October 2025 Passes
New Car For 2026
Its time to retire the Ford Fiesta and move on. I’ve chosen to go with Skoda for a change. The new car will be a Skoda Fabia SE L Edition in Blue. It should arrive at the end of January 2026 ready for action.
August 2025 Passes
July 2025 Passes
June 2025 Passes
March 2025 Passes
February 2025 Passes
Lesson Length – Change Of Offered Services
Change to Services Offered.
From today we will not be offering a 1hr lesson on our online booking system until further notice.
Looking at how students learn in the early stages of lessons it can be seen that they need to ensure enough time behind the wheel to practice what they have been briefed on. With 1hr lessons in the very early stages, this is difficult to achieve.
On a first lesson the student needs to be driven to a suitable practice location. This could be upto 15mins drive away from there home pickup. They then need briefing on the lesson they are about to have, and then have time to practice. Depending on the lesson the briefing may be 5 to 10 mins, with 15 mins to drive home again after the lesson (This driver would not be safe to drive in this scenario), that leaves only 20mins for any practice.
We are not going to be stopping delivering 1hr lessons, as these are suitable for drivers who are at the trained stage and almost ready for test.
Moving forward, to book 1hr lessons, it will need to be an agreement between the instructor and the student based on their current ability.
We currently advise all new drivers to book a 2hr lesson for their first session so we can establish a baseline for future lessons and allow them more time practicing on their first lesson.
We feel that 1.5hrs are a better option with 2.0hrs being the best option when first starting to learn.
Hope this explains why this has changed.
We will constantly review this change and may may make further changes should we need to: to ensure that students are getting the best value for money.
If you feel these changes are going to impact your lessons, then please discuss this with us when you attend your next lesson.
January 2025 Passes
Current Bad Weather Jan 5/6th
We are currently in a state of “Bad Weather”. Snow and Ice to be more accurate. Due to this, driving lessons and/or driving tests may be changed or cancelled. Please keep an eye on your phones in case you receive a message from either me or the DVSA. Regards Andrew
Happy New Year!!
Happy New Year and Welcome to 2025!
I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Christmas and took full advantage of the well-deserved break from the daily routine.
As we embark on this exciting new year, it’s the perfect time to start working towards your goal of becoming a qualified driver. With only 357 days until next Christmas, there’s no better moment to begin your journey!
A heartfelt congratulations to all my students who successfully passed their driving tests in 2024 : I’m incredibly proud of your achievements. For those preparing for their tests in the coming months, I wish you the very best of luck.
If you’re ready to start your driving lessons, have a provisional license, and are eager to get behind the wheel, I’d be delighted to help. We currently offer driving lessons in the Darwen and Blackburn areas, tailoring each lesson to suit your unique learning style.
Here’s what we provide:
- Flexible lesson durations to fit your schedule.
- Block booking vouchers for added convenience and savings.
- Online booking for complete control over your lesson times.
- One-on-one instruction in a calm, relaxed, and supportive environment.
If this sounds like what you’re looking for, please visit our website to get started. Let’s make 2025 the year you achieve your driving goals!
December 2024 Passes
I Passed my IAM Roadsmart Test
I decided to update my skills by re-doing my Advanced Driving Test again. (Its 10+ years since I previously did it). It used to be a Pass/Fail result, but now its possible to either Pass, Fail of achieve a F1RST, which Im glad to say I did.
This test is taken in your own car and conducted by a certified I.A.M Examiner. The test its self lasts about an hour with a ten minute brief at the start and also at the end.
You start the test by explaining your vehicle checks before getting in the car and completing a comprehensive cockpit check. For example this includes a static brake check and a check of all the instrument lights.
Once you set off you are expected to drive the car whilst ensuring you drive to the “System Of Car Control” as dictated by “Roadcraft” – The Police Drivers Handbook. This system ensures that Hazards are dealt with in a systematic fashion and nothing is left to chance.
During the drive you are also expected to carry out a Commentary (if you want to achieve a 1st). This is verbalising how you are applying this system as you drive, which hazards you are spotting, any observation links and how you are planning to deal with them.
The route you are taken on comprises of Busy town roads, High Speed Limit Country Roads, Complex Junctions and also a section of Motorway driving. I was also asked to carry out a reversing exercise as part of my test.
At the end of the test you are given a full debrief of how you performed during the drive and also a written report with your result.
For each compitancy that is tested, you are graded between 1 and 3, with 1 being the best and 3 needing development.
