How Driving Examiners Striking Will Impact Your Driving Test Date & What You Can Do About It12/9/2022 How Driving Examiners Striking Will Impact Your Driving Test Date & What You Can Do About ItThere is much concern from young drivers regarding the upcoming strike action that the public and commercial services union are planning. This strike action will last throughout December 2022 and January 2023. This is putting an enormous amount of strain on an already creaking driving test booking system. The Covid-19 pandemic led to 100s thousands of cancelled driving tests and the backlog is still extremely significant. This added pressure on the booking system will do nothing to alleviate the genuine concerns that learner drivers are facing at the current wait to pass a driving test. What Type of Tests Are affected by strikes?The strike action is set to affect the following test types:
However, it has been confirmed by the DVSA that learner theory tests will not be affected. Tests provided by a private provider will also not be affected but this is an extremely small portion and does not include any of the main types of tests. Why are there strikes?The driving examiners who are striking are part of the PCS union. They are demanding a 10% pay rise, better pensions, job security and no cuts to redundancy terms. The government say that this is simply unaffordable currently. The latest estimates shows that over 500,000 people are still waiting for their driving test. This is a huge problem for both learner drivers and ADI driving instructors who will have to reorganise their schedules to accommodate the cancelled tests and the new bookings. The PCS claim that 86.2& of the members they balloted voted for the strike action and therefore have a big mandate to carry out the strikes. The current strikes is just one in a long list of unions that have called for strikes. This chart from the BBC shows the different departments that are striking when. What is the schedule for the strike action?The PCS union is conducting a ârollingâ strike. This means that driving tests will be affected in different parts of the country at different times. The current schedule is as follows:
What is the schedule for the strike action?It is important to note that not all examiners are part of a union. Even those who are part of the PCS union may not wish to go on strike. This means that not all tests will be cancelled. You should still go to your tests even if your test falls on one of those dates. Your test will only be cancelled if you are contacted by the DVSA specifically. If you are contacted by the DVSA and your test is cancelled, a new one will be re-scheduled for you within 5-10 working days. If your test is affected, you will be able to claim expenses if you are out of pocket. Â Will There be More Strikes?Unfortunately, the PCS has not ruled out further strike action and strikes could continue through February and beyond if an agreeable offer cannot be obtained. However, strikes could also be averted if an agreement is reached soon. What can I do about it?If you are affected by the driving test strike action that is taking place, then your best option would be to find a driving test cancellation. You can search constantly to find a test yourself or alternatively you could use a cancellation checker service like ours to get an earlier driving test. via https://www.findmeadrivingtest.co.uk/how-driving-examiners-striking-will-impact-your-driving-test-date-what-you-can-do-about-it/
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HOW TO BOOK A DRIVING TESTThe Complete Guide to Booking Your Driving Test THE SITEJump straight on to the .Gov site. https://www.gov.uk/book-driving-test This is were the booking process begins. Simply click âbook now.â You will need to choose the type of driving test that you are booking (such as a car, bike or trailer) and then progress to the next step. DRIVING LICENCE TIMENow just follow the process, but make sure you have your provisional driving licence at the ready as It will ask you for your driving licences number (Section 5). You will also need your theory test number to book a driving test and this can be found on your theory test certificate. You will also need to choose which test centre you would like to take your driving test at. It is often worth checking multiple test centres to find the earliest test date possible. Complete the rest of the form and pay £62 one off payment for your selected test date. You will receive an email confirmation from the DSA. Make sure you keep this safe at it will contain a booking reference number which will come in handy.If you do not receive this email make sure you email the straight away as the test will not have been booked (Make sure you check your spam first!). WHY WAIT
Once you have booked your test you will realise that your date could be months away. Why wait that long for your test? At Find Me A Driving Test we search high and low for cancellations meaning you save money, as you donât have to spend it on driving lessons. See below for some of our great features.
HOW ELSE CAN I BOOK MY DRIVING TEST?
