Dualdrive

02/06/2026

Sat nav reliance is on the rise 📱🚗

According to Autotrader, nearly 1 in 10 drivers feel uncomfortable without it – even on familiar routes.

For instructors, it's a good reminder to help pupils develop:

🧭 Reading road signs
🛣️ Planning ahead
🚦 Making decisions when tech fails or lags

Sat nav is a great tool – but confidence shouldn't depend on it.

How do you balance tech and traditional navigation skills in your lessons?

31/05/2026

Big news from DVSA this week 📢

They've suspended over 1,100 licence numbers and blocked seven business accounts for misusing the driving test booking system. Apps using bots have been reported to Apple and Google.

Why does this matter to you?

🎯 It's a step towards a fairer system – genuine bookings should be easier to secure

👀 Waiting times are still at 22.3 weeks – but DVSA says it's working on it

🔧 A healthier booking system means less stress for you and your pupils – and that's good for your business

We know the booking backlog has been frustrating. It's encouraging to see action being taken against those gaming the system.

We'd love to hear your thoughts!

26/05/2026

Distracted driving is everywhere – and it's getting worse. 📱

Modern touchscreens. Phone addiction. The "I can handle it" mindset.

As a driving instructor, you're in a unique position to tackle this. You're shaping habits before they form.

New on the blog: why distraction is such a problem right now, what the big fleets are doing about it, and practical tips you can use with your learners from lesson one.

https://www.dualdrive.co.uk/distracted-driving-why-instructors-are-the-first-line-of-defence/

Distracted driving is getting worse. Here's how driving instructors can help learners build safer habits from day one.

22/05/2026

A new study from Ageas asked 2,000 motorists about their driving habits, and Skoda owners came out on top for things like keeping a safe following distance, staying calm in traffic, and anticipating hazards.

Volvo and Dacia drivers weren't far behind. And at the other end? Let's just say Land Rover and Mercedes drivers might have some explaining to do... 😬

Now, we're not saying this is exactly scientific proof – but if you've ever thought "I want my learners to pick up good habits from a calm, organised instructor in a reliable car"... well, maybe there's something in it? 🤷

Good news: we've got Skodas on our fleet, ready and waiting for the UK's most conscientious driving instructors. Just saying. 😉

👉 Browse our range: dualdrive.co.uk

17/05/2026

⚡ Big news... we've gone electric!

Meet the Hyundai Inster – the first fully electric car to join the Dual Drive fleet, and we think you're going to love it.

This compact little EV is perfect for driving instructors who spend their days navigating busy streets and tight parking spots. Plus, with electricity costing a fraction of petrol, your running costs just got a whole lot friendlier. 💰

Here's what you get:
🔋 Long Range battery
📱 10.25" touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
🅿️ Rear parking sensors & rear view camera
❄️ Heat pump & battery heating system

All from just £479.99 per month inc. VAT – and yes, that includes maintenance too.

As always, our flexible packages come with a mid-contract mileage review, so you're never paying for miles you don't use.

⚠️ Limited stock at this price – get in touch for a quote tailored to you! dualdrive.co.uk

13/05/2026

Worth a refresher? The DVSA has been reminding drivers about safe overtaking 🚗

We all know overtaking can be risky when it's not done properly, and the Highway Code is pretty clear on the rules. But it's one of those things that's easy to skim over with learners, especially when there's so much else to cover.

The key points worth reinforcing:

🚴 Leave at least 1.5 metres when passing cyclists at up to 30mph, and more space at higher speeds
🐴 Pass horse riders at under 10mph with at least 2 metres clearance
🚫 Avoid overtaking near bends, junctions, hills or anywhere with poor visibility
⚠️ Never exceed the speed limit, even when overtaking

It's especially important on rural roads and single carriageways where things can go wrong quickly.

Penalties for getting it wrong can be serious too, up to £2,500 and six points for dangerous overtakes.

Might be worth building this into your next few lessons if you haven't already. Full article here: https://www.driving.org/highway-code-overtaking-warning-what-trainers-should-reinforce-with-learners/

The DVSA has reminded drivers that unsafe overtaking can have serious consequences, following renewed concern about risky manoeuvres on UK roads. The Highway Code overtaking warning highlights that drivers must only overtake when it is safe and legal to do so. Rule 162 says drivers should make sure....

10/05/2026

Heads up - big changes coming to driving test bookings 📋

From 12 May 2026, only learners will be able to book, change, swap or cancel their own driving tests. Instructors and driving schools will no longer be able to manage bookings on their behalf.

The DVSA has started contacting instructors directly, but here's what you need to know:

If you've got bookings from 12 May onwards, make sure your pupils have their booking reference numbers

Update any bookings that still have your email address - swap it for the learner's own details

For any new bookings between now and then, use the learner's email from the start

The current instructor booking service closes at 6pm on 11 May 2026, so make sure everything's sorted before then.

It's a big shift in how things work, so worth getting ahead of it now. You can read the full details here: https://www.driving.org/from-12-may-2026-only-learners-can-manage-driving-test-bookings/`

Understand how to manage driving test bookings now that new laws require learners to take control of their appointments.

05/05/2026

This one made us smile 😊

It's always lovely to hear we're doing right by our instructors. Thanks for the kind words.

Short and sweet but it means a lot. Thanks for taking the time to leave this!

03/05/2026

Look what just arrived! 🥈

We've only gone and won Car Supplier of the Year (Silver) at the Intelligent Instructor Awards again!

To all the instructors who trust us with their cars, you're the reason we do what we do. We know how important it is to have a reliable set of wheels when you're out teaching every day, and we'll keep working hard to make sure we deliver.

Right, who's putting the kettle on to celebrate? ☕🎉

28/04/2026

Six in 10 motorists support retesting older drivers

New research from Uswitch car insurance shows strong public support for older driver reassessment:

📊 61% of motorists back retesting from a certain age
👁️ 83% support mandatory eyesight checks from age 70
🔄 9 in 10 say retesting should continue regularly, with many suggesting every 2-3 years

The main concerns cited were slower reaction times, sight problems and cognitive decline.

Interestingly, support varied significantly by age—88% of 25-34 year olds backed the idea, compared with 31% of those 65 and over.

Why this matters for ADIs:
If any form of older driver reassessment is introduced, there could be increased demand for refresher lessons and test preparation. It's worth considering whether this is a service you'd want to offer, and how you might market it to a different demographic than your usual learners.

The research also highlighted that 70% of drivers over 60 find modern car technology confusing - another potential area where experienced instructors could provide support.

What are your thoughts on older driver retesting? Would you offer refresher training?