Driving Trainigs

How To Do An Emergency Stop

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><h2 style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13.8px; line-height: 20.7px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>On your UK Practical Driving Test you may be required to carry out an emergency stop.</i></span></b></h2><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13.8px; line-height: 20.7px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL81WXLgeAws8ZDcIKTa2b-GESM88HTltT7USMUA4xCTuJMuXxioS7tHgtYYzVuLVZ0_TuQOc-tc4j_HqMuxavESTCPk2SFjVx481rglP-2jFqb_krZnqY5fA9D2oA4dPFjb0zQ1wmmXdh/s1600/how+to+do+an+emergency+stop.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL81WXLgeAws8ZDcIKTa2b-GESM88HTltT7USMUA4xCTuJMuXxioS7tHgtYYzVuLVZ0_TuQOc-tc4j_HqMuxavESTCPk2SFjVx481rglP-2jFqb_krZnqY5fA9D2oA4dPFjb0zQ1wmmXdh/s200/how+to+do+an+emergency+stop.gif" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>An emergency stop is conducted at random in 1 out of every 3 driving tests. It is done for road safety purposes with the aim of the emergency stop manoeuvre being to demonstrate that you can bring the car to a halt safely and under control in an emergency situation.</b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13.8px; line-height: 20.7px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 13.8px; line-height: 20.7px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If the examiner wants you to carry out the emergency stop, you will first be asked to pull over at the side of the road in a safe place. Pull over to a suitable place as soon as you see one (making sure that you are not inconveniencing any other road users) and put the handbrake on and the gear lever into neutral and wait for the examiner to explain what they would like you to do next.</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13.8px; line-height: 20.7px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 13.8px; line-height: 20.7px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The examiner will then go through what you will be required to do along the following lines:</span></span></div><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13.8px; line-height: 20.7px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><em style="color: #555555; font-size: 13.8px; line-height: 20.7px;">"Soon I am going to ask you to stop the vehicle as if in an emergency. Just as if, for example, a small child ran into the road ahead of you. My signal for the manoeuvre will be..." </em><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></span><span style="color: #555555; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.8px; line-height: 20.7px;">(at this point the examiner will demonstrate the signal they will give you - it's usually holding up their right hand in front of the windscreen whilst saying "STOP").</span></blockquote><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: 13.8px; line-height: 20.7px;">The examiner will continue their instructions -</span> </span><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><em style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-size: 13.8px; line-height: 20.7px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"When I give the signal I'd like you to stop the car as soon as possible, while maintaining full control. Please try not to anticipate the manoeuvre when you see me look over my shoulder to check that it is safe for you to perform it. Drive on when you are ready please".</span></em></blockquote><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Don't Try To Anticipate The Examiner's Signal For The Emergency Stop!</i></b></span></span></h3><div class="txtd" id="txtd_35012306" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13.8px; line-height: 20.7px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The examiner will ask you to do the emergency stop as soon as they reasonably can, but they have to make sure that the road conditions are suitable and that it will be safe.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13.8px; line-height: 20.7px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Remember that the examiner has said "soon" NOT "immediately", so WAIT for the signal. Drive on as you normally would and don't have your foot hovering over the brake pedal!</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-size: 13.8px; line-height: 20.7px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><h2 class="subtitle" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0.6em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">How To Do An Emergency Stop - Step-By-Step</span></u></h2><div class="txtd" id="txtd_30296608" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.8px; line-height: 20.7px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;">Here's a summarised list of what's required for carrying out an emergency stop.</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.8px; line-height: 20.7px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><i>For those who prefer instructions given visually, there are some tutorial videos further down the page - some with an audio commentary for those who like to listen to what they need to do!</i></div><ul style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.8px; line-height: 20.7px; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em 2em; padding: 0px;"><li style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;">After the examiner has explained what you will be required to do, move away as normal after making the proper observations. Try to keep your cool and don't try to anticipate when the examiner will ask you to stop. You WILL see the examiner checking that it's safe for you to do the emergency stop but don't assume that it's about to happen just because the examiner looks around - you must WAIT until you get the signal!</li><li style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 13.8px; line-height: 20.7px;">When the signal is given, you must try to stop as soon as possible in a controlled manner. This is the only time on your test that is no need for mirror checks or signals - the examiner has already checked it is safe and your brake lights will tell other road users what you are doing. Simply remove your foot from the accelerator (gas pedal) and brake firmly but not too hard that the brakes lock or you skid. Just before the car stops press the clutch pedal down. Keep both hands on the steering wheel as you brake to keep the car in a straight line - there's no need to worry about changing gear.</span></li><li style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;">When the car has stopped, apply the handbrake and put the gear lever into neutral and take your feet off the pedals while you wait for the examiner's next instruction.</li><li style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;">The examiner will then say something along the lines of; <em>"Thank you, I won't ask you to do that exercise again. Drive on and follow the road ahead when you're ready."</em></li><li style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;">Before moving away you must perform an all-round observation including mirror checks, checking over both your left and right shoulder and giving a signal if necessary.</li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;"><div style="font-size: 13.8px; line-height: 20.7px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;"><strong style="background-color: white;">While the examiner wants you to stop quickly, they also want you to stop under CONTROL </strong><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.8px; line-height: 20.7px;">Brake firmly and progressively but not too harshly or you may cause the brakes to lock and the car to skid</span></div></li></ul><div style="color: #333333; line-height: 20.7px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.8px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><h2 style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; line-height: 1em; margin: 0px 0px 0.6em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u>Emergency Stop Do's & Don't's</u></span></h2><div class="" style="padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="color: #3e3e3e; line-height: 20.7px;"><span style="line-height: 20.7px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Don't try to anticipate the examiner's request to stop</span></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="color: #3e3e3e; line-height: 20.7px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: normal;">Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre Not Needed! - w</span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20.7px;">hile doing an emergency stop on your driving test there is no need for mirror checks or signals before you stop as the examiner has already checked it is safe and your brake lights will tell other road users what you are doing!</span></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="color: #3e3e3e; line-height: 20.7px;"><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 20.7px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On completion of the exercise though, you MUST take full observations before moving off again</span></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="color: #3e3e3e; line-height: 20.7px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; line-height: 20.7px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Don't slam your foot too hard on the brake</span></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="color: #3e3e3e; line-height: 20.7px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; line-height: 20.7px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you feel the brakes locking up, ease off the brake pedal</span></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="color: #3e3e3e; line-height: 20.7px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; line-height: 20.7px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">REMEMBER - check all round & over both shoulders before moving off afterwards!</span></span></li></ul><br /><br /><div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7px;"><br /></span></span></div><b style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20.7px;"><u><span style="font-size: large;">Video Tutorials - Emergency Stop</span></u></b><br /><br /><div class="" style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20.7px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><div class="" style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20.7px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><div class="" style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20.7px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div><div class="" style="background-color: white; color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20.7px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"></div></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.8px; line-height: 20.7px;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.8px; line-height: 20.7px; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/zyqYe-92mP8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zyqYe-92mP8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.8px; line-height: 20.7px;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 20.7px;"><h2 class="subtitle" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0.6em; padding: 0px;"></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.8px; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nRNQI6RZT3Q/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nRNQI6RZT3Q?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><h2 class="subtitle" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0.6em; padding: 0px;"></h2><h2 class="subtitle" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0.6em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Common Mistakes When Doing An Emergency Stop</u></span></h2><div class="txtd" id="txtd_30296615" style="line-height: 20.7px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.8px; margin-bottom: 0.75em; padding: 0px;">Mistakes that could result in driving test faults when carrying out an emergency stop during your driving test</div><ul style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.8px; margin: 0px 0px 0.75em 2em; padding: 0px;"><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;">Late or slow reaction to the signal</li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;">Applying the handbrake before stopping</li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;">Skidding out of control</li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;">Missing the foot pedal</li><li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px;">Letting go of the steering wheel</li></ul><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><div><h3 style="line-height: 1em; margin: 0px 0px 0.6em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><u style="background-color: #9fc5e8;">Further Help</u></span></h3><div class="" style="line-height: 20.7px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><h3><span style="background-color: #9fc5e8; color: #073763; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>If you need more help, here's a highly recommended and inexpensive training aid that will not only help you to pass your driving test, but will teach you good, safe driving practice - for life!</b></span></h3></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Driving Test Success All Tests (PC/Laptop and DVD formats available)</span></b></div><div align="center" style="float: right; width: 144px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1843265931/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=cleadrivtrai-21" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/711qQFbGNPL._AA110_.jpg" /><b>Driving Test Success All Tests</b><br /><img border="0" src="http://rcm-images.amazon.com/images/G/02/buttons/buy-from-tan.gif" vspace="3" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Driving Test Success All Tests has been the UK's best-selling complete learner driver pack for many years now and it contains EVERYTHING that learners need to study for and pass the Theory test - and lots more!</span></i><br /><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7px;"> all of the official DVSA Theory Test revision questions with answers and full explanations </span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7px;">high quality hazard perception video clips </span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7px;"> unlimited topic revision and practice tests </span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7px;"> digital edition of the Official Highway Code </span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7px;"> progress monitor </span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7px;">printable workbook and mock test papers </span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7px;"> over 50 driving lesson videos </span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7px;"> video of a full mock driving test </span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7px;"> all the Show Me Tell Me vehicle safety questions from the Practical test with explanations </span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.7px;"> FREE online updates </span></span></li></ul></div></div></div></div></div></div>

