Driving Ambition news

New photo gallery

2011-01-30T16:57:00.000-08:00

I am just setting up an new online photo album to make it quciker to upload photos to the website

Click here to view the albums

Electronic parking brakes now suitable for tests

2010-11-01T05:14:00.000-07:00

Electronic parking brakes suitable for tests

Vehicles with electronic parking brakes can be used for tests
Change from 1 November 2010
DSA responds to advances in vehicle technology

From 1 November vehicles fitted with an electronic parking brake will be allowed to be used for practical driving tests.

There are usually two ways of releasing an electronic parking brake:

using the footbrake while releasing the parking brake, then coordinating the accelerator and clutch to move away
coordinating the accelerator and clutch - when the electronics sense the clutch is at biting point the parking brake releases automatically

The parking brake will not usually release automatically if:

the accelerator is not used
the controls are not coordinated correctly

If there is no loss of control either method is acceptable.

If the examiner needs to take action to stop the vehicle, and it’s not fitted with dual controls, they will apply and hold the electronic parking brake - this will bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.

Advances in technology

To begin with, electronic parking brakes were fitted only to top of the range vehicles. DSA decided not to allow manual vehicles fitted with them to be used for driving tests.

Electronic parking brakes are now being fitted to an increasing number of vehicles, so it’s unrealistic to continue this policy.

DSA to stop publishing questions used in theory tests in Jan 2012

2010-11-01T04:12:00.000-07:00

DSA to stop publishing questions used in theory tests

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Unpublished questions used from 1 January 2012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.

Driving Ambition

2010-08-01T16:26:00.000-07:00

Driving Ambition: "Driving Ambition pupils"

New Driving Ambition video showing photos of our new drivers

New photos added to the www.drivingambition.info site

2010-07-01T10:19:00.000-07:00

Click on the under 17 off road link on the www.drivingambition.info website

Independent driving: the facts.....

2010-06-04T10:11:00.000-07:00

Independent driving: the facts

Independent driving will become part of the practical driving test in Great Britain in October 2010.

It's tasking the candidate to drive for about 10 minutes, either following a series of directions, following traffic signs, or a combination of both.

To help the candidate be clear about where they’re going, the examiner can show them a diagram too.

It doesn't matter if candidates don't remember every direction, or if they go the wrong way - that can happen to the most experienced drivers.

Newspaper reports
The claim in some newspapers that independent driving would lead to a fall in the driving test pass rate is based on early research where conditions did not reflect the eventual design of the new element of the test.

Subsequent trials with a larger number of participants and more closely reflecting the conditions in the planned new test showed no significant fall in the pass rate.

Video showing independent driving... click here

Lisa Cain passed today with Ian Pattenden

2010-05-28T16:17:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to George Fox who passed 24th May 2010

2010-05-25T23:03:00.001-07:00

New booking form now on the website :)

2010-05-22T13:08:00.000-07:00

To book lessons click here

New photo added to the home page at www.drivingambition.info

2010-05-21T00:42:00.000-07:00

Photographs of Turweston Aerodrome

2010-05-21T00:24:00.000-07:00

Stefano Capella passed on the 18th May 2010

2010-05-20T23:38:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Megan Penny who passed today

2010-05-18T16:23:00.000-07:00

Nothing to do with driving but here's one of my seasonal pics!

2010-05-12T20:00:00.001-07:00

Cecilia, who passed her driving test two years ago, talks to learner drivers and instructors about why it's a good idea to take someone with you ...

2010-05-12T19:48:00.000-07:00

Click here to watch the video on youtube

Jack Fowles passed 12th May 2010 in Banbury with Ian Pattenden

2010-05-12T19:32:00.000-07:00

DSA cancels 3D software tender

2010-05-10T13:52:00.001-07:00

The Driving Standards Agency has scrapped a tender to develop three-dimensional animation software for use in the hazard perception section of the driving theory test.

The tender, which was to include research, development and related consultancy services, was originally published in the Official Journal of the European Union in February 2009. Notice of the cancellation was published on 1 May.

A DSA spokesman said there may be another tender for the software in future.

"It was cancelled because we became aware of some research that Nottingham University were doing on the same thing," said a DSA spokesman. "So we've decided to work with Nottingham to develop that software."

