Posted by Will Dracott on Wednesday, March 21, 2012,
Congratulations to Vicky for passing yesterday over at Southmead test centre. Vicky passed with just 5 minors, an excellent achievement. See you on the road! Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Thursday, March 15, 2012,
Congratulations to Henry for passing first time at Brislington driving test centre on Tuesday. Henry passed with just 3 minors, an excellent achievement. Well done Henry, see you on the road. Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Wednesday, November 2, 2011,
Congratulations to Gayle for passing yesterday at Southmead test centre. That's two passes in two days! Well done Gayle and see you on the road! Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Friday, August 26, 2011,
For those taking tests in Southmead be aware that the White Tree Roundabout is having some work done to it. By look sof things they are working on the roundabout itself, so be on the look out for workers and possibly a reduction in lane width on the inside.  Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Saturday, August 20, 2011,
The mini roundabout at the end of the very small dual carriageway is having some work done. As you are heading towards Henleaze (away from the test centre) the left hand lane is out. You'll just need to MSM getting over to thte right hand lane to turn left here.  Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Monday, August 15, 2011,
Congratulations to Isobel for passing first time this morning at Southmead test centre with just 4 minors. Well done Isobel and see you on the road! Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Tuesday, May 24, 2011,
 Westbury Village is having some work done, just after the roundabout exit heading towards Canford Park. Tempoary trffic lights are in place, so lookout for those. The biggest concern here is the traffic and how it builds up at the roundabout. Make sure before you enter the roundabout you can clear the junction. If you do realise quite late that you're going to have to stop on the roundabout, try not to block any exits or entrances so other road users can still access the junction from oth... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Tuesday, May 10, 2011,
Congratulations to Jon for passing first time yesterday at Southmead Test Centre. Jon took an intensive 30 hour course over two weeks and passed with flying colours; just two minors! That's now two passes in 3 days with 3 minors between them! Continue reading ...
Congratulations to Ruth for passig first time yesterday at Southmead with just 5 minors. Ruth passed in two weeks with a 30 hour intensive course and sailed through. Well done Ruth! Continue reading ...
The whole area oyutside the test centre is being dug up at the moment, so be careful. Make sure you're looking well ahead for signs telling you that lanes are narrowing and make sure you use your mirror and signal if you need to get across. Continue reading ...
Congratulations to Lizzy for passing her driving test yesterday at Brislington Test Centre with just 3 minors! Continue reading ...
Will it ever end? I've even got students commenting on the non-stop digging up of this road now. Nothing too mega here this time, but the huge amount of traffic it's causing means you'll have to focus, remeber that 2 second rule even in slow traffic, watch where all the other cars go, usually experienced road users will pick up the new path you have to travel quickly. When heading back to the test centre, coming from the direction of town, just before you get to the one way system on Brist... Continue reading ...
The first roundabout up the ring round by Longwell Green has been in bits for weeks now and now the signs on approach are a little misleading, so approach with caution. Cones seem to appear in different places every time I go here with no warning, so be very careful and have a good look at where you will be going first, before emerging onto the roundabout. Red - Test Centre Blue - The roundabout in question  Continue reading ...
A massive congratulations to Linda for passing first time at Southmead on Friday morning. Linda passed with an incredible 1 minor (missing one mirror check whilst reducing speed) and only 23 hours of tuition. Well done Linda, see you on the road! Continue reading ...
A new page has been added to the Brislington Trouble Spot section - Brislington Hill - Have a look here Continue reading ...
Another pass this week. Congratulations to richard for passing first time with 5 minors at Southmead yesterday. Richard took a one and a hlaf week intensive course and did exceptionally well. Continue reading ...
Will it ever end? This hill is being dug up again, just when you thought the last two years worth of work had finished! This time it's on the other side of the road, so essentially as you're on you way out fo the test centre, heading towards town. It's all down to a narrow lane, cones everywhere, the other side of the road is having to use the bus lane, so on your way back to the test centre, just stay in position and it puts you nicely in place for following the road ahead at the lights o... Continue reading ...
NEW! Updated Brislington trouble spot page - http://www.a-class-driving.com/brislington-trouble---st-phillips-roundabouts.php Continue reading ...
Finally, the Bath Road major roadworks have come to an end and it's not the greatest piece of work of I have to say. Not that anyone was expecting anything else! So, as you're heading from town, back towards the test centre, you go through the one way system, then sweep down the hill to the left with the bus lane to your left. You'll see the pedestrian crossing at the base of the hill and it's here amungst the zig-zags that you might be able to see some arrows telling you that aropund here,... Continue reading ...
