Top 5 test myths

Learners on Motorways??

DVSA guide to learners on motorways

The Blame Game

So we go for any exam/test and we fail, who fault is it??

For something like a theory test, it is YOU, yes YOU, for not putting in the hour upon hour of study. If you want something, then you have to work for it. AS the instructor I am there to enhance the knowledge gaining with Theory Test Pro and questions and help in the car.

But what about the practical test. You/Me or the examiner? Assuming as instructors are doing our jobs right, then again it’s your fault, you’re the one sat in the big chair, not me.

What, cough, splutter I hear you call. We all like to blame someone, and even I have done it, but at the end of the day you’re driving the thing, and if you fluff it then it’s your fault. Harsh, rubbish you say.

Think of it this way again assuming we do our jobs right you should pass right, BUT!!! You are not a machine, but are Human and capable of making mistakes, and sometime those mistakes happen when we are stressed, just like a driving test.

So the next time you fail anything, think for a moment, was it ME or THEM .

Remember we all make mistakes, it's not the end of the world, and WECAN DO IT!

Private practice when learning to drive.

A word on private practice, and why I think it is a great tool in keeping cost and hours down.

Driving your own car when learning is one of the best tools you can have when learning as long as you follow these simple rules.


· Practice what has already been learnt (that way I can progress onto teaching new things)


· Pupils learn country roads fast (go to town when possible)


· Don’t be afraid to practice manoeuvres in your own car


· One of the most important. Tell whoever is supervising what to look out for, they will probably miss those blind spots and mirrors if you don’t tell them.

Remember it is a team effort and we all of have the same goal, of YOU gaining a driving licence. I often get told my parents will not get in the car until I have 10 lessons! This can be frustrating for the pupil, so the simple answer is to get them to ride in the back with me on your lessons and show them how good your getting.

I also get told, we/I’m not buying a car until I pass. Why not, isn’t that why you’re learning to drive. READ the top of this page again “SAVE MONEY”

I know for some it is not possible or there is no one to sit with you etc, but for those who can, do it, either in your own car, or mum or dads.

Do it the right way and you won’t regret it.


See you on the road………..



Marcus

The Anxious ADI, My Best Atribute

Anxiety is real for those of us who suffer. I have suffered all my life! From the age of 5 I remember trying to mentally escape from the world around me. To this day when I catch myself doing the same thing. The causes of which are numerous and I’ll not go into that now!

I often get asked why do you not show it, when your teaching, the simple answer is, I’m in “CONTROL”, I know the “SUBJECT MATTER” inside out! Plus, I love doing it, it’s not a chore. And I “BELIEVE” in what I am doing, and why I’m doing it. Not reading from a script verbatim. 

So what do I think are my best attributes as an ADI. Listening, Empathy and able to adjust/adapt a lesson plan at will, and adjust to them, and keeping clam when there’s issues. All of these help’s my gain trust and rapport with the pupil. They often tell me I’m good at teaching, after replying, I am just doing my job, I ask why. Because your easy to talk to and have a calm way of teaching, not pushy and REAL! And last Intuition

Why Listening. Through listening you will find out their fears and opinions. It also lets them get anything off their chest in a none threatening environment. You’ll find out if your pushing too hard, or even if they a getting bored, both not good, for learning, and more besides, so next time you see an ADI at the side of the road for a bit, they may be listening to their PUPIL.

Why Empathy? It’s quite shocking the number of young people of both sexes that suffer from anxiety, and because I have suffered all my life, and have put in my own mechanisms in place, either from other people/TV, whatever, I can understand how it feels to be in blind panic or worry about something that’s completely nothing. Even if you haven’t just LISTEN, it’s important to them, and it’s not your lessons it’s THEIRS!

Why Adapting to them/and the lesson. It’s no good pushing ahead with your lessons plan if they having big issues with something. An example is teaching a turn in the road. So you have driving to the site, and they have stalled twice because of the pressure of traffic behind them. I go about this in 2 different ways.

