Author: Licensed Life

Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while being behind the wheel is not only recklessly dangerous but is also against the law, with those who are discovered to be drinking or on drugs while driving facing the possibility of a 12-month driving ban, paying a fine of up to £2,500 and even up to six months in prison.

So, it comes as both a concern but also a relief that Police were able to apprehend and arrest over 50 motorists over the Christmas and New Year period who were found to be driving while under the effects of alcohol and drugs.

As part of its campaign to tackle drink and drug related driving accidents from occurring, Police forces from Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Roads conducted regular stop-checks throughout the month of December and into the new year.

The operation, which ran from 18 December to 1 January saw officers in England and Wales target drink and drug driving motorists, particularly around Christmas and New Year’s Eve where consumption of drugs and alcohol particularly are in high use as people celebrate the festive and new year activities.

How many motorists were stopped and searched?

During the 15 days in which the campaign was conducted, Police forces stopped 559 vehicles in total, with every single one of those motorists asked to take a roadside breath test. Of those drivers that were pulled over by Police forces – 43 drivers were arrested on suspicion of drink driving and nine were arrested on suspicion of drug driving.

PC Jon Morris who took part in the December and New Year campaign said: “It is pleasing to see the number of drivers stopped across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire as part of the campaign and I hope that our work has made drivers think twice about getting behind the wheel while under the influence.

What Get Licensed Says

While it is encouraging to see Police forces actively targeting motorists under the influence of alcohol and drugs, it is also alarming that high number of drivers are still getting behind the wheel while intoxicated or under the effects of drugs. Motorists need to be more aware that their actions are not only illegal, but can also have a negative impact on other drivers and passengers around them. Be more responsible!

RELATED POST

Driving tips

Why Failing To Practice Driving At Night Could Be Putting you At Risk

Driving in the day and navigating the roads when it is pitch black couldn’t be more night and day (no….
Get licensed School

2 min read

Driving news

More Than 40 Motorists Arrested In Police Alcohol And Drugs Driving Crackdown

Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while being behind the wheel is not only recklessly dangerous but is….
Get licensed School

2 min read

Driving news

This County Has Most Uninsured Driver Prosecutions In The UK

In the UK it is against the law for motorists to get behind the wheel of a vehicle without insurance,….
Get licensed School

1

We all know that driving under the influence of alcohol is not only recklessly irresponsible but also illegal – with anyone found to be intoxicated while behind the wheel facing paying a fine, having their licence revoked and even potential imprisonment. So, we are surprised to hear that not only are motorists still taking to the road while under the influence, but they are also doing it now more than ever before in Northern Ireland.

According to PSNI statistics (Police Service of Northern Ireland) there were 418 incidents of drivers found under the influence between November 2019 and January 2020. This number is up 30% on the same period last year, and the highest in 12 years. Northern Ireland has strict alcohol limits for drivers, with 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, with different levels for both blood and urine.

But while these levels may be strict, it certainly didn’t stop drivers from getting behind the wheel while under the effects of alcohol, with drivers as young as 14 to as old as 83 being stopped by Police.

What are the effects of driving under the influence of alcohol?

According to statistics from Drinkdriving.org, there are approximately 85,000 people convicted of drink driving related offences each and every year in England and Wales alone. This is not including Northern Ireland, which has seen 13,772 people referred for prosecution by the police between 2012 and 2016 for drink or drug driving.

Drinking while under the influence is dangerous for not only the driver but also for potential passengers and for other motorists who can be devastatingly affected by the actions of an individual who made the decision to get behind the wheel of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

What Get Licensed Says

We share the sentiments from the PSNI Assistant Chief Constable who described the recent figures in Northern Ireland as “frustrating” and “disappointing.” Many campaigns have been cast over the years that highlight the negative impact drinking driving can cause. While the dangers of drinking while the influence of alcohol is out there, it seems that a small minority are still not getting the message.

RELATED POST

Driving tips

Why Failing To Practice Driving At Night Could Be Putting you At Risk

Driving in the day and navigating the roads when it is pitch black couldn’t be more night and day (no….
Get licensed School

2 min read

Driving news

More Than 40 Motorists Arrested In Police Alcohol And Drugs Driving Crackdown

Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while being behind the wheel is not only recklessly dangerous but is….
Get licensed School

2 min read

Driving news

This County Has Most Uninsured Driver Prosecutions In The UK

In the UK it is against the law for motorists to get behind the wheel of a vehicle without insurance,….
Get licensed School

1

Passenger safety is the top priority for not only Taxi Drivers but the cab firms and ride apps that drive them, but in the case of this local North England council, they are taking their commitment of the well-being of passengers who get in the back seat of a cab to another level.

East Suffolk Council, based in the East Anglian county of Northern England have proposed that drug tests should be enforced on all local Taxi Drivers in a bid to ensure the safety of passengers who ride in their vehicles. This proposal from council’s licensing committee comes as a result of a spat of incidents in which private hire Taxi Drivers were suspended and had their licences revoked after being found on the effects of drugs while driving behind the wheel.

The new policy if implemented would ensure that only Taxi Drivers of a ‘fit and proper’ level of awareness while driving passengers in their vehicles while also allowing the local authority to swiftly revoke licences of drivers who take illegal drugs.

