Author Archives: bevmin

Do You Need a Refresher Driving Lesson?

Did you pass your drivers test a while ago and now don’t feel confident getting behind the wheel again? If yes then a refresher driving lesson could very well be the solution to your problem. There’s a lot of responsibility that comes with passing your drivers test and driving a car. This is why getting back onto the roads can be a daunting thought for many returning drivers.

Luckily, we offer refresher driving lessons for anyone hesitant about driving again! Read on to find out more about who these lessons are made for, the benefits they offer, and if you need some before you get back into driving. 

Who Are Refresher Driving Lessons For?

Refresher lessons are ideal for anyone who passed their driving test a while ago, and are nervous about driving again. There’s an array of reasons why people may have had to stop driving for a while. They include:

  • Having an accident 
  • Not having access to a car straight after their test 
  • Not needing to drive for a while 
  • Having forgotten key driving skills 

And many more. If you need assistance in re-learning the rules of the road so you can get back out there, we’re here to help. 

Driving after an accident is a scary thought for those who have unfortunately been involved in one. You may be experiencing anxiety, a drop in confidence, and a general aversion to driving as a whole. A refresher lesson can help you get your confidence back so you can feel comfortable on the road and get to where you need to go with ease. 

The Benefits of Refresher Driving Lessons

There are many benefits that come with booking a refresher lesson. The following are all the big advantages that refresher lessons have to offer you!

Refresher lessons tailored to your needs

At Beverly Slater, we tailor our lessons around your specific needs and requirements so you can have the best possible experience with us. Our aim is to get you back to driving on the road again with confidence. This is why we take into account the reasons why you stopped driving, and what we can do to best help you. 

Bringing your confidence back

Refresher driving lessons are designed to bring your confidence as a driver back. If you’re unsure about what you need to know about driving on the road and need some help remembering the things your driving instructor taught you, then worry not as that’s what our refresher lessons are here for. 

Booking Your Refresher Lessons

If you’re interested in booking a refresher lesson with us then contact us today for more information. 

Safety Items To Keep In Your Car At All Times

Whether you’re a new driver or have been driving for a while now, you may be wondering if there are any essential items that you should be keeping in your car for safety.  

Across Europe, there are many places that require you by law to carry certain safety items to protect yourself and others in the event of an emergency. It’s important to remember these rules if you plan on driving abroad, and it doesn’t hurt to follow them in the UK too. (Even though we are not required to carry these).

At Beverly Slater, we are all about making sure you and your passengers are kept informed and safe when out on the road!

With that being said, here’s everything you need to know about essential driving safety in Europe and the UK. 

The Recommended Safety Items In The UK

In the UK, we have a few recommended safety items that drivers should be carrying with them in their cars. These rules are to keep everyone safe. These items are to be used in emergencies to help yourself or the people around you. Accidents can happen on the road so it’s important to be prepared. 

The recommended car safety items are:

  • – A spare bulb set
  • – A fire extinguisher
  • – A warning triangle 
  • – A first aid kit

These safety items are highly recommended when driving in the UK, it’s better to be prepared for any unwanted incidents. A first aid kit is especially important, you don’t want to be without plasters, bandages, painkillers, and antibacterial wipes when you need them.

The Essential Safety Items in Europe

Most countries in Europe will expect you to carry certain required safety items. These vary from country to country so it’s important to look up the rules of the country you’re planning to visit. The most common ones that feature in many countries lists are:

  • – A warning triangle
  • – A first aid kit
  • – A reflective jacket
  • – A fire extinguisher

These rules are very similar to the UK’s, with the exception of a reflective jacket. So when you’re planning a trip to Europe, remember these key items if you’re taking your car!

General Safety Advice

As a driver, you’ve taken tests to ensure you know how to safely drive, but it’s always good to be reminded! If you think you need a refresher on how to safely drive on the motorway or in harsh weather conditions, consider booking a pass plus course

For any questions, feel free to contact us today. Our team at Beverly Slater will be happy to help. 

New Driver

5 Helpful Tips For New Drivers

When you pass your driving test and the initial excitement wears off, you may find yourself nervous to take on the road again, especially by yourself! Don’t fret. At Beverly Slater, we’re here to offer advice to new drivers navigating the road by themselves for the first time. Remember, you passed for a reason, so you’re more than capable. Here we have created 5 top tips to bear in mind.

5 Tips for New Drivers:

Plan your route beforehand

Confidence is crucial when you’re driving, so being confident in where you’re going is a great way to prepare for the road. Check on a map to find a route you’re most comfortable taking and if you have a satnav, make sure you’ve entered your destination properly to avoid any mishaps. Preparation can calm your anxieties and nerves before you even get into the car, so it’s definitely worth considering!

Become the designated driver

To gradually get yourself used to driving without your instructor, start off with smaller journeys. It’s important as a new driver to not overwhelm yourself with a long road trip- even if it’s tempting! Start by driving down the road next time you need to go to Tesco, or offer your family a lift to work one day. Either way, the only way to build your confidence is to simply get out there and drive. 

Take an experienced driver with you

If you’re not ready to take on the road alone just yet, there’s nothing wrong with that. We advise you to offer your passenger seat to a family member or friend who knows how to drive. Having someone there to reassure you that you’re doing well can do a lot for your confidence as a new driver.

Keep up to date with the rules

This may sound obvious, but keeping up to date with the highway code is so important for road safety. The highway code is always being updated so make sure you check what’s changed so you don’t make any mistakes. If you’re unsure about anything, check the highway code to find all the answers you may need. Also, it’s common sense to stick to the speed limit so make sure you do! Always check for signs declaring the speed limit so you know to drive accordingly. Following the rules is crucial not just for new drivers, but for every driver.  

Take a pass plus course with Beverly Slater

Our pass plus lessons are designed for new drivers such as yourself. Pass plus aims to boost the confidence of new drivers and tackle any driving fears you may have such as taking on the motorway, driving during bad weather, and night driving. Get in touch today if this sounds like it’s for you.

Rules of the road you may not be aware of

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.