Driving Lessons Gloucester-Driving Test Pass- Megan Silvey of Gloucester, 25th April 2017.

Huge congratulations to Megan Silvey who passed her driving test first time on Tuesday 25th April 2017 at Gloucester Test Centre with her driving instructor, Tom Lowe.

Megan was thrilled to pass her test first time as she is joining the army in the next few days and passing her driving test was really important to achieve before she left.  Megan thoroughly deserved her test pass as she was committed to learning with regular lessons and a positive attitude.

We wish Megan all the very best for the future and with her new career, welcome her to the first time pass club and thank her for choosing John Lowe Driving.

Warm regards
Tom & Lisa Lowe

http://www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org 
http://johnrlowe.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/driving-lessons-gloucester-driving-test_28.html 

Penalties For Speeding Updated on April 24th 2017.

The methods used to calculate speeding fines and penalty points were updated on April 24th 2017.

In this post we will set out what speeding could cost you under the new system.

This is especially relevant to new drivers, who have held their licence for less than 2 years, as some speeding offences carry 6 penalty points which would result in a driving ban.

Ouch! Back in “L” plates!

Under the new rules, fines of between 25% and 175% of your weekly wage will be given, depending on the seriousness of the offence.

A cap of £1000 for a minor offence and £2500 for a major offence will exist.

A three band system will be used to determine the severity level of the offence and the fine will be calculated on a percentage basis.

·         Band A. This will be applied to minor offences, for exceeding the speed limit by between 1 and 10 mph. This will attract a fine of between 25% and 75% of your weekly wage. In addition you could also receive 3 penalty points.

·         Band B. This will be applied to drivers exceeding the speed limit by between 11mph and 20mph. The fine will be between 75% and 125% of your weekly wage, and the possibility of between 4 and 6 penalty points.

·         Band C. This band is for the most serious speeding of over 22mph above the speed limit. This will attract a fine of between 125% and 175% of your weekly wage and 6 penalty points. Also if it is considered that the driver has driven, “grossly in excess of the speed limit”, a disqualification “in excess of 56 days” can be given.

If you have had any problems with speeding, want more information, or want to learn how to drive safely and effectively without the need to speed, please get in touch. Our driving instructors are ready to give you all the help and encouragement you will need.

John Lowe Driving 01452 313713.

Warm Regards,

 Tom & Lisa Lowe.

http://www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org.

Driving Lessons Gloucester- Changes to the ADI Part3 Test from October 2nd 2017.

This post is for instructors.

On the 2^nd October 2017, ADI part 3 tests will never be the same again. For years now, (decades) PDI’s, (trainee driving instructors) have had to finally qualify by undergoing and passing the Pre Set Tests system, which was considered by many to be outdated and often inconsistent.

The examiner would role play a learner driver at two different stages and the PDI would have to identify and correct any faults committed in the “core competencies.”

The core competencies will still be highly relevant in the new test, but should be approached differently.

So what will change?

The new part 3 will closely resemble the ADI Standards Check that fully qualified driving instructors have to pass every  4 years, creating a real life driving lesson that will give an example of the true potential of the trainee instructor.

There will no more role play by the examiner. The PDI must take a real student and conduct a one hour driving lesson, with the Senior Driving Examiner, observing from the back seat, just as in the ADI Standards Check.

The trainee will have to demonstrate a sound driving lesson, using key skills such as risk management, lesson planning, gaining agreed goals, correct levels of instruction, coaching techniques, proper communication and forward planning.

These changes will make the qualification process much more realistic and will go a long way to helping the trainee develop into a top driving instructor.

For further information, or if you need some quality help,

Call John Lowe Driving on 01452 313713

Warm Regards,

Tom & Lisa Lowe

http://www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org

New Show Me/Tell Me Questions From December 4th 2017.

For some years now, at the start of your driving test, before the driving part, the DVSA examiner asks one "show me" and one "tell me" question.

This will change on December 4th 2017.

From this date, you will still have to answer the two questions, but the questions and the formula will be different.

Here's what you can expect after December 4th 2017:

You will be asked:

• One "tell me" question, where you'd be asked to explain how to carry out a safety check, before you start driving, at the beginning of your test.
• One "show me" question, where you'd be asked to carry out a safety task, on the road while you're driving.

The changes to the "show me" format may well cause some problems to any test candidate who is unprepared.

Every driving student learning with John Lowe Driving is already fully competent in performing these safety tasks before their driving test, so these changes will not make any difference at all, but if you are learning elsewhere and these skills are being ignored, our driving instructors are ready to help you.

What questions can you expect?

Here are the 7 "show me" questions that you could be asked on your test. You will be asked to carry out one task.

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’d switch on your dipped headlights?

4.   When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d set the rear demister?

5.   When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d operate the horn?

6.   When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d demist the front windscreen?

7.   When it’s safe to do so, can you show me how you’d open and close the side window?

Here are the 14 "tell me" questions. You will be asked one of them before you start to drive:

1. Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side.

2. Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.

3. 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. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.

4. Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference.

5. Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).

6. Tell me how you’d 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.

7. Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), and then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).

8. Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.

Explain you’d operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.

9. Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, 2 simple checks can be made.

Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.

10. Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.

11. Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.

Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.

12. Tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.

Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.

13. Tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.

Identify high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

14. Tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings.

We hope that this information helps to keep the changes clear, but if you'd like to find out more, start your driving lessons in Gloucester, or pick up your driving again, please call us on:

01452 313713. John Lowe Driving.

Warm Regards,

Tom & Lisa Lowe

http:www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org
http://johnrlowe.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/new-show-metell-me-questions-from.html

Driving Lessons Gloucester- Driving Test Pass- Megan Boseley of Gloucester, 13th April 2017

Congratulations to Megan Boseley, who passed her driving test on April 13th 2017, with her driving instructor, Tom Lowe, at Gloucester Driving Test Centre.
Megan put in a confident and capable drive, fully deserving her test pass, and will have no problems driving unaccompanied with the amount of skill and knowledge she worked hard to build up on her driving lessons.
She has a lot of plans, now she has the freedom of the road and it's great that she can now get them underway.
Tom sends his best wishes and all of us at John Lowe Driving wish Megan all the best and look forward to seeing her on the road.

Warm Regards,
Tom & Lisa Lowe.
http://www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org
http://johnrlowe.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/driving-lessons-gloucester-driving-test_20.html

Driving Lessons Gloucester - Driving Test Changes From December 4th 2017.

The DVSA have announced that changes to the driving test will take place from Monday 4th December 2017. This test update will include following sat nav directions and the testing of different manoeuvres.

In this post we will look at the changes in as much detail as is available.

There will be 4 driving test changes.

1. Independent Driving.

The length of the independent driving section of the test will increase from 10 minutes to 20 minutes, which is approximately half the length of the test without directions given by the driving examiner. 

This will require a lot of concentration! Our driving instructors at John Lowe Driving will ensure that all of our students will be ready for this before their test.

2. Following sat nav directions.

This is a completely new skill that will be tested, although it will not apply to all tests. A fifth of tests will not use a sat nav, but will follow traffic signs instead, so plainly, both skills will need to be mastered.

The sat nav will be supplied and installed by the examiner, using the most suitable method for your car, with an aim to use a dashmat set up where possible, rather than a windscreen attachment. However, some vehicles may only be suitable for a windscreen set up. We will mimic the use in our cars on your driving lessons with how it will be set up for your driving test, so there are no last minute surprises.

You will not need to set the route, as this will be done by the examiner and you will have to use the sat nav supplied by the examiner, you cannot use you own device. If you make a mistake and go the wrong way, don't worry, this doesn't matter, as long as you don't commit a fault in the process.

3. The reversing manoeuvres are to change.

There will be, as now, one reversing manoeuvre to deal with on the test. Your examiner will choose from the following 3 possibilities:

• Parallel parking. 

This will be the same as is currently being used.

• Bay parking, either reversing in and driving out, or, driving in and reversing out. Your examiner will tell you which one to do. 

The DVSA plan to use a wide variety of car parks for the bay parking, such as hotels, supermarkets and retail parks and are talking to national car parking organisations regarding the use of their car parks for this part of the test.

• Pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse 2 car lengths, and then rejoin the traffic on the left-hand side. 

This manoeuvre caused a fair amount of head shaking when it was proposed, as the Highway Code advises not to park against the flow of traffic during the day. 

The DVSA have, however, confirmed that it is an entirely legal manoeuvre. They say that on our busy roads, there are times when a driver will need to pull up on the right, and they need the skills to do it safely, using a safe and systematic routine, including appropriate signals and observation. This is what will be tested.

When the examiner asks you to pull up on the right, you will have to decide what factors to take into account, before parking. It must be safe, legal and convenient, so a busy road with constant traffic would not be suitable.

You, as the candidate will have to use your understanding of these factors to choose a suitable place to pull up on the right.

4. Answering a vehicle safety question while you are driving.

Current students will be familiar with the "show me / tell me" questions, but the questioning will now be different. You will still be asked 2 vehicle safety questions during your test, but the "show me" question will be asked during the drive and you will have to demonstrate that you can perform the task.

For example, you may be asked to wash the windscreen using the car controls and wipers. This makes sense, as you can't forever pull over if you need to turn on your lights, or operate the wipers!

The "tell me" question will be asked at the beginning of the test, before the drive begins.

Will there be other changes?

No, the pass mark, length of test and the cost will remain the same.

The pass mark is not being changed, so you will still be successful on your driving test if you make no more than 15 minor driving faults and no serious or dangerous faults.

The DVSA examiner will mark the test as they currently do, and the driving faults will remain the same.

The test will still last for around 40 minutes.

The cost of the test will remain the same.

Why are the changes being made?

