The Psychology of Car Colours Chromotherapy is a long-known practice that uses colour to improve well-being both physically and emotionally, as they can affect mood and biology as well as emotional responses.  We use colour like this in our homes and our wardrobes and it is no wonder that many...

Driver Stereotypes – which one are you? As much as we hate to admit it, the car we drive does show a personality type. This article, for entertainment purposes, of course, shows the common stereotypes associated with some vehicles regularly seen on the road in the UK. Fiat 500 The...

A good driver is not just having a clean licence, as often that can be more luck than judgment; it is someone who consistently takes every trip with care, consideration, and a good frame of mind. It’s much easier said than done, too. When we pass our driving test, we...

Things that bad drivers do regularly We often encounter what we consider bad drivers on the road, but what makes a habitual bad driver? Many drivers can have an off day, where they are not driving as well as they can, but to label them as bad drivers may not...

As long as you have a full driving licence, you can legally drive a van up to 3.5 tons or 7.5 tons if you passed your driving test before 1st January 1997; that is the C1 entitlement and is often called Grandparent rights.  If you passed your UK driving test...

Do you enjoy driving in the autumn? Autumn brings unpredictable weather, which can shift from sunny and dry to windy and wet in a matter of minutes and poses significant challenges for drivers. The season’s falling leaves and potential foggy and misty mornings underscore the importance of adapting to these...

There are many rules regarding driving on motorways in the UK, and for new drivers, they can be quite scary. Since the 4th of June 2018, learner drivers have been allowed to drive on a motorway, but only under the supervision of a DVSA registered instructor, unlike other roads where...

While we all try to stay within advised speed limits, there may be an odd moment when you find yourself on the wrong side of the law by speeding. You may be flashed by a speed camera on an unfamiliar road, caught in roadworks with temporary speed limits and cameras,...

In September 2024, we provided an advanced training session for several drivers based in Sierra Leone who work for an international business involved in the extraction of diamonds. Here is a first-hand account from our tutor, Chris Potten, who provided this training: This was my second driver training job in...

Germany has long been known for its superior and well-maintained road networks and the famous Autobahns, where speed limits are almost non-existent. These can be very tempting for drivers of performance cars who often make the trip just to put their foot down legally. You do not need a permit...

Motorhome and Campervan – (Recreational Vehicle – RV) driving tips There has been a considerable rise in campervans and motorhomes on the roads, especially since Covid, and more people are re-discovering the beauty of the UK and choosing to avoid the busy airports and foreign package holidays. From converted transit-style...

As a car owner, it’s crucial to understand that your vehicle will require regular maintenance. This could range from servicing to replacing wear and tear items such as discs and pads, bulbs, and wipers to more vital engine components like injectors or fuel pumps. If your car is still under...

Reporting a dangerous driver As a responsible road user, you play a crucial role in ensuring road safety. If you observe a driver who poses a danger to themselves or others, you should report them to the appropriate authorities. What is considered a dangerous driver? A driver who is recklessly...

If you should be unfortunate enough to be involved in a road traffic accident, then there are certain things you need to be aware of before you think about driving again. Immediately stop when it is safe to do so If you are involved in a road traffic accident, by...

Everyone considering changing their car will be looking for the best deals for their personal circumstances. There are many products to consider when buying or leasing a car, so it’s important to understand each product and how the costs can vary. With the current financial issues many people are facing,...

With the current availability of both petrol and diesel vehicles until at least 2035, many drivers are faced with the decision of choosing the best-fuelled option for their driving needs. The oncoming ban on new petrol or diesel vehicles in favour of all-electric vehicles is set for 2035, but existing...

What are congestion charges? If you live or travel through London, you will be aware of the congestion charges that have been in force since 2003. The TfL (Transport for London) introduced the congestion charge to help reduce the number of vehicles travelling into the central capital. It helps to...

What will happen to fuel stations in the future? With the government’s ambitious plans to make every new car electric by the 2030s and HGVs emission-free by 2040, the future of traditional fuel stations is set to undergo a significant transformation. This shift will not only affect the transportation sector...

A guide for international driving licences in the UK One of the most regular enquiries we have as driver trainer providers is for UK familiarisation courses for drivers new to UK driving who need to become safe and confident for business and private driving. We get many queries about whether...

Are Smart Motorways Dangerous? Smart Motorways (ALR – All Lane Running) have had a poor reputation since their launch in 2006, with the first one introduced on the M42 in the West Midlands. They currently cover approximately 400 miles across the UK motorway network. Due to numerous concerns over safety...

Should I buy an EV? Many drivers across the UK are considering an Electric Vehicle as their next new car purchase. When it comes to the right car for you, it is essential to understand your driving needs and find the right EV that suits you. Electric vehicles are not...

New technology has developed rapidly with vehicles, and it can be very confusing if you are looking to purchase an electric car. From 2035 (originally 2030), the UK has promised that new cars will be banned from using diesel and petrol in an effort to make motoring greener and help...

We currently offer a very bespoke driving course at Millbrook Proving Ground, which is available for owners of high-performance cars – more info. However, we have now created a concept course. We call it a concept as it’s currently only being tested internally, but we wanted to share. We call...

It’s incredibly frustrating when you see a bad driver. While you may wish to blast your horn, flash them or worse, it’s important to try and remain passive and don’t try and express your fury with them – it could make things much worse. This is sadly much easier said...

It’s a legal requirement for an employer to manage the health and safety of employees who, among many other things, drive a vehicle on the road as part of their job. The law around health and safety applies to driving as it does to health and safety at a fixed...

