News

Can I drive abroad after Brexit?

There are a lot of questions about the after effects of Brexit.

Here is the most recent government advice about driving abroad.

Driving abroad on holiday

The rules for driving, passports, EHIC cards, pet travel and more may change from 1 January 2021. Act now so you can travel as planned.

You need to take your Great Britain or Northern Ireland driving licence with you to drive abroad. Check yours is still valid and renew your driving licence online if it’s expired or about to expire. You’ll need to apply to renew your licence at least a week before you travel.

If you’re taking your own vehicle, you also need to take your log book (V5C) and your insurance certificate.

If you’re taking a vehicle abroad that you’ve hired or leased in the UK, you’ll need a VE103 certificate.

Check if you need an international driving permit (IDP)

If you’re driving outside the EU, you might need an international driving permit (IDP). Check if you need an IDP.

You can get IDPs over the counter at the Post Office. You might need one for each country you’re visiting.

Do not apply for an IDP if you’re moving abroad. You’ll need to either exchange your UK licence or apply for a new one in the country you’re moving to.

Check the overseas driving rules

Make sure you follow overseas driving rules, including local speed limits and drink driving laws. You may be breaking the law and get a fine if you do not.

Depending on the country you’re visiting you may need:

  • extra equipment – for example, you need a reflective jacket and a warning triangle in many countries
  • emission stickers (permits) in some European cities – you may need to buy these weeks before you go abroad
  • headlight converter stickers
  • GB sticker

If you’re hiring a car, it’s your responsibility to check you have the equipment you need.

Check the rules in European countries on the AA website.

Check the travel advice for countries outside Europe.

Check your insurance if you’re taking your own vehicle

Within the EU, your UK vehicle insurance gives you a minimum of third party cover to drive your vehicle in the EU. Check with your insurer if your policy covers extra things like theft or damage.

Outside the EU, you may need additional insurance and a ‘green card’ to show you’re covered. Check the travel advice for countries outside the EU.

Towing your trailer or caravan abroad

Check if you need to register your trailer before you can take it abroad.

Outside the EU, you may need additional insurance and a ‘green card’ for each trailer or caravan you tow. Check with your insurance provider before you travel.

Hiring a car abroad

Your hire company may ask to see your driving licence information when you pick up the car. You can share this by getting a licence ‘check code’. You can do this up to 21 days before your trip.

If you’re hiring a car, insurance is included. Check what you’re covered for with the hire company.

Here is the link to the government page for full details



a car driving down a street: Red X closed lanes smart motorway fines

Information Provided by Motoring Research Ltd

Ignoring a ‘red X’ sign on a Smart Motorway could land you a £100 fine, with police granted use of camera evidence from today. 

Beforehand, fines were only levied to drivers illegally using closed lanes if they were caught by an officer at the time of the offence.

Highways England has issued more than 180,000 warning letters to drivers who have actively ignored lane closures over the past three years.

The RAC welcomed the move, saying “It is right that offenders are punished with a substantial fine. The sooner the message gets through to motorists, the safer it will become for every motorway user.”

“Driving on a smart motorway lane that has been closed by a red ‘X’ sign is extremely dangerous. It is incredibly frustrating for law-abiding drivers to see others flouting red ‘X’ signs, and those ignoring them are a danger to themselves and others.”

a view of a city street: Red X closed lanes smart motorway fines

Information Provided by Motoring Research Ltd

Many motorways across the UK have been made ‘smart’ with the installation of gantries and the opening of the hard shoulder as a working lane. The gantries can be used to slow traffic down or indeed close lanes, in order to keep stopped vehicles safe.

AA research has indicated that one in 20 drivers will remain in red ‘X’ lanes even after seeing that they are closed. The organization has commended the use of cameras to improve safety.

“Red Xs are put up to warn of an obstruction, so drivers must get out of the lane when they see them,” said Edmund King, president of the AA.

“We have had several incidents recently where AA members’ cars have been hit in a live lane on smart motorways.”

