Driving in the UK seems to be in constant flux- it is changing all the time. There is so much more technology at our fingertips, the roads are much more congested, the cars we drive are much more powerful and there is a never ending bevy of new laws to keep up with. But amongst all of those changes one thing seems to remain constant: the reasons why people fail their driving test. This is probably because there will always be fundamental skills and knowledge we need to attain an accepted standard. So let’s take a look at the top...

The driving test is an intrinsic part of our culture in the UK. Whereas it may not be loved (especially for those about to take it and just want it over) it is regarded with a certain amount of fondness by all of us who can now drive and can look back at those challenging times with a laugh and a chuckle. The good old UK driving test seems as English as fish and chips, warm pub beer, pork pies and obsessive queuing. This year it celebrates its 80th birthday and we have to say it has certainly a lot...

The UK driving licence is made up of two elements. The photocard you carry around in your wallet or handbag and a paper component which is usually kept in the home somewhere safe. Somewhere safe is probably the optimum phrase here, as no doubt we have all been in the situation when we suddenly have to bring it to light for official reasons and…well…that extra safe place is irritatingly hard to find. Now the DVLA (Driving Vehicle and Licencing Agency) have decided to scrap the paper element of the driving licence altogether in an effort to simplify processes and services...

Chief Constable recommends higher penalties for mobile use while driving Hot after the news that the Police now have powers to test drivers for the influence of drugs, the Chief Constable at Gloucestershire Metropolitan Police has accused the government of failing to facilitate effective measures to prevent or discourage drivers from using their mobile phones while driving.   The mobile phone in itself is a tool which allows users to communicate with friends, associates and business colleagues at any time instantly and access a plethora of data, information, entertainment and apps. Since the arrival of social media and texting the...

There was good news this week when it was reported that the Police will now have the powers to test drivers for the influence of drugs. Police officers will no longer have to prove that a driver is impaired to drive, only that they have an illegal level of drugs in their system. New laws such as these are often met with a mixed amount of approval. For instance, police speeding cameras have often been considered to be an elaborate way for the government to put extra funds in the budget. Although drivers on the whole welcomed the new law...

Congratulations to Piera Steer on passing her driving test today with only four driving faults. Tricky route which was made even more challenging by random cyclists dealt with a good dose of cold blood…It is also special when I can see a fellow Italian getting a full UK driving license, brava Piera, ciao!

Congratulations to Kris Page from Brighton on passing his driving test today in Burgess Hill managing to achieve a remarkable clean sheet with zero driving faults! Very rare indeed and a confident display of advanced driving skills, well done Kris!

The best news in recent months for UK drivers has been the massive fall in petrol prices. Over the last two years we have seen the price of petrol rocket to almost £1.50 a litre and the economists have always had a very bleak view about future rises. But late last year we all held our breath as remarkably, the cost of fuel began to fall – to the point where we wait with baited breath as to whether it will actually break the £1 barrier. The price fall has been good news for all businesses The fuel cost reduction...

Driving tests see the end of three point turns and the introduction of sat nav training In an effort to bring the UK driving test up to date the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced possible changes to the UK driving test which could see candidates required to learn how to drive while using a Sat Nav. It is also expected that the “turn in the road” – most commonly known as “the three point turn” and the “reverse around the corner” will be dropped from the test due to its lack of relevance modern driving. Satellite navigation...

Congratulations to Martin Farley from Brighton on passing his driving test in Burgess Hill. Only two driving fault for Martin on a challenging route which makes a nearly perfect drive. All the best and happy driving from your driving instructor Fabio Fosi at Brighton Marina Driving Lessons.