Author Archives: bevmin

Can Driving Lessons Be Cancelled Due To Weather?

For many learner drivers and their guardians, the road to obtaining a driver’s licence is filled with anticipation, excitement, and, understandably, a bit of nervousness too! One significant concern that often surfaces, especially in regions of the UK prone to extreme weather conditions, is whether driving lessons can be cancelled due to bad weather, and if so, what steps should be taken next? 

 

In this blog post, we will explore what qualifies as bad weather, and provide guidance on what you can do if your scheduled driving lessons are cancelled due to adverse conditions.

What counts as bad weather? 

While a light rain won’t disrupt your scheduled driving lessons, several weather conditions are considered severe enough to warrant cancellation for safety reasons. These include: 

Heavy rainfall: Intense downpour reduces visibility and makes roads slippery, which poses a risk to inexperienced drivers, as well as other road users.

Snow and ice: Snowy and icy roads can lead to accidents, especially for experienced learner drivers. For safety reasons your lessons will be cancelled.

Thunder and lightning: Lightning storms pose a risk due to the heavy rainfall that accompanies it. If there is a predicted thunderstorm at the time of your driving lesson, it may be cancelled.

High winds: Strong winds can be particularly dangerous for drivers, risking control of the vehicle. 

Fog: Dense fog significantly reduces visibility, making it difficult for all drivers to see road signs, signals, and other vehicles. This is why cancelling lessons in these conditions is a must.

These conditions don’t just challenge the learner; they are also a risk to the instructor and other road users. Hence, driving schools like ourselves often err on the side of caution.

What to do if your lessons are cancelled

If your driving lessons are cancelled due to bad weather then there are several steps to be taken. Below are the following things you should do if you’re scheduled for driving lessons during adverse weather conditions

Check your driving school’s policy

Most driving schools will  have a detailed policy regarding the cancellation of lessons due to bad weather. Familiarising yourself with these policies can provide insight into how cancellations and the rescheduling of lessons are handled.

Stay in communication

Keep the lines of communication open with your driving instructor or the driving school. They can provide real-time updates on the situation and advise you on the next steps. Sometimes, the weather may clear up sooner than expected, allowing for the possibility of still having the lesson as planned.
If you’re looking to join a driving school, contact our team today.

The Importance Of A Good Driving Instructor

A good driving instructor plays a pivotal role in your experience as a learner driver. It’s important that driving instructors possess certain qualities and skills as they are helping shape individuals into safe, confident, and capable drivers. Here at Beverly Slater we employ highly responsible and exceptional driving instructors, as we understand the importance of a good driving instructor. 

If you’re wondering what makes a good driving instructor, keep reading. Below are some of the qualities to look out for, whether you’re looking to become a driving instructor or you’re a prospective student searching for a reliable instructor.

Safety First

A skilled driving instructor prioritises the safety of their students and others above all else. They teach learners the rules of the road, proper driving techniques, and hazard awareness to help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries on UK roads. Teaching safety information is of the utmost importance, good driving instructors place a lot of emphasis on this.

Knows how to build confidence 

Learning to drive can be daunting, especially for anxious drivers. A good instructor creates a supportive and encouraging learning environment, which helps nervous drives overcome anxieties and fears, effectively boosting their confidence through supportive driving lessons.

Can tailor lessons to each student

Every learner is unique, with different learning styles, abilities, and areas for improvement. A good driving instructor tailors their teaching to suit every individual student, focusing on their strengths and weaknesses, ticking every box in order to give them the best chance at passing their driving test.

Communicates clearly and effectively

Another key skill a good driving instructor should have is the ability to communicate clearly. Driving instructors need to communicate instructions, feedback, and guidance clearly and in a way that’s easy for the student to understand. This ensures that learners grasp key skills efficiently and effectively.

Being a positive role model

When you become a driving instructor, you’ll serve as a role model for your students. You will need to demonstrate safe and proper driving to ensure your students adopt the same approach to driving. By setting a positive example you will be contributing to safer roads by teaching students the safe and proper way to drive.

In conclusion, good driving instructors are instrumental in keeping the roads safer for everyone through teaching safe and responsible driving to the new generation of drivers.
For more information about how to become a successful driving instructor, or driving lessons with reliable and skilled instructors, contact our team any time.

