Watch out for emails claiming to be from DVLA asking you to verify your driving licence details via an online link – it's a scam. DVLA has not sent any such email, so if you get one delete it immediately.

Scam phishing email

The email appears to be an attempt to trick drivers into providing personal details. If you get the email below, do not respond to it and delete it immediately.

This warning has also been published on the Directgov website:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_194193

From: DVLA
Subject: Update Your License Details

We are currrently upgrading our database and all drivers are required to update and verify there driver's license details.To complete your license verification with us, you are required to fill out the form in the link below.

{Fake link}

Drivers that refuses to upgrade his or her details within two weeks of receiving this verification email will lose his or her driver's License and will have to take a fresh driving test.

We sincerely apologise for any inconviniences this might have caused you.

Thank you for your co-operation.

(c) Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency Swansea SA6 7JL

If there are certain driving scenarios that fill you with dread, don't worry - you're far from the only one. We've put together five real-world examples of situations some drivers may approach with trepidation and offer sensible, practical advice on dealing with them.

1. Parking in a multi-storey car park

Preparation: Be conscious of the time. If you know you're shopping at peak time, expect a busy car park and decide on your strategy: pick a spot and wait for a space? Or drive around until you hit lucky? Decide beforehand and you'll not get as vexed.

Getting it right: Most people head for spaces near the ground and exits - go as high as you can and you'll find a space easier. If you know you'll be leaving at a peak time, try to reverse park into the bay, which will make it easier to get out.

But don't try this: Being stressed. Stress is the main reason most of us do silly or unexpected things behind the wheel. It'll cloud your ability to park in a tighter space.

2. Motorway driving

Preparation: Set off in plenty of time. Being in a hurry will cause you to drive too fast and throw lane discipline out of the window.

Getting it right: Generally, stay in the left hand lane whenever you can, only using the middle and right hand lanes for overtaking. Always indicate out of and back into a lane, and always check your blind spot for cars and motorcycles. You'll find there's far less stress sitting at 60-70mph in the slow lane and overtaking when you need to.

But don't try this: Hogging the middle lane. There's absolutely no reason to stay in the middle lane - one of the most irritating (and common) bad driving habits in the UK today. It slows down motorway traffic flow and annoys other road users, which can sometimes encourage undertaking.

3. Driving at night

Preparation: make sure you know exactly where you're going, and stick to major, well-lit roads if you're concerned. Ensure all your car lights are working properly, that your car windows are clean and that your phone is with you (and charged).

Getting it right: Don't be afraid to drive that little bit slower at night, especially on roads you're unfamiliar with. Indicate as early as possible when turning and leave a bigger gap than usual between you and other traffic. Use your full beam on unlit single carriageways, unless it's foggy, in which case that will hinder your view. (And remember to turn them off for oncoming traffic.) Only use fog lamps in foggy or inclement weather. Take more regular breaks - you'll tire more easily at night. And try not to fixate on the lights of other cars, which can dazzle and disorientate you.

But don't try this: Get lost. Unavoidable at times, we know, but proper journey planning is especially important for night drives. There are fewer people about to ask for directions, fewer places you'll be willing to stop and less chance you'll be able to get your bearings.

4. Approaching a roundabout

Preparation: Think about where you're going and get into the correct lane. Most major roundabouts have clear lane markings, so slow down on the approach and look out for those - they sometimes won't follow the roundabout convention (left lane for a left turn or straight ahead, right lane for everything else).

Getting it right: Always indicate on a roundabout at the point you're about to turn off. Don't assume that because you're in a certain lane other drivers will know where you're going. Stay inside a particular lane, too, even if you discover it's the wrong one: better to come off at the wrong turn than cause an accident. Take your time and don't panic.

But don't try this: Lazy drivers will often cut across lanes while going straight over on a roundabout, which is dangerous and frustrating for other road users. Lane discipline applies at roundabouts just as it does on motorways - there could always be someone at either side of you.

5. Overtaking

Preparation: Make sure the opposite side of the road is absolutely clear, that the lane divide is a broken white line (a solid line means overtaking is illegal), and that there are no blind corners or dips in the road from which a car could appear.

