Just Passed? Take care of your car

Just Passed? Take care of your car

You Passed Your Test!

So you’ve worked hard and listened to your instructor, and you’ve passed your driving test first time! Well done, but of course this isn’t the end of anything it’s the beginning. The start of owning your own car and going wherever you want to go. The freedom of the road awaits!

During the driving test you will have touched on the idea of car maintenance, with the ‘show me tell me’ questions. These are designed to make sure you know how to keep your car in safe working order by checking things like the oil, water and tyres. They are a good start, and shouldn’t be disregarded as an easy part of the test. If you have just bought your own car it is likely to be a second hand car, which will benefit from regular maintenance. If you can do this yourself you will save money and time. It is far better to keep everything working well than break down half way to your destination.

These are our top tips to simple vehicle maintenance, some are covered in the ‘show me tell me’ questions, others will just help you to keep on the road safely.

 

Look after your battery.

A flat battery is more of a nuisance that a safety hazard, which is why it doesn’t get mentioned on the driving test. It is however one of the most frequent causes of breakdowns, and is easily avoided. If you use you car frequently you shouldn’t have any problems with your battery unless you have accidently drained it. If your car hasn’t moved for a while it could go flat.

A common cause of a flat battery is leaving your lights on when parked. Most cars have a warning alarm if you open the drivers door and still have your lights on, it is worth checking if this is a feature of your car. The radio can also drain the battery, so if you are washing your car don’t put the car radio on as entertainment whilst you wash, you might regret it later! Use a portable speaker or your mobile instead and you won’t have a problem.

If your battery is getting a bit old you can always consider getting a replacement – nothing lasts forever. They are an inexpensive an easy part to replace, most batteries come with a 3 to 5 year guarantee.

check oil

Check your tyres

Tyre condition and pressure is part of the driving test, as this is a safety issue as well as a common cause of break downs. It is worth checking your tyres regularly, if you have tyres at a low pressure you will use more fuel, so your journeys will cost you more. Tyres at low pressure will affect your cars handling and ability to stop, so you are more likely to have an accident as well.

It’s worth having a tyre pressure gauge – your car may have a monitoring system so a light will come on if they are at low pressure. A tyre pressure gauge will be more accurate, and you will be able to catch problems before the light would be triggered. Whilst you’re checking the tyre pressure you should also check the condition of the tyres. It’s important that your tyres have no defects and the tread is well within the legal limits. Worn tyres are more likely to get a puncture, so keeping them in good condition will keep you on the road.

Check oil, coolant and break fluid

These are all part of the test, but it’s important to keep your engine running smoothly to ensure you have the right amount of oil and coolant. To avoid accidents you should always ensure you have the right amount of break fluid. It’s a good idea to check these once a month, and keep a supply of oil, coolant and break fluid so if you need to top it up you can without a trip to the shops.

That’s our brief guide to car maintenance, there are plenty more tips that you can learn. If you join a car club or take a course in vehicle maintenance you will be amazed at how easy it is to keep your car in a good condition. This will save you time and money in the long run.

Need Driving Lessons?

If you haven’t passed your test yet, but would like to get on the road why not contact us for some lessons.

We will onlly use your details to get in touch about providing driving lessons. We will never share them with anyone else.

Automatic driving lessons

Automatic driving lessons

New automatic driving instructor available

Is learning automatic the way forward for you? Will it help you pass? What is the difference?
Whether you learn automatic or manual, it does not really matter. Obviously the only difference is not having to change gear. So if you find it hard to multi task, or English is not your first language and you are finding it hard to understand, automatic driving lessons will help you. You still need to do everything, like planning your driving by thinking ahead, tackling roundabouts, reversing, mirror checks and more, including passing your theory and practical test.
Driving Lessons with automatic cars is like clutch free motoring – no problem! Automatics, by making the physical job of driving much easier, give you more time to concentrate on what’s happening on the road.

Make your life easier

Automatic cars have drive, park, reverse and neutral. Just select the right one and you are off. Make your life easier. Get going with lessons, learning how to drive the way you want to.

Taking lessons and your driving test is no different no matter which type of gear box you use. If you have struggled with gears in the past, or are worried about multi-tasking during learning to drive then automatic lessons are the answer. Get yourself some lessons with Always Pass, let’s get you on the road.

