S0 please spare a thought for this Manchester based examiner who was taken on the test from hell last year courtesy of the Manchester Evening News

“A furious learner driver took an examiner on a journey from hell after being told his test could not go ahead.

Dad-of-two Artur Nowak, 33, sped through a red light with terrified examiner Karl Pollitt in the passenger seat.

Nowak, of Salford, stared straight ahead and ignored Mr Pollitt’s pleas to stop as he broke the speed limit on a busy road.

A shaken Mr Pollitt eventually managed to get out when Nowak pulled into a side road.

But Nowak, who is from Poland, accelerated away and the car door hit the examiner in the face, leaving him with a swollen eye.

Mr Pollitt was left ‘an emotional wreck’ by his ordeal, a court heard.

He was off work for a long period and had needed counselling, Bolton Crown Court was told.
 
The jury heard how Nowak, of Kimberley Street, Salford, had become angry when the examiner told him that his test could not go ahead.
 
Mr Pollitt had spotted that Nowak’s car had an electronically-operated handbrake, which is not allowed in the test. Nowak was desperate to pass because he believed he needed a British licence for his work as a property maintenance engineer for a Salford housing association. 
 
But ironically he was allowed by law to continue driving with his Polish driving licence. Susan Carter, prosecuting, said Mr Pollitt was shaking and felt sick after his 10-minute ordeal.  She said: “The whole experience has left him anxious and frightened.”
 
Mark Friend, defending, said Nowak, who has lived in Britain since 2003, was genuinely remorseful after the incident on October 20. He said Nowak had been  under immense pressure.

The court heard that Nowak had failed a previous driving test  and had been abusive towards another examiner. Nowak, who admitted false imprisonment, was ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work and pay £250 compensation.

The MEN pictured Nowak getting into his van – which he hadn’t realised he was allowed to drive all along with his Polish licence.

An unrepentant Nowak said: “I didn’t do anything wrong. Why should I feel guilty? I just pleaded guilty because that’s what the solicitor said would be better for me.

“If I kept him in that car against his will I’m really sorry but I thought his decision was wrong.”

—————————————————————————————–

GRAHAMS DRIVER TRAINING

Not only do you get your full driving licence when you pass your UK driving test with Grahams Driver Training : you will also get a recognised qualification (BTEC)…

CALL US NOW

0800 298 3006 or 07772843239

This can be nerve wracking to new and experienced drivers alike, when you hear the sirens or see the lights, and there are a few simple things you can do to make everything work smoothly for yourself and the emergency vehicle. 

Remember what the Highway Code advises: 

Rule 194: Emergency vehicles. You should look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police or other emergency vehicles flashing blue, red or green lights, headlights or sirens. When one approaches do not panic. Consider the route of the emergency vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass. If necessary, pull to the side of the road and stop, but do not endanger other road users. 

‘You should look and listen’ 

This is something that you are expected to do all the time, your Look Assess Decide Act routine should be happening every moment you are in charge of your vehicle. However, distractions from passengers, radios and the like may mean that you do not notice things as early as you should. Be aware of these distractions. If you like loud music, increase your observations – don’t let yourself drive on autopilot – being surprised by something, especially an emergency vehicle, means that you have let your concentration slip. Bear in mind that speeds above 45 mph may mean you cannot hear an approaching siren from behind simply due to road and engine noise. 

‘do not panic’ 

Easy to say, but not so easy to do. The simplest way of avoiding panic is to be aware of what is happening early, so that you can start planning. Assess the situation, and decide on the best course of action early, you will be able to put it into action smoothly and safely if you start working before you become a hazard to the emergency vehicle. 

‘Consider the route of the emergency vehicle’ 

You may hear the sirens before you see the vehicle, and though advances in sirens do help you to work out which direction the vehicle is approaching from, in built up areas this is not always possible. Keep looking all around, including your mirrors. At this point, remember other drivers may be changing their own plans, be aware of other drivers slowing or pulling over ahead and behind you. 

When you can see the vehicle, you need to assess it’s likely route. If you feel you may prove an obstacle to this route, you will need to plan your actions early, using the MSM routine. 

‘take appropriate action to let it pass’ 

The easiest thing that you can do, as the highway code suggests, is to pull to the side of the road and stop. However, there are some situations where this is not possible. If there is no room for the vehicle to pass you, continue safely to the earliest place where you can pull over. Avoid pulling over opposite other obstructions as this will make the road narrower for the emergency vehicle.

