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complementary theory test. Sign up free and revise for your test. Click on the logo above.

Log in codes provided to all Happy Driving customers on request for full access.

Booking your Theory Test.

To book your Theory Test with the DSA please click the link below to go to the DSA web site:

Motorists are being warned to insure their vehicles ahead of a new crackdown to tackle the menace of uninsured driving.

Under a new law set to come into effect from 20 June, it will be an offence to keep an uninsured vehicle, rather than just to drive when uninsured.

The DVLA will work in partnership with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau to identify uninsured vehicles.

Motorists without car insurance will then be sent a letter telling them that their vehicle appears to be uninsured and warning them that they will be fined unless they take action.

Failure to insure the vehicle will result in a £100 fine, with further action following if the vehicle remains uninsured, even if the fine is paid.

If the vehicle is on public land it could be clamped, seized and destroyed, while court action could also be taken, with the offender facing a fine of up to £1,000.

Only vehicles with a valid Statutory Off Road Notice (SORN) will not be required to be insured.

A national advertising campaign has been launched today to raise awareness of the new rules.

“The change in law is a stepping up of enforcement activity, so that not only those vehicles driven without insurance will be caught,” said Ashton West, chief executive at the Motor Insurers’ Bureau.

“Now the registered keeper must make sure that their vehicle is insured all the time.”

If you need car insurance, shopping around for the very best car insurance deal is essential.

Blown away by the wind, be careful

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x12YNhqNHg8&feature=related

Swindon in Smart Traffic Lights trial

Click on the lights to read all about it..

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Heres a 1963 video of a trip from London to Bath passing through Newbury and Hungerford.

http://youtu.be/JE82FZpq0qM

Heres a 1960 British road safety film

http://youtu.be/Ho4QGBUAABA

Driving lesson gift Vouchers

With Christmas getting closer how about giving someone driving lessons for christmas. You can buy driving lessons gift vouchers from Happy Driving just call 01488 669200 for more details.

Here’s what they say on Facebook:

Sam

“that is definitely the legend that is colin daubney’s car i see there! well done xx”

Kate

“It is indeed! And it will most definitely be Happy Driving for me thanks to him! and thanks! xx”

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7th June 2011.

Congratulation to Michael on passing his test today with zero errors. Very well done.

“Colin Daubney what a star!!!! When I first started i did not have a clue or any confidence, but with Colin’s help and guidance I managed it. What a great instructor and such a natural teacher.”

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23 June 2011

Charlotte has now finished her driving lessons as she has passed her test today. Congratulations to her.

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5th July 20011

After Dans driving lesson in Newbury today he went on his driving test and passed. Congratulation to you Dan “happy driving”

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20th July 2011.

Even the rain could not stop Freddie from passing his driving test in Newbury today.

Well done.

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25th July 2011

Congratulations today go to Bryce who passed his driving test today in his own car. Bryce texted and said “Just passed. Thanks so much for all your help”.

Also Claire passed, who said “A big thank You I am so pleased I passed. Could not have done it with out you, I will always highly recommend you. Many thanks”.

Well done to both of them and I look forward to seeing them out on the road.

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28th July 2011.

Congratulations to Claudia on passing her driving test today.

Claudia said ” Thank you. Your the best driving instructor I’ve had by far”.

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16th August 2011.

Well done Jodie on passing your driving test today.

Jodie said ” I cant believe I have passed, thank you so much.”

Well Jodie can start to believe she has passed because she has the certificate to prove it, you could as well, give Happy Driving a call to find out how.

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23rd August 2011

Congratulations to Annabelle on passing her driving test today.

Well done and Happy Driving.

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26th August 2011

Congratulations to Nicole on passing your driving test today.

Nicole wrote in a card:

“Thank you so much for being my driving instructor and helping me to pass”

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2nd September 2011

The newest Happy Driver out on her own, well done Nikki.

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4th October 2011.

Yesterday Lauren said she was looking at this page, today she is on it.

Well done on passing your driving test today Lauren.

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1st November 2011.

After passing her test today, Charlotte was interested in doing the Pass Plus course. So now with the dark nights and poorer weather on the way it is a good time to do the course.

Hope to see you soon in the mean time enjoy your driving.

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3rd November 2011.

Well done Claire you have worked hard to get your driving licence congratulation.

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18th November 2011

After passing her driving test today Becky said-

“Thank you I will miss my driving lessons”

Congratulations Becky, thank you for choosing Happy Driving. Good luck with your new baby in the new year.

