Posted by Will Dracott on Friday, May 17, 2013,
In :
Learning
Another review, that's 4 this week alone! It's another one for Dave Allenby, by Dan Guy, who passed very recently with A-Class Driving School, here in Bristol. You can read the full review here, and if you're looking for driving lessons with Dave, give him a call on 0771 992 3772. Continue reading ...
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 Monday, May 13, 2013,
In :
Motoring news
At last the government have announced harsher penalties for driving whilst texting. It's something that I see all day, every day being out there on the road teaching driving lessons. If you're caught, it's now a £90 fine. But it's not just texters that are to be punished. Those cutting up others, middle lane road hogs on the motorway, sandwich eaters and smokers are all being lined up too.
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 Saturday, April 20, 2013,
In :
Learning
Another great review has just come in from Samantha in Bristol. She´s written some great things regarding her driving lessons and experience with Paul at A-Class Driving School. Read the full review here. Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Tuesday, April 2, 2013,
In :
Learning
Currently Paul has space to take on new students, so if you're looking to learn how to drive, how about taking advantage of our April special offer of 5 driving lessons for £80. That's 20% off the price. Give Paul (our most experienced instructor - 22 years) a call direct on 0774 710 1973 to book your Bristol driving lessons today!
Posted by Will Dracott on Monday, April 1, 2013,
In :
Learning
This April new students can take advantage of our new great offer. Your first 5 lessons for only £80! That's 20% discount off the price of driving lessons this month.
Posted by Will Dracott on Sunday, March 31, 2013,
In :
Learning
Today is the last day of March's special offer where new students can grab their first 6 driving lessons for only £105! That's 20% off. Call either Paul on 07747101973 or Dave on 07719923772 now to book your driving lessons in Bristol today. Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Friday, March 29, 2013,
In :
Learning
I´m away for the next few weeks, so anyone wanting driving lessons with me will sadly have to wait. If you´re super keen to get going, there are two alternatives. If you´re over in the east of Bristol, please contact Dave on 07719923772 or call Paul on 07747101973 Continue reading ...
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 Thursday, March 28, 2013,
In :
Learning
March is almost over and if you want to take advantage of our 6 driving lessons for £105 offer, then you have only 4 days left before it's gone! So to book your driving lessons with A-Class Driving School in Bristol, call us today on 0783 779 6842.
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 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 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 Friday, March 8, 2013,
In :
Driving Test Info
Yesterday was a pretty good one for A-Class Driving School. Both Natalie and Helen passed their driving tests at Southmead in Bristol with 2 and 5 minors respectively. They kept their cool and remembered everything taught to them on their driving lessons. Congratulations to both of you on obtaining your drivers licence and see you on the road. Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Friday, March 8, 2013,
In :
Learning
There are new rules in place for those wishing to take driving lessons as from today. They concern those with epilepsy and those with eye-sight issues. Make sure you have a look before taking your driving lessons.
Have a full read here - http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/UKDSA-6fb529
Posted by Will Dracott on Tuesday, March 5, 2013,
In :
Learning
This month's special offer sees new students in Bristol get the opportunity to take their first 6 lessons for £105! That's 20% off the cost of driving lessons. Call today to book your cheap driving lessons in Bristol Continue reading ...
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 :
Car reviews
I always wanted Golf when I was a lad. It was the 'it' car for a newly qualified driving youngster. The shape, the looks ... the speed dare I say it. Since then, VW has worked hard on getting away from that boy racer image and tries to hit the demographic of successful twenty something. With a price tag of around £28,000, 217 bhp and 0-64 in 6.4 seconds, realistically, no newly qualified driver will be able to get behind the wheel of one.
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 Monday, December 24, 2012,
In :
Learning
A whole months worth of driving gifts covered from full on electric cars to espresso makers. It's all for nothing unless you can drive so our last gift this Christmas is our December special offer for new students wishing to learn, 5 lessons for £88. Which is an incredible 20% off! We can even email you the voucher for printing out in order for you to physically hand over something tomorrow.
Posted by Will Dracott on Friday, November 30, 2012,
In :
Learning
It's the last day to take advantage of November's special offer. New students can still get their first 6 lessons for £110, that's over 16% off the normal price. Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Thursday, November 22, 2012,
In :
Learning
New videos on the website regarding the turn in the road and the reverse around the corner. Here's the new turn in the road video with commentary. More available in the tutorials section on the site.
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 Wednesday, October 24, 2012,
A huge congratulations to Lindsay for passing yesterday first time at Southmead test centre with just two minors. Great Job Lindsay, see you on the road! Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Wednesday, July 25, 2012,
FIAT is to update the 500 range with six bold new colours, revised interior trim, new wheels and a neater aerial design.
The order books are open now for the new Countrypolitan Yellow (pictured) and New Age Cream solid finishes, and Groove Metal Grey, Epic Blue, Chillout Purple and Idol Pink metallics.
Inside, a Chocolate Brown/Ivory fabric colour pairing joins a grey/black option. Two-tone leather trim choices will be made available by the end of the year for the 2013 model.
WHILE Britain welcomes Olympics arrivals, around two million people will be heading abroad at the start of the school holidays this weekend.
And for those taking breaks in the UK, there was a promise of better weather, with conditions expected to be warmer, drier and sunnier.
The AA warned that major road routes were likely to be busy from mid-afternoon today.
