Whether you learned to drive several years ago or are a new or learner driver, it is vital that you keep up to date with the rules of the road. At Beverly Slater, we recommend that you keep your knowledge of the road current if you want to ensure you avoid any fines. 

Correct use of fog lights

The Highway Code states that fog lights should not be used unless visibility is significantly reduced. As soon as visibility improves it is important that you turn your fog lights off immediately to avoid dazzling other drivers, something which could cause an accident. Incorrect use of fog lights can result in a fine. Examples of poor visibility include snow, fog and driving rain. The fine for this offence can be a £50 Fixed Penalty Notice.

Restrain animals suitably

According to the Highway Code animals in vehicles must be appropriately restrained so that they do not cause an accident or injury to you or themselves in the event of a sudden stop. Pet carriers, dog cages or guards and seat belt harnesses are appropriate ways to restrain an animal. This infraction can result in penalty points and a fine.

Splashing pedestrians

It can be hard to avoid large puddles on really rainy days. However, it is actually illegal to splash a pedestrian with water that is sitting on the road. If found guilty of deliberately driving through a puddle with the express intention of splashing a pedestrian the fine can be a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice. This can rise to as much as £5000 depending on the circumstances. 

30mph speed limit as standard

Where there are no signs indicating to the contrary, and there is street lighting, then the default speed limit is 30mph. This is usually 60mph on single carriageway roads where there is no street lighting and on dual carriageways 70mph. Look out for minimum speed limits which are signed with a round blue road sign with the speed limit clearly indicated inside.

Zebra Crossings

There have been recent changes to the Highway Code which means that drivers are more confused than ever over the rules regarding pedestrian crossings. In January 2022 the Highway code was changed and now states “you must give way to pedestrians already on the crossing and you should give way to pedestrians waiting to cross.” 

Want to brush up on your driving skills or rules of the road? Why not book a refresher lesson with us, and we’ll soon bring you up to speed.

Many of us put a lot of pressure on ourselves when taking our driving test for the first time, but over 50% of people fail their first time. There are a few reasons why we fail our driving test, one of them being nerves, but there are some reasons that we can avoid. With the right preparation, you will be one step closer to getting that license! We have put together a list of reasons people fail their test and how to avoid making the same mistakes when it comes to your own driving test.

How people can fail their driving test

1 – Making inadequate observations at a junction

It’s important that drivers look properly when at a junction, as accidents continue to happen due to one driver not seeing the other. So when you’re approaching a junction, you need to decrease your speed and signal your intent so that other drivers can preempt what you’re going to do. When at the junction, stop and carefully analyse the road to make sure it’s clear for you to join. You need to look out for other road users, including cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians. 

2 – Not using their mirrors

The point of a driving test is to prove to the examiner that you’re a safe driver and this includes using your mirrors so you’re aware of all of your surroundings. Everything you do when you’re driving must include your mirrors. Such as manoeuvres, acceleration, a change of direction, braking, navigating a hazard, and starting and stopping. During your test, make it clear to your examiner that you’re checking your mirrors throughout the drive.

3 – Driving at an Inappropriate Speed

One of the most common reasons for failing a driving test is speed. This includes driving too fast and driving too slow. The key is to know the speed limit at all times. Drive close to the speed limit, but make sure not to go above it as this will result in a fail. Knowing the speed limit and driving close to it is important because it will show the examiner that you’re a competent driver and can read the road. It’s important to remember not to go above the speed limit. 

4 – Lack of Steering Control

Having a firm grip on the steering wheel when driving is a must. If you cross your hands during a driving test, you shouldn’t automatically fail. However, crossing your hands when holding the steering wheel can lead to the driver not being in control of the car, especially when turning a sharp corner. The examiner is looking to make sure you have control of the vehicle at all times. When changing gears, you should make them brief so that you have 2 hands on the steering wheel as much as possible. And most importantly, don’t remove both hands from the wheel!

5 – Parking

When entering and exiting a parking space, it’s vital to check your mirrors. A driver can get distracted when getting in or out of a parking space without hitting a parked car. Which means they forget to look out for oncoming traffic. Checking your mirrors, and not forgetting your blind spots are key for parking safely. The examiner will ask you to complete one of 3 exercises. 

• Pulling up on the right-hand side of the road and reversing 2 car lengths backwards and rejoining traffic
  
• Parking in a bay (either reversing into the bay or reversing out of the bay) 
  
• Parallel parking
  

 Make sure you practice all 3 with your driving instructor until you become confident with each of them.

Bev Slater Driving School can help you pass your test!

Preparing for a driving test can be tricky, so contact us to book some extra lessons or a catch-up lesson and practice some of these mistakes before the big test!

There aren’t many drivers who are confident when it comes to driving in snowy and icy conditions partly because we in the UK are not so used to seeing heavy snowfall so that when we do the resulting road gridlock of abandoned vehicles and unconfident drivers causes chaos.

Follow our tips and discover how you can negotiate wintry road surfaces with confidence.

1 Prepare Well For Your Journey on the road

Before you set off clear any snow and ice from all your vehicle windows. Use an ice-scraper or de-icer to do this. Never use boiling water as this could result in cracks in the windows. Check that your lights and wipers are working properly and that there is plenty of screen wash in the reservoir under the bonnet. Your tyres should be properly inflated and showing a legal tread depth (1.6mm minimum). Carry a blanket, shovel and if necessary a thermos flask with a hot drink for if you get stuck in a long traffic jam. Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged in case you need to make an emergency call.

2 Dress Appropriately

Wrap up warm and wear footwear which is comfortable, dry and non-slip. The last thing you need should you have to abandon your vehicle and walk is getting freezing cold and slip-sliding around.

3 How To Drive In Snow And Ice

Gently is the watchword. Move off in second gear where possible and accelerate gently away to avoid wheel spin. Move up the gears as soon as you can but don’t feel you have to stay in top gear; you will often have more control in second and third gear due to natural engine braking especially going downhill. Keep a greater distance than usual from the vehicle in front.

Maintain a steady speed – slower than usual where necessary but not too slow – and avoid harsh braking which may be ineffective on slippery road surfaces.

Don’t brake on a bend; brake gently before turning the steering wheel. If the vehicle loses grip, take your foot off the accelerator and don’t over-steer.

In the event of a skid steer gently in the direction of the slide, for instance if the car is sliding to the right, steer to the right and don’t be tempted to slam on the brakes. 

Try to drive on fresh snow where possible rather than in the compressed tyre tracks of other vehicles. 

Finally, always use dipped headlights and fog lights in very low visibility. Wear sunglasses to reduce glare from the low winter sun.

If you feel you’re in need of a refresher lesson, or are looking to start driving this winter, why not get in touch– we’d be happy to help you become confident in your ability to driver, whatever the weather!