James driver training (Manchester)

19/11/2025

DVSA making changes to driving test ;

Following a successful 5-month trial, DVSA is rolling out some subtle changes to the practical driving test.

01/09/2025

New Badge Day

For an instructor our badge is not just to show our professional registration, it stands for so much more.

Like most professional registrations we also need to pay for this privilege to enable us to work.

If you are paying for lessons your instructor is legally required to display this in the car.

There are 2 types of badge.

The "pink" triangle, this is used by a trainee driving instructor who will have passed a robust theory test where they need to achieve minimum scores in 4 separate areas, a rigorous driving test and will then be working towards their final teaching test where they then earn. The one on the left is mine from July 1993.

Their "Green Badge" those and that they are a fully qualified Approved Driving Instructor, it also means that they are subject to a Standards Check (think like an OFSTED for a school). Although we never stop learning

If you are looking for an instructor with an automatic vehicle, then please make contact and let's see if I can help you.

13/08/2025

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-theory-test-questions-aim-to-boost-cardiac-arrest-survival-rate

From autumn 2025, driving theory tests will include new CPR questions and, for the first time, questions about defibrillators to boost cardiac arrest survival.

08/08/2025

https://www.protectyoungdrivers.com/

Protect Young Drivers is campaigning for Graduated Driving Licensing in the UK to improve road safety for young drivers and prevent tragic collisions.

27/06/2025

https://www.intelligentinstructor.co.uk/no-mellow-yellow/

More than 60% of yellow box junction fines issued outside of London and Cardiff in 2024 came from just three councils. These are the findings from analysis by the RAC, raising fresh concerns over whether councils are prioritising traffic management—or revenue generation. Boxed Following a 2022 cha...

17/03/2025

DVSA practical driving test ‘Change & Cancellation policy’ moving to 10days

10/03/2025

https://www.drivertrainer.org/dvsa-provides-update-on-plans-to-tackle-driving-test-waiting-times/

Explore the latest updates on the DVSA's plan to reduce driving test waiting times and improve services across the UK.

08/03/2025

Interesting article about suggested learners 1st cars

29/03/2024

Reduction in the number of (non-school related) 20mph Zones might be on the cards ;

The government has announced a series of new measures which it believes will “benefit motorists”. Policy changes and reviews will consider issues ranging from low-traffic neighbourhoods and 20mph zones to yellow box junctions and bus lanes. Transport Minister Mark Harper states he “wants local...

23/03/2024

https://www.drivertrainer.org/the-uks-top-causes-of-road-collisions/

New research has revealed the top causes of road collisions in the UK, with driver error coming out on top. The study by insurance experts Howden Insurance analysed accident data from the Office for National Statistics to see the leading causes for road collisions in the UK over the past decade. The...

06/03/2024

https://news.sky.com/story/concerning-rise-in-insurance-costs-for-young-automatic-only-drivers-13088169

Young drivers have been hit with another rise in car insurance, with those who don't drive manual vehicles most affected.

26/01/2024

DVSA Examiner strike action