Congratulations to David White who passed today with Ian Pattenden

2010-05-10T13:50:00.001-07:00

Samuel Whitwood passed 1st time today :) with Mark Prewett

2010-05-10T08:11:00.000-07:00

Helly's 1st driving lesson today with Mark Prewett

2010-05-01T15:50:00.000-07:00

Suthathip Callaghan passed today in Banbury

2010-04-26T13:50:00.000-07:00

Congratulations from Mark Prewett

Kealey Field who passed 22 April 2010

2010-04-25T14:15:00.001-07:00

Latest photos added to the website

2010-04-17T16:04:00.000-07:00

Click on the under 17 driving link on the homepage of www.drivingambition.info

Any Ideas?

2010-04-17T02:32:00.000-07:00

If their is anything you would like added or changed on the www.drivingambition.info website then please let us know email - Ldriving@aol.com

Ian's new Fiat 500 has just arrived!

2010-04-17T02:15:00.000-07:00

If you would like to learn with Ian in this car (on road lesson only!) then call us quickly on 01280-704721. Ian covers Brackley, Buckingham, Towcester and surrounding villages. Look out for it reversing around a corner near you soon!

A422 speed limit change from 14th April 2010

2010-04-14T03:12:00.000-07:00

The speed limit on the A422 between Banbury and Brackley is being reduced today from 60mph to 50 mph. Signs are being changed over today

Congratulations to Bryony Evans

2010-04-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Bryony on passing your driving test yesterday first time. Red Bull works again!!!!

Rob Cowell (16) 1st under 17 off road lesson

2010-04-03T06:41:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Rob Cowell on his first under 17 off road driving lesson at Turweston Aerodrome today.

Mark :)

First complete route now added

2010-04-02T05:35:00.000-07:00

Click on Driving Ambition and Google Street view link on our website for the first complete Banbury route.

Or..... here is a direct link Driving Ambition route1

You can now revise some of the junctions you drive on your lessons. This should help you remember lane markings and difficult junctions even if you are not able to get private practice

Google Street View to go 3D in the near future

2010-04-02T02:02:00.000-07:00

Just checked out the future of Google Street View and it's in 3D!

If you have a Google account click on the more tab at the top of the page. Then select 'even more' Click on the Goolge Labs link. You can then see how Google is experimenting with Maps, Street View, Google Documents and new calendar experiments.

The usual Street view icon is changed as you zoom in to show the street view man wearing 3D glasses. Full screen images are then shown in 3D. it does not work too well yet but you can see what Google is planning.

Spaces available over Easter

2010-03-31T01:36:00.000-07:00

Driving Ambition is taking bookings for under 17 off road lessons over the Easter school holidays. We have 8 instructors available. To book Click Here

Or, call 01280-704721

Motorists rescued in Northern Ireland after heavy snow

2010-03-31T01:31:00.000-07:00

300 people have been rescued from vehicles including a school bus after they became stuck in snow near Londonderry - Click for full story on BBC News website

Esther Taylor passed her driving test today

2010-03-30T07:07:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Esther Taylor on passing her driving test today with only 4 minor errors.

She was also accepted in to Gloucester University on the same day!

Charly Jansson passes her driving test

2010-03-28T15:24:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Charlotte Jansson who has just passed after having off road lessons with Driving Ambition

Hi Mark,

Just letting you know that I passed :D thanks for all your help!

Charly

Jenson Button wins again

2010-03-28T14:43:00.000-07:00

Jesnson Button wins the 2010 Australian Grand Prix

Full report from BBC Sport - Click Here

Lewis Hamilton: Formula 1 driver's Mercedes impounded by police in Melbourne

2010-03-27T13:43:00.000-07:00

Lewis Hamilton, the British Formula 1 driver, has had his Mercedes car impounded after he was pulled over for “improper use of a motor vehicle”, police said.

For more click here - Telegraph.co.uk

Snow forecast for Tues 30th March

2010-03-27T06:11:00.000-07:00

Metcheck forecast snow/sleet for Tuesday 30th March

Click for Metcheck's website

Driving Ambition online store now open!