11)      The more traditional, change the lesson plan to busy places and maybe some hill starts, with lots of help

22)      Keep the lesson plan, but fix the stalling issues when going from point A to point B

Each way has its benefits, and can be very pupils specific, as one way will not work with everyone. But my favourite, and the pupils from what I can see is option 2. Why? In my opinion they are not thinking too much about the issues of stalling as I have not dwelled on it by making it the main focus, thus keeping their anxiety low about it, they have fun learning something new, and help with the stalling issue’s on route to a new Turn in the road area.  For me this works as YOU the ADI have not made to much of a big deal of it, and have adapted to the anxiety. I have changed the lesson plan, but in a subtle way.

Slight clutch issues too can be sorted by subtle changes, one of my favourite is to change to route to slow traffic and keep them talking about them, music/anything. They don’t overthink therefore they don’t panic and stall.

Now your saying this is daft because every pupil is different, yes agreed, but that’s where Rapport comes in and only you the ADI will know if this will work with a specific pupil. Remember these are my own opinions as to why I am successful at what I do, and I do respect that others will disagree.

 I have spent a lifetime dealing with anxiety and have made HUGE mistakes because of it, and probably still will. Here are Three things that really helped me personally.

One thing I left till last, is intuition .I Spent 10 years in the SCUBA industry, and it is here where I believe I have honed my skills, these include the above, plus intuition. If you get it wrong in the water, then it can go bad, very bad, because I recognise the signs of panic, I got people to do things, they never dreamed of doing. A bit like I do now.

The support of my wife, I’ve dragged her around the world as Diving instructor’s, and have a guitar addiction. But without her as a sounding board, nothing would have been possible.

Life and amazing people. I have learnt from other’s, one of the biggest for me the Anxious ADI. The person who trained me, Thanks Matthew Bell. And Graham Hooper and his team for my BTEC 3.

Learn to drive in Banbury Daventry

Learning to drive with anxiety!!!!

Learning to drive can be a nerve racking experience, even if you do not have anxiety. Imagine what it must feel like making contact with someone you don’t know, the first lesson, how can I trust this person!!

I teach many pupils who suffer from anxiety or are extremely nervous, and guess what they all pass. So how do I know how to cope with these, for one I have suffered from anxiety from a young age, I understand how it feels to meet new people, and why people get so defensive on a first meeting. WHY because I DO THIS TOO.

It also helps me empathise with them on test day, as again they have to meet someone new and have them asses their driving for 40 or so minute.

So when you think its nerve racking, think how it feels when you have anxiety on top!

Why i am you next driver trainer.

Driving lessons | Driving Instructor in Banbury, Daventry and all surrounding villages. 

A little respect for today's learner drivers

Did you take driving lessons/take a driving test, YES. Well then read on.

I have now been in the industry just over 3 years, and for me one of my biggest grips is the total lack of respect given to learner drivers, and yes I was probably one of them at some point.

My point is there is allot of traffic around now a days and combine that with aggressive driving, shouting and rude gestures, I can make learning even more stressful.

Let me explain. A learner approaching a busy roundabout for the first time, they can do it easily on quieter roundabouts, but now it’s time to try a bigger busier beast.  Their judgement is not quite 100% yet and feel a little nervous approaching, everything I technically right with no mistakes until, YOU sit right up our rear bumper and they stall. They can then see you mouthing off something. Guess what that piles on the pressure 100% and they stall, whilst all this is going on I am trying to keep them calm and reassure them they can do it, and all they need to do is not rush the pull away, this works in most cases. But then YOU hit your horn as YOU are the most important person on the planet, and your appointment at McDonalds will be delayed 5 seconds. Again a stall, this prompts you so drive aggressively around my pupil, and makes the matter even worse.

• Did you have to pass a test? Then this was you once!
• How would you feel if someone did this to your son or daughter.
• If this is YOU, then listen, the more pressure you put on my pupil the more you will be stuck behind us!
• Show a little consideration for them, as your only making yourself look STUPID in full HD as I have front and rear dash cams, and so do many other ADI’s

So next time you get stuck behind us, take a deep breath and think of how much quicker we will go if you just calm down and let us get on with it.

Stop taking the train to the park.....

Driving in snow and ice - Never to old to learn.

