Archive for January, 2012

How Much Will It Cost To Be Taught How To Drive In England?

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

The driving test was introduced in Britain in 1935 thanks to the increase in road casualties sustained due to motor vehicles. It cost 37 p and there wasn't the need for a theory test or photographic identification. Things have changed significantly since 1935, justifiably so , the govt continues to endeavor to introduce measures to ensure road safety and that the costs involved in learning to drive have gone up considerably. So what is needed of us now?

Apply for a Provisional License

It can be requested online or by post completing a D1 application form available from the DVLA or Post Office at a price of £50. The Post Office offers a premium checking service which will make sure you have provided all of the correct info before sending your application for a £4 fee.

Photographic Identification

You will need to present 2 passport size photos with your provisional license application. These can be acquired from photograph booths for as little as £3. They'll require certification by someone resident in the UK who has known you for 2 years and is not related. Be ready to pay a little charge to somebody like your doctor for this service.

Booking Driving Lessons

Government statistics indicate that folk, who passed their practical test, did so after roughly 47 hours of teaching with a professional. With lessons costing from £20 to £38 dependent upon where you live, you might need to look for a quality college with offers available dependent upon how you book. For example by committing to and paying for a bunch of lessons upfront or undertaking a comprehensive course you can obtain a reduction in costs.

The Theory Test

This is done online or thru your closest test centre for £31. Ask your driving instructor or refer to the web on where your local test centre is located. You have 2 years from the date you pass this test to pass your practical test or you will need to re-take.

The Practical Test

The DSA aims to give you a date for your practical test, within 9 weeks of receiving your application; however this may change depending on where you live. It can be applied for online, by telephone or by post thru the DSA at a price of £62 for week days or £75 for evenings, weekends or bank holidays.

Jim James owns of James School of Motoring providing driving lessons Romford and close by areas.

Winter Tires, What You Want To Know

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

Very similar to a great set of winter boots, snow tires are built to improve traction and handling in greasy conditions. While all-season tires are sometimes called “mud and snow” tires, they are not actually intended for use in the types of heavy snow conditions most Canadians face each winter.

Actually winter tires are imperative in Quebec due to the heavy snowfall they receive every winter. Even if you have got a car with four-wheel drive, anti-lock brakes or electronic steadiness control, your tires still need to be well placed to grip the road for these features to do their jobs correctly.

Cutting corners cuts safety

Some drivers decide to put snow tires only on the front spindle, thinking it'll give them added traction for less money; but this actually causes a major safety hazard. Tires ensure efficient braking as well as traction, but your car wants equal distribution of both to avoid spinning out. If you have snow tires only at the front of a front-wheel drive vehicle, the backend can simply slide off course.

You would not wear one boot and one running shoe to stroll in the snow; in the same way, your auto wishes 4 tires of the same type, size, speed rating and load index for a safe, smooth ride. Mixing tires with different tread patterns, internal construction or size can lead to serious steadiness and safety issues.

Tips for purchasing

Always make sure the tires you are purchasing are the perfect size and type for your automobile to guarantee your safety and maintain your guaranty; take a look at your vehicle instruction manual for the manufacturer’s advised tire size or talk to your vehicle dealer.

The 2 main elements to look for are tread design and type of rubber compound.

  • The treadaffects the tire performance; the more snow you have to drive thru, the more grip you may desire from your tires. Tires have either a V-shaped or zigzag design on the tread to help keep tire grooves clear of the snow and slush that contribute significantly to winter road accidents.

  • The pliability of the rubberin the tire also makes a contribution to performance; the more flexible the tire’s rubber, the more satisfactory its grip and performance. Most all-season tires begin to toughen at 7C and lose elasticity below “15C. But most winter tires don’t lose elasticity till “40C. Even in dry conditions, snow tires maintain pliancy significantly under freezing.

Look for tires that may best match the road conditions you'll drive on most frequently. If you frequently drive on unplowed roads or in hilly areas, you may want to think about studded tires for extra grip. Check with the transport ministry in your area to find out if studded tires are authorized, and when you need to use them.

What about tire chains?

In the more mountainous and snowy areas of Canada, particularly around UK Columbia, tire chains are not just a sensible idea, but also a duty. In certain designated areas, you are required to use winter tires, plus carry chains in your car and be prepared to install them. Signs with a flashing amber light imply that you can not safely proceed without the chains installed.

To use tire chains correctly, fit them closely to the tire and ensure the links are not twisted. Avoid driving over 50 km per hour or on bare pavement, and be sure to change the chains when they become damaged.

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