Posted by Will Dracott on Thursday, May 23, 2013,
In :
Learning
Congratulations to Faraaz Darr for passing their test yesterday over at Bristol's Southmead driving test center. Paul Hanley managed to get yet another student through first time after embarking on a one month intensive driving course. Congratulations to the both of you, see you on the road.  Continue reading ...
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. Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Saturday, May 18, 2013,
In :
Learning
We seem to have had a new review every day now for over a week! It's going very well for all of us here at A-Class Driving School. The latest review is from one of my successful students, Lilly. She passed her test first time over at Bristol's Southmead test center a few weeks ago and now has shared her experiences with the world here. Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Saturday, May 11, 2013,
In :
Learning
Congratulations to Livvy for passing her driving test first time yesterday over at Bristol's Southmead driving test center. Well done Livvy, see you on the road. 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 Friday, April 19, 2013,
In :
Motoring news
Congratulations to Pheobe for passing her driving test this morning over at Bristol's Southmead test center with just 4 minors. Well done Pheobe, see you on the road! Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Saturday, April 6, 2013,
In :
Learning
Congratulations to Luke Young, for passing his driving test first time at Bristol's Southmead test center the other day. Luke took a two week intensive driving course with Paul, and was very happy with the end result. Have a read of his review here. Well done Luke, congratulations once again, see you on the road! Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Thursday, April 4, 2013,
In :
Learning
A massive congratulations to Christian for passing his driving test first time over at Bristol's Southmead test center yesterday. Christian had an awesome drive picking up just one minor! Well done Christian, see you on the road and good luck for the future. He also wrote a fantastic review, thanks for the kind words. Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Thursday, March 21, 2013,
In :
Learning
Big positive vibes this morning are being sent out to Pheobe, who's taking her driving test over at Bristol's Souhtmead test centre this morning. Good luck, you can do it! Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Friday, March 15, 2013,
Congratulations to to Lily for passing her driving test at Bristol's Southmead test centre yesterday. She sailed through with just 4 minors, remembering all she learnt on her driving lessons and applyied it in a high pressure 40 minute session. Well done Lily, see you on the road and be safe. That's three passes in 7 days this March! Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Thursday, March 14, 2013,
In :
Learning
Good luck vibes are going out to Lily today, who has her driving test at Bristol's Southmead driving test centre this morning. You can do it! Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Thursday, March 7, 2013,
In :
Learning
Positive vibes going out to both Natalie and Helen who are taking their driving tests today at Southmead in Bristol, one after the other. Fingers crossed. Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Friday, January 25, 2013,
A massive congratulations to Nan for passing yesterday over at Sountmead test centre with just 2 minors! A fantastic drive. Well done Nan, see you on the road. Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Friday, June 15, 2012,
Congratulations to Billy for passing first time yesterday at Southmead test centre with just 4 minors. A great drive. Well done Billy, 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 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 ...
The crossroads on Shirehampton Road are being dug up and a 4 way traffic light system has been put in. The extra traffic isn't helpful for most of us, but if you're on your test this could infact be really useful, specially coming from the side roads onto the main one as this can sometimes be very busy indeed.  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 ...
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 ...
Congratulations to Jenny for passing at Southmead yesterday with 5 minors! 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 ...
Westbury Village will be closed to motorists on the 25th of August for a few days according to the road signs. Not sure what is going on here, but I'd practice in and around the little side roads of Westbury if you have a test there in the next week or so. Continue reading ...
East Hill is closed. I would hope that the examiners know this and simply aren't using the test routes that use this road as the diversion is very tricky. The roads used for the diversion are full of meeting situations, so be careful, look far ahead and make a plan on going or staying. Don;t wait too long, other road users will take advantage of you, but don't slow them down.  Continue reading ...
Lane closures less than a two minutes away from the test centre are causing congestion issues. Falcondale road is the large, two lane road connectig Bristol with Cribbs causeway and the M5. Right by the corssroads with Henbury Road a lot of digging is going on and the left hand lane heading down the hill towards Bristol has been closed. You'll need to use your mirrors, signal, get another mirror check in before creeping over into the right lane to proceed through the junction.  Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Wednesday, July 28, 2010,
Passage road in both directions is down to one lane yet again. More bus stops by the looks of things. The traffic lights on the crest of the hill are also out, so be on guard for pedestrians walking out infront of you!  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 ...
