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Mikes Driving Lessons - Blog > Top Tip Tuesday > 2024 - 2025

Stay safe, and remember none for the road!

ABBA - Happy New Year (Video)

31st Dec 2024

Enjoy the festive break!

Chris Rea ~ Driving Home For Christmas (1986)

24th Dec 2024

What is Graduated Licencing?
https://www.rac.co.uk/.../lea.../graduated-driving-licences/

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

What are graduated driving licences? | RAC Drive

What are graduated driving licences? | RAC Drive

Graduated driver licensing would put a set of restrictions on new drivers who have recently passed their practical test for an initial period of time. Government statistics from 2023 show that a quarter of fatalities from collisions involving a car driver involve at least one young driver...

Tag: RAC.CO.UK

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

17th Dec 2024

Some fun reading from RAC!
https://www.rac.co.uk/.../learner-drivers-on-motorways/

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

Learner drivers on motorways - everything you need to know | RAC Drive

Learner drivers on motorways - everything you need to know | RAC Drive

Though it might seem like a daunting prospect if you’re learning to drive you can have lessons on Britain’s motorways. The law was changed in June 2018 to allow this...

Tag: RAC.CO.UK

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

10th Dec 2024

Are you guilty of any of these?
https://www.largsandmillportnews.com/.../24581991.dvsa.../

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

Revealed: The top 10 reasons drivers fail their driving test

Revealed: The top 10 reasons drivers fail their driving test

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is encouraging young drivers to read...

Tag: LARGSANDMILLPORTNEWS.COM

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

8th Oct 2024

Really the best way of gaining a lifelong skill?
https://metro.co.uk/.../learned-drive-a-week.../amp/

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

I spent 5 days learning to drive - and passed my test on day 6

I spent 5 days learning to drive - and passed my test on day 6

I passed after five days of five hour lessons....

Tag: METRO.CO.UK

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

1st Oct 2024

Brand new changes!
https://www.driving.org/milestones-shaping-the-future-of.../

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

Milestones: Shaping the Future of learner Driver Training in the UK

Milestones: Shaping the Future of learner Driver Training in the UK

The Driving Instructors Association (DIA) is calling on all Potential Driving Instructors...

Tag: DRIVING.ORG

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

24th Sep 2024

Oh dear oh dear!
https://www.ft.com/.../2e2aeed7-6d4f-4856-bd09-9cfa982ed1a8

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

UK driving test delays creep back up after extra slots fail to dent backlog

UK driving test delays creep back up after extra slots fail to dent backlog

Four in five centres have a wait of more than three months, AA figures show...

Tag: FT.COM

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

17th Sep 2024

Don't get caught out!
https://www.rac.co.uk/.../dvsa-issues-stark-warning-to.../

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

DVSA issues stark warning to learner drivers over websites selling driving tests

DVSA issues stark warning to learner drivers over websites selling driving tests

With the backlog of learner drivers set to be a priority for the new Labour government, the DVSA has stated that drivers should be vigilant where they purchase their test from. This week, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is encouraging learner drivers to only use the official GOV.UK website to book and manage their driving test....

Tag: RAC.CO.UK

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

10th Sep 2024

What's your plan when you pass your test?
https://www.rac.co.uk/.../survey-reveals-that-younger.../

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

Survey reveals that younger drivers are less confident when buying a car | RAC Drive

Survey reveals that younger drivers are less confident when buying a car | RAC Drive

As the new '74 vehicle registration plates are set to be made available, a poll of 1,000 UK drivers commissioned by The Motor Ombudsman has highlighted the generational differences in 'car confidence' when buying and owning vehicles...

Tag: RAC.CO.UK

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

3rd Sep 2024

Oh Dear oh dear!
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/.../thousands-drivers...

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

Thousands of drivers in England face being 'without licence' for 'six months'

Thousands of drivers in England face being 'without licence' for 'six months'

The UK’s largest pre-17 driving school, Young Driver, questioned 150 driving instructors, and found that two thirds (67%) currently have a waiting list for on-the-road lessons...

