3.11.07

5 Driving lessons for £75

1st Call Driving Schools are driving down the cost of learning to drive with an exiting new offer.
'5 for £75' will be our main winter special and equates to just £15 per hour. That's up to £10 PER HOUR cheaper than other national driving schools and could save you £100's over a course of lessons. This offer coupled with our reputation for getting people through in less than 30 hours start to finish means you no longer need to brake the bank to learn this essential skill.

The offer will be starting soon so please keep checking the 1st Call Driving Schools main website.

2.11.07

Driving Lessons in Liverpool

1st Call Driving Schools is one of Liverpools largest independant driving schools. Over the years 1st Call has built a reputation for delivering high quality driver training products at extremely low prices. Every day more learners are passing their practical tests with 1st Call and our 1st time pass rate is over 80% (almost double the national average).

Our range of services include; driving lessons, intensive courses, pass plus and advanced driver training.

We also have a driving instructor training centre in Liverpool offering complete driving instructor training packages with guaranteed teaching positions.

For more information please visit driving lessons in liverpool

Other 1st Call Driving School Centres;

Driving Lessons in Manchester
Driving Lessons in Wigan
Driving Lessons in Bolton
Driving Lessons in Skelmersdale
Driving Lessons in Warrington
Driving Lessons in Stockport

Top 10 driving bad habits

I found this information on http://money.cnn.com

Survey: Between the pushy and the clueless, it's the mobile phoners that annoy drivers the most.
May 4, 2006: 12:27 PM EDT
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) - Drivers who leave their turn signals on for miles? That's nothing ... it's those juggling their cell phones that irritate their brethren the most, according to a recent insurance company survey.
The list of the top ten most annoying driving habits describes, essentially, two types of annoying driver. The checked-out driver and the overly aggressive driver.
The two things that most annoyed drivers, according to the survey, were "distracted drivers talking on cell phones," followed by "slow drivers in the fast lane."
The annoyances that ranked third through seventh in the survey all relate to aggressive driving habits. They are, in order of rank: tailgating, weaving through traffic to gain one or two car lengths, speeding up to prevent other drivers from changing lanes, changing lanes without signaling, and "road rage."
Motorcyclists made the list at number eight with the annoying habit of driving between lanes. Women applying makeup or men shaving in the car ranked ninth.
The survey was conducted by Hagerty Insurance, a company that insures collectible cars. Web users at various automobile-related Websites were invited to respond to the survey. Results were compiled from about 10,000 responses, according to Hagerty.

Most annoying driving habits:
1. Distracted drivers talking on cell phones (28.5 percent)
2. Slow drivers in the fast lane (21.6 percent)
3. Pushy drivers who tailgate (18.1 percent)
4. Drivers who weave through traffic to gain one or two car lengths (12.5 percent)
5. Obnoxious drivers who speed up to keep you from changing lanes (5.5 percent)
6. Hasty drivers who change lanes without signaling (4.9 percent)
7. Road Rage (2.7 percent)
8. Motorcyclists who race down the middle of a lane, between cars (2.1 percent)
9. Women applying makeup and men shaving (1.7 percent)
10. Drivers who leave their turn signal on for miles (0.92 percent)
Source: Hagerty Insurance

If you are guilty of any of the above then we have the ideal course for you. Our keep it safe course is aimed at qualified drivers who just need some help some aspect of driving.

Visit www.1st-call.co.uk for more information.

1.11.07

10 basic tips for safe winter driving on slippery roads:

1. Fasten seat belts. (It's the law.)

2. Keep your windows clear of snow and ice. Do not start until your windshield is defrosted. For clear windows, try products such deicer products for better windshield windows and wipers for better visibility.

3. Be patient and pass other cars only when it's safe to do so.

4. In rain, fog, snow or sleet, do not turn on your high-beam headlights.

5. Reduce speed and increase your following distance. Your speed should be adjusted for the conditions and match the flow of traffic.

6. Roadway conditions may vary depending on the sun, shade or roadway surface. Watch for slick spots, especially under bridges, on overpasses and in shaded spots.

7. If the pavement is snow or ice covered, start slowly and brake gently. Begin braking early when you come to a junction.

8. If you start to slide, ease off the gas pedal or brakes. Steer into the direction of the skid until you feel you have regained traction, then straighten your vehicle.

9. Be alert when you approach a cloud of snow covering the road, especially on passing lanes. Slow down and approach with caution. A snowplow may be at work clearing the lane or preparing to turn around.

10. Consider getting off the road before getting stranded if weather is worsening.

The above tips were take from this blog.

http://www.automill.com/2007/10/danicas_patricks_winter_drivin.html

If you need more help you can visit our main site

www.1st-call.co.uk

31.10.07

Driving lessons Christmas Special

1st Call Driving Schools will be getting in to the Christmas spirit early this year with some amazing special offers for learner drivers.

