Tuesday 8^th May 2012

Since November 2002 all learner drivers have had to pass a hazard perception test, consisting of fourteen one-minute clips filmed from the perspective of a car driver. 

All of the clips include one developing hazard, and one includes two such hazards. The sooner an examinee reacts to a developing hazard, the more points are scored, from five down to one, with no score if the examinee reacts too late.

The current clips were created by filming developing hazards in a number of different scenarios, using a specially adapted car and camera. The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) are now looking at improving these by using new computer generated images, giving the DSA the ability to add in clips that would normally be too hard to film safely.

The DSA intend to introduce the new hazard perception test videos by the end of 2013, bringing the entire theory test up to date after also changing the theory test questions in January 2012.  

Wednesday, 9^th May 2012

Driving licence rules will be changing on the 19 January 2013, in accordance to the DIRECTIVE 2006/126/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL along with a new format of driving licence, which will be issued by the DVLA. 

The European Directive will be applied through out all EU members and will hold an administrative validity of 10 years, although a member of state can choose an administrative validity of 15 years.

The new driving licence format will be rolled out gradually allowing drivers with the old format continued use, until they need renewing or replacing.

The front of the new driving licence will confirm:

1. Surname of the holder;

2. Other name(s) of the holder;

3. Date and place of birth;

4. (a) date of issue of the licence;

(b) Date of expiry of the licence or a dash if the licence is valid indefinitely under the provision of Article 7(2)(c);

(c) The name of the issuing authority (may be printed on page 2);

(d) (a) different number from the one under heading 5, for administrative purposes (optional);

5. Number of the licence;

6. Photograph of the holder;

7. Signature of the holder;

8. Permanent place of residence, or postal address (optional);

9. Category of vehicle(s) the holder is entitled to drive (national categories shall be printed in a different type from harmonised categories);

 If you have a full licence your provisional entitlement will be shown on the counterpart. If you hold a provisional licence your provisional entitlement will be shown on the front of your card. The new driving licence has a black and white photograph. A colour photograph will still need to be provided with your application to be stored on your driver record.

The back of the card will have a noticeable change showing all the vehicle categories the holder can and cannot drive. All categories the holder can drive will display valid from and valid to dates. Categories the holder cannot drive will be crossed out.

For driving lessons in Southampton take advantage of our introductory offer and you will find that we are one of the most competitive driving schools in Southampton. We cover all areas offering driving lessons in Hythe, Holbury, Dibden Purlieu, New Forest East and all surrounding areas.

Once you have called us you will be allocated an instructor who knows your local area and they will contact you to arrange the first lesson. You will then be eligible to receive a FREE copy of the Theory Test CDRom and a copy of The Highway Code when you take up our introdustory offer. (For full details please see our special offers section found under the prices tab)

Your instructor will stay with you right through to passing the test and beyond into Pass Plus, Advanced driving or whatever further training you may want. We won’t pass you around between trainers and you are assured of one-to-one training.

Assistance with preparation for the Theory Test will be offered and practical advice given in how to book the various tests to get you on the road. You will be advised by the instructor when you are ready to take the practical test.

We offer only grade 5 and 6 instructors who are fully qualified and hold an enhanced CRB check.

You are assured of the best quality training with experienced, friendly and reliable  instructors who offer modern cars so you can learn in a fun environment.

Hampshire County Council are pleased to announce that due to continued funding more young drivers are to be given the chance to develop their driving skills.

Top Drive UK can offer you the chance to participate in the Pass Plus scheme and only pay for 50% of the cost. Thanks to the Hampshire County Council’s road safety campaign young drivers who have passed their driving test within the last 12 months can apply to have the course part funded. Please see our Pass Plus page for full details.(click on our ‘Prices’ tag and choose Pass plus)  This is an opportunity not to be missed so contact us now on 023 8037 1573

At Top Drive UK we offer instructors a choice of agreements ranging from our hugely successful pupil introduction system to a full-time franchise package. Our fees are amongst the most competitive available.

Instructors who join us are assured of full marketing and advertising support, live call answering, car decals, roof box and a full programme of CPD all within you agreement price.

Please contact us for further information.

We are currently seeking instructors with automatic cars for West and North East Southampton.

Top Drive UK has teamed up with Collingwood Insurance services to offer you top cover, top prices and top deals on car insurance:

• You can get comprehensive insurance for around £2.74 per day
• Drive your parents car whilst learning for very reasonable rates
• Policy is for the learner driver only and does not affect the insurance, no claims bonus or any other aspect of the car owner/keepers insurance
• Go to www.collingwoodlearners.co.uk  get insured today!
• Make sure you enter the referall code 247821 which may bring extra discounts

Whether you wish to train around your current employment or fastrack, we have the course for you.  Once qualified you have the opportunity to join Top Drive UK where you will receive a full programme of Continuous Professional Development the cost of which is included in your fee.  We have different agreements ranging from our pupil introduction scheme through to a full-time franchise package.

Call 023 8037 1573 to discuss your training needs

For the full outline of the qualifying examination and details on course fees see our PDI School section.

In addition we offer Check Test training and Lesson Planning sessions for all ADIs and PDIs.

Motor vehicles on the road today contribute to climate change due to the carbon dioxide produced. Reducing these emissions is easier than you think. By following the eco safe driving guidelines not only will you be a safer driver, you could reduce the amount of CO2 your vehicle emits, saving you money.

Control

You should use the controls as smoothly as possible which reduces wear and tear and reduces CO2

Moving off

Avoid excessive revving of the engine

Accelerator

Avoid pumping the pedal,as it uses more fuel, use it progressively. Come off the gas when you can and use the vehicle momentum to carry you forward.

Gears

Use block changing, both up and down the gears, and always move to the highest gear as quickly as you can

Use of Speed

Inappropriate speed will use more petrol

Planning

Anticipate road conditions and act in good time, avoid last minute reactions

Hazard Awareness

Identify hazards early and use progressive braking

Engine braking

To be used when possible

Stopping the engine

If you are likely to be at a standstill for a while switch the engine off. This saves fuel and reduces emissions

Tyres

Keep your tyres at the recommended pressure by checking regularly

Routes

Plan your route and avoid areas of known congestion, travel at off-peak times, share cars, avoid unnecessary short journeys. Can you walk instead?

For more information visit www.directgov.uk/motoring or visit ACTONCO2 www.dft.gov.uk/ActoncO2