 If you are in a position to be easily overtaken, simply slowing down and moving over may be enough to allow the emergency vehicle safe passage, but be very careful – they have safety procedures to follow, and the safest vehicle to pass is one which is not moving.

If you are waiting at a junction and hear an emergency vehicle approaching, do not enter that junction. However if you are travelling toward a green traffic light and are entering the junction as you hear the siren don’t brake harshly, as the emergency vehicle going through a red light ‘should not’ put itself into your path until they can see that you have reacted to them. 

If the emergency vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction, assess whether it has a clear run through traffic, taking into account parked cars or moving traffic it may need to overtake. It may still be necessary to select a safe place to pull over using your MSM routine. 

‘do not endanger other road users’ 

Do not panic
Do not drive onto the kerb or pavement
Do not proceed across a red traffic light
Do not stop on a road with a solid white centre line on your side
Do not alter your course or speed until you know where the emergency vehicle is coming from and going to
Do not stop opposite an obstruction making the road narrower
Do not move off again until you are certain there are no more emergency vehicles, and be very aware of following vehicles moving off and using this as a chance to overtake 

Quote from Met Police web site :

“Emergency vehicles. You should look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police or other emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights, headlights or sirens. When one approaches do not panic. Consider the route of the emergency vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass. If necessary, pull to the side of the road and stop, but do not endanger other road users.

We would further add;

We do NOT expect you to risk damage to your tyres, wheels or steering by bumping up kerbs to make way for us.

We do NOT expect you to put yourself in danger by crossing red traffic lights to make way for us.

We do NOT expect you to risk road camera fines by, for example, moving in to bus lanes during hours of operation to make way for us.

We would however, appreciate your co-operation by looking well ahead and choosing sensible places to pull over. If possible avoid stopping before bends, brows of hills or narrow sections of roads where we may have difficulty passing”

http://www.met.police.uk/mpds/advice.htm

————–

Dont just learn to Drive gain a recognised qualification (BTEC emonstrate Safe Driving (Car Driver) with when you pass your driving test with Grahams Driver Training.

CALL US TODAY 0800 298 3006 or 07772843239

I am writing this as a warning to just about anybody who is currently looking to learn to drive and is shopping around looking for an instructor. All of the following takes place between “14:15 and 16:45 on the 12th Feb 2011 (Sounds very like an episode of the popular TV series “24” !!!!)

During a lesson with a pupil of mine who was on just his third lesson with me (he takes 90 min lessons), we were driving around an estate practicing and learning to turn left and emerge left out of various junctions. After one circuit we passed another learner vehicle parked on our left, no doubt discussing the next part of their lesson. The route we were taking took approximately 6-7 minutes to complete. As per each turn or emerge from a junction we would take about good points and improvements made. After three circuits (aprox 25 mins) the learner mentioned earlier was still un moved and was still looking and listening patiently to his instructor. I mentioned this to my pupil explaining that it was probably his first lesson and they were discussing the basics of the vehicle, so we carried on with more turns and emerging, extending our route to return to the original point where the other learner had been, had is probably not the best word as he was “still” there some 50 minutes later, however we pulled over and chatted about how the lesson was going, and decided to introduce the right turn to include more emerging for the final 20 / 30 minutes, off we went with many a successful turn, and it has to be said the occasional problem.

However as we once again retuned to our starting point, the other learner was now getting out of the vehicle and into the passenger seat (he did look rather glassy eyed), having not completed any driving etc for almost 90 minutes.

 Quote from my pupil, “Has he not done any driving on that lesson” to which I replied, “Doesn’t look like it, he has probably taken one of those offers… £10 hrs for £90… and will probably be sat their again next lesson”

MORAL OF THE STORY If you are looking at learning to drive, unfortunately there are not many “CHEAP” options, if you are paying any less than £18p/h hour for more than one or two hours, then you have chosen THE EXPENSIVE way to learn to drive. Paying the extra few pounds for quality tuition is highly likely to get you towards your test quicker and cheaper in the long run, than by searching through the bargain basement.

——————————————————————————————–

Learn to drive with Grahams Driver Training – Call to book your first driving lesson today – 0800 298 3006

www.grahamsdrivertraining.co.uk

——————————————————————————————–

Would you like to have the edge when it comes to a job interview?