How To Do An Emergency Stop

On your UK Practical Driving Test you may be required to carry out an emergency stop. An emergency stop is conducted at random in 1 out of e...

Help! I failed my driving test Q&A by BIG TOM Driving School in Bourne

<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In response to a very good question from a viewer of the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/2010BIGTOM" target="_blank">BIG TOM Learner video channel</a> Tom (Owner of BIG TOM Driving School in Bourne 01778 309 773) gives the following help to viewers who might be struggling to come to terms with a driving test fail.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is the question from the viewer Hannah486:</span><br /><br />"<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>I failed my first test the other day for going 33mph in a 30 for what could only have been a few seconds before I realised and corrected and my position on a round about ( when going straight). Apart from those two I only got 1 minor for mirrors. I didn't even realise anything had gone wrong so I was very surprised at the end of the test! What is your opinion/advise about this? Any advise would be welcome for my next test </b>:)"  Hannah486</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First of all, here is the video that is the subject of the question, take a few minutes to see what is said, it will help you to understand the answer I give to the above question.....</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XQv4Jl9Mf_A/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XQv4Jl9Mf_A?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are 2 parts to Hannah's question.  The first is to do with speeding, and the second is to do with incorrect position when going straight over at a roundabout.  </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I observe over 95% of the driving tests that are conducted for <a href="http://www.bigtom.org.uk/intensive-driving-course-bourne/" target="_blank">BIG TOM Driving School in Bourne</a>.  That helps me and it helps my customers.  It helps me to keep up to date with how errors committed on driving tests are assessed, it deepens my knowledge so that I can accurately replicate this same standard when I do my mock tests for my customers.  It is very rare indeed for a customer of BIG TOM Driving School in Bourne to fail a mock test, but pass the actual driving test - that's how accurate they are.  But perhaps more importantly, when I observe a driving test in Peterborough or Grantham, I can see for myself precisely what happened, so I am able to recollect where the fault occurred and what the precise circumstances were that led up to the fault occurring.  Do not underestimate how powerful this is, as for some people who have just taken a driving test, it can be very tricky to actually recollect even where the fault arose, let alone the circumstances leading up to it - such is the "event".</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The reason why this is so important when attempting to answer the question from Hannah, is because it is important to know what the positional error on the roundabout was, what was the consequence of the error, was there anything about that roundabout, the approach, or even on it, that was unusual or unfamiliar to Hannah.  There can be a wide range of answers to that question, only Hannah will know for sure, how she genuinely feels about spiral roundabouts, mini-roundabouts, roundabouts with traffic lights on them, multi-lane roundabouts, lorries on roundabouts near her etc.  But a Driving Instructor like me sitting in the back observing the driving test, will have seen what the speed and gear was on the approach, what the vision was like on the approach, what vehicles were doing to the side or in front of Hannah when she went on to the roundabout, literally what the position of the car was when on the roundabout.  This might well tend to be crucial information for being able to "root cause" a driving error, in the way that I describe it on the video.  </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And this ultimately is a key concept of effective learning; being really honest with yourself, reflecting on how you feel in certain situations when driving, and communicating those feelings, concerns or anxieties so that coping mechanisms can be developed to help deal with the situation.  If you take ownership of your learning experience, and effectively analyse how YOU think and feel in certain situations, you are far more likely to build up rock steady techniques to help you should something crop up.  For sure, you can attempt to ignore them, and hope that the situation does not arise on the driving test, but think long term, even if it doesn't crop up on the driving test, how are you going to feel dealing with it post-test?  The DVSA tell us that one of the key differences that they intend to introduce to the new driving test in 2016 will be to <b>test the ability of the candidate to prioritise and manage situations</b>.  It is in your interests not only for the driving test, but for the safety and comfort of all your years driving post-test, to be honest with yourself; don't buckle under peer-pressure and attempt to get to the driving test like it's some kind of race.  For your learning to drive experience to be an effective process, it needs to take as long as it takes, we are not all the same.  I recently did a road safety talk to 170 Yr 12 pupils at Bourne Grammar School, and if I were to re-visit them in 2 years time, and ask out of the 170 what was the average number of hours taken actually driving, either with a Driving Instructor or with family, I would get a wide range of answers.  There would undoubtedly be an "average" figure, but we must be very careful to not allow any pre-determined figure that might be heard between peers, to become the "goal".  A recent pupil of mine, openly stated that she had a bet with her group of friends to see who could pass the driving test with the least amount of driving lessons.  This is the kind of talk that flies in the face of an "effective learning experience", and goes some way to explaining why the national average driving test pass rate is under 50% and also why 1 in 5 newly qualified drivers are having an accident within 6 months of passing the driving test.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With regards to the question about doing 33 in a 30 mph zone.  This is also very tricky to accurately assess, Hannah is suggesting that the speeding element was only for a few seconds and in doing so confirming that she knew that she was speeding.  There is recent talk from certain Police authorities that they are considering removing the current allowance of 10% + 2mph over the speed limit before prosecution takes place.  But in any case, sometimes I think it would help if you just consider what message you are giving to an Examiner by any amount of speeding on a driving test.  If you feel like you can get away with it on a driving test, the Examiner must well be thinking what that says about your general attitude to speeding.  It would be a bit like failing the driving test for failing to check your blind spot before moving off.  The car is not even moving, and yet, the driving test can be failed purely and simply as repeatedly failing to make effective observations before moving, sends a very clear message to any Examiner assessing, how safe you are going to be for all of the years of driving ahead.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I very much welcome this question from Hannah, and I hope I have gone some way to answering it for her.  I do hope that she will respond again if needed.  Please feel free to add any comments at the bottom of the video or this blog.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">BIG TOM Driving School in Bourne   Bookings: 01778 309 773</span><br /><br /><br />

Help! I failed my driving test Q&A by BIG TOM Driving School in Bourne

In response to a very good question from a viewer of the BIG TOM Learner video channel Tom (Owner of BIG TOM Driving School in Bourne 01778...