The post Fines introduced for ignoring a red ‘X’ on motorways appeared first on Motoring Research.

a car driving down a street: Red X closed lanes smart motorway fines

Information Provided by Motoring Research Ltd

Ignoring a ‘red X’ sign on a Smart Motorway could land you a £100 fine, with police granted use of camera evidence from today. 

Beforehand, fines were only levied to drivers illegally using closed lanes if they were caught by an officer at the time of the offence.

Highways England has issued more than 180,000 warning letters to drivers who have actively ignored lane closures over the past three years.

The RAC welcomed the move, saying “It is right that offenders are punished with a substantial fine. The sooner the message gets through to motorists, the safer it will become for every motorway user.”

“Driving on a smart motorway lane that has been closed by a red ‘X’ sign is extremely dangerous. It is incredibly frustrating for law-abiding drivers to see others flouting red ‘X’ signs, and those ignoring them are a danger to themselves and others.”

a view of a city street: Red X closed lanes smart motorway fines

Information Provided by Motoring Research Ltd

Many motorways across the UK have been made ‘smart’ with the installation of gantries and the opening of the hard shoulder as a working lane. The gantries can be used to slow traffic down or indeed close lanes, in order to keep stopped vehicles safe.

AA research has indicated that one in 20 drivers will remain in red ‘X’ lanes even after seeing that they are closed. The organization has commended the use of cameras to improve safety.

“Red Xs are put up to warn of an obstruction, so drivers must get out of the lane when they see them,” said Edmund King, president of the AA.

“We have had several incidents recently where AA members’ cars have been hit in a live lane on smart motorways.”

The post Fines introduced for ignoring a red ‘X’ on motorways appeared first on Motoring Research.

Does you rely on your GPS? Then you should make sure you’re ready for the GPS Week Number Roll Over.

Also known as the GPS Leap or WNRO, this event will affect many GPS receivers all over the world in April of this year. If your company is impacted, it could cause serious confusion and potential problems for your team and customers.

So, what’s this all about? How can you check if you’re GPS receivers are likely to be affected? And what can you do to prepare?

Let’s answer the big questions.

What is it?

Do you remember the Millennium Bug? As the year 2000 approached, organisations all over the world were checking and upgrading their computer systems to counteract the effects of a computer programming problem several decades in the making. As many programmes had been setup to recognise the year based on its last two digits, careful measures needed to be taken to ensure the turning of the calendar from 1999 to 2000 did not cause chaos.

The GPS Week Number Roll Over is similar. The week number is tracked as a 10-bit field in a GPS’ time message. For this reason, every 1024 weeks (referred to as an ‘epoch’) the week number must be reset. Everything goes back to zero and the count begins again.

What might happen?

If a GPS receiver is confused by the rollover, it’s possible that errors will occur. For example, a tracking device used as part of your fleet management processes may begin to operate based on information that is timestamped two decades ago.

When is it happening?

April 6th, 2019 is the official date of the GPS Week Number Rollover as that is when the current epoch comes to an end. However, even if you don’t experience system errors or confusion straight away, it’s possible that your GPS receivers will malfunction later on down the line.

This is because some receivers use firmware that ensures the reset comes 19 and a half years after the time of the device’s manufacture rather than after the last reset.

Hasn’t this happened before?

Yes, it has. The first GPS rollover occurred on 26 August 1999, 1024 weeks after the first GPS satellite was launched in 1980.

Is anything being done to stop this happening?

Absolutely. All aspects of the GPS’s performance are constantly being improved and this includes the way it manages the week number. Increasingly, there is a move towards using a 13-bit instead of a 10-bit data field to track week numbers, which will extend the length of the epoch from around 20 years to 157 years.

What should TomTom Telematics’ customers do?

The good news is that the vast majority of TomTom Telematics products will not be affected by this issue. It is more than likely that your system will continue as normal from April onwards. However, as an error is still possible in some cases, we strongly advise all of our customers to check the status of their devices here.

 

Ford has offered to refund thousands of pounds to customers whose engines have failed, following a BBC investigation. Hundreds of customers have said their cars with Ford EcoBoost engines have overheated, causing engine failure. Others have reported their cars with 1.6-litre EcoBoost engines have burst into flames while they were driving.