There are other ways to book a driving test. You can call 0300 200 1122 to book a test over the phone. That said, this is an automated service and you do not actually speak to a human. This line is open at the same time as the online booking service (8am â 12pm) but it can be more restrictive on the driving test dates that can be found. Booking your driving test over the internet is often far easier than using the phone â after all, no one likes to use automated phone services!
fall in love with our features100% Free TrialWe offer a free trial to give you every confidence in our excellent services! It doesn't get much better than that! We hope you like it as much as we do! Sign up using the button at the bottom of the page. Easy to UseWe save you money by finding you a test as soon as possible, meaning you don't have to pay for endless driving lessons. We cost far less than an average driving lesson; now that makes sense! Save MoneyWe save you money by finding you a test as soon as possible, meaning you don't have to pay for endless driving lessons. We cost far less than an average driving lesson; now that makes sense! Automatic ReservationWe reserve your test date by using our text to book system. We text you a cancellation date if it suits you, just text 'book' and we'll book it for you. Simple!. via https://www.findmeadrivingtest.co.uk/how-to-book-a-driving-test/ The Driving Test Backlog And The Implications On Young DriversLearner drivers have found it increasingly difficult to find driving tests and make their dream of independent driving a reality. Our research has found that over 50% of tests centres still have over a five month wait for driving tests. There are particular delays to driving tests in Scotland as test centres were closed longer and therefore the backlog was longer compared to other UK nations. Stop 1. Search For Other Test Centres: 2. Book your driving test well in advance: 3. Driving Test Cancellation: 4. Be Flexible:
5. The affects on Young Learner Drivers: We have heard reports of young drivers struggling to get jobs due to the driving test shortage. Although the DVLA originally prioritised âkey workersâ, they do not get that luxury anymore. In some parts of the country, it can be extremely difficult to get a job without the ability to drive a car. This might be because of a poor public transport network or due to requiring a car for the job. The other huge problem the driving test backlog has had on young drivers is the increase in stress in learning to drive and taking the test itself. The majority of people who take a driving test fail and this means the search for a driving test goes on and on and on. A learner driver may have waited 3 months for a test and then will have to wait a further three months to attempt it again. When you add in the backlog to book a theory test, it can end up taking up to a year to learn to drive and pass the test due to the backlogs. Learning to drive is a privilege and not a right, and every care should be taken to make sure the scrutiny of the driving test is carried out. But there is no doubt that the driving test backlog has had profound impacts on young drivers today.
via https://www.findmeadrivingtest.co.uk/the-driving-test-backlog-and-the-implications-on-young-drivers/ Waiting Times at Theory Test CentresWaiting times do vary from centre to centre in the UK but generally they are 1-2 month. This waiting time can be very frustrating if you are either ready to complete your test or you have unfortunately failed on your previous attempt. The good news is that there are companies out there which can help you with your wait. Here at Find Me A Theory Test, our team ensure that when booking your test that cancellations have been searched and that the earliest slot possible has been booked.
So, what is the reason for the long waiting times? In recent years the pandemic has really caused an issue for the DVSA and learner wanting to take their theory test. Thousands of theory test were cancelled causing a huge backlog and a large spike in waiting times. Although as of writing this they have come down they are still remaining over a month waiting time. Other factors have also caused a delays, due to the funeral of the late passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II meant that of the day of the funeral no theory test we conducted increasing the backlog.
With all these factors in play we will slowly see the theory test waiting times comes down but until then, if you are wanting your test booked, then there is no better place that booking it through Find Me A Theory Test were we insure that the wait for your test will be short lived. via https://www.findmeadrivingtest.co.uk/waiting-times-at-theory-test-centres/ Waiting Times at Theory Test CentresWaiting times do vary from centre to centre in the UK but generally they are 1-2 month. This waiting time can be very frustrating if you are either ready to complete your test or you have unfortunately failed on your previous attempt. The good news is that there are companies out there which can help you with your wait. Here at Find Me A Theory Test, our team ensure that when booking your test that cancellations have been searched and that the earliest slot possible has been booked.
