Why Do I Have To Drive Like That?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLrwRY3qGrhgc6s-5JOujCJD4cQ0Jope7cLGrHJ_n0EFV87rWHx65QiW0al-ZIXWujpfaDc2JovjMy2n7Wffh5UacSUz7zoLpsfP6d6O8te-7hGCDty9G4s6i67E_G8MkceFQWiRbSELU/s1600/choice-1799749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLrwRY3qGrhgc6s-5JOujCJD4cQ0Jope7cLGrHJ_n0EFV87rWHx65QiW0al-ZIXWujpfaDc2JovjMy2n7Wffh5UacSUz7zoLpsfP6d6O8te-7hGCDty9G4s6i67E_G8MkceFQWiRbSELU/s320/choice-1799749.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When customers come to train with BIG TOM Driving School they come with differing attitudes to learning.  This isn't intended to come across as a judgemental statement, but rather a statement of fact.  It is one of the factors that makes everyone's learning experience unique.  How much weight a pupil places on the advice of a Driving Instructor is dependant on many factors including the trust, understanding and effective communications between them, as well as the previous experiences the pupil has had in learning, and any opinions from others that the pupil will be influenced by.   </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) produce a "standard" by which the public are to drive to, the one for cars and light vans is <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-standard-for-driving-cars-and-light-vans" target="_blank">here</a> .  The purpose of this standard is:</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 19px;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The standard is for car and light van drivers and tells you what you must be able to do to be a safe and responsible driver.</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b0c0c; font-size: 19px;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It is some document, as it encompasses a wide scope of content detailing the expectations required of a driver taking into account differing vehicles, roads, driving conditions, whether passengers are present in the vehicle, preparing for journeys, maintenance checks, managing risk, legal requirements of drivers, planning journeys, how to drive, how to engage with other road users, and even how to continue learning from experience.  It even includes a section that is dedicated to the process of learning to drive.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The reason why this standard exists is to take into account that Learners in the UK can learn to drive with or without the assistance of a professional, DVSA registered Driving Instructor.  As such, the public are able to refer to the standard and understand what is expected of people learning to drive that goes beyond solely looking at the driving test standard, but takes into account many more factors for the benefit of life-long learning.  (If you were interested in the standard required for the driving test incidentally, then this <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/guidance-for-driving-examiners-carrying-out-driving-tests-dt1" target="_blank">guidance document for Driving Examiners</a> may be of assistance).</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One of the benefits for providing a standard is that provides an opportunity to achieve some consistency in the methodology that Learners adopt in learning to drive.  The DVSA periodically monitor the quality of Driving Instructors against this same standard so there is a complete loop between the professional driving instruction that a pupil receives and the expectations of the DVSA.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">How does all this information help you?  Well, if you find yourself wondering what on earth a Driving Instructor is attempting to "teach" you when taking driving lessons, you could quite simply and very legitimately ask the question "Could you tell me where that advice you are giving me fits within the DVSA Driving Standard?"  </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ultimately, the standard creates a consistent approach to driving training, it provides a set scope and depth to the training, and it details guidance on a learning experience that is effective.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The author, Tom Ingram is the owner of BIG TOM Driving School and can be <a href="http://www.bigtom.org.uk/contact/" target="_blank">contacted here</a>.  0775 607 1464</span></div>

Why Do I Have To Drive Like That?

When customers come to train with BIG TOM Driving School they come with differing attitudes to learning.  This isn't intended to come ac...

Read more »

Do We Learn to Perceive Danger?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1cZyD5ziAN_r4Vc3QEglojt6GtNq8FdHnpXyUK7IHwhXed5YO5gopz1dGyywWt_tYwos9GKaoBTR39nRaIlV4Eb18VA33ma_98dnEv2-O8P3bz_3BwaYCkyxPuAfX2vaHi9ldhtsVUA/s1600/rain-455124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1cZyD5ziAN_r4Vc3QEglojt6GtNq8FdHnpXyUK7IHwhXed5YO5gopz1dGyywWt_tYwos9GKaoBTR39nRaIlV4Eb18VA33ma_98dnEv2-O8P3bz_3BwaYCkyxPuAfX2vaHi9ldhtsVUA/s320/rain-455124.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The simple answer to that question is yes.  From the time we are a baby, and our motor skills begin to develop so does our perception of danger.  When my niece visited just a few days ago with her "just walking" toddler, there was an instant perception of danger of the open fire in the lounge.  There were no words needed from Mum, this was ingrained and perfectly natural.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So it begs the question why a 17 year old cannot perceive danger when driving a car.  </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This morning, on an intensive driving course in Bourne, my pupil wanted to drive out to Stamford using a rural road rather than one of the arguably easier, more forgiving A roads that he could have chosen.  He actually deliberately chose this route as he wanted to experience driving on a rural road in pouring rain.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So, after raising the question to him of any potential hazards that may be coming our way, his response was in the negative.  In my mind I am thinking of increased seperation gaps between our vehicle and others; reduced vision out of the windscreens and side mirrors due to the rainfall; the increased mental fatigue due to the effort required driving in rain; the potential of aquaplaning and the prospect of having large pools of water on the road surface; the importance of tread depth on tyres and correct tyre pressures for traction; the prospect of spray suddenly hitting the front windscreen from a passing vehicle that temporarily reduces vision; the possibility of sliding on a country road bend due to the wet and how it would be sensible to adjust speed and gears on the approach so that there is no braking or gas on the bend for maximum stability.  But despite the fact that this pupil had just passed his theory test 4 days earlier, none of these potential hazards came from him, in fact nothing at all came from him regarding how this journey was going to go.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Unsurprisingly, straight away I could sense that he was not adjusting his speed at all to adapt to the driving conditions, so in the interests of safety, I instantly intervened and raised his awareness of the potential hazards associated with the speed he was travelling in the rainy weather.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">  </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Any change?</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Marginal.  </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He kept on driving through the large puddles on the left near the verge.  So I intervened and raised his awareness of what he was feeling in his hands through the wheels and steering wheel as he drove through the puddles; the potential for loss of traction, driving off the road, the possibility of driving through large potholes that the puddles could conceal.  We discussed coping mechanisms, he spoke of reduced speed, I spoke of changes in position to avoid the puddles.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">  </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Any change?</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">None.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We pull over.  We talk about the perceived danger here, and there was no perceived danger.  We talked about the "thrill" of driving through these large puddles at speed, and how a vehicle can lose traction in a second at these faster speeds and be off the road.  I ask him how he thinks I feel at this moment.... "I don't know, could you tell me?".  I most certainly could, "I am shitting myself here".</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">From the age of a baby, through pre-school years, into primary school years, yet further into secondary school - all these years this pupil of mine would have come across danger.  Danger to himself, or his family or friends.  He will have experience of perceived danger relating to amusement parks, Call of Duty video games, riding a bike on a road, playing a prank on a friend, riding a 2 wheel scooter, walking alone in the dark, learning how to swim, crossing a busy road.  There will have been dozens and dozens of instances where he was either aware of the impending danger and managed the situation, was unaware of the impending danger and suddenly made aware of the near miss or unaware of the impending danger and learnt the hard way.  But, one thing is for sure, he has not spent the first 17 years of his life wrapped up in cotton wool, living a "risk-free" existence.  As such, why on earth when I raise his awareness of the impending danger of driving as he is in the heavy rain, is he not adapting his behaviour?</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We get back home.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">  </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Me  "How did that go?"</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Him "Ok"</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Me "Talk me through how you felt when you drove on that road in that pouring rain"</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Him "Yea ok.  It is harder driving in the rain"</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Me "It is?  How?"</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Him "Well I could just feel it sometimes as I drove through a puddle, even in the villages, in the 30's I felt it on my hands, through the steering wheel"</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Me  "How did it make you feel?"</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Him  "Ok"</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Me  "Did you perceive danger?"</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Him "No"</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I then spoke to him about the perception of danger.  I in effect, steered his brain into the thought of what danger means to each of us, and how some people can perceive danger more than others.  He immediately took a defensive response with, "Oh you mean I should slow down a bit more, and steer away from the puddles?".  Well..... is that what I mean?</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">No, that is not what I mean.  </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That would be a coping mechanism for dealing with the dangerous situation that he had just been in, but what I am referring to is his ability to even KNOW that he is in a dangerous situation.  I made the point that today, I was present with him in the car, overseeing to make sure we did not crash, that both of us lived to have the discussion that we were.  But crucially what I was raising was the fact that he himself had not imagined these dangerous hazards when he chose the route he did, and more than that, even when I raised his awareness of the dangerous hazards, he did not heed my warning and adapt his behaviour despite my giving him the guidance of how to adapt.  All of us behave in a manner that reflects how we think and feel.  </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">  </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://youtu.be/XQv4Jl9Mf_A" target="_blank">Unconsciously incompetent</a>.  </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What I am keen to develop in this young man is his ability to start identifying risk, assessing it, making appropriate decisions based on that assessment and reflecting on the outcomes so as to refine this skill-set.  </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So no, the skill being developed here is one of self-awareness, not one of regurgitating a sentence about slower speeds in the rain - regurgitating answers in this manner is best left to school exams or dare I say, theory tests; what I am wanting to hear and see is a bit of deep meaningful reflection that will hold this chap in good stead when I am long gone out of his life.  How will he respond when he first drives in mist or fog for the first time, or plans to drive with 3 mates to a party, or buys his first powerful car?</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I can't MAKE my pupils wear seat belts after they pass the driving test, I can't force them to drive to conditions rather than maximum speed limits, the influence I have on them is tiny compared to the influences of others in their inner circle.  What I can attempt to do however, is raise his awareness to realise that it will be him and him alone who makes the choices of how he drives a motor vehicle - now that is some responsibility.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">The Chief Examiner of the DVSA recently made mention of this subject in a driving instructor conference explaining about the frontal lobe development in the brain of 17-25 year old (particularly males) with the consequent affect of limiting "anticipated regret" (not considering consequences of actions)</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tom Ingram is the Owner of BIG TOM Driving School</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> PAYG trainee driving instructor training Bookings: 0775 607 1464</span>

Do We Learn to Perceive Danger?