Getting it right: Overtaking on a single carriageway should only be approached if you're absolutely certain it's safe. Never risk a head-on collision by taking a chance. If your car has limited power, or the road is just too busy or obscured, it's better to be a little late. Once you're sure, indicate early to signal your intent, check your blind spot, then pull out and accelerate as quickly as you can, changing down a gear if needed. Indicate back into the lane and pull back across as soon as it's safe to do so.

But don't try this: Overtaking in the dark is even riskier, especially on poorly lit minor roads. We'd suggest not doing it at all.

Mark Nichol - BT Yahoo

New powers to tackle uninsured driving will come into force within months, Road Safety Minister Mike Penning announced today.

Under the new powers it will be an offence to keep an uninsured vehicle, rather than just to drive when uninsured.

Currently every responsible motorist pays an average £30 each year within their premiums to cover crashes involving uninsured and untraced drivers. It is also estimated that uninsured and untraced drivers kill 160 people and injure 23,000 every year.

Mike Penning said:

"Uninsured drivers push up premiums for other motorists and often drive with no regard for other road users, so it is vital that we do everything we can to keep them off the roads.

“More than 400 uninsured vehicles are already being seized by the police every day but it is simply not possible to catch every uninsured driver in this way. That is why we are bringing in these new powers which will help us to take targeted action while freeing up police time to deal with the hard core of offenders.”

Ashton West, Chief Executive at the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, said:

“Today’s news marks a significant step forward in the fight against uninsured driving. This means that as enforcement can take place for both keeping and driving a vehicle without insurance there will be no place for illegal motorists to hide.

“Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) will complement and run alongside existing police roadside enforcement, which has already reduced uninsured driving by 20 per cent.”

Under the new system:

• the DVLA will work in partnership with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau to identify uninsured vehicles
• motorists will receive a letter telling them that their vehicle appears to be uninsured and warning them that they will be fined unless they take action
• if the keeper fails to insure the vehicle they will be given a £100 fine
• if the vehicle remains uninsured - regardless of whether the fine is paid - it could then be seized and destroyed

Vehicles with a valid Statutory Off Road Notice (SORN) will not be required to be insured.

The Department for Transport today made the Commencement Order to make it an offence to be the registered keeper of a vehicle which does not have insurance, as well as regulations to support this. Further regulations will be made shortly, allowing the scheme to come into force in the Spring.

Latest news...

The government has passed legislation cancelling identity cards for British Citizens. Identity cards that have already been issued will no longer be legal forms of identification from 21 January 2011.

For more information, click on the following link:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Identitycards/DG_174258

 

Many congratulations to Remi Tomlinson on passing her Driving Test recently with "0" faults! Well done Remi! I'm soooo proud of you! x.

Grange Park School of Motoring now has a page on Facebook! To view, please log in to Facebook then search for "Grange Park School of Motoring". Click on the LIKE button, and you will be able to view our regular updates. Please also feel free to add any comments!

• Candidates need to understand theory
• End to memorising answers
• Unpublished questions used from 1 January 2012

The Driving Standards Agency is to stop publishing the multiple choice questions and answers used in theory tests, Road Safety Minister Mike Penning announced today.

This will help to ensure that new drivers learn the principles behind driving theory rather than just learning answers.

The move follows the introduction of independent driving into the driving test and the DSA's decision to stop publishing test routes in October 2010, to make sure the test assesses a learner's ability to drive and not their capacity to memorise routes. 

Mike Penning said:

“The driving theory test should help to prepare drivers for real life on the road - good driving is not just about vehicle-handling skills, but also about having the knowledge and understanding of safe driving theory.

“No longer publishing these questions and answers will mean that successful candidates will have to understand the theory rather than simply memorising answers. 

“I believe that this - along with the other changes we are making to the driving test regime - will lead to better drivers and safer roads.”

In September 2011 DSA will change the format of books and other learning materials available to help people prepare for theory tests. This will take place at the same time as more challenging case studies are introduced to car and motorcycle theory tests.

Then, from 1 January 2012, DSA will create theory tests using questions which will not be published.

Practice questions and answers, not used in theory tests, will still be available to help candidates with revision.

Other companies which publish products containing DSA theory test questions will also no longer have access to the questions used in the tests.

Finding a space in a town centre is a job in itself and avoiding rip-off multi-storey car parks is a must if you want to save cash.

But where you can leave your car and for how long can be confusing - and cheeky traffic wardens dine out on your bewilderment.

