You can cross your arms when steering (?)

The DSA have announced that steering faults will not be recorded if the candidate fails to hold the wheel at the ten-to-two or quarter-to-three position, or if they fail to use the pull push method of steering that has been taught in the UK for decades. faults will only be recorded if the candidate fails to control the steering wheel adequately

Most driving instructors will be aware that this is merely formalizing what has been a fact for many years. many instructors also believe that pull push is the safest method of steering and will continue to teach this way - after all the instructor is there to teach good driving, not just the minimum required to pass the test!

Latest Theory Test - Case Studies

The DSA is introducing a new element to the theory test.

From September 28th it is planned that candidates sitting the test will read a case study before being asked five multiple-choice questions.

Illegal Instructors

Make sure your instructor is legally qualified to give instruction. All instructors must have and display in the front windscreen of their vehicle, a badge showing their entitlement to give instruction. Pink badges are for trainess and green badges for fully qualified instructors.

Instructors to be forced to sit in on tests

Following the recent "consultation" on learning to drive, the DSA have decided to compel accompanying drivers (parents/ instructors etc) to sit in on driving tests. This is despite the fact that most people consulted thought there would be little benefit. A petition has been started at No10

Free driving lessons

At this time of credit crunch, a lot of driving schools are starting to offer free introductory driving lessons. http://www.freedrivinglessons.org.uk

Driving Test Fee Increases

Following public "consultation", the DSA have increased driving test fees from 30th march 2009.
The new fees are:
Theory Test £31, up from £30
Car Practical Test £62, up from £56

BSM and footballers

In a PR coup, BSM have teamed up with the PFA to provide tuition to young footballers to make them "better drivers". many high profile footballers (and not so high profile players) have been in the news for speeding and or crashing their cars.