Would you like a GUARANTEED 15% off your first vehicle insurance (Pass Plus not required)

Driving lessons throughout the country are much of muchness with all “good” instructors teaching the Driving Standards Agency’s Curriculum, culminating in passing your driving test (hopefully first time). This is then followed by an optional course called Pass Plus (Aprox cost £150) which should gain you discount on your insurance and covering motorway driving and 5 further modules. However over recent years the insurance companies have dramatically cut any discount they give to a miserly 5%, hardly covering the cost of the Pass Plus.

TIMES ARE CHANGING

So as we asked you at the top of this page:

Would you like an extra qualification for your CV ?

As part of your driving lessons Grahams Driver Training can now offer you an NVQ in Demonstrate Safe Driving. This will be offered to all of our customers as part of our standard driving lessons absolutely FREE OF CHARGE. Yes that’s an NVQ for FREE

Would you like to have the edge when it comes to a job interview?

Are you thinking of applying for a job that involves driving? Put yourself in the chair of the employer who would you give the job to?

• Someone with a standard driving licence?
• Someone with a standard driving licence and an NVQ in Demonstrate Safe Driving?

It’s a no-brainer the job is likely to go to the person with the highest qualification.

Would you like a GUARANTEED 15% off your first insurance policy?

Of course you would? To get this sort of discount off your first policy in previous years you had to complete the DSA’s Pass Plus with your driving instructor, which would normally cost aprox £150.

Once you have completed the NVQ we guarantee you 15% off your first insurance policy without any extra course of driving.

NO OTHER LOCAL INSTRUCTOR CAN OFFER YOU THIS!!!!!
(At time of writing 15/12/10)

Grahams Driver Training is currently the only Driving Instructor in Bury, Bolton, Radcliffe, Whitefield, Ramsbottom, Farnworth and the whole of North Manchester that can offer this to you. So the Best Value Driver Training just got BETTER!

BOOK YOUR DRIVING LESSONS TODAY AND GET A FREE NVQ

We are waiting to take your call

CALL 08002983006 or 07772843239

Tyres

Although the legal tread depth for your tyres is 1.6mm, this will barely keep you safe in perfect driving conditions, so how you can expect to stay safe on an icy road with such a risky tyre is to be honest just plain stupidity. Personally I would recommend a minimum of 3mm and even then if it was this low, arrange to change the tyre ASAP.

The tread works by clearing the water from the road and into the grooves on your tyre, the deeper the groove, the more water it can shift at anyone time.

Batteries

Modern batteries have many advantages, but if allowed to discharge, they will take a long time to recharge fully – they suffer at this time of year particularly in cars that do short journeys on cold mornings. You’ll either need to make a regular long journey with minimal use of the car’s electrical items or arrange to trickle–charge the battery.

Screenwash

Screenwash is one of those “easily forgotten” necessecities , Ensure this bottle is at least 50% full for every trip, especially in winter when dirt, snow, mud and grit / salt will be thrown up at your windscreen.

If you are not using the pre-mixed solutions ensure that you read the instructions and dilute as necessary, to a minimum of -20c,  as there really isn’t much point in filling the tank up and then allowing it to freeze, risking the chance of burning the motor out as you try and force the solution through.

Bodywork

Wash the car frequently to get rid of the salt and dirt that builds up over the winter. Check for stone chips too as rust forms very quickly in the cold, damp weather.

Replace any missing wheel trims promptly to minimise corrosion to the wheel bolts, which can seize, making removal of the wheel even more difficult.

Fuel

Keep your car fairly full in the cold months, as you never know when you might get caught up in an accident or foul weather. At least you’ll be able to run the engine and keep warm but you must make sure the exhaust’s clear of snow otherwise fumes can get into the car.

Windows

To keep the windscreen from misting up, soak a cloth in pure washing up liquid then let it dry. Now wipe this cloth on the inside of the windows and it will stop them misting up – go on, try it in the bathroom, it works!

If your windows have misted up, use the air–con as well as the heater – it’s not just for summer and helps to dry the air.

Don’t use water to defrost the windows – hot water can crack the screen and will just re–freeze as it cools, either on the screen or on the ground where you’re standing, which could have painful consequences! Thinking about frosty mornings, a squirt of WD40 in the locks will stop them freezing.

