www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/ 2013-06-20T02:40:10+01:00 text/html 2013-04-15T22:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/new-look-suzuki-for-the-summer/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/new-look-suzuki-for-the-summer/ Just in case you were unsure of the website address, or telephone number, we\'ve had this done - just in time for Summer.  :) text/html 2012-12-26T23:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/cardiff-fairwater-driving-test-centre-is-relocating-to-llanishen/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/cardiff-fairwater-driving-test-centre-is-relocating-to-llanishen/ Cardiff Fairwater driving test centre is relocating to Llanishen from Thursday 27 December 2012. The new test centre provides improved facilities for learners and instructors, better access for disabled people and on-site parking for test candidates. The last day of testing at Fairwater will be Friday 14 December. Cardiff (Llanishen) driving test centre,Thornbury House Unit 11, Lambourne Crescent, Cardiff Business Park, Llanishen, Cardiff, CF14 5GF Google Map text/html 2012-10-31T23:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/dsa-announces-partnership-with-halfords/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/dsa-announces-partnership-with-halfords/ The DSA announces partnership with Halfords to provide local tests in areas that don’t have a test centre. Driving tests could soon be available from branches of Halfords under plans announcedrecently by Road Safety Minister Mike Penning.  As well as using traditional driving testcentres, the DSA is looking at working with public and private sector partners to providedriving test premises in selected areas that don’t already have a local test centre. Tests could be conducted from partner premises in: Kettering area: Corby, Market Harborough, Wellingborough Glasgow area: Johnstone, Renfrew, East Kilbride, Cathcart, Bearsden Manchester area: Cheadle, Altrincham, Salford, Middleton, Ashton-under-Lyne, Oldham Worcestershire: Kidderminster, Droitwich, Bromsgrove Watford area: Hemel Hempstead, Harpenden, Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City Source: DSA E-Zine 2012 text/html 2012-09-30T22:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/highway-code-app-launched/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/highway-code-app-launched/ Transport Secretary, Justine Greening, has announced the launch of a Highway Code app to help road users keep their knowledge of The Highway Code up to date. Much of The Highway Code’s content has changed considerably since its launch in 1931 – and how road users access that content has also moved with the times. It’s free to read online, can be downloaded as an ebook and there are also Facebook and Twitter accounts offering regular topical reminders. Now a new app for the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch will make it even easier to keep upto-date with the rules of the road through a more intuitive, interactive format. The new app has a search facility making it easy to find rules and information. There are also interactive quizzes, a stopping distance calculator and a tool to help users identify road signs. The DSA will be looking at rolling the app out for Android and other platforms in the future. text/html 2012-06-23T22:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/new-powers-to-protect-learner-drivers/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/new-powers-to-protect-learner-drivers/ Driving instructors who pose a significant threat to public safety will face immediate suspension under new legislation that was put forward in Parliament this week. Under the current legislation, it takes a minimum of 45 days to prevent an instructor from continuing to give paid driving instruction. However, from 13 July, the registrar of approved driving instructors will have the power to immediately suspend the registration or trainee licence of an instructor who presents a significant danger to the safety of the public. Effective action to protect learners Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said: “Driving instructors play a vital role in helping to ensure Britain’s roads remain among the safest in the world. “The vast majority of instructors meet the extremely high standards we require of them, but in the very rare cases where an instructor presents a significant danger to the public, it is right that we take prompt and effective action to protect learners and other road users.” The registrar is likely to exercise the suspension power in cases where instructors have been convicted of a violent or sexual offence or are delivering tuition of a dangerously low standard, while the formal removal or revocation processes are being completed. Right of appeal Instructors retain the right of appeal against a decision to remove them from the register of approved driving instructors or to revoke their trainee licence. The instructor will be able to apply for compensation in respect of the period of suspension if they are not subsequently removed from the register. text/html 2012-05-31T22:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/driving-examiner-strike-candidates-still-to-attend-tests/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/driving-examiner-strike-candidates-still-to-attend-tests/ The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is urging all practical driving test candidates booked to take a test on the afternoon of either 8 or 15 June to attend as usual. This is despite the potential for strike action by driving examiners who are members of the Pubic and Commercial Services (PCS) union. The DSA\'s chief executive Rosemary Thew said: \"All candidates have the opportunity to change or cancel their practical test by giving the DSA three clear working days notice.