Posted by Will Dracott on Sunday, May 19, 2013,
In :
Learning
Congratulations to Nathan Burgess for passing the other day at Bristol's Southmead driving test center. Paul was his driving instructor and he managed to pick up just three minors on his way his way round. Well done to both Paul and Nathan. See you on the road.
Posted by Will Dracott on Thursday, May 16, 2013,
In :
Motoring news
This has to be the story of the month. The government has launched a full sale inquiry into alleged oil price fixing by BP and Shell. They could have been manipulating data for as long as ten years, to push the price of fuel up at the pumps. It's risen 60% in the past few years, even though the government has both frozen and cut fuel duty.
This is something that effects everyone in the UK, even if you don't drive. So what should the punishment be if found guilty? Free fuel for a... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Wednesday, May 15, 2013,
In :
Learning
Another day, another review. This time it's one for our driving instructor, Dave Allenby. Read the full review from Matt Fulford here regarding his experience with Dave and A-Class Driving School.
Posted by Will Dracott on Tuesday, May 14, 2013,
In :
Learning
Another great review for Bristol's A-Class Driving School, this time from Olivia Glatt who passed the other day with me (Will) as her driving instructor. Have a read of the review here.
If you're looking to obtain your licence this summer, take advantage of our special offers and call me on 07837796842 to book your driving lessons today! Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Friday, May 10, 2013,
In :
Learning
Have a read of our latest review by Jordan Hannaway on Freeindex.co.uk who passed his test recently with A-Class Driving School and Paul Hanley, here in Bristol. If you would like to have Paul as your driving instructor, call him direct on 0774 710 1973, or call our main number 0783 779 6842 and arrange your lessons today. Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Thursday, May 9, 2013,
In :
Learning
Congratulations to Jordan Hanaway for passing his driving test yesterday over at Bristol's Southmead test center. He managed to earn his licence with just 3 minors under the guidance of of driving instructor, Paul Hanley, who's on a massive role currently in terms of passes. Well done to both of you, see you on the road Jordan. Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Tuesday, May 7, 2013,
In :
Car reviews
The new Golf Blue Motion has some of the most amazing figure associated with it making it a highly desirable car, not just for driving schools and driving instructors, but for anyone wanting to cut down on their motoring running costs. 83 mpg, 85g of CO2/KM (making it tax exempt), 50 litre fuel tank - meaning a range of almost 1000 miles. Most people would only have to visit the fuel station 10 times a year! These figures look amazing, except one - £20,335 OTR for the 3 door version. ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Monday, May 6, 2013,
In :
Driving Test Info
Another pass and another great review for our most experienced driving instructor, Paul Hanley. Well done Adam for passing your driving test here in Bristol first time. Have a read of his testimonial here. Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Saturday, May 4, 2013,
In :
Motoring news
This week's cheapest petrol in Bristol award goes to ... .
Mrh Filton Park @ 129.9p
Gloucester Road North, Filton, Bristol, BS7 0SH
This station hasn't been in the top 5 before and it's very unusual to see non-supermarkets with the lowest fuel. Good to see the price continue to fall and under 130p is stunning for everyone in the motor business. Driving instructors can rejoice this weekend. Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Friday, May 3, 2013,
In :
Learning
This May, A-Class Driving School are offering new students the chance to take their first 4 driving lessons for £70, that's 20% off the normal price. So if you're looking for a driving instructor in Bristol, call Will on 0783 779 6842 to book your driving lessons today.
Posted by Will Dracott on Thursday, May 2, 2013,
In :
Learning
After 4 weeks away, I'm finally coming back to work today. So anyone looking to book driving lessons or needing a driving instructor, you can call me on 0783 779 6842 today. Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Sunday, April 28, 2013,
In :
Motoring news
If anyone ever doubted that our mayor hated cars and motorists, then this is the proof. He´s going to close the city roads off to cars on Sunday´s ...? That´s handy for everyone, isn´t it? Let´s hear your thoughts Bristol.
