Young learner drivers in Somerset are being given the chance to attend special road safety workshops – free of charge – which will help them with their theory test.
The two-hour workshops, organised by the Somerset Road Safety Partnership, are being held once a month in Bridgwater, Evercreech, Taunton and Yeovil.
Among the topics discussed at the workshop sessions, which are taken by highly qualified driving instructors, is how to read the road, spot potential hazards and react to them.
Road safety officer Rina Cameron said: “Since learner drivers have to tackle this topic in their theory test, this will be an ideal opportunity for them to get some practice and expert guidance, in one of our workshops beforehand.”
The workshops are normally restricted to newly-qualified drivers as part of the Pass Plus scheme.
But it has been decided to open them up to pre-test drivers - as part of the on-going campaign to reduce the high number of young drivers and passengers being involved in road crashes.
Workshops will be held at the following locations starting at 7pm.
Yeovil: 13 October 10 November 15 December 12 January 9 February 9 March
Bridgwater: 16 October 13 November 18 December 15 January 12 February 12 March
Taunton: 16 October 13 November 18 December 15 January 12 February 12 March
Evercreech: 21 October 18 November 16 December 20 January 17 February 17 March
Anyone wanting to attend one of the workshops should ring 0844 980 00 28 to book a place.
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A third of all car crashes in Somerset involve drivers in the 17 to 24 age group and newly-qualified drivers are more likely to have a collision in the first year after passing their test than at any other time in their life.
Thirty seven car drivers and 26 passengers in this age group were killed or seriously injured in crashes on Somerset roads during the past year.
Somerset Road Safety Partnership offers young drivers a £60 grant towards the average £130 cost of taking the Pass Plus course which gives them a minimum of six hours on-the-road tuition, with a qualified driving instructor, to gain experience of aspects of driving not covered when learning to drive.
As part of the scheme new drivers get the chance to experience motorway driving, under instruction, while other sessions cover driving at night, on dual carriageways and on town and country roads
Rina Cameron said: “Driver education is an essential element in the campaign to reduce the number of casualties on our roads, particularly among this vulnerable group.”
Dates of all the workshops, up until next March, can be found on the Somerset Road Safety Partnership website – www.roadssafetysomerset.org.uk – together with details of the Pass Plus course for newly-qualified drivers.
ENDS
For further information contact Somerset Road Safety Co-ordinator Rina Cameron on 0844 980 00 28.
New tuition vehicle.
We are pleased to announce that as part of our expansion programme we have been able to add another peugeot 207 to the fleet .
The peugeots have proved to be very popular among learner drivers who find them extremely easy to drive.
Spring Time success
Spring time and sunshine has arrived and what better way to enjoy it than with a full driving licence.
We are pleased to announce that in the last two weeks practical pass rate for the school has been 7 passes from 7 tests.
Congratulations and well done to all concerned.
A woman failed her driving test for accidentally splashing a pedestrian who was standing near a puddle as she drove past.
It's been a wet few weeks but the examiner still didn't believe Michelle Kelly when she said she had splashed the pedestrian by accident.
Remarkably, the 31-year-old said the examiner was adamant the incident was technically a crash, and that she should have stopped and exchanged details with the man who was waiting at a bus stop in Blackley, Manchester.
The Highway Code does not forbid the splashing of pedestrians but Rule 144 states that you must not 'drive without reasonable consideration for other road users'.
Rule 147 says that drivers must 'be careful of and considerate towards all types of road users'.
Miss Kelly carried on driving when she splashed the man halfway through her third attempt at passing.
She said: "It wasn't as though I'd deluged this pedestrian. And if I'd swerved to avoid the puddle I might have caused an accident." *********************************************************************** My advice on how to avoid this situation as follows:
As drivers we can not simply go around soaking pedestrians just because they are stood next to a puddle.
We should drive according to the road and weather conditions and if we approach an area of flooding in the road this should be dealt with the same as we would deal with any other obstruction by giving way to any oncoming vehicles and taking a course to avoid the obstruction.
Kelvin White.
100% Theory pass rate
So far this year, we are able to report a 1st time pass rate of 100% for the theory test.
