Saturday, April 15, 2017

Driving Lessons Bridgend and Swansea | Driving Test Changes | FiveDrive

Driving Test Changes from December 2017

The driving test in England, Scotland and Wales will change from Monday 4th December 2017.
The changes are designed to make sure new drivers have the skills they’ll need to help them through a lifetime of safe driving.
The four main changes to the driving test are:

  • the independent driving part of the test will increase to 20 minutes
  • most candidates will be asked to follow directions from a sat nav
  • the reversing manoeuvres will be changed
  • answering a vehicle safety question while you’re driving 

This video shows how the test will work from 4 December 2017.



The four driving test changes

1. Independent driving part of the test will increase to 20 minutes

The independent driving part of the test currently lasts around 10 minutes. During this part of the test, you have to drive without turn-by-turn directions from the driving examiner.
This part of the test will be made longer, so it’ll last around 20 minutes - roughly half of the test.

2. Following directions from a sat nav

During the independent driving part of the test, most candidates will be asked to follow directions from a sat nav.
The examiner will provide the sat nav and set it up. You won’t need to set the route - the examiner will do this for you. So, it doesn’t matter what make or model of sat nav you practise with.
You can’t follow directions from your own sat nav during the test - you have to use the one supplied by the examiner.
You’ll be able to ask the examiner for confirmation of where you’re going if you’re not sure. It won’t matter if you go the wrong way unless you make a fault while doing it.
One in 5 driving tests won’t use a sat nav. You’ll need to follow traffic signs instead.

3. Reversing manoeuvres will be changed

The ‘reverse around a corner’ and ‘turn-in-the-road’ manoeuvres will no longer be tested, but you should still be taught them by your instructor.
You’ll be asked to do one of 3 possible reversing manoeuvres:
  • parallel park at the side of the road
  • park in a bay - either driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out (the examiner will tell you which you have to do)
  • pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for two car lengths and rejoin the traffic

4. Answering a vehicle safety question while you’re driving


The examiner will ask you 2 vehicle safety questions during your driving test - these are known as the ‘show me, tell me’ questions.
You’ll be asked the:
  • ‘tell me’ question (where you explain how you’d carry out a safety task) at the start of your test, before you start driving
  • ‘show me’ question (where you show how you’d carry out a safety task) while you’re driving - for example, showing how to wash the windscreen using the car controls and wipers

Pass mark, length of test and cost not changing

The pass mark is staying the same. So, you’ll pass your test if you make no more than 15 driving faults and no serious or dangerous faults.
The examiner will still mark the test in the same way, and the same things will still count as faults.
The overall time of the driving test won’t change. You’ll still drive for around 40 minutes.
The driving test cost will also stay the same.

Why the changes are being made

Road collisions are the biggest killer of young people. They account for over a quarter of all deaths of those aged between 15 and 19.
DVSA wants to make sure that training and the driving test reduce the number of young people being killed in collisions.
These changes are being made because:
  • most fatal collisions happen on high-speed roads (not including motorways) - changing the format of the test will allow more of these types of roads to be included in driving test routes
  • 52% of car drivers now have a sat nav - DVSA wants new drivers to be trained to use them safely
  • research has shown that new drivers find independent driving training valuable - they can relate it to driving once they’ve passed their test

Driving Lessons Bridgend and Swansea | Show Me, Tell Me Questions | FiveDrive

Show Me, Tell Me Questions

On your Driving Test, you will be asked two Show Me, Tell Me questions.  
The examiner will ask you one:
  • 'tell me' question at the start of your driving test, before you start driving
  • 'show me' question while you are driving

If you get one question wrong, or even both wrong, you will only pick up one minor fault.

  YOU WILL NOT FAIL YOUR TEST ON THESE QUESTIONS!!  

You will not need any technical knowledge for the “Show Me, Tell Me” questions.  In fact, try to think of the really obvious answers.  If you have any questions, please ask your FiveDrive instructor.

These questions will apply from 4th December 2017

'Show Me' questions (asked while you are driving)

  1. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the rear windscreen?
  2. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you wash and clean the front windscreen?
  3. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you would switch on your dipped headlights?
  4. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you would set the rear demister?
  5. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you would operate the horn?
  6. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you would demist the front windscreen?
  7. When it's safe to do so, can you show me how you would open and close the side window?


'Tell Me' questions (asked at the start of your test before you start driving)


Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.
As you move off check the brakes. They should not feel spongy or slack and the car should not pull to one side.

Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.
Information will be found using the car manufacturer's manual. Check the tyre pressures by using a reliable pressure gauge when the tyres are cold. Don't forget the spare tyre and remember to refit the valve caps.

Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.
The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable.  Some restraints might not be adjustable.