As a driving school, this isn´t very helpful, but I no longer provide driving lessons myself at the weekend, but I know instructors who do. So good luck to them and all the students who are effected by this. And good luck to everyone who lives near these supposed... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Friday, April 26, 2013,
In :
Learning
Congratulations to Adam Hart for passing his driving test here in Bristol the other day. He obtained his licence under the stewardship of Paul Hanley, out most experienced driving instructor, who´s hit something of a purple patch with passes recently. Well done to Adam (and Paul), see you on the road. Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Thursday, April 25, 2013,
In :
Motoring news
This weeks cheapest fuel in Bristol is supplied by ... Asda Patchway
Highwood Lane, Patchway, Bristol, BS34 5TL
Coming in at just 131.7p.
Other cheap places include Morrisons and Shell up at Cribbs and Sainsburys on Winterstoke Avenue. Esso on Whiteladies and Murco in Henleaze fall out of the top 5 for the first time in several months. So it looks like all driving instructors in Bristol will be heading to the supermarkets with everyone else then this week.
Posted by Will Dracott on Monday, April 22, 2013,
In :
Motoring news
TomTom has announced a new model, very similar to that of smart phones. At last it will have the pinch and zoom function and allow users to scroll over the route you need to take. Which in my opinion has been a massive over sight, leading people on all sorts of wild goose chances across the country. Just blindly following the instructions of a 5" plastic box is borderline madness. It will also have the very useful function of live traffic updates. This is pretty useful. I´ve been usi... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Sunday, April 21, 2013,
In :
Motoring news
Supermarkets announced fuel cuts this week meaning that Asda shoppers will pay a maximum of 133.7p for petrol and 137p for diesel. Morrisons, Tesco and Sainsburys have all slashed prices too due to the low oil prices and the weakening dollar. Good news for everyone who drives for once, especially us driving instructors. Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Sunday, April 21, 2013,
In :
Motoring news
Seat, the car manufacturer, has an amazing deal of offering their own insurance to new car buyers. Have a read of the full story here. I wonder if this deal would be available to driving schools and driving instructors? Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Wednesday, April 3, 2013,
In :
Motoring news
The government has at last announced that it will take action over crazy cyclists who insist on having bike lights that are brighter than a super nova. In a study 80% of bike lights were more powerful than the legal limit of a cars dipped headlights. One exceed it by a factor of 13!
The highly distracting stroboscopic disco flashing mode will also be investigated. Not only does the highway code say that this is not to be used, but makes the cyclist hard to identify and difficult to work out... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Tuesday, April 2, 2013,
In :
Motoring news
This weeks cheapest petrol in Bristol is .... Asda Patchway, Highwood Lane, Patchway, Bristol, BS34 5TL. Selling at £1.34. Asda in Bedminister is also the same price with Esso and Murco on White Ladies and Henleaze respectively snapping at their heels at £1.37.
It's good news for everyone with a car, especially us driving instructors that we're well below the national average here in Bristol.
Posted by Will Dracott on Saturday, March 30, 2013,
In :
Motoring news
It´s been 100 years now of car making up in Cowley, Oxford. The Bullnose Oxford was made the first and since then it has churned out over 11,000,000! Many driving instructors have tuition vehicles these days from the Mini site (sadly not owned by the British anymore, BMW smartly snapped that one up) and if you can believe it they pop out 900 a day! Who´s buying all these cars?
Posted by Will Dracott on Friday, March 29, 2013,
In :
Car reviews
WOW! Sign me up. Have a look at the new concept car from Kia. There are no real figures in regards to speed, fuel consumption or CO2 out put yet, but this little city car is obviously looking to steal some market share from the likes of Mini, my beloved Fiat 500 and the new VW Up! and Co. Just on looks alone, I think they've nailed it and can see this being a real contender. If you drop Kia´s famous 7 year warranty in the mix, this will be my new driving instructor vehicle in a... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Wednesday, March 27, 2013,
In :
Motoring news
Finally the Government has had it's meeting on addressing the overhaul on how to improve the driving quality in young people. There are a lot of ideas on the table.
Here are the highlights - - a minimum learning period - driving practice on motorways, in poor weather conditions and during darkness - more rigorous testing in preparation for driving unsupervised - longer probationary periods - incentives for post-test training
I agree with a few, not so sure about others. Have a read of the full a... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Wednesday, March 20, 2013,
The changes to the MoT come in today. The AA have said that many cars that perhaps would crape through previously will see high repair costs as from now. The changes include tyre pressure monitoring systems, xenon lights and airbag and seatbelt checks, and if you've been ignoring lights on the dash, this would also see a fail.
