Latest News

DSA announce changes to test fee.

The practical driving test fees have gone up by a staggering 11% from 30th March 2009. This is yet another burden for the new driver to cover.
It seems that the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) can do as they please regarding their pricing structure. Year on year they have made so called ‘justifiable increases to maintain their desired level of service’. A consultation document was sent out earlier in respect of these proposed price changes but it beggars belief that the result was so overwhelmingly in agreement with such a high rise. Price

 

 

 

Police clamp down on irresponsible drivers. Police in Skelmersdale have been clamping down on irresponsible drivers as part of a countywide operation. During the day a total of 281 motorists were stopped, of which eight received fixed penalty tickets for defective tyres, five were issued fixed penalty tickets for use of a mobile phone, and a further three were issued for excess speed.

 

 

Major study into safety of young drivers at work 03-10-2008
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has launched a major research study aimed at helping young drivers to stay safe when they are on the road as part of their job.

Russian Madness

The 3,150 meter long Lefortovo tunnel, in Russia is the longest in-city tunnel in all of Europe . It is nicknamed 'The Tunnel of Death'. See for yourself why. There is a river running over the tunnel and water leaks at some points. When the temperature reaches nearly 0°C like it does in winter in Russia, the road freezes and becomes as slippery as ...well...ice. The result is the attached video which was taken during a single day with the tunnel surveillance camera. Congratulations to the dual-carriage bus driver.....imagine the passengers in the back.... what a ride! The Tunnel of Death

Contact details

email...

info@stephensdrivingschool.co.uk

T: 01293 772897

M: 078 66 77 1697

New Drivers
Passing the driving test opens up a whole new world of freedom and independence.

But new drivers should remember that they are 'on probation' for the first 2 years. If they get 6 penalty points in this time, they lose their licence and can only get it back if they pass a re-test.

Statistics show that drivers are most at risk of having an accident in the first 2 years or so after they pass their test. One in five newly qualified drivers has a crash of some description within a year.
More young drivers killed

Around 16 per cent more drivers aged 16-19 are killed now compared with 15 years ago.

Winter driving
In very severe weather conditions the best policy is to stay inside at home and not venture out unless your journey is essential...more
Driving in GB on a foreign licence
If you want or need to change your driving licence for a GB driving licence, you must complete the application form D1 that is available from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) form ordering service and Post Office® branches. You will need to enclose original documentation confirming your identity and a passport style colour photograph. Send your completed application and the appropriate fee to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BT. Direct.gov
Tyre Safety
Tyres are an important part of your vehicle and if you added up the entire surface that has contact with the road it probably would not be much more than a sheet of A4 paper ...read on July o6 Auto Express paper Tyre Safety Shock
Tip's n trix pre test

1. Take your time, and concentrate on the task in hand (passing your test). Get as much practice as you can and only apply for your test when you feel confident that you are safe. If you're worried about the theory test, ask friends and family to test you to familiarise yourself with the questions.

2. Book the first available driving test of the day. If you take your test early in the morning you will have less time to worry about it. You will now set the standard for the rest of the day.

3. Don’t tell your friends the test date. If everyone knows you are going for the test, you create the additional stress of trying to live up to your friends expectations. It's OK to let your Mum and Dad know, we are sure they will give you all the support you need.

4. Don’t listen to ‘horror stories’. There are many stories about failed tests. Some may even be true. Just concentrate on your performance.

5. Get the timing right. Take the test at the right time. Try to book the test so it does not coincide with other stressful events (just prior to school exams or in the middle of wedding preparations etc).

6. In your last two lessons. Ask your instructor to concentrate on the manoeuvres you find most difficult.

7. When sitting a ‘Mock Test’ take it reasonably seriously but don't be disappointed by the result, as few pupils will pass a mock test. The real thing is the only one you need to pass.

8. Practice in your head. It's been proven that you can improve your ability to perform coordination tasks by imagining doing them.

9. Examiners are only human. Your test is one of possibly eight on the examiners sheet that day. Don’t try to please him/her. Pay NO attention to his/her marking sheet keep focused.

10. You do not need to be perfect. Concentrate on the essentials. If you make a mistake, keep calm and concentrate on your driving. The mistake may not result in failure. Build a bridge and get over it.

11. Don’t worry about silence in the car. It can be daunting sitting beside a stranger, who seems to just grunt: 'turn right, turn left'. Avoid thinking the examiner does’t like you. If there is a little chit-chat, be happy, but don’t expect it.

