Driving Tests At Halfords !

You will soon be able to book your Practical driving test on the high street!

Halford’s the well known motoring retailer will soon be adding ‘Test Centre’ to their list of products and Services! The Government announced this decision in January 2013

Selected branches will have their own Government approved Test Centres, the first known branch to have the change will be at Halford’s Wellingborough store.

The Centre will open on February 5 before similar changes are made to other branches of Halford’s. But in case you were wondering, yes the examiners will all be DSA (Driving Standards Agency) approved members of staff.

Halford’s Director of Communications, David Sawday, told Sky News the idea of the store offering this service is a positive one and would offer learner drivers a “non-threatening environment to meet your examiner and start your test”. Halford’s is a busy store with a great atmosphere that will instantly put any nervous driver at ease! Unlike an almost silent test centre.
 “…Many people in the U.K can find a Halford’s within 20 minutes of them. So the stores are an extremely accessible location,” he said.
Halfords are looking into having these test centres in as many stores as possible inc. Hemel Hempstead which will be the nearest participating to us.

The Driving Standards Agency are looking at all it’s options when it comes to improving the experience for learner drivers. Fire stations and universities are also being investigated as possible host driving test centres.
you could wait a week to almost three months to take your driving test once booked. This depends on where your lcation and the demand for practical driving tests. But a longer wait can in some cases lessen the chance of a successful pass. So this change will enable more tests to be taken in the busier areas, there will not be the annoying wait tests could be taken in a matter of days!

‘The Halfords deal’, has been in the pipeline for sometime but has been keep closely guarded by those working on it. The plans were finalized last summer.

He has said about this move by the motoring retailer: “We are very pleased to be working with Halfords to provide a more local service for candidates…This is a great example of how we can work with the private sector to bring an essential local service that is convenient as well as cost effective.”
Areas such as Enfield with easy accesible Test Centres will probably not be included.

A1 Driving School
http://www.cheshuntdrivinglessons.co.uk

Common Myths & Mistakes

A1 Driving School www.cheshuntdrivinglessons.co.uk
Common Myths & Mistakes
Myth: Driving examiners are only allowed to pass a certain number of pupils per week:This is not true. Perhaps this myth comes from those embarrassed by failing, trying to come up with a convincing reason for friends. If you are up to driving test standard you will normally pass. It's not meant to be easy, and the fact is that over 50% of candidates are just not up to the standard required.

Myth: Driving examiners enjoy failing learner drivers:
This is not true. Examiners are professionals, their personal feelings do not enter into their
assessment of you. Also, they have their bosses to report to an unusual number of passes or failures would be looked into. It's easier for an examiner to give good news rather than bad, and a pass means less paperwork for them.

Myth: There is a one examiner who has tested me several times and failed me because he does not like me:
This is not true. It would be easy to blame this, but again, driving examiners are professionals. Personal feelings or prejudices are irrelevant. An examiner whose record showed an inclination to fail, for example a particular ethnic group or gender would soon be spotted. We would all like to blame someone else for our mistakes.

Mistake: Taking the driving test in your own car:
This is not a good idea. Pupils who turn up in their own cars could create the wrong impression as those who usually do, have had no professional driver training
or are so dangerous their driving school has not let them use their car. The examiner will be aware of this from the beginning and it is likely to make them nervous. Also your car will not have a dual controls fitted, which may mean the driving examiner may have to intervene, verbally or physically, earlier and intervention by the examiner means failure, so you don't want to increase the chances of that by using a car without dual controls.

Mistake: Delaying lessons and taking the test until you are older:
There is no time to lose, younger candidates perform better in passing the test. The pass rate for 17 yr old's is around 20% better than Pupils ten years older. The DSA estimate a pupil needs 2 hours driving tuition for every year of their age. In other words, if you are 17 you will need about 34 hours, and if you are 20 you will need 40 hours. All in all it's easier and cheaper to learn at the youngest age possible as learning new skills becomes more difficult as you get older

Myth: My parents tell me they only took 10 hours of lessons and passed first time!:
This may have been possible but a long time ago!, The test has changed to match the changing conditions on the roads. There are many more cars on the road, more complicated traffic systems, signs and routes. There is also now the Theory test, reverse parking manoeuvres and the 'show me tell me ' section. Years ago a pupil would just be asked a few questions from the Highway Code. Older drivers often admit that they might have trouble passing a test today. The Driving Standards Agency estimates that a new learner driver needs around 45 hours of professional lessons with a further 22 hours of private practice.