Tag: BIRMINGHAMMAIL.CO.UK

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

27th Aug 2024

Are you clued up on the changes?
https://www.driving.org/over-40-of-uk-drivers-unaware-of.../

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

Over 40% of UK drivers unaware of key Highway Code rule introduced two years ago

Over 40% of UK drivers unaware of key Highway Code rule introduced two years ago

More than two fifths of drivers are ignoring a landmark Highway Code provision that was implemented by the Department of Transport two years ago in an effort to increase road safety, according to a survey...

Tag: DRIVING.ORG

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

20th Aug 2024

The real cause of the Driving Test waiting time Scandal...
https://www.theguardian.com/.../they-have-you-over-a...

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

'They have you over a barrel': how scammers, touts and bots took over driving tests

'They have you over a barrel': how scammers, touts and bots took over driving tests

It can take you six months to get a driving test in England – unless you’re willing to pay a middleman up to £350. What’s behind this black market? And is there any way to avoid it?...

Tag: GUARDIAN.COM

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

13th Aug 2024

An unconventional way to incentivise proper preparation for the driving test?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czk01jpnm5no

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

Driving tests: Raise fees for those failing, says RAC Foundation

Driving tests: Raise fees for those failing, says RAC Foundation

Learner drivers that fail their test multiple times should have to pay more to retake it, the RAC Foundation has said...

Tag: BBC.CO.UK

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

6th Aug 2024

The harsh reality of "Driving Test Roulette"
https://www.msn.com/.../i-failed-my-driving.../ar-BB1q9xfr

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

‘I failed my driving test. The next one available is in November, 100 miles away’

‘I failed my driving test. The next one available is in November, 100 miles away’

woman who failed her driving test has voiced her frustration after discovering a backlog means the earliest she can rebook is in November – more than 100 miles away from her home. Ellen Pasternack, 29, who lives in London, found the closest test site to her was in Birmingham...

Tag: MSN.COM

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

30th July 2024

Test waiting times "At Crisis Point"
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3gvdere4xvo

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

Driving test delays at crisis point - East of England instructor

Driving test delays at crisis point - East of England instructor

Long delays are forcing learner drivers to travel hundreds of miles for a test...

Tag: BBC.CO.UK

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

23rd July 2024

Part 4 - Ready to pass
Taking your test
https://readytopass.campaign.gov.uk/driving-test/

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

Taking the driving test

Taking the driving test

On the day of your driving test, you’ll need to show your driving that you can drive safely in different road and traffic conditions and you know The Highway Code by the way you drive..

Tag: READYTOPASS.CAMPAIGN.GOV.UK

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday, Government information

16th July 2024

Part 3 - Ready to pass:
Mock tests
https://readytopass.campaign.gov.uk/mock-driving-tests/

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

Mock Tests

Mock Tests

A mock driving test is a practice driving test that you do with your driving instructor. You’d never take any other tests without doing some practice ones first...

Tag: READYTOPASS.CAMPAIGN.GOV.UK

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday, Government information

9th July 2024

Part 2 - Ready to pass:
Handling test nerves
https://readytopass.campaign.gov.uk/driving-test-nerves/

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

Managing driving test nerves

Managing driving test nerves

Nervousness is a natural reaction to tests and exams. And driving tests are no different. Driving examiners know this, and they’ll do their best to help you relax...

Tag: READYTOPASS.CAMPAIGN.GOV.UK

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday, Government information

2nd July 2024

Part 1 - Ready to pass:
The skills you need
https://readytopass.campaign.gov.uk/driving-skills/

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

Skills you need to pass your driving test

Skills you need to pass your driving test

When you learn to drive, you’ll be learning and practising 27 important driving skills that you’ll need for a lifetime of safe driving...

Tag: READYTOPASS.CAMPAIGN.GOV.UK

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday, Government information

25th June 2024

The Basics of learning to drive
https://bookmygarage.com/blog/learning-to-drive-uk-basics/

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

10 Things a learner Driver in the UK Needs to Know | BookMyGarage

10 Things a learner Driver in the UK Needs to Know | BookMyGarage

As soon as you turn 17, you can start learning to drive in the UK. Chances are you will have to wait at least a few months to start learning to drive. The earlier you start looking for lessons, the sooner you can get your name on a waiting list...

Tag: BOOKMYGARAGE.COM

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

18th June 2024

The true costs of independent motoring:
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/.../how-to-book-a-driving-test...