Also known as a GDL (Graduated Driving Licence) is a phased system of driving, which allows young and new drivers to gain driving experience whilst minimising their road-risk. A graduated driving licence has been effective in reducing injuries and deaths among young and new drivers – who are involved in...

As we age, driving will become more challenging with slower reflexes and possible medical conditions that can affect reflexes and eyesight. It would help if you remained open to continual learning when it comes to driving when you are ageing, as this will ensure that you stay safe and sound...

It has been law since January 1983 for all drivers to wear a seatbelt, and if you refuse to wear one, it can land you in trouble legally, not to mention the risks you’re taking with your safety. It has been since 1965 that manufacturers had to install seatbelts in...

We often get asked this a lot with potential clients looking to do an advanced driving course. As much as we would love to say yes, virtually all mainstream competitive insurers will not reduce your car insurance after taking an advanced driving course. Here is why: When an insurance company...

Is there a perfect car to take an advanced driving course in? It depends on what you are looking for and what car you drive most of the time – that’s the advice we mostly give clients. But what about taking an advanced driving course in a sports car as...

Fog is one of the most treacherous conditions when driving. In many places, it can come suddenly without warning, especially in some industrial areas where there may be more pollution particles in the air or areas that are nearby water courses, lakes or in coastal regions. When the fog is...

Motorway driving with confidence Although driving on a motorway is one of the safest ways to travel, it is the speed many people worry about. Here are some simple tips that can help relieve motorway driving stress. Joining and exiting motorways safely When you are about to join a slip...

Driving at night can be far riskier than driving during the day. This is due to increased road hazards and eye conditions that can affect your ability to see in darker settings. Night driving impacts drivers of all ages and experience. If you ever wondered, “Why can’t I see well...

On Friday, 4th August, we visited Castle Combe race track in Wiltshire to look at two technical aspects of high-speed driving – brake control and cornering stability at high speed. Castle Combe is known to be a very fast track, where speeds of well over 100mph can easily be achieved...

In May, we were approached by the production team at BBC Morning Live. They were interested in learning more about our road rage course with the view to making a short feature to be shown on their show. Our road rage course is designed specifically to help motorists understand what...

Unless you have a car that is purposely adapted purely for circuit use, the road is the natural habitat for high-performance cars. Using them safely on the public highway, however, takes some care and skill as well as the willingness to adopt the right attitude and approach to the task....

Is there a perfect car to take an advanced driving course in? It depends on what you are looking for and what car you drive most of the time – that’s the advice we mostly give clients. But what about taking an advanced driving course in a sports car as...

When you think of drifting, many people will visualise 1,000bhp hugely modified japanise cars smoking their tyres on a track somewhere near Toyko. Drifting is big in Japan – and also in many other countries. But don’t for one minute think you need to have a track monster to be...

From 15 to 21 May 2023, various road safety institutions come together to promote Global Road Safety Week. This is the 7th road safety week, which is run by the United Nations. A key objective of Global Road Safety Week is to half road deaths globally by 50% by 2030....

Electric cars have been in the pipeline for many years, and the associated technology has improved immensely. By 2030 it is expected that most new vehicles sold will be all-electric, with a few hybrid models that use fossil fuels, which will still be available until 2035. It is important that...

During the winter months especially, good all-round lighting is vital for safe driving, so you must check for blown bulbs and failed lights regularly. Day time lights During the day, there are still instances where headlights should be used. They are there for more than just dark or foggy driving....

Many of us will get into a car or van and drive away with little thought, but some things should always be checked before considering your trip. Regular checks on your vehicle before driving will help towards a safe journey and reduce the chances of any breakdowns or collisions. It...

What you need to know about driving a van Many people are now looking to drive a van for work purposes, especially with the increase in home delivery services. If you are thinking about this or are looking to hire or buy a van (or campervan) for personal reasons, then...

Important new Highway Code updates to be aware of, especially in the winter To pass your driving test, you must know the Highway Code well, but how often do you check for new regulations? There are recent changes to take into consideration, and these came into effect in 2022 and...

As we are or should be aware, drink driving is illegal if you’re caught over the limit, but are you also aware that any positive swipe for drugs will also see you with a ban?  There are very tiny limits for drug driving, and depending on the drugs in your...

A vehicle we use for tests and specialist training is our BMW Z4 3.0L. With 230hp and RWD, it’s well suited for training clients in high-performance training on track, with a specific focus on controlling skids and gaining experience in RWD (Rear Wheel Drive) cars, where power oversteer can catch...

The main reason for having a speed limit tolerance is that drivers can slow down safely without having their vision fixed on the speedometer rather than the road, combined with any inaccuracies with the vehicle’s speedo. Certain speed cameras will have small tolerances, meaning you could be slightly over the...

Now the clocks have turned back, we all know that winter is fast approaching, so now is the time to consider treacherous driving conditions that can occur. Knowing that you have a journey in the snow and ice can be worrying, especially if your trip can not be delayed. With...

No one wants unexpected car failures in the winter, so by doing some simple checks and taking preventive measures when driving in adverse weather conditions, you can save yourself the stress of being stuck on the roadside in freezing conditions. Tips for getting your car winter-ready It is wise to...

Winter tyres Europeans who live in regions that have harsher climates are very used to swapping their summer tyres for winter tyres. However, UK motorists can be a bit more sceptical about the benefits as our winters are relatively less of an issue. Still, you don’t need to live on...