Have a look on the AA site for a full list of the changes - http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/car-servicing-repair/mot-changes-2012.html
Posted by Will Dracott on Tuesday, March 19, 2013,
In :
Learning
Red, one of the big schools, has announced that it will start giving access to their students an online driving tutorial, something we've had here at A-Class Driving School for around 4 years.
A new study has shown that humans don't really develop their hazard perception skills in their brain till around the age of 25. So, apparently, a 7 hour dose of on-line computer watching will make up for it! The amount of fails, re-sits and crashes in young people is now being blamed by looks of things ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Tuesday, March 19, 2013,
In :
Car reviews
VW's little city car, the Up!, is about to become electric. But how good is an electric car going to be these days? Well, it boasts 81bhp - enough to power it from 0-62mph in 14 seconds, which is pretty much the same as the petrol version. It can also roam for 91miles on a single charge. That's almost good enough for a days driving instructing! Shame there just aren't enough places to charge a car. 2014 is the expected release dates, perhaps by then there will be more stations available... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Monday, March 18, 2013,
In :
Motoring news
It's 140p on average for fuel again in the UK. Since the beginning of this year petrol has risen around 8p a litre and diesel has gone up 6.5p. Petrol in Bristol can be around 136p in Henleaze and near the top of Whiteladies Road at the Esso, which means we're just below the national average here. Uncertainty in economic retail prices are to blame. Let us know how the rising cost of fuel is affecting you. If driving lessons were to become more expensive due to rising costs, what prices w... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Sunday, March 17, 2013,
In :
Motoring news
Apparently we need £10.5bn to fix the crumbling roads here in the UK. The council are responsible for keeping them fixed, but simply do not have the money to do so. The patch it up trick isn't working and with compensation claims up 50% on 2011, their leeking more money than they can afford. If you come across a pot hole, don't forget to report it. The Bristol city council has an online form where you can report these giant craters and if enough people have complained and you damage your c... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Sunday, March 17, 2013,
In :
Driving Test Info
If you own a Honda and plan to use it for a driving test (either privately owned or driving instructor tuition vehicle), you'll need to make sure the brakes work properly. A recall has been issued and until you can prove that your brakes have been checked, you may not be allowed to take the practical driving test in this vehicle. Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Thursday, March 14, 2013,
Do you know rule Rule 103? You should, it's probably been repeated by every driving instructor to their pupil about a hundred times whilst learning.
"Signals warn and inform other road users, including pedestrians, of your intended actions. You should always give clear signals in plenty of time, having checked it is not misleading to signal at that time use them to advise other road users before changing course or direction, stopping or moving off cancel them after use make sure your signals will... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Wednesday, March 13, 2013,
In :
Motoring news
With only days till the March budget and a rise in fuel duty due, FairFuelUk are urging everyone to email the chancellor at ministers@hmtreasury.gsi.gov.uk to complain. So if you're a driving instructor, or a learner, this will affect you. Get writing to save money! Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Tuesday, March 12, 2013,
In :
Motoring news
This week the cheapest fuel in Bristol award goes to Murco in Henleaze (Northumbria Drive, Henleaze, Bristol, BS9 4HN). At just 134.9p, it's 2p lower than up at Cribbs Causaeway. Which is great for all the driving instructors teaching those in the Southmead catchment area. Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Monday, March 11, 2013,
In :
Motoring news
Doesn't seem like all of them are in Bristol? In the north west here, there must be around around 7 or 8 within a mile of each other. And what takes the biscuit is that I never see anyone actually working.
240 extra miles per person per year to avoid them. 1,434 miles of road closed. 43 minutes extra per week of sitting in a car.
It's not good enough. Let us know your thoughts Bristol drivers. How do you learner drivers feel about lessons in traffic? How do driving instructors avoid ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Sunday, March 10, 2013,
In :
Motoring news
A really interesting article on Yahoo this morning from The Association of British Insurers (ABI), looking for big commitments and changes from the government on the way young drivers should be taught. It could be premiums come down by over £370 per person, but you'll have to learn for a year, have a restriction on the number of passengers in the car at all times and have a zero tolerance stance on drink driving.