So winter is now here proper and there is snow and ice in lot's of places in the UK. There are also lots pf drivers who believe they do not have to change their driving style to suit!

As i dropped a pupil off after a test it started so snow quite heavily, covering the ground quickly. The journey home is about three miles on country roads/lanes. I know i used second, even third to pull away after stopping, and did not come out of second gear the most of the way home.

The scary thing was watching other drivers slipping and sliding all over the road from driving too fast and hitting the brakes too hard.

My advice would be even if you have been driving for years, why not get some advice on how to drive in these conditions, and remember the old saying an old dog can learn new tricks.

Stay safe out there this winter.

Driving lesson prices - Half price lessons

Half price Driving lessons in Banbury & Daventry areas for first time learners. I also offer discounts for block bookings, and NSU card holders. Please call, text or email for more information.

Your First driving lesson is half price

I believe in giving value for money, and every lessons I tailored for the pupil to achieve this goal. .Driving lesson is usually two hours long, this enables you to get to your goal of getting a full license faster, plus two hours are more productive, although I can do one hour lesson to suit your pocket, or if you find two hours a little long to start with.
You can pay with Credit/debit card, in the car for your convenience, or cash. Witch ever you prefer.

First lesson Half Price. Two for one £25
Standard one hour lesson rate £25
Standard two hours lesson £50
6 hours and receive 5% discount £142.50
10 hours and receive a 10% discount £225
20 Hours and receive a 15% discount £425


Pay in car with cash, Visa, Master Card

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Click here to pay on my site via PayPal, the easy and safe way to pay.

Student Discount

Receive a 10% discount on two standard lesson rates, on production of an NUS student card....

Satnavs in driving lessons, Banbury and Daventry

Sat Nav's are a part of every day driving and therefore i teach my pupils how to use them safely, on their lessons in Banbury and Daventry. There is also talk of them being introduced as part of the practical test, don't panic just yet as it will be over 18 months if anything is to change. But it is being trialed now.

I here instructors moaning and groaning about the change (nothing new there then lol), but change is good if it benefits the pupils and therefore makes them a safer driver for life.

During my lessons i get my pupils to drive from one side of town to the other using the satnav. Easy i here you all say, well i hate to be the barer of bad news but 99% of them have an issue or two.

Think of it this way we give them directions a set way, "at the end of the road", "take the next road", not to dissimilar to how the Examiner does it. A sat nav on the other had, may say "in a quarter of a mile", "in 1000 feet"! It may also not warn you of a slight junction and just tell you to follow the road to the left (what if is a give way)! the pupil now thinks it's bear left!

So before you think there is no point try it and see how they react. For those of you learning but your instructor does not think it's worthwhile, insist on it, of if you my way, give me a call

Driving lessons Banbury, Daventry, Driving test, Banbury, Rugby - THE FACTS.

Practicing driving

It's common for learner drivers to have a mix of professional and private lessons with a friend or relative. Whilst practicing you’re driving with a parent or friend shouldn't be a replacement for professional lessons, it is good practice and any extra time spent toward taking your practical test can be a real help. I will also add that in some circumstances the dynamic of a son/daughter in the car does not work, and if this is the case it should not be pushed, as it can lead to the pupil not wanting to drive at all.


I also have no issue and openly invite any parent to sit in on a lesson, I can also sit in on private practice. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have


If you do plan to put in some extra practice outside of private lessons, there are a few important points to remember:


· You must hold a British provisional driving licence


· Anyone you practice with must be aged 21 or over and have had (and still does have) a full driving licence for at least 3 years


· You must clearly display 'L' plates on the vehicle you're learning in.


· You must be insured to drive the vehicle you'll be practicing in


· When supervising, you must stay calm and give clear instructions. Learner drivers do not respond to shouting very well, and in some cases can hold them back.


· The learner is in control, by this I mean they should practice anything that they have learnt already or having issues with, mirrors is a classic example. If in doubt ask the professional for advice.


· You may be surprised on how much of your experience may help them, but leave the teaching to a trained driving coach.

The driving test

The driving test is split into two different sections, one theory based and one practical and although you must pass your theory test before you can book the practical test, you are still able to practice their driving before passing the theory test.