The simple answer to that question is yes.  From the time we are a baby, and our motor skills begin to develop so does our perception of dan...

Read more »

CANCELLATION FEES by the Car service Transportation E-Hail Apps are nothing but a SCAM!

<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Scrutinizing the E-Hailing Transportation Apps UNEARNED revenue from the questionable and unethical cancellation fees.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Has anyone scrutinized the unearned revenue - known as CANCELLATION FEE? Uber and similiar E- hailing Transportation apps have been charging riders cancellation fees even when they are clearly in the wrong lane. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> These unregulated E-hail Transportation apps claims to be revolutionizing the taxi industry but yet cannot answer their unfair method of charging riders cancellation fees- even when their drivers fail to respond to a ride request. Customer requests for a car- the closest car and driver is paired up with rider. Unfortunately, the riders are forced to cancel the ride request after waiting, waiting and waiting realizing that the driver is not moving toward our direction. In some cases the car driver begin to   move away opposite of our direction. Like most frustrated people, we CANCEL the ride request.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">BANG- the rider is penalized $10.00 cancelation fee.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Why shall a rider be penalized a cancellation fee, when the driver is not responding to riders request, which is to start heading to the ride request? Ethical <a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/" target="_blank">car services, limousine</a>, taxi companies do not penalize their customers when they cannot assist rider.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">When these E-hailing transportation app drivers CANCEL on the rider, why are the riders not being credited $10.00 fee towards their next ride? Can anyone of these tech giants answer these simple questions?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">These Transpoartion E-hail app drivers can discriminate riders by canceling the rides and nothing is offered in return to stranded riders. However, the consumer is being <u><b>screwed</b></u><i><u><b> over and </b></u></i><u><b>ripped off</b></u> with questionable cancellation fees. Consumers are forced to cancel ride due to an Uber driver not arriving on time, drivers to be traveling in opposite direction of pickup address, driver neither moving towards pickup location and failing in answering their calls, and so many other reasons. Is it right to charge consumers a cancellation fee when Uber told us driver be there in five minutes as waiting for over 20minutes? Is it fair to pay cancellation fee as Uber driver begins to idle as we continue to wait and wait? In some cases, Uber drivers reported that one way to get free money is to travel in opposite direction to pickup address, causing a panic as consumers end up canceling ride. In another case, one driver reported that he lied to consumer by telling him that he needs another 20minutes because he is stuck in traffic in an attempt to get consumer to cancel ride and be charged ten dollars. Is it fair to hold consumer liable for cancellation fees when Uber cannot fulfill the basic agreement of sending a car within a specified time? Is it fair to charge consumer cancellation fee with sketchy and shady driver tactics causing consumer to cancel?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">There are so many riders who have been wrongfully charged cancellation fees. If we calculate 1000 wrongfully cancellation fees on a daily basis, by 10 days Uber is robbing consumers $100,000 in unearned revenues. These wrongful cancellation fees require further scrutiny, and consumers need to be protected and reimbursed for such charges. Need more proof on this questionable and unearned revenue?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> We can read about these cancellation fees online as consumers post their reviews. Many have complained about being charged ten dollars wrongfully, when these E-hailing app drivers failed to show up. Just simply surveying between friends and co workers, we found many to be cheated out of monies. These ten dollars can easily accumulate to hundred thousands to millions in unearned revenue. The online reviews posted by riders about these questionable and wrongful cancellation fees speak for themselves. It is time that we shed light onto this area of unearned revenue and end loophole that is robbing consumer's monies. These E-hailing apps may claim, no cash no hassle however the truth is no cash but credit card hassle.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div>

CANCELLATION FEES by the Car service Transportation E-Hail Apps are nothing but a SCAM!

Scrutinizing the E-Hailing Transportation Apps UNEARNED revenue from the questionable and unethical cancellation fees. Has anyone scrutini...

Read more »

introducing LONG ISLAND LIMOUSINE SERVICE- affordable Luxury on Budget

Weddings can be very expensive on Long Island New York. I am pleased to announce the Long Island Limousine company which specializes in wedding transportation on all over Nassau and Suffolk County providing strech limousines on budget.<br /><br />The rates are unbeatable, and the reliability is unmatched.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFtMTZzIlNG3p1rAFQl9H0uHVOB2s6kXeim2B__VA47Tq4z6y3x9HNFUcqBSemxFUUrWJVsi8MXn5imDxzC7vhhEFkpMx-drG7r9Zc0vYuGmkPDTS0YAhYqQ4SWqTEJktw8u4tEzhEL-R/s1600/2017_escalade_limo_long_island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFtMTZzIlNG3p1rAFQl9H0uHVOB2s6kXeim2B__VA47Tq4z6y3x9HNFUcqBSemxFUUrWJVsi8MXn5imDxzC7vhhEFkpMx-drG7r9Zc0vYuGmkPDTS0YAhYqQ4SWqTEJktw8u4tEzhEL-R/s320/2017_escalade_limo_long_island.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Where can you get a limousine for 3 hours for $275.00 in this day?<br /><br />The Limousine fleet is flawless and reservation is a simple 1-2-3 process.<br /><br />Anyone needing a limousine on LonG Island for prom, weddings, night out- try<br />www.limousine-longisland.com <br />

introducing LONG ISLAND LIMOUSINE SERVICE- affordable Luxury on Budget

Weddings can be very expensive on Long Island New York. I am pleased to announce the Long Island Limousine company which specializes in wedd...

Read more »

Mobile phones & cars

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmb0yDci5AxNSVi6NjYVEnCGb_jD6jA4niFuz0mHHucJqpRhRThB0fAIAQuEonyTfsaZFVR6S0e_jK9JmOnxXOT1yML6hixltwO27D1ZrfOUwDWelJXMgLTOUkdsx_MZQGawwiL3Aenno/s1600/paris-1325512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmb0yDci5AxNSVi6NjYVEnCGb_jD6jA4niFuz0mHHucJqpRhRThB0fAIAQuEonyTfsaZFVR6S0e_jK9JmOnxXOT1yML6hixltwO27D1ZrfOUwDWelJXMgLTOUkdsx_MZQGawwiL3Aenno/s320/paris-1325512.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">�A person�s behaviour can be predicted, in large part, from knowledge of the social circumstances in which it occurs�  <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">�The Correspondence Bias� Daniel T. Gilbert & Patrick S. Malone<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In this blog, I would like to expand on the theme that is becoming increasingly common to see in the driving training industry regarding mobile phone use while driving. Rather than taking a critical, judgemental view on the drivers who regularly do this, I will attempt to put the activity into some kind of context.<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So, to start with, have you any idea how addictive technology is these days?  This seems a reasonable question to begin with given the latest statistics that are pinging around the Net.  The majority of people are increasingly relying on technology in modern day living.  �Relying� not �choosing�.  This reliance is in our work environment as well as our private lives.  Age is no boundary, from the youngest toddlers to our senior citizens, there is a place for technology in all our lives.<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;">The first time that I encountered how technology is going to start seriously affecting us in a work environment was in the late 1990�s.  When I was a Police Officer in London, one of my expected daily duties was to check a �Court Attendance Register�, where I had to sign within a thin line of dozens of entries to acknowledge notice that I was needed to give evidence in court on a certain date.  It was not fool-proof by any means, there were many reasons why that process broke down and the consequences of failing to attend when required were significant and expensive.  The method of these notifications was then modified by way of an email being sent requiring no action on my part whatsoever, the mere fact that I had opened the email was enough � woe betide me if I did not attend court AND had opened the email. This was the first time that I recognised the controlling nature of technology.<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;">I mention this example because with the passing of 20 years, the degree to which technology has progressed in controlling human behaviour has increased exponentially.  And one of the most significant developments is this sense of <b>needing it</b> to get by.  When I was a young kid we played in the school playground with a cap gun, football or a bag of marbles.  Now, smart phones are being used to �catch Pokemon�.  When I made some chocolate and marsh-mellow cookies last night with my son, as soon as he put them in the oven, he got his iPad, taped it to the back of chair, and photographed them being cooked on a time-lapse.  The idea would never even have entered my mind�. but it was such the norm for him, he did not even mention a word of what he was doing � it was as if it was as much the ritual as was the washing of the dishes afterwards.<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;">Technology is monitoring and controlling our behaviour all the time.  Cars have their own WIFI nowadays, the on-board information is updating automatically in real time.  The complexity of the interaction between smart phone and vehicle is quite incredible.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">  <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are apps to entertain, educate, inform, motivate and pacify you � the apps can monitor your behaviour to raise your awareness, they can analyse data to offer instant and personalised feedback and they undoubtedly can control you whether you actually desire it or not.  This is where the �sting in the tail� is regarding technology.  Such is our need to receive the latest financial data, breaking news, status update, reward notification, important email or send the latest selfie, play the next game level, publish the run we just did, photograph the next meal we will eat; no longer is our inter-connectedness desirable, it has become an absolute necessity.  We feel a need to thrust upon others our children�s achievements, we must see the latest batch of selected match-maker date prospects INSTANTLY, the text to the boss or customer must be responded to <u>with immediate effect</u>.  Our technological engagement levels within �work, rest and play� are difficult to distinguish between; it is impossible to ascertain if a person is working on the smartphone or playing, but on the phone, most people are, most of the time.  Marbles?  When did you last see a couple of kids playing marbles together?<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;">These days, we will use our mobiles absolutely everywhere.  We don�t care if we are dining out, attending a sporting event, driving, sleeping, working � it really matters not, the device is always primed ready to interrupt us with the latest, must see <i>instantly</i> data.  People can be on holiday and absolutely must stay connected, they can be in the most intimate of situations with their loved ones and STILL must stay connected.  It appears that there is no �OFF� switch to technology.<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;">And it is on THIS basis that my peers in the professional world of driving training, really do have to stop wondering why they are seeing so many drivers on mobile phones.  Attempting to �educate� a 17 year old about how they should not use their mobile while driving is a completely alien concept to them � the awareness levels can undoubtedly be raised, but does it change behaviour, will it affect attitudes and beliefs?   In issue 8 of �Driving Instructor�, Chief Constable Suzette Davenport of the National Police Chiefs� Council says regarding drivers using mobile phones:<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;"><b>�We will continue to stress the dangerous consequences, and arrest offenders but we also need people to take responsibility for their behaviour behind the wheel and exert some social pressure on family and friends who take this risk�.</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">  <o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As any secondary school teacher will confirm, effective education of young adults absolutely does rely on the support and assistance of family and friends.  Raising awareness and enforcement as important as they are, really pale into insignificance compared to the overwhelming social conditioning influence of engaging on one�s mobile phone � a fact that Suzette Davenport knows only too well.</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Tom Ingram is the Owner of BIG TOM Driving School - offering PAYG and Intensive Driving Courses in Peterborough, Bourne, Grantham, Sleaford, Boston, Lincoln, Stamford and Spalding.  Bookings: 0800 689 4174</span></div>