\" \"Not all examiners are members of the PCS union and even if they are, we can\'t be sure that they\'ll support the strike. So we\'re asking candidates who have chosen to keep their test booking for the afternoon of 8 or 15 June to come for their test as normal so it can go ahead if possible.\" \"We\'re sorry for the inconvenience this will cause and will do everything we can to minimise disruption for our customers.\" Candidates who turn up but can\'t take their practical test because of strike action will not have to contact the DSA to rebook. They should hear from the agency with a new date within five to ten working days. If candidates fail to attend they won\'t be able to claim out-of-pocket expenses if their tests are cancelled and they\'ll need to rebook their own tests. Details about claiming out-of-pocket expenses can be found on Directgov. Theory tests are not affected and will be taking place as planned. Candidates wanting to rebook their practical tests can do so on Directgov. text/html 2012-05-22T22:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/dvla-consultation-on-driving-licence-fees/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/dvla-consultation-on-driving-licence-fees/ The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has issued a consultation paper on proposed changes to its driving licence fees, which would apply in Great Britain from April 2013. Anyone wishing to comment must do so by 14 August 2012.   MAKE YOUR COMMENTS to the DVLA  DVLA chief executive, Simon Tse, said: “The DVLA is facing increasing costs and these must be covered from our fees. We are consulting with our customers and stakeholders on a potential fee structure so that we can take their views into account when making the final decision.” The consultation contains three options: Apply the common driver fee of £20 to provisional and 5-yearly renewal applications for vocational driving licences Increase the fee for a first provisional car or motorcycle licence by £2.25 to £52.25 Increase the common driver fee by £0.70 to £20.70 Source: DSA 23rd May 2012 text/html 2012-05-01T22:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/driving-examiner-strike-candidates-to-attend-tests-2/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/driving-examiner-strike-candidates-to-attend-tests-2/ DSA is urging all driving test candidates booked to take a test on Thursday 10 May to attend as usual, despite the potential for strike action by driving examiners who are members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union... DSA’s chief executive Rosemary Thew said: All candidates have the opportunity to change or cancel their practical test by giving DSA three clear working days notice. Not all examiners are members of the PCS union. Even if they are, we can’t be sure that they’ll support the strike. So we’re asking candidates to come for their test as normal so it can go ahead if possible. We’re sorry for the inconvenience this will cause and will do everything we can to minimise disruption for our customers. Candidates whose tests are cancelled Candidates who turn up but can’t take their tests because of strike action will not have to contact DSA to rebook. They should hear from the agency with a new date within five to ten working days. If candidates fail to attend they won’t be able to claim out-of-pocket expenses if their tests are cancelled and they’ll need to rebook their own tests. Theory tests Theory tests are not affected and will be taking place as planned. Customer service centre DSA’s customer service centre for practical tests might also be affected by the strike action. Customers will still be able to book, change or cancel their driving test online at direct.gov.uk/drivingtest. Source: DSA text/html 2012-02-22T23:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/theory-test-questions-no-longer-published/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/theory-test-questions-no-longer-published/ Move to ensure candidates are better prepared for safe driving As of 23 January, the questions used in real theory tests are no longer exactly the same as the questions published in revision materials such as the Official DSA Theory Test book. The change is designed to ensure learner drivers and riders gain a better understanding of driving theory rather than just learning by rote which options are correct for individual questions. Announcing the change, Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said: “By bringing a stop to publication of theory test questions we aim to encourage candidates to prepare by learning each topic area thoroughly rather than just memorising the questions and answers. “The intention is to improve candidates’ knowledge and understanding of driving theory, so that they are more able to retain and apply it when they are on the road.” The format of the test is not changing and the familiar theory test books and software still offer revision questions for  andidates to test themselves and assess their progress. DSA has also launched its first iPhone apps for theory test revision which are available from the iTunes Store. DSA books, electronic books and software are available from bookshops or can be ordered or downloaded directly from the publishers TSO at www.tsoshop.co.uk/dsa. text/html 