The first roundabout you come to if you were to head north from the Hick's Gate roundabout is having some lane extension at the moment, which means the usual two lanes that once exisited on the roundabout look a little different. The lane closest to the roundbaout is out and the over-run lane, which had cross hatched markings in, is now the outside lane. Should be no bother to test standard drivers, just look at the lane infront of you before you emerge onto the roundabout so you can see wh... Continue reading ...
The road works on Falcondale road, just by the test centre were back again yesterday, one day after they had all cleaned up and left. This time they are doing the upward slope towards the M5 and Cribbs causeway. The traffic that this created yesterday could be felt everywhere in a 5 mile radius. Just be ready for suden road works and lane changes. Continue reading ...
Some temporary traffic lights are in place at this T-junction and every student I've taken down there in the past two days hasnt seen them and I've had to use the emergency brake. No signs on approach at all and the traffic lights are very low to the ground, which makes them look very odd indeed.  Continue reading ...
Heavy traffic in both directions around St. Phillips causeway is causing massive issues around rush hour. The brand spanking new lights that took about 13 weeks to put in pace have been dug up. Great! no information on approach about the closed roads so cars are changing direction very late, be careful and aware of what is going on here. Also on this stretch heading down the hil away from the test centre the road markigs here have been taken away. The left hand lane is a bus lane, so stay ... Continue reading ...
Congratulations to Eric for passing first time yesterday morning at Southmead test centre with just 5 minors. He learnt to drive in just two weeks with an intensive course, well done Eric. Continue reading ...
Road works near the park and ride on the way back to the test centre is really slowing things down here at the moment. Tight clutch control and a low gear is all that is needed to keep the speed low. Don't try and hang off the rear bumper of the car infront.  Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Wednesday, July 14, 2010,
Passage Road is down to one lane on the upwards slope of the mini dual carriageway. This is on a few test routes. No signs that the speed limit has droped, you'll need to get into the lane closest to the cental reservation. It looks like new bus stops is the cause.  Continue reading ...
A massive congratulations to Josie for passing her test yesterday first time at Southmead test centre with just 3 minors. Well done Josie. Continue reading ...
Congratulations to Abdal for passing his taxi test yesterday with only 3 minors over in Brislington. Well done. Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Tuesday, June 29, 2010,
Not sure what is going on here, but the road gets significantly narrower near the pedestrian crossing by Tescos. The road works are on a little bend, which makes it harder to pick up. The map below shows Kellaway Road to be straight, it isn't when you're driving on it, be careful and slow on approach.  Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Monday, June 14, 2010,
Congratulations to Corolinna for passing today at Brislington test centre with just 4 minors! Continue reading ...
When leaving the test centre and turning left, you no longer have to wait at thte lights. There used to be two lanes here, now it's down to one. The lights have gone and there is a give way sign. This will speed things up big time! Something clever for once has been done to the roads.  Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Saturday, June 5, 2010,
The markings infront of the test centre have changed. The image below shows a little central lane to help those coming into the centre and get out of the way of other cars. This little central lane was also used to enter the test centre. Now the road appears wider as the central lane has been wiped away. So make sure your MSPSL routine is solid here, getting the mirrors in before the position change. The signal still needs to be delayed, otherwise other road users will think you're headi... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Friday, June 4, 2010,
High Street near Kingswood is being dug in two sections and so they have employed a few lollipop men to ease traffic congestion. When you see the guys with the lollipop, check your mirrors and if they are showing the stop side, slow down and stop well before them. You must leave enough room for the traffic coming from the other end of the street to flow, don't get in their way.  Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Tuesday, May 25, 2010,
Congratulations to Seb for passing this morning. he passed with just 3 minors, which is a fantastic drive down in Brislington where the pass rate is far lower than that of Southmead. Well done Seb, see you on the road. Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Monday, May 24, 2010,
Keynsham road, the national speed limit road running by the cadbury factor, is having some road works done right now and is down to one lane. It gives you 400 yards to check your mirror and get your speed down to something sensible enough for you to deal with a possibly a red light and big change in position.  Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Friday, May 21, 2010,
There are 3 way traffic lights in place on Canford Lane/Dingle Road/Combe Lane. 3 way traffic lights take a while so be patient. It's pretty staright forward on Canfor Lane, bt coming from Combe Lane might be a little harder. The problem is the traffic lights are hidden around the corner, so pay attention to the make shift warning triangles on approach. There is a "wait here when lights are red" sign, so don't over shoot your mark. It's also the end of the road here and if you fail to se... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Sunday, May 16, 2010,