Do Uber require its drivers to take a drug test before driving?

Currently Uber do not require its drivers to undertake a drug test before on boarding, however, a drug test will be required if the driver finds themselves involved in accident while driving for Uber.

What does the UK law say about drugs and driving?

It is illegal in the UK to drive with legal drugs in your body if it impairs vision while driving. If found to be on the effects of drugs while behind the wheel, the driver can find themselves with a 1-year driving ban, as well as the possibility of paying a fine. Drivers may also find themselves with a criminal record and even a potential 6 months in prison.

The penalty for causing death by dangerous driving under the influence of drugs is a prison sentence of up to 14 years.

What Get Licensed Says

Passenger safety should always be of upmost importance and driving while under the effects of drugs can not only put the safety of both passenger and driver at risk, but could also have severe consequences for other motorists on the road. A local council taking the steps to protect its community is a step in the right direction – maybe other local authorities will take note?

RELATED POST

Driving tips

Why Failing To Practice Driving At Night Could Be Putting you At Risk

Driving in the day and navigating the roads when it is pitch black couldn’t be more night and day (no….
Get licensed School

2 min read

Driving news

More Than 40 Motorists Arrested In Police Alcohol And Drugs Driving Crackdown

Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while being behind the wheel is not only recklessly dangerous but is….
Get licensed School

2 min read

Driving news

This County Has Most Uninsured Driver Prosecutions In The UK

In the UK it is against the law for motorists to get behind the wheel of a vehicle without insurance,….
Get licensed School

1

Have you ever had a quick glance at a passenger’s phone as they helplessly fiddled around on Google Maps as you desperately tried to drive? Even if you take your eyes off the road for a mere second you could inadvertently be putting yourself at risk of paying a hefty fine, as Police across the UK continue to clamp down on what is considered as ‘driving without due care and attention’.

It seems that many passengers are unaware that by even leering over at their friends phone as they are shown a photo of an ex in an compromising position that they are in fact breaking the law – with many drivers unintentionally finding themselves in the situation of forking out a £100 fine for taking their eyes of the road – if even for a few seconds.

If, however the incident is deemed more severe, motorists could even find themselves with a £2,500 fine and even disqualified from driving.

What does the law state on mobile use while you drive?

First introduced into law in December 2003, it is illegal to use a mobile phone while motorists drive, with motorists who are caught on their phone facing a penalty of six points and a £200 fine.

What does the law state on driving without due care and attention?

Glancing over at your passengers’ phone while behind the wheel can have severe consequences, no less for the driver themselves as driving without due care and attention carries a penalty of either a disqualification, or between 3 and 9 points as well as the potential to pay a fine of up to £2,500 depending on the nature of the incident.

What Get Licensed Says

While looking at your friends’ phone as they show you the latest Gemma Collins meme may all seem like a bit of a laugh, it certainly won’t be a laughing matter when taking your eye off the phone results in an accident. Motorists need to understand that it is not just looking at their own phone which is against the law, but ANY distraction that could result in taking your eye off the road that could end up with them paying a fine and losing their licence.

RELATED POST

Driving tips

Why Failing To Practice Driving At Night Could Be Putting you At Risk

Driving in the day and navigating the roads when it is pitch black couldn’t be more night and day (no….
Get licensed School

2 min read

Driving news

More Than 40 Motorists Arrested In Police Alcohol And Drugs Driving Crackdown

Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while being behind the wheel is not only recklessly dangerous but is….
Get licensed School

2 min read

Driving news

This County Has Most Uninsured Driver Prosecutions In The UK

In the UK it is against the law for motorists to get behind the wheel of a vehicle without insurance,….
Get licensed School

1

What are some of the defining features of the 20th century? Maybe you think of the moon landing? Or the Internet? Rock and Roll perhaps? The private ownership of cars and their use in everyday life had just as much of an impact on society, which is what this article is going to talk about today – the future of mobility and how the recent rise of car sharing has changed the way we operate and travel.

Hitting the open road as we know it is set to become a thing of the past. As we’ve moved into the 21st century, people have begun to realise the way we’ve used vehicles is no longer sustainable and needs to be brought into the modern world. But what does the future of transport look like and how does car sharing fit into it?

Some of the issues with our current usage of cars involve their large environmental impact. This is a wide issue, ranging from creating greenhouse gases to polluting the air and making high trafficked areas dangerous for peoples’ health. Beyond the impact on air quality, there is the issue of traffic and overcrowding. One of the solutions to tackling this crisis is to implement more car sharing strategies.

Car Sharing Platforms

There are many proving car-sharing solutions. Hiyacar is just one of them. Hiyacar focus on providing car-less drivers with access to their neighbour’s cars. The premise is simple, you login and find a car in your local area and book it. Cars spend so much time parked up, blocking the road, not being used. Imagine being able to just click a few buttons, fill in a bit of information, and you’re then able to drive off in a neighbour’s car for a small fee either on an hourly or daily rate. You get access to a vehicle without the wider costs of keeping a car and your neighbour earns some money for no extra work.