2012-02-22T23:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/red-tape-to-be-cut-for-drivers/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/red-tape-to-be-cut-for-drivers/ Department for Transport to amend or scrap 142 regulations Last April the Government launched The Red Tape Challenge, inviting individuals tocome forward with suggestions for reducing unnecessary and complicated regulation. Asa result of the road transport part of the Red Tape Challenge, the Department for Transport is to scrap or improve 142 road transport regulations. These include: scrapping the regulation requiring motorists to hold a paper counterpart to their driving licence by 2015 improving the regulation surrounding the notification process for vehicles that are not in use on the road only issuing hard-copies of V5C vehicle registration certificates for fleet operators when needed – with the potential for this to be rolled out to private motorists introducing a limited exemption from drivers’ hours rules so that people who drive for the Territorial Army in their own time can continue to do so The Department for Transport is also exploring other proposed changes including: removing the need for an insurance certificate abolishing the need for drivers to prove they have insurance when applying for tax enabling 600,000 more people to tax their car online looking at experience in other countries on driver certificates of professional competence (CPC) – to see if the need for some sectors to have a CPC could be removed For further information, read the press release: www.dft.gov.uk/news/pressreleases/dft-press-20111215   text/html 2012-02-22T23:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/the-official-highway-code-joins-facebook-and-twitter/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/the-official-highway-code-joins-facebook-and-twitter/ The Official Highway Code joins Facebook and Twitter You can now get Official Highway Code reminders via Facebook or Twitter. You can see the posts on Facebook at facebook.com/HighwayCodeGB, or you can get tweets by going to follow @HighwayCodeGB on Twitter. text/html 2012-02-22T23:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/driving-tests-cancelled-or-stopped-tests-and-bad-weather/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/driving-tests-cancelled-or-stopped-tests-and-bad-weather/ Sometimes the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has to cancel or stop driving and riding tests because of things like bad weather or vehicle problems. Find out what happens if your test is cancelled or stopped, and what you need to do when there's bad weather.     If DSA cancels your driving or riding test at short notice you might be able to claim for any out-of-pocket expenses. However, DSA does not pay expenses if your test is cancelled because of:     bad weather     vehicle problems     driver or rider problems Find out if you can claim and how to do it by clicking on the link below. Apply for out-of-pocket expenses for a cancelled driving test text/html 2011-12-12T23:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/changes-to-the-theory-test-the-facts/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/changes-to-the-theory-test-the-facts/ From 23 January 2012 the theory test will be made up of multiple-choice questions which are no longer published in learning materials. The reason behind the move is to stop candidates from simply memorising theory test questions and answers and learning by rote. Revision materials still available New official driving and riding theory books were published in September 2011 to help candidates prepare for the test and for life on the road.         The new books contain: new sections of text for motorcyclists, a free e-book for car drivers and full references throughout to help candidates learn and revise questions and answers for revision, including practice for case studies the official DSA explanations for every revision question, helping candidates fully understand the answer This approach to learning will help candidates to gain a better knowledge and understanding of driving theory which will help them respond correctly to the new, reworded live questions used in the actual test. No changes to the format of the test No changes are being made to the format of the theory test. It will still be made up of a multiple-choice part and a hazard perception part. The time allowed and the pass marks will stay the same. text/html 2011-12-12T23:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/dsa-opening-hours-christmas-and-new-year/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/dsa-opening-hours-christmas-and-new-year/ Find out when the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) customer service centre and driving test centres are open over Christmas and New Year. DSA's online services will be available throughout Christmas and the New Year DSA opening hours - Christmas and New Year text/html 2011-11-12T23:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/how-do-you-select-a-driving-instructor/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/how-do-you-select-a-driving-instructor/ What criteria would you use to select a Driving Instructor?  Here are some of our ideas that you need to be aware of.  Alternativley, you can also use the DSA 'Find an Instructor' online service here. Lesson prices? Go for the cheapest - thats gotta be the best value for money.  Wrong!  Cheap lessons are a false economy.  Are you getting a full hour tuition with a fully qualified instructor?  Or are you sitting at the side of the road talking?  