Absolute nightmare. A 4 way traffic light system is in place for god only knows what, and the lights arent working. Heading from the A4, back towards the test centre the lights are stuck on red. Everyone is jumping them, doing turns in the road and all sorts of other random things. The lights going the other way are out completely, so they are essentially jumping them too. There are lights on ither side too, but I'm unsure as to what is going on with them. If you're on your test, do what ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Wednesday, May 12, 2010,
If asked to turn left at the traffic lights art the moment get into the righthand lane. As soon as you've come aroudn the corner the lefthand lane is closed due to bus shelter work.  Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Sunday, May 9, 2010,
There are a few goings on in Stoke Bishop on several roads, but all in the same area. Firstly Mariners Drive is being completely dug up and resembles something like a ski salom. Slow and steady with plenty of mirrors. Right near by, on several test routes is the giant hole in the ground at the entrance to Old Sneed Road. This will require caution, both going into and exiting the steet. You'll potentialy be on the other side of the road, so careful here.  Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Saturday, April 24, 2010,
More bus stops being built right outside of the test centre in both directions, so be careful here. If turning left out of the centre, you'll need the right hand lane, the left is closed. If turning right out of the centre it's not quite so bad. You'll need the right lane too, but you're slowly pushed over just before the large traffic light controlled crossroads. Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Saturday, April 17, 2010,
The Bath Road around Brislington has had some serious work done to it in the last few weeks. Another bus stop is being laid down, this time up near the Grove Park one-way system. This only effects a few routes, coming back towards the centre at the end of the test. This should not be a big problem for a test standard driver, just look out for heavy machinery and men at work.  Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Thursday, April 8, 2010,
The approach to the Hick's Gate roundabout from the test centre is splattered in cones. I think a bus stop is being put in and the whole area is down to one lane in both directions in part. Be careful as it's a 50 mph zone, so don't be caught out or slam on any brake. A mirror check will be in order with any large reduction in speed and follow the cones. Once the cones end, you may need to come back into the left if turning/bearing left at the roundabout, so MSM will be called for here.  ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Thursday, April 8, 2010,
The bottom of the Bath Road on the way to town as you leave the test centre has a few cones and some work going on. Bus stops are being put in on the up hill section and so is narrowing the width of the road a little. Nothing too major here, just be careful and on the look out for men at work.  Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Thursday, April 1, 2010,
Congratulations to James for passing first time today from Southmead test centre. James picked up 6 minors, which is fantastic after only needing 25 hours from start to finish. Enjoy your new found freedom and the congratulatory mug! Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Wednesday, March 31, 2010,
This only effects one test route and it would be towards the end of the test. After going around the tower blocks of Easton and heading over the fly-over by St.Phillips causeway you'll see signs warning you that you can't go onto the A4. After you exit the last giant roundabout ( see here on how to deal with those roundabouts) almost straight away you'll see a lot of cones pushing you very wide to the right here. Mirror and signal if you think you need to let the car behind you know what is... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Monday, March 29, 2010,
The road works and temporary traffics have vanished after the resurfacing, however, no road markings have been laid down yet, so be careful of your position. Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Monday, March 29, 2010,
The road works at the crossroads on Shirehampton Road and Sylvan Way have been cleared up, however, no road marking have been laid down yet, so be careful of your position. Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Sunday, March 28, 2010,
West Town Lane is due to be closed in the next few days. For how long? No one knows. Why? You got me, I've no idea. A few test routes will need to be diverted, so if asked to turn left at the lights onto Callington Road, get into the right hand lane as you'll have to go down the hill and stay on Callington Road.  Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Sunday, March 28, 2010,
At last the resurfacing crews have come to Brislington and are in the middle of fixing one of the busiest and bumpiest roads in town. This will only effect those coming back to the test centre after taking the route through Broom Hill. The cones arent that distruptive, just be on the look out for men at work.  Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Saturday, March 27, 2010,
It's all go in Sea Mills. Not more than 100 meters down the hill from the major resurfacing is more resurfacing! Temporary traffic lights in all directions and they are on a 4 way slip. Meaning you could be waiting here a while. Handbrake when waiting is a must, if you are coming up the hill, treat it as a massive hill start, so plenty of gas.  Have a read of how you should be taking this set of traffic lights and why several people have failed here before in the past! Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Saturday, March 27, 2010,
The roadworks no longer push you onto the wrong side of the road. An island of bollards and now sit in the middle of the road. Make sure no work men spring out of the centre at the last second, be careful. Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Friday, March 26, 2010,
