01/02/2012 by admin.

When Did You Last Read the Highway Code?

For many of us, I would think the answer would be ‘When I passed my driving test’. So, is there any need to read it again afterwards?

The plain and simple answer is yes. Over time, our skills and knowledge may fade. The information in the copy you learned from might change, new information concerning driving laws and driving technique will be introduced. One other good reason is that you may have children who are learning to drive and they may seek information from you. You want to make sure the answers you are giving are correct.

Currently, a copy costs £2.50. It is also available online.

If you have any doubts about the level of your knowledge, why not sign up for free to our Theory Test simulation software, where you can take a practice theory test.

Click on http://mrb.theorytestpro.co.uk/partner_landing?partner=2446d8 and sign up for free. It’s good to be sure isn’t it?

www.mrb-drivingschool.co.uk

www.driving-lessons-wirral.com

Posted in Highway Code, Driving Theory | No Comments »

31/01/2012 by admin.

Communities across Wirral have been shocked at the murder of a man, triggered partly by a road traffic collision. ‘Road-rage’ is a shocking incident at any time, but when it escalates to this extreme, it suggests that something has gone too far.

We all make mistakes from time to time, but some people seem to find it very difficult to cope with this. Some seem to take these mistakes personally, as if they were done deliberately. (I speak with experience…as a young driver I used to think that every driver out there was trying to hurt me and that they ’should know better…)

More recently, being on the other end of a road rage incident inspired me to train and qualify as a driving instructor and it was actually one of the best decisionsl I’ve ever made.

So…..how do we cope when we get caught up in such a situation?

We run a course aimed at dealing with these ugly situations when they occur, equipping you with ‘coping strategies’. We also look at ways to help make sure you don’t find yourself involved in the first place. We call it ‘Defensive Driving’ and in addition to improving your safety, it can reduce your fuel consumption and lead to much less stressful driving.

If you’re interested, why not request more information by calling 0800 112 0125 today.

It could save you money, and it could just save your life

Call today, 0800 112 0125

www.mrb-drivingschool.co.uk

www.driving-lessons-wirral.com

Posted in Eco Driving, Defensive Driving, Road Rage | No Comments »

28/01/2012 by admin.

http://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/9499381.Tributes_to_Wirral_dad_killed_in__road_rage__attack/

This is unbelievable, and yet it’s happened. Murder has been committed over what appears to be a minor road collision….surely when this happens, something is seriously wrong, something that goes beyond the normal day to day interaction that is required to navigate safely on our roads.

Has anyone else ever experienced road rage and if so, how far did it go?

www.drivinng-lessons-wirral.com

www.mrb-drivingschool.co.uk

Posted in Road Rage | No Comments »

26/01/2012 by admin.

Research by Accident Exchange has shown that poor reversing skills leads to some 200,000 collisions a year, (that’s 500 per day). Most of these will involve contact with stationary vehicles or will be the result of reversing from a driveway, but the estimated cost of repair is £409m per year. The most hazardous time is said to be during Christmas and New Year, when we are looking to take advantage of sales.

So, what can we do about it?

The most obvious thing is to undertake some refresher training. In almost all cases, the collision will be as a result of poor observation. A trained instructor can help to identify weak observation skills and help to put this right. For example, its possible that we are becoming too reliant on our mirrors. Mirrors do not give adequate observation when reversing.

We offer all the refresher expertise you will need. A refresher session will be informal, your driving will not be pulled to pieces and there is no risk to your licence. But….it could save you thousands, not to mention a life.

Contact us on 0800 112 0125 today

www.mrb-drivingschool.co.uk

www.driving-lessons-wirral.com

Posted in Reversing / Manoeuvering | No Comments »

21/01/2012 by admin.

A plan is being considered to change the way learner drivers qualify.

It involves placing restrictions on newly qualified drivers which include, amongst others,

Restrictions on night driving

Restrictions on carrying passengers

A lower blood alcohol limit

Many feel that these proposals will achieve little, be difficult to police and in terms of the last one, send out a very dangerous message to new, young and impressionable  people…

What do you think?