If you are interested in taking an advanced driving qualification, then please get in touch as I can point you in the right direction.
Below is a copy of my test sheet and result.
XMAS Holidays 24
Christmas Opening Hours 2024/2025
We will be closed on the following dates :
2024 – December 23rd – December 31st
2025 – January 1st – January 2rd
November 2024 Passes
Pending Weather Issues
We have had a weather forcast for 18th-20th Novemeber 2024, indicating that in this area we may experience plunging temperatures and significant snow fall. Negative temperatures are predicted for Mon, Tues and Wed as low as -2. Snow coverage of upto 10cm is also a possibility in the area.
We are keeping an eye on this situation and will message any student directly that may have their lesson affected.
Any students who have a test booked on any of these days, please keep an eye on your emails for updates from the DVSA. They will cancel and rearrange tests at the last minute, but should contact you by phone or email (Whichever info you provided when booked.)
If you are one of my students and there is snow on the day of your Lesson, or Test, please contact me in the first instance to discuss what we will be planning for that day…
Cheers Andrew.
October 2024 Passes
September 2024 Passes
Junction – (Roman Rd – Pot House Lane)
The junction in question discussed in this post is located in Darwen, Lancashire and at the point where Pot House Lane meets Roman Road.
Map Ref Coordinates : 53.7031852, -2.45240533
The road in this location is a T-Junction between two roads, both with 30mph speed limits.
Approaching the junction from Pot House Lane is a pretty normal situation. The view to the right is good, and the view to the left is also good assuming you are positioned correctly upto the give way line.
The difficulty in correctly dealing with this junction is, when approaching along Roman road (traveling towards Darwen) with Pot House Lane on your right hand side.
The Junction has a protected marked area for you to position into when turning right into Pot House Lane.
Having driven this junction in this direction numerous times, and also observed other doing the same, it can be found and seen that should you drive fully forward and completely into the protected box, then you will find turning from this position is more difficult as in this position your vehicle is a long way forward of the correct turning point and could result in you clipping the far curb or driving over the white line cheverons on the far corner.
Dependant on your particular vehicle, of course, I have found that in my car, starting your turn into Pot House Lane when the front of your vehicle just starts to cover the “Turn Right” arrow, allows you to take the correct line round the corner.
In the photo above, you can see the best place to be positioned to start your turn (in Green) and how moving forward fully to the end of the box (in red) can make your turn more difficult.
Cars Through The Years.
How To Apply The MSPSL Routine
Understanding the M.S.P.S.L. The DVSA approved Driving Acronym
The acronym M.S.P.S.L. stands for Mirror, Signal, Position, Speed, Look. It is a key procedure used in driving, particularly when approaching and negotiating junctions, roundabouts, or any situations that require a change in direction or speed (ie Hazards). Here’s a breakdown of each step:
- Mirror:
- Check your mirrors before making any maneuver.
- Use your rearview mirror to assess traffic behind you.
- Check the appropriate side mirrors (left or right) depending on the direction you intend to move.
- Consider blind spots if necessary.
- Signal:
- Indicate your intentions clearly to other road users.
- Use the appropriate turn signal (left or right).
- Signal early enough to give other drivers time to react but not too early to cause confusion.
- Position:
- Adjust your vehicle’s position on the road in preparation for your maneuver.
- For a left turn, you may need to move closer to the left-hand side of the road.
- For a right turn, position your vehicle closer to the centerline, or in a Turn Right Lane/Box.
- Ensure your position is safe and does not impede other road users.
- Speed:
- Adjust your speed according to the situation.
- Slow down if you are approaching a junction, turn, or roundabout.
- Ensure you are traveling at a speed that allows you to react to any potential hazards.
- Use your gears appropriately, shifting down if necessary to maintain control.
- Look:
- Look around to assess the situation before proceeding.
- Check for pedestrians, cyclists, other vehicles, and any other potential hazards.
- Make sure it is safe before making your maneuver.
- Continue to monitor your surroundings as you complete the maneuver.
This M.S.P.S.L. routine is designed to ensure that you approach every driving situation with a structured, safe, and effective method, reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall road safety. This systematic method is the preffered method doocumented by the DVSA, and is the method you are expected to demonstrate during your learner driving test. There are other systematic driving methods in use that you may read about on further driver training, such as I.P.S.G.A. This is covered in full detail in the book – “Roadcraft”.
What Is A Hazard
Understanding the Three Types of Hazards.