What do you think Bristol learner drivers? Would you be happy with this? The ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Sunday, March 10, 2013,
In :
Car reviews
A new report says that this year less of us will be buying a new car, but more will be spent by those who do. The article on Yahoo Car News states "A study carried out in conjunction with the Sainsbury’s Bank Car Buying Index has revealed that while 14% of motorists plan to buy new between March and August, down around a third from the previous period, the average spend is expected to be 4% higher, at £10,685."
Are you looking for a new car? Let us know what you're looking to buy Bristol.... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Saturday, March 9, 2013,
In :
Driving Test Info
A new map has been added to the independent drive section to the site after being asked by a student to sit in the back of her test this week (which she passed with two minors I hasten to add - Well done Natalie). The maps are accessible to those taking driving lessons in Bristol and driving instructors alike here - http://www.a-class-driving.com/independent-drive-southmead.php
Posted by Will Dracott on Tuesday, March 5, 2013,
In :
Motoring news
A new message from the DSA. You don't have to be a driving instructor or to be taking driving lessons to respond to give your views on how the DSA can make things easier for everyone. Have a read and have your say.
"The 'motoring services strategy' outlines how we will put you at the heart of our motoring services.
As a customer of DSA, you might want to have your say on some of the things below.
Bring the driving test closer to you
We'll look at how we can improve the convenience to you of bot... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Monday, March 4, 2013,
In :
Motoring news
Apparently March is the month that sees more MOTs than any other. Are you one of the 28% having to get yours done this month? F1 Autos up on St. Phillips Causeway would be my recommendation. Avoid City Motors in town like the plague. Beyond terrible.
Make sure you have a good look around your car before going. The average cost for getting a car through is £72. If it fails, you have to pay to have another one done. Common faults include bald tyres, worn out wiper blades and blown bulb... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Sunday, March 3, 2013,
In :
Motoring news
The new Think campaign, costing over £1.2 million (some how) is aimed at making those who believe that drink driving is alright's wallet. It's now believed that the cost for someone caught will be between £20,000 and £50,000 over a life time. This reflects the fines, legal costs, rise in insurance premiums and possible job losses faced by offenders.
Mr Hammond, the Government minister, was then heard to say "Anyone thinking of drinking and driving should be without any doubt. If you are c... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Saturday, March 2, 2013,
In :
Car reviews
I was this close (my thumb and forefinger are pretty close together here) to getting one of these instead of the little Fiat 500 I have now, but they were so new, the dual controls hadn't been produced, so would of had to have given driving lessons with no way of stopping the car. I'm not sure anyone would have been happy with that scenario.
Nowhere close to being as pretty as it's VW sister vehicle, the Up!, but several thousand pounds cheaper, it's a great alternative. All the forums on th... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Sunday, November 18, 2012,
In :
Motoring news
A TEAM of gym members has broken two world records for the amount of people squeezed into both a classic Mini and a current shape version.
At Potters Fields Park in London 28 flexible young women shimmied their way into a 2012 Mini hatchback, four of them somehow managing to fit together in the boot. Every inch of space was used, including the foot wells, the dashboard and the gap between the front seats on the way to beating the previous record of 27 – set by the same women last year in Eas... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Monday, July 23, 2012,
In :
Learning
YOUNG drivers are most at risk of crashing in the first few months after passing their test, according to an AA/Populus survey.
Of drivers who have had an accident, 23% of 18 to 24-year-olds crashed within six months of passing their test.
The survey, of more than 14,000 drivers who have had a car crash,
formed the basis of a report from the AA Charitable Trust and the Make
Roads Safe campaign.
Entitled Young Drivers at Risk, the report was launched today by former motor racing champion Nig...
Congratulations to Clay for passing first time yesterday at Southmead test centre. He passed with just two minors to convert his U.S licence to a U.K one. Well done and see you on the road. Continue reading ...
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 Wednesday, December 21, 2011,
Congratulations to Kizzy for passing yesterday over at Southmead test centre with just 5 minors! Well done Kizzy, see you on the road and have a merry Christmas.
Posted by Will Dracott on Saturday, September 17, 2011,
Congratulations to Sadie for passing first time yesterday at Southmead test centre. Dave taught her to drive, he's only been here two weeks and gets off to a flying start. Well done to the pair of you!