Why Learning to Drive Is an Excellent New Year Resolution

Making New Year’s resolutions can be a bit of a hit and miss affair. We all start out full of good intentions and with life-changing plans, which, let’s face it, often fall at the first hurdle. This year, why not be different and resolve to do something which will really make a difference to your life – learn to drive.

Let’s run through some good reasons why you should make 2024 the year you take driving lessons.

Freedom and Independence

In many areas of the country, public transport provision is not exactly great, and considering the terrible storms we’ve had recently, the thought of standing at a bus stop or waiting for a taxi which may or may not turn up on time is not the best use of your time and effort. When you obtain your driver’s licence you will have the freedom to travel wherever and whenever you want. Whether it’s going to work, out with friends or going on a spontaneous road trip, the ability to drive gives you flexibility to make plans. Independence beckons!

New Career?

Have you considered applying for a new job but been put off by the fact of being unable to get there on public transport?  Or are you looking at job opportunities which require a driving licence? Learning to drive can expand your employment options and make you more competitive in the job market. 

Open Up the UK

Driving lessons are the key which can open up a whole new world of exploration for you. Aside from being able to drive for a new job or uni place, learning to drive opens up opportunities to explore different parts of the country and visit places you wouldn’t be able to get to on public transport. Whether it’s visiting friends and family or discovering new places and new experiences, those driving lessons can open the door.

Helping the Family

Family responsibilities are often what dictates the need to learn to drive nowadays. When kids need to get to after-school activities or elderly parents have appointments or shopping trips to get to, being able to drive can be extremely helpful. The convenience and security of having your own transport and driving licence can give you peace of mind in knowing that your family members are being safely transported.

Help in Emergency Situations

In an emergency situation, the ability to drive can be crucial. Whether a medical emergency or some other urgent situation, being able to quickly and independently drive to a location to get help or help someone else can save crucial time.

Increase Your Confidence

Having driving lessons and obtaining your licence can provide a massive boost to your confidence and wellbeing. Learning to drive gives an enormous sense of accomplishment which can carry over into other areas of your life. Learning to drive involves acquiring a whole new set of skills and knowledge which can be extremely fulfilling.

If you’re ready to hit the road and take your first driving lesson, or return after a break from lessons, why not get in touch? We’re here to give you all the help you need to get you driving this year.

Why You Should Begin Lapsed Learner Driving Lessons

Lapsed learner lessons are simply lessons designed to support drivers who are continuing with their lessons after a period of inactivity. Here at Beverly Slater, we offer bespoke lapsed learner driving lessons, tailored around you and your experience. It doesn’t matter how many lessons you’ve previously had, our expert driving instructors will plan your lessons according to what you already know, making getting back into learning to drive a simple and convenient process for you.

There are many advantages to taking lapsed learner driver lessons. If you’re interested in picking up where you left off, keep reading about the ways these types of driving lessons can benefit you. 

Skill retention

One major benefit of lapsed learner lessons is that they provide the opportunity to refresh your skills and knowledge, and bridge any gaps you may have. You will be able to retain any driving skills you currently have, whilst learning new skills and rules to add onto your existing knowledge. Retaining your acquired skills is very important if a significant amount of time has passed since you last had lessons. You need to learn a variety of skills and knowledge in order to pass both your theory test and practical test.

Boost your confidence

Confidence is vital when it comes to learning how to drive safely and efficiently. Lapsed learner driving lessons aim to boost your confidence behind the wheel, helping to ease you back into driving and being on the road. 

Gaining your confidence back when learning to drive is essential. Our lapsed learner lessons aim to bring back your confidence on the road, and prepare you for getting back behind the wheel. Our driving instructors are trained to help bridge gaps in your knowledge and push you towards your goal of becoming a licensed driver.

Adapting to new vehicles

With the current rise in electric vehicles, individuals who have taken an extended break from learning to drive may feel overwhelmed and confused on how to use different types of cars. There may also have been significant advances in technology since your previous lessons, which these lessons can help you become accustomed to.

Lapsed learner lessons allow individuals to gain proficiency in newer vehicles and technology, which is a great advantage to have.

Familiarising new traffic rules

Between now and your last driving lesson, there could have been a change to traffic rules and regulations. Lapsed learning lessons will address this and familiarise you with everything you need to know.
For more information about lapsed learner lessons and how to kickstart your driving lesson journey again, contact our friendly team today.