9 Candidates have taken the test during 2008 and all have achieved success at the first attempt.
Congratulations to all concerned.
Summer Success continues through Autumn
Despite the poor weather during the Summer,we still had plenty to cheer about.
Pass rates during the Summer and Autumn period have been phenomenal with 23 consecutive passes.
With our 1st time pass rate currently at 81% for this year,we are hoping that this trend will continue through the Winter.
Are cheap lessons value for money?.
Why do so many learner drivers feel the need to change driving schools/instructors?.
35% of clients currently on our books have come from other schools,this is a very sad reflection on the driver instruction industry,it proves to be very disruptive and very costly to the individual who may have wasted hundreds of pounds.
These are some of the reasons that are given to us for making the change.
Lack of feedback regarding progress No sructure to lessons (just driving aimlessly around) Failure to correct and explain errors to help me progress Instructor talks about him/her self more than helping me Instructor talks on the phone while I am paying him/her to teach me. Instructor shouts at me Poor time keeping ,turns up late or not at all. Tuition vehicle is in a poor state,unreliable
These are all genuine reasons given to us on a regular basis.
Industry lacks professionalism (DSA)
The Driving Standards Agency have issued the following statement.
There are now over 41,000 ADIs registered throughout the country . Many Instructors have no further relevent qualification beyond that obtained to qualify and only around half of driving instructors are represented by a local or national association.The case for change is clear - despite over 99% of pupils having some professional instruction the pass rate is a disappointing 43% and the pass rate for those trying to pass the final part of the qualifying examination to become an ADI around 28%.
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is commited to overseeing the introduction of mandatory continuing professional development (CPD) for driver trainers,with the aim of producing better skilled and qualified driver trainers leading to a better product and experience for customers,whilst creating a clear path for those within the driver training profession.
Although the DSA are recommending 1 day per year (CPD)
As principle trainer here at Kelvin White Driving School,since the school was formed in April 2001 I have undertaken the following training:
2003 : 10 hours of advanced driver training 2003 : Cardington test pass at Grade A. 2003 : 10 hours of advanced (roadcraft) training. 2003 : ROSPA test pass at Gold level. 2006 : Refresher training for advanced driving. 2006 : ROSPA test pass at Gold level. 2007 : 10 hours of training to be pass plus Tutor for Somerset Road Safety. 2007 : Appointed as Pass plus Tutor for the Bridgwater and Taunton area. Currently studying for ADI trainer course (January 2008)
I am also a member of The ADI Federation,The (MSA) motor schools association and the local Taunton Professional Schools Association.
The link between additional training and higher pass rates are clear to see:
Kelvin White Driving School will continue to train all current and future instructors to a very high standard and CPD will be well above any DSA requirements.
Kelvin White Director.
New Driver Statistics
The new driver act has been running for some years now with the intention of reducing crashes by newly qualified drivers and trying to encourage responsible attitudes.
One in five new drivers will be involved in a crash during their first two years on the road and are more likely to crash then at any time during their driving lifetime.
From the day of passing the practical test, for a period of two years new drivers are on a probationary period.
In the event of accumulating more than five points,the licence will be revoked and the driver will be returned to learner status until the theory,hazard perception and practical test are retaken.
Think it wont happen to you!!!!!! see below.
Licences revoked February 07 1442 March 07 1942 April 07 1586 May 07 1554 June 07 2083 July 07 1947 August 07 1902
Learn For Free
YOUNG DRIVERS OFFERED ADDITIONAL TRAINING
Newly qualified drivers in Somerset are being offered grants towards the cost of additional training – in a move to reduce the number of young people being killed and injured on local roads.
A third of all car crashes in the county involve drivers in the 17 to 24 age group and newly qualified drivers are more likely to have a collision in the first year after passing their test than at any other time in their life.
Now the Somerset Road Safety Partnership is offering young drivers a £60 grant towards the average £130 cost of taking the Pass Plus course which gives them a minimum of six hours on-the-road tuition, with a qualified driving instructor, to gain experience of aspects of driving not covered when learning to drive.
As part of the Driving Standard Agency’s Pass Plus scheme new drivers get the chance to experience motorway driving, under instruction, while other sessions cover driving at night, on dual carriageways and on town and country roads. They also attend a two-hour workshop on driving attitudes and behaviour.