Henleaze High Street has some massive digging works going on at the moment. As you head towards the test centre, going down the hill the road is blocked off by some high fencing protecting what looks like a port-a-loo ... make of it what you will, you'll have to go around it. It's just at the start of the busy section, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled for cars coming towards you as you move around the digging, making sure you check your mirrors first.  Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Sunday, March 14, 2010,
Chandag road is being dug up at present. The cones are right on the corner by the school where everyone parks on either side of the road on approach just to make things even worse. You should be approaching with caution here anyway, holding your postion is vital, don't over commit to the corner or take the racing line, otherwise you could come unstuck.  Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Saturday, March 13, 2010,
Some serious digging is taking place on East Hill in Westbury Village. Temporary traffic lights have been put up and the traffic is backing up in both directions a fair bit. Due to the East Hill being so up and down, handbrake and neutral is required here. Make sure you use those mirrors for big changes in direction as you move around the cones when the lights turn greeen.  If you have torubles in Westbury Village, have a read of the guide - Westbury Village Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Tuesday, March 9, 2010,
Bridge Valley Road is still closed just off of The Portway, so still no test route 16. Make sure you know how to deal with this section of road when it re-opens. Use the website. http://www.a-class-driving.com/southmead-trouble---the-portway.php Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Saturday, March 6, 2010,
Bridge Valley Road (the horrid 180 degree turn off The Portway into Clifton) will be closed on the 8th March, so all those who are taking their test on that day breath a small sigh of relief. That's one less thing to have to worry about. Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Wednesday, March 3, 2010,
Congratulations to Jaspreek for passing yesterday at Southmead driving test centre with just 5 minors. Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Monday, March 1, 2010,
Temporary traffioc lights are currently on Albert Road in Keynsham. The street usually is a hot bed for meeting situations, so perhaps the road works here are a bit of a blessing in disguise. Your mirrors should be checked on approach, when moving out and around, back in and make sure if you do need to stop, you stay in your lane with plenty of room to drive through in a straight line.  Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Friday, February 26, 2010,
Chandag road, just off the Bath Raod by the Esso station. As soon as you make the turn into it you'll see the temporary traffic lights. They have a camera at each end and so chage according to what they see with the potentail to change very quickly. Make sure you check those mirrors as it's a massive change in position to go around the comes.  Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Monday, February 22, 2010,
The entrance of Wessex road is being dug up, that's a street just off of Gloucester road, opposite a park with a pub on the corner. It could take you a little by suprise if you're not going slow enough as you aproach and turn into the street. The thing that wont help here is that the entrance of Wessex road is down hill, so make sure you arent coasting and have your speed down with the right ready on the footbrake to hold back the speed of the car.  Make sure you know how to approach, take th... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Friday, February 19, 2010,
I have been writing a tip of the day on twitter, but found it really taxing to get vital driving information in 145 characters, so will be blogging on here instead. So, first new lengthy tip of the day is ... look after your boot, and your boot will look after you. What is he on about I hear you whisper, well ... spare wheel/tyre. Make sure it's good, make sure it's inflated, make sure you know how to get it on and off. Have you tested your jack? Have you seen it recently? Could you work on... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Monday, February 15, 2010,
One of the pedestrian crossings on Henleaze High Street is having some serious work done to it. It's the exceptionally wide one and it effects road users in both directions. At the centre of the crossing there is a large square of bollards and cones, massively reducing the visibility for drivers seeing if someone is crossing. Proceed with extreame caution. Get this wrong and it could mean failing your exam. Make sure the road works in the centre doesn't distract you so much you ignore pe... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Monday, February 15, 2010,
On approach to the crossroads on Wellington Hill West there are lots of going ons. It's down to one lane with heavy diggers resurfacing the road. I didn't see any traffic lights, so be sure that the coast is clear before moving out onto the wrong side of the street to go around. It's up hill, so pick a low gear and be sure to be firm on the gas to move out and arond the hazard quickly and efficiently.  Lots of digging and road worksa re taking place near crossroads at the moment, take the tes... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Sunday, February 14, 2010,
Not far from the test centre after coming out and turning left, down the road and then turn right at teh bottom of the hill you have School Road. This then turns into Birchwood Road at the top of the hill with a mini roundabout. If you go straight over you'll see a few warning triangles warnign you of some road works up ahead. The next section is pretty bendy, so make sure you check your mirrors AND look down the road to see if your change of position is going to slow anyone down. If some... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Sunday, February 14, 2010,