Road collisions account for over a quarter of all deaths of young people between the ages of 15 and 19 and are the biggest killer of teenagers, way beyond illness, drug use, or other accidents.

Most fatal collisions occur on high speed roads (not motorways), such as country lanes, and these changes will allow more high speed roads to be included in the test routes.

All of the students learning with John Lowe Driving in Gloucester, will continue to get full coaching on these roads.

In areas such as Cheltenham, there are fewer high speed roads available, so these changes will enable the test routes to be adjusted.

Over half of drivers now use a sat nav, so training in how to use them safely will avoid potential accidents.

Independent driving is useful to new drivers, as they relate to it after passing, so the changes will be beneficial.

If you would like more information on these changes, or want to get started on your driving lessons, get in touch!

Call John Lowe Driving on 01452 313713.

Warm Regards,
Tom & Lisa Lowe.
http://www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org

Driving Lessons Gloucester-Driving Test Pass- Sue Jones of Gloucester, 11th April 2017

Massive congratulations to Sue Jones, who passed her driving test at Gloucester Test Centre, with her driving instructor, Tom Lowe, on April 11th 2017.
Sue had put in a great deal of effort and commitment to reach the high standard of driving that she showed on her test and can now look forward to being able to drive wherever and whenever she chooses, which will transform her busy life.
Tom was very confident in Sues driving ability, saying she fully deserved her success, after her driving lessons, and wishes her every happiness in her driving future.
All of us at John Lowe Driving, send Sue our best wishes and thank her for using our driving school.

Warm Regards, 
Lisa Lowe.
http://www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org
http://johnrlowe.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/driving-lessons-gloucester-driving-test.html

Easter Traffic 2017.

Road users are being urged to plan their journeys carefully over this years Easter break, as more than 20 million cars are expected to be using the roads. Traffic forecasts for Thursday, April 13^th and Easter Monday are predicting a 20% increase in the amount of car traffic.

Anybody who regularly drives knows the frustration caused by endless roadworks, especially on our local motorway, the M5, which most travellers from Gloucester will use, will be carrying thousands of cars to the west country for breaks in Devon and Cornwall. This could become very congested, but with some planning, the worst of it could be avoided.

We are advised that the worst times to travel will be:

·         Thursday, between 4pm and 6pm

·         Friday between 10am and 2 pm

·         Monday between 12pm and 5pm

So, if you are heading out, avoid these times. Why not consider a night time journey, as it can be quite fun and all of the motorway services will still be operating? You will make good time, avoiding any congestion holdups and will arrive in a much better frame of mind.

Easter Sunday is expected to be the quietest day on the roads with 25% fewer vehicles compared with an average Sunday, so if driving at night does not appeal to you, this will be a good day to go.

Network Rail are carrying out more than 200 engineering projects around the country, delaying trains, so this will encourage more road use.

If you are lucky enough to have a flight booked, allow plenty of time to reach the airport, as all airport approach roads will be busy, some of them, such as Birmingham undergoing road works which can cause severe delays.

Some of 868,000 people are due to travel through Heathrow Airport between Good Friday and Easter Monday, including an extra 200,000 families compared with a typical Friday to Monday period.

Highways England said it has lifted more than 300 miles of roadworks ahead of the Easter getaway, meaning almost 98% of motorways and major A roads will be fully open, but some long stretches on the M5 and M6, our local motorways, will probably have a reduced speed limit, which can cause timing problems, so have that in mind.

Anyway, enough of the gloom, most of you will get away without many problems and we wish you all a happy Easter!

If you would like to know more about journey planning, or would like to get started on your driving lessons, call:

John Lowe Driving on 01452 313713.

Warm Regards, Tom and Lisa Lowe
http://www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org
http://johnrlowe.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/easter-traffic-2017.html

Join John Lowe Driving.

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR FRANCHISE.






John Lowe Driving is a successful and well established family run driving school in Gloucester looking for driving instructors to join our team and enjoy the success of our very busy school.



Our success is largely based on reputation and word of mouth recommendations, but we are also always prominent on Google page 1, facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Blogger. We have all areas covered, generating a very high demand for driving lessons.



We are looking for manual or automatic qualified driving instructors to work for us on a franchise basis. You will need to be reliable, trustworthy and professional with a strong work ethic and a suitable dual controlled car to teach in.


The benefits of joining John Lowe Driving:


You are self-employed and not tied into a contract.
You tell us which days/hours and areas you want to work and we will recruit the new students, taking care of the complete booking for you.
You will work for a well-established and respected driving school.
Franchise fee is based on how many lessons you teach each week NOT a flat rate fee, so that if you are ill, on holiday, or off the road for any reason, there is nothing to pay.
You will join a team of experienced driving instructors.


So, if you are new to the area, newly qualified and needing a great boost, fed up with your current deal, paying too much, or not getting enough new students, joining John Lowe Driving will solve these problems for you.



If you would like more information or an informal chat please call:

Tom or Lisa on 01452 313713.