Automatic Driving Lessons
Automatic Driving Lessons
The Department for Transport (DfT) is consulting on introducing a 3 or 6 month Minimum Learning Period (MLP) for learner drivers. These changes would only apply to the practical test for cars and include a minimum amount of time to be spent learning and a mandated learning syllabus and how this learning can be conducted….
Since 1935, the UK driving test has come a long way. What started as a simple drive around the block has turned into a full-on, tech-packed assessment – now with hazard perception videos, sat navs, and even chats about self-driving cars.
As of the end of May 2025, the average waiting time for a car practical driving test in Great Britain is a crazy 22.5 weeks. Waiting times began to rise in 2020 after several months of suspended driving tests due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, a sustained increase in demand – along with reduced…
The New Driving Test Cancellation Policy Aims to Reduce Waiting Times. Since 8 April 2025, learner drivers will now need to provide more advance notice when changing or cancelling their car driving test to avoid losing their test fee. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) now requires a minimum of 10 full working days’…
We are pleased to announce that from Saturday 4th July 2020 Road Masters Driving School is open again, providing lesson in both Exeter and Newton Abbot. The government have said it’s now safe for instructors to go back to work with a few small changes to our normal routine. All pupils are asked to wash…
Following the changes made to the driving test in 2017, the BBC news website published an article at the end of last year asking the question ‘Is the driving test getting more difficult?’. It’s just over a year since some changes were made to the practical driving test, these were: Increasing the time that the…
Information taken from the Gov.uk website After you’ve worked so hard to learn how to drive, passed your theory test and passed your practical driving test your first thought probably isn’t ‘let’s go on another course and have another assessment’ but going on the Pass Plus course has its benefits! What is Pass Plus?…
As of yesterday (4th June 2018) learner drivers of cars in England, Scotland and Wales can now drive on a motorway with an approved driving instructor! Here at Road Masters we’re based right next to the M5 so rest assured we’ll be taking advantage of the new rules to make sure that all of our…
If you weren’t aware, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) made some changes to driving test in England, Scotland and Wales from Monday 4 December 2017 which included following directions from a sat nav and testing different manoeuvres. The main reason for these improvements to make sure that training and the driving test reduce…
Black boxes collecting data Black boxes, fitted by insurance companies are busy daily, collecting data which shows exactly how British motorists are driving. Billions of miles have been travelled by cars fitted with a telematics device over the last decade and they are gathering data on things like speed, cornering, braking and accelerating. The majority…
This subject, driving distractions, comes to the forefront far more as the days become shorter and more of us are driving in the dark. Aside from the obvious darkness and having to use your lights to see and be seen, also you will tend to tire more quickly and could be dazzled by bright lights. While…
Figures gathered by the RAC has reported rise of 30% in car theft in recent years. Whilst there could be other reasons for this it does raise questions about modern anti-theft technology as car theft rates had actually been decreasing since 2002. The RAC also found a notable rise in the theft of motorcycles and…
The government have just (13th August 2017) announced that they will be allowing learner drivers in England, Wales and Scotland to have lessons on the motorway by next year. The lessons would, however, still need to be in a dual-control car with an approved driving instructor. It will apply only to cars, not to motorbikes….
Buying a Used Car? Use This Checklist and Avoid Disaster! Picking up a car on the used market can be dangerous, but if you are careful then you can avoid the dodgy dealers that are trying to take advantage of your trust or lack of knowledge. To make sure you’re not getting short changed, use…
Did you know that driving while dehydrated can be just as dangerous as drink driving? You wouldn’t drink drive, but what about driving whilst dehydrated? A recent study has found that even mildly dehydrated drivers can make just as many errors as drink drivers. I’m sure you will find that surprising, just as we did. …
Lose your driving licence Newly qualified drivers will lose their licence if caught using a handheld mobile phone at the wheel, under tougher penalties that come into force in England, Scotland and Wales today (1st Match 2017). The government are bringing in these strong deterrants to prevent serious road accidents. Penalty points and fines for…
Caught using a Mobile Phone Drivers caught using handheld mobile phones in Britain are to face “much tougher penalties”, with fines and points doubling. Under new rules expected to be set this year, drivers could face fines of £200 and six penalty points. Newly qualified drivers could be made to retake their test the first…
Changes afoot to improve road safety The government has committed to reducing the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads. They believe that changing the driving test will help to do this. They will be trying to make the driving test a better assessment of the candidate’s ability to drive independently in…
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will stop providing taxi driving assessments for local councils from 31 December 2016. People becoming a taxi driver in around 200 council areas have to pass a DVSA taxi driving assessment before they qualify. DVSA will stop providing this service from 31 December 2016. If you already have…
Throughout a course of structured driving lessons, training is structured to meet the needs of individual learners, everyone is different and learns at their own pace. Extra driving time with family or friends can speed up this learning by gaining confidence and knowledge of the road. Where one pupil may excel at certain driving tasks and…
