A1 Will Pass Driving School Blog

A recent report has suggested that drivers buying their first car are becoming more aware of the ancillary costs, not just the purchase price.  This has surprised me – not that rookie buyers are considering the running costs – more the fact that there has been the need for a report.  As costs have been increasing rapidly for some time surely it is plain common-sense to work out, before you buy any car, whether you can afford to keep it on the road!

This report comments that cars are one of the biggest purchases that people make – that may be true; however for new drivers aged 17-24, it is quite possible that the insurance may be more expensive than the actual car.  In many instances young drivers check out the cost of insurance before they even consider purchasing a vehicle.

The report continues by stating “almost 70% of people choose their first car with an engine size of 1.3 litres or less, with 15% of under 24s citing insurance as the main reason for choosing a car with a smaller engine.”

Many young people can’t get an insurance quote for cars with larger engines – however there are many vehicles which do have smaller engines.  The majority of parents would certainly be happier for their children to be driving a car with less power.  Perhaps some change in the law should be made to positively encourage young car owners to drive smaller and more economical cars for the first two or three years after passing their driving test.

The most popular car for new drivers is the Ford Fiesta and the second choice is the Mini One.  These were the decisions given from 2000 drivers, from a list of 52 different cars.  The report continues by stating “For a 17-year-old male to insure a Ford Fiesta Encore 1.3 litre engine, the insurance premium would cost on average £5,372.96.  This compares with the cost for a first-time buyer purchasing a Volkswagen Golf GTI 2 litre engine, which would cost £12,244.75 for insurance cover.  This is more than double the cost of insurance for a Ford Fiesta, the first-time buyers’ car of choice.”

Confused .com is the company who undertook the survey and Gareth Kloet, Head of Car Insurance said “Car insurance is a huge purchase for young drivers.  However, our research tells us that these drivers are adapting to pressures and opting for smaller, cheaper cars in order to minimise their insurance premiums.  Buying your first car is a really exciting purchase.  For the first-time buyer, cost is an important factor with 50% saying that price affects their purchase, and 35% of first-time buyers paying £500 or less for their first car.”

Confused.com suggests that young drivers should first consider all the costs, not just the purchase price of the car itself.  Running costs such as insurance, vehicle excise duty, MOT, fuel, servicing and repairs will all need to be paid on a regular basis.

Although this does make sense, the majority of young people who have passed their driving test will know that it isn’t simply a case of buying a car and waving a magic wand.  Many parents do try to help their children with the cost of their first car, although in the current financial position, things are more difficult.

How many driving lessons would you expect a complete beginner to need?  How long will it take before this beginner passes his practical driving test?

These two questions are the ones most frequently asked of driving instructors.  However, although the questions themselves seem completely straightforward, there isn’t one single answer which is applicable.  Let’s look at the two questions separately, to try to identify not just the question, but the true question that the prospective student actually wants to be answered.

• How many driving lessons would you expect a complete beginner to need?

The real question being asked by a student relates to the cost of driving lessons.  More often than not they can allocate a specific amount of money for a fixed period of time.  The problem is if they think it may go on for years.

There isn’t a straightforward answer, because every student is different.  It depends on their capacity for taking in information, their co-ordination and their level of concentration.  It is possibly true to say that the older a person is likely to require a few more lessons; however it can also depend on the amount of time they are able to practise between lessons.

• How long will it take before a beginner passes his practical driving test?

This is another double-edged sword.  The student will need to pass this theory test before the practical driving test can be booked.  Every student is different.  Some people have an aptitude for driving and they are able to comprehend the instructions and have an awareness of everything around them.  A nervous driver will need to learn confidence in their ability which may take a little time.

The Benefit of Intensive Tuition

There can be reasons why a person needs to learn to drive in a much shorter period of time than normal.  Rather than taking one lesson each week, they prefer to “cram” them into one or two weeks.  In order to have a driving test at the end of an intensive driving course, the learner should have passed their theory test before starting formal driving lessons.  This is because a practical test can’t be booked until after successful completion of the theory test. The driving lessons need to be arranged so that it finishes with the practical test.

Do remember than although an intensive course may be perfect for your situation, you will need to be able to concentrate for the whole time you are in the car.  Your driving instructor will be able to advise you on how many lessons he feels will be appropriate for you.

If you do fail your practical test on the first occasion, your instructor will be able to arrange a second test within a few weeks, and until that time continue with some maintenance lessons, so that you don’t forget everything in the interim.

After passing your test, it is well worth having a few additional lessons where you will learn to be able to drive safely on motorways and in different conditions.

Your driving instructor is there to help you to pass your driving test.  If you aren’t sure about anything, ask questions.  There isn’t ever a question that the instructor won’t have been asked before, so don’t worry that he may not be interested.  Enjoy your lessons – after you have passed your test, you have the ability to drive when and where suits you.

This week we are concentrating on problems which are caused by using a mobile phone when driving a vehicle.  Insurance companies are getting really tough on drivers convicted of this offence.  Please ensure that you don’t use a mobile when you are driving – it could seriously affect your insurance.