More than 300 young drivers in Somerset have already taken up the grant to enable them to take additional training under the Pass Plus scheme.
The 300th young driver to apply for Pass Plus training was Matthew Hughes, aged 18, from Taunton, who passed his test in August.
“I applied because by taking this course you get cheaper car insurance and I got a 20 per cent reduction in my insurance,” said Matthew.
“But I found the workshop really interesting and I’m sure the things I learned will make me a far better driver. Rina Cameron, of the Somerset Road Safety Partnership, said: “Driver education is an essential element in the campaign to reduce the number of casualties on our roads, particularly among this vulnerable group.
“Although cheaper car insurance is the main motivation for many young drivers taking Pass Plus, we believe this additional road experience, under expert guidance, will make them better and safer drivers.
“Parents are invited to attend the workshop with the young drivers and find the session extremely informative,” she said.
“It is many years since many of the parents took their driving test or looked at a Highway Code and they say the workshops reminded them of things they had forgotten and a few they didn’t know before.”
The classroom workshops take place at the fire stations in Bridgwater, Williton and Yeovil.
The Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service is actively involved as a partner in the Somerset Road Safety Partnership and is playing an increasingly proactive role in the road casualty reduction programme.
Anyone wanting to apply for Pass Plus should contact the Somerset Road Safety Partnership at County Hall, Taunton, or telephone 01823 423430.
Information about the Partnership and its casualty reduction campaigns can be found on its website – www.roadsafetysomerset.org.uk
ENDS
For further information contact Rina Cameron, Somerset Road Safety Partnership, on 01823 423430
Kelvin White Driving School have been selected to present the workshop for the Bridgwater area and as Tutor I look forward to meeting you all on the evening.
Kelvin White.
New tuition vehicle for the school
We aim to keep our training vehicles as up to date as possible and we have now added the very popular peugeot 207.
The 207 has had rave reviews in the driving instruction industry and is a massive favorite with new drivers.
The brand spanking new 207 joined the fleet from Monday 5 October and instructor Keith Futcher has been overrun with clients waiting try it out.
Be paid to learn
Somerset road safety will be running an attitude and behaviour workshop on a monthly basis from September.
The workshop will run in conjunction with the pass plus scheme and those who attend will receive a cheque for £60.00 towards the cost of their pass plus course.
The course will be open to newly qualified drivers who are welcome to bring along parents if they wish.
The workshop is designed to reduce casualties in Somerset for the vulnerable age group of 17 to 24 year olds. UNDER 25s FEATURE IN ONE THIRD OF ALL CASUALTIES.
The venues will be local fire stations at
Yeovil 25 Sptember 19.00 Bridgwater 26 September 19.00 Williton 27 September 19.00
We are delighted here at Kelvin White driving school to have been chosen to present the workshop in Bridgwater for the north Somerset area.
To book on to the course please telephone Rena Cameron at Somerset road safety on 01823 340013.
New driver act.
The new driver act has been running for some years now with the intention of reducing crashes by newly qualified drivers and trying to encourage responsible attitudes.
One in five new drivers will be involved in a crash during their first two years on the road and are more likely to crash then at any time during their driving lifetime.
From the day of passing the practical test, for a period of two years new drivers are on a probationary period.
In the event of accumulating more than five points,the licence will be revoked and the driver will be returned to learner status until the theory,hazard perception and practical test are retaken.
Think it wont happen to you!!!!!! see below.
Licences revoked February 07 1442 March 07 1942 April 07 1586 May 07 1554 June 07 2083
Why do people fail driving tests?.
Top 10 reasons why people fail the driving test
Most people fail their driving test... Are you ready?
Those who pass their driving test have had, on average, about 45 hours of professional training, combined with 22 hours of private practice.
Candidates who combine professional instruction with private practice are also more successful on the test."
The current pass rate for the Taunton test centre is 50% For first time candidates, it’s even lower.
To help you avoid the most common pitfalls here is a list of the top ten reasons why people fail*.