Driver Demands

Consumers are the force behind the car-sharing revolution, and it is their demands that are making car-sharing a more streamlined and accessible service. We are all acutely aware that we are living in a world where we need to consider the impact our journeys have on the environment. By car-sharing, individuals will no longer need to own a car and this will directly impact the number of vehicles that are being produced, maintained and used. This in turn will reduce your emissions and carbon footprint.

The other demand that we are seeing from drivers is the ability to stay on the road without having the pressure of owning a car outright. Cars are costly, so sharing allows drivers to get out on the road without the financial implications that come with owning a car. Fundamentally, drivers are left in a position where they can demand exactly what they want depending on their needs.

The Future of Mobility

Along with car-sharing, other mobility solutions are becoming more mainstream.

Some of the best options aside from car-sharing are:

E-bike sales have increased, and bicycle sharing is already popular.

There has been significant investment in improving train lines and the high-speed services are now making commuting easier than ever.

Electric vehicles are growing in number, as an example many black cabs and buses in London have converted to electric in a bid to reduce pollution. The introduction of the ULEZ zone is going to make this number markedly higher as well.

Summary

People still need to move between areas as efficiently as possible. With an increasing population and number of cars on the road, the old model of private vehicle ownership looks to be more and more antiquated. Services that provide car share options are beginning to lead the way in providing a service that allows people to get around without having to worry about finding money to buy a vehicle, maintain it or even park it every day. We also need to be mindful that the environment is a genuine consideration when looking at mobility requirements so that we can continue to enjoy our planet for as long as possible.

Guest Writer Sam Morris from Hiyacar

RELATED POST

Driving tips

Why Failing To Practice Driving At Night Could Be Putting you At Risk

Driving in the day and navigating the roads when it is pitch black couldn’t be more night and day (no….
Get licensed School

2 min read

Driving news

More Than 40 Motorists Arrested In Police Alcohol And Drugs Driving Crackdown

Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while being behind the wheel is not only recklessly dangerous but is….
Get licensed School

2 min read

Driving news

This County Has Most Uninsured Driver Prosecutions In The UK

In the UK it is against the law for motorists to get behind the wheel of a vehicle without insurance,….
Get licensed School

1

As data from the DVLA has revealed nearly a 1000 drivers a month lost their licences, there have now been calls for graduated driving licences to be introduced.

What did the DVLA’s data reveal?

The DVLA’s (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) data showed an average of 33 new drivers a day lost their licence in 2018.  The data was compiled from a DVLA freedom of information request sourced from road safety charity Brake. The data shows a total of 11, 953 new drivers lost their licences in 2018.

What are Graduated Driving Licences?

A graduated driving licensing system currently operates in several countries; Hong Kong, South Africa and Germany.  A graduate driving licence puts a set of restrictions on new drivers who have recently passed their test for a period time. These restrictions tend to include driving at night and carrying passengers.

What could a UK Graduated Driving Licence include?

Brake has stated the type of graduated driving licensing system they would like to see operating in the U.K. According to their website, they have outlined the following measures they’d like to see for new drivers:

Drivers should hold a novice licence for two years after passing a practical driving test.

Novice drivers should be allowed to drive unsupervised, but with certain restrictions on their driving, including:

Novice drivers should not carry passengers who are younger than 25 unless supervised. Novice drivers who are parents or carers and need to carry children should be exempt from this restriction.

Novice drivers should not drive between 11 pm and 6 am, unless supervised or travelling directly from home to work or school.

Novice drivers should have a zero-tolerance drink-drive limit of 20mg of alcohol per 100ml blood (Brake recommends this for all drivers).

Novice drivers should not drive on motorways.

Novice drivers should be restricted in the size of the engine they can drive.

Any driving offences, or failure to comply with the restrictions during this period, should result in automatic disqualification.

Novice drivers should be required to take a further 10 hours of professional tuition, during which they must drive on motorways and at night.

Novice drivers should be required to pass a second driving test at the end of the two year period to help ensure safe driving on all types of roads.

A UK Graduated Driving could also include the following restrictions:

Driving curfews – restricting new drivers from roads during certain times

Passenger numbers – legal limits on how full a new driver’s car can be

Lower alcohol limits – reduction in the legal threshold for blood readings

Speed limits – new drivers restricted to slower speeds

Engine sizes – power output limits put on the new drivers’ vehicles

Mandatory ‘P’ plates – required for up to two years after passing a test

What are the current rules and restrictions for new drivers?

As of now, new drivers just face harsher penalties for breaking the law.  On GOV.UK states that new drivers will lose their licence if they amass six penalty points within two years of passing their driving test. If a driving licence is cancelled within two years, then they will have to apply and pay for a new provisional licence and pass their driving test again.

In England, Scotland and Wales, new drivers have the option of displaying a ‘P’ plate on their vehicle to indicate they have recently passed their test. These can be left on a vehicle for as long as a driver chooses, but this is not a legal requirement.

In Northern Ireland however, new drivers are legally bound to display an ‘R’ (Restricted) plate on their vehicle for their first year on the road. This also restricts them from travelling any faster than 45mph during this period.

Who wants Graduated Driving Licenses introduced?

As the charity behind the freedom of information request, it’s no surprise that Brake are supporters of the proposed licensing system.