or picking up the next pupil in your lesson time? or staying close to home on side roads to save fuel.  The car that they use? This shouldn't matter.  Proving that the car is fairly new and in good condition.  Driving an older car with heavily worn controls can have an effect on your confidence.  Pedals, steering and all controls should be light and responsive, and the best way to ensure this is with a modern new(ish) car. Gimicks and offers Gimicks and offers are generally a way of reigning you in and tie-ing you into a longer more expensive period of lessons.  After all, these people have to recever their initial losses from you.  Recommendation? Yes, yes, yes.  Trust the judgement of people that you knwo who have passed or are learning with an Instructor.  Lady-drivers will never be the cheapest, but strives the be the best, and you should always feel that you have accomplished something every lesson.  text/html 2011-10-13T22:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/traffic-signs-to-be-updated/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/traffic-signs-to-be-updated/ Traffic signs updated, clutter and red tape reduced in biggest signs review in 40 years Unnecessary Whitehall bureaucracy will be tackled and costs for councils reduced following the biggest review into Britain's traffic signing system for 40 years, announced today by Transport Minister Norman Baker. The government hopes that the review will dramatically reduce the number of signs councils need to use by relaxing rules - such as by removing the requirement for some signs - including those to indicate the start of a pedestrian zone, to be placed on both sides of the road. The new framework includes measures to update and improve traffic signs to make sure that they reflect the way we travel now, as well as providing clear information on prohibitions on the road network. Changes will include: measures to improve cycle journeys by allowing journey times as well as distances to be added to signs on cycle routes and making it easier for councils to use Trixi mirrors to improve visibility of cyclists at junctions and 'no entry except cycles' signs to allow contra-flow cycling a new sign warning lorry drivers that a road is unsuitable for their vehicles. This will help to prevent situations where lorries following sat nav systems use inappropriate roads, sometimes causing disruption to the local road network and delays to their journey measures to simplify some parking signs after research showed that, although overall understanding of traffic and parking signs among drivers is good, there is scope for some signs to be made clearer allowing councils to use innovative new measures such as pedestrian countdown timers and diagonal crossings without government approval Sourse: DSA Link: http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press-20111013a Link: http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/publications/signing-the-way text/html 2011-10-13T22:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/government-proposes-80mph-motorway-speed-limit/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/government-proposes-80mph-motorway-speed-limit/ Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has announced his intention to consult on raising the national speed limit on motorways from 70 to 80 miles per hour. The government plans to launch a full public consultation on the issue later this year with a view to implementing any change in early 2013. Link: http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press-2011100 text/html 2011-10-13T22:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/new-theory-test-books-published/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/new-theory-test-books-published/ New official driving and riding theory books will be published this month to help candidates revise in preparation for changes to the test in January 2012. Since theory tests began in 1996, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has published the questions and answers from the question banks for all categories of tests for cars, motorcycles, lorries and buses. However, DSA announced last November that it was to stop publishing the multiple choice questions and answers, with unpublished questions being used from January 2012. DSA’s chief executive Rosemary Thew said: “The reason behind the move is to stop candidates from simply memorising theory test questions and answers and learning by rote. The new books contain questions and answers for revision and also explain the theory behind each question. “This approach to learning will help candidates to gain a better knowledge and understanding of driving theory which will help them respond correctly to the new, re-worded live questions used in the actual test.” Other theory test products including CD Roms, downloadable PDFs and ebooks have been revised too and will be published shortly after the theory test books are published on 19 September. The agency has also launched its first ever mobile phone apps for theory test revision, which have been developed to help candidates learn in this way. text/html 2011-08-31T22:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/new-suzuki-swift-sz3/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/new-suzuki-swift-sz3/ Lady-Drivers now has a new Suzuki Swift SZ3! The Polo has gone and we now have a brand new, 61 plate, Suzuki Swift SZ3.  This wicked little zinger has a 1.2Litre engine, alloys, air-con and is diamond white.  Its a real stunner.   The car was supplied by J&J Motors, Bridgend.  