Examiner wins court case for driving test whiplash
An examiner could be awarded up to £15,000 after suffering whiplash injuries during what he called ‘the worst test of his career’
Andrew Carmichael, 35 suffered injuries when test candidate Lisa Connolly braked sharply with the wrong foot, forcing another vehicle to take evasive action. He subsequently sued NIG insurance, insurers of the Vauxhall Corsa used on test.
The Court of Session in Edinburgh ruled that the examiner’s injury, describing Mr Carmichael as a ‘reliable and accurate’ witness. The judge said that Mrs Connolly ‘was not in control of the car as she ought to have been, and her inexperience and nervousness is not a defence.’
In what Mr Carmichael described as a ‘memorable’ examination, Miss Connolly mounted the pavement during the reverse parking manoeuvre and got stuck during her turn in the road. A further hearing will determine damages.
Driving test impersonator sentenced to 15 months
A driving test fraudster was joined in the dock at Luton Crown Court by the candidates with whom he had conspired to impersonate.
Following a lengthy investigation by the Driving Standards Agency and the police, Mohammad Ahmed Hameed, 37 of Luton was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment. At a previous hearing the court heard that Hameed had carried out over 40 theory test impersonations in an 18 month period. Four of the candidates he had falsely represented were also in court having been convicted on charges of conspiracy.
Sobhi El Husseini, 37, of Maida Vale; Mohammad Zaatari; 32, of West London; Omar Benlfekier 35, of Croydon; and Aziz Hassan, 28, of West London were sentenced to a two month imprisonment each.
Judge Burke at Luton Crown Court said that the imprisonment of the fraudsters was intended to act as a deterrent to others who conduct impersonations at driving tests.
DSA Head of Fraud and Integrity Team Andrew Rice said; “People who impersonate driving tests present a real risk to all road users as they provide an entitlement to drive to those who have not been assessed to show that they are competent to do so. In addition to obtaining the qualification to drive, many people seek possession of full U.K driving license to establish proof of identity. Once obtained that licence may also be used as proof of identity in a variety of other circumstances.”
Transport Commitee’s Report
The long awaited report from the Transport Committee outlining recommended reforms to the driver licensing system, aimed at tackling the high number of casualties on the roads among young drivers was presented to Parliament and the Media last week.
A radical overhaul has been recommended to the driver training system in the UK, including a mandatory 12-month minimum learning period taken with a qualified A.D.I., a raise in the minimum age of learner drivers to 18 years of age and a rudimentary form of graduated licensing. The proposals were released to the media last week amongst much anticipation and are included in a report entitled Novice Drivers and includes 6 out of 9 recommendations made in a DIA report, Safer Drivers, Safer Roads. If taken up by Parliament, the changes would represent the most radical shake up of the driving training process since the introduction of the driving test itself.
Other recommendations in the report include: a new structured syllabus with hazard perception training; mandatory dual controls for all cars presented for test; an extension of the driving test to include motorway driving; and restrictions on newly qualified drivers (regardless of age) for a 12-month post-test period (e.g. a zero alcohol limit and a prohibition on carrying passengers aged 10 – 20 between the hours of 11pm and 5am.
There have been many unsubstantiated claims and interpretations of the (now) proposed changes but remember – it is not law until passed by Parliament and until that time the current rules still apply!
Despite representing only one in eight licence holders, 17 – 25 year olds are involved in a third of all deaths on UK roads.
Chairman of the House of Commons Transport Committee (responsible for the report and its recommendations), Gwyneth Dunwoody MP said, “Bold measures are required to reduce the number of people killed and injured in crashes involving young drivers. Novice drivers are extremely vulnerable and pose considerable risks to their passengers and other road users. Our report recommends a wholesale reform of the driver licensing regulations. Anything less will not address the reality of the risks.
“We cannot continue to waste young lives. The implementation of the measures in this report would go a long way to improve the safety of young and novice drivers, and other road users. The government and the police must ensure that no-one can ignore the licensing system and drive illegally. There may be in excess of a million people driving without a valid license. Enforcing existing traffic law, must be a top priority.”
The Chief Executive of the D.I.A. Eddie Barnaville said, “This represents a victory for common sense. The Transport Committee’s report must not be left to gather dust and die like so many young people.”
Read the full report at: www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmtran.htm.