Many 1.0-litre drivers had been told they had to pay for repairs, but Ford has now said it will cover the cost and refund customers who have already paid. The car giant said in a statement safety was its number one priority.

“Ford has already made substantial contributions towards the cost of 1.0-litre repairs, but ongoing discussions with customers show that Ford needs to go further to ensure reasonable repair costs are covered,” it said.

“With any future cases, subject to being assessed and linked to potential 1.0-litre engine overheating, we will contribute 100% of the cost of repair at a Ford dealer. “Furthermore, we will re-examine previous cases to ensure that this policy of a 100% contribution to the repair cost is applied consistently.”

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Fiesta ST engulfed in flames ‘within six minutes’

George Roberts' car on fire
Image copyright George Roberts

George Roberts, of Brandon, Suffolk, was driving his Fiesta ST 1.6-litre on a dual carriageway late at night when he realised his car was on fire.

He noticed an orange glow at the side of the vehicle, pulled over to the side of the road and saw the flames.

“From the whole engine being on fire to the whole car, took about six minutes,” he said.

George Roberts' car after the fire
Image copyright George Roberts
Image caption George Roberts was driving his Fiesta ST when the engine caught fire

Mr Roberts said he was offered an insurance payout on his car, which he accepted despite it being less than it would have cost to replace his car with a similar model.

He said: “I’ve lost a lot of money through Ford, they don’t seem massively bothered by it.”

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As for the issues with the 1.6-litre engines, Ford said it had issued a voluntary safety recall through the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in January on certain vehicles including the Focus, Kuga, C-MAX, Fiesta ST and Transit Connect models built between 2010 and 2015.

It said it was contacting customers affected by the overheating problem to arrange for a coolant sensor to be fitted.

The fault can cause the engine’s cylinder head to crack, which in extreme circumstances could lead to a fire.

Ford has been aware of the issue on the 1.6-litre EcoBoost since 2012, after several engine fires in the United States. A recall was issued in the US in 2014.

Check if your car has had a safety recall (Source: UK government)

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‘I could see there had been quite a big failure’

Gill Cronshaw

Gill Cronshaw, from Altrincham in Greater Manchester, was driving on a busy motorway when her Ford Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost suffered a complete engine failure.

“There were no warning lights, there was no indication, the power just, as my foot was on the accelerator, I could just feel there was nothing left,” she said.

“It was the most frightening experience of my life because you just feel completely powerless.”

The incident happened in March, just three weeks after her car had had a service and MOT.

When the breakdown service reached her, the engine had overheated.

Ford with Gill Cronshaw
Image caption Ford has issued a recall on some engines and a safety notice on others

“The pipe had a very clear split, there were coolant stains all inside the bonnet, so I could see there had been quite a big failure, it wasn’t wear and tear.

“Car dealer Evans Halshaw confirmed that it needed a new engine at a cost of £5,500, which I was obviously horrified at.”

Mrs Cronshaw said Ford offered her a contribution of 55% of the cost of a new engine, but she ended up trading it in at a loss.

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Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine was introduced in 2010 and has been described by the company as a “game-changer”.

It has won 10 international awards and Ford has claimed it has set the benchmark for small, fuel-efficient engines.

‘It’s not just a car, it’s a lifeline to us’

Sam Backhouse

Sam Backhouse, from Grange Moor, Huddersfield, is caring for her husband Mally, who has terminal cancer.

She is currently without a car after her 1.0-litre EcoBoost suffered a complete loss of power.

“It was a lovely drive,” she said. Then she received a letter to say it needed a replacement coolant hose.

Before she could have the work done, Mrs Backhouse said her car engine cut out.

“I noticed a light come on and it said ‘service now’, then the power started to go in the car. It felt sluggish,” she said.

While repairs were carried out, the replacement coolant hose was also fitted, and Mrs Backhouse was told her car had a fuse problem which had been fixed.

She said just after she had driven out of the garage, the fault happened again.

She was without a car for more than a month while trying to negotiate with her dealership and finance company.

“People say ‘it’s just a car, but it’s not just a car it’s a lifeline to us.”

