Driving Lessons in the North East and North Yorkshire
Posts tagged Cheap Driving Lessons
Useful Tips on inspecting and checking a used car before buying. Mechanical, Interior, Exterior and paperwork Car checks
Sep 16th
Very useful article from Auto-Trader that we thought we should share it with our Pass with us driving school learner drivers before going ahead and buying a used car. Please make sure you take advice from your Pass with us driving instructor before or after your driving lesson prior to purchasing a car.
Giving a used car a thorough check can seem daunting, but many faults are easy to spot. We take you through the must-do checks when inspecting a used car.
Car checks
You don’t need to be a mechanic to check the car for mechanical problems or damage from a crash.
Exterior checks
• Check the bodywork for a consistent paint finish – the paint should be the same shade all over the car; if not, it’s probably had some damage and a respray
• Make sure the gaps between the panels are the same width – if not, the car could have been crashed and repaired
• Check the doors and the boot open and close smoothly, and examine the rubber seals for paint – it could point to a respray
• Press down carefully on the car at each corner and release; the car should return smoothly to its normal height – if it bounces before settling the suspension could need work
• Bubbling paintwork indicates rust and is most common around the wheel arches, bumpers and window frames – check everywhere, particularly areas regularly in contact with water
• Check the car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for signs of tampering. The VIN is recorded on a metal strip found in a window at the base of the windscreen in modern cars, above the grille under the bonnet and is often stamped into the chassis under the carpet beside the driver’s seat
• Check the tyres and the spare wheel with a tread depth gauge, which are available from car accessory shops. The minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm across the width of the tyre, but more is better
• Make sure the tyres have even wear – more wear on one side of the tyre than the other indicates the suspension or tracking alignment needs adjusting – it could also point to crash damage
• If the car is a convertible, make sure the roof moves up and down smoothly and locks fully into place, check the material for tears, and make sure the rear window is free from cracks and discolouration
Under the bonnet
• Check the car’s VIN is the same as recorded in the logbook
• Check for oil, water or other fluid leaks around the engine and other mechanical components, as well as on the ground underneath
• Remove the engine oil dipstick, wipe it with a cloth and replace it. Remove it again and check the oil is on or around the ‘max’ level; the oil should be golden and free from debris – if not, the oil will need changing and could indicate neglect
• Check the top of the engine (you may need to unclip the plastic engine cover first) and underneath the engine oil cap for a white, mayonnaise-like substance which could indicate a damaged engine head gasket and often-irreparable engine damage
• Check the fluid levels for the engine coolant (large, often round tank with a screw cap filled with pink fluid) and brake fluid (small bottle, often attached at the rear of the engine bay) are at the correct indicated level when the engine is cool
• Check the battery terminals and connectors on top of the battery are rust-free and in good condition
Inside the car
• The mileage on the odometer inside the speedometer should be consistent with the advert and car’s documents
• Check wear on the seats and steering wheel are consistent with the car’s mileage – high mileage cars will often show wear on the side bolsters and the steering wheel may have a shiny appearance
• Check the VIN for signs of tampering. The VIN is recorded on a metal strip found in a window at the base of the windscreen in modern cars, and above the grille under the bonnet and is often stamped into the chassis under the carpet beside the driver’s seat
• Make sure everything works, including the air conditioning, all electric windows, sunroof, adjustable seats and even the fuel-filler and bonnet release
• Look for damage to the steering column and ignition – damage could indicate the car has been stolen at some point
• Check the seatbelts, the passenger side of the dashboard and the steering wheel cover – frayed seatbelts could indicate they’ve been activated in a crash and damage to the dashboard and steering wheel could mean the car’s airbags have been activated in a crash
Paperwork checks
• Always visit private sellers at their home address and check it is the same as the one listed in the car’s logbook
• Check the car’s logbook, service history, previous MOT certificates and any old bills and receipts to establish if the car has been cared for, identify recurring faults and checking the car’s mileage is genuine
• Look at each MOT certificate and servicing stamp – the car’s total mileage should increase at a steady rate at each MOT and service interval
• Only accept original paperwork, and check for forgeries – the logbook should have a watermark, and you can call the garage the last MOT was carried out at and the previous owner to check the car’s past
Source: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/advice/2010/07/buying/inspecting-a-used-car
Driving Test Changes From October 2010: independent driving and less manoeuvres
Sep 14th
Driving Test Changes From October 2010: independent driving and less manoeuvres
What’s happening to the driving test from October 2010?