Driving School in Bourne publishes weekly motoring news

<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tom Ingram, Driving Instructor from BIG TOM Driving School in Bourne (01778 309 773) has been offering his readership a weekly motoring news update since 15/7/15. There can be found some rather interesting little snippets of information that you could easily have missed in your daily intake of news. Here are a collection taken from the <a href="http://www.bigtom.org.uk/big-tom-blog/" target="_blank">blog</a> of the driving school in Bourne.  Some of the following will be sad to read, some funny, and some will be very odd indeed, to the point of wondering whether it is true!  All of the following were genuinely reported in our local press from Bourne, Spalding, Peterborough, Grantham, and Stamford and are 100% authentic.  Happy reading!</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><ul style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.6; list-style-position: outside; margin: 0px 0px 17px 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The crossing on the A1 between northbound and southbound carriageways at Great Ponton was scene of a near miss when local press witnessed a lorry attempting to cross blocking the southbound carriageway forcing vehicles to slam on brakes. Only a few days before this, a white van careered off the A1 into a garden after a collision with a lorry. Cameras are planned for the stretch of A1 in 2016.</span></li></ul><ul style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.6; list-style-position: outside; margin: 0px 0px 17px 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">�Black box� telematics technology was successfully used by a newly qualified driver to prove that he had not been illegally parked in a car park in Grantham for 7 hrs and 25 mins as was claimed by the private company who had instigated the fine.</span></li></ul><ul style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.6; list-style-position: outside; margin: 0px 0px 17px 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Young farmer from Norfolk on charge for causing death by dangerous driving, does not dispute expert evidence regarding position of his tractor at time of fatality, but denies he had set speed limiter to illegal setting of 40mph. Driver of the car involved in the collision with the tractor died as a result. He also denied being under the influence of drugs, having admitted to use of cocaine. (Case continues).</span></li></ul><ul style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.6; list-style-position: outside; margin: 0px 0px 17px 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">An inquest has discovered that a road traffic collision that occurred on Christmas Day on the A606 Oakham Road near Langham was possibly as a result of one of the drivers phoning his Mother and wishing her merry Christmas. Lynda Wade and Mark Price were the drivers involved in the double fatality. The mother of Mark Price heard him wish her merry Christmas, then there was a pause and then he said �Oh no� and then she thought she heard an impact before the line cut off. A set of headphones were found in the drivers footwell and the mobile had been placed on the dashboard.</span></li></ul><ul style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.6; list-style-position: outside; margin: 0px 0px 17px 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">72 yr old male from Long Sutton is given a night-time curfew by Boston Magistrates and banned from driving for a year after fatally injuring a man in an electric wheelchair after a collision while he was crossing London Road in Long Sutton. The court heard how it would have taken 9 seconds to cross the road, and in that time, the driver did not respond to the male crossing in his wheelchair with his wife and family dog. The collision occurred at 10.30am.</span></li></ul><ul style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 1.6; list-style-position: outside; margin: 0px 0px 17px 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Councillor from Spalding receives parking ticket while busily helping on flower beds for Spalding in Bloom</span></li><li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The average speed cameras located on the A52 bypass between Grantham and Boston have reduced collisions by over 55% and casualties by over 70% since they were introduced 5 years ago. A success story for the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership, and has now led to a similar system being installed on the A15 near Metheringham which goes �live� on Monday (21/09/15)</span></li><li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Magistrate in Grantham hears case of locally residing female drink driver and mid-case realises he actually was her driving instructor. Case proceeded, and she was given 12 month driving ban and �435 fine.</span></li><li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Landlord of pub in Spalding calls Police and follows lorry for 1.5hrs after seeing driver jump 2 red lights and cut up traffic only to be told it was not a priority.</span></li><li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">75 year old male driver from Wilsford, denies endangering safety of a person upon the railway, and driving dangerously, after court hears he allegedly turned left at a level crossing in Wilsford, onto the tracks. Case continues.</span></li><li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cambridge Utd player clocked doing 156mph on A1 (M) gets his 2<span style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">nd</span> ban from driving, this time for 6 months and a �1400 fine. He joins a Nottingham Forest player who was also banned 3 weeks ago after doing 115mph on same stretch of road.</span></li><li style="border: 0px; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Desperate call from Mother in Grantham to Police to help release her trapped baby from inside her car was not acted on. Fire brigade crew eventually arrived to release baby from vehicle.</span></li></ul><div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.8px;"><a href="http://www.bigtom.org.uk/intensive-driving-course-bourne/" target="_blank">BIG TOM Driving School in Bourne</a> keeping you up to date with all local information in Bourne and surrounding areas.  Intensive driving course in Bourne 01778 309 773</span></span></div>

Driving School in Bourne publishes weekly motoring news

Tom Ingram, Driving Instructor from BIG TOM Driving School in Bourne (01778 309 773) has been offering his readership a weekly motoring news...

LONG BLACK LIMOUSINE SERVICE NEW YORK

Wedding Place on Long Island- Bring your CLASSIC VINTAGE LIMOUSINE TO SANDS POINT Preserves.