Observation at junctions - ineffective observation and judgement
Reverse parking - ineffective observation or a lack of accuracy
Use of mirrors - not checking or not acting on the information
Reversing around a corner - ineffective observation or a lack of accuracy
Incorrect use of signals - not cancelling or giving misleading signals
Moving away safely - ineffective observation
Incorrect positioning on the road - at roundabouts or on bends
Lack of steering control - steering too early or leaving it too late
Incorrect positioning to turn right - at junctions and in one way streets
Inappropriate speed - travelling too slowly or being hesitant.
Theory test pass rate is soaring in Bridgwater/Taunton
We are pleased to announce that the kelvin white driving school pass rate for the theory/hazard perception test has reached 90%.
We will strive to continue this success when the test changes in September to 50 questions relacing the current format of 35.
Dont be a loser !!!!!!!!
Over 40% of accidents where someone is killed or seriously injured in the Staffordshire area involve a driver aged under 25 - yet that's only 10% of the people who live here.
You may think you can handle the road, but over 3,000 car drivers under 25 are killed or seriously injured on Britain’s roads every year. You’re particularly at risk if you’re a new driver.
1 in 3 male drivers aged between 17 and 20 crash in the first two years after passing their test, and 1 in 5 drivers crash within their first year of driving.
We are pleased to announce that out of 22 tests taken this year,18 candidates have successfully passed at the first attempt.
With the current pass rate at the Taunton test centre averaging around 50%,this a record that we are very proud of.
You could be the next 1st time pass,if you are struggling or unhappy about your progress,simply give me a call and I will be more than happy to discuss your situation.
Kelvin.
Smoking Ban and Vehicles used on Driving Tests
From 1st July 2007
Smoking in vehicles used as workplaces will be banned in England.candidates using their own vehicles for test need to be aware ,that although the legislation will only apply to instructors’ vehicles It is DSA policy to provide a smoke free working environment for all it,s staff The examiner may therefore refuse to conduct the test if the vehicle contains tobacco smoke. More at the DSA Website
Great news for both parents and students.
Quite new to the insurance market are click the pepper .com.
The good news comes as this company will insure the learner driver in their own name but allow them to drive parents or friends vehicles with out any claims effecting the owners no claims discount.Learners will also qualify for their own no claims discount on a weekly basis.
This is set to revolutionize the learner insurance market and will encourage learners to take private practise and recieve a discount if taken in conjunction with professional lessons.
The driving standards agency encourage learner drivers to combine private and professional lessons,as this often leads to a more successful outcome on the practical test.
FOR MORE DETAILS CLICK ON THE FLASHING INSURANCE ICON ON THE HOME PAGE.
New Driver Act.
The new driver act has been running for some years now with the intention of reducing crashes by newly qualified drivers and trying to encourage responsible attitudes.
One in five new drivers will be involved in a crash during their first two years on the road and are more likely to crash then at any time during their driving lifetime.
From the day of passing the practical test, for a period of two years new drivers are on a probationary period.
In the event of accumulating more than five points,the licence will be revoked and the driver will be returned to learner status until the theory,hazard perception and practical test are retaken.
Think it wont happen to you!!!!!! see below.
Licences revoked February 07 1442 March 07 1942 April 07 1586
£60.00 for FREE
Great news if you live in SOMERSET.
Somerset road safety is giving a grant to new drivers who take pass plus of £60.00.
This scheme has been running for a while now and the take up rate since the grant was introduced has continued to rise.
ONE IN FIVE newly qualified drivers will be involved in an accident in the first year after passing their test.
Did you know in the first two years after passing your test,newly qualified drivers are more likely to have an accident than at any time in their driving lifetime.
Pass plus is a scheme backed by the driving standards agency (D.S.A.) and leading insurance companies to encourage newly qualified drivers to become better drivers.
For more information on pass plus or give us a call and we will be happy to explain in more detail.
Changes to the theory test
The theory test is set to become longer with 50 questions instead of the current 35.
Candidates will be given longer to complete the test with 57 minutes replacing the current 40 minutes.
The fee for the revised test will also increase from £21.50 to £28.50.
Changes will take effect from 3 September 2007.
Documents at the test centre.
Please note that from October 2007 candidates arriving for practical test will need to produce both parts of their driving licence (plastic photo card and paper counterpart)or the test will not take place.