Highway Code Tops Charts
New Highway Code Top of The Book Charts
The new edition of “The Official Highway Code” shot to number one in Britain’s best-selling paperbacks during the first week of October 2007.
The book had only been on sale for just one week and a day when it also entered the top ten at number 4 of Britain’s top selling books in the consumer market, beating the likes of Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson. When “The Official Highway Code” was launched in September the Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said that the book was for life not just for passing a driving test. It is a crucial tool for all road users – drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians alike and applied to every stage of a person’s life
The first revised Highway Code in eight years has been unveiled containing new and updated rules.The code is 50 per cent bigger than previous versions with 29 extra rules including a new section for people who use powered wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick said the code offers the latest road safety rules and advice, as well as promoting greater courtesy and understanding among all road users, particularly those who are most vulnerable.
The launch comes as government casualty figures for last year are released showing a 13% increase in deaths among child pedestrians and a 55% cent increase in deaths among child cyclists, as well as a 5% jump in motorcyclist deaths. However, the overall number of people killed in road accidents fell by 1% to 3,172.Safety code
Alongside the revised Highway Code is a new Safety Code for Novice Drivers, to help motorists better navigate their first few months behind the wheel. It offers practical advice such as ‘If you are driving with passengers, you are responsible for their safety. Don’t let them distract you or encourage you to take risks’ and ‘Never show off or try to compete with other drivers, particularly if they are driving badly’.
The minister added: ‘The official Highway Code is for life, not just for passing your driving test. It is a crucial tool for all road users – car drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians alike – and applies to every stage of your life. Road safety is a responsibility we all share and everyone should have a copy of the code to keep their knowledge up-to-date.’Highway Code history
The Highway Code was first launched in 1931 – at the cost of one old penny – there were just 2.3 million motor vehicles in Great Britain, yet over 7,000 people were killed in road accidents each year.
The revised Highway Code is available free online, or can be bought at most leading highstreet and online retailers, as well as from www.tsoshop.co.uk/dsa. The CD ROM version will be out soon.
All road users need to be aware of the new rules.
The rules also include a reference to the legislation that creates the offence.
DSA technical: test changes
The DSA has said that it intends to clarify the accompanying driver rules in respect of holders of pre-1997 licenses who supervise learner drivers in category C1, D1 including vehicle plus trailer combinations.
The agency consulted on this change in 2007 and subsequently announced that the change would be introduced – but not earlier than 6 April 2010.
Before January 1997, drivers who passed the car driving test were also granted implied small Lorries, buses, and vehicle plus trailer combinations (categories C1, C1+E, D1+E) subject to certain restrictions.
Learner drivers should not drive a vehicle on public roads unless they are being supervised by a qualified driver. The qualified driver (also known as the accompanying driver) must hold a full license for the category vehicle being driven and must have held that license for the relevant period of time – usually three years.
In the DSA’s view, implied rights entitlements to do not meet the first of those criteria because of the restrictions attaching to the license. Also, there are road safety issues involved where a person who has never passed the relevant driving tests acts as the supervisor for a learner driver in a category C1 or D1 vehicle (including +E combinations). These changes will not affect anyone’s existing entitlement to drive C1 or D1 vehicles or vehicle plus trailer combinations, but they will prevent anyone from acting as an accompanying driver in such vehicles if they only hold pre-1997 implied entitlements.
Anyone, particularly in the training industry, who currently relies on implied entitlements and wants to continue to act as a accompanying driver in C1 or D1 vehicles (including +E combinations) after the change is introduced, will need to pass the relevant driving test(s) before 6 April 2010. The DSA will ensure that such people are already considered to meet the requirement relating to the length of time that the full license must have been held – usually 3 years from the date of the change.
If they pass the relevant driving test(s) and meet the appropriate medical standards after the 6 April 2010, they will have to wait until they have held their new entitlement for three years before they can act as the supervising driver. However, if they have passed a driving test for one category of vocational licence and have held that licence for a period of three years, they will only have to wait a period of one year from the date they pass the test for another category of vocational vehicle before they can supervise a learner driver in that category of vehicle.
Changes In The Driving Test
From October 2010 there’ll be a new bit in the practical driving test where you’ll have to chose your own route to a certain place to prove you can drive independently. And the “pre-driver qualification” will be rolled out in schools and colleges around the UK over the next two years. This three month course is optional but if you pass you’ll be able to do a shorter theory test. Lessons will cover drink-driving and how to be a safe passenger, but there’ll be hands-on stuff too- like how to top up the oil and make sure your tyres are safe.