Joshua Harris, Director of Campaigns for Brake, said: “It’s shocking that so many new drivers are racking up enough penalty points to have their licenses revoked so soon after passing their test, particular those in the 17-24 age bracket.

“It clearly demonstrates that we need to make our licensing system more robust so that when a driver passes their test, they have all the necessary tools and knowledge to drive safely on all roads and in all conditions. Fortunately, there is a proven solution which can deliver this, graduated driver licensing.

“The Government’s announcement that they will explore the issue of GDL further is welcome. Swift and decisive action must, however, be taken to introduce GDL across the UK, as a priority to ensure new drivers have the skills and experience they need and to end the tragedy of young people dying on our roads.”

When then Prime Minister Theresa May announced plans to look into graduated driving licences, the RAC said it would be a “very positive step” towards improving road safety.

RAC road safety spokesman, Pete Williams, said: said: “We welcome the Prime Minister’s comments that she will ask the Department for Transport to take a look at the introduction of graduated driving licences.

“The RAC has been calling for a reform of driving education for young people and the introduction of graduated driving licences with a minimum supervised learning period and restrictions on the number of passengers permitted in the car so this is a very positive step towards preventing the loss of young lives on our roads.”

Who is against  Graduated Driving Licenses being introduced?

Research from the National Rural Crime Network has shown young drivers in rural areas are concerned about graduated driving licences being introduced.

The National Rural Crime Network believes this policy is another example of where the needs of rural communities have not been considered and are worried about the disproportionate impact on young people and novice drivers in rural areas.

The National Rural Crime Network’s survey found:

 Seven in ten believed a Graduated Driving Licence which introduced restrictions on when they could use a vehicle would have a negative impact on their lives.

83 per cent said it was a bad idea overall and did not want it to be brought in.

Members were also asked for their views on alternatives to blanket restrictions:

73% felt more pre-test practice requirements, such as more rural driving, night driving and motorway driving, were one solution

57% thought there was an argument for a black box with incentives to reduce insurance premiums for safe driving behaviour.

Are Graduated Driving Licenses being introduced?

In July, the government said it would explore graduated driver’s licences being introduced.

Want to be a better driver?

If you’re a learner driver or a new driver who wants to know all there needs to know about driving, why not subscribe to our youtube channel? Our Youtube Channel Get Licensed Driving School is updated regularly with driving lesson tutorial videos, driving lesson tips videos and driving lessons for beginners videos.

RELATED POST

Driving tips

Why Failing To Practice Driving At Night Could Be Putting you At Risk

Driving in the day and navigating the roads when it is pitch black couldn’t be more night and day (no….
Get licensed School

2 min read

Driving news

More Than 40 Motorists Arrested In Police Alcohol And Drugs Driving Crackdown

Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while being behind the wheel is not only recklessly dangerous but is….
Get licensed School

2 min read

Driving news

This County Has Most Uninsured Driver Prosecutions In The UK

In the UK it is against the law for motorists to get behind the wheel of a vehicle without insurance,….
Get licensed School

1

When thinking about choosing a driving instructor, what do you think is the most important factor? Is it how long your instructor has worked as a driving instructor? Is it how close they live to you? Nope, the most important thing you should look out for is your driving instructor being DVSA-approved. 

What the law says about a driving instructor being DVSA-approved

If someone is charging you for driving lessons they must be a Potential Driving Instructor or an Approved Driving Instructor. If they don’t fall into either of these categories then they are breaking the law. Only DVSA-approved instructors are legally allowed to charge you for driving lessons.

The GOV.UK  website states:

It’s illegal for someone to charge for driving lessons if they aren’t qualified and registered – you can report them to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

The only people who can charge a fee to give driving lessons are:

approved driving instructors – they must display a green badge in their windscreen

trainee driving instructors with a licence – they must display a pink badge in their windscreen

To report someone who you think is an illegal driving instructor, email or phone DVSA.

Why a Driving Instructor needs to be DVSA-approved

Apart from it being a legal requirement, a driving instructor who is DVSA-approved is a proven safe pair of hands who you can trust.

Safety

If your driving instructor is not DVSA-approved then it could be dangerous for them to teach you to drive as they have not been through the checks that the DVSA undertakes. The DVSA regulates all of its driving instructors and makes sure they follow a set of rules of specifications. The DVSA conducts a criminal record check for people who apply to become an ADI. These criminal record checks also happen when an ADI re-registers every four years. According to the DVSA, ADIs also need to be a ‘fit and proper’ person and that means adhering to professional and personal standards.

The DVSA’s continuous checks on ADIs ensures that they will be not a risk to learners.

Qualifications

Your driving instructor must have the right qualifications to teach others how to drive. For someone to become an ADI, they need to pass three tests and build experience with teaching learners. After becoming an ADI, they also need to pass a standards check every four years. The rigorous testing DVSA-approved driving instructors are put through ensuring that they are the best people to teach you how to drive.

 How to check if   your driving instructor is DVSA-approved

Now you know the importance of your driving instructor being DVSA-approved, you need to know how to find out if they’re DVSA-approved.