The theory and practical tests will usually take place at different test centres. To find out where your nearest test centres are, visit the Directgov website.




The theory test


The theory test is a two part test that tests your knowledge of the highway code. It's worth getting hold of a copy of the highway code and doing your homework before attempting the test.


The test currently costs £31 and you can book your test via the Directgov website, though if you've chosen to learn with a professional driving school, they should be able to arrange the test for you.


What to expect from the test:


1. Multiple-choice - A computer based multiple-choice questionnaire lasting 57 minutes. To pass you need to score at least 43 out of 50.


2. Hazard perception - In this test, you're shown a series of 14 clips of everyday road scenes in which you must identify the 'developing hazard'. Each clip contains one hazard, but one clip contains two to identify. The earlier you spot hazards, the higher score you receive. To pass you need to score a minimum of 44 out of 75.


Once you've completed the theory test, you'll find out your results straight away, and if you pass you'll receive your pass certificate which then enables you to book your practical test.


The practical test

The DVSA has estimated that an average of


45 hours of professional lessons and 22 hours of private practice are needed for learner drivers to pass the practical test.


Why so many hours?


The modern test goes allot further than it used to, they now have to drive on their own, following road signs for around 10 minutes of the test, and may have to park, both of these things were not in the test when myself and you learnt to drive. The standard is much higher due to more traffic and to help keep them safe after passing. The highest mortality rate is between the ages of 17 and 24. You cannot put a price on safety! But remember some people pass sooner than the figures given, and each pupils learns at their own rate.

Everyone learns at different rates, some get a little stuck on something’s, making any estimate of time is just that an estimate. I understand that it seem expensive, but as stated this reflects the high standard of the modern test. That day cost £62 for the DVSA test, and £50 for my time and car, if they have the best chance at it then that is a onetime fee, rush into the test and that could be another £112!


My job is to give them the best possible chance of that first time pass, but there is no guaranty, so much could happen on the road in that 40 mins or so. By only letting them go when “WE” agree they are ready it is possible to save money in the long run. A huge fail could cost lots more lessons, where as if the nerves just kicked in only 1 lesson to go over the issue and a re-test.


These figures are purely a guide though as many learner drivers have been known to pass in much less time.


The test currently costs £62 if you take it on a weekday or £75 if you choose an evening, weekend or bank holiday. 

The test consists of:


· An eyesight check


· Two/three “know as show me tell me” vehicle safety questions


· A 40 minute driving ability test that aims to assess their general driving ability (including one manoeuvre - reversing around a corner, turning in the road or reverse parking, Bay or Parallel).

The Importance of Rapport & Coaching across disciplines.

A little look into how i use reflection, to show me how i progress, and understand some key coaching skills outside of my work.And help me with my driving lessons around Banbury and Daventry

Let’s start with Rapport. My son is learning to swim at the moment and just had his 3 one. The first was with a guy called Luke. Just watching for the first 5 mins, told me he would do well with my son. His body language and the way he gave encouragement mad my own intuition say YES. Fast forward 1 week, and the coach changed, just her opening statement and her own body language screamed NO!!! Very traditional, with no enjoyment for the kids, more like BOOT camp. On the way home his whole attitude had gone from wow daddy that was cool to, I do not want to go swimming anymore! We missed a week due to illness, but I found out there would be a new coach there for the next session. Straight away the old intuition screamed YES she is very good indeed, my son completely relaxed and so did all of the other kids, she made the learning fun, therefore building a good rapport with them. He loved it and wants to go again, let hope she stays.

Now my own ADI style is coaching, I didn't realize this until I did my BTEC 3 with Kev Field. Nearly 1 year on since my course and journey into more coaching,

I have realized why I did well in the Scuba Diving/tourism industry, and have now realized my strongest areas. Empathy, Intuition, Patience without the three of these, I would have come unstuck under water with panicky divers, as an ADI they allow me to gauge the same things with panicky drivers, but just behind the wheel. I believe this is why people would come back to MALTA time and time again to dive with me and why I am starting to do well as an ADI My BTEC gave me more tools and help me enhance what I was already doing. It is my belief that this way of coaching in any industry that has learners would benefit from taking a second look at how they do it.