<b>Hey Brides, the best theme with castles on Long Island match a vintage classic limousine.</b><br />If your overall theme is based on Castles and Classics, nothing is better than a Vintage Car and a Castle that goes perfectly on the background.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaui9B4wr4p_R6CW5LlhYSUOBI65dbXHBRj593OXWlAAcw2NqWN8HnO90CGTC6N6eY_EXbdJqINgrKv0y0vMfCtaZXQ2UHXjr5bBYlNmxxCeERdILZK815c3H04kFDca1aWKRTAtdxv3JF/s1600/Hempstead_house2-long-island-limousine-weddings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaui9B4wr4p_R6CW5LlhYSUOBI65dbXHBRj593OXWlAAcw2NqWN8HnO90CGTC6N6eY_EXbdJqINgrKv0y0vMfCtaZXQ2UHXjr5bBYlNmxxCeERdILZK815c3H04kFDca1aWKRTAtdxv3JF/s320/Hempstead_house2-long-island-limousine-weddings.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hempstead House- Classic Cars and Limousines on Long Island<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTpr4X48-Eg_GDTedhzjVIms2onoDKDeWAtllaVre_yOd5FFsTEzy-1VEtBHHbWUPYLR4H4qntQbW9bQkUN_-DwippB4ptCQkFtkozJh-cDDn55AOHHLLl90x3AbOCs1DpHdalisvWLM9/s1600/Friends-of-the-Sands-Point-Preserve-Hempstead-House-Wedding-Sands-Point-NY-27_main.1428958435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTpr4X48-Eg_GDTedhzjVIms2onoDKDeWAtllaVre_yOd5FFsTEzy-1VEtBHHbWUPYLR4H4qntQbW9bQkUN_-DwippB4ptCQkFtkozJh-cDDn55AOHHLLl90x3AbOCs1DpHdalisvWLM9/s320/Friends-of-the-Sands-Point-Preserve-Hempstead-House-Wedding-Sands-Point-NY-27_main.1428958435.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Sands Point Preservation - Long Island Castles for Vintage style weddings<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><b><br /></b><b>Weddings on Long Island Castle- Sands Point Preserve�s a great place for wedding brides and grooms.</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGndla8YO01Ljk5yrzWgPDuom2aW4nQqIGm-u39ups7Wldo9qpCrOM6R_ml_GZAiPilIhAadokXMGW1jBHMdpb7t5ny5wwhokFTaEXeo2L-B10kSKBinyKYnBETRtWOakKMr_lK1DW21LD/s1600/DSCN1225-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGndla8YO01Ljk5yrzWgPDuom2aW4nQqIGm-u39ups7Wldo9qpCrOM6R_ml_GZAiPilIhAadokXMGW1jBHMdpb7t5ny5wwhokFTaEXeo2L-B10kSKBinyKYnBETRtWOakKMr_lK1DW21LD/s320/DSCN1225-002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /> In the early 20th century, Sands Point Preserve was the home of the Guggenheim family. The buildings on the estate are monuments to the opulent lifestyle for which Long Island�s North Shore is known.<br />The 216-acre Sands Point Preserve is an interesting mixture of natural and landscaped areas. Diverse natural habitats for a variety of plants and animals are supported on the the Preserve including mature forest, woodlands, fields, meadows, a freshwater pond, glacial cliffs and shoreline on the Long Island Sound.<br />You are welcome to stroll, hike, jog and/or run on the six marked trails through the woods, around the pond, and along the beach. Trail maps and schedule of guided nature walks are available at the Gatehouse.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieUXgkvFfx7hoKSTc7jtYIGjdquK83lCVu8n6Z_JuSZX5qkL2jWjFKyWz8PTb9hQs5bOrDKEFghpqtnx5zKXCZJ_3U5LTKPZBsMdkIBdYMC8A_6owpCBZOyArUgPdvkcjYXgcm9gBtjwmQ/s1600/DSCN1223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieUXgkvFfx7hoKSTc7jtYIGjdquK83lCVu8n6Z_JuSZX5qkL2jWjFKyWz8PTb9hQs5bOrDKEFghpqtnx5zKXCZJ_3U5LTKPZBsMdkIBdYMC8A_6owpCBZOyArUgPdvkcjYXgcm9gBtjwmQ/s320/DSCN1223.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>CASTLE GOULD</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Modeled after the Medieval Castle Kilkenny in Ireland, Castle Gould is a 100,000-square-foot architectural masterpiece, built by the Sands Point Preserve�s first owner, Howard Gould, son of railroad tycoon Jay Gould.  </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Beneath the Castle�s clock tower, enter the Great Hall, a fully renovated multi-purpose room with great vaulted ceilings, wrought-iron chandeliers, plush draperies over enormous windows overlooking the Preserve�s grounds and the distant view of the Long Island Sound. Club Gould is a contemporary indoor space adjacent to the Great Hall. The Castle also features a 7,000-square-foot �Black Box� � a New York State-certified Sound Stage that is a clean slate for every type of event.  </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0WSNheXhpiNWKH3L0bfboNoCn36RMqsUFoPe5D0VZpuzy-qr4opU6uyHew6PW5lIL-p8Thiy_1nCb49QhrWGgPcHnZ1javh-uODhFQrrYeRIkALrymFnXZdZTeJL1AAxk_-MAOdhmJMr/s1600/ny-wedding-limo-long-island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0WSNheXhpiNWKH3L0bfboNoCn36RMqsUFoPe5D0VZpuzy-qr4opU6uyHew6PW5lIL-p8Thiy_1nCb49QhrWGgPcHnZ1javh-uODhFQrrYeRIkALrymFnXZdZTeJL1AAxk_-MAOdhmJMr/s320/ny-wedding-limo-long-island.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>HEMPSTEAD HOUSE</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div>Built in 1912, this massive Tudor-style mansion was the site of society parties, performances and exhibitions by world-class artists, and gatherings of the powerful elite of the time. Today, Hempstead House stands ready for entertaining on any scale � with its magnificent architecture, landscaped gardens and exquisite views.<br />Hempstead House is often selected for film and television locations, including Paramount�s <i>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles</i>starring Megan Fox and Will Arnett; HBO�s <i>Phil Spector</i>staring Al Pacino and Helen Mirren; HBO�s <i>Boardwalk Empire</i>; USA Networks� <i>Royal Pains</i>; and Showtime�s <i>Masters of Sex</i>.<br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">From the portico, enter the mansion�s sixty-foot-tall entry foyer with stained glass windows and an equally impressive staircase. The air-conditioned ground floor features the sunken palm court, winter and summer living rooms, the mahogany wood-paneled library, dining room, and billiards room � all with working stone-carved fireplaces and breathtaking views of the Preserve�s gardens, grounds and the Long Island Sound. Luxurious bedrooms and newly renovated marble bathrooms complement the grand scale of this mansion. The summer living room opens to the lush Rose Garden with fountains and the terrace overlooking the beach and the Long Island Sound.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1x0xCbnjpTfKaI0vtLheF9uwS9abGBgE7Cai0v3k7TXnxxWTAmD60o4VAOV6_jMu9Vq4Z77oxdEhGmX_ax3q_wsoLrvDRQb9cCaZ20LSxOHzJahl1PORYaxdX7X8pVI23hj3B_nVhNSu2/s1600/castlesandspoint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1x0xCbnjpTfKaI0vtLheF9uwS9abGBgE7Cai0v3k7TXnxxWTAmD60o4VAOV6_jMu9Vq4Z77oxdEhGmX_ax3q_wsoLrvDRQb9cCaZ20LSxOHzJahl1PORYaxdX7X8pVI23hj3B_nVhNSu2/s320/castlesandspoint.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>FALAISE</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div>Falaise is one of the few intact historic houses remaining on Long Island�s North Shore. The Gold Coast period of the 1920s was a time of opulence, when prominent families built great mansions and large estates as summer retreats on Long Island.<br />Falaise was built for Harry F. Guggenheim and his wife Caroline Morton in 1923. The architecture is French Eclectic. The design is based on a 13th Century Norman manor house.<br /><a href="http://thesandspointpreserve.com/visitor-information/tours/">Docent-lead tours </a>are offered from late-May through mid-November. This historic home has limited handicap access.<br />Distinctive features of the house include an enclosed cobblestone courtyard, thickly mortared brick walls, steeply pitched roofs of heavy tile, and a round tower. The medieval atmosphere is continued inside the house by the arches, thick wood beams, textured plastered walls, and carved stone mantels.<br />Falaise is furnished with antiques, many from the 16th and 17th century. There are woodcarvings, sculptures, Renaissance paintings and several important pieces of modern art.<br />Harry Guggenheim had a strong commitment to public service. He was Ambassador to Cuba during the Hoover administration. A Navy pilot, he served in both world wars. He had a lifelong interest in aviation. Charles Lindbergh was a close friend and frequent visitor to Falaise. Harry was also instrumental in securing funding for the research of rocket pioneer Robert Goddard.??In 1939, Harry Guggenheim and Alicia Patterson were married. Shortly afterward, they founded <i>Newsday</i>, Long Island�s daily newspaper.<br />Harry Guggenheim was an avid horse racing fan. He raised and raced thoroughbred horses, and he helped establish the New York Racing Association. His trophies, awards, and racing memorabilia are on display at Falaise.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLbB6CZd4q0onDKbAhdyeEFB9-ekNSSJOn9ScIfxpB3bZJ8hgFYI1y8YND8Cdlq2WdCPqZnvA1IY5dhsEFAU25duKIofl2vQn1R7677DystxJsP86kLRNitRWqJpM-mhgFDKdNhnqAAYB/s1600/DSCN1226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLbB6CZd4q0onDKbAhdyeEFB9-ekNSSJOn9ScIfxpB3bZJ8hgFYI1y8YND8Cdlq2WdCPqZnvA1IY5dhsEFAU25duKIofl2vQn1R7677DystxJsP86kLRNitRWqJpM-mhgFDKdNhnqAAYB/s320/DSCN1226.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFU4KQVNu68JFx3dhLcrIfFh0ylzgOPXffmg-x3oHsHjxM6K-HZN1BO5bzEME2yGV3xP5BJZvtT_hBWYKiqYvPwXunBASHiWJ0hvBwv280OENCwItgfJOJq1bmiR0E0lu56GC4euCgcRs/s1600/DSCN1245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFU4KQVNu68JFx3dhLcrIfFh0ylzgOPXffmg-x3oHsHjxM6K-HZN1BO5bzEME2yGV3xP5BJZvtT_hBWYKiqYvPwXunBASHiWJ0hvBwv280OENCwItgfJOJq1bmiR0E0lu56GC4euCgcRs/s320/DSCN1245.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />For a classic vintage European Austin FL2- aka London Cab visit <a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/" target="_blank">CSL TRANSPORTATION</a><br /><br /><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div>

Wedding Place on Long Island- Bring your CLASSIC VINTAGE LIMOUSINE TO SANDS POINT Preserves.