Those staying at home, who have had to endure one of the UK's coldest, wettest and dullest summers ever, can at least look forward to som... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Sunday, July 22, 2012,
In :
Motoring news
LAST month's Jubilee double bank holiday put the brake on car production, official figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed today.
A total of 119,193 cars were manufactured in the UK in June 2012 - a 0.7% dip on the June 2011 figure.
Commercial vehicle (CV) production last month was also affected by the June 4 and 5 bank holidays, dropping 19.7% to 8,367 vehicles.
Engine production in June 2012 also fell - going down 15.1% to 203,188.
Posted by Will Dracott on Wednesday, January 18, 2012,
Congratulations to Jack for passing first time yesterday over at Southmead driving test centre. Jack passed with just 5 minors. That's two passes this week and a 100% pass rate in 2012 for A-Class Driving School. Continue reading ...
Two special offers running this month. First off, a 30 hour intensive driving course over either 2, 3 or 4 weeks for just £500. That works out at just £16.66 per hour! Intensive courses are by far the best way to learn. Quicker, cheaper and the student always shows far better driving skills by the time the test comes around. You'll need to have passed your theory first and then book in your practical, then we can fit in the hours to suit you.
Posted by Will Dracott on Thursday, April 15, 2010,
Learner flips car on roof
Learner driver Krisztina Jaksa ended her second driving
lesson by crawling out of an upside down car.
The bizarre accident happened in Headington, near Oxford, when the
24-year-old was crossing a junction.
The BSM Fiat 500 she was driving hit a gatepost then flipped onto its
roof, smashing the side windows and windscreen. When local resident
Ross Dunne heard a crash he rushed to the scene and helped Ms Jaksa out
of the car; the instructor was already ge...
Found a great place for cheap tyres today. F1 Autos on St.Phillips Causeway. Only £40 with labour for a new 15" rim tyre for my A-Class. Hi-Q are £50 and Kwik Fit (if anyone ever gets round to seving you) would be £53.
Posted by Will Dracott on Saturday, March 20, 2010,
Online booking system is moving
The online booking system for practical driving tests
is moving to Directgov. That means from 9.00 am on Monday 21 March from
you’ll need to visit direct.gov.uk/drivingtest to book,
check, change or cancel your practical driving test.
The move means our existing system will be unavailable from 2.00
pm on Sunday 21 March. We’re sorry for any
inconvenience.
You can find out more about the practical driving test at d...
This March, if you recommend A-Class Driving School to a friend, you'll both receive a free lesson. If you have passed already, then an assesment lesson or perhaps one of the pass plus modules (motorway, dual carriageway, rural, city, night, all weather).
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.
Posted by Will Dracott on Tuesday, February 23, 2010,
I've notied recently that many a learner after coming off the quicker roads (dual carriageways especially) tend to continue driving in the same fashion in one way or another. Either they continue to drive above 30mph or when approaching they wont come down to 15/10mph for any kind of junction so their MSM routine suffers (usually the gear change is absent).
So really try to make a mental note to yourself, after exiting those quicker roads, back to driving at the slower speeds. Same goes for ... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Monday, February 22, 2010,
Heavy rain due on Thursday morning, they have issued a "severe" warning. If you're on your test, make sure you know where the windscreen wipers are and keep a 4 second gap.
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.
Posted by Will Dracott on Monday, February 15, 2010,
The crossroads in Linden Road are having some work done to them, which is a pain seeing as the crossroads are so tight and narrow it's difficult for cars to make much progress. Just be aware that traffic maybe heavy here and diggers and work men may be around, so lots of mirrors and approach with caution.
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,
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,
I'm guessing it's that time of year when road works start to pop up left right and centre. Sea Mills Lane is down to one lane. As you turn left off Shirehampton Road (coming down the hill with the zebra crossing, the crossroads and little parade of shops) you'll see warning triangles very quickly. Get some mirror checks in to show the examiner you've seen the danger, then goet your speed down. You won't be able to see the road works until it's possibly too late. cars could be coming at y... 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.
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!
Posted by Will Dracott on Saturday, February 6, 2010,
One test route runs down Gloucester Road and at the moment there is a little bit of digging up that may cause a few issues. It's busy enough at the best of times and to make things worse, outside of the sainsburys the zebra crossing is having some work done to it. Lots of cones and people around, so mirrors and proceed with caution. Make sure you really take note of what people on the pavement are intending to do here.
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.
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!
Posted by Will Dracott on Thursday, January 28, 2010,
Last year about 1 in 20 drivers were uninsured. With the resession that figure is now closer to 1 in 10! Because of the rise of uninsured drivers and the fake injury claims motorists are seeing a rise in their insurance by up to 20%!
How to get around this? Well, first of all, barter. Some of us don't like it, but it works. Use a comparision website, get the best 4 or 5 prices, then call them directly and play them off against one another. I did this last year and brought my quote dow... 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.
Posted by Will Dracott on Wednesday, January 27, 2010,
Stoke Hillhas more cones and work being done to it. This time it's BT narrowing down the road. It's about 100 meters further up the hill from the sand and gravel piles down by the shops.
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.
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.
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 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 ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Thursday, January 7, 2010,
With the heavy snow the night before and low temperatures, lessons today are off. The back streets are like an ice rink and chances of black ice are very high. It's simply too dangerous.
Driving tests around the city will be off too. You can't see the kerb on some streets, however, if you do have a test today, call the test centre to make sure. Later in the day once the sun has come out, the ice/snow may melt a little and tests could be back on.
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.