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21st November 2011

Yes Hugo you now have the certificate to prove that you can drive.

Congratulation.

Also well done to Lee who passed his test today.

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15th December 2011.

Christmas has come early for Hannah, well done.

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19th January 2012.

The first Happy Driver of 2012.

Nicki said “Thank you for helping me, when others couldn’t.”

Well done Nicki it was your hard work that has got you your Licence.

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26th January 2012

January’s second Happy Driver.

Sian passed her Driving test today in Newbury and is hoping to get her car on the road very soon.

Good luck and Happy Driving.

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66th February 2012

Sian will not need any more driving lesson in Newbury as she passed the driving test today.

Well done Sian hope you get your car soon.

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8th March 2012.

Gaby has now passed her driving test with only one driver fault, very well done Gaby.

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8th March 2012.

Like buses wait a while then two arrive at the same time, Well done to Ben who also passed today.

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15th March 2012.

The fog lifted just in time for Jamie to pass his driving test today.

Well done Jamie.

Getting your provisional licence

The application form (Form D1) can be obtained from the Post Office or you can apply online from the ‘Direct Gov’ site

Getting your Provisional Driving Licence is the first step towards your full driving licence. There are certain requirements you need to meet to enable you to successfully apply:

You are a resident of Great Britain

You meet the minimum age requirement

Your eyesight is of the necessary standard

There is no reason why you are being prevented from driving.

You can pay by credit or debit card (for online application)

You have a valid UK passport or another formal form of identity

You can provide addresses of where you have lived over the last three years

The Theory Test

The theory test is made up of two parts; the multiple choice part and the hazard perception part. You need to pass both parts to pass the theory test. Once you have passed the theory test you can then apply to take your practical driving test.

You can get further details from the Theory test section on the Direct Gov site.

You can also book the theory test online from the booking section on the same site

Your Practical Test – The Big Day!

The final step to obtaining your full driving licence is the practical test. Once your driving skills have reached a suitable level, and providing you have passed your theory test in the last 2 years, you can then look to get your practical test booked. How far in advance this needs to be done will vary depending on the number of others applying at the same time but this will be discussed with you when appropriate.

A new ‘independent driving’ section of the practical test was introduced in October 2010. During this section of the test, you will be asked to follow signs to a particular location to see how well you deal with driving without direction from the examiner.

For more information regarding the practical test and to book your practical test please go to the official site.

As an DIAmond Approved Taxi Trainer (DATT) I can provide training for Taxi Drivers that you would need to take a DSA Taxi driving Test prior to obtaining your licence. Many Local Authorities are introducing the Taxi Test as a mandatory requirement before becoming a professional Taxi Driver. As this may be new to you the information below may help.

Taken from the DSA website INTRODUCTION TO TAXI DRIVING

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) first introduced a non-statutory practical driving test for Hackney Carriage and Private Hire in 1999 and now DSA conduct tests on behalf of many Licensing Authorities on a national basis.

DSA take the view that professional Hackney Carriage and Private Hire drivers have a special responsibility in the safe transportation of fare paying passengers. Every journey should be a safe one, taxi drivers make millions of safe and efficient journeys in Britain each year and the safe completion of each journey totally depends on the skill of the driver.

Some Licensing Authorities insist that before you are issued with a Hackney Carriage or Private Hire drivers licence you must pass a Hackney Carriage/Private Hire assessment. If your Licensing Authority requires you to take the test, it is recommended that you familiarise yourself with the content of the test and that you take professional instruction prior to taking the test.

The standard of the taxi assessment test is set at a level suitable for the full driving licence holder, which is therefore higher than the learner driver test.

The eyesight test

At the start of your practical test you will be asked to read in good daylight (with the aid of glasses or contact lenses if worn) a registration mark fixed to a motor vehicle with letters and figures 79.4 millimetres high at a distance of 20.5 metres (20 metres for a new style number plate). If you fail the eyesight test, you will be unable to take the driving part but will still be able to continue with the wheelchair section.

The practical test

The practical test will last for about 35 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. During the test you should drive in a natural way, and should not adjust your driving to what you may feel the examiner would expect to see. The examiner will give you clear instructions which you should follow throughout the test.

