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