In the past candidates have been able to sign a disclosure form if the paper part was missing.
Learners to face ECO test
L drivers will have to pass green test
After surviving an emergency stop and three-point turn, driving test candidates will in future have to show they can save fuel as well. Fuel efficiency - or eco-driving - is to be made part of the driving test from 2008 in a move ministers hope will cut polluting emissions, save money on bills and make driving safer.
Learner drivers will be taught tips such as accelerating and braking less strongly and changing gears sooner and be assessed on their abilities as part of the practical exam.
Before eveyone gets in a panic,ECO driving is something that we are currently teaching here at Kelvin White driving school so rest assured that our candidates will be well prepared to meet the new demands.
Who is looking after you ?.
Since the new legislation came in to force, regarding the use of hand held mobile phones,SIX supervising drivers have been convicted.
This practice is not only illegal, its very irresponsible and puts learner drivers at great risk.
In the event that you are paying for professional tuition,I would be very concerned if your instructor was not giving you his/her full attention at all times.
Pass rate up again
We are pleased to announce that the school pass rate has risen again. We have now achieved a pass rate of 85% for the first three months of the year.We are even more pleased that all but one student has passed at the first attempt.
The current pass rate for the Taunton test centre is approx 50%.
Beware
An 18-year old driver was sending a text message when he killed a milkman who was on his early morning round in a hit and run crash.
He admitted causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop after the accident.
He was sentenced to four years in a young offenders centre.
New tuition vehicle for the school
A brand new Peugeot 307 sport is the latest tuition vehicle to join the school.
This will replace one of the older models as we strive to keep tuition vehicles to a very high standard.The 307 has proved to be very popular with students as the the car almost drives it self.
Unlike the majority of traditional driving school cars that tend to be small , cramped and very fussy, the 307 offers very smooth operation ,excellent leg room for the tallest of students and height adjustment for the smallest.It also comes with full climate control to ensure that learning can take place in perfect conditions,no more sweaty backs or steamed up windows.
As the T.V.add declares ITS THE DRIVE OF YOUR LIFE.
Davina makes it 150!
Many congratulations to Miss Davina Simon who becomes the 150th student to pass with the Kelvin White Driving School. We are delighted that she now has the independence that a full driving licence brings.
Davina said: "I had a little driving experience but had not had any lessons for several months when I joined the Kelvin White driving school. I was feeling a little disillusioned about learning to drive. Kelvin was very friendly and soon put me at ease and I regained my enthusiasm for driving. Kelvin was patient and professional and I felt I was progressing at exactly the right pace. Passing my test was a great feeling and I know that I am now a competent and more importantly a safe driver thanks to Kelvin’s excellent tuition".
School pass rate hits 84%
We are pleased to announce that the school pass rate has hit 84% for the first 6 weeks of 2007.
This is even more pleasing as all those candidates passing have done so at the first attempt.
Currently the average pass rate for Taunton test centre is approx 50%.
Hand held mobile phones
Legislation is set to change at the end of February regarding the use of hand held mobile phones.
Under the new road safety act,the current fine will rise from £30.00 to £60.00 and attract 3 penalty points for each offence.
Remember that this also applies to supervising drivers ,parents,partners,friends and driving instructors.
Here at kelvin white driving school we have always operated a strict phone off policy.Not just for reasons of safety,but we feel that our students deserve our full attention which they are paying for and we should not be talking to someone else during your time.
A big welcome to a new member of the team!
The Kelvin White Driving School are delighted to announce that Keith Futcher, A.D.I. is to join our team on a full time basis from February 2007.
Keith has worked with us part-time, while undertaking extensive training over the last 12 months. He has an impressive pass rate and will be a real asset to our school.
Keith has also undergone our customer services training to ensure that as we grow to cope with the overwhelming demand for lessons the quality of tuition will remain second to none in the Bridgwater and Taunton area.
Fog causes test cancellations
Most practical tests were cancelled today (Wednesday 20/12/06) because of thick fog in the Taunton area.
This resulted in a lot of very dissapointed and frustrated people who were hoping to gain their full licences in time for christmas.
Kelvin White Driving School - Local driving school News and recent driving school passes