More about “pre-driver qualification.”
Steve Garrod, chief examiner for the Driving Instructors Association, discusses the proposed changes on the BBC radio 4 programme. Listen
Eco-Driving
Tips to save the environment and your money!
Regardless of the vehicle you drive there are always techniques that you can employ that will help to save you fuel and to minimise your impact on the environment. ‘Carbon-foot-print’ is the new buzz word and we all want to do our bit to save the planet – and make our local environments a nicer place to live and work.
Ask Yourself: “Do I really need to drive?” It’s the shortest journeys – usually less than 2 miles – which cause the most pollution and are the most inefficient in terms of fuel consumption. Did you know that a straining cold engine will produce 60% more pollution than the same engine would when warm? These shorter journeys are ideal for walking or cycling – you could dramatically increase your health as well!
Plan Your Route: A bit of forethought can save much wear and tear – for both the car and the driver. Try to take the most direct route and travel off-peak whenever possible. Sitting in congestion means you are often doing zero miles per gallon. If you have to commute to work, try car sharing, park & ride schemes or public transport.
Have Your Vehicle Serviced Regularly: Regular servicing helps maintain efficient running and good fuel economy. Inefficient, under-serviced engines can reduce fuel economy by 10% or more. Catalytic Converters are environmentally friendly – but only if they are properly maintained. Avoid over-revving your vehicle – most new cars do not need gas when starting the engine, in fact excessive revving of the engine can actually damage the Catalytic Converter.
Check Your Tyres: Having the correct tyres and tyre pressures for your vehicle will not only keep your fuel economy up and your tyre wear down, but it also makes your insurance legal too! Under-inflated tyres will cause you to use more fuel and will need replacing more often (itself an environmental problem) as well as being dangerous. Make a point of checking your tyre pressures at least once a week. Inflate your tyres to the recommended pressure when carrying heavy loads, extra passengers or before long journeys.
Obey The Speed Limits: Try to ‘feather’ the throttle/accelerator as you reach your cruising speed. Doing 56mph uses around 25% less fuel than 70mph and a smoother driving style can bring significant fuel savings. Never coast to save fuel (travel with the clutch in or gear in neutral); vehicle control must not be compromised.
Reduce Drag Factor: Remove roof racks and carriers when not in use. Driving with the window open also increases drag and lowers fuel economy. Remove unnecessary boot luggage, avoid heavy accessories and wide tyres that add rolling resistance. Air conditioning lowers fuel economy so use the vent settings as much as possible instead.
Buy Green Fuel – Use Less Of It: If you get stuck in traffic, switch off your engine. Find out if you can buy low sulphur diesel (City Diesel) or cleaner petrol (low sulphur) locally. Check with your dealer to see if your car will run on Bio Fuel.
Use “Accelerator” sense: Do you go straight from the accelerator to the brake all the time? You would save fuel if you planned a little further ahead so that rather than having to brake when you hit traffic, gently let the speed of the car decrease as you approach by coming off the gas earlier, gently letting the speed of the vehicle bring you to a halt as you join a queue. There is no point racing up something then having to brake harshly to come to a sudden stop.
Reverse In When You Park: When you start off again, the engine will be cold and at its most fuel inefficient. Reversing out of your drive onto a main road is also against the law; neither is it the safest or quickest way of joining busy traffic. If you reverse in, you can drive smoothly away without having to reverse when the engine is cold, and not only will you save fuel but you will have greater visibility.
Roundabouts
If you know and use the following rules…
Many drivers are happy with their own use of roundabouts, but believe others do it all wrong! Before criticising other drivers’ roundabout practices, check your own knowledge of the rules first.
Why have roundabouts?
This is a question many people ask time and again. If used properly, they smooth traffic flow at busy junctions. Vehicles can enter and leave roundabouts by different roads with less inconvenience or danger. A roundabout is basically a circular. One-way traffic system enabling several traffic streams to mix/join.
The Rules
Give Way: The most important thing to remember is when entering a roundabout, give way to traffic on the roundabout, unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise. If the way is clear keep moving. Stopping unnecessarily at a clear roundabout slows traffic and can cause frustrating delays. Roundabouts are usually quite open junctions on approach, so approach a little slower and have a good look. Try to anticipate what the drivers at other entrances are going to do. Although you don’t have to stop for a vehicle at another entrance to the roundabout – you both can’t use the same space! Judge and time your approach and emerge when it is safe to do so. A roundabout entrance is usually marked by a single broken white line across the road. Sometimes there may be other markings. At some roundabouts one traffic lane may be allowed to flow free; there will be road signs or markings indicating this.