Hey Brides, the best theme with castles on Long Island match a vintage classic limousine. If your overall theme is based on Castles and Cl...

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Do Intensive Driving Courses Work ?

<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A common question asked about intensive driving courses is whether they work or not.  We had a pupil of ours pass her driving test in Peterborough this morning, (well done Sophie!) on her first attempt, having taken out one of our Intensive Driving Courses 12 weeks previously!  The only reason for the delay was that her first driving test was cancelled due to poor weather conditions.</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So how do we get them to be that effective?  We spend time to understand your previous driving experience, learning preferences, and special needs so that the correct course is recommended to you.  We have a choice between different courses with different hours of in-car training, over different periods of time.  If you find yourself being funnelled into a standard course, whereby there are no other choices, then that can have a serious impact on the outcomes.  If there are not enough hours of training, or the learning curve was too steep, or there was not enough time to deal with your particular concerns, then this may affect if you�re ready to take the driving test, it may affect the result of the test.  There is nothing quite like failing the driving test to knock your confidence.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So when you ask�. do intensive driving courses work, the answer is undoubtedly �Yes, they can�, but that is no guarantee that they will necessarily work for you and your needs.  As specialists in Intensive Driving Courses for over 5 years now in Peterborough, Grantham and surrounding areas, we ensure that every opportunity is given for you to properly prepare for the course.  That is after all what you are needing.  We have busy people attend our courses, often professionals, with tight schedules and they NEED results.  Customers have travelled to us from as far as London to attend our courses such is their popularity and our dependability.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For more details on intensive driving courses, availability, test booking and much more contact BIG TOM Driving School NOW on 0800 689 4174</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div>

Do Intensive Driving Courses Work ?

A common question asked about intensive driving courses is whether they work or not. We had a pupil of ours pass her driving test in Peterb...

Legality on the E-Hail mobile transportation apps by Veteran and NYC licensed driver

<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I write to question the legality and  safety issues surrounding these e hailing mobile apps offered by Uber, Lyft and others. Today's on demand car ordering mobile apps are really no different from raising an arm and hailing a taxicab.  </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Conventionally, public would call a central dispatch facility and pre-arranged a reservation with a minimum time of 15minutes. The mobile apps differ because it is not an advance reservation, but rather it is an electronic hailing of a nearby motor vehicle. In most cases, these are non stationary vehicles who are driving up, down and around the Avenues. These short notice apps  give 1 minute, 2 minute, 3 minute ETA, and resemble as a short notice hail- <u>except is in an electronic format</u>. These short notice ETA's are not  prearranged reservations, and are questionable if they are operating on legal grounds. Uber, and Lyft are clearly operating an illegal taxicab style street hail in a silent electronic format of a Mobile App. Some of their�partners� are licensed and some are unlicensed Town Cars Partners with out of state tags function as hailing taxicabs. Some of these Town Cars are not even registered in the City of NY ,but yet continue to do point to point for hire transportation within NYC. <u>These Town Cars are not insured nor are they licensed as medallion taxicabs- </u>yet they directly compete with licensed yellow medallion Taxi cabs on street hails . For these reasons, in Chicago, DC, Dallas, Paris, Denver,Miami, Portland, and many other cities, regulators have made and or are in process of making a 15-30minute prearrangement rule in order to DE-conflict and distinguish between official taxi cabs and those who operate as <u>taxi services in disguise </u>without being properly licensed as one. This is why prearrangment and hails need to be clarified, differentiated and we shall clear the vague and blurred language.  These E-hailing black cars are also distracted and overwhelmed with distractions which put public safety at risk.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">These drivers are risking motor, pedestrian, and bicyclist safety as they are driving while diverting eye sight away from the road and  placing them onto the I phone as they attempt to accept trips, and acknowledge it as a REAL TIME dispatcher. The distraction caused by additional duties of a dispatcher and  telephone customer service representative on these non stationary vehicles make our streets even more unsafe. These drivers are constantly under pressure calling riders immediately upon accepting  trip in order to prevent cancellations. These drivers have to accept trips, call and answer their text messages on a short notice are plainly additional stressful duties in a very busy city. These additional duties continue to distract drivers even if they cancel a ride, because customers continue to call about the cancellations.  Please refer to Eugene Weixel article �Taxi calling apps are making our streets even more unsafe�. These in car distractions have contributed to deaths in many cities where the drivers were operating these ON DEMAND car service mobile apps. For these reasons, I suggest a minimum of prearranged rule of 15minutes in Manhattan and mobile apps modified to function as true reservation apps and not electronic Hails. In addition, these companies should have a dispatch center which can handle dispatcher and customer service related issues and relieve these duties from the distracted drivers.  </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I have been licensed by the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission with a hack license, I have never had public complaints as I have driven a taxicab, black car, limousine or any for hire vehicle in New York City. I have served honorably as an enlisted in 109<sup>th</sup> Quartermaster Company and as an officer in 258<sup>th</sup> Field Artillery NY ARG (US Armed Forces). My family has served the New Yorkers with taxis and For Hire Transportation since 1980 without problems what so ever.  </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Please refer to MLA citations </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I believe that my findings about Uber, Lyft and these mobile apps are accurate and unbiased, and I reference some reputable and oldest transportation service providers of New York City, who may agree on everything herein.</div><br /><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">MLA CITATIONS</div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Pandodaily: �Uber driver hits,kills 6 year old girl. Is �Not our problem�.still an appropriate response?� Pandodaily. 2014. web. January 2014. <<a href="http://pando.com/2014/01/02/uber-driver-hits-kills-6-year-old-girl-is-not-our-problem-still-an-appropriate-response/">http://pando.com/2014/01/02/uber-driver-hits-kills-6-year-old-girl-is-not-our-problem-still-an-appropriate-response/</a>> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The Verge:�Uber up in arms over French taxi Law delaying pickup times�. The Verge. 2014. web. January 2014.<<a href="http://www.theverge.com/2013/12/18/5221428/uber-surge-pricing-vs-price-gouging-law">http://www.theverge.com/2013/12/18/5221428/uber-surge-pricing-vs-price-gouging-law</a>> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The Denver Post: �Hickenlooper, Uber challenge judge's proposed burdensome Rules�. The Denver Post. web. August 2013. <<a href="http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_23921344/hickenlooper-uber-challenge-judges-proposed-burdensome-rules">http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_23921344/hickenlooper-uber-challenge-judges-proposed-burdensome-rules</a>> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The New York Daily News: �Miniscule percentage of New Yorkers using taxi 'e hail' app�. The New York Daily News. 2013. Web. August 2013.<<a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/miniscule-percentage-new-yorkers-taxi-e-hail-app-article-1.1419137">http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/miniscule-percentage-new-yorkers-taxi-e-hail-app-article-1.1419137</a>> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The New York Daily News: �New e-hail taxi app is an e-failure-at least until more cabbies get it�. The New York Daily News. 2013. web. August 2013.<<a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/new-e-hail-taxi-app-e-failure-article-1.1332706">http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/new-e-hail-taxi-app-e-failure-article-1.1332706</a>> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The Guardian: �Taxi Calling- Apps like Hailo are making our streets even more unsafe�. The Guardian. 2013. web. August 2013. <<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/aug/01/hailo-taxi-hailing-safety-concerns">http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/aug/01/hailo-taxi-hailing-safety-concerns</a>> </div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">New York City. Taxi & Limousine Commission: �Chapter 54 rules Drivers of Taxicab and Street Hail Liveries�. New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission. Web. 2014. <<a href="http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/downloads/pdf/2011rulebook_ch54.pdf">http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/downloads/pdf/2011rulebook_ch54.pdf</a>> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">New York Times: �Distracted Driving and the Risks of Ride-Hailing Services Like Uber�.The New York Times. Web. December 2014</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/12/21/distracted-driving-and-the-risks-of-ride-hailing-services-like-uber/?_r=0%3E"><</a><a href="http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/12/21/distracted-driving-and-the-risks-of-ride-hailing-services-like-uber/?_r=0">http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/12/21/distracted-driving-and-the-risks-of-ride-hailing-services-like-uber/?_r=0</a><a href="http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/12/21/distracted-driving-and-the-risks-of-ride-hailing-services-like-uber/?_r=0%3E">></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Business Insider: �People Are Asking Whether Uber Drivers cause More Accidents Because They Are Distracted Behind The Wheel� Business Insider. Web. December 2014. <<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/apps-like-uber-could-be-a-serious-distraction-for-drivers-2014-12">http://www.businessinsider.com/apps-like-uber-could-be-a-serious-distraction-for-drivers-2014-12</a>></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">New York Post: �Driver who fatally struck golf instructor worked for Uber�</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">New York Post. Web. January 2015.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><<a href="http://nypost.com/2015/01/05/driver-who-fatally-struck-golf-instructor-worked-for-uber/">http://nypost.com/2015/01/05/driver-who-fatally-struck-golf-instructor-worked-for-uber/</a>> </div>

