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.

For example.

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.

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!

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