Daventry Switch

Lack of RESPECT!!!!

It’s no secret I love my job and have met some amazing people. But one thing keeps raising its ugly head. The complete lack of mutual respect, and I do not mean just giving a polite wave one the road.

I’m talking about certain people on Facebook forums! Over the last couple of week’s there have been a number of post, that for some of superior beings seemed blatantly stupid, and comments like are “are these people really teaching” or “sweet Jesus is this real” and more besides.

Now for all of you who seem to be some kind of super ADI or have complete mastery of everything, and do not need to ask any questions what so ever, because you are a proper smart ass, and even give God advice. The people asking these questions genuinely do not know the answer’s yes they may be just a little green or naive, but there is no reason to insult them, and make them feel stupid, as they may have another question of more importance but are afraid to ask.

Do you teach like this, if so god help the nervous ones. It would be more constructive just to say nothing at all. Let them ask the questions, there are some of us who are willing to help even if the answer is obvious, we help, give advice and stay supportive no matter what, above all we do not JUDGE them.

A safe little box.

Do we as drivers once we have past our test decide to ignore the rules taught to us? I believe this may to true to an extent. I witness this on every day whilst carrying out my job as a DVSA Driving Coach. Speed limits tend to be the biggest offence followed closely is inpatients.

This year alone there have been 4/5 serious accidents between Banbury and Daventry, an 18 mile stretch of road. Two of witch on the same corner, one sadly fatal!

So where is the safe little box? When we are in our car most of us feeling safe, and some feel as if they cannot be hurt, true to an extent, we are safe from the elements, and our surroundings. When we are safe we gain confidence and then here is where it turns into a problem. We are also so busy in modern life that we race around and make not extra time, then again we can speed.  If this is you then the percentages say that at some point you will be involved in an accident.

For some they seem to feel they are right and the speed limits are only there for show, or the rules of the road are only for learners, this type of driver I feel is the most dangerous of all, and sadly the one I see the most of daily!

All I would say is that in the end the speed will get you or someone close, please slow down and enjoy life.

It is true to say that there is not enough enforcement of traffic laws, i.e. police officers, speed camera’s etc., to slow people down.

My Standards Check

Well after missing three check tests for whatever reason I finally sat the new DVSA Standards Check. I found the Examiner very approachable and helpful, I had heard so much hearsay at test centres from other ADI’s over the last couple of years that I thought I was sure to fail because of nerves. From “he downgraded me for wearing sunglasses” to “He didn't like me from the start so I only got a 4”.   All of their comments could not have been farther from the truth as to my own experience.

In February I decided to complete my BTEC3 in driver development, this gave me some new skills that I am sure helped me achieve my GRADE A on my standards check. I now am now putting into place what the examiner said after, by doing this I hope to again achieve an A but without dropping 5 points as I did last time.

All i did was deliver a normal lesson for my pupil, making sure i was client centred and managed any risks. I do this every day. I would also recommend people to not to listen to the hearsay and find out for themselves, whether or not they are client centred. It is not, all about just asking questions (another thing i hear allot at test centres), but asking the RIGHT questions.

I even reflect after each day, and see where I can improve. All of this can only benefit me and my pupils, thus making them safer drivers.

I feel that some in the industry like to blame others for their own short comings, if they were to ask the right questions to the right people I am sure they would have had a better result/experience.

                                                      

Franchise. Find out the facts

I have recently been contacted by some who would like to train to be an adi, with the company I franchise with RED. He wanted a chat without the sales pitch, so I asked if he wanted to meet for a coffee to ask a franchise ADI any questions about my experience so far.

He came prepared and went away feeling much better about, the training, and what happens after. I could only give him my story but he was happy with the help i gave him.

Will become an ADI? Maybe I gave him no real negatives.
Will I continue to help? Of course, why not. I have nothing to gain or loose by helping someone.

My final thought is, why don't more people ask somone who has beem in a franchise for a couple years, for a bit of advice? Who knows it might stop people coming into the industry wanting to make axquick buck.

Untill next time.