So, what is the reason for the long waiting times? In recent years the pandemic has really caused an issue for the DVSA and learner wanting to take their theory test. Thousands of theory test were cancelled causing a huge backlog and a large spike in waiting times. Although as of writing this they have come down they are still remaining over a month waiting time. Other factors have also caused a delays, due to the funeral of the late passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II meant that of the day of the funeral no theory test we conducted increasing the backlog.
With all these factors in play we will slowly see the theory test waiting times comes down but until then, if you are wanting your test booked, then there is no better place that booking it through Find Me A Theory Test were we insure that the wait for your test will be short lived. via https://www.findmeadrivingtest.co.uk/elementor-967625/
The recent Coronavirus pandemic has produced a wave of new drivers, pushing up demand for cars significantly in the last 3 years. Statista estimates that worldwide car sales grew to around 66.7m automobiles in 2021, up from roughly 63.8m in 2020, as a result of a surge in new drivers.
However, in the same period, Statista also estimates that the sales of the 10 leading global automotive suppliers declined from $314,654m to $291,958m. A shift away from traditional suppliers has led experts to wonder what trends new drivers are following, and why more abstract cars are becoming the first choice for so many.
Thatâs why FindMeADrivingTest has created this list of the top 3 most popular cars for new drivers in 2022.
1 Vauxhall Corsa
First revealed in 1992, the Vauxhall Corsa has been steadily growing as the nationâs favourite car for new drivers. The car is considered above average in reliability, comfort and cost by many drivers, although this comes as a sacrifice of speed. Moreover, the Vauxhall Corsa is probably one of the cheapest cars you can purchase, with extreme reliability and a focus on safety for newer drivers. This makes this model perfect for those who learned to drive following the Coronavirus pandemic as it provides greater safety on the roads in areas that may be more difficult, such as manoeuvring and steering. AutoExpress details how âthe latest Vauxhall Corsa is miles better than the car it replaced, offering a much more convincing blend of performance, economy, comfort and driving pleasureâ. DriveVauxhall also testified that âVauxhall Corsas are considered above average for reliability, especially for general drivingâ, helping new drivers operate safely in their day-to-day activities. What more could you desire from a car? Safe, affordable, and cheap, the Vauxhall Corsa has earned its place as one of the most popular cars amongst new drivers.
2 Fiat 500
Marking its introduction in 1936, the Fiat 500 has recently climbed in popularity with new drivers. Its popularity has grown not only for its unique body, economic fuel efficiency and nimble handling but also for becoming the first true city car made specifically with the publicâs demands in mind. This makes the car highly attractive to first-time buyers in larger cities, where rising costs of living put pressure on finances which can be combated by the cheap maintenance of the Fiat 500. According to Caruno, âcars are so much more than four wheels and an engineâ, and this is reflected in the Fiat 500 greatly through its reliability and sturdiness. They go on to state that âtheyâre the things that keep your life movingâ, and no car is better suited for this than this sleek and reliable model. CarBuyer illustrates how the Fiat 500 has risen in popularity because âthe entry-level Pop is also relatively cheap to buy and insure and has enough equipment to distinguish itself from other very basic rivals such as the Skoda Citigo Sâ. The Fiat 500 will make a great first car for any first-time buyers, with numerous abilities that separate it from the competition. Because of this, it has become one of the top most popular cars for new drivers in 2022.
3 Toyota Aygo
The Toyota Aygo has risen to become one of the most popular cars with new drivers in 2022 for a range of reasons, with the most important being the cost of insurance. The car sits in the lower end of insurance prices, with surprisingly low costs for first-time buyers and drivers. This makes it easier to balance the maintenance of the car alongside its average running cost to keep the prices low for new drivers. Moreover, the Aygoâs 998cc three-cylinder engine is renowned as âaward-winningâ and similarly is low cost to maintain; its efficiency and reliability is almost unmatched with other first-time car options. The tank itself holds a range of over 530 miles from a 35-litre fuel tank and amazingly-low CO2 emissions. Repair costs for the car are also minimised, as the solidly built engine comes with a warranty lasting up to 10 years (as long as the car is serviced by Toyota) that will keep repair costs to a minimum. According to TheAA, the Toyota Aygo is a ânice little car, cheap to run, drives well on motorways but lacks accelerationâ, making it the most fitting and safest choice for new drivers. They go on to state that it is âreliable and very spacious insideâ, providing the perfect balance of comfort and cost.