Mrs Backhouse’s finance company eventually agreed she could sell it back, although she did lose the hire purchase payments she had made over the previous 18 months.

As a lifelong Ford customer, she feels she has been let down.

“They [Ford] have not based anything in my case on what’s going on with us. There is no human element,” she said.

 

Document taken from BBC website https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-45628325

Did you know that the DVSA offer a FREE MOT Reminder Service

We all get reminders from our insurance and Tax but some people lose track of when their MOT is due.

Sign up to get free reminders by text message or email when your MOT is due. You’ll get a reminder one month before your MOT is due. You’ll get another reminder if you still haven’t had your vehicle tested 2 weeks before your MOT is due.

You can be fined up to £1,000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT and it can invalidate your insurance so don’t get caught out, sign up for the free service by clicking here 

Before you start

You need:

  • the vehicle’s number plate (registration number)
  • a mobile phone number or email address

Stop getting reminders

You have to unsubscribe to stop getting reminders for a vehicle you’ve:

  • sold
  • transferred to someone else
  • scrapped or written-off
  • registered as off the road

https://www.gov.uk/mot-reminder

From 4 June 2018, learners drivers will be allowed on the motorway with an approved driving instructor.

Rule 254 of the The Official Highway Code Traffic on motorways usually travels faster than on other roads, so you have less time to react. It is especially important to use your mirrors earlier and look much further ahead than you would on other roads.

From Monday 4 June 2018, learner drivers will be able to take driving lessons on motorways in England, Scotland and Wales.

This will help to make sure more drivers know how to use motorways safely.

At the moment, you can only have motorway lessons after you’ve passed your driving test. Some newly-qualified drivers take lessons through the voluntary Pass Plus scheme.

How the change will work

Learner drivers will need to be:

  • accompanied by an approved driving instructor
  • driving a car fitted with dual controls

Any motorways lessons will be voluntary. It will be up to the driving instructor to decide when the learner driver is competent enough for them.

Until the law changes, it’s still illegal for a learner driver to drive on a motorway.

The change only applies to learner drivers of cars. Learner motorcyclists won’t be allowed on motorways.

Trainee driving instructors won’t be allowed to take learner drivers on the motorway.

Motorway driving isn’t being introduced to the driving test as part of this change.

Making sure road users are ready for the change

The change is being well-publicised so that:

  • driving instructors and learner drivers are prepared
  • other road users know what to expect

The Highway Code rules on motorways will be updated.

Driving near learner drivers on the motorway

As with any vehicle on the motorway, keep a safe distance from a learner driver in front of you. Increase the gap on wet or icy roads, or in fog.

You should always be patient with learner drivers. They may not be so skilful at anticipating and responding to events.

Driving instructor vehicles and training

Driving instructors can decide if they want to use a driving school rooftop box during motorway lessons, based on its instructions.

The car will need to display L plates on the front and rear if the rooftop box is removed.

Driving school car
It will be up to the instructor whether or not they keep their driving school rooftop box on the car.

Guidance for driving instructors

Learning materials and the syllabus for learning to drive a car are being updated to include motorway lessons.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency won’t give driving instructors extra training on providing motorway lessons.

The driving instructor’s National Associations Strategic Partnership has produced best practice guidance to help instructors.

Preparing drivers for a lifetime of safe driving

The changes are being made to allow learner drivers to:

  • get broader driving experience before taking their driving test
  • get training on how to join and leave the motorway, overtake and use lanes correctly
  • practise driving at higher speeds
  • understand motorway specific traffic signs
  • understand what to do if a vehicle breaks down on a motorway
  • improve their confidence to drive on the motorway unsupervised after passing their driving test

In Blackpool we don’t often get snow, if we do it rarely sticks, but what happens if you are travelling further afield?

Driving in severe winter weather poses many challenges. Cars can get stuck in snowy conditions even on familiar roads, forcing the driver and passengers to spend the night on the roadside.

Here is some advice on how to prepare your car for winter driving if you have to make a journey and what to do should you be caught out in bad weather.

