supermarket in a bid to bring more tests to candidates that dont have driving test centres near them.

Full details of the proposal which could see DSA Examiners working out of non standard offices can be found on the direct.gov website.

If you require high quality driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

Driving Lesson, Would you like your instructor on the Phone?

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 05:41:21 PDT

How would you like it, if during your driving lesson for a practical car test which could mean the difference between you keeping a new job you have just been offered which requires you to possess a full UK licence, your fully qualified driving instructor answers their mobile phone and proceeds to make a 5 minute call to a potential new learner driver?

I ask this question, because last saturday I had quite a few telephone calls, and this saturday was very busy for me with 3 seperate clients each having 2 hours driving lessons (I only work half day), so it wasn't until after I had completed the day's work that I was able to go through my messages. I noticed that one particular caller had called 5 times, but not left a voicemail, so I called the number up, and the person picked up and said sorry I've found another instructor as I urgently wanted to speak to someone about my test in 3 weeks time! I don't know what is urgent about a test appointment in 3 weeks time, but calling a driving instructor on a saturday afternoon, you are mostly likely to get no answer (busy working and doesn't interrup lessons), answer from someone who doesn't work on saturdays or answers phone on a lesson.

Irespective of how much they are charging for hourly lessons, do you think you are going to be getting the best out of your lessons if your instructor spends their time answering calls and texts when they are supposed to be teaching or supervising your test preparation?
Even if you are confident with your driving skills, and can cope with little input from your instructor, your lessons are supposed to be productive, simple things like not checking your right-hand mirror before passing a parked car could be the only mistake you make on the driving test which causes you to fail as you failed to notice a fast bike approaching from behind! You instructor would have been able to point this out to you, if they had not been busy on the phone during your lessons, because bad habits are not built in a day!

Let me give you some advice, if you call an instructor up, and he/she answers, and while you are having a conversation he/she has to interrupt you to give directions/instructions to a learner in the car, you need to ask yourself if you want that to happen to you while you are having a driving lesson? Why should I be wearing/using handsfree mobile phone earpiece when a pupil is paying me to teach them safe driving skills?

If you require a dedicated high quality driving instructor who is very helpful, patient, fully qualified, will not waste your time or give you poor instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032, I charge £25 per hour, but as you know, good quality service carries a premium.

Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

More Reading
Choose the right driving instructor.
Need a car for the driving test?
New car insurance starts june 20 2011.

11 Theory Test Centres Close August 2011

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 09:21:42 PDT

11 theory test centres across the UK will be closed by the DSA due to over capacity as part of the government's cost cutting measures.

The 11 test centres to close are situated in Basingstoke, Bath, Birkenhead, Clydebank, Colchester, Dunfermline, Durham, Motherwell, Runcorn, Solihull and Workington, with the closure dates set as 31st August 2011.

The DSA has confirmed that there are alternative theory test centres nearby for candidates, and no practical car/bike MPTCs are affected.

If you require high quality driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

Car Driver needs to be insured!

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 02:43:26 PDT

With the new car insurance law coming into effect on 20th June 2011, I thought now is a good time to remind you that it is the car driver that needs to be insured when doing private driving lessons, irrespective of who owns the vehicle, the supervising passenger or if the car appears on the MID.

While you might not necessarily be stopped by an ANPR police car because you are driving a car insured to the registered keeper, the law requires that a car can only be driven by someone who is specifically insured to do so either because he/she is a named driver on the car, or you have an insurance policy such as comprehensive, that provides you with 3rd party cover on any vehicle provided the legal owner allows you to take the car.

As a provisional driving licence holder stop looking for loopholes that will allow you take driving lessons in family or friend's car without insurance! If you have not been specifically named as a driver on the car, then you are not insured.
It doesn't matter how long the supervisor has held a licence, what type of insurance cover the passenger next to you holds, what type of insurance the vehicle being driven has or cost, if your name is not on it, don't drive it if you want to do things legally.

Insurance for provisional holders is not cheap, but it is a requirement if you are going to be driving someone else's vehicle, so ignorance is no excuse for breaking the law.

If you require high quality driving lessons in NW London from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032.

Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

Driving Test Fee Refunds

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 04:39:20 PDT

From the 1st of June 2011, the DSA will no longer refund any driving test fees for appointments booked that are cancelled without giving the required 3 working days notice.

As part of a cost cutting measure to save about £1 Million a year, they will no longer under any circumstances refund test fees if the candidate does not abide by the 3 working day rule, in the past they have as a goodwill gesture refunded some people's money, but no longer.

If you require high quality driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032.