Mobile phones & cars

�A person�s behaviour can be predicted, in large part, from knowledge of the social circumstances in which it occurs�  �The Correspondence B...

Read more »

Top 5 most dangerous aspects of fall driving

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , serif;">Fall is a beautiful season with colorful leaves falling from trees and the noticeable change in the air. For me it's the smell of hot apple cider and the distant sound of Friday night football games that bring back so many memories. To keep everyone safe out there, here are some helpful tips on how to navigate the changing weather and to be safe on the road.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />#1 School - As kids go back to school, there is more traffic on the roads early in the morning and mid-afternoon. Many kids wait for the bus in the dark, so be sure to slow down in residential neighborhoods. Here are the rules for school buses flashing their red lights (from the WA State driver's guide page 3-23):<br /><br />"You must stop for a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing whether it is on your side of the road, the opposite side of the road or at an intersection you are approaching. You are not required to stop for a school bus with red lights flashing when the stopped school bus is traveling in the opposite direction and the roadway: � has three or more marked traffic lanes, � is separated by a median, or � is separated by a physical barrier."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUb964iWxe7cT_8y2FwYXhoTDXjlp4R560vKSK-3Qe2JXehjYACf5TKTqcTccRzHzAKtoZrNu4qJzP8Insatb402K0A2StrK9iSPRQWuXJ1pq4z25_JVIMCvg6o8LA1sLXsVcx5KFrXIE/s1600/school+bus+foggy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUb964iWxe7cT_8y2FwYXhoTDXjlp4R560vKSK-3Qe2JXehjYACf5TKTqcTccRzHzAKtoZrNu4qJzP8Insatb402K0A2StrK9iSPRQWuXJ1pq4z25_JVIMCvg6o8LA1sLXsVcx5KFrXIE/s320/school+bus+foggy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><br />#2 Tire Pressure - When temperatures drop so does your tire pressure. An under-inflated tire can be dangerous because more of your tread is touching the ground and that causes more friction. This will wear out your tires faster and can cause the tread to separate and increases the chance of a blowout. Be sure to keep your tires filled to the manufacturer�s recommendation, and if you're unsure most tire shops will check and fill them for free. (Just don't drink their coffee and eat all their popcorn, too, you cheapskate!)<br /><br /># 3 Fog - It's surprising how you'll be enjoying a pleasant sunny September one day and then the fog will be there the next morning, seemingly out of nowhere. When navigating the fog, slow down. Studies have shown the human brain overcompensates for the lack of visibility and drivers actually drive faster in the fog, weird I know. For headlights, use low beams and/or fog lights. High beams reflect back and actually decrease your visibility in most cases. If you need to use a guide, follow the white lines on the right side on the road. Using the center line as your guide will cause you to move closer to the middle and oncoming vehicles. And finally, maintain plenty of following distant. You don't ever want to be involved in the middle of multi-car pileup (caused by fog and stupid drivers).<br /><br /># 4 Rain - Yes, Washington drivers know this one all too well. That first big rain of the year can be almost as dangerous as ice. The oils that have been burnt onto the road during the summer heat, are now bubbling up and causing slippery havoc. After that first big rain, a lot of it washes away. However, slow down around those corners, which is precisely where many new drivers get into their first crash.<br /><br />#5 Frost - As we approach the winter, there will be mornings when temperatures drop to freezing levels and create dangerous conditions. Again, careful on the corners, as this is where many people lose traction. There was a time during college when I was driving on I-5 and I started to fish-tail. Luckily, it was a straight stretch of road and by letting off the gas, and steering in the direction I wanted to go, I was able to regain control. It seemingly came out of nowhere, however it was over a bridge so I shouldn't have been surprised. Unlike regular roads, bridges have cold air flowing underneath increasing the likelihood of freezing.</span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you haven�t ever experienced a skid and don't know how to control one, <a href="https://www.driving-school.com/skid-monster-collision-avoidance/">skid training</a> is a great tool. Otherwise go to a big empty frozen parking lot and experience it first-hand (just don't let your school principal or church pastor catch you, they might make you power wash off the skid marks).  <o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>

Top 5 most dangerous aspects of fall driving

Fall is a beautiful season with colorful leaves falling from trees and the noticeable change in the air. For me it's the smell of hot ap...

Read more »

We are OBSESSED with assessment

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsXt6Om8TjAUbG_6WkbzxAaux8I3PueVZix8LXarRkOKyTy9xEEuM5MoQ1LroG0SzAUytId6S_YRTWwyPiEQRq4MfuA6zxmUFxyl4EbgK-NVKPDaKKw8de8nkOw5HTG4raSsPXC1I0l4/s1600/hands-699486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsXt6Om8TjAUbG_6WkbzxAaux8I3PueVZix8LXarRkOKyTy9xEEuM5MoQ1LroG0SzAUytId6S_YRTWwyPiEQRq4MfuA6zxmUFxyl4EbgK-NVKPDaKKw8de8nkOw5HTG4raSsPXC1I0l4/s320/hands-699486.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></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;">I am sure in many years to come, this period of time that we are in will become known as the �pigeon-hole� era.  It is ingrained into every aspect of our society.</span>  <span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">Tom Ingram (Owner of BIG TOM Driving School) writes��</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Employment, education, welfare and benefits, health � we can barely get through a day without being assessed in some manner.  New and existing employers are assessing our suitability for new careers or promotion.  There is hardly a job that can be thought of where a continual assessment is not being conducted on the �effectiveness� of a person doing their job.  Motivation, passion, job satisfaction, pride, inner belief, forget them all, they are not enough in this world we live in; no matter how intensely you personally feel these values as you do your job, you clearly cannot be trusted.  It does not discriminate on income, no matter what your personal income is, you are not to be left alone, you must be put into a pigeon-hole�� it just MUST be done.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In fact, so extreme is this situation that we find ourselves, that the weight of the assessment itself, is actually becoming the motivator�. the reward.  It seems the more passionate you feel about assessment, the more you are ideally suited for upward progression.  Leaders in organisations tend to be fixated with assessment criteria, assessment grading, assessment of assessors etc.<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;">Does this matter?<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;">It most certainly does.  Whilst the motivation levels of individuals will vary, what is now happening is that everyone, regardless of their �effectiveness� if left to fend for themselves, is being instructed to conform to what is being expected.  There are negative consequences to this approach.  By no means all, but many people, will naturally aspire to improve.  They wont just want <u>to be seen </u>to be developing, they will actually be internally driven to improve � it requires no intervention or external motivation, there will simply be an inner desire to do what they do to the best of their ability, and always willing to be self-aware of where their ability is, and how they would like to improve.  You don�t find many employees turning down training opportunities from the employer do you?  The employee may be nervous and might feel anxiety as they choose to leave their comfort zone, but they inwardly know that what is happening is a good thing, they WILL benefit from learning new things.<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;">However, due to the fact that not everyone feels this way � some people for quite specific reasons, do not have this inner drive.  As such, stand clear, make way please for the �system of assessment�.  </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>This magical tool brought down to us from our great leaders in society, this one size fits all method of improving efficiency.  Let�s continually assess our school children throughout their school years, let�s make sure that we repeatedly assess each and every single member of staff in our organisation, let�s group society into categories, so that we can clearly and unequivocally project on to every single person our understanding that we �see� them, and that we want to see more �out� of them.  It matters not where they are on the spectrum of self-improvement because quite frankly, wherever any one is at, we want to see more out of them in any case.</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>  <o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The consequence of this approach?<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;">We have thousands upon thousands, in fact millions of highly paid individuals who no longer live and breathe this passion that they had, no, what they now spend an inordinate amount of their working day doing, is behaving in a manner which ticks assessment boxes.  They are finding themselves involved in activity such as filling out forms either hand written or on computers, asking questions of people, making statements, meeting other individuals in the knowledge that this activity has absolutely nothing to do with the passion for which they have.  Smart, wise, effective professionals are leaving their specialism in droves due to this obsession with assessment.</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;">By nature, most people want to feel of worth, they want to feel responsible for �adding value� in their working life.  It is what makes us tick.  It brings meaning to our lives.  But this fixation with assessment, and how it impacts the working day, means that a great many people are finding that they are doing �work� which is quite illogical, adds no value, and certainly is not effective in any way.  And it saddens me to say, that a great many people are able to see that these activities are actually damaging for the outcomes that they like to see � so in effect, this is depriving them of the very values that they hold dear to their heart.  For careers that involve other humans, where these activities are affecting the outcomes for other humans, this will intensely hurt some people as it robs them of the very thing that they actually do care about, namely their effect on other humans.  We don�t naturally like to harm or impact negatively on any other human being, it is not in our instinct to wish to deliberately affect others in this way.  As a society, we do care for the health of our elderly and young, we do desire to give our young adults the best start in life, we do want to see our colleagues develop, progress and achieve.  Anything and everything that we do in our working life which adds no value, no matter how small amount of time it takes to complete, erodes our sense of purpose, it betrays the inner feeling of worth that we like to feel, we NEED to feel.  If enough of that happens, we will quite instinctively remove ourselves from that situation.  This is happening in many industries across the UK, including my own of driving training.  This conditioning of continued assessment is being systematically in-bred into our youngsters, so when they come out of the educational system, they will not even recognise how much they have been dehumanised.  Monty Neill, Executive Director of FairTest writes in the book "Creative Schools" by Ken Robinson: "Tests don't measure very much of what's important and they measure in a very narrow way.  How the subject is tested becomes a model for how to teach the subject".  And this is what has been happening for years in the driving training world; customers have become conditioned to this way of thinking about tests being the ultimate goal, and driving instructors are busying themselves servicing the desires of their customers.  It is severely limiting the scope of the learning.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is a problem of lazy leadership.  Rather than being selective as to where to concentrate efforts, this broad-brush approach adversely affects good people.  It may be effective in demonstrating non-discrimination, but the effect of demotivating all at the expense of identifying who to motivate is very harmful, and just not smart.  Depriving individuals of their passion in life and enforcing a policy of standardized conformity will only attract �average� performance.  This is a systematic method of discouraging the very thing that makes all of us individuals where the potential for greatness exists; in its place are outcomes that deprive us of human virtues such as compassion, forgiveness, aspiration, self-belief, belonging and satisfaction. </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>BIG TOM Driving School  Driving Training in Peterborough, Spalding, Stamford, Grantham, Lincoln, Boston and Sleaford Telephone: 0800 689 4174</b></span></div>

