Cheap Driving Lessons - Are you really getting value for money?

Recently I've been seeing more and more new driving schools appear in my area advertising cheap driving lessons with a variety of special deals. Offers such as '10 lessons for £99', '5 hours for £55' and '4 hours for £44' are appearing with increasing regularity. But is the customer really getting value for money? Personally I know that I could never operate my driving school offering such deals - it would barely cover my overheads - and I wouldn't want my business associated with anything 'cheap' anyway - so how are other driving schools achieving it?

Are you getting value for money?

Now I obviously can't speak about every driving school out there offering these deals but from the many stories I've heard the general answer is NO for a variety of reasons:

1. Sitting on the side of the road for most of the lesson. I often hear tales from pupils who have come to me from other driving schools that they would spend most of their lessons parked up in the car going over theory rather than getting in valuable practical work. This is a way that driving schools can cut costs - less fuel used and less wear and tear on their car. I once heard a story that a driving school in the area carried out a 2 hour highway code lesson with their pupils!
2. Tying on from the first point, less practical work on lessons is going to result in a decreased progress in the pupils driving skills. If you're sitting about for half of every lesson not actually driving then it's going to take you twice as long to get to test standard. So that '10 lessons for £99' deal looks good on the surface, but if it's going to take you double the lessons it would at a established and reputable driving school is it really a decent saving?
3. The initial offer will only be a one off and can include some terms and conditions. Once you've had your deal, the lesson price will go back to the driving school's standard prices. The terms and conditions on a '10 hours for £99' for example can typically be something like 3 hours to be held back for test day lesson. That would tie you to the driving school - you get your first 7 hours and then MUST stay with the driving school until your test to get the other 3 hours - something you might not want to do if you're not happy with the instruction being given to you.

So let's do a case study. John decides he wants some good quality driving lessons with a company that have good customer testimonials and some great recommendations. They charge £210 for 10 hours with the first hour free so the pupil can meet the instructor before making any further commitments. Typically this driving school will have a pupil ready for test at around 30 hours - therefore John will spend a total of £630 to pass his test.
James decides he wants to go for cheap driving lessons. He finds a random company online doing a '10 hours for £99' deal. However, due to the driving schools ways of cutting costs it takes James 50 hours to pass. The final 40 hours were also at the standard price of £200 for 10 hours. Also James wasn't particularly happy with his instructor but 3 hours was reserved for his test day so he didn't want to lose that. In total James had to pay £899 compared to John who paid £630. Also John managed it in around 4 months compared to James who took 7 months due to the extra lessons.

These cheap deals can look too good to be true and often are so beware. I think it's much better to choose a school on reputation, testimonials and recommendations rather than price - there's probably a good reason why one school can charge a lot more than another - you generally get what you pay for in this life!!

Please visit jodythomasdriving.co.uk for a reputable driving school that you can trust

Automatic driving lessons in Maidstone

Just a quick line to say we're pleased to announce that we are now able to offer automatic driving lessons in Maidstone. Click on the link to check out our website for more info.

Winter Driving Advice From The RAC

The last few winters in the UK haven’t exactly been conducive to safe, easy driving. Between, the snow, freezing temperatures, wind and driving rain, motorists in the UK have a lot to deal with through the dark months of the year.

But with the correct preparation and some considered planning and forethought there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to safely stay on the road this winter.

The 10 point check

1.     Check your car battery strength and charge it if necessary. If your battery is more than 3 years old it’s even more important to do this.
2.     Make sure you have plenty of tyre tread. Also check for damage such as splits or bulges and make sure the tyres are inflated to the correct pressure.
3.     Check your screen wash and use one with protection that works down to -35c at dilution one part screen wash to one part water.
4.     Make sure your coolant is between the minimum and maximum markers and that there is sufficient anti-freeze in the coolant.
5.     Test your windscreen wipers for damage and replace them if needed.
6.     Carry extra items in the car just in case you get stuck. It’s a good idea to carry the following items:

·         A Shovel to help clear ice

·         Bottled water

·         Snacks – chocolate or cereal bars

·         Bits of carpet or thick cardboard to place under driven wheels to help regain traction on ice or snow

·         Salt, sand or cat litter – to help clear snow and ice

·         Reflective jacket(s)

·         De-icer and ice scraper

·         Extra screen wash

·         Warm clothes and a blanket or sleeping bag for you and your passengers

·         Battery jump leads

·         Torch with spare batteries

·         Tow rope

·         Snow chains (if you live in a remote or rural area)