www.jjmotors.co.uk text/html 2011-07-24T22:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/online-directory-of-driving-instructors-launched/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/online-directory-of-driving-instructors-launched/ Only official online directory of  qualified, approved driving instructors Over 30,000 qualified instructors signed up to the service Search for qualified, approved instructors in your area A free online service making it easy for learner drivers to find qualified instructors in their area has been launched today by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA). Find your nearest driving instructors’ is available on Directgov. It lists fully qualified driving instructors who have signed up to be listed, and allows users to search for instructors closest to them by typing in their postcode. Learners will also be able to see if an instructor has signed up to the voluntary code of practice and if they are committed to continuing their professional development. The voluntary code of practice sets out the professional standards and business ethics expected of those working in the industry. Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said: “This new service will make life easier for learner drivers and parents looking for qualified instructors in their area. I hope that this will allow people to make more informed choices about who they want to teach them to drive.” Once qualified, approved instructors are tested regularly by DSA to ensure they are delivering the required standard of instruction, and are subject to ongoing enhanced criminal record checks. They display a green badge in their windscreen during lessons. Trainee driving instructors will not be listed in the directory.  However, trainee driving instructors can do a limited amount of teaching to gain experience and must display a pink badge in their windscreen to indicate that they are not yet fully qualified.  Find your nearest driving instructors is at direct.gov.uk/finddrivinginstructor. text/html 2011-07-24T22:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/dsa-working-with-industry/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/dsa-working-with-industry/ The new Strategic Framework for road safety, published last month, sets out the Government’s proposed actions and approach to continuing to reduce death and injuries on our roads. One of the strategy’s main themes is to make it easier for people to do the right thing when they are using roads. This means improving the education and training that is available at all points to develop skills and teach safe attitudes. As part of this work, DSA and the Department for Transport will be holding a series of events with key stakeholders. On 8 June, an initial meeting was held with representatives of the insurance industry. Options were explored for providing the insurance industry with more confi dence in the ability of young drivers so that both the incentives and take up of driver training initiatives can be maximised. This was followed on 9 June by a meeting with Mike Penning, the Minister for Road Safety, representatives from the driver training industry and other road safety stakeholders. This explored how we can best ensure that “I think that everyone who attended would agree that the event was a very positive step,” “There was a general consensus on the package of measures that should be further developed. Our priority now is to continue to work with the industry and other stakeholders ensuring we can adequately set out the supporting evidence and economic costs and benefi ts ahead of formal consultation.” Rosemary Thew DSA Chief Executive people are encouraged and properly trained to be lifelong, safe and responsible drivers. A wide range of possible measures were tabled covering the way that people learn to drive through to how to raise standards of training provision within the industry. Further information on the outcomes of these industry and stakeholder events will be published in future issues of Despatch. text/html 2011-07-24T22:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/find-a-driving-instructor-online/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/find-a-driving-instructor-online/ The DSA has launched a new service to enable prospective drivers to find a registered and approved Driving Instructor online.  They have produced this Video about the service.   text/html 2011-06-27T22:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/driving-examiner-strike-candidates-to-attend-tests/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/driving-examiner-strike-candidates-to-attend-tests/ The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is urging all driving test candidates booked to take a test on Thursday 30 June to attend as usual regardless of the threat of strike action by examiners who are members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union. DSA's chief executive Rosemary Thew said: “Not all examiners are members of the PCS union and even if they are, we cannot be sure that they will not turn up for work. We therefore want candidates to attend so that practical tests can be delivered if possible. Theory tests are not affected and will be taking place as planned.. “Candidates who turn up but are unable to take their tests because of industrial action will not have to contact DSA to re-book. They should hear from us with a new date within five to ten working days. We apologise for the inconvenience this will cause and will do everything we can to minimise disruption for our customers." If no examiner is available