The Government has announced that new legislation will come into force in November to ban clamping on private land, so drivers can breathe a small sigh of relief, but there's still plenty of ambiguity about parking in public areas.

Just how long can you leave your car on a single yellow line for, and what does a red route really mean? We've scoured the Highway Code to reveal the facts so you don't have to find out the hard way.

Yellow lines
It's common knowledge that double yellow lines alongside a kerb mean no waiting at any time, but in some cases there are signs nearby indicating that you can park there at certain times of the day or year, so it's worth a look if you're desperate.

Single yellow lines are where the biggest source of ambiguity lies. According to the Highway Code, single yellows should be accompanied by a sign that displays when you can and can't park there. It's usually a case of no parking at peak times (i.e. between 8am and 6pm), but check the sign to be sure.

Red routes
Double and single red lines are a common sight on London's congested roads. Parking, unloading or even stopping for a second to let a passenger out are all strictly prohibited on roads with these along the side.

In a similar vein to a single yellow, a single red line will have a nearby sign that shows the times when the enforcements are more relaxed. Double reds should be avoided at all costs and at all times. The only exceptions to the rules are for licensed taxis and blue badge holders.

Loading
If you need to park for a short period of time to load or unload the boot then look for yellow marks on the kerb. Two yellow marks mean no loading at any time, while one yellow mark means that you can load at certain times. Both markings should also have nearby signs that tell you whether and when you can stop to load there.

Specific loading bays are marked in white with the words LOADING ONLY displayed on the ground alongside the bay, so parking and walking away is not allowed. A white sign with a blue 'loading only' symbol will also be displayed nearby.

Other road markings
White zigzag lines mean you're near a zebra crossing and stopping on them is out of the question as you may obstruct the view of pedestrians crossing the road. The same goes for yellow zigzag lines outside a school, which are usually accompanied by the words SCHOOL KEEP CLEAR in yellow.

Bus lanes and bus stops should be avoided for obvious reasons, and cameras to keep them free of anything but buses and taxis are now widespread, particularly in cities. A criss-cross yellow box means that you can't stop for any reason as you may obstruct other traffic and yellow box cameras are now very popular with city councils.

Some parking spaces are reserved for specific vehicles like doctors' cars or vehicles that belong to nearby businesses - such spaces are always marked, either on the road itself or with signs and, while you may or may not be fined for leaving your car in them, you'll almost certainly leave the locals a little peeved, which is never a good move.

If you're still unsure then check out the Government's motoring guidelines on: www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring.

Jack Carfrae

 

Independent driving video on YouTube Watch independent driving in action in this video on YouTube. It shows how the examiner will give you verbal directions, and how they will ask you to follow traffic signs. Watch the independent driving video on YouTube   more »

Yahoo news - 30th April 2010

It's a parking manoeuvre 67-year old Ralph Hudson will never forget, when he mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead of the brake pedal and nearly plunged seven stories to the ground through a car park's brick wall.

Luckily for Mr Hudson his Mercedes C-Class was left dangling half out of the wall and he was able to get out of the car. The cars below were not so fortunate and seven were badly damaged by the falling bricks.

Mr Hudson was parking in the Bank of America car park in Tulsa, Oklahoma when his foot slipped and caused the car to reverse out of control.

Corporal David Crow, of the Tulsa Police Department, said: "We received a report about a car that had hit the side of a building, but didn't realise we'd be dealing with a Mercedes hanging halfway out of the seventh floor."

No one was hurt in the accident and Corporal Crow commented: "I was amazed when we were able to drive the car back into the car park as the rear wheels still had enough grip."

Fire rescue crews arrived to clear up the fallen bricks and to make the wall safe again.

The police added that they would not be issuing a ticket to a shaken Mr Hudson.

Alisdair Suttie

BBC News - 22nd April 2010

Wigan Athletic footballer Charles N'Zogbia has been arrested over allegations that someone else completed the written part of his driving test.

He was held on suspicion of causing fraud by false representation as he turned up at Sale Driving Test Centre in Greater Manchester on Wednesday.

The French winger, 23, was at the centre to sit the practical part of his test when he was arrested, police said.

He has been released on police bail until 3 June.

Mr N'Zogbia, who joined Wigan last year from Newcastle United, scored the winning goal when his team beat Arsenal 3-2 on Sunday.