Speed: Approach at a speed which you know you could stop or give way if necessary. Approaching too fast could make drivers on the roundabout think you are going to pull out in front of them; causing them to brake or swerve and perhaps cause a collision. If you approach too fast and then brake hard at a roundabout entrance you could also cause a collision by panicking a following driver who might skid into the back of your vehicle. On any road you should drive according to road, weather and traffic conditions as well as the road holding qualities of your vehicle.
Position & Signals: Being correctly positioned and signalling clearly and correctly in good time helps other road users. Knowing and following the rules improves traffic flow and safety at roundabouts. While this article provides general advice other factors such as signs and road markings, and the position and type of other vehicles can influence your choice of lane or action. Any road signs or markings that indicate appropriate lanes should assume priority over the following general procedures.
Correct Roundabout Procedure: Imagine that you are approaching a roundabout that has six converging roads. Think of the roundabout as a clock face and assume that you are approaching from the six o’clock position. You need to approach at the correct speed and the right gear. Always signal your intentions clearly. If there is no traffic following directly behind you or at either side of you or no traffic at or on the roundabout then you may take the shortest and most convenient route through it. Ensure you check your centre and right mirrors and cancel your signal after leaving the roundabout. Now onto some particulars…
Car and Trailer Test Questions
Combination 1
Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.
Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and checking functioning of all indicators.
Tell me the main safety factors involved in loading this vehicle.
The load should be distributed evenly throughout the trailer. Heavy items should be loaded as low as possible so that they are mainly over the axle(s). Bulkier, lighter items should be distributed to give a suitable ‘nose weight’ at the towing coupling. The nose weight should never exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.
Tell me the main safety factors involved in securing a load on this vehicle
Any load must be carried so that it does not endanger other road users. It must be securely stowed within the size and weight limits for the vehicle. The load needs to be secure so that it cannot move or fall from the vehicle when cornering or braking.
Show me how you would check that your vehicle & trailer doors are secure
Physical checks should be made to ensure that windows, roof-light and all doors, including cargo doors, are properly closed.
Combination 2
Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).
Tell me the main safety factors involved in loading this vehicle.
The load should be distributed evenly throughout the trailer. Heavy items should be loaded as low as possible so that they are mainly over the axle(s). Bulkier, lighter items should be distributed to give a suitable ‘nose weight’ at the towing coupling. The nose weight should never exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.
Tell me the main safety factors involved in securing a load on this vehicle
Any load must be carried so that it does not endanger other road users. It must be securely stowed within the size and weight limits for the vehicle. The load needs to be secure so that it cannot move or fall from the vehicle when cornering or braking.
Show me how you would check that your vehicle & trailer doors are secure
Physical checks should be made to ensure that windows, rooflight and all doors, including cargo doors, are properly closed.
Combination 3
Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.
Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
Tell me the main safety factors involved in loading this vehicle.
The load should be distributed evenly throughout the trailer. Heavy items should be loaded as low as possible so that they are mainly over the axle(s). Bulkier, lighter items should be distributed to give a suitable ‘nose weight’ at the towing coupling. The nose weight should never exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.
Tell me the main safety factors involved in securing a load on this vehicle
Any load must be carried so that it does not endanger other road users. It must be securely stowed within the size and weight limits for the vehicle. The load needs to be secure so that it cannot move or fall from the vehicle when cornering or braking.
Show me how you would check that your vehicle & trailer doors are secure
Physical checks should be made to ensure that windows, roof-light and all doors, including cargo doors, are properly closed.
Cabology Questions – Taxi Tests
(Only the questions in bold print must be used on Black Cab style taxi tests. )
Example questions:
Q. What is the length, width and/or height of the cab you are now with?
A. See * below
Q. What are the correct tyre pressures for the cab you are now with?
A. See * below
Q. Whilst driving a taxicab, how would you know if the rear automatic door locking system became inoperative?
A. The warning light on the dashboard will illuminate (green with black key icon)
Q If the tyre pressures of the vehicle you are driving are 35psi at the front and 40psi at the rear, what would you consider the correct pressure for the spare to be?