Legality on the E-Hail mobile transportation apps by Veteran and NYC licensed driver

I write to question the legality and safety issues surrounding these e hailing mobile apps offered by Uber, Lyft and others. Today's on...

London Black Taxi in New York City- London Cab- Vintage London Cab rental

Rogue Driving Instructor in Bourne

<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There has recently been a rogue Driving Instructor in Bourne who I am pleased to say has been arrested, but not before fraudulently pocketing substantial amounts of money.  A victim from Elsea Park has told BIG TOM Driving School in Bourne (01778 309 773) of the devastation it has caused both financially and in trauma.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It is a criminal offence to receive money in receipt for driving instruction if you are not an approved Driving Instructor with the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency).  But how would you know if a person is approved?</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are 3 relatively quick ways to check but not foolproof and 1 rather more reliable method which I will come on to in a moment.  I would personally advise you attempt all of the following before paying a penny.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Firstly look for the "badge" in the windscreen, like this one here in mine.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBUMFXRiOJm3_pK5yCMGWVdiFyKpGzXLqcR2tGe71rhJpHUkz0R9oXoIDtoxYAfFcyOqixs_UOtylenXpnp-htumgAbzuMiUncym7Wn3nwRFGt95CkMmV4uALrkgqRilb-bYbSZiytbo/s1600/ADI+badge+medium+20x20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBUMFXRiOJm3_pK5yCMGWVdiFyKpGzXLqcR2tGe71rhJpHUkz0R9oXoIDtoxYAfFcyOqixs_UOtylenXpnp-htumgAbzuMiUncym7Wn3nwRFGt95CkMmV4uALrkgqRilb-bYbSZiytbo/s320/ADI+badge+medium+20x20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It will have a photo of the Driving Instructor, and an expiry date.  Of course, these things can quite easily be forged but it is a starting point.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Secondly I would check online.  Enter your postcode on this <a href="http://finddrivinginstructor.direct.gov.uk/DSAFindNearestWebApp/findNearest.form?lang=en" target="_blank">page</a> and it will provide a list of the Approved Driving Instructors in your area.  The DVSA are careful to declare that it might not necessarily be a complete list but again, it's a starting point.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the above case, the victim made contact with a Driving School outside of Bourne, and they supplied an apparent Driving Instructor who was not from Bourne.  I would suggest that this is not ideal.  That person will not be listed on that DVSA link above when you put your postcode in, as the listing is directly linked with the "Driving Instructor's" own home/work address.  So employing the services of a tradesperson outside of your local town does in itself present an element of risk in this particular regard.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">However, the next method is, I think, less known but good.  Considering that you are about to embark on a course whereby you will be spending a great amount of time with this person, one on one in the confined space of a car, you would be wise to get some degree of "trust" in this person.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">  </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Part of the process to be an Approved Driving Instructor with the DVSA and obtain that "badge" I mentioned before, is an Enhanced Certificate from the DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service).  There will ordinarily be a similarity in terms of dates (but not exact) between the "badge" in the windscreen and the 'Date of Issue' on the Enhanced Certificate.  I can't speak for all Driving Instructors but I would have no problem with showing a prospective customer my (original) Enhanced Certificate - it will say on it "Name of Employer: DVSA".  If the apparent Driving Instructor co-operates with your request, it will take less than a minute to check and I would suggest is a pretty reliable method of checking the authenticity of their status.  However, there is another less formal, but arguably pretty reliable and more traditional method available.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Have you seen their driving school car in your area, are you aware that s/he has given talks on road safety in your local schools, have you actually heard good things from other local residents about the person?  Is there information online that you can easily discover about the person and their work locally eg LinkedIn, a YouTube channel, a blog, reviews on a Facebook page.  Not all business people will fully engage in these types of activity but it is a measure of the transparency by which they run their business - it is in effect a shop window that enables you to see at first hand, how they conduct their business.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The victim from Elsea Park was not speaking to a driving school in Bourne, they were not providing a Driving Instructor from Bourne - it turns out, they were not even providing an Approved Driving Instructor and now her only hope is the possibility of compensation as and when the case goes to court.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This blog highlights that there has recently been a rogue driving instructor in Bourne and for all we know, there maybe others.  It aims to provide you with details as to how you can check that your Driving Instructor in Bourne is authentic.  If you have any queries regarding this matter feel free to comment below or alternatively contact the DVSA direct on adireg@dsa.gsi.gov.uk</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">BIG TOM Driving School in Bourne 01778 309 773</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">http://www.bigtom.org.uk/intensive-driving-course-bourne/</span>

Rogue Driving Instructor in Bourne

There has recently been a rogue Driving Instructor in Bourne who I am pleased to say has been arrested, but not before fraudulently pocketin...