The DVSA’s waiting list time in Exeter is currently 8 weeks… DrivingTestCancellations.co.uk can find you a test date sooner for £18. They will email you the second there are closer dates available give you first refusal! One of our recent passes, Nicola, needed to use them as she only had one week left in the…
Exeter sits at the end of one of the busiest stretches of motorway in the country – the M5. During the summer it is the main holiday artery for thousands of holiday-makers heading down to Cornwall, and every day throughout the year hundreds of lorries thunder up and down it. To some, motorway driving is…
Our crash course to passing your driving test: Find a driving school near you. Those of you that live in Exeter or Exmouth can book your driving lessons with Road Masters. You can book an intensive course or a block of 10, 20 or 30 hours. Start reading the Highway Code available from bookshops or…
Back in November 2015 the government launched a consultation of new proposals to improve the driving test. If these proposals go ahead it could be the biggest shake up of the driving test in over 10 years. The proposals include a ‘cashback’ incentive which will introduce deposit system where it will be returned to the…
Your quick easy guide to everything you need to know to pass. Getting ready to take your UK Theory Test can often seem overwhelming, just like any exam. It is however really quite simple and nothing to worry about when you break it down. So here are some useful things broken down for you… Background…
We had some fantastic news over the weekend and are proud to announce that we are 2nd place on the ThreeBestRated.co.uk for Driving Schools in Exeter. ThreeBestRated.co.uk Best Driving School ThreeBestRated.co.uk picked the 3 best driving schools based on customer reviews and company history for trust and satisfaction! We are extremely proud to be second…
How many of you use a Sat Nav or a phone app to get to your destination? It might be a very useful gadget, helping you arrive at your important engagement but isn’t it distracting?! Learning to use a Sat Nav safely is becoming a really important skill in driving. Then, including it in the…
The life of the driving instructor is one of variety, interest and relatively high risk. We meet fascinating characters from different walks of life and enjoy the satisfaction of imparting essential road safety information on a daily basis. However, those of you who’ve watched programmes such as the Dangerous’ Drivers School will appreciate that one-on-one…
Those of you who’ve been taking Road Masters driving lessons in Exeter will undoubtedly be keen to pass the practical and theory tests first time around. However, the Department For Transport have revealed that a mere 47.1% of learner drivers successfully complete these challenging examinations. Some people fail because of extreme nervousness on the big…
There have been a number of media reports about the development of driverless cars in recent years. The technological experts at Google have been busy honing a fleet of driverless vehicles and carrying out tests on the roads of America. It has been predicted that the UK’s driverless car industry will be worth £900bn by…
It is quite common for teenagers to seek means of limiting the amount of parental interference in their everyday lives. Many look forward to the sense of freedom which comes after passing the driving test. However, some of the leading insurers are promoting the use of black box car tracking devices as a means of…
A lot has changed since the driving test was introduced in 1935. The car has become the primary method of transport and the completion of the driving test has been widely acknowledged as a right of passage. Road safety has become a major issue and the DVLA have incorporated elements of theory and hazard perception…
It is quite usual for learner drivers to worry about the challenge of performing manoeuvres during the driving test. This is quite understandable, given that the confident completion of an emergency stop or turn in the road may make the difference between success and failure. However, those of you who enjoy the benefit of Road…
Hip, hip, hooray, it’s 2015! A time for optimism, excitement and the all important New Year’s resolutions. Now you may have the resolve to keep a brand new exercise regime or diet that you’ve been conscientiously avoiding for the past few months. Alternatively you could adopt the driving-related promises highlighted in this encouraging New Year’s…
Young drivers throughout the United Kingdom are likely to be affected by a variety of changes in 2015. Those of you who’ve been taking driving lessons with Road Masters may well be prepared to take your theory and practical tests. You may be interested in the proposals and expected motoring advancements that are highlighted in…
So it’s that time of year again and you’re seeking Christmas gift inspiration for a young friend or family member. You realise that gig tickets and stylish clothes are high on Christmas wish list. However, you’re particularly eager to combine the festive fun with a sense of practicality. Thankfully the considerate Road Masters team have…
There are a wide variety of driving hazards that should be taken into account during the winter months. The roads may be covered in snow or ice, visibility may be significantly reduced and particularly irresponsible drivers may be tempted to take to the wheel after drinking. Those of you who’ve only just started taking driving…
The dedicated team of Road Masters instructors are well aware of the importance of driving theory. We take the time to detail the different types of road signs, address essential motoring etiquette and highlight the best means hazard identification during driving lessons in Exeter and Exmouth. However, we also appreciate that there is a potential…
Young people have traditionally been enthusiastic about the prospect of learning to drive. The successful completion of the driving test has been seen as a way of gaining increased freedom and independence. However, recent media reports have revealed that young people are perturbed by the costs of driving lessons and vehicle ownership. Thankfully the Road…
Research by different motoring organisations has revealed that distracted drivers are particularly likely to be involved in serious accidents. However, the chances of maintaining concentration are diminishing as people become increasingly attrached to mobile phones, sat navs and other technological devices. Young drivers who are particularly concerned about this safety issue should follow the advice…