Roadcraft, the UK’s authoritative guide to safe and effective driving, offers invaluable insights into the principles of road safety. One of the key concepts it discusses is the identification and management of hazards. Understanding hazards and how to respond to them is crucial for any driver aiming to minimize risk and navigate roads safely. According to Roadcraft, hazards can be broadly categorized into three types: physical, environmental, and human. Each type presents unique challenges, and recognizing them is the first step in effective hazard management.
1. Physical Hazards
Physical hazards refer to tangible obstacles and conditions on the road that can directly impact a vehicle’s path or control. These include:
- Static Objects: These are fixed items that are part of the road’s environment, such as road signs, barriers, buildings, parked vehicles, and curbs. Although they don’t move, they can obstruct visibility, narrow the road, or limit maneuvering space.
- Dynamic Objects: These are mobile entities such as moving vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Their unpredictable movements pose significant challenges, requiring drivers to be alert and ready to adjust speed or direction.
- Road Conditions: Surface issues like potholes, uneven surfaces, and roadworks can cause sudden jolts or loss of control, especially at higher speeds. Roadcraft advises drivers to scan ahead and adjust their driving to accommodate these conditions.
2. Environmental Hazards
Environmental hazards arise from the surrounding weather, light, and road conditions. Unlike physical hazards, these are often more variable and can change rapidly. Examples include:
- Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, fog, and ice can drastically alter road conditions and visibility. For instance, wet or icy roads reduce tire traction, increasing the likelihood of skidding. Fog reduces visibility, making it harder to spot potential hazards in time.
- Lighting Conditions: Driving during different times of the day presents its own challenges. Glare from the sun during sunrise or sunset can impair vision, while nighttime driving reduces visibility, making it harder to spot hazards.
- Natural Obstacles: Animals crossing the road, fallen branches, or debris blown onto the road by strong winds are examples of environmental hazards that require quick reactions to avoid accidents.
3. Human Hazards
Human hazards involve the unpredictable actions of other road users, as well as the driver’s own physical and mental state. These hazards include:
- Other Road Users: Pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers may behave unpredictably. For example, a pedestrian might suddenly step onto the road, or a driver may make an unexpected turn without signaling.
- Driver Condition: A driver’s own condition, such as fatigue, stress, or distraction, can significantly impair judgment and reaction times. Roadcraft emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and maintaining a focused, calm state of mind to ensure safe driving.
- Behavioral Hazards: Aggressive driving, speeding, or tailgating by other road users increases the risk of accidents. Drivers should be prepared to deal with these situations calmly and safely, avoiding confrontation and maintaining a safe distance.
Conclusion
Recognizing and managing these three types of hazards—physical, environmental, and human—is essential for safe driving. Roadcraft’s approach encourages drivers to constantly assess their surroundings, anticipate potential dangers, and adjust their driving behavior accordingly. By understanding these hazards and practicing proactive hazard management, drivers can significantly reduce their risk of accidents and contribute to a safer driving environment for everyone on the road.
August 2024 Passes
July 2024 Passes
June 2024 Passes
Hazard Perception Video Advice
Below is a video on how the Hazard Perception part of the Theory Test is scored. It also shows examples of what hazards to look out for.
April 2024 Passes
March 2024 Passes
February 2024 Passes
How We Are Dealing With A Busy Waiting List
Just another quick post about lesson and booking conditions.
I am posting this, as recently I have contacted quite a few new students about open slots, sent them details to book in, and then they havnt booked in. This causes us issues with our diary management and prevents others getting off the waiting list, so this is what we do to deal with the waiting list.
We are extremly Busy at the moment, and as you may appreciate we have a long waiting list of students desperate to get learning. Some have been waiting more than 3 Months.
We are still running at Maximum capacity and trying desperately to get new students into the driving seat from our waiting list.
Our intake process is to to evaulate the availability indicated from you on your contact enquiry and check against our diary slots. If we manage to find availability, we contact you straight away to offer you a chance at booking into the diary on those available slots.
We will advise you via SMS there is availability as soon as we can
You need either, : Tell us you no longer need our services (You may have found another instructor whilst you waited on our list), or agree to start booking your lessons in.
If we get no reply from you at this stage, your details are removed from our waiting list and you will no longer be contacted by us with regard to lessons.
If you are ready to book you will be sent login details to allow you to book. These will ONLY be valid for 7 days.
If you do not make a booking within this time, your details will be removed from our system and you will not be able to make any bookings.