Struggling with roundabouts Part 1

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZ5Pwb4QPNK5yhuZORObu-YSZE5h4mP6Ik3jgVABrSWIcdci6qSwSSksQKioOAAt7BlcCT2BnmQGVEHUnhso_P5mFUNfHZcOEpvkHTHk9xam-bqS4ctFSooi9D3Ph85d-BdlTmn33HsY/s1600/P1050477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZ5Pwb4QPNK5yhuZORObu-YSZE5h4mP6Ik3jgVABrSWIcdci6qSwSSksQKioOAAt7BlcCT2BnmQGVEHUnhso_P5mFUNfHZcOEpvkHTHk9xam-bqS4ctFSooi9D3Ph85d-BdlTmn33HsY/s320/P1050477.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Tom from BIG TOM Driving School in Bourne (01778 309 773) offers the following advice to anyone find roundabouts difficult.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you are struggling with roundabouts on your driving lessons then take 5 minutes out to read this blog - I have some advice to offer you that will make things clearer. It might help to print it out and use a highlighter to emphasise a key learning point for yourself.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Roundabouts need to be tackled in 2 halves - firstly, spotting that a roundabout is approaching and thinking where you actually want to go and secondly, actually driving on to and exiting.  If it helps think of it in terms of a bowler in cricket; the initial visualisation of where the batsman is and what you intend to bowl at him, and then the actual act of executing the bowl.  If a bowler were to rush into a bowl, having given it no thought on the approach, then the resulting bowl will be at best described as "unpredictable".</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It is best to work on these 2 aspects seperately.  In this blog I will be concentrating on the first phase. The second phase will be covered in a "Part 2" blog. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">An often overlooked consideration when out driving with family is planning the best place to practise.  Choose your areas carefully to maximise the learning without distractions.  Find yourself some quiet roundabouts - if they are in short supply near you, then I would suggest you change the time that you practise on them, so that there will be very little traffic around.  If that means an early start on a Sunday morning, that "pain" will be well worth it.  What you do not need when you are initially practising this, are the distractions from vehicles behind you, in front and on the roundabout.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Get into the habit of spotting roundabouts well ahead, and I do mean well ahead. You can practise this as a passenger when someone else is driving. 100 metres ahead is often very possible.  There are normally (but not always) warning signs (red triangle), you might be able to see the round blue sign (for a mini roundabout).  You may be able to spot the black and white arrows pointing leftwards ON the roundabout, you may even be able to see traffic travelling on it.  These are all important signs to identify early on that a roundabout is approaching.  Depending on the size of the roundabout, will determine if you see traffic signs with the layout of the roundabout.  These are worth paying attention to, they help you in a few important ways.  They help you to decide which exit you intend to take (larger destinations will be on the first sign, more local destinations will be shown on a secondary sign slightly nearer to the roundabout).  It is a skill in itself to read those signs, recognise which number exit is yours and begin the planning of where your car needs to be ON THE APPROACH, and whether you need a signal on the approach.  Here is one of my <a href="http://youtu.be/hhHD_OGaPBY" target="_blank">videos</a> that will test your ability in this particular regard.  Don't underestimate the importance of this "planning" phase, because if you approach the roundabout and your mind is all fuzzy thinking about signals, lane positions and which exit you need, then that will have an instant impact on the next important phase.  If you are on a fast moving road (50/60/70 mph) then an early, firm but smooth slowing down by braking (right foot) to 30 mph and THEN selecting 3rd gear is a surprisingly effective move in helping you prepare because it instantly buys you time.  Time is something that you ARE able to control (more on this important point in a moment).</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By looking at the signs on the approach you can begin to anticipate where your car should be positioned as you approach.  This is a massive skill because when done early, there are no sudden changes immediately before you get on the roundabout.  There is nothing quite like fast/severe changes in position on the road just before a roundabout (or even on the roundabout) to seriously spook other road users.  I accept that at 100 metres away you may not necessarily know if there are lanes on the approach, or white arrows on the road, but if you are already anticipating the importance of position then you are on the FRONT foot which is a distinct advantage to you.  If you are intending to take an exit on a roundabout that is past the 12 o/c marker on a clock face (look at the traffic sign on the approach to the roundabout to help assess this point), then conventionally, effort should be made to be positioned to the right as you approach.  If there are lanes on the approach, often (but not always) this will mean you taking a lane to the centre or right.  There will always be exceptions to this rule, but it is on the whole pretty reliable.  Look out for traffic signs showing you lane options on the approach to roundabouts, and also look out for our friends the white arrows on the lanes themselves.  This reinforces the amount of work the eyes need to do on the approach of the roundabout, even before they start looking for traffic on the roundabout.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To recap so far.  Early spotting of the roundabout is essential as they are "fluid", things can change in an instant on the roundabout, so therefore you need to start planning for them early on.  Think about where you intend to go.  Which exit will it be?  Will you need a signal?  Roughly what position in the road do you anticipate to be needing? </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So far so good?  Having worked all that out, you now need to be drawing your attention to what will be a sensible speed and gear to approach in.  This is still Phase 1, you will still be a long way off the roundabout, not even near it, but you now need to start ASSESSING the actual roundabout itself. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are 3 things in particular to try to assess which will determine what is the correct speed and gear to approach the roundabout:</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><ol><li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">BUSY - is it a busy roundabout, have you already spotted a lot of traffic on the roundabout?  If you have then it is increasingly looking like a slower approach is needed so that you can enter on the roundabout in a more controlled manner.  It stands to reason, that a roundabout with tons of traffic on it, will probably (not definitely) result in a pause - clutch down, first gear and look.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">VISION - can you see vehicles approaching it to the right and vehicles already on it? If not, then it is best to approach it at a slower speed as you may need to give way to something that you cannot currently see.  This is very commonly forgotten but is essential to road safety.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">STEERING - generally speaking, the more steering that you have to do on the roundabout the slower your speed should be.  Imagine your Gran is sat in the back seat - you wouldn't want her toppling over to the side because you are steering round a roundabout too quickly!</span></li></ol><div><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Going back to this theme of time.  The situation on roundabouts can often change with the blink of an eye, such is the nature of them being a meeting point for traffic. You can't control that other traffic but you CAN control the time you have to observe it.  Buying yourself time to make effective observations is a key component to safety on roundabouts.  Approach too quickly and you wont have time to do good observations and that normally leads to 1 of 2 consequences: you either eventually recognise that you are approaching too quickly, and brake very sharply just before the roundabout (even if a pause is not actually needed) - this is one reason why there are so many "rear end shunts" on the approach to roundabouts, or, you literally don't have time to check it's safe to go before you are already on the roundabout - and this often leads to cutting in too close to vehicles already on the roundabout.  Either way, this kind of experience really ebbs away at your confidence.  There are plenty of drivers who passed their driving test many moons ago who still feel uneasy about roundabouts due to their inability to properly assess the roundabouts on the approach and get the correct speed and gear to enable effective observations. </span><br /><div><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I recommend that having set up a sensible speed on the approach, you get into the habit of taking 2-3 quick glances to your right before your vehicle goes on to the roundabout.  Depending on the circumstances, it can be perfectly possible that those observations are undertaken on the approach, with your car still moving.  If you find that you don't have time to do that, then you are either not starting to look SOON enough, or your approaching speed is too fast.  Remember that roundabouts are junctions, and just as with T junctions, if your vision is "closed" on the approach you need to slow down to get more time to do more observations.... that MAY mean a pause, it may even mean a slight "peep and creep" forwards to improve your vision without actually committing to emerging.  The number 1 reason for people failing driving tests is "observations at junctions".  When I say "quick glances", it is for good reason because if your eyes look right, and end up staring at vehicles either on the roundabout or just about to come on to it, one of the possible effects is that you lose position on the approach to the roundabout as you are literally not looking where you are going.  There is often (but not always) the need to do some slight steering alteration before you get on the roundabout and your position is important.  Apart from seriously spooking other road users when a vehicle starts "drifting" in a road, the other problem with a change in the position is that it can be very misleading as to where you are intending to go.  Lane discipline is something that will be expanded on in the next blog, but for now, it is a very good habit to pay attention to your position as you approach a roundabout.  Imagine a large bubble around your vehicle, you don't want to get close enough to any vehicle in ANY direction (including the front), that would burst that bubble.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To summarise.  Unless we are thinking of the very large roundabouts with traffic lights on them, generally speaking, roundabouts are designed to encourage free moving traffic.  The idea is to plan in advance where you intend to go, so that on the approach, your hands and feet are really not doing very much at all.  The work then shifts to your eyes to check if it is safe to go.  That inevitably takes some time to properly "read".  It is all about judging speed and distance of other road users - something that is harder to do at night time or in rain.  People who are struggling with roundabouts often find themselves either stopping abruptly just before the roundabout or cutting into vehicles already on the roundabout.  These are symptoms that you are not engaging your brain (and the forward thinking skills) on the approach to the roundabout.  It will come with practise, but it will be much less stressful if you pay attention to your speed and gears and make sure they reflect the conditions that you are seeing on the roundabout.  As unfortunate as it is, we can't apply the same approach conditions to each and every roundabout as they are so different.  If you did, if you were to say err on the side of caution and automatically bring your speed down to 10mph and select 2nd gear on every single approach, then you will likely upset many other road users behind you; because often that will create unnecessary delay.  The skill that needs to be developed is the ASSESSMENT of the roundabout.  Get into the habit of looking at the characteristics of a roundabout before you get to it, make a decision about the speed and gear you want on the approach.  Momentarily glance at your speedometer as your right foot applies the brakes to actually get that speed.  Even if that turns out to be a wrong call (on that occasion), the fact is that you are making conscious decisions, you are developing the skill and it will come with practise.  Contrast this with NOT thinking in advance, not paying attention to the road signs, the white paint or even realising that a roundabout is ahead, and yes, the results will be at best, inconsistent.  </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I will close this blog with one last thought.  There is a phrase that talks of making sure that you can actually stop your car in a distance that you can see to be clear.  That phrase can be applied in many different aspects to do with safe driving, and very much relates to roundabouts too.  If you approach a roundabout at too high a speed that means you would not be able to physically stop in time should a vehicle come across you on the roundabout, you are NOT applying that rule, and the consequences could be serious.  It is a little bit like driving round with the "blinkers" on, completely unaware of what MIGHT be developing up ahead.  In Part 2, I will give some advice on the next phase of deciding if you can safely go on the roundabout and how you negotiate your way round effectively.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you have any questions at all, feel free to email me on info@BIGTOM.org.uk or comment down below!   Thank you.</span><br /><br />5 day<a href="http://www.bigtom.org.uk/home/" target="_blank"> Intensive Driving Courses</a> in Peterborough, Grantham, Stamford, Bourne, Spalding, Sleaford.<br />   </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><ol></ol></div>