A. 40psi, because it would be easier to deflate than inflate a tyre at the roadside
Q. As a Hackney Carriage driver, what is your main responsibility?
A. The safety and comfort of your passengers.
Q. How would you show consideration for passengers alighting from your vehicle?
A. Stop close to the kerb and avoid proximity to Obstructions (street furniture, trees etc)
Q. As a licensed taxi driver, what must you carry with you at all times?
A. Cab drivers licence and badge (displayed in a conspicuous place)
Q. If you found an item of property left in your taxicab, what would you do with it?
A. Hand it into a Police Station within 24 hours.
Q. What is the minimum legal requirement of a tyre tread depth?
A. 1.6mm across three quarters of the width of the tyre, around the entire circumference, with no cuts or bulges in the tyre wall.
Q If the tyre pressures of the vehicle you are driving are 35psi at the front and 40psi at the rear, what would you consider the correct pressure for the spare to be?
A. 40psi; because it would be easier to deflate than inflate a tyre at the roadside.
Q As a Private Hire taxi driver, what is your main responsibility?
A. The safety and comfort of your passengers.
Q. How would you show consideration for passengers alighting from your vehicle?
A. Stop close to the kerb and avoid proximity to obstructions (street furniture ,trees etc)
* TAXI SPECIFICATIONS
TX1:
Length 4580m/m 180.45in
Width (mirrors out) 2036m/m 80.22in
Height 1834m/m 72.26in
Tyre pressures: front 35psi rear 40psi
TX11:
As for TX1 except for length, which is: 4575mm 180.00in
LT1. FX4 Fairway:
Length 4580m/m 180.45in
Width 1750m/m 69.00in
Height 1755m/m 69.50in
Tyre pressures: front 35psi front 36psi
Metrocab series 3 & TTT:
Length 4505m/m 177.38in
Width 1770m/m 69.69in
Height 1755m/m 69.50in
CAR + TRAILER TESTS (B+E) SAFETY CHECK QUESTIONS
CAR + TRAILER TESTS (B+E) SAFETY CHECK QUESTIONS
Combination 1
Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.
Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.
Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.
Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and checking functioning of all indicators.
Tell me the main safety factors involved in loading this vehicle.
The load should be distributed evenly throughout the trailer. Heavy items should be loaded as low as possible so that they are mainly over the axle(s). Bulkier, lighter items should be distributed to give a suitable ‘nose weight’ at the towing coupling. The nose weight should never exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.
Tell me the main safety factors involved in securing a load on this vehicle
Any load must be carried so that it does not endanger other road users. It must be securely stowed within the size and weight limits for the vehicle. The load needs to be secure so that it cannot move or fall from the vehicle when cornering or braking.
Show me how you would check that your vehicle & trailer doors are secure
Physical checks should be made to ensure that windows, roof-light and all doors, including cargo doors, are properly closed.
Combination 2
Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.
No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central ¾ of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).
Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).
Tell me the main safety factors involved in loading this vehicle.
The load should be distributed evenly throughout the trailer. Heavy items should be loaded as low as possible so that they are mainly over the axle(s). Bulkier, lighter items should be distributed to give a suitable ‘nose weight’ at the towing coupling. The nose weight should never exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.
Tell me the main safety factors involved in securing a load on this vehicle
Any load must be carried so that it does not endanger other road users. It must be securely stowed within the size and weight limits for the vehicle. The load needs to be secure so that it cannot move or fall from the vehicle when cornering or braking.
Show me how you would check that your vehicle & trailer doors are secure
Physical checks should be made to ensure that windows, rooflight and all doors, including cargo doors, are properly closed.
Combination 3
Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.
Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.
Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
Tell me the main safety factors involved in loading this vehicle.
The load should be distributed evenly throughout the trailer. Heavy items should be loaded as low as possible so that they are mainly over the axle(s). Bulkier, lighter items should be distributed to give a suitable ‘nose weight’ at the towing coupling. The nose weight should never exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.
Tell me the main safety factors involved in securing a load on this vehicle
Any load must be carried so that it does not endanger other road users. It must be securely stowed within the size and weight limits for the vehicle. The load needs to be secure so that it cannot move or fall from the vehicle when cornering or braking.
Show me how you would check that your vehicle & trailer doors are secure
Physical checks should be made to ensure that windows, roof-light and all doors, including cargo doors, are properly closed.