Posted by Will Dracott on Wednesday, August 24, 2011,
Congratulations to Laura. She passed yesterday at Southmead driving test centre after taking a two week intensive driving course. Well done Laura, see you on the road.
Posted by Will Dracott on Tuesday, March 30, 2010,
Approved
driving instructor (ADI) check tests in English or Welsh
From 1 October 2010 the
Driving Standards Agency will align the languages in which check tests
are conducted with those used for ADI practical tests.
The part 2 (driving ability)
and part 3 (instructional ability) tests are conducted in English or
Welsh only. Most ADIs who have qualified in Great Britain then continue
to have their check tests conducted in these languages.
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.
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!
Posted by Will Dracott on Saturday, March 27, 2010,
Shirehampton road, heading up the hill towards Kings Western Road and Blaize is being resurfaced (at last), and due to the nature of the road, being on a step incline and having a blind turn on the sumit, they have decided to put in some temporary traffic lights.
This is all very close to the crossroads on Sylvan Way, make sure you know what is troublesome about this set of taffic lights. Have a read here.
It gives advice to ADIs about how to report suspected illegal driving
instruction.
If you suspect that your instructor isn't qualified, make sure you act. He/she may not be CRB checked and could pose a real serious danger to peoples safety. If they do not have this green badge in their window, they arent qualified.
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.
Low carbon buses and fuel generated from everyday
waste are at the centre of a £30 million government fund to help reduce
emissions from transport.
The plans form part of the Department for Transport’s wider strategy
to encourage a radical shift to low carbon transport and improve air
quality in our cities.
As part of the funding, local authorities and bus operators will have
the opportunity to bid for...
Posted by Will Dracott on Tuesday, March 23, 2010,
Chief
driving examiner welcomes the publication of scientific study
Chief driving examiner and
director for safer driving Trevor Wedge has welcomed the publication of a
new scientific study into how driving instructors can develop their
coaching skills.
The EU-funded ‘High Impact approach for Enhancing Road safety
through More Effective communication Skills for driving instructors’ (HERMES) project began in March 2007 and was
completed in February 2010.
Consumers are paying an average of £425 each to fix
faults with second-hand cars that are the dealer's responsibility to
correct. A study by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) also found that
many dealers are using illegal disclaimers like 'No Refund'. Make sure
you know your rights when buying a second-hand car.
Posted by Will Dracott on Wednesday, March 17, 2010,
Driving examiner strike on Wednesday 24 March
The PCS union is asking its members to take strike action on
Wednesday 24 March.
If you have a driving test booked for that day, we ask you to
attend as scheduled.
We won’t know the effects of the strikes until the day as not all
of our examiners and staff are members of the union. We don’t know at
this stage who will attend for work, which is why we ask that you arrive
for your test regardless.
The DSA is really trying to push learners into taking their instructor with them in the back on the test. Watch the video and see if it would suit you.
Posted by Will Dracott on Saturday, January 30, 2010,
Just to make it clear to everyone who is learning to drive. Mini roundabouts are there for you to go around, not to go over, or diagonally across. Its called a ROUNDabout for a reason. Go AROUND it. If you don't make an effort to move around the markings on the floor during your exam, you'll fail.
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.
Posted by Will Dracott on Wednesday, January 13, 2010,
Lessons are off again and so too are tests. With this new blanket of snow, tests are going to be off for a day or too. perhaps with a slight increase in temperature the snow will go by Friday ... fingers crossed
Posted by Will Dracott on Monday, January 11, 2010,
Just spome to the test centre in Southmead and the manager tells me they are hopeful that exams this afternoon should be on. I've been out and about and the side roads are still dangerous, so I assume that the test routes will be jiggled around so no one will be put in harms way. Not many places offer the grip to perform the manoeuvres, but a few do exist, so lessons are back on again for those wishing to get out there!
If you have a lesson coming up, and don't like the look of the streets w... Continue reading ...
This blog is for everyone and anyone who has an interest in driving. We have all the latest from the DSA, High Way Code news, Motoring Headlines and Car Reviews. If you're a learner, motorist or driving instructor, we welcome your input in the topics we bring you.