There will be two important changes to the driving test commencing 4th October 2010:
1) a new section on independent driving,
2) a reduction in the number of reversing manoeuvres candidates will need to do.
Driving Test October 2010 Changes
The UK Practical Driving Test is changing in October 2010! There will be two important changes to the driving test from 4th October 2010: 1) independent driving, 2) a reduction in the number of reversing manoeuvres
The new independent driving section of the driving test will test how you make your own decisions when driving. The examiner will ask test candidates to drive independently for around 10 minutes by either following traffic signs, a series of directions, or a combination of both. If you’re asked to follow a series of verbal directions, you’ll be shown a diagram to help you.
The length of the driving test will not be extended, so in order to allow time for the independent driving section, from 4th October 2010 candidates will only need to perform one reversing manoeuvre instead of two as in the current driving test.
Here’s what the Driving Standards Agency have said about the new independent driving section of the driving test:
“From 4 October the Driving Standards Agency is introducing changes to the practical driving test. This involves all vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, buses and lorries.
During your test, you’ll be asked to drive for around ten minutes by following either traffic signs, verbal directions or a combination of both. The examiner can also show you simple diagrams.
The aim is to show that you can handle road and traffic conditions safely, while following a series of traffic signs or verbal directions. It doesn’t matter if you don’t remember every direction, or if you go the wrong way – this can happen to the most experienced drivers.
If you ask for a reminder of the directions, the examiner will be happy to confirm them to you. If you go off the independent driving route, nothing will be marked unless you commit a driving fault.
Sandra Dodson, Driving Standards Agency: “A lot of people worry what will happen if they go wrong.
“First of all, they can ask the examiner, just as they can now: ‘Which way was it you wanted me to go at the end of the road? Am I still following the signs for Edinburgh?’
“That’s just the same as they could do now. There’s no problem with that and the examiner will respond accordingly.
“If they do go wrong, again, that happens today in the present test. It doesn’t matter – there’s no fault, unless of course a fault has occurred whilst going wrong. The examiner will simply get them back on route.
“If the route, in the independent section, is actually obscured at some point by trees, a building or even a large parked vehicle, the examiner knows that and they will say: ‘The sign’s obscured but you need to take the next left.’ They’ll let them continue to drive independently after that point.”
The new driving test is designed to focus less on manoeuvres and more on the kind of realistic driving experience that you might encounter day to day.
New drivers will need to navigate and make decisions, so the new test gives you the chance to show that you can drive safely in any conditions, preparing you for the first time you drive on your own.”
What happens if the candidate gets it wrong when they’re driving independently…
The DSA say:
“If the candidate goes off-route during the independent driving section, the examiner will get the candidate back on route and continue with the independent driving section wherever possible. The test won’t be terminated.
If the candidate looks like taking a wrong turning, the examiner will control the situation as they do now and preferably step in before the candidate goes off route. If that’s not possible, the examiner will help the candidate get back on route as soon as possible by guiding them with normal directions.
Independent driving is not a test of the candidate’s orientation skills. If the candidate goes off route, but does not commit a fault, there’s nothing to assess. Any faults that did occur would be assessed under the circumstances at the time – as usual. There is no change to assessment.
There will be times when, due to poor or obscured signage, the examiner may have to intervene. If this happens the examiner would say, ‘There are no signs here. Just continue ahead please’ and then, ‘Now, carry on following the signs to ………….’
If the candidate asks for a reminder of the directions, the examiner will be happy to confirm them. Driving independently means making your own decisions and, just like when driving with friends, this includes deciding when it’s safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation on where you’re going. ”
Can satellite navigation be used during the independent driving section of the new driving test?
No, you will not be allowed to use a sat nav during the independent driving section of the driving test.
The DSA state:
“A sat nav gives directions in much the same way as the driver trainer, or the examiner, so it’s not appropriate to use for independent driving.”
“You can’t use a sat nav for independent driving as it gives you turn-by-turn prompts. Independent driving tests how you make your own decisions.”