Check the DVSA’s database

The first thing you can do is check the DVSA’s ‘Find your nearest driving instructors’ tool. This database contains a list of the DVSA-approved instructors who have signed up to be listed. All you need to do is type in your postcode and find the driving instructors who are closest to you. When you do, you’ll be able to see their:

Full name

Email

Phone number

Website (if provided)

Approximate distance from your postcode

You will also be able to see if an ADI has committed to a voluntary Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme and if they have agreed to abide by the ADI Code of Practice (CoP). You will also be able to see an ADI’s Standards Check Grade if they have chosen to disclose it. If ADI’s don’t pass the standards check, they are given two more tries before they have to retake all three ADI tests.

Don’t be alarmed if you can’t find your instructor on this list, as this is a voluntary list. ADIs choose whether or not they want to be included on the list and for reasons known to them they might not want to add their details and name to it. The DVSA database is not the only way to check if your driving instructor is DVSA-approved.

Look at their windscreen

 An even faster method of finding out if your instructor is DVSA-approved is just by looking at their windscreen. This will only apply when you have started lessons. All DVSA-approved instructors have to display a badge in their windscreen to show that they’re qualified to teach learner drivers.

A PDI (Potential Driving Instructor) will hold a trainee licence and will have a pink triangular badge on their windscreen. A PDI is only a test away from becoming a qualified ADI and they are allowed to provide teaching as a way of building up experience. Approved Driving Instructors will have a green octagonal badge in their windscreen. The badge displayed should have a photograph of the instructor, a reference number and expiry date.

Learn with one of Get Licensed Driving School’s DVSA-approved Driving Instructors

The Get Licensed Driving School instructor database has over 2800  DVSA-approved instructors to choose from. It is easy to search for instructors on the Get Licensed Driving School database. You can search by location or name and you can filter by transmission, language and gender. Find your driving instructor with our database and you can rest assured they have been properly vetted.

RELATED POST

Driving tips

Why Failing To Practice Driving At Night Could Be Putting you At Risk

Driving in the day and navigating the roads when it is pitch black couldn’t be more night and day (no….
Get licensed School

2 min read

Driving news

More Than 40 Motorists Arrested In Police Alcohol And Drugs Driving Crackdown

Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while being behind the wheel is not only recklessly dangerous but is….
Get licensed School

2 min read

Driving news

This County Has Most Uninsured Driver Prosecutions In The UK

In the UK it is against the law for motorists to get behind the wheel of a vehicle without insurance,….
Get licensed School

1

Being a driving instructor comes with great career benefits such as being your own boss and working whenever you want but there are factors you must consider. Legally, driving instructors are required to have insurance but driving instructor insurance can be confusing. So, Get Licensed Driving School is here to help and clear up any confusion you might have over a driving instructor’s insurance.

 The law regarding driving instructor’s insurance:

All driving instructors in the UK are legally required to be insured. But the insurance that driving instructors have is not the same as standard car insurance for other drivers.  Instructors have to make sure their insurance policies cover the features that meet their unique requirements.

The difference between standard car insurance and driving instructor insurance:

Standard car insurance policies will cover drivers for domestic, social and personal use. A driving instructor’s insurance policy needs to cover additional factors. As a driving instructor offers the service of driving tuition this will require a hire and reward cover. Due to the high-risk associated with learner drivers; this means driving instructors will need more accident coverage than other drivers.

Hire and Reward: This is a class of insurance which allows you to legally carry other people’s goods in return for payment.

Apart from additional accident coverage, driving instructors need to keep in mind their car is their livelihood.  If your car breaks down or is faulty then you cannot teach your students, and this is why most instructor insurance policies include dual controlled car covers and multi-vehicle coverage.

What insurance does a Potential Driving Instructor need?

A Potential Driving Instructor (PDI) also needs to have insurance to qualify and become an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI).

When you are training to become an ADI, there are three tests you must pass to qualify:

1st test: hazard perception and theory questions (multiple-choice).

2nd test: eye test, vehicle safety questions, and driving ability test

3rd test: testing your instructional capabilities and techniques

As the third test involves you instructing a learner driver, you will need insurance that covers you driving with a learner driver in your car.

Mastercover offers a 1-day driving tuition insurance policy for part 3 of the ADI test. You can get a quote and purchase the insurance here.

Types of Driving Instructor Insurance Cover Explained

Any Driver Cover – Your policy needs to be issued on an any driver basis; this allows you to teach any licensed driver on the road regardless of their previous driving experience or risk factors

Replacement Dual Control Vehicle Cover – As a driving instructor, your car is the backbone of your business. Most standard car insurance policies will only offer you a non-dual controlled car in the event of a non-fault incident, meaning you cannot continue working. Driving insurance providers however will provide you with a dual controlled vehicle in the event of a claim.

You should find a provider who will supply you with a guaranteed dual control replacement car within 24 hours so you can continue teaching and sit any pre-booked driving tests. For example, Quote Me Today aims to get you a replacement car within 24 hours dependent on geographical location. You should also keep in mind how long you may need this vehicle for as many providers will only supply a vehicle for a limited period so try to find a provider who offers unlimited cover.