Thinking about becoming an driving instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

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Caught Speeding during Driving Lesson

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 09:48:29 PDT

I would like to believe that no provisional licence holder on a driving lesson with a qualified instructor would ever be caught speeding, but if you are being supervised by a family member or friend, then not only you the driver but your passenger in the front seat could end up getting points on your licence if you break the law during private practise like running a red light.

It is your responsibility as a driver to make sure you comply with any legal laws when in charge of a motor vehicle. This includes MOT for vehicle, insurance, making sure your supervisor is not drunk or talking on the phone.

One common question I get asked about a supervising driver is do they have to physically be able to drive a car to supervise me? For example my dad hurt his leg, and can't drive at the moment, can he sit beside me if he has held a licence for over 3 years, I'm insured to drive and display 'L' plates? Legally there is nothing wrong in this situation, but does he want to risk hurting himself if he needs to make a sudden movement to take evasive action to prevent an accident, especially since he isn't trained to effectively anticipate and use prompts to get a learner to think about potentially dangerous situations. All (or at least the majority) of private practice occurs in vehicles without dual controls, so the legs are not normally required, you either shout, steer or maybe try to use the handbrake, so someone on crutches should still be able to accompany a learner driver.

If you require high quality driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032.

Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

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DVLA Car MOT Text Reminders

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 09:59:57 PDT

If you have recently passed the driving test, and bought a car that is more than 3 years old then you would of course remember from the theory test, that the vehicle requires an annual MOT test certificate to be driven legally on the roads!

The DVLA is now offering motorists the option of registering to get an SMS text sent to their mobile phones reminding them of when their current MOT expires. The remindrs will be sent 5 weeks, 2 weeks and a day before your current MOT certificate expires. This service is not free, costing £1.50.

If you are interested, or for more details on how to register and the requirements, visit the DVLA Website.

As a new driver remind yourself of all the legal responsibities you need to follow if you are driving a car (even if a company supplied vehicle), and if not sure, then ask, as passing the driving test means you should have the knowledge, remember ignorance is no excuse in the sight of the law. Remember also the new driver's act, 6 points on your licence, and it is another driving test!

If you require high quality cheap driving lessons in London from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

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Passed Driving Test - Reverse Carefully

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 08:53:53 PDT

If you have passed the driving test you hopefully would realise that it takes time to gain the experience required to become a safer driver and should consider taking the Pass Plus Course, not just because you might get cheaper car insurance but it will be a step in the right direction of increasing the experience and knowledge that could help you avoid an accident in the future.

One thing that you need to do now if you've just got your full driving licence and have a car, is to take extra care when performing any reversing exercises.
It will take some time to get used to the size of your car, and more importantly do not feel pressurised if you have passengers in the vehicle, take your time, and if necessary get out and access the situation, afterall it is your hard earned money that will be damaged if you make a mistake (unless it is your parent's vehicle which I'm sure they will not be happy to see dented or scratched).

Here is some advice from the Highway Code:

1. Choose an appropriate place to perform your reversing maneuver, preferably a quiet place or road.

2. Do not reverse into a main road (many people do this, but if you are involved in an accident, you will be at fault), it is dangerous. It is better and safer to reverse into your driveway off a main road.

3. Perform effective observations, and take extra care to look out for pedestrians in particular children who might not be aware of a reversing car.

4. Only reverse as far as necessary.

5. At supermarket car parks, be on the lookout for other cars reversing at the same time as you, and be aware that space could be limited.

If you need post test advanced driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032.

Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Advice Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

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Driving Test and Road Rage

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Fri, 27 May 2011 13:18:28 PDT

As a driving instructor, I've seen candidates do many things during their practical car driving test, and recently I saw a man have some element of road rage because another vehicle pulled out in front of him while being assessed. He swore and jestured as he seemed to reach boiling point due to the pressure of wanting to pass!

I wasn't surprised I had to previously calm him down many times, and on a particular ocassion having to get him to stop the car during a driving lesson in West Hampstead because an oncoming car had failed to give way to him on a narrow street despite him having the priority sign on his side, with him going balistic about inconsiderate experienced drivers!

I have always taught my provisional licence holders to expect the unexpected including other road users trying to take advantage of their learner status, so you need to keep your cool if you want to pass the driving test.

If you require high quality driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032.

Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email service is provided and powered by feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can removed yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click.

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Driving Test Car Hire

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 01:57:43 PST

If you are taking lessons with an instructor then you don't have to worry about the driving test car, as the driving school vehicle will normally meet all the DSA requirements.

If you however don't have a car, have been let down by your ADI, own an automatic and want to take the driving test in a manual gearbox vehicle, then I do offer driving test car hire for provisional licence holders.