Conclusion
There has never been a more difficult time to become a new driver, with the Covid-19 pandemic impacting the availability of lessons, travel, insurance and cars. Thatâs why it is crucial that new drivers are able to find a safe and affordable car that they can accommodate both into their daily lives and finances. We hope that this list provides a helpful insight into what you need to consider and what other drivers are leaning towards so that you can drive safely and easily as a new driver. via https://www.findmeadrivingtest.co.uk/top-most-popular-cars-for-new-drivers-2022/ Learner drivers have found it increasingly difficult to find driving tests and make their dream of independent driving a reality. Our research has found that over 50% of tests centres still have over a five month wait for driving tests. There are particular delays to driving tests in Scotland as test centres were closed longer and therefore the backlog was longer compared to other UK nations. Over 450,000 tests were cancelled due to Covid-19 and has led to large frustrations of learner drivers. In an effort to reduce the backlog the DVLA attempted to increase the number of tests from seven to eight a day. This was a move designed to increase the testing capacity by over 5000 tests per month. However, 92% of driving instructors balloted by the public and commercial services (PCS) union rejected the proposals and voted for two days of strike action. This move angered learner drivers who were already angry at the backlog created by the pandemic and frustrated at the inflexibility of instructors to help mitigate the consequences of the backlog. The DVLA are bringing in new measures to tackle the backlog by trying to encourage retired driving instructors back. They are also looking to reduce the length of the test in an effort to appease driving instructors that were balloted for strike action. This has raised some safety concerns from organisations who claim that the rigorous standards of the driving test should never be compromised. The UK has one of the most difficult driving tests in the world. And although not as tough as in countries such as Japan (where a hearing, eye test, physicality test and aptitude test are all required) it is renowned as a stringent experience. Mexico is technically the easiest place to learn to drive as they don’t have any sort of driving test whatsoever. India has perhaps the easiest driving test in the world you only need to prove that you can do three things: – Stop The UK does have over 600 tests centres and the pass rates can vary greatly. Inveraray has the highest pass rate at over 83%. As a rule of thumb, the more rural a test centre is, the easier it is to pass due to the lack of roundabouts, junctions and other obstacles. Some test centres in Liverpool and Birmingham have pass rates of less than 30% which goes to show where you live and where you take your test can really matter. Four Tips on How to Deal with the Driving Test Backlog We have many readers who ask us for tips on how to find a driving test and we’ve compiled a list of the best methods. 1. Search For Other Test Centres The single best thing to do is try and be flexible and search for other test centres than you might normally. We just detailed above how some test centres have better pass rates than others. It’s worth looking at that list and trying to find test centres that have higher pass rates. Alternatively, if you can be really flexible, try looking at other test centres in the country to see if dates are available elsewhere. From our experience, we have seen the waiting list for some test centres be just six weeks (despite the backlog) whilst others are at six months! 2. Book your driving test well in advance. 3. Driving Test Cancellation 4. Be Flexible The affects on Young Learner Drivers via https://www.findmeadrivingtest.co.uk/the-driving-test-backlog-and-the-implications-on-young-drivers/ Learn to drive at a young age is a great way to gain independence. However, in a recent plan from the department for transport (DfT) they are looking for this to change. The DfT are considering bringing in a night curfew for drivers under a certain age. Experts say that this is not the only thing they are looking to bring in, they have a raft of potential new rules for young drivers. This could put a lot of people off looking to drive. The move comes after recent DfT figures revealed one in five newly-qualified motorists are involved in a collision in their first 12 months. Schemes like this are already in place in other EU countries and parts of Australia and Canada. Which they believe that it does work. Questions do have to be asked of the DfT if this is the right option. Would it be better teaching and getting a better understanding of the danger of driving rather than hampering young drivers? As these new rules could affect young people chances of gaining jobs. There have been similar ideas brought forward before. Such as young drivers not been able to carry passengers under a certain age or restrict the number of passengers there are able to carry. One idea which has come in, but is not mandatory, is the black box. This little device fits to your car so the insurance company can see how and sometimes when you are driving. This is a great way to bring down young driverâs insurance premiums which are notoriously high. This can also work the other way and driver who are driving dangerously can have their insurance cancelled. via https://www.findmeadrivingtest.co.uk/new-drivers-maybe-banned-from-driving-during-the-night/ Driving lesson already cost £26 pounds an hour and that is not including the test its self plus all the books needed for the theory. So, it is bad news for the people living round the Cannock test centre as the DVSA has announced it closure. This means it will be along travel for people wanting to take their test as the nearest test centres are either Featherstone or Lichfield.