Tell me how you would check the tyres to show that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
A safe tyre will have no cuts or bulges. The tread depth should be at least 1.6mm across the central 3/4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.
Explain that you would operate the switch - turn on ignition if necessary, then walk around car and check that the lights are on. 
(as this is a 'tell me' question, you will not need to physically check the lights)

Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.
Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.

Tell me how you would check that the direction indicators are working correctly.
Explain that you would activate the indicators or hazard warning lights and then walk around the car to see if all the indicators are working correctly.
(as this is a 'tell me' question, you will not need to physically check the lights)

Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.
Explain that you would operate the brake pedal and then make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. 

Tell me how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.
If the steering becomes heavy the steering may be faulty. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made.
1) Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained whilst the engine is started, should result in slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate.
2) Turning the steering wheel after just moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assisted steering is functioning correctly.

Tell me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. 
Explain that you would operate the switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary).  Check warning light is on.  Explain use - when visibility is less than 100m.

Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on.
Explain that you would operate the switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.

Tell me how you would check that the engine has enough oil.
Identify the dipstick, explain that you would pull it out and check the oil level against the min/max markings.

Tell me how you would check the engine has sufficient engine coolant
Identify the coolant tank and check the min/max markings. If the coolant is below the min mark then more coolant will need to be added. To do this, unscrew the cap and pour in coolant until the max mark is reached.

Tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Explain that you would identify the brake fluid reservoir and check the fluid level against the min/max levels.

Monday, February 27, 2017

Driving Lessons Bridgend - Save Money Pass First Time - FiveDrive - Gabby Smith Driving Test Pass

Driving Lessons Bridgend


BOOOOOOOOOM!!!! It’s yet another fantastic FIRST TIME PASS and we are massively congratulating Gabby Smith who passed her practical driving test on 27th February. Gabby took her driving lessons in Bridgend with her BRILLIANT driving instructor Paul Curryer 😉 Can’t wait to see you driving yourself to school! THANKS SO MUCH for choosing FiveDrive and we wish you all the very best for the future. Here’s to all that FREEEEDOM!!!!! Driving lessons Bridgend


Driving Lessons Bridgend - Save Money Pass First Time - FiveDrive - Callum Chilcott Driving Test Pass

Driving Lessons Bridgend


BOOOOOOOM!!!! Another fantastic FIRST TIME PASS and our huge congrats go out to Callum Chilcott who absolutely SMASHED his practical driving test on 25th February with just 2 minors (you’re allowed 15!!!!!). Callum took his driving lessons in Bridgend with his FABULOUS driving instructor Paul Curryer ðŸ˜‰ What an amazing result! THANKS SO MUCH for choosing FiveDrive and we wish you all the very best for the future. Enjoy your FREEEEDOM!!! Driving Lessons Bridgend

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Driving Lessons Bridgend - 5 Star Customer Reviews - FiveDrive - Shannon Brown Customer Review

Driving Lessons Bridgend


"When looking for a driving school, it was really important to me that they had excellent reviews and the prices were affordable. I wanted friendly support from the driving instructor. I found FiveDrive through Facebook and their website and they were easy to get in touch with. I was nervous about learning to drive but after having lessons with my driving instructor Paul, I found it enjoyable and quickly became more confident. I found Paul's teaching methods effective. He'd focus on the areas I was struggling with and instead of reacting in a negative way if I did something wrong, he was always relaxed and supported me through it. I would definitely recommend FiveDrive to friends and family. They teach in a relaxed environment, help with confidence and you learn far more on your first lesson than I was expecting." Customer Reviews Bridgend

Shannon Brown Bridgend


Driving Lessons Bridgend - Brilliant Driving Instructors - Pass First Time - FiveDrive - Jay Rowlands Driving Test Pass

Driving Lessons Bridgend


BOOOOOM!!!! My goodness we have another brilliant FIRST TIME PASS and this time we are saying a huge congratulations to Jay Rowlands who passed his practical driving test on 16th February. Jay took his driving lessons in Bridgend with his SUPERB driving instructor Paul Curryer 😉 Well done Jay! Well worth the early start. THANKS SO MUCH for choosing FiveDrive and we wish you all the very best for the future. Enjoy your new found FREEEEDOM!!! Driving Lessons Bridgend


Driving Lessons Bridgend - Pass First Time - FiveDrive - Katie Williams Driving Test Pass

Driving Lessons Bridgend


BOOOOOOOOM!!!! Yet another fantastic FIRST TIME PASS and our massive congratulations go out to Katie Williams who passed her practical driving test on 14th February. Katie took her driving lessons in Bridgend with her FANTASTIC driving instructor Paul Curryer 😉 Happy Valentines Katie! THANKS SO MUCH for choosing FiveDrive and we wish you all the very best for the future. Here’s to all that FREEEEEDOM!!!!! Driving Lessons Bridgend