We are OBSESSED with assessment

I am sure in many years to come, this period of time that we are in will become known as the �pigeon-hole� era.  It is ingrained into every ...

Read more »

New career as a Driving Instructor

<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">BIG TOM Driving School is looking for people who are considering a new career as a driving instructor.  As with any consideration of this magnitude, fear of the unknown is a very natural obstacle that prevents people from fulfilling their dreams.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The school is offering the opportunity to meet up and discuss this exciting career over a coffee with no strings attached, completely without obligation.  Typically, these discussions cover subjects like pay, training, tests, skills, available time, hours worked and financial outlay.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Be brave, come and speak to Tom who is the owner of the driving school and properly explore the options that are available.  Get in touch NOW!  Telephone - 0775 607 1464</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">* Peterborough  *  Grantham  *  Spalding  *  Stamford  *  Lincoln  *  Boston  *  Bourne  *</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1VQ4kGXvW4PyrDzhTKVfjjYKwzkMYGJa7L19Noswd8Mxt8mC8DNwAIxMoXhZSsxxU0xY1DMROhyphenhyphener_kpAWFy_usMkOIIaeQLnpA4VLeWNJO35-snJAmisuBSiqwhz7nV6m8FD-qaYEY/s1600/IMG_0125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1VQ4kGXvW4PyrDzhTKVfjjYKwzkMYGJa7L19Noswd8Mxt8mC8DNwAIxMoXhZSsxxU0xY1DMROhyphenhyphener_kpAWFy_usMkOIIaeQLnpA4VLeWNJO35-snJAmisuBSiqwhz7nV6m8FD-qaYEY/s320/IMG_0125.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Contact: <a href="http://www.bigtom.org.uk/contact/" target="_blank">Click here</a> or email - info@BIGTOM.org.uk  </div>

New career as a Driving Instructor

BIG TOM Driving School is looking for people who are considering a new career as a driving instructor.  As with any consideration of this ma...

Read more »

Make Me Feel Safe and Confident

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfmj1Q2_UMRKoi_G4thKvJwnLnHMg-4O4PC5BUhCPlDZLhcvb5JLyak1k-CP2jAYoZqcJzHU58OP9-Ptzd-2lsl6XB-T-na2W3Q6RouJ7W3Ns8bvIlP0RxXGQk7ztEiaN_uQ7MVXTa5c/s1600/approved-29149.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfmj1Q2_UMRKoi_G4thKvJwnLnHMg-4O4PC5BUhCPlDZLhcvb5JLyak1k-CP2jAYoZqcJzHU58OP9-Ptzd-2lsl6XB-T-na2W3Q6RouJ7W3Ns8bvIlP0RxXGQk7ztEiaN_uQ7MVXTa5c/s320/approved-29149.png" width="320" /></a></div><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;">A recent BIG TOM Customer Satisfaction Survey had some striking feedback which goes a long way to understanding why the BIG TOM 5 Day Intensive Driving Course is so popular.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The sender of the survey declined to provide their identity which is an option that our customers have every right to exercise, but nevertheless, part of the feedback is worthy of note.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When asked the question, "If there was one comment that you would make about your experience of learning to drive with BIG TOM Driving School, what would it be?", the reply was:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Had a fantastic ability to make me feel safe and confident while driving.  This was the first time I have really felt comfortable behind the wheel"</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is well recorded that our customers safety is of paramount importance; it is actually the number 1 priority.  But what this customer is referring to is "a fantastic ability" to make him/her feel safe and confident.  This is one of the key factors that differentiates driving schools and driving instructors - the ability they have to instil a feeling of safety, confidence and being comfortable.  </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pupils would rightly place these feelings pretty high on a list of important factors.  Have you tried googling around driving schools and seeing how many of their customers make mention of these points?  The authors of many websites will make mention of words like nerves, patience, professional, quality, and quite typical these days will be a reference to how good the driving instructor is.  But how many have got the words of previous customers that describe how they were made to feel safe, comfortable and confident?  </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although this customer is anonymous, as the Owner of the driving school being described, this feedback makes me feel proud and assures me that the ultimate goal of the driving school as described in the <a href="http://www.bigtom.org.uk/big-tom-driving-school-customer-charter/" target="_blank">BIG TOM Customer Charter</a> is being maintained.    </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tom Ingram is the Owner of <a href="http://www.bigtom.org.uk/contact/" target="_blank">BIG TOM Driving School</a> - 5 Day Intensive Driving Course in Spalding, Sleaford, Stamford, Peterborough, Grantham, Lincoln and Boston.   Tel: 0800 689 4174</span></div>

Make Me Feel Safe and Confident

A recent BIG TOM Customer Satisfaction Survey had some striking feedback which goes a long way to understanding why the BIG TOM 5 Day Intens...

Read more »