Source and Further details: http://www.squidoo.com/driving-test-october-2010-changes
Theory Test Centres in the North East of England United Kingdom (UK)
Sep 6th
Tyne and Wear DSA Theory Test Centres:
- Newcastle upon Tyne Theory Test Centre:
Collingwood House (1st Flr) 3 Collingwood Street Newcastle upon Tyne Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1JW
- Sunderland Theory Test Centre:
Havelock Buildings (2nd flr) 6 Fawcett Street Sunderland Tyne and Wear SR1 1SJ
Durham DSA Theory Test Centres:
- Durham Theory Test Centre:
Suite 1 Abbeywoods Business Park Abbey Road Durham Durham DH1 5TH
Northumberland DSA Theory Test Centres:
- Morpeth Theory Test Centre:
Unit 7 Telford Court Loansdean Morpeth Northumberland NE61 2DB
- Berwick Theory Test Centre:
Shop Unit 3 Border Court Woolmarket Berwick upon Tweed Berwick Berwick TD15 1DP
Pass with US
The premier driving School offering driving lessons in Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Durham, Sunderland, South shields, Washington, Morpeth, Teeside, Stanley, Hexham, North Tyneside, Cramlington, Ashington, Blyth, Tynedale, Corbridge, Haltwhistle, Haydon Bridge, Carlisle, Consett and the whole North East. Pass with us also specialises in providing driving instructor training courses.
Join Pass with us Driving Instructors team
Aug 31st
Pass with us driving school has hundreds of students and we are always looking out for good driving instructors. Interested in joining our team? Whether your looking for work as a fully qualified or a trainee instructor then Pass with us have the answer. We have one of lowest franchise fees in the North coupled with the backing of a company which is large enough to cope but small enough to care. We also offer fully inclusive instructor training courses, and with above average pass rates. You can also benefit from our Free driving instructor training course.
Interested in becoming a driving instructor? Looking to pass part 3 of your driving instructor training? Then visit our Instructor training and training positions page.
Already an instructor (provisional, qualified or about to) and thinking of joining a good reputable driving school? Pass with us is your right choice.
WE DELIVER WHAT OTHERS PROMISE
Unlike a lot other driving schools we make it our aim to keep the promises we set out to you on our initial meeting. Benefits for ADI’s include some of the lowest franchise fees for driving instructors within the industry. A typical starting franchise can be as little as £45 per week. We also offer holiday weeks andas a driving instructor loyalty scheme, where as your fee is reduced the longer you stay with the company and as you stay longer, your fee gets reduced more and more.
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
We are looking for male & female ADI/PDI’s driving Instructors, who are committed, polite, trustworthy, and most of all excited about becoming a team member. We need driving instructors who can work with us to take Pass with us into new levels of excellence. The school is rapidly expanding and looking to expand more in the future with jobs and placements available all the time. Hence, we are also looking for individuals looking to take on more responsibility and earnings by becoming area managers and team leaders. If you are interested and want to arrange an informal chat about your prospects with the company and how we can further your career then please contact us using any of the methods shown on the contact us page.
Contact us on: 0845 603 1794 or email us on: info@passwithus.com
Pass with US @ Learn2Drive
The premier driving School offering driving lessons in Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Durham, Sunderland, South shields, Washington, Morpeth, Teeside, Stanley, Hexham, North Tyneside, Cramlington, Ashington, Blyth, Tynedale, Corbridge, Haltwhistle, Haydon Bridge, Carlisle, Consett and the whole North East. Pass with us also specialises in providing driving instructor training courses.
5 Hours driving lessons gift vouchers
Aug 31st
5 Hours driving lessons gift vouchers. A special gift for a very special price. Driving Lessons gift vouchers probably one of the best birthday gifts anyone can get especially upon reach 17 or 18 years old.
Looking for a gift idea? Driving lessons are the perfect gift. They are giving someone the chance at gaining a skill which should last them for life, and give them the independence they have always wanted.
Pass with us driving school Gift Vouchers come in many different denominations, and all come in its own envelope accompanied by a Pass with us leaflet, which should tell the recipient how to get in touch and how to get started.
Pass with us
The leading premier driving School offering driving lessons in Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Durham, Sunderland, South shields, Washington, Morpeth, Teeside, Stanley, Hexham, North Tyneside, Cramlington, Ashington, Blyth, Tynedale, Corbridge, Haltwhistle, Haydon Bridge, Carlisle, Consett and the whole North East. Pass with us also specialises in providing driving instructor training courses.