Before you leave

Tyres: If possible, considering buying winter tyres, which are designed to grip the road better in icy, wet and snowy conditions. If this is not an option, ensure your standard tyres are inflated correctly and that you have a minimum of 3mm of tread on your tyres to cope with wet and slippery conditions.

Battery: In winter, the battery will run down quicker than in warmer weather. Make sure you do a regular long journey to top it up or trickle-charge the battery.

Engine: Modern engines are more robust than older ones. All the same, depress the clutch when starting as this will reduce drag on the engine when starting, and preserve the battery.

Screenwash: Keep this topped up and use a proper additive at the right concentration to prevent it freezing.

Fuel: Keep your tank topped up – that way if you are caught out, you’ll have enough fuel to make it home or run the engine to keep warm. However, it’s essential to keep snow from blocking the exhaust as noxious fumes can leak into the vehicle.

Windows: Clear all snow and ice from the windscreen and the roof of the car before driving off. Do not use water to de-ice windscreens. Hot water can crack the glass, and the water will only freeze again on the screen or on the ground where you are standing.

Locks: A squirt of WD-40 will prevent your door locks freezing up. If they do, heat your key with a lighter to melt the ice.

Warm clothing: Your car may be warm on the inside but if you have to step outside, you could be in trouble if you have not got any warm clothing with you.

Always pack the following: warm coat, hat, gloves, sturdy boots, a blanket to keep you warm if you get stuck. Take some food, chocolate, biscuits, water and a hot drink if you can. Always carry a fully charged mobile, and some old bits of carpet, or cat litter, to put under the tyres when stuck and a shovel to clear snow.

Driving in snow and ice

This is what the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) recommends.

When driving in snow, get your speed right – not too fast so that you risk losing control, but not so slow that you risk losing momentum when you need it – and brake, steer and accelerate as smoothly as possible.

Start gently in second gear, avoiding high revs. Stay in a higher gear for better control.

Only use the brake if you cannot steer out of trouble.

Stopping distances – a combination of the time it takes you to react, brake and then stop – increase considerably in snow and ice, so you need to adjust the distance at which you follow other vehicles accordingly.

Drive so that you do not rely on your brakes to be able to stop – on an icy surface they simply may not do that for you!

Stopping distances comparison graphic

If your vehicle has ABS in very slippery conditions it will not give you the same control it would in others. Do not rely on it.

Plan your journey around busier roads as they are more likely to have been gritted. Avoid using shortcuts on minor roads – they are less likely to be cleared or treated with salt, especially country lanes.

On motorways, stay in the clearest lane where possible, away from slush and ice. Keep within the clear tyre tracks if you can.

On a downhill slope, get your speed low before you start the descent, and do not let it build up – it is much easier to keep it low than to try to slow down once things get slippery.

In falling snow, use dipped headlights or foglights to make yourself visible to others (especially pedestrians) – but as conditions improve, make sure your foglights are only on if necessary as they can dazzle other drivers

If you are following another vehicle at night, using their lights to see ahead can cause you to drive dangerously close – keep well back from other traffic.

What to do if you get stuck in the snow

If you are stuck, the IAM recommends that you turn your wheels from side to side to push the snow out of the way.

Do not try to keep moving if the wheels spin – it will only dig you in deeper.

Use a shovel to clear snow out of the way of the wheels and pour cat litter, sand or gravel in front of the wheels to help get traction.

Shift from forward to reverse and back again. Give a light touch on the accelerator until the vehicle gets going.

While it can be dangerous to spend hours in a cold car miles from anywhere, if all else fails, there are ways to avoid the worst effects.

First of all, make sure you have packed your emergency snow kit. This should include warm clothing, some food, water and a mobile phone.

If you are trapped in your car, you can stay warm by running the engine. However, it is vital that the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow. If the engine fumes cannot escape, you could be overwhelmed by carbon monoxide gas, which is highly toxic.

If there is any risk the fumes can come into the car, do not run the engine. Even if it is safe, do not run the engine for more than 10 or 15 minutes in each hour.

Stay in or close to your car. In heavy snow it is easy to get disorientated and lost or separated from your vehicle. If necessary, you can always hang a piece of brightly coloured cloth on your car to let others know you are there.