Star of India is VINTAGE ROLLS ROYCE returning back home to Rajkot

<strong>Maharaja Mandhatasinh Jadeja</strong> from royal family in <strong>Rajkot</strong> paid  sum of Rs 42 MILLION RUPPEES (around <strong>$705,300</strong>) to an auction house in Canada, to bring back the sold-off <strong>Vintage Rolls Royce Car</strong>, customised to order of his grandfather 76 years ago.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_May5jczWe5LNTSYBoD_dwi7A_z4Cz-vxrjyYDv8-J2kwJEkFpXr8yQzBuECXCo46wbTzYAjbYyDo4LUXkJTpedo6KkWK1dOC2Co8_cs_bQEzNbJAB1UbeXDH795gBaZcP2NOYuGsUgn/s1600/Maharaja-YS-Mandhatasinhji-of-Rajkot-poses-with-Star-of-India-Rolls-Royce-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_May5jczWe5LNTSYBoD_dwi7A_z4Cz-vxrjyYDv8-J2kwJEkFpXr8yQzBuECXCo46wbTzYAjbYyDo4LUXkJTpedo6KkWK1dOC2Co8_cs_bQEzNbJAB1UbeXDH795gBaZcP2NOYuGsUgn/s320/Maharaja-YS-Mandhatasinhji-of-Rajkot-poses-with-Star-of-India-Rolls-Royce-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> Grandson Mandhatasinh Jadeja attaches a lot of emotional value to the vintage car, which witnessed umpteen celebrations and historic moments, with Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and Queen of England also enjoying a ride on it.<em> I managed to bring back the vintage car by paying Rs 3.22 crore. The car was displayed and auctioned at the Toronto Art Gallery in Ontario�s latest exhibition. I am happy to bring back the old heritage of my grandfather Dharmendrasinhji,</em> Jadeja told reporters in Rajkot. The car which is known as the <strong>Star of India</strong> will be back to its original place, where its historically linked, he said.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKXXiMivwagtHtEdebUTZuRdXymp-CA6J3DGKshFpJbb05kmbZYgLcJewaE5Rpc5j3NfxyHTdeCFM4jB1vStTSeQ3aifmC9JPn0U7-QVph8TpFEdmay7QIGZ2U83rbwx0u8zDV3_M7SO4/s1600/Star-of-India-Rolls-Royce-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKXXiMivwagtHtEdebUTZuRdXymp-CA6J3DGKshFpJbb05kmbZYgLcJewaE5Rpc5j3NfxyHTdeCFM4jB1vStTSeQ3aifmC9JPn0U7-QVph8TpFEdmay7QIGZ2U83rbwx0u8zDV3_M7SO4/s320/Star-of-India-Rolls-Royce-12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /> <span id="more-11139"></span><br /> Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, ruler of the princely state of Rajkot had gained popularity among his people due to his developmental and pro-poor attitude. Mahatma Gandhi�s father Karamchand Gandhi was the �diwan� of Rajkot state. <em>Dharmendrasinhji had got the car custom-made from the company for his day-to-day use in 1934. The car remained with the family till 1968, following which it was sold,</em> Jadeja said.<br /><br /> The car door feature the Rajkot state monogram bearing the motto <strong>Raaje Dharmi Praja Raja</strong> (the first duty of the ruler is to serve its citizens), he said. The saffron-colour car would land here in April or May next year as the exhibition holder had urged the scion to keep the car in the exhibition till then<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnEUjfiAcCzV6kupcEu4ys3GkcNohTaHGK6hAgrU3X4B60NiJymaldqCVxCF9N25sqRB5iy2iiCO_iZ7KlIWrK_Gs4j3VD3VnEHIXKZXTkvLIvAFryE1R_b8PtZqkaHVFDru_HmuojkMD/s1600/Star-of-India-Rolls-Royce-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXnEUjfiAcCzV6kupcEu4ys3GkcNohTaHGK6hAgrU3X4B60NiJymaldqCVxCF9N25sqRB5iy2iiCO_iZ7KlIWrK_Gs4j3VD3VnEHIXKZXTkvLIvAFryE1R_b8PtZqkaHVFDru_HmuojkMD/s320/Star-of-India-Rolls-Royce-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>

Star of India is VINTAGE ROLLS ROYCE returning back home to Rajkot

Maharaja Mandhatasinh Jadeja from royal family in Rajkot paid  sum of Rs 42 MILLION RUPPEES (around $705,300 ) to an auction house in Cana...

Read more »

Why Business Travel and Corporate Travel Succeed with Advanced Reservations despite On Demand Car Apps

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiF-5ZEmHRYBaIJ400AKne9w9jdB6sk_zuq1B-1LtLdLsGXEUjwYSXG9Ys3o2t-p87NM9UusXqqH91UTvjiM7i9X3CyZdPFgX-_Y73pRUoYwNGi9sjnqZCcwUxSPq9gIKCrlQqY791dEAG/s1600/travel+clipart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiF-5ZEmHRYBaIJ400AKne9w9jdB6sk_zuq1B-1LtLdLsGXEUjwYSXG9Ys3o2t-p87NM9UusXqqH91UTvjiM7i9X3CyZdPFgX-_Y73pRUoYwNGi9sjnqZCcwUxSPq9gIKCrlQqY791dEAG/s320/travel+clipart.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">First lets examine what is a reservation. Reservation is placing something on hold for future use. Restaurants, airlines, book stores, theatres, car services and many industries offer their customers the ability to reserve product and service in order to ensure delivery at given time. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Business travelers have to conduct business related matters, which can be between airport to hotel and or even meetings. Successful business travelers always have managed their time effectively, and this is why making reservations is important. In many cases, business travelers end their meeting at a given time, and need to be in a car at a given time to be heading to another meetng, airport or even home at a required given time. The required given time is basically a reservation. This is why reservations are very important for business professionals and anyone concerned with effective use of their time. Business travelers have always questioned these very popular on demand transportation apps, when they will offer the ability to reserve? The answer is never or maybe in future with greater uncertainty that the reservation system will not be sustainable.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The real reason for these on demand transportation apps not offering such feature is because the question is that can they effectively deliver and complete 75% of reservations? The loose network of driver owned vehicles work their own schedule and these company apps have no control over when and where to work or even force dispatch rides. These apps cannot dictate dispatch the daily ride schedule for each driver owned vehicle. In addition, what good is a reservation, when the time of service there isnt a car available or one nearby area? Or what about an auto dispatch system that has no control in directing nearby cars to reservationed rides? On demand dispatch is just simply connecting a nearby car with nearby driver willing to accept. These driver owned vehicle can accept, reject the ride and or even accept the ride but then cancel ride for better job opportunity. This is why the reservation platform may not work and may not guarantee the ride. However, the problem is that the rest of world still functions on reservations and appointments.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">One cannot simply show up at the airport and dictate an airline ticket at their own time schedule. Has a doctor ever said, � come by when ever you feel like?� Have you ever been at a restaurant and told that they have no seating? This is why all of us make reservations and business travelers also require the ability to make reservations with car services for future use. A business traveler departing at JFK International Airport at 5pm needs to reserve a car pickup for 2:30pm. While some on demand transportation apps may tell you that they are more reliable than other apps, but have they told you about their price gouging tactics? Yes, the popular term Dynamic Pricing or Surge Pricing is nothing more than Price Gouging. The truth is barely told, except the rider is always told that surge priving is required to get more cars on the road. The truth is this, �we had to raise prices to get the driver owned vehicle interested in picking you up on the given time�. Reservations also protect the rider in locking in the rate for service as opposed to price gouge surprise.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">For all of these and many other good reasons, business travelers should use services whch can offer reservations, have insurance coverage, drug tested and background checked screened drivers, and comply with local jurisdictions.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Rick Goondall</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">CEO </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">CSL Transportation</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></div>

Why Business Travel and Corporate Travel Succeed with Advanced Reservations despite On Demand Car Apps

First lets examine what is a reservation. Reservation is placing something on hold for future use. Restaurants, airlines, book stores, theat...

Read more »

Where Can I Take My Driving Test?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dgwIuPtcNx5PTbC7Eibhdw_AWbs0lUMxQ21R_KHTnxsE1HMcW9DenLVYisW3HyCv85WjoQCdjE2drw11JcIAGZQNS7wJJK9TujX6Ux84Eem5DrWulpHtqEAvI83zBqcV7ywmHpFzK6E/s1600/jaguar-1366978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dgwIuPtcNx5PTbC7Eibhdw_AWbs0lUMxQ21R_KHTnxsE1HMcW9DenLVYisW3HyCv85WjoQCdjE2drw11JcIAGZQNS7wJJK9TujX6Ux84Eem5DrWulpHtqEAvI83zBqcV7ywmHpFzK6E/s320/jaguar-1366978.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here at BIG TOM Driving School, we often get questions from customers relating to the driving test: how long does it take, what's the difference with the driving faults, what is the examiner like, how can I control my nerves?  Quite understandably there are many questions and anxieties expressed about the driving test.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This blog will take a look at a really important question that many a learner will ask:</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;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">                                      "Where can I take my driving test?"</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The most direct answer to this question is literally anywhere you like!  More accurately, what it comes down to is which driving test centres you have near you.  Whilst you might expect them to all be roughly the same, there are a couple of points that make them differ.  Test date availability is one aspect; they do differ in their waiting times for tests - it varies from about 4 weeks up to 12+ weeks.  Another aspect is the pass rates.  Surprising as this may sound, the pass rates associated between driving test centres does differ across the UK.  The pass rates are freely available for public viewing via www.GOV.UK </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another point to make when it comes to choosing where you intend to go to test is whether you feel strongly about knowing the area itself.  This tends to differ between pupils.  Some customers have strong desires to take their driving test in a certain location, and yet others are not so concerned.  If you think about it logically, by passing a driving test, you are in theory at least, opening up the prospect of driving anywhere in the UK, so from that point of view, where you take your driving test, should not be of major concern.  </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On the BIG TOM 5 Day Intensive Driving Course, our customers are encouraged to drive in a variety of different locations, so at to expand their experience of differing driving conditions.  Driving between county boundaries is not unusual, clocking up 70+ miles in any one driving session on the course is also quite common.  For the vast majority of people, passing a driving test, gaining their full driving licence will inevitably open the door to driving around in towns and cities that they have previously never been - so it is quite sensible to gain the experience, when learning to drive of being able to cope on journeys that you are not familiar.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The only other factor that it would be worth checking out prior to choosing where you are going to go test, is the actual location of the test centre itself.  They do differ in size, the size of the car park, and even how busy it is near the test centre.  Whilst this may not be an over-riding issue for you, it is always a good idea to check things out before hand.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If this blog has been useful to you, consider clicking through to <a href="http://www.bigtom.org.uk/intensive-driving-course-v-traditional-route/" target="_blank">this blog here</a> that talks about the difference of learning to drive on an intensive driving course versus the traditional pay as you go driving lessons.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The author, Tom Ingram is the Owner of BIG TOM Driving School that provides 5 Day Intensive Driving Courses in Peterborough, Lincoln, Stamford, Grantham, Bourne, Spalding and Boston.  Call now on 0800 689 4174 </span></div>

Where Can I Take My Driving Test?