Would a quiet time of the day be more preferable for you to learn to drive? Have a weekday lesson, when it is not so busy on the roads. Learn at your pace, and build your confidence.

pass today

Here at Always Pass Driving School, we can help you to pass your theory and practical driving tests. Learn to drive with one of our great male or female driving instructors. We offer automatic driving lessons in Lower Earley, Woodley, Henley and Twyford areas of Reading.

Get in touch

If you’d like more information please get in touch.

How many driving lessons will I need to pass?

How many driving lessons will I need to pass?

How many driving lessons will I need to pass?

This is a question a lot of people ask, but it can be difficult to answer as it varies from one person to another. The Driving Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) have conducted research which states learners need about 44 hours of professional lessons to pass their driving test. But of course everyone is different and this figure can vary wildly. This depends on how naturally driving comes to you, your age and experience, how often you have lessons and whether you have any practice outside of your lessons. It isn’t helpful to compare yourself to others if you are learning any new skill, as this is likely to hold you back. Instead you should try to relax so you can listen to your instructor, and get as much practice as you can.

 

Professional lessons

It is a good idea to use a professional driving instructor for your first lessons. All of our driving instructors are experienced, and their cars have dual controls, so you know you’re in safe hands. Using a professional ensures that you don’t pick up any bad habits from anyone else, and they will know the best way to teach you everything that you will need to pass.

Theory test

Passing you theory test is easier once you’ve had some practical lessons. Your instructor will help to teach you about the rules of the road, so you will become more proficient at the theory questions. We also have practice questions for you to try out – give them a go! The more practice on the road that you have the better you will become at the hazard element of the test.

When you’ve had enough practice with your instructor, and feel safe on the road, it is a good idea to get driving practice with a friend or member of your family. They will have to be over 21, and have held a driving licence for at least 3 years, and of course have a fully insured car for you to use. You can get flexible insurance to insure a learner for just a few hours each week to allow you to practice.

 

pass today
pass your driving test

Is it best to learn when I’m young?

On average it’s easier to pass your driving test when you’re young. The official stats say you need an extra 2 hours of lessons for every year you get older. This doesn’t take your individual circumstances into account, so it may not be true for everyone. If you are not in a position to afford driving lessons every week you may be better off waiting until you can afford it. Taking lessons consistently every week will be the fastest way to learn, having large gaps between lessons will mean that you will forget things. Everyone learns differently, regardless of age, and a good instructor will be able to get the best from their learners.

 

Get in Touch

Whatever your circumstances, we have talented, professional instructors that will be able to guide you through the process of learning to drive. Please get in touch if you’d like to book a lesson.

Extreme weather requires planning

Extreme weather requires planning

Driving in Adverse Weather

The last few weeks have seen some extreme weather in parts of the country. From high winds, flooding and blizzard conditions we’ve had everything that winter can throw at us! When you’re thinking about driving in adverse weather it’s good sense to plan ahead. If you’ve just passed your test you will need to think about preparing your car for winter weather. Go Compare have written a useful article about everything you need to do to make your car ready for winter weather. You can read the article here.

Planning

We would always recommend that you think ahead. If extreme weather is forecasted it’s worth re-thinking your plans. Can the journey wait? If it’s not urgent it can be a good idea to change your plans until any extreme weather has passed.

Just driving a different route might make all the difference if the journey can’t be postponed. If the extreme weather you’re experiencing are high winds you might want to choose more sheltered roads (not over high hills/mountains and avoiding large bridges that may be closed). Be aware you will need to drive slower than usual. When snow is forecasted then stick to the main roads which will have been cleared and gritted. If there is a risk of floods try to avoid roads that go alongside rivers that are at risk of flooding. Never try to drive through flood water, it can be deeper than you expect. Planning a good route in advance can make sure that you arrive safely.

Driving in ice and snow
driving in adverse weather

Prepare

Just having the right things in your car, summer or winter could help you out. If you’re going on a long journey it’s always a good idea to check your car is ready by checking the oil and water levels and checking the tyre tread depth.

Things to include in your car should be a bottle or flask of water, a first aid kit, ice scraper and a blanket, you might also want a snack. If you wear glasses for driving you might feel it’s a good idea to keep a spare pair in the car, just in case yours are damaged or lost when you’re out. Sunglasses are a good addition just in case of winter sun at a low angle. Another useful item to have in the boot is a hi-vis jacket or vest. If you find yourself stuck on an unlit road you will be a lot safer if you’re very visible. It’s also a good idea to have a pen and notepad, just in case you do have an accident and need to swap details – you never know if your phone will be out of charge.