During the practical test, you will be examined on the following:

* awareness and anticipation

* effective planning of prevailing road and traffic conditions

* correct use of speed

* emergency stop (one in three tests)

* a manoeuvre involving reversing

* Hackney Carriage/Private Hire Car related exercise

* passenger safety and comfort

* wheelchair element (for Black Cab style only)

The wheelchair exercise

If you are taking the taxi test with the wheelchair exercise you should also be able to:

* demonstrate your ability to securely erect the wheelchair ramps, floor ramp etc

* safely install the wheelchair in your vehicle

* secure seat belts/safety harness and also secure any wheel belts/clamps fitted to your vehicle

* reverse the process by taking off the belts, harnesses and clamps, taking the wheelchair out of the vehicle and putting the ramps away

At the end of test

On passing the test you will receive:

* a pass certificate

* the offer of a debrief

* an assessment copy

If you pass the driving element of the taxi test you will receive a TPH10 certificate. If you pass the wheelchair element you will receive a WTA10 certificate.

If you fail the test you will receive:

* the offer of a debrief

* an assessment copy

* training advice

If you fail the taxi practical test you may retake the test again at a later date. You must, however, wait a minimum period of three clear working days between appointments. There is no limit to the number of times you can take the test.

This fee includes the automated issue of your Driver Qualification Card (DQC) £55.00 £63.00 Tractor and other specialist vehicles £62.00 £75.00 Car and trailer £115.00 £141.00 Extended test for disqualified drivers Weekday price Saturday price Car £124.00 £150.00 Motorcycle: module one £15.50 £15.50 Motorcycle: module two £150.00 £177.00

Theory test type	Price
Car	£31.00
Motorcycle	£31.00
Bus, coach and lorry: multiple-choice	£35.00
Bus, coach and lorry: hazard perception	£15.00
Bus, coach and lorry: Driver CPC theory test case studies	£30.00

DSA Help line 0300 200 1122

All prices correct as of May 2011

DIAmond

YouTube – dsagov’s Channel

Pass Plus is an established training course aimed at new drivers and was designed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) with the help of insurers and the driving instruction industry.

Statistics show that new drivers are more likely to have an accident in the first two years after passing their test, due to lack of driving experience. Pass Plus is not a driving test but a 6 hour course (minimum) that will build on your current skills and knowledge. It will teach you how to anticipate, plan for and deal with all kinds of hazards, and help you become a more confident driver.

A Pass Plus course can be taken at any time, but it’s ideally taken in the first year after passing your driving test.

Pass Plus consists of six modules about driving in different conditions:

Driving around a town

The first module has two parts. It begins with an introduction to Pass Plus, explaining the course aims and the skills and knowledge to be covered.

The second part is a practical session covering the different features of driving in a town, such as complex junctions and public transport.

You’ll focus on:

• observation, judgement and awareness
• eye contact
• consideration for vulnerable road users
• showing caution
• keeping space around your car

All weather driving

This module will be covered as much as possible in a practical session. You’ll focus on correct speed, safe stopping distances, plus seeing and being seen in:

• rain
• sleet, snow and ice
• mist and fog
• bright sunshine

You’ll also look at skidding, and:

• what causes skids
• how to prevent skids
• correcting slow-speed skids
• braking on poor surfaces
• aquaplaning

Driving in the countryside

This module looks at the main differences between town and country driving:

• observing the road ahead
• making progress safely
• bends, hills, uneven roads and dead ground
• keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead
• safe overtaking

It focuses especially on being aware and showing consideration for:

• pedestrians, horse riders and animals in the road
• farm entrances
• slow moving vehicles

It also covers the correct use of a horn, coping with mud and debris on the road and how to use passing places.

Driving at night

This covers the important parts of driving at night, dawn and dusk. You’ll learn about:

• the importance of using headlights correctly
• adjusting to the dark
• judging speed and distance
• the correct use of lights and keeping them clean
• dealing with dazzle
• hard-to-see road users
• parking issues

Driving on dual carriageways

Dual carriageways are high speed roads where the two carriageways are separated by a central reservation. You will need to have particular skills, including:

• effective observation, using your mirrors and checking blind spots
• judgement and planning ahead
• separation distances
• joining and leaving a dual carriageway
• overtaking and lane discipline
• the correct use of speed

Driving on motorways

This should be a practical session if possible. If there is no motorway nearby, it will be covered in a theory session.You should drive on a motorway as soon as you can afterwards so you can put the theory into practice.

The topics covered include:

• journey planning
• joining and leaving a motorway, and using slip roads
• safe speeds in different circumstances
• effective observation
• signs, signals and markings
• overtaking and lane discipline
• courtesy to other road users
• motorway fatigue
• breakdown proceduresuse of lights, including hazard warning lights
• debris on the carriageway
• crosswinds

Source: direct.gov.uk