Here at BIG TOM Driving School, we often get questions from customers relating to the driving test: how long does it take, what's the di...

Read more »

The Fisher Price 6 volt Dune Racer converted to 12 volt- race results- P...

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5Z9iDZUwFwE" width="459"></iframe>

The Fisher Price 6 volt Dune Racer converted to 12 volt- race results- P...

Read more »

Upgrading Your kids Electric Car For more Power

My older Danny's first car was the Power Wheels 6volt Dune Racer. It has been a great car, very reliable and excitement- until my younger son's birthday. My younger son Faizaan gets a new red Power Wheels Porsche 911 Gt3. The Gt3 gets attention, and being powered by a 12volt battery- the Dune Racer appeared to be losing it's attention. The 6volt Dune Racer car has been a great toy for us. It would be a shame to dispose and spending money on a new car- so I decided to upgrade it and bringing this car back on the top.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5w3WrNaXVa4CmmykLTZ2OHSNCkERiIdrUQhdcUJtb7YVlYIEONtDrzMOoCNwGUz6v1eFBp32r_OGlakGhlfkgQqXATsFTf1UnSOc2C1HIwZADKhgazVixBzWcvFzfbCbGtUo7uKhHJUJ_/s1600/IMG_2954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5w3WrNaXVa4CmmykLTZ2OHSNCkERiIdrUQhdcUJtb7YVlYIEONtDrzMOoCNwGUz6v1eFBp32r_OGlakGhlfkgQqXATsFTf1UnSOc2C1HIwZADKhgazVixBzWcvFzfbCbGtUo7uKhHJUJ_/s320/IMG_2954.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />First the rear ABS plastic tires were fitted with 12.5" bicycle rubber tires. The sides of the bicycle tires were cut and they were glued down with Gorilla Glue and stretched right over the existing ABS plastic tires. The Rubber tires help the car gain traction and avoid skidding and they treat the worn out ABS plastic tires from further wear out.<br />Then visiting Walmart the following items were purchased for power upgrade.<br /><ul><li>12 volt / 12ah sealed acid battery</li><li>Snap connects -electrical connectors</li><li>Inline Fuse holder wire</li><li>30 amp fuse</li><li>Black electrical tape</li><li>wire hanger</li></ul><br />The next step is to cut the existing 6volt battery connector off from the battery. This connector has a positive and negative wire. Connect the inline fuse holder wire to the positive side of the battery connector. Then connect the other end of the inline fuse to the positive end of the new 12volt battery, Insert a 30amp fuse in the inline fuse. Then connect the negative wire of new 12volt battery to the negative wire of the battery connector wire. Put black electrical tape over joints.<br />It is time to inset the new battery to the car- except the 12volt battery may not fit into the existing battery tray. This is where the wire hangers help. Drill two holed on back of the car, and screw in two screws. These screws will be holding the hanger in place. Run a wire hanger through any opening slots and then right above the battery and wrap around the screws (in back of car). Tighten the screws and the battery is held firm in position.<br /><br /><br />By upgrading, the Dune Racer is now traveling at about 7mph. There is no need to throw away your kids 6 volt- why not upgrade it's power?<br />For a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVJQ-xwuzcs&index=12&list=WL" target="_blank">tutorial video on</a> how to upgrade,<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVJQ-xwuzcs&index=12&list=WL" target="_blank"> refer to this video on YouTube.</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jTy701TLpWk/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jTy701TLpWk?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Upgrading Your kids Electric Car For more Power

My older Danny's first car was the Power Wheels 6volt Dune Racer. It has been a great car, very reliable and excitement- until my young...

Read more »

INDIAN WEDDING IN NEW JERSEY PARSIPPANY- BRITISH GROOM - INDIAN BRIDE

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6nubOpE3sFY" width="459"></iframe>

INDIAN WEDDING IN NEW JERSEY PARSIPPANY- BRITISH GROOM - INDIAN BRIDE

Read more »

Indian Bride, British Groom and a Vintage Birtish London Taxi Cab makes the day

Once again, CSL team were given a challenge to provide Vintage London Cab away from NYC( base  operating area).. Our clients were British who wanted to make their wedding theme culturally British blended with and an Indian style wedding.<br /><br />We prepared the Vintage London Taxi Cab in New York City, loaded the vehicle onto an Auto Transport and brought the vehicle to Parsippany New Jersey. We off loaded the vehicle and got the vehicle ready for all final preparations. This Unique London cab added a personal touch to this wedding. When is it that we see a vintage meticulously maintained British London taxi Cab in New Jersey?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUI9k7TynK1-x-OwN9jljPdFxgQoUR-nSmQ86Ru-2x-iBS6L7cY4Hd3jVE1ftA4jbZfoC_LqfKQnO-d0knGkYb0byXtTU51qq7EJdXckUf1JaX5Cr1OoAPd8Ows_oFEKO33d8b5JS32qF/s1600/DSCN1242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUI9k7TynK1-x-OwN9jljPdFxgQoUR-nSmQ86Ru-2x-iBS6L7cY4Hd3jVE1ftA4jbZfoC_LqfKQnO-d0knGkYb0byXtTU51qq7EJdXckUf1JaX5Cr1OoAPd8Ows_oFEKO33d8b5JS32qF/s320/DSCN1242.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />So the Groom happily showed up to the Indian Baraat on this classical London Cab, and the dance procession take place. We took great pride in another providing spectacular wedding limousine and transportation services<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuLiMYK_zUlGM5j9tGhtdyLZYJsBimebssQTVRBhjx9QIdpoxCaxUBZFVoS6_gcC3S7fzOtAb_3d0VDxBjOlJ6hBryGBQyg-GuZc1mUpYIfux-CiX-r2JqSNcl8bEbbIvVVcGpBYFmR19/s1600/IMG_3100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuLiMYK_zUlGM5j9tGhtdyLZYJsBimebssQTVRBhjx9QIdpoxCaxUBZFVoS6_gcC3S7fzOtAb_3d0VDxBjOlJ6hBryGBQyg-GuZc1mUpYIfux-CiX-r2JqSNcl8bEbbIvVVcGpBYFmR19/s320/IMG_3100.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> The vehicle was decorated with roses as usually done in an Indian wedding. The Grooms family is getting ready for the Baraat (slow march to Bride / temple) and dancing slowly with Groom slowly in the London cab moving with baraat.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQCy-BH-UWW6ry8zq70KSOIQcIpSb5w6tzcq2_sCZH-CnfacI9ok8R34rjnDzLcI4QKb-BE06VT7dWobUpLlNgdnlGl6X70w_JlNcA_nMb_ZBPr6rWorbDNI_hEbNbJZOhG7Q4Spfk8V5/s1600/IMG_3101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUQCy-BH-UWW6ry8zq70KSOIQcIpSb5w6tzcq2_sCZH-CnfacI9ok8R34rjnDzLcI4QKb-BE06VT7dWobUpLlNgdnlGl6X70w_JlNcA_nMb_ZBPr6rWorbDNI_hEbNbJZOhG7Q4Spfk8V5/s320/IMG_3101.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NLnKG3uWnOchkTlQ1UI125qerphJkpG8m_2tZHuay6GeES8E-Z44DTCXZslMQxyNNCKEbUSeFcKF6j-kApj6T7ctiBvSlYOu6FHvI-uBeV2iVnYiPaZ5Sc15gvpo7c1Ibxj8vXh0h8tP/s1600/IMG_3106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NLnKG3uWnOchkTlQ1UI125qerphJkpG8m_2tZHuay6GeES8E-Z44DTCXZslMQxyNNCKEbUSeFcKF6j-kApj6T7ctiBvSlYOu6FHvI-uBeV2iVnYiPaZ5Sc15gvpo7c1Ibxj8vXh0h8tP/s320/IMG_3106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzeIDQ-0utTW33AsNowyyfjGVSZ1QmV-f-WfLdDWB8ap7BM5gypRluzQ7rAulxFtufgqHXoa0JA6JhBvnLlD1XPQdDfdZNWZ-IZLQjdjPI334Tz6U7QTwe97jjK3-2vvtE5h2cCeqZLz3/s1600/IMG_3108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFzeIDQ-0utTW33AsNowyyfjGVSZ1QmV-f-WfLdDWB8ap7BM5gypRluzQ7rAulxFtufgqHXoa0JA6JhBvnLlD1XPQdDfdZNWZ-IZLQjdjPI334Tz6U7QTwe97jjK3-2vvtE5h2cCeqZLz3/s320/IMG_3108.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> CSL Transportation chauffeur moving slowly with Groom in British Vintage London cab behind the Baraat.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoql-Pnkf1wrH366VwTusVaBpXVy9sNwI7OOixGbBYSCEqGqp1ONyxRHKabVuIlAqbgtT0IXl1v5IffD3AuhyphenhypheniqWjCIyHPBS07braEQqWB9srg0byUxkZPz0Khj9pjXOUp1-RlkZVV6ZG/s1600/IMG_3122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSoql-Pnkf1wrH366VwTusVaBpXVy9sNwI7OOixGbBYSCEqGqp1ONyxRHKabVuIlAqbgtT0IXl1v5IffD3AuhyphenhypheniqWjCIyHPBS07braEQqWB9srg0byUxkZPz0Khj9pjXOUp1-RlkZVV6ZG/s320/IMG_3122.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Groom exits the vehicle, and moves along with the Baraat as dance celebrations continue.<br /><br />Vintage British London cab, classic limousine, corporate executive Limousine service, meticulous transportation wedding services, private aviation chauffeur services and fine chauffeured limousine services are all encompassed by CSL Transportation professional chauffeur services. Should you have a need? visit www.limousine-rental.net <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />

Indian Bride, British Groom and a Vintage Birtish London Taxi Cab makes the day

Once again, CSL team were given a challenge to provide Vintage London Cab away from NYC( base  operating area).. Our clients were British wh...