Negligent Tuition Cover – This cover extends your driving instructor insurance policy to insure you and any driving instructor engaged by you to whom you have provided a vehicle which is insured under your policy, for your/their legal liability to pupils whilst driving instruction is being provided.

Driving Off-Road Driver Aged 14+ – There are driving instructors who wish to teach learners how to drive off-road. This is usually because the learner driver is too young to teach on road or because they’re not confident enough on main roads. In either scenario, you will need driving off-road cover. This cover will allow you to teach pupils off-road who are aged 14 and over.

Comprehensive Driving Other Cars – If you are an instructor who carries out fleet driver development training you may be required to carry out a demonstration drive in your client’s vehicle. This type of cover is not usually available under a standard private car policy and may not be available under certain driving instructor insurance policies. If you will need to drive other cars, you must ask for comprehensive driving other cars cover which will meet your liabilities should you be involved in an incident in your client’s vehicle.  Cover only applies whilst carrying out the demonstration drive.

Cover for Hire & Reward – Because as a driving instructor you will be receiving payment for giving lessons whilst carrying your client in the vehicle this requires hire and reward to be included within your policy for the purpose of driving tuition and test.

Modified Vehicle Cover – As a driving instructor you will need to modify your vehicle and add some features which will include:

Dual controls

Additional speedo

Additional mirrors

Signwriting

Disabled driving equipment

Most standard car insurance policies will class these as modifications and therefore will be unable to provide you cover. So, you must mention these modifications to your insurance provider so that they can note these on your policy and provide cover suitable for your needs.

 Personal Accident Cover

You don’t only need coverage for your car but also for yourself. You need to invest in a cover that will protect you against anything unfortunate happening. Personal accident cover does not only protect you when you are on the road, but it also covers your passenger – whether they’re your students, friends or family.

 Banned/Convicted Drivers Retaking Tests Cover

As a driving instructor, you might find yourself giving driving lessons to banned or convicted drivers to help them work towards retaking their test. To do this, you need to make sure have this additional cover.

Windscreen Cover

Windscreens are very prone to damage. With the right cover, you will be able to get your windscreen repaired or replaced if it becomes damaged. Some policies might apply this even to your windows and sunroofs.

 Breakdown Cover

With the risk of road accidents and faulty parts hanging over your head at any point, you must have breakdown cover. If the worst does happen, this cover means that you’ll get roadside recovery and assistance in repairing your car and getting you home safely.

Gap Insurance

If your car loses value due to theft or an accident, most insurers will only pay you the market value of your car at the time of loss. This will usually not leave you with enough time to buy a new car. Gap insurance will protect and cover your car from losing value.

Public Liability Insurance

You need to protect yourself and your business in the event of someone looking to sue you or your business for negligence that has caused injury or property damage. For this, you need to look for a policy that includes public liability insurance.

Making a Claim

When looking around for the right driving instructor insurance policy, make sure to look at their process for making a claim. Most providers will have incident management services on hand to handle your claims. Once you have reported an incident, they will work with your insurer to deal with the issue. While this is happening, you will be given a replacement dual control – if this is covered by your policy – until your vehicle has been repaired.

Factors that affect the cost of Driving Instructor Insurance

As you have just read driving instructor insurance includes extensive features and these additions affect the price of your policy. Apart from the features included in your driving instructor insurance policy, the following factors will also affect the cost.

The type of instructor you are

Potential Driving Instructors (PDIs) have to go through a six-month probationary period while they are training. If you are looking for an instructor insurance policy while you are training, you will find that premiums are higher than usual.  This is because PDIs are still in training and therefore have a high-risk factor. Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) will have lower premiums due to their full qualification and experience.

Your car

As with standard car insurance policies, the type of car you’re driving will affect the cost. Your engine size and the transmission of your car can also be a factor in the cost of your policy. Manual cars are more prone to damage than automatic ones and this can make them more expensive to insure.

Your location

As with standard car insurance, location can be a big factor in the price of your driving instructor insurance policy. If you live in an area that has a high crime rate this will result in a higher risk of the insurance company having to pay out. Location is not something that can be easily changed but it is something you should keep in mind.

Full-time or part-time

Driving instructors may work full-time or part-time and your policy will be tailored to that. Your policy will take into account how many hours you work and what level of tuition you provide to learner drivers.

Cover type

If you choose the most comprehensive policy, you can find – with every specialist cover – the cost of your insurance will be far higher. So, make sure to pick the policy that fits your needs and budget. Also, make sure to shop around for the best-priced policy for you.

What to look for when choosing your insurance provider

Expense

As we’ve explained driving insurance policies can be very expensive. Although driving instructor insurance policies can come at a hefty price, if you pick a policy that’s basic and cheap you might end up regretting it. You could also regret picking a policy that has every type of cover, but you might not need it and this turns out to be a waste of money. Pick an insurance policy that not only fits your budget but your needs.

Covers

When you are looking for the right insurance policy for you, look at the covers you feel are the most necessary e.g. Comprehensive Driving Other Cars. When you do this you are making a better decision when choosing between different insurance providers and policies.

Payment options

As we’ve already discussed, it’s important to factor in the price of the insurance policy. Apart from just taking into consideration how much the policy will cost, also look at how you will pay for your insurance.  Will you have to pay in one lump sum annually or will it be in monthly installments.