Myth: If you stall the car, you will fail:
No not automatically, but if it happens in a dangerous situation like on a roundabout and causes inconvenience or danger you could be in trouble. If it happens on a normal stretch of road, it depends on how you deal with it. Don't panic, start again safely and promptly and maintain control, and it is unlikely you would be failed on that one thing.

Mistake: Setting the mirrors slightly out of position so the examiner can see your head move so it's more obvious you're checking the mirrors regularly:
Dont do it , examiners are trained to look for small eye movements and are judging you on how you react by what you have seen in your mirrors. Moving your whole head all the time will distract you from taking effective observation, they don't want to just see robotic movements, take in what you see and act upon it.

Myth: Driving Schools make you take more lessons than you really need:
We certainly Don't, It's not in any Instructors best interests to have you taking lesson after lesson with no end result but at the same time we don't want to give you the bare minimum of lessons just to pass the test! we want you to be prepared for as many driving situations as possible after passing, including various weather conditions, night driving etc. we want our passed pupils to recommend us. The DSA state that most people fail simply because they take the test before they are ready.

A1 Driving School providing friendly Competitively priced Quality Driving lessons in Cheshunt,  Broxbourne, Waltham Cross, Cuffley, Turnford, Goffs Oak

Driving Lessons Hoddesdon & Cheshunt

Driving tests at halfords !

In some parts of the Country you will soon be able to book your Practical driving test on the high street! Halford’s the well known motoring retailer will soon be adding ‘Test Centre’ to their list of products and Services! The Government announced this decision in January 2013
Selected branches will have their own Government approved Test Centres, the first known branch to have the change will be at Halford’s Wellingborough store. The Centre will open on February 5 before similar changes are made to other branches of Halford’s. But in case you were wondering, yes the examiners will all be DSA (Driving Standards Agency) approved members of staff.
Halford’s Director of Communications, David Sawday, told Sky News the idea of the store offering this service is a positive one and would offer learner drivers a “non-threatening environment to meet your examiner and start your test”. Halford’s is a busy store with a great atmosphere that will instantly put any nervous driver at ease! Unlike an almost silent test centre.
“…Many people in the U.K can find a Halford’s within 20 minutes of them. So the stores are an extremely accessible location,” he said.
Halfords are looking into having these test centres in as many stores as possible inc. Hemel Hempstead which will be the nearest participating to us.
The Driving Standards Agency are looking at all it’s options when it comes to improving the experience for learner drivers. Fire stations and universities are also being investigated as possible host driving test centres.
you could wait a week to almost three months to take your driving test once booked. This depends on where your lcation and the demand for practical driving tests. But a longer wait can in some cases lessen the chance of a successful pass. So this change will enable more tests to be taken in the busier areas, there will not be the annoying wait tests could be taken in a matter of days!
‘The Halfords deal’, has been in the pipeline for sometime but has been keep closely guarded by those working on it. The plans were finalized last summer.
He has said about this move by the motoring retailer: “We are very pleased to be working with Halfords to provide a more local service for candidates…This is a great example of how we can work with the private sector to bring an essential local service that is convenient as well as cost effective.”
Areas such as Enfield with easy accesible Test Centres will probably not be included.
Driving Lessons in Cheshunt & Surrounding areas

Driving Lessons Hoddesdon

If your thinking of learning to drive in Hoddesdon, Broxbourne, Cheshunt,Turnford, Goffs Oak or Cuffley, how about choosing A1 Driving School, we have some fantastic offers for 6 formers, College or Uni Students at the moment. 

checkout our Learner Driver Training  website
for details 

We  provide our learner drivers with good, sound training covering the whole DSA Driving syllabus. I'm a calm patient Fully Qualified Driving Instructor giving you peace of mind that you have chosen the right person for the job.