7.     Plan your journey, and if the weather is really bad consider whether the journey is really necessary. Even if you’re not embarking on a particularly long journey, tell someone where you are going – it could even be the people you are going to see – what time you’re leaving and when you expect to arrive.
8.     Take extra care when driving in snow and ice and follow our tips:

·         Accelerate slowly using low revs. You might need to move off in second gear to help decrease wheel slip

·         Leave as much as 10 times the normal recommended gap between you and the car in front

·         If you skid, steer into it.  e.g. if the rear of the vehicle is sliding to the left, steer to the left. Don’t take your hands off the steering wheel or stamp on the brakes

·         If the road hasn’t been gritted, be careful when driving in the wheel tracks of other cars as compressed snow can be icy

·         Operate the brakes, steering, brakes and accelerating smoothly and slowly

9.     Make sure you have full visibility before you set off on a journey. If you can’t fully see where you’re going, you’re not safe. That means ensuring all your windows and lights are clear from frost and in working order.
10.  Take care when driving in heavy rain and flooded roads:

a.     Look out for large or fast-moving vehicles creating spray, which reduces visibility.

b.    Reduce speed and leave more space between you & the vehicle in front to account for greater stopping distances.

c.     Don't use rear fog lights. They can mask your brake lights & dazzle drivers behind you.

d.    If you do go through water, drive in the highest section of the road.

A great list of driving tips to put into practice this winter! If you need further help with winter driving (or any aspect of driving) then why not contact our driving school to see how we can help?

Choosing the right driving instructor

Choosing a driving instructor isn't the easiest thing to do - often you can be overwhelmed by the amount of driving schools out there when you're ready to learn to drive. Let's look at top 5 things to consider:

1. Recommendations - If you have a friend(s) that has learnt to drive why not ask them who their instructor was and if they were happy with the service? It's one of the most trusted ways of choosing a driving instructor.
2. Instructor Grade - It's a little known fact that there is a grading system for driving instructors that reflects their ability as an instructor. Usually carried out around every 2 years, an instructor is 'check tested' by a DSA examiner. This is where the examiner sits in the back of the car to observe a lesson conducted by the instructor. When the lesson is over the examiner grades the instructor on their ability, the grades range from lowest (grade 1) to highest (grade6). Only around 6% of instructors achieve a Grade 6 and it's the highest grade possible, around 20% achieve a Grade 5, and the industry standard is Grade 4 with around 70% achieving this particular grade. The lower grades are not acceptable and would result in further tests and/or disqualification from the instructor register. So make sure you ask about your instructor's grade!
3. Pass Rate - Not as important as you'd think and sometimes extremely misleading. For a start, there's nothing to stop an instructor from simply picking a pass rate out of thin air - how would you know? Also an instructor can claim to have a 100% pass rate but this might mean that 100% of their pupils eventually pass but only 20% first time! Lastly, at the end of the day the driving test of a pupil is ultimately out of the hands of the instructor - I've had pupils who I know have been taught well and are good drivers who simply through nerves and pressure of the test fail to perform as they can on the day. This results in a drop on my pass rate but it doesn't necessarily reflect on how well they've been taught.
4. The Car - Does the instructor have a relatively new, modern car? Some instructors lease cars so as to get a replacement as often as every 12 months in some cases. It's not ideal to be learning in a car that's several years old and on it's last legs - so make sure you ask before deciding.
5. Trainee Instructors - Also unknown to most of the public, a part qualified instructor is legally allowed to give paid instruction for a maximum of 6 months. Not all driving schools will be forthcoming with this information though. You can check to make sure your instructor is qualified by looking at their instructor badge colour displayed on the windscreen, green is fully qualified, pink a trainee.

Choosing the right driving instructor is important so make sure you consider these factors before you decide.

If you require a driving school in Tunbridge Wells or Sevenoaks that has only fully qualified instructors with a minimum of 5 years experience including a Grade 6 instructor, click the link.

Save on the cost of running your car – a simple guide

With the cost of motoring currently standing at over £3000 each year, motorists are looking at every option available to reduce expenses. It’s easy to make savings if you do the right research. Here are some common areas where car drivers are likely to feel the pinch and what can be done to keep costs down.

Fuel
According to Sainsbury’s Bank, the average car owner now spends almost £1800 on fuel each year. You could save on fuel bills by:

• Finding the best fuel prices in your area, by going online or using smartphone applications.
• Driving slowly and smoothly. According to the AA, driving at 70mph uses 15% more fuel than driving at 50 mph.
• Regularly servicing and maintaining your car at a reputable garage.