for a test, a new date will be rebooked automatically by DSA and the candidate will be sent details of the new test.. If candidates fail to attend they will not be able to claim out-of-pocket expenses if their tests are cancelled and they will need to rebook their own tests. DSA’s customer service centre for practical tests might also be affected by the strike action. Customers who wish to book a practical test will still be able to use DSA's internet booking service at direct.gov.uk/drivingtest. Details about claiming out-of-pocket expenses can be found at direct.gov.uk/drivingtestexpenses. text/html 2011-05-26T22:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/why-learn-automatic/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/why-learn-automatic/ Quite simply - don't. Don't do it. It's restrictive and only for lazy people. Learning to drive from scratch in a car with an automatic gear-box is no easier than learning to drive in a car with a manual gear box - 'Automatics' just press the clutch pedal for you. You still need to take and pass a Theory test; still need to learn the paracticalties of driving, road awareness, confidence and rules of the road; and still have to go through the experience of passing your driving test. Then at the end of all that time and expense you get a driving licence that restricts you to only driving 'automatics'. Automatics do have their place, I agree.  Towing.  Great big cars.  Yep, all these are easier to drive with an automatic gearbox.  Although I want to be able to drive these types of cars by my choice, not by the limitations of my driving license. Once you have passed your driving test in a (manual) car, you can drive either manual or automatic cars.  It is a life skill and is not restrictive on the type of car (or gearbox) that you use.  If you pass your test in an automatic - you will be confined to automatic cars for ever (or untill you go through the process of taking a manual driving test). text/html 2011-04-13T22:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/highway-code-celebrates-80-years-on-the-road/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/highway-code-celebrates-80-years-on-the-road/ One of Britain's best selling and most iconic publications - the Highway Code - is 80 years-old today. The first edition was published on 14 April 1931 in a bid to cut down on the number of accidents taking place on Britain's roads. Despite the fact there were just 2.3 million motor vehicles at the time, over 7,000 people were killed in road accidents that year. The Highway Code quickly became the 'must read' publication for those using the road and is now recognised the world over. The Code is now used by millions of drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians every year and has even been featured in TV drama storylines.  Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said: "The Highway Code is the official guide to using the roads safely and responsibly.  The Code has helped to save thousands of lives over the last 80 years, which is cause for celebration. "The Highway Code is not just for new drivers, it holds crucial information for everyone from experienced motorists and motorcyclists to horse riders and pedestrians. "The publication offers the latest information on the rules of the roads and road safety advice, as well as promoting greater courtesy and understanding among all road users. Its long-standing success is one of the reasons why Britain's roads are among the safest in the world". The Highway Code has moved with the times and is now available in a variety of formats, including online from the Directgov website, as a download and on CD ROM with a voice-over for people with reading difficulties. Source: DSA | GovDelivery text/html 2011-04-10T22:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/the-think-website-has-changed/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/the-think-website-has-changed/ The THINK! website has changed Road safety information has been moved to three different places in line with government rules to move public information to Directgov. THINK! campaigns Visit direct.gov.uk/think for THINK! campaign information including: THINK! road safety statistics and facts THINK! adverts and interactive road safety games partnership information   Road safety adviceVisit the new road safety advice section of Directgov for general road safety information including: drink driving limits advice on choosing and fitting child car seats penalties for using hand-held mobile phones whilst driving Road safety professionals Visit the new road safety professional area on the Department for Transport website for information and resources to support professionals in delivering road safety messages including: THINK! campaign strategies, key messages and recent campaign activity THINK! research including campaign evaluation information about using THINK! adverts and brand guidelines THINK! Education text/html 2011-04-10T22:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/sorting-out-your-practical-driving-test-is-so-easy/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/sorting-out-your-practical-driving-test-is-so-easy/ Directgov is the only official site where you can book or change your practical test appointment without paying an extra administration fee. And now booking or changing your practical driving test with Directgov couldn’t be easier. There’s a couple of new films which show you how to do this, step-by-step. To watch how to book your practical driving test on Direcgov, visit direct.gov.uk/en/Video/DG_WP194889 