Read more »

What Do I Need To Be Able To Do On My Driving Test?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO65hgXAfdVe0yIR_ubJBBi7mJG6NwfPFpIzoJkPPkayKz1XmfBQzLgBedkG0_uCh2itHc4S5gtXQK963Qf87E4r8XUpnjyAdWhBtosa3jZiQhPLinf4irnRGHTUxa_2GKnolgJCepot8/s1600/panda-303949.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO65hgXAfdVe0yIR_ubJBBi7mJG6NwfPFpIzoJkPPkayKz1XmfBQzLgBedkG0_uCh2itHc4S5gtXQK963Qf87E4r8XUpnjyAdWhBtosa3jZiQhPLinf4irnRGHTUxa_2GKnolgJCepot8/s320/panda-303949.png" width="307" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This blog will attempt to provide some clarity to answer the question of what a driver needs to be able to do when driving around on their driving test in the UK.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is often a fair amount of confusion and mixed messages about what an examiner exactly wants to see on the driving test - this is perfectly understandable.  Using one of the DVSA's own policy documents as the reference (DT1), I will provide below guidance to help answer this question.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A driver needs to demonstrate to the examiner that they can perform the following activities on the driving test competently, causing no danger and with consideration to others:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Start the engine and move off smoothly whether this be going ahead or when behind a parked car and doing this well on a flat road, uphill or downhill.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Accelerate to a speed which is appropriate whilst maintaining a straight course and changing gears.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Adjust the speed to maintain control of the vehicle whilst dealing with junctions, possibly in tight spaces.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Brake accurately to a stop when told to including for the emergency stop.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Perform either a reverse into a side road (left or right), turn the car around using the width of the road, parallel park or bay park. So you will be asked to perform one of those four options.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pull the car over at a designated place.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While driving, to be aware of the position in the road, markings in the road, traffic signs and any potential or actual risks (this includes by making effective use of the mirrors).</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Make at least 2 normal stops at the side of the road and move off.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Only to use authorised means in which to communicate with other road users.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">React appropriately if and when actual risk situations occur.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Comply with the law, and personnel in authority.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Adjust road position and speed in line with conditions and the road.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Keep the right distance between vehicles.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Change lanes.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pass parked, stationary vehicles or obstacles.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Approach, cross, turn left or right at junctions or to leave the carriageway.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If appropriate, pass oncoming vehicles in confined spaces, overtake, approach and cross level-crossings.</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;">They are the requirements needed for the driving test, as outlined in a positive manner, as in, do this, do that.  Let me now give some practical examples of commonly seen situations that go against the criteria set above:</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;">Emerging left or right into a road where in doing so, you create a road user already in the road to either stop, swerve or slow.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Performing a gear change when the car is moving that is not appropriate for the speed the car is travelling at.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Driving over or across road markings that is either illegal or directly affects other road users.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not responding sufficiently to a hazardous situation, whether that be by not adjusting the speed to reflect the risk, or not creating enough space between the car and the hazard.  This often either causes other road users to react suddenly, or increases the likelihood of a collision/loss of control of the car.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not complying with road signs eg directional, traffic lights, prohibitions such as no entry or no right turn, speed.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Failing to keep up with the traffic around, in other words, actually creating a hazard by driving too slowly.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Moving on to a roundabout which caused another road user to stop, swerve or slow.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Failing to make effective mirror checks prior to changing speed or direction, or to update yourself what is around you.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fail to check all around when performing a reverse manoeuvre to ensure safety.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Make sudden positional changes in the road due to a lack of effective planning which causes another road user to stop, swerve or slow.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Crossing the path of another road user which directly affects them in a negative manner.</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;">These are just a few examples of common errors that will tend to have pretty significant consequences to the outcome of the driving test.  It is not intended to be an exhaustive list and it also does not include the driving faults that although are less serious in nature, are committed with such frequency and consistency that the examiner cannot overlook them and provide a test pass.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope this is of assistance to you.     Like this?  Check out <a href="http://www.bigtom.org.uk/top-10-tips-for-your-driving-test/" target="_blank">similar here</a> </span><br /><br />Tom Ingram (Owner) of BIG TOM Driving School     5 Day Intensive Driving Courses in Lincoln, Peterborough, Spalding, Stamford, Boston and Grantham.  Call now! 0800 689 4174

What Do I Need To Be Able To Do On My Driving Test?

This blog will attempt to provide some clarity to answer the question of what a driver needs to be able to do when driving around on their d...

Read more »

Successful Crash Courses in Sleaford

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrf8Zwvk_FWXmo2H7NC4zPvLBhVst6_alHlEAlhQi0hcfmgPRzAO231W-Ta4KEhxVPaysz3Es9xMb97tx1uoYmPkD3aKiBmDoF-X_0jPgfZZVVh-geQAWOkQbgGYldfcqvDvL_NOZao8/s1600/mark-589858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrf8Zwvk_FWXmo2H7NC4zPvLBhVst6_alHlEAlhQi0hcfmgPRzAO231W-Ta4KEhxVPaysz3Es9xMb97tx1uoYmPkD3aKiBmDoF-X_0jPgfZZVVh-geQAWOkQbgGYldfcqvDvL_NOZao8/s320/mark-589858.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">BIG TOM Driving School offers the people of Sleaford first class driving training on their 5 Day Crash Courses (01529 400 455)</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;">The training is undertaken by professional DVSA Driving Instructors who provide pupil centred teaching methods in a <a href="http://www.bigtom.org.uk/stress-free-driving-training/" target="_blank">stress free</a> learning environment.  The result is being able to manage the risk effectively so that driving training is safe, whilst ensuring that progress is made in a way that the pupil recognises and this helps to create motivation.  These are important factors that help to ensure the learning taking place remains enjoyable.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The course has a range of start times, with flexibility of pick up/drop off points and is backed up with first class resources to help prepare BIG TOM customers for the course.  Customers can take advantage of online resources for the theory study as well as carefully selected, exclusive access to driving videos for BIG TOM customers only.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Starting training in quiet, stress free locations in Sleaford is important to develop confidence and trust between pupil and instructor.  This <a href="http://www.bigtom.org.uk/how-quickly-can-i-learn-to-drive/" target="_blank">relationship</a> is key to maximising learning. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Allow us to guide you with a successful crash course in Sleaford that gets results.  <a href="http://www.bigtom.org.uk/contact/" target="_blank">Contact</a> us now, to make your reservation and get your driving licence faster with BIG TOM.  </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

Successful Crash Courses in Sleaford

BIG TOM Driving School offers the people of Sleaford first class driving training on their 5 Day Crash Courses (01529 400 455) The training ...

Read more »

