2pass Newsletter - August - September 2008 issue 113

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2Pass Newsletter	August - September 2008 / Issue 113
In this issue: • Theory test changes for bus, coach and lorry drivers • Theory Test Database Change • Driving Tip of the Month • Get Past Driving Test Nerves • Therapy helps learner driver • Consulation time Extended • Drivers cut speed to slash fuel bills • Car sales in Reverse • Fake driving instructor sentenced • Bikers face long L-test journey • ADI Corner • Cancel your subscription	Driving Tip of the Month About Block Gear Changes Some drivers have a habit of always changing through the gears one-by-one (1,2,3,4,5 - 5,4,3,2,1). This habit has stuck with some older drivers from when they originally learned to drive many years ago. Today, in a normal car and for everyday on-road driving, it is not generally good practice to use the gears in this way. We can change down the gears in blocks ( 5th to 2nd or 4th to 2nd. etc) Over the years, motor car design and engineering has improved. Compared with cars of even ten years ago, modern cars are lighter, more powerful and more aerodynamic. These changes mean that the driving method that was essential in older cars is no longer needed in modern driving More Get Past Driving Test Nerves For thousands of learner drivers who find the test a frightening and confidence-destroying experience, help is now at hand.Of the many books published on the subject of passing the driving test in the UK, not one addresses the issue of nerves. Yet most learners admit that nerves are the main cause of the mistakes that lead to test failure. What these learners need is calmness on the day. Harley Street psychologist and hypnotherapist Lorna Cordwell specialises in helping people to overcome nerves. This book offers readers clear and simple advice about how to remain calm and focused under pressure, using proven therapeutic methods to be practised by the reader in the build-up to their test. By understanding nerves and positively preparing, learners can achieve success. Therapy helps learner driver A woman from Stoke-on-Trent has passed her driving test at the ninth attempt with the use of alternative stress therapy. More at BBC Video story Consulation time Extended The consultation period on Learning to Drive - which considers possible changes to the way new drivers are trained and tested - has been extended by an extra 30 days and will now conclude on Monday, 6th October 2008. Consultation on Learning to Drive
Theory test changes for bus, coach and lorry drivers From 4th August 2008 drivers will be tested on 100 questions and need to correctly answer 85 of the 100 to pass the multiple choice part of the test. The number of hazard perception clips will also increase from 14 to 19 and the pass mark will increase from 50 out of 75, to 67 out of 100. The other theory test change, which is being made at the request of the industry, is to split the test into two parts. This will allow candidates to take the multiple choice element separately from the hazard perception element; and in either order. This change aims to avoid potential recruits being put off entering the industry due to the length of the test as a single event. To accommodate the changes, the cost of the theory test will increase from £32 to £50 (£35 for the multiple choice test and £15 for the hazard perception test). Tests can be booked separately for the bus, coach and lorry drivers test. More Information from the DSAWebsite Theory Test Database Change The DSA have again amended the question bank for the theory test. The changes will take place for tests taken on and after 1st September 2008. If you are practising using the old questions, then don't worry, not all the questions have changed. However if you are buying new material, make sure it is up todate. Focus Multimedia Ltd have a new product for the new questions. Driving Test Success ALL TESTS Theory Test > Contains the entire OFFICIAL DSA Theory Test Question Bank for all tests taken from the 1st September 2008 onwards for learner car drivers and motorcyclists and ADI tests Hazard Perception >Hundreds of interactive video clips Practical > Over 60 high quality video tutorials. Show Me, Tell Me > 19 OFFICIAL DSA test questions plus step-by-step video tutorials. Mock Practical Driving Test Special offer for 2pass Vistors. Price: ~~£9.99~~ £7.99 (Free P&P) More
Drivers cut speed to slash fuel bills Motorists are officially driving slower. But it’s not speed cameras that are keeping them in check – it’s soaring fuel prices! Drivers can gain an extra 3mpg, saving up to six pence per litre at the pumps, by adopting a slower, less erratic style, according to the experts at the AA Motoring Trust. And the group claims thrifty motorists have been noticeably easing off the gas as a result. Can a petrolhead be an eco-driver? Car sales in Reverse Car sales appear to be stuck in reverse with a car buying index revealing a "significant" decline in the number of people planning to buy a car in the next six months. Sainsbury's index, which tracks the number of people planning to purchase a vehicle on a six-monthly basis, predicts spending on cars over the next six months is set to decrease. Fake driving instructor sentenced A man who pretended to be a qualified driving instructor after failing exams to do the job has been ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid community work. Mervin Mercer, from Sleetmoor Lane of Somercotes, Derbyshire, admitted fraud, obtaining property by deception and driving without insurance. He had taught about 25 students over two years and ignored warnings about continuing to teach. More Bikers face long L-test journey Learner motorcyclists in mid Wales are facing long rides to take their tests when the test is changed in September. The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is introducing an off-road element which can be taken only at special sites. Plans to open a centre in Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire have been delayed, meaning the closest centres are in Swansea and Shrewsbury in Shropshire. The DSA said most people should not have to travel more than 20 miles or 45 minutes to their test. The DSA had hoped to find a suitable site for an MPTC at Withybush Airport near Haverfordwest, but planning permission has been refused. More		ADI CORNER CPD Please take some time to fill in the CPD questionnaire and send it back to Nick Ibbott of the ADI NJC, this will make your views known to the industry on CPD, stand up and be counted, don't leave it to someone else. More about the work already being done on CPD can be found on the DSA website To all Motorcycle Trainers ATB Open Days for the new motorcycle test A series of open days has been scheduled for selected Sundays during August and September, to provide motorcycle trainers the opportunity to view the demonstration of the off-road exercises, and to have a go at them, as well as to check their training bikes’ speedos against the speed measuring equipment. To view the full diary of events and location details, follow the link below. ATB open days schedule
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