To watch how to change your practical driving test on Directgov, visit direct.gov.uk/en/Video/DG_WP194510 If you want to embed these videos on your website, you can visit Directgov's YouTube channel youtube.com/directgovuk to get their embed code. How to book, check or change your test To book your practical test, visit direct.gov.uk/bookpracticaltest To check and change your practical test, visit direct.gov.uk/changepracticaltest text/html 2011-03-06T23:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/join-the-conversation/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/join-the-conversation/ Thanks to new digital communication tools and social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, keeping in touch with DSA has never been easier. Reading Despatch isn't the only way to stay up to date with important news and information from DSA. The agency's digital communication team is making use of new communication tools like Facebook and Twitter, so that you can access up to date news and information where and when you want. "We want to make it easy for you to get the information you need, but it's not just about giving you messages - we also want to hear from you," says John Ploughman, DSA's digital communication manager. "Social media is a great way of getting information out quickly and at no cost, but it's also about interaction and the opportunity to hear what our customers are thinking. It doesn't mean we're going to stop sending information by email or putting it in Despatch, it just gives people more choice." Trevor Wedge's Facebook page Chief driving examiner Trevor Wedge now has an official Facebook page. Visit the page for updates on what Trevor's working on and who he's talking to around the country. You'll also find links to useful information, and you can post comments - Trevor's not always able to respond personally, but he does read them all. You don't need to have a Facebook account to view the page, just go to facebook.com/trevorwedge. DSA Direct With DSA Direct you can sign up to receive free alerts about specific topic areas straight to your email. You can choose to get alerts as soon as we send them, or as daily or weekly ‘digests'. To sign up, simply go to dft.gov.uk/dsa then click on 'DSA Direct' and follow the on screen instructions. YouTube DSA published its first video on YouTube in September 2009. Since then, we have uploaded more than 70 videos providing information about all aspects of learning to drive or ride. The videos have now been viewed more than 2.5 million times. See them for yourself at youtube.com/dsagov and let us know what you think in the comments section below each video. Twitter DSA also has its own Twitter feed, giving you regular, bite-size news and updates. By following DSA on Twitter, you can make sure you're one of the first to hear about the latest news stories, press releases and more. It's easy to access Twitter on most mobile phones, so even if you're not at your computer you can stay up to date, and if you have your own website you can include our latest 'tweets' on your homepage. To sign up, go to twitter.com/DSAgovuk text/html 2011-03-06T23:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/website-content-under-scrutiny/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/website-content-under-scrutiny/ The Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) is now able to investigate complaints about marketing messages on websites. Driving instructors who want to complain about online advertising should contact ASA directly on http://asa.org.uk/Regulation-Explained/Online-remit.aspx where they will find an online complaints form. Please don't contact DSA - they have no powers to deal with these complaints. Source: DSA Ezine text/html 2011-02-25T23:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/dont-deceive-the-dsa/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/dont-deceive-the-dsa/ Between 1 April and 31 December 2010, DSA's Fraud and Integrity Team concluded 888 investigations into impersonation/ identity fraud surrounding the driving test. Since 2004, the work of the Fraud and Integrity Team has led to over 1100 arrests, and over 1500 licence revocations. There are currently more than 900 ongoing investigations. The DSA is committed to the prosecution of offenders in order to preserve public safety on the roads and the integrity of the driving test procedure. "Around 1.5 million theory tests take place every year and thankfully such crime is extremely rare. We work closely with police and the Crown Prosecution Service to bring these fraudsters to justice." Source: DSA Ezine text/html 2011-02-20T23:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/driving-test-impersonator-gang-jailed/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/driving-test-impersonator-gang-jailed/ Four men who arranged for an impersonator to take driving theory tests for them have been sent to prison. They admitted conspiracy to commit fraud at driving theory test centres in Doncaster, Harrogate, Middlesbrough and Grimsby. At Teesside Crown Court, three defendants were sentenced to six months in prison. The court was told they arranged for an impersonator to sit their driving theory tests between September and November 2009. Evidence discovered during the investigation uncovered links between all four men and the impersonators who took the tests. Source: DSA Ezine text/html 2011-02-06T23:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/10-lessons-for-55-not-a-chance/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/10-lessons-for-55-not-a-chance/ If it seems too good to be true, it often is.  