'Naive mistake'

Wigan's manager Roberto Martinez said: "The way I see the whole situation is that Charles has made a naive mistake.

"We're going to look into every single detail before I give my full side of the story, but what is important is Charles has reacted in a very mature way.

"We need to remember he is a very young man, but he knows he is also a public figure, and he needs to make sure he becomes a stronger and more experienced human being.

"We'll collaborate with the police and with Charles to make sure we get out of this situation in a positive way."

Although he is French, Mr N'Zogbia is eligible to represent England on the basis of residency and there have been calls for him to be selected by manager Fabio Cape

Yahoo News - 21 April 2010

A new speed recognition system is being trialled in the UK. Called 'SpeedSpike', the latest type of camera uses number plate recognition to 'track' cars on busy roads.

The trial, conducted by the Home Office and the Police, was secretive until a House of Commons report unveiled it.

The cameras use similar technology to the average speed check units currently in use on motorways. The difference is that they can track cars in built up urban areas. If they find that a car has covered a distance at an average speed higher than the limit, fines can be automatically generated.

Two places currently have cameras on site - one in Southwark, London, and another on the A374 in Cornwall.

The US company that makes the cameras, PIPS Technology, is hoping to secure a contract to install them nationwide. It claims SpeedStrike is cost-effective, and is proven to reduce speeding in busy areas, including outside schools.

However, the cameras have attracted criticism, notably from Conservative MP Geoffrey Cox, who said "you always have to ask if it is really necessary to watch over people, to spy on them and film them. We will get to a point where it becomes routine  and it should never be a matter of routine that the state spies on its citizens."

Superintendant Tim Swarbrick, chairman of the Devon and Cornwall Safety Camera Partnership, defended the cameras, saying "average speed recorders have proved to be very successful in roadworks on the major trunk roads. The have reduced injury and deaths and we would like to replicate this positive effect."

BT Yahoo News - 16th April 2010

Learners based in London and South-east England need more attempts at the driving test to pass than in any other part of Britain, according to a new survey by the AA.

A total of 20,109 people responded to the survey, which revealed that Londoners sat the test on average 2.09 times, while those in the south east needed 2.11 tests, which is 5% worse than the UK average.

Simon Douglas, the AA Driving School Director, said: "Busy, complex roads in London and the south east appear to contribute to learners there finding it slightly more difficult."

Drivers in the east of England returned the best result, taking just 1.9 attempts to pass. They were closely followed by the North-East, Yorkshire and Humberside and the East Midlands.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is quoted as saying that those who have passed their test have had 45 hours of professional training and 22 hours of private practice - on average.

Douglas sums up the findings: "Many factors shape local pass rates. But wherever you live, professional tuition with a fully qualified Driving Instructor will give you the best possible head start towards passing your L-test and beyond."

The full league table is below:

East of England   1.87

Yorkshire and Humberside   1.91

North -east of Eng;land   1.91

East Midlands   1.92

Scotland   1.97

South-west of England   1.97

West Midlands   1.98

Wales    2.02

North-west of England   2.03

Northern Ireland   2.03

London   2.09

South-east of England   2.11

 

Yahoo News - 14th April 2010

Learner driver Krisztina Jaksa ended her second driving lesson by crawling out of an upside down car.

The bizarre accident happened in Headington, near Oxford, when the 24-year-old was crossing a junction.

The BSM Fiat 500 she was driving hit a gatepost then flipped onto its roof, smashing the side windows and windscreen. When local resident Ross Dunne heard a crash, he rushed to the scene and helped Ms Jaksa out of the car; the instructor was already getting himself out.

Both Ms Jaksa and her instructor emerged relatively unscathed. According to witnesses, Ms Jaksa said that the steering locked, and panicking, she hit the accelerator hard.

There is no indication that a mechanical fault contributed to the accident in any way.

An ambulance arrived shortly afterwards and police closed the road briefly, but both the driver and instructor were treated only for minor cuts.

BSM Communications Manager Paul Shepherd said that "the company had spoken to the learner driver who is fine and is already hoping to book her next lesson with us soon."

Hello and welcome to the Grange Park School of Motoring Blog!

We have created a space, where our visitors can comment about us and the work we do, or even add any news or topic which they think may be of interest to others.

   Also, if you have any questions about motoring or driving issues, please add them here and we will endeavour to get them answered!

Thanks!