I can provide test cover hire in the following dsa test centres: Mill Hill, Hendon, Borehamwood, Watford, Barnet, Pinner HA5 and Greenford Horsenden Lane.

My car is fully insured to cover all candidates including those on an extended driving test, and the car hire includes a one hour lesson which could be used to go over some of the driving test routes or familiarise yourself with the vehicle, which currently is a manual Toyota Yaris Diesel, I will also use this time to offer you various helpul tips to increase your chances of passing your driving test, pointing out particular difficult locations that might have failed candidates in the past.

While I can not guarantee I will be able to take you on a short notice test, there is no harm in giving me a call on 07956233032, to discuss my availability and shortly plan to offer automatic driving test car hire facilities as well.

Please note that most UK car hire companies (Hertz, Enterprise, Europa, Avis) do not allow their vehicles to be used for driving tests, and if the DSA examiner suspects it is a rental, will ask to see an insurance declaration or call the company to confirm there is a policy to cover them for the test, so using my services is much safer, and will guarantee a peace of mind and avoid the risk of losing the test booking fee.

There is a £25 non refundable booking fee deposit required (this is to avoid time wasters) if booking with less than 24hrs notice.

Subscribe to Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles or get updates direct to your inbox by Email.

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New Car Insurance Law starts 20th June 2011

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 01:46:47 PDT

A new car insurance law comes into effect next month on the 20th June 2011.

The Continuous Insurance Enforcement law will mean that it is now an offence to own an un-insured vehicle, in addition to actually driving a car without insurance, penalties range from a fine of £100, impounding the car and possible prosecution (with a £1000 fine issue by the courts).

The DVLA will be working with the Motor Insurance Bureau comparing its records of registered vehicles against those that are insured, any offenders will first get a letter, and if not rectified then enforcement action will be taken.

If you require high quality driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

Driving on Provisional licence unsupervised

adi@privatehomesales.co.uk (The Driving Instructor - Shola Ogunlokun) — Mon, 23 May 2011 08:48:38 PDT

There are many people out there driving a car on a provisional licence unsupervised and without displaying 'L' plates.

You might want to justify yourself by saying that driving lessons are expensive, the DSA examiner keeps failing me for no reason, but the truth is, you have no excuse for breaking the law.

So if you are a confident driver that can go anywhere without requiring any supervision, what is stopping you from taking the driving test and being a legal driver? Passing the theory test isn't usually a problem, as it is available in many languages, costs only £31 (May 2011), and you can practise and memorise the questions and answers at little cost to you. So the real issue is the practical driving test!

I have already mentioned the 2 most common reasons why people drive unsupervised, so let's have a look and see what can be done about them.

1. Driving Lessons cost. Now if you are already driving alone on a provisional licence, you don't necessarilly need a driving instructor, because you have most of the skills expected by the examiner. What you however need is knowledge and practise of what is required to pass the driving test. In this modern age of the internet, there are articles and videos freely available that can teach you everything you need to know right from how to move off safely, carry out test maneuvers all the way to independent driving and what to expect on the day of the practical driving test. So claiming that the cost of lessons stops you from learning will not do, as you already have a car, and with a little effort you can find out how to do things the DSA way, all you need is find someone to supervise you!
Even if you can't find a suitable driver to supervise you, you are already breaking the law, so at least practise the right way, and go take the test.

2. Driving Examiner keeps failing me. The only reason you failed is because you commited a serious fault, not doing things at the DSA standard, the DL25 report you have given has notes that tell you exactly what is required, and if you do some basic research on the internet you will find all the information you need. Bad driving habits are usually the main reason for serious faults, especailly if you drive alone on a provisional licence, since you don't have anyone assessing your skills, and your main criteria is that you always get from A to B irrespective of the near misses and number of times other road users had to take evassive action to avoid potential danger.

If you are waiting till you get caught by the police in their ANPR car, and get banned from driving or points on a licence, then you will eventually have to pay. Also you are one of the people who is contributing to high car insurance costs because you are not covered on a provisional licence if driving alone and not displaying 'L' plates even if you have a vaild policy!

If you require high quality driving lessons from a very helpful, patient and fully qualified instructor, then why not call or send me a text message on 07956233032

Thinking about becoming an instructor? Don't just make a decision based on the red driving school TV advertisement, do the proper research and know all the ADI training options available to you.

Subscribe to my Driving Test Tips so you don't miss any future articles and get DSA updates direct to your inbox by Email. The service is provided and powered by Google Feedburner, so I don't personally keep your email addresses, and you can remove yourself anytime after passing the driving test with just one mouse click, you can also follow UKADI on twitter or join my UKADI Facebook page.

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