2010-03-24T18:07:00.000-07:00

The Driving Ambition shop is now online in association with Amazon. You can reach it through our website or directly - Here

You can order DSA driving books and CD-Roms for theory and practical tests, and car accessories including extra mirrors for instructors/parents & L-Plates

The Budget

2010-03-24T04:51:00.000-07:00

How today's budget will affect motorists.......

Mr Darling said The government has announced that £100 million will be available to repair local and regional roads damaged by recent adverse weather.

Perhaps now the A422 between Middleton Cheney and Banbury can now be repaired ;-)

A further £285 million investment will be made to improve capacity in the road network.

The fuel duty increase for 2010 will be staged with an increase of 1 pence per litre on 1 April 2010, 1 pence per litre on 1 October 2010, then 0.76 pence per litre on 1 January 2011. Fuel duty will also rise by 1 pence per litre in real terms on 1 April each year from 2011 to 2014.

There are no further changes to VAT, Income Tax or National Insurance rates.

For the rest of the budget click here

Best of Brackley and Driving Ambition link

2010-03-23T16:22:00.000-07:00

Driving Ambition is now listed on the Best of Brackley website. If you have enjoyed your lessons you can add your feedback to our page. Please remember to mention which instructor you learnt with eg
Mark Prewett, Ian Pattenden or Mark O'Connell

Click here to add your testimonial - Thanks :)

New photos added to the Website

2010-03-23T16:15:00.000-07:00

New photos added to the website of our latest under 17 off road drivers

Visit the under 17 driving link on the www.drivingambition.info website

Welcome to the new Driving Ambition Blog

2010-03-23T16:00:00.000-07:00

This page was only started today. We aim to keep you up to date with driving lesson / driving test changes.

If you hear or read about anything that might be suitable for this page please email it to me at...

Ldriving@aol.com

Thanks :)

Mark

Google Street View

2010-03-23T15:41:00.000-07:00

The Driving Ambition website is now using Google Streetview to show our learner drivers some of the junctions they may encounter during their driving lessons in Banbury or on their test.

You can now revise the road markings and layout of difficult junctions after your driving lessons

Here is an example.....

Click here for a Google Street view image of the Banbury Test Centre

Hope this helps?

Changes to the driving test on Tues 6th April 2010

2010-03-23T14:33:00.000-07:00

From Tuesday 6th April 2010 there is a slight change to the driving test.

When you examiner meets you in the waiting room you will be asked if.....

A) Would you like your instructor to sit in during the test?
This may be of benefit to you and your instructor so we can help you to improve should you fail. It is your test so the choice is yours

B) Would you like your instructor to listen in to the debrief at the end of the test?
This is advisable but again the choice is yours.
The following link shows a video from the DSA about the changes

DSA Video - Changes on 6th April 2010 - Click Here

Cecilia, who passed her driving test two years ago, talks to learner drivers and instructors about why it's a good idea to take someone with you on your driving test.

Driving examiner strike on Wednesday 24 March

2010-03-23T14:24:00.000-07:00

The PCS union is asking its members to take strike action on Wednesday 24 March.

If you have a driving test booked for that day, we ask you to attend as scheduled.

We won’t know the effects of the strikes until the day as not all of our examiners and staff are members of the union. We don’t know at this stage who will attend for work, which is why we ask that you arrive for your test regardless.

You don’t need to do anything and there is no need to contact DSA.

If you can’t take a test because of the action, you will have the test rebooked automatically, free of charge, and an appointment confirmation will be sent by email or post.

If your new appointment isn’t suitable you can change it online at direct.gov.uk/drivingtest.

DSA News page

Under 17 off road driving lessons during Easter holidays

2010-03-23T11:36:00.000-07:00

We are now taking bookings for the Easter holidays. We are open 7 days a week.

The lessons are ideal for 15/16 year olds wanting a safe place to get started with approved driving instructors. Click on the following link to see when we are available

The Driving Ambition booking calendar

If you prefer please call 01280-704721

www.drivingambition.info

MPs condemn ‘waste of money’ in closing motorcycle test centres

2010-03-23T11:28:00.001-07:00

The UK Government is being accused today of “wasting millions” scrapping local motorcycle test centres, despite bikers protesting it would force them to travel miles to multipurpose centres.

Read more: http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1658443?UserKey=#ixzz0j1emMoHE