Struggling with roundabouts Part 1

Tom from BIG TOM Driving School in Bourne (01778 309 773) offers the following advice to anyone find roundabouts difficult. If you are strug...

Zebra Crossings in Bourne from BIG TOM Driving School in Bourne

<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Drivers do not give way to pedestrians on zebra crossings in Bourne.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There we go.... I've said it.  And all the evidence suggests that I am far from alone in saying it too!  BIG TOM Driving School give driving lessons in Bourne, Peterborough, Grantham, Deeping, Stamford, Spalding and Sleaford and no-where else compares to Bourne for regularly seeing drivers not giving way to pedestrians on zebra crossings.  I work often 7 days a week on our roads, clocking up at least double the mileage of the average driver, and this particular issue is very much specific to Bourne, and very likely due to it being directly on the A15 north/south route.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My nearest zebra crossing is on the A15 near to the junction with Beaufort Drive in Bourne, just <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/mBLMz" target="_blank">here</a>  It is literally between the junctions of Beaufort Drive and Mill Drove.  Bourne has over 3000 pupils going to it's schools and this crossing is widely used by pupils attending the nearby Bourne Academy.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When this first came to my attention, I was under the impression that drivers not giving way to pedestrians on zebra crossings ("Failing to accord precedence" is the legal phrase for it) may be in some way related to an excessive speed where the driver literally doesn't spot the pedestrian(s).  But I'm afraid it does not appear to be that simple.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This morning, when walking my dog, we approached the crossing, and a car from my right (heading NORTH out of Bourne) stopped to give way to me (despite my feet not being actually ON the black and white bit of the crossing).  But my experience of this crossing has taught me to take care.  As I looked to my left a white hatchback and black mini sailed straight through the crossing.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I suspect it highly unlikely that those 2 drivers failed to spot me, my dog, the zebra crossing, AND the paused vehicle already at the crossing.  So what is going on?  I think the answer may have less to do with street "furniture", the law, or even speeding.  Let me explain further.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I contacted Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership last year and conscious of the nearby "national" speed limit signs, was wondering if the answer may be to raise drivers' awareness of their speed on the approach to the pedestrian crossing.  Remember that for cars, the round white sign with black diagonal across it means a maximum speed of 60mph (although good advice is to drive to driving conditions rather than maximum speed limits).  My concern was that vehicles are either still in the process of decelerating from 60mph as they approach the crossing, or alternatively, from the other direction, beginning to accelerate before the crossing in knowledge that the national speed signs are nearby.  Either way, drivers minds are less in the mode of pedestrians crossing than they could otherwise be.  Gary Chance from Lincolnshire Police Community Speed Watch (01522 805822) was extremely helpful when I contacted him in explaining that 69 parishes across Lincolnshire had signed up to the Community Speed Watch scheme, and 41 of them had committed to purchasing "reactive speed signs".  Those are the signs that are quite common these days, and display your speed on the approach to a change of speed restriction.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I relayed this information to Bourne Town Council the response I received was that not only are they not convinced that the reactive speed signs are in any way effective at reducing speed, but more than that, they were not even convinced that drivers in Bourne were speeding.  This is contrary to data from Bourne Neighbourhood Policing Team who state that the last speed survey conducted in Bourne indicated an average speed of 36mph in a 30mph.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My response to Bourne Town Council was to suggest that they put the feelers out with the community for which they serve, and ask local residents, School Patrol Officers etc what their opinion was on the subject.  In the absence of them taking that suggestion up, I then took advantage of my "Motoring" section in our local magazine <a href="http://www.discoveringmagazines.co.uk/" target="_blank">"Discovering Bourne"</a> and appealed to the locals to tell me their opinions and experiences.  I was inundated with responses.  Some spoke of speeding in other parts of Bourne, others spoke of drivers failing to give way to pedestrians on other zebra crossings in Bourne, and others mentioned the issue of "tailgating" from vehicles behind when they comply with the law, and drive at 30 in a 30.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But what I believe to be at the heart of this issue was demonstrated by the response of one very honest resident from the nearby village of Morton who will remain nameless but offered this opinion to me:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"..... I have to confess to being guilty of<u><b> NOT </b></u>giving way to a pedestrian occasionally.  Why? ..... because if I am approaching a crossing, with<b><u> NOTHING</u></b> behind me and <b><u>NOTHING</u></b> approaching me, surely the pedestrian should be capable of appreciating this and hold back to give the ONE car priority over them........ I hope that when you walk your dog and find yourself in that situation you are courteous enough to "give way". " </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whatever your opinion of this remark is, the point that I would stress is that it is an honestly held belief and goes a long way to demonstrate how drivers attitudes differ with regards to complying with the law.  Perhaps more importantly, from a road safety point of view, what this also demonstrates is the necessity for the Police to enforce the law, as clearly when they do not, people begin to come to their own conclusions about how important compliance is.  </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many moons ago I did offer to my Learners my own opinion of how I would like to see them approaching zebra crossings on this <a href="http://youtu.be/4hewRCcIq2o" target="_blank">video</a> but I have requested Bourne Neighbourhood Policing Team to give us their definitive guide to the law on this matter. They have kindly agreed to in "Discovering Bourne". One of the key elements of this is whether a driver has the mindset of giving way when the pedestrian(s) APPROACH the zebra crossing, or only when their feet are physically ON the black/white of the crossing.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Time will tell.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you have an opinion on zebra crossings in Bourne, please share your view.   </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*UPDATE* 23/1/15  </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bourne Neighbourhood Policing Team have now confirmed that they will be increasing Police presence on this particular Zebra Crossing with use of a temporary reactive speed sign, speed gun and uniform presence.  I am sure I speak for many concerned Bourne residents when I say we very much look forward to seeing them.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*UPDATE* 1/7/15 </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No Police presence of any kind seen in previous 6 months</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*UPDATE*  30/9/15</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4 sets of skid marks seen on the approach to the above zebra crossing.  One of which is 14 metres long from a tractor towing a trailer, doing emergency stop after parent and child were on zebra crossing.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">BIG TOM Driving School in Bourne  Bookings: 01778 309 773</span><br /><br />

Zebra Crossings in Bourne from BIG TOM Driving School in Bourne

Drivers do not give way to pedestrians on zebra crossings in Bourne. There we go.... I've said it. And all the evidence suggests that I...

Will Cheap Driving Lessons Be Worse Than the Expensive Ones?

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Will Cheap Driving Lessons Be Worse Than the Expensive Ones?

You actually don't know, all you could do is browse the college before you decide to believe in them together with your kid. You will li...