James Valente - RED Driver Training

18/05/2026

A quick heads-up on swapping driving tests.

The DVSA now allows learners to swap practical test appointments with another learner using the official government system. This can be really helpful if you already have a test booked but are hoping for a more suitable date or location.

You can find the official info and swap service here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/swapping-your-driving-test-with-another-learner-driver

Since the recent rule changes more tests that were previously being held by cancellation apps/sites are starting to come back into the system too - so it’s definitely worth checking regularly.

Also don’t forget to look at nearby test centres as well, as availability can vary a lot between areas.

Please make sure you check with your instructor before making any changes or swapping your test date to make sure they’re available and more importantly you’re ready to pass your test.

Hope this helps 🙂

You may be able to swap your car driving test with another learner driver by phone if you both already have a test booked and want each other's test slot.

12/05/2026

Putting learners in control 🚗

From today, only learners will be able to book driving tests.

We’ve made this change to:

Clampdown on test reselling and exploitation by third parties ⛔

Make sure tests are accessible only to learners 🔐

Provide a fairer booking system ✅

Read more on GOV.UK 👇
https://ow.ly/viIc50YWwOA

10/05/2026

08/05/2026

Huge congratulations to Georgia on passing her driving test today, Friday 8th May 2026 at Sevenoaks Test Centre FIRST TIME with only 4 driver faults! 🚗✅

Now… as you can probably tell from the photos, it was a slightly eventful test to say the least 😅 I’m still not entirely sure who the examiner was… but Stevie Wonder did cross my mind at one stage judging by the state of my poor car afterwards 😂 A few trips to the body shop might be needed for this one!

Jokes aside, it’s genuinely been a fantastic experience teaching Georgia. Watching her progress from the early lessons to becoming a confident and capable driver has been brilliant.

A huge thank you also goes out to Georgia’s parents for all the support with the private practice sessions. This genuinely makes a massive difference in helping learners build the experience, confidence and skills needed to become safe and successful drivers. The extra time behind the wheel really does pay off, and today’s result is proof of that 👏🏽

Georgia, welcome to the full licence club! 🎉
I’m really pleased to have been part of your learning journey and see you reach this milestone today is an honour. Your learner driver lessons with me may be finished, but this is only the beginning of your driving journey.

Take care, stay safe on the roads and enjoy the freedom that comes with it. Wishing you all the very best 🚘 well done!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

(Credit to Georgia’s Dad for the edited celebration photo 😂 see comments for original)

03/05/2026

🤔🛑 What does this road sign mean?

Share our weekly quiz with your students to help test their knowledge!

👉 Make sure they know the most common UK traffic signs by reading Know Your Traffic Signs: https://ow.ly/tjJv50XNL0G

15/04/2026

Did you know today is The Highway Code’s 95th birthday? 🎂🥳

The Official Highway Code was published on 14 April 1931, before the driving test even existed.

In our latest blog, we walk you through the biggest changes - from rules you might have never imagined to changes you can still read about today!

👉 Read the blog: https://ow.ly/zX2z50YIepP

15/04/2026

Are you learning to drive? 🚗

Whether you're preparing for your theory test or want some expert tips on driving skills, this official DVSA guide is packed with advice for learners, professionals and instructors.

👉📘 Get the guide today: https://ow.ly/wCHR50Y7GoT

13/04/2026

Huge congratulations to Abi on passing her practical driving test today Monday 13th April 2026 at Sevenoaks Test Centre and on her 1st attempt with only 5 driver faults! 🚗 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽💪🏽🎉

Today, Abi truly showed what she’s capable of. From being an extremely anxious and nervous learner, often battling self-doubt and self-criticism, she has worked incredibly hard to build her confidence and skills behind the wheel. Today Abi proved to herself that she absolutely has what it takes to be on the road.

This is a massive achievement and I’m so proud to have been part of your journey Abi. Your determination, perseverance and commitment have paid off.

Welcome to the full licence club - you’ve earned it! 🎉

I couldn’t be happier for you. Really, really well done!

10/04/2026

Huge congratulations to Emily on passing her practical driving test today, Friday 10th April 2026, at Sevenoaks Test Centre - 1st attempt with only 1 driver fault! What an incredible achievement! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

Emily has worked so hard for this moment, and today she showed exactly what she’s capable of: calm nerves, great focus and brilliant driving skills throughout.

It’s been an absolute pleasure to be part of her journey and to watch her confidence grow behind the wheel. Moments like this are what make the job so rewarding.

Wishing you all the best on the road ahead, Emily - enjoy your freedom, stay safe and make plenty of amazing memories. You’ve earned it 🚗🎉