Car insurance
Sainsbury’s Bank also found that car insurance premiums cost motorists almost £815 on average annually, and are one of the main factors for the overall rise in motoring costs. To find the best insurance that suits your needs:

• Shop around. You could save on your car insurance by phoning around or going online. Always remember to compare like-for-like policies.
• Read the fine print and find out if your policy charges you extra depending on your personal circumstances (e.g. age or driving experience) and type of car.
• Park your car in a garage or on your drive, instead of in the street – this could reduce the cost of your premium.

Car tax
The car tax rates which came into effect on 1 April 2011 are aimed at reducing emissions, so it makes more sense than ever to drive a more fuel-efficient car. If your car falls in a high-polluting band, it will be taxed higher than a more fuel-efficient model.

Car owners with new, high-emission cars may have to pay an additional, one-off ‘showroom tax’ based on their car’s CO₂ emissions. Consumer campaign group Which? says a big family car could cost you up to £540 more than the standard rate for the first year of motoring. Consider sticking to a more eco-friendly model.

Servicing
Keeping your car well serviced could save you money in the long run. Don’t be tempted to ignore faults, as these could turn into major expenses. The AA advises car drivers not to compromise on important things such as timing belts and oil changes.

Instead, the organisation suggests drivers get a better deal by using reputable garages. Make sure you get a quote before agreeing to any repairs.

MOTs
Ensuring that your car is roadworthy is a legal requirement and, although the MOT itself may not cost a lot, it’s often the repairs that follow a failed MOT that push up costs.

It might be worth considering doing your next MOT at a local council run MOT centre instead of a private garage. These centres don’t handle repairs and therefore have nothing to gain from failing your car – so you might be less inclined to question their objectivity.

Tyres
Maintaining good tyres can help keep your car running costs down. The AA recommends driving smoothly, slowly and braking less often, to help preserve tyre condition. Tyre pressure should be checked every 2 weeks, and tyres with a tread depth of less than 2mm should be replaced. It’s especially worth checking tyre condition before autumn and winter.

Breakdown cover
Having the right breakdown cover for your car can put your mind at ease on the road. It’s important to consider the kind of cover you need, before deciding on a provider. If your car is prone to frequent breakdowns, you might need more thorough cover, but if it’s brand new you might only need basic roadside recovery.


Click the links for driving lessons in Tunbridge Wells and  an automatic driving school in Tunbridge Wells

AA says it's not good to talk

According to a recent AA survey, it would appear that more drivers are texting, emailing and tweeting that you'd think. In fact the results of the survey are pretty alarming: 42% of the people surveyed admitted to using a mobile phone whilst driving - and 40% of these drivers bizarrely think that to do so is not distracting! Concerns have now been raised about the growing acceptability of using mobiles for whatever reason whilst driving. With nearly half of the drivers surveyed admitting to using a handheld device whilst on the move, surely this will lead to more dangerous driving. Some of the other results of the survey:

Remember if you need a driving school in Tunbridge Wells then all you have to do is click on the link!

Our new automatic driving school car

Take a look at our new automatic car, the brand new Hyundai i10 Active. It's a great car to learn in due to it's great manoeuvreability and compactness for town driving. Our new automatic instructor Avis will be using it and I'll be sticking for the moment with my VW Polo for automatic lessons as well as my Ford Fiesta Edge for manual lessons.

Remember if you need automatic lessons in and around Kent then click on the link and find out how we can help.

Eco safe driving - a way to save money!

In the current economic climate we can always do with ways to save some cash and with petrol prices set to rise again what better way than to look at how you drive? With just a few changes to the way we drive our vehicles it's estimated you can save up to £400 per year on fuel. Have a look at the following tips to help:

Drive smoothly - Avoid sharp acceleration and heavy braking which increases fuel usage. Look ahead and

                             read the road and hazards to limit stop-go driving.

Stay in gear       - Don't take your vehicle out of gear and in to neutral to coast down hills as this uses more

                             fuel. Stay in gear and ease off the gas, this will reduce fuel usage to almost nothing.

Check the revs  - Try and drive in the highest gear without the vehicle struggling, changing gear smoothly 

                              and ideally before 2000 rpm.

Drive light          - Dump all the weight in the car that doesn't need to be there, this will greatly reduce fuel

                              costs.

Slow down          - Take your time to reach your destination, you'll get there safer and more calmly as well 

                              using less fuel.

Put these tip into action and you'll see the difference it makes, not only to your safety but also your bank balance!

For more eco-safe tips or if you need a driving instructor in Tunbridge Wells click the link.

                  

Eyes: The most important part of your body!