I've created a few pages on the trouble spots in and around Southmead that students from time to time struggle with. Places include; The portway, Westbury Village, Henbury oneway system and Gloucester Road North/Filton roundabout. If you're learning in Southmead, take the time to read through these pages. When we are in the car, it all happens so quick and you probably can't take it all in, listen to me and concentrate on what is happening next. On these pages there are photos and step by... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Wednesday, February 10, 2010,
Two streets away from the test centre, (left and then right at the mini roundabout) you reach Doncaster Road. The left lane is having some serious work done to it and temporary traffic lights are in place. Make sure you use your mirrors and give any work men at least 1 meter when you pas, more if you can. If the gap isn't there, hold back.  Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Sunday, February 7, 2010,
David Road in Hengrove is having some major work done to it. haven't been there for a while and was shocked to see the extent of the works being done down here. Lucky for for most of you it's only on one test route, however, if you do find yourself coming down here, make sure you're slow, checking mirrors for any position change and make sure you keep your eyes peeled for heavy work trucks. They may not give way to you!  Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Saturday, February 6, 2010,
Congratulations to John for passing yesterday at Southmead test centre with 5 minors. Two in two days, 2010 is proving to be very successful so far. Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Saturday, February 6, 2010,
The mini roundabout at the end of Druid Hill, just by the park has quiet a lot of barriers and cones surrounding it. The work is on the pavement, however, it does obsure your visibility on approach. So be extra cautious in making sure nothing is coming before emerging.  Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Friday, January 29, 2010,
Southmead road (the long one from the double mini roundabout up to the large traffic light controlled roundabout near Filton) has water streaming all the way down it. Now, you might be thinking "what has this to do with me or driving?", well, if you splash someone, anyone, it's a traffic offence which you could be convicted for. So it's not going to go down too well during an exam. Make sure you stay out of it!  Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Wednesday, January 27, 2010,
Gloucester Road has some heavy road works taking place on one of the test routes. Heading north near the football stadium there are usually two lanes, now it's down to one and the traffic is heavy. It's also preventing oncoming traffic, mostly buses, making progress. Beware of this, don't clog up the road. If you need to wait before the barriers, then do so.  Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Sunday, January 24, 2010,
There has been so cones and work going on here for some time now and there is no sign of the barriers being taken away. I'm highlighting this area again as it can take you a little by suprise. As you come down the hill, the sweeping left hand bend just past the pub has the obstruction on the left hand side of the road. Immediately after is a pedestrian crossing, so make sure you observe effectively for this too.  Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Sunday, January 24, 2010,
Stoke Hill is the long road from the Clifton Downs heading towards Stoke Bishop and the little parade of shops. There has been a delivery of sand and pebbles for the village hall, which are have been dumped in the street resulting in the road being made a little narrower. Not much of an issue, make sure you check those mirrors before changing position though.  Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Sunday, January 24, 2010,
This so going to effect those at Brislington and Warmley. Both heading north and south the ring road is down to one lane. There are plenty of signs on approach telling you this giving you 500 yards to check mirrors, get that signal on nice and early so those behind you can help/see what you're doing then get over. It's also worth noting that there is a speed restriction of 30mph. No one else will be doing 30, so don't be dragged along with the traffic, make sure you stick to the speed lim... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Tuesday, January 19, 2010,
Well done Luke Thomson for passing first time with A-Class Driving School. Passed on Monday at 1:33 at Souhtmead with only 3 minors. Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Saturday, January 16, 2010,
The area just outside of the hospital in Southmead is under traffic cones. A 3-way traffic light system is in place just by the entrance off of Monk's Park Avenue (the uphill road from the double mini roundabout). Make sure you pick up the signs on approach, check those mirrors and stop where you are told, making sure you're not narrowing the road for on coming traffic.  Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Saturday, December 19, 2009,
Tecnical issues have resulted in all 3 test centre blogs being lost, so from now on I'll be usig just the one to report on all issues with Southmead driving test centre, Brislington test centre and Warmely MPTC. As well as keeping you updated with road works and road layout changes I'll post any news and information from the Driving Standards Agency regarding driving exams. Continue reading ...
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Will Dracott
| A-Class Driving School |
| Bristol |
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This blog is for those taking their driving test in and around Bristol. Keeping you in touch with any route changes, diversions on test routes, severe traffic delays, road works, severe weather warnings, cancellations and DSA updates regarding the UK driving test.
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