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

How much are UK driving lessons in 2024? - Times Money Mentor

How much are UK driving lessons in 2024? - Times Money Mentor

Driving lessons can cost up to £45 per hour and once you are ready for your test, you’ll then be faced with an average waiting time of 15 weeks to secure a test slot...

Tag: THETIMES.COM

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

11th June 2024

Have you developed your sixth sense?
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/.../driving-instructors...

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

Driving instructors say'sixth sense' is needed for 'risky' career

Driving instructors say'sixth sense' is needed for 'risky' career

Driving instructors have shared their experiences of life on the road...

Tag: BIRMINGHAMMAIL.CO.UK

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

4th June 2024

War never changes
https://www.thisismoney.co.uk/.../The-desperate-learner...

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

The desperate learners waiting SIX MONTHS for a driving test

The desperate learners waiting SIX MONTHS for a driving test

Wait time for a test now typically half a year at more than a third of test centres ...

Tag: THISISMONEY.CO.UK

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

28th May 2024

Don't forget the essentials!
https://www.gov.uk/driving-test/what-to-take

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

Driving test:cars

Driving test:cars

When to book your car driving test, what to take with you, what happens...

Tag: GOV.UK

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday, Government information

21st May 2024

Ahh yes, choosing NOT to gain a life skill as Uber will save you money in the long run! (Until you need to get somewhere in an emergency, or an impromptu weekend getaway, or somewhere on a public holiday like christmas or new years....)

https://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/.../24290363.young.../

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

Young Reporter Why learning to drive is stupid: Naomi Mance GCS

Young Reporter Why learning to drive is stupid: Naomi Mance GCS

Many young people who turn 17 are interested in learning to drive because of the new freedom that comes with travelling independently. Not having to rely on parents to give lifts, and being able to see friends at the drop of a hat is enticing. But surely having your own car is an outdated idea...

Tag: THISISLOCALLONDON.CO.UK

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

14th May 2024

The great debate - Manual or Auto?
https://www.nottinghampost.com/.../should-you-learn-drive...

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

Experts list pros and cons of learning to drive in an automatic

Experts list pros and cons of learning to drive in an automatic

Many car manufacturers are favouring automatic gearboxes nowadays...

Tag: NOTTINGHAMPOST.COM

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

7th May 2024

Have YOUR car insurance payments gone up?
https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/.../young-drivers-northern...

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

Young drivers in NI paying 60% more for car insurance compared to last year

Young drivers in NI paying 60% more for car insurance compared to last year

New data shows that young drivers in Northern Ireland are paying an average of £1,400 per year for car insurance...

Tag: BELFASTLIVE.CO.UK

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

9th Apr 2024

This is the coolest thing that I've ever posted
https://www.gov.uk/.../ministry-of-defence-and-mclaren...

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

Ministry of Defence and McLaren team up to drive innovation

Ministry of Defence and McLaren team up to drive innovation

As part of the new partnership, the MOD will learn from McLaren Racing’s cutting-edge Accelerator team, who use knowledge and expertise from years of elite-level motorsport to produce advanced technology and manufacturing. McLaren and the MOD will work closely together to find new solutions for a variety of defence projects...

Tag: GOV.UK

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday, Government information

2nd Apr 2024

"Experts" you say?
https://www.halesowennews.co.uk/.../24171888.experts-say...

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

Experts say motorway driving should be mandatory in lessons

Experts say motorway driving should be mandatory in lessons

Currently, driving on the motorway is not mandatory during lessons or on the official test which determines whether learners are fit to drive on the roads...

Tag: HALESOWENNEWS.CO.UK

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

26th Mar 2024

A heartbreaking story https://www.bbc.co.uk/articles/c517rnryj04o

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

The young men driving themselves to death

The young men driving themselves to death

Lewis Moghul, 22, was found to be more than three times the legal alcohol limit when he crashed his red BMW 225D MSport, killing himself and his 19-year-old passenger Sammy Phillips...

Tag: BBC.CO.UK

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

19th Mar 2024

Safety always a good thing?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-68075222

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

Young drivers: New limits could save lives - officials

Young drivers: New limits could save lives - officials

Restrictions on new drivers could help save lives, public health officials have said. A graduated driving licence could see restrictions on young people, such as how many passengers they can have...