 

 

** Article taken from BBC Website http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16946762

According to the AA there has been a rise in Car Thefts whilst people leave their car running to “defrost” them.

Nobody likes cold morning starts. The tempting option of starting the car, setting the blowers to max and leaving it to idle until the windows are clear sounds far less pain-inducing than hacking at ice-covered windows with a scraper.

But according to some rather extensive calculations by Direct Line Insurance those who are opting to leave their cars idling are wasting extortionate amounts of money and fuel.

Motorists should also be aware that if the vehicle is stolen they may not be able to claim on their insurance because:

  • Most motor insurance policies now have a specific “keys in car “ or “vehicle left unattended” clause and exclude claims in these circumstances.
  • In addition, there will be a ‘reasonable care’ clause, whereby the insurer may reject a claim on the grounds of the policyholder being ‘reckless’ in not safeguarding the vehicle.

When Its Cold and there is the threat of Snow or ice, the best advice is to leave your car in the garage, if you have one, or if you leave it outside, place a piece of cardboard over the windscreen. Always keep a scraper and some de-icer in your vehicle and use them to clear all the ice and snow away before you set off.

A car left ticking over on a drive, especially if the owner pops back indoors to keep warm or gather their things for the day, is an open invitation.  Too many car thieves gratefully accept that invitation.

Hot water risks damage

The AA says that using hot water on a frozen Windscreen brings a real risk of damage.  Sudden expansion caused by hot water followed by contraction as it cools can cause the glass to crack, especially if it already has chips or small cracks.

On very cold days this method is ineffective, as the hot water will rapidly cool and almost instantly turn to ice.  Worse, it will accumulate on the wipers and freeze them to the screen, risking damage to the wiper motor or ripping off the rubber if you switch them on.

Tips for a clear winter view

  • While you use a scraper and de-icer on the outside of your car, starting the engine, switching on heated rear screen and mirrors and allowing air-conditioned air to circulate to gently warm the glass is the most effective way to clear frosted glass.
  • Stay with the car all the time – if you must go back indoors switch off and lock the car.
  • Do not drive off until all of the glass is clear
  • Remember not to leave wipers in ‘auto’ when frost is expected – if wipers are frozen to the glass the wiper motor could be damaged.  Don’t try to force frozen wipers off the glass
  • Never use just-boiled water to clear glass – it could crack the glass, freezes quickly and could ice your wipers to the glass
  • Clear all snow off the car, a soft brush is effective – making sure the front grille is clear (otherwise there is risk of the engine overheating).  Make sure lights are clean and working
  • Air conditioning isn’t only for summer – it will help to dry the air and keep cold glass mist free.
  • Don’t use your hands to wipe misted-up windows – you’ll leave greasy smears and a diamond ring could scratch the glass.  Use a lint-free absorbent cloth if necessary

 

So, probably best to be prepared and cover the car and or windscreen to stop the temptation to leave the car running, this “be prepared” action could also save you valuable time in the morning rush for the school run or work!

 

 

 

People who have taken their test since 4th December 2017 may receive a survey from the DVSA asking for their feedback on the driving test.

The Survey will include questions about whether they felt suitability prepared for the new style test.

Its is unclear whether their test will be linked back to the instructor, but the DVSA would like instructors to encourage people to respond to the survey as they believe the feedback is essential to let DVSA know what it did well and what it could improve for the future.

Driving Instructors will also be approached by the DVSA for a similar survey to see how prepared they felt about the new test.

So keep an eye on the doormat for the next few weeks for the DVSA Survey!

 

 

 

Testimonials

Gillian Sherry ADI

“I have been with BDS for 13 years, when I first qualified I was given every support and encouragement from Tony and Donna, that has never changed.

The company has gone from strength to strength and now has 15 instructors on the team.

Donna is continually striving to improve and grow the business, she keeps the team well informed, and is open to suggestions and ideas, bringing the team together, for discussion and meetings.

Although I work independently, I always feel part of a team, and there is always back up from the school. Work comes through on a regular basis and I always have the amount of work that suits me. 