Those of you who’ve made the choice of combining college studies with driving lessons may well be debating whether to take your cars to university. You might be tempted by the thoughts of increased freedom and independence. However, the costs of vehicle insurance and maintenance may seem a little prohibitive. Thankfully the experienced Road Masters…
Learner Drivers who have just started driving lessons in Exeter or Exmouth may be a little overwhelmed by the amount of information regarding the rules of the road. You might have trouble remembering the steps that should be taken during specific manoeuvres. You may also be daunted by the prospect of having to prepare for…
The experienced Road Masters instructors are quite used to encountering people with a fear of driving. We instruct people who are fearful of exceeding certain speeds, navigating roundabouts and driving along the motorways. It is usually only a matter of time before the drivers start gaining confidence and forgetting the feelings of anxiety. However, some…
Those of you learning to drive with Road Masters may be alarmed to hear that rain is one of the most common causes of road accidents. The reasons include reduced visibility and vehicle control. However, our instructors consider it a priority to prepare you for torrential downpours during driving lessons in Exeter and Exmouth. We…
There have been a number of media reports about young people who’ve opted against driving due to the combined costs of lessons and car insurance in recent years. However, the experts at the Road Masters driving school are absolutely convinced that the pros of learning how to drive far outweigh the cons. We’ve come up with…
As a learner driver you may be particularly worried about the great variety of driving hazards. You might be concerned at the prospect of encountering pedestrians who show little regard for the basic rules of road safety. You may also be daunted by the hazard perception element of the driving test. However, you can prepare…
Those of you who gearing up for the dreaded DVLA driving test may well be excited at the prospect of car ownership. You may have dreams about cruising the open roads and arriving at the college prom in a souped-up motor. However, reality may hit when you take a look at the vehicle advertisements and…
Government research has revealed that the number of road deaths has decreased considerably over the last few years. However, the youngest and most inexperienced drivers are still at a relatively high risk of serious accidents. Male motorists aged between 17 and 20 are 10 times as likely to sustain serious injuries or lose their lives…
As a young driver you are probably quite eager to gain your full license in as short a time as possible. You may be looking forward to the increased sense of freedom and independence which can be enjoyed upon successful completion of the DVLA test. It might even be tempting to register for an intensive…
It’s quite likely that you’ll feel a mixture of excitement and anxiety about the prospect of your first driving lesson. You may be eager to pass your driving test and gain an increased sense of independence. However, you’ll also appreciate importance of developing the broad range of motoring skills to ensure complete road safety. Thankfully,…
Those of you who are in the process of learning to drive will undoubtedly be looking forward to completing the dreaded DVLA tests and ditching your L Plates. You may relish the prospect of increased independence and freedom. You’ll undoubtedly enjoy the experience of unsupervised driving. However, there’s a chance that you’ll develop bad and…
So, we’re only a few weeks away from the official start of summer. You might be looking forward to daytime beach visits and barbecues under the summer sun. If you’re in the process of learning to drive then you might be excited about the prospect of ditching your L plates and heading out on summer…
A number of motoring and safety groups have advocated the inclusion of motoring lessons as part of the school curriculum. They’ve claimed that it is particularly important to teach impressionable youngsters about the importance of road safety. It has also been suggested that college students should be taught about the significant repercussions of acting irresponsibly…
Regular readers of the Road Masters blog will appreciate that there are a wide range of factors that contribute to driving test success. Novice drivers may develop the essential practical skills during driving lessons in Newton Abbot and Exeter. However, learner drivers who are keen to develop a thorough understanding of motoring should also take…
As a learner driver you might well be wondering about the sense of learning to drive under the supervision of friends and family members. You might even ask your parents in the hope of gaining increased confidence and minimising the amount of money spent on driving lessons. However, you should account for the emotional strain…
Those of you who are currently training for the DVSA driving test may not be inspired by the thought of taking the Pass Plus exam. You’ll probably be quite keen to ditch your L plates and enjoy the freedom of the open road. However, the Road Masters driving team urge you to consider the variety…
It is quite possible that you have spent a considerable amount of time and money learning how to drive. You might even have experienced the emotional strain of driving lessons with friends or family members. However, you’ve shown the determination to overcome the negative experiences and become a fully fledged member of the motoring community….
It is extremely common for people to feel daunted about the prospect of learning how to drive. It is important to deal with stress as a learner driver. Some worry about the possibility of making basic mistakes under the watchful eye of their driving instructors. Others fear that they’ll become the victims of road rage….
So, you’ve decided that it’s time to learn how to drive. You’re excited about the prospect of increased freedom and independence. However, you realise that it’s necessary to gain driving experience under the guidance of a professional instructor. You may well experience difficulty when it comes to the selection of a suitable expert. However, the…
Are you thinking of learning to drive? Before you can hop into your first car there are a few things you will need to do. You will need to get your provisional licence, you can apply for this through the DVLA 3 months before your 17th birthday. Are you old enough to drive? The minimum…