Do you have enough money to choose an annual payment option or will you be more suited to pay in monthly installments? Some insurance policies are paid off bi-annually. So, make sure to check the payment options provided and what suits you and your financial situation best.

Which insurance provider should you choose for your Driving Instructor Insurance?

Towergate Insurance

Towergate Insurance provides flexible cover for driving instructors which are tailored to your specific needs. Towergate Insurance also provides cover for Approved Driving Instructors, Potential Driving Instructors, driving schools, commercial tuition fleets, and dual control contract hire vehicle operators. Some of the key features Towergate Insurance provides include; Any Driver Cover, Negligent Tuition Cover, Replacement Dual Control Vehicle Cover and Driving off Road Aged 14+.

CLICK FOR A QUOTE and for more information on their insurance policy click HERE.

 Instructor Cover Plus

Instructor Cover Plus is a driving instructor insurance broker who can source the exact policy you’re looking for. Instructor cover plus can also provide the following optional covers; Breakdown Cover, Excess Waiver Cover, Replacement Vehicle Cover, and GAP Insurance.

CLICK FOR A QUOTE and for more information on the insurance they provide CLICK HERE.

 Mastercover

Mastercover has been established for over 25 years so are a trusted name within the driving instructor industry. As an insurance broker, Mastercover uses major insurers and Lloyds syndicates that include Aviva, Ageas, KGM, and Markerstudy. They can help you find a policy whether you are looking for ADI, PDI or driving school cover.

CLICK FOR A QUOTE and find out more information about their insurance policy HERE.

Are you a Driving Instructor who wants to join Get Licensed Driving School?

If you’re a Driving Instructor who wants to grow your business, then you should join Get Licensed Driving School today. Create your profile with Get Licensed Driving School and let us take over the rest! Register with Get Licensed Driving School HERE.

RELATED POST

Driving tips

Why Failing To Practice Driving At Night Could Be Putting you At Risk

Driving in the day and navigating the roads when it is pitch black couldn’t be more night and day (no….
Get licensed School

2 min read

Driving news

More Than 40 Motorists Arrested In Police Alcohol And Drugs Driving Crackdown

Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while being behind the wheel is not only recklessly dangerous but is….
Get licensed School

2 min read

Driving news

This County Has Most Uninsured Driver Prosecutions In The UK

In the UK it is against the law for motorists to get behind the wheel of a vehicle without insurance,….
Get licensed School

1

If you have started learning how to drive or are a new driver, you’ve probably heard about  Black Box  Insurance. This might be confusing to get your head around, so Get Licensed Driving School will break it down for you, so you can decide if you need a Black Box Insurance and most importantly know exactly what it is.

What is Black Box Insurance

Black Box Insurance also known as ‘telematics’ or ‘pay as you go car insurance’ is a type of car insurance policy that measures driving behaviour to help insurers give an accurate premium.  By fitting a small box into your car, your insurer can track your driving habits and find out how well you drive. Insurers can then offer premiums based on your driving habits, giving you a personalised price.

How does Black Box Insurance work

Black box car insurance uses a type of technology known as telematics. The device is the size of a smartphone and is usually installed behind the dashboard. Most of the time, you won’t be able to see the black box or even know it’s there.

The black box device uses GPS to send information about your acceleration, cornering, speed and braking to your insurer, who uses it to asses how safely they think you are driving and provide you with a regular Driver Score.

Every time you drive, your Driver Score information will change. As a driver, you can monitor the journeys you make via a mobile app or portal and you can see where you have not driven particularly safely. This information can help you know what you need to do to be a better driver and not only achieve a better Driver Score but also save on your insurance premium.

An important factor to consider is that the black box monitors how the car is driven at all times, so even if it’s not you who is driving the car, it will count towards your Driver Score. So either inform other drivers of the car about this or make sure you are the only one driving the car.

How does Black Box insurance save you money?

When an insurer calculates how much you have to pay for your car insurance, they take into account many different factors about you and your car. So the price you pay for insurance could be based on the factors of your age, occupation and driving history and in terms of your car; its desirability, price and modifications. Because of the factors that insurers use to calculate your insurance, this could mean younger and less experienced drivers being deemed more of a risk and having to pay more for car insurance.

This is where black box car insurance comes in. A black box gives an insurer the opportunity to asses your actual driving skill instead of basing it on factors beyond your control. If you prove you are a sensible and safe driver to insurers then you can save money on your insurance.

Who can benefit from Black Box Insurance

Inexperienced and young drivers: Young and inexperienced drivers are deemed more of a risk on the roads and are hit with higher premiums. Black box car insurance might appeal to them as they can save money and get a premium that matches their safety as a driver as opposed to their demographic.

Elderly:  Older people may not need to drive during rush hour conditions, or at night, and usually have to pay higher premiums due to their age.

Homeworkers: Those who work from home can benefit from a black box policy as they are not driving during rush-hour and might drive less as there is no need to commute.

Infrequent drivers: If you don’t drive very much then getting a black box fitted can be ideal for you. Black box insurance policies usually have a mileage limit attached to them, so if you can adhere to this as an infrequent driver then you can benefit from black box insurance.