The franchise rates are realistic, competitive and affordable.
To support your in car training, teaching aids are provided, cancellation policy in place to protect your earnings, advertising taken care of and work wear is also available.

Donna has put together good package deals for pupils, including revision notes, help with theory, car maintenance and good deals for either hourly rates or intensive courses, hence the growth of the school.

A growing company, that still maintains a team feel”

Gillian Sherry ADI

Steph Afifi ADI

“I was a Midwife before become a Driving Instructor, I liked driving and teaching skills to people and so I decided to combine the two.

I like the freedom that being a Driving Instructor gives you, I have the flexibility of time management, I like working for myself but being part of a team as well.

I have worked with BDS for 8 years, since I qualified, and found them to be fair with their work distribution, flexible and you are never obliged to take students on.

They encourage teamwork and are always friendly and professional.   With BDS it is relaxed and friendly, no pressure to take students and their fees are reasonable too!

I would not hesitate to recommend a franchise with them”

Steph Afifi ADI

Stephen Wild ADI

“Before becoming a Driving Instructor I drove a Black Cab for 22 years.  I got into being a Driving Instructor by accident, I started with a non-driver and got them through to a pass, it was a great buzz.

You will often build a bond with people and to see them pass their test makes it very worthwhile.

I worked as in independent instructor for many years, but I found it difficult finding work during the recession and so I joined BDS Driving School. I have never looked back.  My diary is bursting and there is always a waiting list of customers.  We work on postcodes close to our homes and so it’s always very local customers we get.

With BDS I like being part of a team, a driving instructor can sometimes be a lonely profession, whilst you meet plenty of people during your job you don’t always mix or talk with other ADI’s.  Being part of BDS changed that.

In todays world you need marketing, this is something I am not very good at, so I let BDS do all that, its something I don’t even need to think about anymore.

Stephen Wild ADI

Paul Tilling ADI

I have been with BDS since I qualified in 1997, I can honestly say I have never had an empty diary, the way they book the lessons in works well.  Card payments are an option for pupils that forget their money on the day. I know it sounds cheesy but Donna and Tony feel part of my extended family.  All is great with BDS.

I am proud to be part of the Training Team within BDS, I believe in the company and am keen to help it develop and grow even further”

Paul Tilling ADI
ADI Trainer

Dave Grundy ADI

Before I became a Driving Instructor I was a coach driver, I had taught my sons and daughters, ex-girlfriend, neighbours and found I quite enjoyed it and got a real buzz when they passed their tests. So after leaving Duple Coaches I trained to become an instructor.  I am passionate about my job, the work you put in to make good drivers out of people is great.  I am a people person and I get great job satisfaction.  I like being part of BDS, its brilliant, I sleep at night, the work is there, no dashing about when the phone rings in case you miss a new student. Also if you fall ill when a student should be on test another BDS instructor will come to the rescue! “

Dave Grundy ADI
ADI

Norrie Umpleby ADI

My name is Norrie and I am a driving instructor with BDS Driving School. 

In 2003 I lived in Yorkshire and I felt I was at a standstill in my job, I wanted to do something I really enjoyed so started to think of other options to fulfill my life. I come across an advert for driving instructing and decided to investigate. I liked the idea of being my own boss. I also liked the idea of making a difference, be able to teach people a life time skill, to learn to drive safely. 

I started on a trainee licence which I feel helped me as I was learning whilst instructing.   I originally passed my part 3 test and received my ADI badge in 2004. I was teaching in a manual car at that time and really enjoyed the job. However, in 2007, due to unforeseen circumstances I didn’t renew my badge.   After a couple of years, I regretted not renewing my badge and wasn’t in a position to retrain. 

After I moved to Fleetwood, I decided to look into being self-employed again and I decided I wanted to get back into driving instructing.  As I didn’t know the area very well I looked around to find a school that would give me the training locally so that I could get my ADI badge back again. 

I found BDS on the internet and I liked what I saw. I looked at others and no one else compared to BDS so I made an appointment to see them. From the first time we met I knew this was the school for me. Donna and Tony made me very welcome and answered every question I had. They helped me tailor the training to suit my needs. 