A to Z Advise on how to pass your driving test
Aug 31st
Article source: http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/discussion/advice-on-passing-practical-driving-test/1066864/
The Driving test – what to expect on the day:
So you’ve been learning to drive for a while now and your instructor says you are ready for your test. But what does this involve?
You will need to book a double lesson with your instructor, the first of which will be a lesson; the second will be the test with an examiner.
When you arrive at the test centre you will sit in the waiting area until the examiner comes out and calls your name. When they do, you will have to sign a green form to say that the vehicle you will be driving is insured and that you are a permanent resident of the UK.
You will then have to read a number plate from a car a short distance away to check that your eyesight is ok. Once you have done this, you will show the instructor where the car is and the instructor will ask you two maintenance questions before you start the car. The test lasts between 35 and 40 minutes, and you will drive in a variety of road conditions.
*When I did my test last December (2006) the practical driving test cost £48.50 on a weekday or £58.00 on weekday evenings and weekends. Plus the cost of a double lesson with your driving instructor.*
~A~
ASK if you are unsure about anything before your test. At times I think my driving instructor thought I was a little strange as I was asking lots of questions about things that I already knew the answer to, just to confirm it in my head. He was really nice about it though and answered them all for me. Also on the day of your test you can ask the examiner questions if you are unsure of the instructions they give you (although they are usually quite clear).
Tips and Notes on the Highway Code
Aug 26th
Do you know that you can view the full contents of the Highway Code online at www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/index.htm. Please note, however, that only the Department of Transport’s current printed version should be relied upon in any civil or criminal proceedings.
The Official Highway Code is produced by the Department of Transport, currently in its 2007 edition and comes in various formats. You can purchase these from The Stationery Office (TSO) at www.tsoshop.co.uk following the links to Driving Standards Agency (DSA) > Car Drivers > Highway Codes and Other Essentials. Formats include:
The Official Highway Code 2007 Interactive CD-Rom
The Official Highway Code 2007 (Book)
Highway Code Extra – The Official Rules and Signs (with The Official Highway Code 2007 and Know Your Traffic Signs)
Book versions for Welsh speakers and for drivers in Northern Ireland
The Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales and is essential reading for every road user – this applies to pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders as well as drivers. Many of the rules of the Code are legal requirements and you may be fined, given points on your licence or disqualified if you don’t obey them. In serious cases you could also be sent to prison. See www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_069869 for more details on the Road Use and the Law.
Essentially, knowing and adhering to the rules of the Highway Code could significantly reduce road casualties. This is a responsibility we all share.
What has changed?
The last major revision of the Highway Code was in 1999 – more than 10 years ago. The 2007 edition of the Highway Code is particularly tailored towards those who are deemed vulnerable – newly qualified drivers and those driving in adverse weather conditions. It has increased in content by about 50% and includes 29 more rules – the existing body of the book has also been rewritten to provide better clarity on what drivers should do in certain conditions. Changes and additions include:
A new section on rules for users of powered wheelchairs and powered scooters
A Safety Code for New Drivers, giving advice to help newly-qualified drivers get through the first twelve months after passing the test, when they are at their most vulnerable, as safely as possible
New legislation that has been introduced on subjects such as vehicle emissions, smoking in vehicles that are workplaces, mobile phone usage, seat belts and child restraints
New stopping/directing powers that have been given to VOSA Officers and Highways Agency Traffic Officers
New road initiatives of which people might not be aware (High occupancy vehicle lanes, Home Zones and Quiet Lanes, Active Traffic Management Schemes)
More emphasis on courtesy, attitude, awareness, and consideration of other road users, particularly those more vulnerable users
The Highway Code is necessary reading for all drivers and should hopefully help prevent more accidents and injuries on the road. It also has a section on breakdowns and incidents including what to do if your car develops a problem, breaks down or if you are involved in an incident or crash or anything that obstructs your driving.
Article source: http://www.directline.com/motor/highway-code.htm
Pass with US @ Learn2Drive
The premier driving School offering driving lessons in Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Durham, Sunderland, South shields, Washington, Morpeth, Teeside, Stanley, Hexham, North Tyneside, Cramlington, Ashington, Blyth, Tynedale, Corbridge, Haltwhistle, Haydon Bridge, Carlisle, Consett and the whole North East. Pass with us also specialises in providing driving instructor training courses.