Safe drivers: The idea of black box insurance is that it rewards safe driving, so if you’re a safe driver then you can definitely benefit from a black box policy.

Who won’t benefit from Black Box insurance

People who drive at night:

If you need to drive at night-time, then you should consider if you are suited to a black box policy. Some insurers have a curfew with their black box policy which can carry financial penalties and also impact your Driver Score. If you have a job which requires night-time driving or need to drive at night for whatever reason then you should think about this before getting black box insurance. The reason why some insurers have curfews with their black box insurance is become statistics show that more accidents happen at night and therefore a detriment to safe driving.

Drivers with high mileage:

If you are a driver with high mileage, you could end up paying more for your premium.

What are the benefits of getting Black Box  Insurance

An incentive to drive less:

Black box cover might encourage less driving due to the curfew restrictions. The incentive to drive less can help you lower petrol and associated usage costs, such as garage bills.

Find stolen vehicles:

In the unfortunate event, your car is stolen, black box technology will make it easier to track your vehicle as it uses GPS systems.

Encourages safe driving:

Having black box car insurance will encourage you to be a safe driver, as safe driving results in lower premiums.

What are the cons of getting Black Box car  Insurance

Hidden costs:

Drivers mostly opt for black box insurance to save money but there are many hidden costs with black box cover. Installing the black box can cost up to £50 and you can be fined up to a £100 for missing an installation appointment.  you damage the box, you can also be charged up to £150 and your policy could even be cancelled. Black box removal also isn’t free and can cost up to £80.

Curfew restrictions:

As mentioned earlier, those who need to drive at night-time might need to reconsider getting black box car insurance. If your insurer imposes curfew restrictions with your black box, you can be fined up to £100 for breaking it. Apart from financial penalties, a black box that has a curfew puts limitations on when you can drive which can be frustrating.

As mentioned earlier, some insurers who provide black box car insurance also impose curfew restrictions and you can be hit with a fine for breaking this. Penalties for breaking a black box curfew can be up to £100. The black box curfew not only puts limitations on when you can drive but also has financial consequences for not following it. Some insurers might not have a curfew with their black box policy, but driving late at night can impact your Driver Score so make sure to check the terms and conditions of your policy thoroughly.

Check out our video about whether or not Black Box Insurance is worth it below:

RELATED POST

Driving tips

Why Failing To Practice Driving At Night Could Be Putting you At Risk

Driving in the day and navigating the roads when it is pitch black couldn’t be more night and day (no….
Get licensed School

2 min read

Driving news

More Than 40 Motorists Arrested In Police Alcohol And Drugs Driving Crackdown

Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while being behind the wheel is not only recklessly dangerous but is….
Get licensed School

2 min read

Driving news

This County Has Most Uninsured Driver Prosecutions In The UK

In the UK it is against the law for motorists to get behind the wheel of a vehicle without insurance,….
Get licensed School

1

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) have launched new videos to encourage learner drivers to be more aware of motorcyclists.

What are the new motorcyclist videos being released

DVSA has launched a selection of videos to encourage learner drivers to be more aware of motorcyclists. The videos are realistic and use computer-generated imagery and will depict motorcyclists on the road. The video has been made with the help of road safety campaigner  Ria Brisland.

The motorcyclist awareness videos will become part of  DVSA’s official learning materials and education products. The videos will not be part of the theory test but they aim to improve the safety of motorcyclists by encouraging learner drivers to be more aware of them when driving.

Why have the DVSA launched the motorcyclists awareness videos?

Ria Brisland’s 19 year-old son Nick died in April 2015 after being involved in a collision with a car while riding his motorcycle.

Ria said: “Getting everyone to be aware of their fellow road users at all times is essential if we are to prevent collisions and the devastating consequences they can have on families.

“These new clips are thought-provoking and will make a difference to the way people look for bikers. They may prove the difference between life and death.”

In 2017,  motorcyclists accounted for 19% of all the deaths on Great Britain’s roads, despite only making up around 1% of all road traffic.

During the year, 2,656 motorcyclists were involved in accidents resulting from a driver or rider failing to look properly. This was 17% of all accidents involving motorcycles.

The new videos will show how easily motorcyclists can be missed by drivers, resulting in tragic consequences.

Mark Winn, DVSA’s chief driving examiner, said: “DVSA’s priority is to help everyone through a lifetime of safe driving.

“These important new clips, created with Ria, will aid driver and rider training and protect vulnerable motorcyclists. We’ll be using them in our educational products and on social media to help drivers keep a lookout for motorcyclists.”

 

RELATED POST

Driving tips

Why Failing To Practice Driving At Night Could Be Putting you At Risk

Driving in the day and navigating the roads when it is pitch black couldn’t be more night and day (no….
Get licensed School

2 min read

Driving news

More Than 40 Motorists Arrested In Police Alcohol And Drugs Driving Crackdown

Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while being behind the wheel is not only recklessly dangerous but is….
Get licensed School

2 min read

Driving news

This County Has Most Uninsured Driver Prosecutions In The UK

In the UK it is against the law for motorists to get behind the wheel of a vehicle without insurance,….
Get licensed School

1