Tag: BBC.CO.UK

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

11th Mar 2024

I wonder if the wait is longer or shorter between when this article was posted and now...
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-68251395

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

Oxfordshire learner drivers frustrated at lack of test slots

Oxfordshire learner drivers frustrated at lack of test slots

A backlog of tests built up from the pandemic has been blamed for long waits for learners nationwide. The average wait in the county is now 17 weeks...

Tag: BBC.CO.UK

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

4th Mar 2024

DVSA still somehow missing these!
https://www.which.co.uk/.../ads-for-fake-driving-licences...

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

Ads for fake driving licences found on Facebook and Instagram

Ads for fake driving licences found on Facebook and Instagram

A snapshot investigation by Which? has uncovered a host of dodgy, most likely scam, adverts claiming to sell UK driving licences for as much as £600 – without the need for tests...

Tag: WHICH.CO.UK

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

27th Feb 2024

Disabled Drivers also feeling the effects of availability
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c28lg21e3zgo

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

Disabled drivers face long wait for lessons

Disabled drivers face long wait for lessons

Learner drivers with disabilities face a long wait for lessons due to a lack of specially-adapted cars...

Tag: BBC.CO.UK

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

19th Feb 2024

Driving Lessons before 17?
https://www.thestar.co.uk/.../young-driver-training...

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

Driver training scheme for kids as young as four is returning to Meadowhall in March

Driver training scheme for kids as young as four is returning to Meadowhall in March

As many as 1,500 young drivers are killed in accidents in the UK every year....

Tag: THESTAR.CO.UK

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

13th Feb 2024

"Would you pass your test again if you took it today?"
https://www.kentonline.co.uk/.../would-you-pass-your.../

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

Would you pass your driving test today? KentOnline reporter retakes her test with Rochester Elite Driving school after nearly 30 years

Would you pass your driving test today? KentOnline reporter retakes her test with Rochester Elite Driving school after nearly 30 years

When she started driving on her 17th birthday lessons were £10 an hour, the test was only 20 minutes long and you had to master three important manoeuvres....

Tag: KENTONLINE.CO.UK

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

6th Feb 2024

Important info for Learners and Instructors alike!
https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/.../dla-pip-claimants...

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

The DLA or PIP claimants eligible for up 40 hours of free driving lessons

The DLA or PIP claimants eligible for up 40 hours of free driving lessons

Free lessons offered through Motability could lead to people passing their test - and it not cost a penny...

Tag: COVENTRYTELEGRAPH.NET

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

30th Jan 2024

Probably the best resource for learners out there!
https://www.gov.uk/learn-to-drive-a-car

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

Learn to drive a car: step by step

Learn to drive a car: step by step

Check what you need to do to learn to drive...

Tag: GOV.UK

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday, Government information

23rd Jan 2024

A fantastic guide here:
https://www.hgvuk.com/the-basics-of-car-ownership-a.../

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

The Basics Of Car Ownership: A Roadmap For Every Driver

The Basics Of Car Ownership: A Roadmap For Every Driver

Owning a car is both a freedom and a challenge. From the thrill of driving on the open road to the responsibilities of maintenance and care, navigating the world of car ownership requires a combination of enthusiasm and practicality...

Tag: HGVUK.COM

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

16th Jan 2024

Only a 24 week wait!
https://www.aberdeenlive.news/.../driving-test-waiting...

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

Drop in Aberden driving test waiting times with 24-week wait at one centre

Drop in Aberden driving test waiting times with 24-week wait at one centre

Waiting times in Aberdeen have fallen but motorists still have to wait 11 weeks at one of the city's test centres. The wait at one centre in Aberdeenshire, however, is more than double...

Tag: ABERDEENLIVE.NEWS

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

9th Jan 2024

How not to private practice between lessons!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-67774025

View more at www.mikesdrivinglessons.co.uk/blog/top-tip-tuesday.html

Ella Smith: Learner drivers guilty of killing passenger

Ella Smith: Learner drivers guilty of killing passenger

Jago Clarke and Emma Price were seen swerving their vehicles before Ella Smith's Ford Ka, which Clarke was driving, collided with another car....

Tag: BBC.CO.UK

Tag: Top Tip Tuesday

2nd Jan 2024

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