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 Glenn for passing his test today with an incredible 1 minor! He so nearly had a perfect score, if it wasn't for a speeding merc on his reverse parking exercise he would have done. Welll done, see you on the streets. 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 ...
Lots of road works at the moment in and around Bristol. The latest busy road to get some treatment is Passage Road, very close to the test centre. Be on the look out for the signs and beware that this road actualy has two lanes!  Continue reading ...
A lot of roads around the Southmeadf test route area have signs up saying they are about to be resurfaced and make-shift 20mph signs are everywhere. You only need to go 20 when the road has been resurfaced. You'll know if it's been resurfaced as it will be covered in loose stones and the chance of skidding is high. The other danger of re-surfacing is the lack of road markings, be careful your position doesn't waver and get eye contact with other drivers at junctions before going. 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 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 Thursday, April 22, 2010,
Temporary traffic lights are in place down Coldharbour Road for a new bus stop to be put in place. Seems like the "in" thing for Bristol this spring. Way too many for my liking, but still, we have to deal with them. So mirrors on approach, and keep focus about position. If you're going to stop, make sure you're on your side of the road and get to the stop line/wait area. If you're going to go through make sure you use your mirrors and change position fairly early so it's more like a stra... Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Sunday, April 18, 2010,
The dual carriageway headig up towards Filton is having some work done to it. One lane is out and the cones and new markings mean that the left hand lane is now the slip road to exit. So if you're beig asked to follow the road ahead past the airport, you'll need to be in the right hand lane. However, I've never heard of anyone going down there on a test, so the eft hand lane is what you'll need to double back on yourself and re-join the dual carriageway.  Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Saturday, April 10, 2010,
Shirehampton road in Sea Mills square is being resurfaced at the moment. Temporary traffic lights are in place to make it simple. Do be aware of the parked cars on ether side of the road and make sure if you stop next to one that you aren't massively reducing the width of the road.  Just up from here is a tricky crossroad junction. Have a look here to make sure you know how to take it. 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 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 Saturday, March 27, 2010,
Last one, I swear! If you get this test route in either direction at the moment, you'll need to be really on your toes! The one way system has a load of bollards and cones in the left lane as you come around the corner, without much notice. You'll be wanting to get into the right lane anyway, but just make sure you use your mirrors and signal to change lane and position. Also worth noting to take the signal off as just a little way down the street is a hidden right hand turn, that you are... 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,
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. 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 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 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, February 22, 2010,
Kellaway Road, very close to the horrid cramped up little crossroad, has cones and bollards in the street. The wall has collapsed and is having some emergency work carried out here. The street is narrow enough as it is, so make sure you speed is suitable if someone is coming towards you down here.  Test your meeting situations knowledge - http://www.a-class-driving.com/meeting-situations-quiz.php 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 Wednesday, February 17, 2010,
Druid Stoke Avenue is the street with the really posh houses with massive cast iron gates. You've probably done a few turn in the road manoeuvres and the emergency stop down here. On approach to this street there are still lots of road works on the mini roundabout. It's very difficult to see what is going on here, so be careful. The next issue is then turning into Druid Stoke Avenue. Straight away there are more roadworks and diggers and cones etc. Don't switch off, keep focused when ent... 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,
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.  Use the tutorials and make sure you know how to deal with crossroad situations, including unmarked crossroads. http://www.a-class-driving.com/online-support.php 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,
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.  Continue reading ...
Posted by Will Dracott on Saturday, February 6, 2010,
The traffic light controlled crossroads on Kellaway Road is having a little bit of work done to it at the moment. The work spills into Bishop Road and will only effect those making this turn. Just be aware that potentially pedestrians could be walking in the street, or work men could be moving around without taking too much notice of the traffic, so be careful for that type of road user here.  Test what you know on crossroads by taking the crossroads quiz. http://www.a-class-driving.com/crossr... Continue reading ...
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.  Test your knowledge on pedestrian crossings here http://www.a-class-drivin... 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 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 Tuesday, January 12, 2010,
Lunch time tests today are off. If you have a test, phone the centre to ask if yours is on or off. 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 |
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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.
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