Whilst learning to drive is of course a serious business I will try to make your lessons fun and light hearted and never push you into anything you don't feel ready for, its your time so it's up to you.

I will help to build up your confidence in many different driving situations and will pass on all of my knowledge that you will ultimately need to pass your test and more importantly understand the driving skills that will make you a safe, confident and considerate driver for life.

Whilst on your lessons you will have NO other pupil in the car at the same time, so purely one to one tuition, we can also start your lesson from your College or workplace ( if in my training area ) and finish your lesson at home!

One more thing, when choosing your driving instructor make sure you check they have a green badge !

Driving instructors with green badges like me, are fully Qualified and are best placed to teach you and help you along the way.

Pink badges are issued to trainee instructors who have not passed the most important stage of the very tough qualifying process ' The test of Instructional Ability ' and you may often find this with some of the ' bigger ' well known schools

many thanks

Dave Gray
A1 Driving School

The Driving Theory Test UK

Learning To Drive

Before you are allowed to drive unsupervised you are required to pass two tests. The Theory / Hazard Perception Test and the Practical Driving Test. However, even before you can take these tests you will need to obtain a Provisional Driving Licence.

What is theory test?

 

This is a 50-question multiple-choice test. To pass you must answer 43 or more questions correctly within 57 minutes. Questions are chosen at random from a bank of over 1,000 questions, and you answer by touching the screen. During the test you have the option to skip questions and return to them later. It's ok to study for your Theory Test whilst in the early stages of your Driving Lessons with A1 Driving School .

What is the hazard perception test?

 

This is part II of your theory test and contains a series of 14 one-minute video clips showing potential road hazards. You have to identify 15 developing hazards (one clip has two hazards). The faster you identify them, the higher you score. You need to score at least 44 out of 75 to pass this test (each hazard has a maximum of 5 points) and you have 20 minutes to do it in. You can't repeat any of the clips – the idea is that on the road you don't get a second chance with hazards.

To Book your Theory Test online You’ll need your:

 

Great Britain or Northern Ireland provisional driving licence number

email address to get your booking confirmation - you can’t book online if you don’t have one

You will have to wait at least 3 clear working days before taking your test again if you don’t pass.

For anyone who is about to start their theory test training, here are some
Free Official DSA questions for your theory test practice

including a Road signs and and stopping distance quiz.

 

Other Training material is also available for purchase,

For Driving Lessons in Cheshunt look no Further

If your thinking of learning to drive in Cheshunt, Waltham Cross, Broxbourne, Hoddesdon,Turnford, Goffs Oak or Cuffley, how about choosing A1 Driving School, we have some fantastic offers for 6 formers, College or Uni Students at the moment. 

checkout our website www.cheshuntdrivinglessons.co.uk
for details 

We  provide our learner drivers with good, sound training covering the whole DSA Driving syllabus. I'm a calm patient Fully Qualified Driving Instructor giving you peace of mind that you have chosen the right person for the job.

Whilst learning to drive is of course a serious business I will try to make your lessons fun and light hearted and never push you into anything you don't feel ready for, its your time so it's up to you.

I will help to build up your confidence in many different driving situations and will pass on all of my knowledge that you will ultimately need to pass your test and more importantly understand the driving skills that will make you a safe, confident and considerate driver for life.

Whilst on your lessons you will have NO other pupil in the car at the same time, so purely one to one tuition, we can also start your lesson from your College or workplace ( if in my training area ) and finish your lesson at home!

One more thing, when choosing your driving instructor make sure you check they have a green badge !

Driving instructors with green badges like me, are fully Qualified and are best placed to teach you and help you along the way.

Pink badges are issued to trainee instructors who have not passed the most important stage of the very tough qualifying process ' The test of Instructional Ability ' and you may often find this with some of the ' bigger ' well known schools

many thanks

Dave Gray
www.cheshuntdrivinglessons.co.uk

A1 Driving School  providing friendly Competitively priced Quality Driving lessons in Cheshunt, Hoddesdon, Broxbourne, Goffs Oak, Cuffley, Waltham Abbey, Northaw