It sounds like a lot, but if these useful things are kept in your car you will be prepared for anything!

Contact Us

Whatever the weather we teach our learners to be ready for anything! If you need lessons please get in touch.

Do you need to retake your driving test?

Do you need to retake your driving test?

Do you need to retake your driving test?

You arrive back after a 37 minute driving test. The Examiner, says Congratulations you have passed your driving test. You have waited so long to hear these words. You are so excited, pleased, relieved, and a new chapter in your life can now start.

The day that you pass your driving test is full of excitement – after all the lessons and nerves, you are at last in possession of a driving licence. But how long is it valid for?

Although there isn’t a set period of time when you need to retake your driving test, there are instances where your license could be revoked or you’ll need to prove that you are still fit to drive.

In this blog, we look at the circumstances that may mean you have to retake your driving test as well as driving licence age restrictions.

Although drivers will need to renew their driving licence every ten years – this is your photocard licence – you won’t need to retake your test except in a few instances:

pass your driving test

Medical condition or disability

It’s important that you tell the DVLA if you develop a medical condition or disability that could affect your driving ability.
This includes conditions such as:

  • Diabetes
  • Epilepsy
  • Stroke
  • Glaucoma

If you are unsure if a medical condition or disability will affect your driving skills, check the list on the GOV.UK website. If your condition is listed, it’s extremely important to tell the DVLA as soon as possible, as failure to do so could mean a fine of up to £1,000 and put yourself and others at risk.

retake your driving test

Driving disqualifications

If you are banned from driving, due to being convicted of a driving offence for 56 days or more you will need to apply for a new driving licence and possibly retake your driving test. You will be told by a court if this is the case and will need to apply for a provisional licence first.

Driving licence age restrictions

There’s a common misconception that older people need to retake their driving test, but this isn’t the case. When you reach your 70th birthday you will need to renew your licence with the DVLA and every three years after this. All of the entitlements on the reverse of your licence you lose, and would need to take tests for if you still need them. This may be the case even though you may have never had to been tested for them before, and just had them automatically added to your licence when you passed your first driving test.

You won’t need to stop driving unless there are other reasons for you to do so, such as a medical condition, but there is no upper age limit or driver assessment for those aged over 70.

When it comes to driving, the most important thing is that you are confident, well and competent in your ability to drive. If you are at all unsure, refer to the advice above. If you do need to retake your test, we’re here to help.

Contact Us

Whether you’re a new learner or returning to driving after a while we can help you. To learn to drive safely please get in touch and we will arrange some lessons for you.

Automatic Lessons

Automatic Lessons

Is learning automatic the way forward for you? Will it help you pass? What is the difference?

Whether you learn automatic or manual, it does not really matter. Obviously the only difference is not having to change gear. So if you find it hard to multi task, or English is not your first language and you are finding it hard to understand, automatic driving lessons will help you. You still need to do everything, like planning your driving by thinking ahead, tackling roundabouts, reversing, mirror checks and more, including passing your theory and practical test.
Driving Lessons with automatic cars is like clutch free motoring – no problem! Automatics, by making the physical job of driving much easier, give you more time to concentrate on what’s happening on the road.

Automatic cars have drive, park, reverse and neutral. Just select the right one and you are off. Make your life easier. Get going with lessons, learning how to drive the way you want to.

Taking lessons and your driving test is no different no matter which type of gear box you use. If you have struggled with gears in the past, or are worried about multi-tasking during learning to drive then automatic lessons are the answer. Get yourself some lessons with Always Pass, let’s get you on the road.

Would a quiet time of the day be more preferable for you to learn to drive? Have a weekday lesson, when it is not so busy on the roads. Learn at your pace, and build your confidence.

Here at Always Pass Driving School, we can help you to pass your theory and practical driving tests. Learn to drive with one of our great male or female driving instructors. We offer automatic driving lessons in Lower Earley, Woodley, Henley and Twyford areas of Reading.

automatic driving lessons

All learners will get one to one tuition and guidance with their theory learning as well as plenty of practical driving practice. Don’t worry if you’re nervous about learning to drive, all of our instructors are experts in teaching people to drive, and all of our learner cars are fitted with dual controls.

Book Driving Lessons

If you’d like to book some lessons, or you have any questions about learning to drive please get in touch.