We can only have a finite number of active students on our system at any one time. Therfore the following also applies to students taking lessons.
If lessons are not taken at regular intervals (at least 1 lesson in every 4 weeks) then your account will be marked as inactive and you will not be able to make further lesson bookings. Your inactive account will therefor become available to the next person on the waiting list.
Block Booking Vouchers.
Our block booking vouchers work much the same way as a concert ticket, in that they have an end date and are non refundable.
When you buy a voucher you will be given the number of sessions on that voucher. The voucher sessions need to be taken with the validity period of the voucher (5 Months from date of purchase). Any sessions not taken with this period become null and void and you will lose them.
During this very busy time,
WE WILL NOT HOLD YOUR SLOT OPEN. We have people dedicated to learning who need the slots, and they will be given them if you are not using them.
To See the full booking conditions, click this link. https://www.darwendt.com/booking-information/
To see the current waiting list, click this link. https://www.darwendt.com/current-waiting-list/
December 2023 Passes
Lesson Booking Rules
*** Important info. ***
We are currently running at full capacity with regard to student numbers on our books. With this in mind, we will be enforcing the following : [You will have this received this paragraph below, in the text you were sent with your login details. The full terms can be found by clicking the link]
*The login details will stay active for 7 days to allow you to make a booking. If no bookings are made within this time, the account will be closed. For full information on bookings, please view this link. https://www.darwendt.com/booking-information/ <– Please Read This Its Important….*
IF YOU HAVE RECENTLY BEEN SENT LOGIN DETAILS, you have told us your are ready to start booking in your lessons. Your account has been setup and you are given 7 days to allow you to do this. If you fail to book lessons onto our system within this time, the login details and account that was created will be removed from our system and the next person on the waiting list will be offered your place.
IF YOU CURRENTLY HAVE LESSONS BOOKED IN. Lessons need to be taken at regular intervals (At least one in every 4 week period). Unless otherwise arranged directly with us, if lessons are not taken as above, then your account may be closed and your place offered to the next person on the waiting list.
In this very busy period, we are not able to hold spaces open in the diary. This is the fairest way to allocate available spaces.
XMAS Promotion
Our Christmas promotion code goes active.
To see our promotion code and book your discounted block booking, login to your account now.
Our promotion is available between 23/11/23 and 23/12/23 and applies to our block booking vouchers only.
November 2023 Passes
October 2023 Passes
Mock Driving Tests
We are currently offering this service. This is what the DVSA say about why a Mock Driving Test is a good idea. Click the link to read about it. Mock Driving Tests
All our current clients will automatically take Mock Driving Test as they go through their learning with us. We do this to help them prepare for the pressure and nerves on the day.
If you are taking lessons with another instructor, or maybe doing private lessons with a supervisor and wish to see if you are ready to take your Practical Driving Test, then why not contact us and get booked in for one of our “Mock Test” sessions.
We will conduct in the same way the real test will be conducted. Your results will be recorded on the current DL25 document. The test will be carried out in our dual control vehicle (Currently a Ford Fiesta – Manual). [We cannot carry out tests in your vehicle]
The “Test Route” will contain the necessary types of roads, junctions and other hazards you will be expected to deal with on the real test. These may vary depending on the location of the test start point.
The Mock Test session will be a 2hr session in total. We will pick you up at the arranged location and drive you a short distance to where the test will start. We will make you familiar with any car controls that may be different from the car you have taken your lessons in. Once you are happy you understand our car specifics, then the test can start.
We will conduct a license check and an eyesight check (So bring your license with you)
The test will last around 40mins. At the end you will be given the result and a full explanation of any faults commited during the test.
We will also offer help on how to rectify any mistakes to aid in your learning
You will then be driven back to your pickup point.
To book a Mock Test session, in the first instance please contact us by Email or SMS, providing us with your Name, Address and Mobile Phone Number. We will then contact you to arrange the session.
September 2023 Passes
August 2023 Passes
August Bank Holiday PROMO
August Bank Holiday Promotion Code.
I have a discount code available that is valid for one day only.
On MONDAY 28th AUG 2023 there will be a discount code that becomes active/goes live. It will be active for the entire day ONLY.
The discount code can be applied to the following purchases.
10hr block Voucher (5 x 2hr)
7.5hr block voucher (5 x 1.5hr)
To get the code, you need to login to my website where you will find it under your home page.