This is also true of driving lessons.  How can a business survive offering 10 lessons for £55?  The truth?  It can't.  There is no way that you will get what you think you are going to get - the business would not survive on this.  They catch you with their snazzy offer, and reel you in like a fish. So, what do you get for your £5.50 lesson?  Well, you wont spend much time driving.  You could do £5.50 in petrol alone.  Most of the time will be spent at the side of the road, talking about driving, eastenders, how many friends you have on facebook, smoking and generally wasting as much time as possible.  And I doubt it will last for an hour. Lady-Drivers prides itself on providing full hourly lessons, for an hourly rate.  £20 per hour, or £18 if you pay for a block booking of 10, and even £17 with the downloadable discount voucher from our website.  At that price, you will get a full hour tuition, with a fully qualified instructor who does not smoke, waste time, or need to save petrol. You will out on the road, learning to drive - not sat at the kerb wasting your time. text/html 2011-02-06T23:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/beware-the-imitiation/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/beware-the-imitiation/ Lady-Drivers has been established for 10 years now. We established our branding straight away - black cars, pink livery, and the strapline 'Calm professional female driving instructors'.  Recently, we have begun to notice a number of different driving schools with simillar marketing to our own.  They copy our colours.  They copy our marketing.  They copy our logo. They even copy our website.  But they will never be as good as us. Lady-Drivers operates in Cardiff, and all our instructors are fully qualified Grade 5. We provide a relaxed environment for you to learn to drive - and thats all.  We dont need to copy anyone. So, if you are looking for a female driving instructor in cardiff - make sure that they are a Lady-Driver. text/html 2011-01-24T23:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/online-servives-from-directgovuk/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/online-servives-from-directgovuk/ Apply for your tax disc online Book your driving theory test online Check, change or cancel your driving theory test online Book your practical driving test online Check, change or cancel your practical test online Book a driver trainer theory test online Check or change a driver trainer theory test online Driver licensing online Check your vehicle's MOT status and history online DVLA form ordering service Order your official DSA learning to drive books, DVD etc online DVLA personalised registrations Report an unlicensed vehicle online Take an official practice theory driving test Vehicle details enquiry Vehicle recalls and safety notices Tell DVLA your vehicle is off road (SORN) text/html 2011-01-03T23:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/no-rise-in-lesson-prices-with-ladydrivers/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/no-rise-in-lesson-prices-with-ladydrivers/ With the increased cost of Petrol nearing its all-time high, and the increase to VAT making everything more expensive, we will NOT be putting lesson prices up at all.  This means that driving lessons from Lady-Drivers are now even better value for money than before. text/html 2010-12-07T23:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/facebook-page-for-learners/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/facebook-page-for-learners/ DSA has launched a Facebook page for learner drivers. The page, which is called 'I can't wait to pass my driving test', has been set up to give learner drivers a way of keeping up to date with news about learning to drive and driving tests. The page also has links to information and services on Directgov. Become a fan of the page by visiting facebook.com/mydrivingtest, but not before checking out facebook.com/LadyDrivers first text/html 2010-11-10T23:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/double-discount/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/double-discount/ This totally new offer is open to all of our existing pupils, and gives you a free hour lesson when you recommend a friend to Lady-Drivers.  Your friend must sign up for a block booking for you to receive your free lesson.  And don't forget there is also a discount voucher on the website four your friend too.  Double discount! text/html 2010-10-10T22:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/lady-drivers-is-on-facebook/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/lady-drivers-is-on-facebook/ Many of you have been asking me for a while about being on Facebook. Well, I'm not. BUT... Lady-Drivers is.  Woot woot! We need 25 fans for a unique URL, so 'Friend Us' or 'Like Us' or whatever it is you do, and we'll see what happens.   text/html 2010-06-10T22:00:00+01:00 http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/thanks-but-id-rather-hold-it/ http://www.lady-drivers.co.uk/blog/thanks-but-id-rather-hold-it/ A word of advice to anyone taking their driving test at the Driving Test Center, Fairwater, Cardiff.  "Have a pee before you leave home." There is a loo at the Test Center, but you usually need wellies to reach it.  Its not the cleanest loo around - and I don't think anyone would disagree.  (Except perhaps the Staff at the above center who are supposed to keep the loo clean.) We are all looking forward to the new Test Centre for Cardiff that will be based in LLanishen.