WEDDING TRANSPORTATION SUCCESS MAY 21 2016- FAR HILLS NEW JERSEY

We were given another challenge on May 21st 2016, where a client requested a spectacular limousine experience with our vintage London Taxi 60miles west from New York City.<br />CSL Transportations one of a kind vintage London taxi Cab is was transported to Far Hills NJ, vehicle was off loaded, and our chauffeur continue getting vehicle ready onsite.<br /><br />Our client was extremely pleased with our ON Time Guaranteed service, sparking stretch limousines and sparking vintage London Taxi Cab coupled with courteous professional chauffeurs.<br /><br />We are pleased to know that our clients were satisfied on May 21st 2016, and any one else wishing a vintage luxury limousine experience, feel free to contact us on wedding transportation needs.<br /><br />visit <a href="http://www.limousine-rental.net/" target="_blank">www.limousine-rental.net </a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5uhq-k3xKQbrCqZdQJB9oOn-8qK4bhmmPCqpcavrd59ZFXJkzTgtuknDeXFYtbj-jxQKCYXNPpAIQEawG3Bt4m_Flh2GX-J7CK7v5KtlMvOVeH_IUfa_0Y53_FpAu1g8LSWNrwXm4g9e/s1600/IMG_3047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5uhq-k3xKQbrCqZdQJB9oOn-8qK4bhmmPCqpcavrd59ZFXJkzTgtuknDeXFYtbj-jxQKCYXNPpAIQEawG3Bt4m_Flh2GX-J7CK7v5KtlMvOVeH_IUfa_0Y53_FpAu1g8LSWNrwXm4g9e/s320/IMG_3047.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpk0mCi5Ai2Gc1U9H818hx5G_ILqRXL0YqOcmMomanVKRjhzSEjw533cHfdllsmXy3K_L5zh26DT9cZULXc2qrRJVlmSOpG8AyivaZq0X2OCND3zGFpu5yUDlqBqnomIuy2_tcnV3gJEJl/s1600/IMG_3049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpk0mCi5Ai2Gc1U9H818hx5G_ILqRXL0YqOcmMomanVKRjhzSEjw533cHfdllsmXy3K_L5zh26DT9cZULXc2qrRJVlmSOpG8AyivaZq0X2OCND3zGFpu5yUDlqBqnomIuy2_tcnV3gJEJl/s320/IMG_3049.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKU7tSmr24ajJiEKW0Sf9rCnfmj3fW4xRs1Gl8OFxIjjGIwStDS6o05bMMqY9sOZ0vLsqfxaMDcz-JMfLloSY9KSXfH0qKHz7QG9UanoGJ9KY_lQ4P0zY67W5pin5ujs9jN1w-MqQOgFv/s1600/DSCN1234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKU7tSmr24ajJiEKW0Sf9rCnfmj3fW4xRs1Gl8OFxIjjGIwStDS6o05bMMqY9sOZ0vLsqfxaMDcz-JMfLloSY9KSXfH0qKHz7QG9UanoGJ9KY_lQ4P0zY67W5pin5ujs9jN1w-MqQOgFv/s320/DSCN1234.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_85AjsdB4V04uWPu3qmCsOpgtRI369kX4HgseY1VDCq0Rk-For2L4JFBw4z33QbbC-KWwaqU4YUkdeVcnSuTUpIhlY5dqHEWSIhy86NpyvvdUwYUvXZBO0mBb7DWHm84dbsMUUWf1RqW9/s1600/DSCN1244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_85AjsdB4V04uWPu3qmCsOpgtRI369kX4HgseY1VDCq0Rk-For2L4JFBw4z33QbbC-KWwaqU4YUkdeVcnSuTUpIhlY5dqHEWSIhy86NpyvvdUwYUvXZBO0mBb7DWHm84dbsMUUWf1RqW9/s320/DSCN1244.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOy30cMZZ7saV_JIR_4zfQp2QRgyajo8McxRPu_wvXbzAFWzRTi6PwLFxmzvgNh9cgomy0Anes1_7FQ31ziKkN1wJuZAwtMINq9maIdBkromeZX7PoIPBaG46_9agYbqmdhwg1lfHWSwdt/s1600/DSCN1250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOy30cMZZ7saV_JIR_4zfQp2QRgyajo8McxRPu_wvXbzAFWzRTi6PwLFxmzvgNh9cgomy0Anes1_7FQ31ziKkN1wJuZAwtMINq9maIdBkromeZX7PoIPBaG46_9agYbqmdhwg1lfHWSwdt/s320/DSCN1250.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbqRZq5Bxwe_obTbOnh930dWU1Yzrk4QVMKTa7XTy_SPp2-KDZB7y9tBA9uQyjtE6Nx6rHafS3QannWuIKAN_OsHjsjOBXHpUH1sGpt2u8Mi8R-3u4hgmwdADGxEEd5M1z2AFuM6m6CJl/s1600/DSCN1257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbqRZq5Bxwe_obTbOnh930dWU1Yzrk4QVMKTa7XTy_SPp2-KDZB7y9tBA9uQyjtE6Nx6rHafS3QannWuIKAN_OsHjsjOBXHpUH1sGpt2u8Mi8R-3u4hgmwdADGxEEd5M1z2AFuM6m6CJl/s320/DSCN1257.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />

WEDDING TRANSPORTATION SUCCESS MAY 21 2016- FAR HILLS NEW JERSEY

We were given another challenge on May 21st 2016, where a client requested a spectacular limousine experience with our vintage London Taxi 6...

Read more »

How To Get Your Driving Licence Faster

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xle9Ch07OLQJNe3_6xaFmQ578fCMd7ay1IjwLCAn1rtN4cPnUI8A5KIteyjSgCt4zNLEPvH2SfS4qKOhnrNK1ihjrxvURYb9-jvzE7FdyMrJGrPUYNx6MRE8kLXIfvJgFXv6FwL3TiA/s1600/start-1063441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xle9Ch07OLQJNe3_6xaFmQ578fCMd7ay1IjwLCAn1rtN4cPnUI8A5KIteyjSgCt4zNLEPvH2SfS4qKOhnrNK1ihjrxvURYb9-jvzE7FdyMrJGrPUYNx6MRE8kLXIfvJgFXv6FwL3TiA/s320/start-1063441.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This blog will have a major tip within it that will help you to understand how to get your driving licence faster.  </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;">When we learn new things that involve physical activity of some sort eg playing a musical instrument, snow boarding, driving a car, playing a new sport, it will take a while for the body to learn what to do.  It may involve an element of co-ordination skills between different limbs, intricate movement of a hand, wrist or even finger tips (bowling in cricket for example), it may require a degree of multi-tasking where one hand is doing something while a foot does something else (changing gear in a car for example).  It can sometimes take a while for us to learn how much of a particular action to do to achieve the mini-goal, so leaning the body in a certain direction that we are not used to, or looking in a certain direction for a certain duration or at a critical time, bending the knees at a certain time, by a certain amount.  These things take a while to perfect, we are often busy receiving feedback via our senses while we learn these techniques - often that will mean actually learning what a certain feeling in the body, or sound that is made means whether that be for a good outcome or not so good.  We often learn from these experiences in a very dynamic way, through making mistakes, and that experience is very valuable, even necessary.  It can be frustrating, incredibly frustrating in fact, to teach the body to take a certain action, or react for a given prompt because these things rarely happen quickly, and sometimes, while in the process of learning and making mistakes, it can hurt (think gymnasts, skiers and cyclists).</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So now let's focus on what you are doing at the moment, learning to drive, and see how this relates to your experiences.  In the early days, as an absolute beginner, you will be bombarded with the above.  Your eyes will work hard, your hands will be busy steering, changing gear, applying the handbrake, putting signals on, and your feet have the brake, clutch and gas pedals to deal with - all with varying degrees of pressure or resistance felt when you press the pedal, all with varying degrees of intensity needed and even range of movement.  If you are naturally dominant on one side eg right handed and footed, then you will suddenly be expecting your left hand and foot to step up to the plate and get active.  Wow!  If that wasn't enough to be getting on with, there will be a need to do certain jobs at very specific times, and often whilst doing others eg approaching a T junction to emerge left requires you to put the clutch all the way down with the left foot, while the right foot very lightly presses the brake pedal to bring the car to a smooth controlled pause while the hands initially steer to the left to position the car over to the left, and then the left hand needs to apply the handbrake and select first gear *gulp*</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The good news is, in the majority of cases, all the above starts clicking into place within about 4 hours, so typically within the first day of the BIG TOM Intensive Driving Course - there will be exceptions to that of course, but generally it is true.  However, no sooner do you start getting competent of the physical actions needed to drive a car smoothly, under control and efficiently, then there becomes a need to pay attention to HOW you drive the car around so that it is safe and courteous to others - and this is the bit where some learners will get their driving licence faster than others.  Don't think about stalling, rolling back, selecting the wrong gear, braking too hard here, I've done that bit, what I'm now bringing your attention to is, how you are expected to behave on the roads, when you are driving the car.  Try not to get those two things mixed up.  </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyHcu8jy9jG1VB7Ng-yu_GOZ7WX2BT5ZXa50gT7sst8hPXbeUkxspR2wcNjVbFd5GY5xD-oY60NafPPRiFEccjvB_j5FNkCeTKSrsDN_JbC-HXT_13RcsVi1Dxxa3zFKLlHEY_waLCSA/s1600/eye-940641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyHcu8jy9jG1VB7Ng-yu_GOZ7WX2BT5ZXa50gT7sst8hPXbeUkxspR2wcNjVbFd5GY5xD-oY60NafPPRiFEccjvB_j5FNkCeTKSrsDN_JbC-HXT_13RcsVi1Dxxa3zFKLlHEY_waLCSA/s320/eye-940641.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><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;">For example, when driving on a road, you can see up ahead that there is something that is going to require you move over to the right to pass it.  Let's say it is a bus at a bus stop. As a general rule, before you even start steering away from the bus, you should use your eyes to check if it is safe to carry on with your plan, consider whether a right signal would be required, think about how the position of the car in the road will help achieve your mini-goal, assess what speed you should do this at, and whether that will require a change of gear and do all of those things before you give it one final check with your eyes, to make sure it is still safe to do your plan.  And be alive to the fact that often in driving, things change quite quickly, so having the ability to anticipate what you would need to do and how you would do it, should something occur eg the bus pulls away sharply from the bus stop before you have got to it.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The above "routine" if you want to see it in that way can be summarised as:</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mirrors</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Signal </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Position</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Speed (and gears)</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Look</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It is a sequence of driving actions that makes sure what you intend to do is actually safe before you do it, and it forces you to consider what needs to happen with your car in order to do the desired mini-goal.  I cannot tell you how massive this point is.  You can of course ignore this.  Plenty do. But generally, those people that do, don't get their driving licence fast.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One of the problems that can occur is that pupils learning to drive are influenced by the driving they see on a daily basis or by the attitudes of others around them who might be saying how easy it all is, and what a waste of time it is learning "routines".  As a consequence, those people, through no real fault of their own, don't appreciate the importance of learning HOW they should be driving around on the roads.  They are thinking that the mere fact that they have achieved the first goal of how to drive will do, it wont, it really, really wont, you have to learn the key concepts of how you drive around on different types of road, in different driving conditions.  Have you tried learning rugby and ignoring the advice of your coach about how to scrum or tackle?  This is all about making decisions, and realising there are consequences to the decisions that we all make in life.</span><br /><a href="http://www.bigtom.org.uk/learning-drive-faqs/" target="_blank"><br /></a><a href="http://www.bigtom.org.uk/learning-drive-faqs/" target="_blank">BIG TOM Driving School  (0800 689 4174)</a>   5 Day Intensive Driving Course in Peterborough, Grantham, Sleaford, Stamford, Bourne, Lincoln<br /><br />

How To Get Your Driving Licence Faster

This blog will have a major tip within it that will help you to understand how to get your driving licence faster.  When we learn new things...

Read more »