Before you go

Prepare for your journey and take whatever you need to take with you just in case you do get stuck!!!. Take a warm coat, gloves and hat in case the weather or the car catches you out. If you do get stuck, you’ll be very pleased if you packed chocolate, water and a hot drink too.

Always carry a fully–charged mobile and take some old bits of carpet and a shovel to clear snow, in case you get stuck.

On the road

On colder days be particularly careful on tree–lined roads – the trees prevent the sun’s warmth from reaching the road, which may still be icy when all around has thawed.

In fog try winding the window down slightly as it is likely you will hear other road users before actually seeing them.

IMPORTANT : Your stopping distance in icy conditions can be up to 10 times of that in normal conditions. 

Grahams Driver Training provide both pre and post test driving lessons  to the bulk of North Manchester covering Radcliffe, Bury, Bolton, Whitefield, Prestwich, Ramsbottom and surrounding areas.

Book a Winter driving lesson now on 0800 2983006 or TXT “Drive to 07772843239.

LATEST OFFER FROM GRAHAMS DRIVER TRAINING

FREE DRIVING TEST (Worth £62)

For all new drivers who start with us between Dec1st 2010 and Jan 31^st 2011

Further info available at http://www.grahamsdrivertraining.co.uk

This will help to ensure that new drivers learn the principles behind driving theory rather than just learning answers.

The move follows the introduction of independent driving into the driving test and the DSA’s decision to stop publishing test routes in October 2010, to make sure the test assesses a learner’s ability to drive and not their capacity to memorise routes

via DSA to stop publishing questions used in theory tests, Driving Standards Agency.

Good News or Bad News?

Depending on who you speak to this will be a contentious issue. Almost since the theory test was born in 1996 the recognised way to preparing for the DSA Theory test was to buy a CD / DVD and practice numerous tests and learn as many questions / answers by rote, so come test day  you will already have viewed the questions that will come up on your test.

Although this may be the best way to “pass” the theory test, does it really give the learner the best understanding of our road signs, markings and general driving procedures?…. in my opinion NO!!!!!!!.  Driving is not a game, and just knowing a sign means “STOP” isn’t too much of a help in the real world, surely you have to understand WHY you have to “STOP” and not just “GIVE WAY”.

Understanding the National Speed Limit sign, could also reduce the number of incidents involving Road Rage in these areas. Imagine? You’ve bought your CD / DVD learnt the questions and passed your theory and the practical, you now know that the speed limit in a NSL area is 60mph (single carriage way) or 70mph (Dual Carriageway) FOR YOU IN YOUR CAR.

Having passed the practical you decide to take family / friends out for a day in the country laden with NSL roads, all of a sudden you are behind a HGV travelling at 40 mph. Misunderstanding the NSL sign will likely now have people berating the driver for travelling too slow, heightening the stress levels of the car driver along with passengers etc, so much so this could lead to an unsafe overtaking manoeuvre!!!!!!!

However if you knew that the NSL for the HGV was 40mph and this was the MAXIMUM speed he was allowed to go, there is a high probability that the car driver would be far more understanding of his HGV counterpart.

It is important however to understand that the only way some people learn is by rote, and repeatedly going over the questions is one of the ways they learn, however surely they should still be required to show understanding of the questions and thus have “knowledge” of the rules of the road.

So what is the answer? Once again this is only my opinion, however a total overhaul of the theory (which is apparently planned) and take away the multiple choice element? and make the answer something physical you have to answer, including as in the NSL question above basics of how various rules / laws for other types of vehicle affect you as a car driver.

A comparison can be made from instructional techniques :

A poor instructor may tell you to bring the clutch up and the car will move, however a good instructor will explain to you why and how to release the clutch, therefore ensuring you understand the consequences of releasing the clutch, and how this will affect you and other road users.

Bringing to an end this initial post, is it necessarily a bad thing that the questions will be published or not? Thoughts please?

Grahams Driver Training providing Driving Lessons and Training around the North West including Radcliffe, Bury, Bolton, Ramsbottom, Whitefield, Prestwich

 http://www.grahamsdrivertraining.co.uk

Call 0800 2983006 For Current Offers and prices

All “official”posts and thoughts are my own and in know way represent the thoughts of other instructors or members of the DSA.

The main aim of this blog will be to provide helpful hints to both old and new drivers, I hope that whether you have either just thinking about learning to drive or have been driving for many years, you will find something of use on this or my official web site ( http://www.grahamsdrivertraining.co.uk )