Recently I've been doing some research into how poor eyesight can affect a person's ability to drive. It's been estimated that around 90% of the vital information that a driver needs is taken visually, so clearly it's the most important physical tool we have when on the roads. When a person takes the practical driving test they are required to be able to read a number plate from a minimum distance of 20.5 metres. This is a legal requirement and should be checked regularly to avoid a deterioration in the eyes, often that a person will not realise over time. However, how many of us do this? A recent nationwide survey carried out by opticians found as many as 3.5m people could be driving with eyesight below the legal minimum. A survey has also revealed that 22% of British drivers who wear corrective eyewear have knowingly driven without them. Ultimatley it's up to each person to ensure that their vision is up to legal requirements - it could end up saving your life!

Remember we offer the very best driving lessons in Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks and automatic driving lessons in Tunbridge Wells. Click on the links to find out how we can help you learn to drive.

New automatic instructor!

I'm pleased to announce that from Sep 5th we'll have a new automatic driving instructor starting with us. Her name is Avis Ryder and we're pleased to have her onboard due to the almost 20 years she's had working as an instructor. She'll be working purely for the Tunbridge Wells Automatic Driving School, part of the Jody Thomas Driving School in the brand new Kia Picanto. We'll post some pics of Avis with the new car once it's been delivered.

Automatic or manual - which one is for you?

Recently we started offering automatic driving lessons in Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks at the Jody Thomas Driving School. Not only that but I've also formed the Tunbridge Wells Automatic Driving School to offer specialist automatic tuition. But a lot of people ask me what are the advantages and disadvantages of learning in an automatic car over a manual one, so I've decided to list a few of the key things to consider:

Advantages of learning in an automatic

• It's quicker and cheaper to learn in. Many of the early problems for someone who's learning in a manual stem from difficulty using the clutch and gears which of course is not a worry in an automatic. On average people learning in an automatic will take 10 hours less than in a manual vehicle.
• It requires far less effort and can be a safer option. If a person is doing a lot of town driving in a manual car then a lot of clutch work is required, pressing and depressing it along with constant gear changing. This can be a bit of a hassle for the driver. Also, an automatic is a safer option because without having to change gears you can keep two hands on the wheel at all times

Disadvantages of learning in an automatic  

• Vehicle costs. Automatic cars are generally more expensive to buy as they have a more complicated transmission, therefore costing more to manufacture. A typical car that costs around £12,000 will generally cost £1,000 more in an automatic version.
• Fuel costs. This can change from car to car but on average a manual car will produce 1 to 3 miles per gallon more than an automatic.
• Less speed and control. Generally it's possible to get more speed out of a manual transmission and as you are in control of the gears, this filters down to having a greater control over the vehicle.

So there you have it. These are just the main points to consider, but if you dig a little deeper then you'll find all sorts of different types of automatics such as semi-autos and manumatic transmissions, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. Remember that we're always available for advice through our websites at www.jodythomasdriving.co.uk and www.tunbridgewellsautomaticdrivingschool.co.uk or you can call me personally on 07717805566.

DSA guide on preparing for the practical test.

Further to an earlier post I made about what to expect on your practical test, I've come across these two videos, made by the DSA, that will help you in preparing for both the theory and practical tests. This is all information that your driving instructor should be giving you but of course sometimes it's a lot to remember so helpfully these videos will come to the rescue!!

Remember click the following  link if you are looking for driving lessons in kent, or if you need help with any aspect of learning to drive. It doesn't matter if you're learning with another driving school, we're always happy to help out if we can!

The Tunbridge Wells Automatic Driving School

I'm pleased to announce the launch of my new business, the Tunbridge Wells Automatic Driving School, where we specialise in automatic driving lessons. Currently we are providing lessons in and around the Kent and East Sussex areas, covering Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks test centres. We use a modern VW polo with many optional extras such as aircon and heated mirrors. I've noticed an increased demand in customers looking for automatic lessons for various reasons - some have tried a manual and can't get on with using the clutch/gears and some need to pass quickly for various reasons and this is done more easily in an automatic. We've decided that by opening an automatic driving school we can offer specialist automatic tuition and provide a better service to automatic customers. You can click the various links below to get more info (our Facebook and Google + pages are still in their infancy so you can expect more content to be added to those in the coming weeks!)

Website - automatic driving school    
Facebook - click here
Google + - click here

New way to reduce the cost of insurance

A certain number of young people passing their driving test are not able to carry on driving once getting their licence due to spiralling insurance costs. I've heard of some getting £3000 quotes on cars worth in the region of £500! It's no wonder that many can't afford to continue driving after passing the test. This can only be a negative as drivers are not able to further their driving skills and gain more valuable road experience. In fact in many cases young drivers are actually losing certain driving skills due to extended gaps in practice and are then forced into taking refresher lessons once in a position to start driving again.

