Hazard Perception

  1. Comments Off on Newly qualified drivers will lose their licence

    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 using a phone while driving will double, to six points and £200.

    Drivers can have their licence revoked if they accrue six points within two years of passing their test. Those caught using their mobile twice, or who accrue 12 points on their licence, will face magistrates’ court, disqualification and fines of up to £1,000.

    Mobile phone epidemic: Twenty-two people were killed and 99 seriously injured in road accidents where drivers were using a mobile phone last year in Britain.

    Do not get distracted by your mobile phone while driving

    It may not seem like too much of a distraction, but it only takes a second.  Holding and using your phone at the wheel can cause serious injury and even death to yourself and other road users.  Your reacts are twice as long for drivers who are texting compared with those who have been drinking.

    Everyone has a part to play in encouraging their family and friends not to use their phones while driving – it is as inexcusable as drink driving.

  2. Comments Off on Crackdown on dangerous drivers

    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 time they are caught.   This comes alongside pressure by ministers calling for motorists who cause death while on a mobile phone to face tougher sentences.

    Neil Greig, RoadSmart director of policy and research at the Institute of Advanced Motorists, said he “strongly” supported a mobile phone awareness course as an automatic option for first offenders.

    Caught Speeding

    Drivers responsible for the most serious speeding offences are also set to face harsher penalties under new sentencing guidelines for magistrates.  Fines for motorists caught going well above the speed limit will start from 150% of their weekly income rather than the existing level of 100%.

    Drive carefully and abide by the rules!

  3. Comments Off on The UK Theory Test… Made Easy

    Your quick easy guide to everything you need to know to pass.

    UK Theory testGetting 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 of the UK Theory Test

    The UK Theory Test was first introduced in 1996 to improve a new driver’s understanding of the skills and responsibilities associated with driving. The UK Theory Test includes:

    • Driver Attitude
    • Traffic Signs & Regulations
    • Effects of Alcohol, Drugs and Fatigue on Driver Behaviour
    • Safety and Environmental Aspects of Vehicles
    • Hazard Awareness

    What to expect

    The first part of the Theory Test consists of 45 multiple choice questions and 5 multiple choice questions that relate to a case study. To be successful you will need to correctly answer 43 out of 50. The second element of the test is the hazard perception module. You must be successful in both the Theory Test and the Hazard Perception elements to gain an overall pass.

    Hazard perception

    In November 2002 the hazard perception element was introduced to the Theory Test. It follows the theory test questions and consists of fourteen one-minute video clips of every day road scenes, filmed from the perspective of a car driver.

    The candidate acknowledges, by clicking the mouse button, when they observe a developing hazard. They will be marked according to how quickly they respond to the developing hazards.

    • The pass mark for the hazard perception part of the theory test is 44 out of 75.
    • Candidates must be successful in the theory and the hazard perception elements to gain an overall pass.

    What does it cost and how long is it valid for?

    • Your certificate will be valid for 2 years, in which, a driver should aim to pass their driving test.
    • The fee for the theory/hazard perception test is currently £31.00

    Prepare effectively and you will succeed.

    Although your Theory Test will seem scary, it really is nothing to be nervous about. As long as you put in the right amount of time studying the Highway Code and you practice hazard perception then you have nothing at all to worry about.

    Road Masters Driving School offers support in preparation for driving theory tests. Why not contact us for a free, no obligation consultation. You can also practice hazard perception and all the things mentioned with Driving Test Success on your home PC.

    Good luck!