Insurance Policies

Drivers who have been convicted of using a mobile whilst driving will find it considerably more expensive to buy car insurance.  In some instances, insurance companies are refusing to provide cover for drivers convicted of the CU80 offence.  Drivers, when guilty are awarded three points on their licence, a £60 fine and those insurance companies which will cover drivers, are charging a premium of anything from twenty to fifty per cent.

Insurance companies are also starting to impose greater penalties for drivers on drivers convicted of minor offences.  An example is a minor speeding infraction SP30 which incurs 3 penalty points and a £60 fine; however insurance premiums are likely to increase by about ten per cent.  Until recently insurance companies didn’t increase premiums for drivers with three points.

When cameras were first introduced many drivers were caught speeding and the insurance companies ignored it.  Now that speeding cameras are common-place, insurers have decided to penalise offenders.  When asked why they are increasing charges, the response was that drivers with motoring convictions are forty per cent more likely to claim on their insurance.

The insurance companies were asked why although speeding offences and use of mobile are given three points and the same fine, the drivers convicted of using a mobile have greater increases in premiums.  The response from an AA spokesman was “Anecdotal evidence suggests that motorists caught using a mobile are twice as likely to make a claim than with other offences.  Using a mobile phone while driving is a deliberate act.  Many drivers may accidentally drift over a 30mph limit without realising.  But no one accidentally makes or answers a call or text.”

New Device to Block Phone Signals

A company based in Scotland will be selling a device, named CU80, so-called after the driving offence, which can stop the use of mobile phones in cars.  The black box which costs £150 is able to block texts and phone calls.  It is hoped that use of the box will reduce accidents, and is expected to be initially bought by UK companies with fleets.

A spokesman for the company selling the device said “We want drivers to think again about their driving habits.  Many motorists can’t resist the urge to check their phone or make a call when they know they shouldn’t.  Even hands-free mobile phone conversations are dangerous as talking to someone who is not in the car require greater conversation to make up for the lack of visual clues.”

He continued “The CU80 takes the temptation away and ensures that drivers have their hands on the wheel and their eyes and minds firmly on the road.  The reality is that many drivers see using a mobile device while driving as an acceptable practice.  What we want to do is make using a mobile device as socially unacceptable as drink driving.”

Finally

As a new driver you don’t expect to break the law.  Over a period of time, as you become more experienced, it is easy to slip into bad habits.  At best breaking the rules will result in points on driving licence and small fines.  At the other end of the scale there could be an accident!

Although the majority of us will need to tighten our belts again, many families still plan to enjoy their two weeks’ holiday.  This may, this year, be a on a less extravagant scale, possibly self-catering, or camping instead of staying in a holiday complex.  Rather than flying, some families are planning to travel in their own car, which will give plenty of space for packing the tent and sleeping bags etc.  Those people who are going abroad and taking their car with them do need to remember that they are almost certainly going drive on the opposite side of the road.

Before You Leave

• Before starting on your journey check on the driving rules of the country you’re visiting.  You don’t want to break the law just because you weren’t aware of a specific rule.  It is important to have a full driving licence when driving in other countries- you’re not allowed to drive when you only have a provisional licence.
• Make sure that you have insurance cover for your vehicle.  You need fully comprehensive cover including breakdown, and also medical expenses in case you are injured.
• Establish whether you need to have a Green Card in the specific country where you are driving.  This provides confirmation of minimum insurance.
• Check if you need to have an International Driving Permit.
• Ensure that the vehicle has been serviced before you take it on a long journey.  You don’t want to wait in one location until spare parts are delivered.
• Check that your vehicle is suitable for the particular country where you are driving.  In Germany, for instance, winter tyres are required, so make sure that your vehicle has everything necessary.

Establish What You Need to Take

Regulations differ from country to country, so do ensure that you take your proof of ownership of the vehicle.  While in the UK you are advised not to carry it in the vehicle, if you don’t have it with you in the majority of European countries, you will be liable to receive a fine.

Whilst Driving Abroad

• Make sure you drive defensively, watching out for any unexpected hazards.  Be aware that the local style of driving may not be the same as in the UK.
• It is really important not to drink and drive.  In many countries the alcohol limit is lower than in the UK, and in some countries there is a zero drink-driving policy.
• Ensure that everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seat belt at all times.
• Ensure that you don’t use your mobile phone when driving.
• Make sure that the vehicle isn’t overloaded, and that you are able to see through the back window.
• If you are unfortunate enough to be in an accident, inform your insurance company immediately and ensure you take photos of the damage straightaway.

When Driving Your Own Vehicle

If the number plate doesn’t give the information, it is important to have a GB sticker prominently placed and visible on the back of the car.  If you are driving on the right-hand side of the road you will need to have headlamp converters.

Finally

Although all the above seems to be a very long list, once you have driven abroad it will become second nature to have everything ready for when you travel.  Enjoy your time driving abroad, and the more often you do it, the easier it will become.