Please post your comments….opinions are invaluable…

www.mrb-drivingschool.co.uk

www.driving-lessons-wirral.com

Posted in Graduated Licencing | No Comments »

20/01/2012 by admin.

Further to a previous post, if you think that driving lessons should only be delivered by trained, qualified and regularly inspected driving instructors, then here is a link to an Epetition. it has about 250 signatures so far…it will need 100,000 in order to force the issue to be debated in Parliament.

Thank you

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/26454

Posted in Uncategorised | No Comments »

19/01/2012 by admin.

When the use of mobile phone technology became widespread, it was felt that a law needed to be introduce to control their use whilst driving. The law has had to adapt to cover the practice of texting. As the technology develops, does the law again need to adapt to cover their use as music players, internet browsers and cameras? Surely this is just as distracting as using them for calls and texting

Please feel free to post your opinions…they will be treated as such…..

Posted in Uncategorised | No Comments »

18/01/2012 by admin.

So the time has come that you want to start learning to drive and the first thing you notice is that there are plenty of driving schools to choose from. Maybe too many?

So what can you look for?

Maybe the most powerful way to find a good one is to ask your friends to see who they learned with and whether they enjoyed it. Ask them if they passed first time and what the lessons were like. Ask if they received any supporting material, handouts or books? See if they got support for their theory work.

Firstly, an instructor must be registered with the DSA in order to teach and charge money for driving lessons. It is illegal for someone not qualified to charge money or money’s worth for lessons. In other words, receiving money for petrol for example is against the law.

Look to see that the instructor possesses and displays their badge. A green badge indicates a fully qualified instructor. A pink badge indicates a trainee instructor. Whist is is legal for them to train you, they have not yet passed all of the qualifying exams, and they should really inform you of this. Check the date on the badge, to make sure it is current.

The school car should be suitable for your needs and shuld be in excellent repair. There is no excuse for a driving instructor to be driving a car with illegal tyres or no tax disc for example.

Many instructors offer deals which can seem great value to you. Some (not all) will balance this low cost by restricting the number of miles you drive. You might find yourself parked up for much of each lesson. You are there to learn to drive the car so this will in turn lead to poor value. The more expensive instructors are generally more highly priced for a reason.

If you are not happy with your instructor, do not persist with them. Change instructors. It’s your money and your test. You are entitled to try to get the best value.

A good instructor should NEVER raise their voice to you. Yes, they may need to be authoritative occasionally to maintain safety, but they should never shout or be angry. Patience is the key.

Call us today on 0800 112 0125 for more advice on choosing a great instructor.

Posted in Choosing a school | No Comments »

17/01/2012 by admin.

Petrol prices are soaring….and many people are trying to justify the expense of owning and running a car. If this is you, perhaps the first thing you could do is to see if there is some way you can reduce the day to day running costs.

There are many ways in which you can reduce your fuel consumption and some of them are so easy.

Reduce weight - empty the boot and rear seats of clutter…remove anything you don’t need

Is there a roof box or rack fitted that isn’t being used? If so, remove it…it’s causing unwanted drag

Check the tyres are correctly inflated.

For more tips and to arrange an ‘eco-driving’ session, call us today on 0800 112 0125

You WILL save money…

Posted in Uncategorised | No Comments »

17/01/2012 by admin.

It may be that it is a number of years since you passed your driving test. Are you completely up to date with modern driving? Is it possible that some things might have changed without you knowing?

For example - ABS, or Anti Lock Braking. Has your car got it and do you know how it works? It is possible that you have never had to brake so harshly that the system has activated, so when it does, it might surprise you. It might feel and sound  so odd to you that it makes you think that there is something wrong and cause you to take your foot offf the brake.

This example is used to demonstrate that we all might benefit from a little refresher training. Some might want to go further and would like to investigate the world of advanced driving, and a later post will expand on this.

But for most, perhaps a couple of informal sessions with a local driving instructor might help. To brush up on those skill. To keep us all safe.

It might just save you money too….your local instructor would be more than happy to show you a few ‘eco-driving’ techniques…which will help to lower your fuel consumption and overall motoring costs…and it will help the planet too..protecting the environment for future generations.

Worth considering?

Posted in Uncategorised | No Comments »