12. You will pass. Both instructor and pupil must be convinced that the result will be a pass. An attitude ‘lets have a go at it’ may produce a pass, but is exhausting on the nerves.

13. Don’t take pills to calm your nerves. This only slows your reaction and performance.

14. Get a good night's sleep before the test.

Following distance
When following another vehicle keep your distance to a 2 second gap (in dry conditions) and 4 seconds in the wet and in severe winter conditions this may be as much as 20 seconds.
Tyres and tarmac
When stopping behind another stationary vehicle keep a space so you can see the tyres and some tarmac between you. If the vehicle breaks down you can pass without having to reverse, if the vehicle starts to roll back you can go onto the horn and alert the driver before they hit the front of your car, and finally mum and a double buggy would feel comfortable using the available space.
Area's covered
South Surrey -North West Sussex (Redhill, Reigate, Horley, Gatwick and Crawley area). Also Wallington, Sutton, Cheam, Leatherhead, Purley, Carshalton, Epsom and Banstead.
Code of Practice

As a qualified driving instructor licensed by the DSA (Driving Standards Agency) I follow a voluntary Code of Practice for more detail ........

Driving test report explained (DL25)


Driving test report (DL25) explained

 

Locate your nearest Practical test centre and available test appointment times.

 

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How well do you know The Official Highway Code 2007 edition? (Answers below)
Q1. What are Home Zones and Quiet Lanes?
Q2. What does this road sign mean?

Answers to Highway Code questions:
Q1) Areas where people could be using the whole of the road for a range of activities
Q2) T-junction with priority over vehicles from the right

The Driving School

So you are looking for a driving instructor in Horley, Reigate, Redhill or Crawley area for lessons and there are so many driving schools to choose from. This should be one of the most important decisions you have ever made, but how do you make the right choice? If you want driving lessons in the Wallington, Sutton, Cheam, Leatherhead, Purley, Carshalton, Epsom, Banstead click here

Do you go for the large nationals like BSM or The AA (did you know that you may be taught by an unqualified / trainee instructor with theses larger companies, and still pay the FULL price?) or an independent driving school. Do you listen to word of mouth recommendation or are you influnced by the sparkly advert and flash car; should you decide by cost or by star ratings? It is a mind boggling array of choices and I'm afraid I do not have the answer for you - the freedom of choice is yours and yours alone.

I may not be the cheapest instructor on the block but what price is safety? you or your children deserve the best tuition available and at Stephen's Driving School safety is a key issue. What value do you put on your life and family? its priceless.

The Instructor

So let me tell you a little about Stephen's Driving School. I am a fully qualified driving instructor and serve the local area for Horley, Reigate Redhill and Crawley. Lessons are available six days a week with no extra charge for evenings or weekends and no piggy backing of pupils, only one pupil in the car at a time who gets my undivided attention. My pass rate is above the average for which I am justly proud, but my aim is not just to get you through the DSA's practical car test. I endeavour to teach you beyond the minimum standard required and in doing so making you a better and safer driver than the average motorist.

Lesson plans and tuition

I have tried and tested programs for the novice driver, refresher lessons for those who have picked up bad habits or need more confidence in any aspect of their driving skills, motorway training and Pass Plus courses all the way through to the Advanced driving course for the IAM, RoSPA and Diamond advanced driving tests.

Fast track

Need to pass a test in a hurry? Fast track lessons will get you up to speed in quick time this is not an intensive driving course, but weekly lessons comprising of a minimum of 4 to a maximum of 20 hours a week. This course has no pre booked test at the end, and has proved to be a very cost effective solution to passing your driving test in the shortest possible time.

Weekender

Over a 4 week period consisting of 2 x 4 hour sessions per weekend with a test on the following Saturday*. To be eligible for this course you must have a valid theory certificate. NB waiting times may be very long for for this course, and is subject to DSA practical test availability. This is an intensive course.

*If your weekend is not a Saturday and Sunday you may substitute any day which is more convenient for you.

Taxi and Private Car Hire training

It is a requirement that all Taxi and Private Car Hire drivers are tested and achieve the standard set out in the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) Taxi test. I am a Diamond Taxi Driver Trainer Trainer.

 

 

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A member of The Local Professional Drivers Association, Motor Schools Association GB, Driving Instructors Association and a member of The Institute of Advanced Motorists.

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