I passed my tests and got my ADI badge back again in March 2018. I left my admin job and started teaching straight away. I now instruct in automatic and really enjoy it. 

BDS transformed my life and I have a full diary and ALL the help and support I could ever want. 

I have never looked back.

Norrie Umpleby ADI

Mark H

The training I am currently receiving from BDS is brilliant, Paul who is training me helps me a lot and is very thorough in teaching me on how to do the job to a top standard. I also receive great help from Donna. She is always messaging to see how I am getting on with the training and always offers help if I need it.

Mark H
PDI

Marc Tilbury

Train to be a driving instructor

I was trained by Tony Sumner, I found him very flexible – very easy going and clearly extremely experienced. I would highly recommend BDS to anyone. I am now very pleased to be able to say that I have completed my training. Tony and Donna have both been incredibly supportive throughout and I am enjoying working with BDS.

Marc Tilbury PDI

Shane McKenna

Train to be a Driving Instructor

My Driving Instructor Trainer was Paul Tilling at BDS. From the 1st minute to the last minute….I knew I had the made the correct decision to train with BDS. Paul is extremely easy to chat to and will make you feel at ease at every given opportunity. The amount of up to date knowledge Paul has about becoming a Driving Instructor is testament to his dedication to constantly update his own continued professional development and pass this onto his pupils. If he cant find the answer straight away to a problem, he will endeavour and leave no stone unturned until he finds the answer. This quality makes you feel that everything is covered in your learning journey as a Driving Instructor. Although slightly more expensive than the nationwide companies you get without doubt and more personalised and 1 to 1 tuition which is so valuable and not to be overlooked.

Mandy Kerr

Instructor Training in Blackpool

I chose BDS because it is a local company, and I read their reviews. I spoke to Donna and instantly felt comfortable and knew I had picked the right team for me. She was very professional, explained everything in great detail and helped me to work out a plan that worked for me. There was no expectation that it was this way and the only way. We are all individuals and learn different ways and sometimes need different approaches to achieve our goals. The team at BDS are great and very helpful with anything I asked or needed. Emma was my trainer and I was in great hands, we all have those driver faults she soon found mine, but gave me great advice on what I need and great praise when I achieved.
If you want to become a driving instructor you can’t go wrong with this team, you will feel a belonging that is personal to you and not just another number in a larger organisation. You will feel and see the support you get from the whole team. Join us at BDS. Mandy

David Thorpe ADI

Train to be a Driving Instructor

“Can’t fault the training and support I received from Donna, Emma & the whole BDS team. Spoke to several driving schools whilst deciding whether to take the plunge. Donna was the only one that genuinely seemed interested in my development more than how much money I’d be giving them. Completed my training with Emma. She is very knowledgeable and extremely helpful. Got rid of my bad habits to pass the Part 2 and was invaluable in getting me through my Part 3.  From the 1st baby steps of starting out on how to teach others how to drive, to the panicked calls and texts the night before / morning of my actual part 3. The whole BDS team are only a group-chat away to offer any support and advice if needed. No regrets in my decision to change careers and definitely no regrets in my choice of trainer”

Dan Jenkins PDI

“I have been training with Emma Bird, I couldn’t ask for a better trainer, she is helpful knowledgeable and simply amazing!  I have opted for the Pink Licence to get on the job training before taking the part 3 test.  I have the use of a car supplied by BDS whilst under the trainee licence so I don’t have the outlay for a car until fully qualified.  Donna and the full network of BDS Instructors have welcomed me and been there to answer any questions I have had – from the start it has been 5 Star!

100% recommend training with BDS Driving School!”

Dave Topley PDI

Dave Topley PDI

Emma was my instructor for my ADI/PDI Part 2 and Part 3 training.

Even though I’d been driving for over 35 years, Emma raised my driving standard  to enable me to pass my Part 2 test with ease.

Her patient and calming manner, along with her technical knowledge about driving standards is what made my Part 3 training enjoyable and fun.

I would highly recommend Emma if you want to train as an Driving Instructor.

Contact Us

Tel 01253 899909
E-Mail : info@beadrivinginstuctor.co.uk