Our Promise: we will beat any other driving school on price & quality
Aug 23rd
Pass with us driving school is striving to provide our learner drivers the best service they can get. Our aim is 100% customer satisfaction. We are working really hard and always taking effective actions not just words to achieve and keep our current high pass rates and our 100% learner drivers satisfaction aim.
For this reason, Pass with us has a promise:
We will beet any other driving school on price and quality.
Also, Are you taking lessons already somewhere else?
Do you feel you are getting nowhere and not receiving the standard of driver training you need?
Try us free, and we will give you a free driving assessment.
If you are not impressed and 100% satisfied with our high standards: You owe us NOTHING.
Pass with US (previously learn to drive)
The premier driving School offering driving lessons in Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Durham, Sunderland, South shields, Washington, Morpeth, Teeside, Stanley, Hexham,North Tyneside, Cramlington, Ashington, Blyth, Tynedale, Corbridge, Haltwhistle, Haydon Bridge, Carlisle, Consett and the whole North East. Pass with us also specialises in providing driving instructor training courses.
Free driving lessons special offer
Aug 22nd
Pass with us driving school is now offering an unbeatable offer. We are now offering our customers a free driving lesson completely free of charge for them to make sure that we are the right driving school to trust us with your learining to drive.
We are so confident of our teaching to drive standards that we are offering first driving lesson FREE then next 5 lessons for only £50.
Please contact us now on: 0845 603 1794 or email us on: info@passwithus.com to benefit from this offer.
Pass with US @ Learn2Drive
The premier driving School offering driving lessons in Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Durham, Sunderland, South shields, Washington, Morpeth, Teeside, Stanley, Hexham, North Tyneside, Cramlington, Ashington, Blyth, Tynedale, Corbridge, Haltwhistle, Haydon Bridge, Carlisle, Consett and the whole North East. Pass with us also specialises in providing driving instructor training courses.
Driving Lessons Durham
Aug 10th
Pass with us Durham driving school offers driving lessons in Durham that cover the whole of Durham and all adjacent and surrounding areas. Pass with us Durham driving school has been providing cheap driving lessons, affordable driving tuition and driving instructor training for many years now covering the whole North East of England, UK.
Our driving lessons Durham are tailored to learner drivers needs. We always try our best to adjust our driving lessons and courses to the our learner drivers to ensure the maximum benefit for them and to achieve efficient lessons.
Our Durham driving school covers all Durham neighbourhoods and surrounding areas such as Crossgate Moor, Nevilies Cross, Broompark, Stonebridge, new Durham, Gilesgate Moor, Dragonville, Sherburn House, Sherburn Village & Hill, littletown, Elemore Vale, Belmont, Carrville, Pittington, Moorsley, Easington Lane, Brasside, Leamside, Rainton, Witton Gilbert, Hoghhall, Shincliffe and all adjacent areas.
Please call our office on: 0845 603 1794 to book your first FREE driving lesson in Durham. We also offer discounts on block bookings for driving lessons and intensive driving courses (crash courses). Learn to drive cheaply, quickly and professionally by using Pass with us Durham Driving lessons.
Our Durham driving instructor will show you Durham test routes and will make sure you are comfortable and completely used to driving all around Durham and surrounding areas. Give us a call or drop by if you ever wish to discuss a tailored driving course either intensive or semi-intensive at times that suit you.
We offer both Manual and Automatic driving lessons. We also cater for disabilities and provide a pick up and drop off services for each lesson. Get in touch now on 0845 603 1794 and you will never regret passing with us.
We offer the following driving lessons Durham at Pass with us Durham driving school:
- Standard Driving Lessons in Durham for New learners and Provisional drivers
- Crash Intensive Driving lessons & courses.
- Pass Plus courses.
- Advanced Driving courses.
- Foreign license conversion to full UK driving licence.
- Refresher courses.
- Part Three Training.
- Full Driving Instructor Training Courses.
Pass with us
The leading premier Durham driving School offering driving lessons in Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Durham, Sunderland, South shields, Washington, Morpeth, Teeside, Stanley, Hexham, North Tyneside, Cramlington, Ashington, Blyth, Tynedale, Corbridge, Haltwhistle, Haydon Bridge, Carlisle, Consett and the whole North East. Pass with us also specialises in providing driving instructor training courses.