One way a young driver can look to lessen the cost of insurance is to have a 'black box' fitted to their car. This box monitors driver behavior such as braking and acceleration, cornering, general speed and whether they drive during the day or at night. Good driving will be rewarded with discounts and lower premiums and this can dramatically reduce the cost of insurance. Be aware though that driving without due care and at times that are not agreed can result in fines and increased premiums, so it works both ways. You can read a bit more about this tecnology here.

New drug driving laws

I've had news today from the DSA that new laws about driving under the influence of drugs are to be enforced in the near future. This can only be good news and will hopefully reduce the amount of dangerous driving on our roads. You can read more by clicking the link

New tests for CGI hazard perception!

I've just received an email from the DSA revealing a couple of YouTube clips that show samples of new hazard perception clips that have been computer generated. head of e-assessment,Peter Weddell-Hall, says: "DSA aims to bring these computer-generated clips into the theory test by the end of 2013. It means DSA can introduce hazards that would be hard to film safely – particularly those involving vulnerable road users.”
Have a look and see what you think!

What's in the driving test?

There seems to be a certain amount of confusion amongst new drivers about what exactly the driving test involves, so I've decided to try to take some of the mystery out of it!

When you arrive at the test centre, you're going to need to have brought both parts of your provisional licence - the photocard and counterpart - and a copy of your theory test certificate. Failure to bring both parts of your licence would result in you not being able to take the test and losing the test fee, currently at £62. Once your examiner has checked this, you'll be required to read a numberplate from a minimum distance of 20 metres, again failure to be able to do this will result in a cancelled test. Once this has been completed you'll walk over to your car, where the examiner will ask you one "show me" and one "tell me" question. These questions relate to the maintenance and operation of your car, and each is worth 1 minor markdown should they be answered incorrectly (a candidate is allowed no more than 15 minors on their test).
Once these have been answered, the examiner will ask you to move off out of the car park. Your driving test should last between 35 - 40 minutes, although this can differ depending on traffic conditions. For the most part, your examiner will be giving you step by step instructions on which roads to take and where to turn at junctions.  However, for roughly 10 minutes, you will be asked to do the 'independent driving' part of the test, where you'll be asked to follow roadsigns or a diagram to a certain destination. You will also be asked to carry out just one manoeuvre (Turning in the road, reversing around a corner, parallel parking, or at some test centres bay parking) and 1 in 3 people will be asked to carry out an emergency stop (it will be completely random whether you're asked to do this).
Once you get back to the test centre, the examiner will let you know the result of your test once all of the marks have been counted. As mentioned earlier, a candidate will fail a test for either a) receiving more than 15 minor faults, b) getting a major fault, or c) failing to carry out a manoeuvre adequately.

That's about it! Hopefully it's now clear what to expect on your test day. For further info or to book driving lessons in Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks, please click the link.

The independent drive.

Many pupils are initially alarmed when I explain that 10 minutes of the driving test is set aside for 'independent driving'. Most immediatley feel like this because they wrongly believe this to be a test of navigation, whereas what it really is designed to do is to test the candidate's ability to drive in a more 'real life' environment. So anyone worried about going the wrong way during the independent drive can be reassured that it wouldn't result in a fail. If you check the correct mirrors, signal at the correct time, and then carry out the manoeuvre suitably then it doesn't matter too much if you miss a road sign. Should this happen, the examiner will step in and guide you back onto the correct route where you would continue with the independent drive. If you're following diagrams instead of road signs, simply ask the examiner to repeat the instructions if you're having a problem remembering them.

The thing that tends to suffer most when first attempting independent driving is the MSM routine. Learners are often so intent on looking for road signs that they can forget correct mirror checks and sometimes even a signal before carry out the manoeuvre. This, in my humble opinion, is what you as a learner should be concentrating on, rather than worrying if you've gone the wrong way!!

For a driving instructor in Tunbridge Wells please click the link.

Sorry it's been a while.......

It has been months since my last blog - but I have good reasons for this. Aside from being very busy with driving lessons, I've been working towards becoming a fleet trainer and am happy to say I passed my exam last week! This means I'm now qualified to train and assess company drivers, which I'm looking forward to. In addition to this, I've been working on our new facebook page, as well as our Google + page. Please have a look at them and add us/like us! We've also recently taken on Carole as our third instructor, covering driving lessons in Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks, and we're also happy to now be in the position to offer automatic driving lessons. Onwards and upwards! Lastly, our new website is due to be launched in a few weeks, with this blog integrated into it. I will also in the coming days be adding more blogs aimed at helping learners and new drivers with any issues they may have when learning to drive. Until then!