The DVSA have already tried to close the test centre which operates two days a week back in 2015. They decided against it back then however, they have now changed their mind on the situation. DVSA believe that a more consistent service will be offered at Featherstone and Lichfield as they are open five days a week.
New houses are been built around the Cannock area so there would have been opportunity for the test centre to grow yet the DVSA still plans on closing the centre.
This in not the only recent test centre which is causing issue to learner drivers. Wellingborough in Northamptonshire is also set to close. Wellingborough was only recently opened in 2015 due to high waiting times at Glamis Hall. Glamis Hall will yet again cause long waiting times for learners divers however, the DVSA believe they have put in the right precautions to not have the same problems as last time.
With the ever-increasing cost of learning how to drive this just adds to the bill. With the cost of travailing to the centre and most learners like to practice around the test centres, to get used to the roads this will increase the cost of the lessons. Never mind the wasted time for both the learner and the instructor in the constant traveling to the test centre area. It looks like this will continue to grow for both parties making the challenge to get on to the road harder. via https://www.findmeadrivingtest.co.uk/cannock-driving-centre-to-close/ We are all probably getting bored of the constant talk that is Brexit, but as we head towards October 31st there is still no viable deal in site. This brings the UK closer to a so called âno dealâ Brexit but what does this mean for your driving licence? The current standard is that your driving licence is applicable in any EU country and you can drive without restriction for a period of time. This allows relative ease of movement between countries with no other documents required. A no deal scenario would revert to the default standard for non EU countries. It is likely that you would need to obtain an international driving permit (IDP) in order to drive within the EU. An IDP can be purchased from multiple locations such as the post office. There are two types of IDP and the one you require will depend on the country you are visiting. The two types of IDP are:
The 1949 convention IDP lasts for a total of 12 months from issue but is only recognised in the following countries:
For any other EU country, the 1968 convention IDP would be required. These IDPs last for three years instead of 12 months and is valid in all EU countries plus Norway and Switzerland. Both types of IDP cost £5.50 and available from the post office. Although only 250 post offices sell the IDP currently, by the end of February this will expand to 3500. You will be able to call in at any post office and get an IDP over the counter on a âturn up and goâ basis. And IDP is not new and currently applies to most non EU countries. The US for example requires an IDP to drive and hire a car in any US state. Your Driving Licence When Moving to Another EU Country Under existing terms, if you are moving to become a resident in another EU country, you can simply swap your driving licence for one from the country you are in. This will cease to apply unless there is an agreement in place beforehand. It is likely that agreements will be in place with many EU countries to allow this process before exit day but it is unlikely that this will apply to all EU states and so care will be needed to check which states there is an agreement with. There are many non EU countries that already have an agreement in place such as:
It is said that is in the interest of both countries to allow this to continue to happen otherwise a driving test may have to be conducted in the respective country. This could potentially add a lot of strain onto what is already a pressured driving test system. This would mean a greater demand for test slots and therefore cancellations.
Brexit is a controversial topic but it is now up to retrospective governments to decide on what the course of action should be when it comes to both EU nationals and their driving licences in the UK and British nationals when driving abroad. There is potential for it to become much more difficult but there is just as much chance that respective agreements will be in place by the time the UK is due to leave the European Union. via https://www.findmeadrivingtest.co.uk/what-will-the-impact-of-brexit-be-on-driving-in-europe/ |
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