Driver Training Services

23/05/2026

29/04/2026

🚗 5 Ways to BEAT Driving Test Anxiety (and actually pass!)

​Most people don’t fail their driving test because they can’t drive... they fail because the nerves take over. 🧠 With UK average pass rates sitting at just 48.5%, staying calm is half the battle.

​Here is how to keep your cool:

​✅ 1. Distract Your Brain
The 24 hours before your test is prime overthinking time. Don't sit at home visualizing failure. Go for a walk, see a movie, or meet friends. Keep your brain too busy to spiral.

​✅ 2. Burn Off the Cortisol
Sitting still makes anxiety worse. A quick 20-minute walk on the morning of your test helps lower stress hormones and settles those "stomach butterflies."

​✅ 3. Watch the Caffeine
We all love a coffee, but too much = shaky hands and a racing heart. Eat a light, balanced meal and keep the caffeine intake normal (or lower than usual!).

​✅ 4. Prioritize "Pedal Feel"
Today isn't the day for a fashion statement. Wear light, breathable clothes and—most importantly—flat, comfortable shoes so you can feel the bite point perfectly.

​✅ 5. Slow. Everything. Down.
The examiner isn't looking for speed or perfection; they’re looking for safety. Take that extra second at junctions. 🐢

​💡Trust your instructor’s judgment—they wouldn't have let you book it if you weren't ready!

🍀 Good luck - you've got this!

24/04/2026

⭐ ⭐ 🚗 🚗 PASS ALERT 🚗 🚗 ⭐ ⭐

Well done Annelise on passing your driving test in Durham today. You did amazing with only 5 driver faults.
Thank you for the gifts also, greatly appreciated. See you on the roads.

11/03/2026

🚗⭐🌟FIRST TIME PASS ALERT🌟⭐🚗

Well done Lynne on passing your driving test first attempt today, in Durham with us at Driver Training Services

12/02/2026

MY JOB ROLE

Is not to teach to pass a driving test.

My role is to coach a life skill, that develops every day of our driving career.

As a good friend said “The day you stop learning is the day you die.”

24/01/2026

We’re standing up for examiner safety
For years, driving examiners across the UK have been put in unsafe and unfair situations — but after what we’ve witnessed locally in the last few days, we believe it’s time to speak up.
Learners are currently allowed to take their practical test in private or family vehicles without dual controls. This means examiners have no way to physically intervene if something dangerous happens. They are left to shout warnings or grab the steering wheel — often when it’s already too late.
Examiners must also refuse tests when vehicles are unsafe or do not meet DVSA standards. While these refusals are necessary for safety, they often result in verbal abuse, online attacks, and wasted test slots at a time when waiting lists are already at record levels.
This is not about blaming learners.
It’s about fixing a system that puts everyone at risk.
That’s why Stephanie Longstaff and I have launched a petition calling for:
Mandatory dual-controlled vehicles for all UK practical driving tests
This simple change would: • Protect examiners
• Improve safety for learners
• Reduce refusals and abuse
• Prevent wasted test slots
• Help shorten waiting times
We want a fair, safe, and professional testing system for everyone.
If you support safer driving and fair treatment for examiners, please take a moment to read and sign our petition:
👉 https://c.org/dmMdD9CmTm

Driver Training Services – Mark Howard
📧 [email protected]
📞 07514 811022
🌐 drivertraining.services

Optimus Drive Driving School
📧 [email protected]
📞 0191 925 0676
🌐 optimusdrive.co.uk

22/01/2026

If you have to ask an examiner what route you would do on an advanced driving test. Then are you really prepared for that test?

21/01/2026

This switch is a marvellous invention. When you switch it to dipped headlights it not only helps you see, it also helps you be seen.
So when visibility is less than fantastic be like Bill and switch it on.

20/01/2026

Fail to prepare
Prepare to fail

16/01/2026

Descriptive explanation of a Dual Carriageway.
Worth a watch

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BMS7yrGyu/?mibextid=wwXIfr