To use the code – Select one of the block vouchers in the “Buy Voucher” section of the website, and enter you code when completing your payment. THIS WILL ONLY WORK ON THE 28th
Happy Bank Holiday.
Andrew.
July 2023 Passes
Short Notice Driving Test Cover Requests.
* Non Customer Short Notice Driving Test Coverage Requests*
Im just posting this update, as currently I am getting a high number of enquiries from around the uk, asking me to “Cover My Driving Test”.
Let me explain the situation and our stance on this.
The whole country is currently experiencing long delays getting driving tests from the DVSA. This is because of the backlog that was caused when COVID hit. Although the DVSA have said it is addressing the issue, the waiting time for driving tests does not seem to be improving much and continues to cause frustration for all learner drivers needing to pass.
Due to this issue and the general public needing to get driving: people are trying to book tests wherever they may find one, either outside their area or by using mobile phone apps to find cancellations and last minute test slots. This usually means that they need a car to use for the test, or need a new/different instructor to take them for the test, as it is outside the area they live, or their current instructor cant/wont or doesnt cover the place booked.
At least twice a week I am receiving calls of this nature.
“Hi, Im ringing you as I have a test booked for next week and my instructor has let me down / fallen ill / his car is broken / cant / wont take me for my test / says Im not ready for my test……………….etc”, “Can you take me?, I only need one or two lessons before and the use of your car for the test as I can drive and I just need to learn the area?”.
Trust me. When I get these phone calls, I understand your desparation and frustration, and I dont like having to disappoint anybody.
I have been an Instructor a long time now, and as you can imagine have heard all sorts of things from students about their driving and other instructors they have had, so I always take what I hear with a pinch of salt and assess my student and form my own opinion of their driving standards.
Assessing somebodys driving cannot be done in “one or two hours”. To make proper assesments we need to see the student driving in all sorts of different traffic, road and weather conditions. This takes time and many hours…….
As an approved DVSA instructor, we agree to criteria to stay on the register of Approved instructors. One of the criteria is that we agree to be continually assessed and monitored with regard to our standard as an instructor. The way the DVSA conduct this, is by recording all the driving test information collected during a students driving test and linking this to our information. ie. how the student performs on a test has a direct link to how the DVSA views our standards as instructors. Together with this information we are also subject to be tested randomly by having our driving lessons watched and recorded. (This is called a STANDARDS CHECK). The results from all this can determin if we can stay on the register of approved instructors or not. ie. Can we keep our job!!
We also agree to teach a complete sylabus and ensure that the students we present for their driving test are of a high enough standard and are safe to be presented for the test.
You can also imagine the risk the examiners take everyday. They have no idea as to the candidates skill level when they get in the car with them!.
My job as an instructor is to ensure the person I teach is given a skill for life, and that skill is to be a safe and compitent driver.
This is the service we provide. Training from what ever level you are currently at, to a competent and safe driver, over however many hours that takes.
A service WE DO NOT PROVIDE is : “A couple of lessons and the use of our car for a driving test, because your current instructor cant help you with the one you have booked”
The reasons we dont offer this service are as follows:
1. We cant assess your driving in a small number of hours.
2. We are not risking the safety of anybody on an unknow variable
3. Our car IS our main business tool and we are not risking its safety
4. We have committed our time and resources to our existing customers – They are our priority.
5. Your test result can directly effect our job as an instructor.
If you are not currently a customer and wish to use our services to help you prepare for your driving test, you need to add yourself to our waiting list and go through our assessment process. There are no shortcuts to this.
Hope this explains why we have to say no.
June 2023 Passes
May 2023 Passes
April 2023 Passes
Well done to my Nephew Harry, who passed his practical test first time over in Edmonton, Canada. Drive Safe Harry.
What Happens On A Current Driving Test
- You arrive at your booked appointment 10mins before.
- Wait in the waiting room. The examiner will come to meet you at the correct time.
- Show him your Provisional License and sign confirmations on his Electronic Tablet.
- He will ask if you wish to be accompanied by your instructor.
- You will then be asked to complete an eyesight assessment.
- You will be asked which is your car. You will both walk over to it.
- You may be asked to open the bonnet. If not, get in the car but dont switch it on.
- Put your seatbelt on and wait for the examiner to get in.
- He will then explain the test to you and off you will go.
- The test lasts approximatley 35-45mins
- When you return to the center and park up, you will be asked to switch off your engine.
- You will get your result straight away. You will also get some feedback.
The Video below shows what happens during the test.