Check the main site for the very latest offers.

www.1st-call.co.uk

Or simply call 08456 431679

29.10.07

1st Call goes all Squidoo

We're not sure what it does but 1st Call Driving Schools have now got a squidoo lense.

Please check it out and let us know if it can be impoved.

Why not sign the guestbook while your there!

View the lense here

Buying a car privately

It's usually cheaper to buy a used car privately but you have fewer legal rights. This article looks at points to consider before you buy.

The vehicle must still be 'as described' but that's where your legal protection ends. If the car has been described incorrectly, you may want to sue the vendor. Knowing where the private seller lives is therefore important and it helps if you can inspect the car at the owner's home.

Don't buy from a car park, motorway service area or general public area because it'll be harder, if not impossible, to contact the vendor if a problem arises. Some adverts in the local press are placed by dealers pretending to be private sellers in an attempt to avoid their legal obligations.

If you buy a car that breaks down the minute you get it home, you may not have any legal comeback - unless for instance, the owner described it as 'just passed MOT' when it clearly wouldn't have passed.

The content supplied on this page is based on the law applying on 1 January 2005. Please consult your own lawyer for further information regarding your rights.

If you need help gaining your driving licence you should consider driving lessons

Buying from a car dealer

The Sale of Goods Act (SGA) 1979 (as amended) is the statute which covers the sale whether it's a car, clothes or a toaster that you're buying.

When buying from a dealer, the law says that a car must be:

as described
of satisfactory quality
fit for the purpose

As described: this includes the history of the car as well as its specification. For example, if the dealer described the car as previously having 'one careful lady owner', it shouldn't turn out to have had several previous 'boy racer' owners.

Of satisfactory quality: Satisfactory quality (s14(2) SGA) it must meet the standard that a reasonable person would regard as acceptable and be free from defects, except those which are specifically brought to the attention of the customer or, if the customer examines the car before the contract is made, those which the examination should have revealed. Also, bear in mind that a second-hand car will have a slightly different definition of what is considered 'satisfactory', because there's bound to be an element of wear and tear.

Fit for the purpose: (s14(3) SGA) it must be reasonably fit for any normal purpose and this includes any purpose that you specify to the seller.

If any of the above are breached, then in theory, you may have the right to reject the vehicle and get your money back if you're reasonably quick. Alternatively, the dealer might offer to replace or repair the car; reduce the price or offer a partial refund. Once you've informed the dealer that you wish to reject the car, you must cease to use the vehicle.

If the dealer or finance company (if bought on hire purchase), is disputing the rejection, then it's up to you to prove your case. You'll need to pay for an independent assessment of the car and sue for damages. If you do choose a repair, insist the dealer provides you with a hire car or pays any reasonable travelling expenses you incur while your new car is in the garage.

If the car is new, it's likely that the claim will be too high to be fought using the small claims procedure so you may have to pay for legal representation. All this can be pretty daunting and expensive. You need to weigh up the pros and cons before rejecting a car. Would a repair do just as well? Selecting a dealer who offers a no-quibbles exchange policy may help.

When choosing a dealer, find a well-established company with a good reputation. Check if the company belongs to a reputable trade association that operates according to a code of practice supported by the Office of Fair Trading.

Driving Instructor Earnings. The Facts

1st Call Driving Schools

Projected Weekly Earnings


Earnings based on a lesson price of £19p/hr and after deducting costs of franchise, a hire car, insurance and fuel@£1.50 per hour.


20 Lessons (£380 - (Franchise (£70) + Car and insurance (£70) + Fuel (£30))
£210


30 Lessons (£570 - (Franchise (£70) + Car and insurance (£70) + Fuel (£45))
£385


40 Lessons (£760 - (Franchise (£70) + Car and insurance (£70) + Fuel (£60))
£560


50 Lessons (£950 - (Franchise (£70) + Car and insurance (£70) + Fuel (£75))
£735


Annual Earnings Assuming 4 Weeks holiday



20 lessons p/wk
£10080


30 lessons p/wk
£18490


40 lessons p/wk
£26880


50 lessons p/wk
£35280

Tax Bonus:
Total costs of franchise, fuel, car etc can be offset against your tax bill.

Word of warning!

The 1st Call Driving Instructor Franchise package is one of the best deals around yet to earn £35k you will have to work 50 lessons per week, every week. Taking in to account travel time between lessons this would equate to 70hours plus of actual work. These companies advertising fantastic instructor salaries are misleading people. These are the facts. If you would like more information please give us a call.

08456 431 679

1st Call Driving Instructor Franchise package

Driving Instructor Franchise Deals.

As a 1st Call franchised driving instructor you will benefit from the following.

1st Month Franchise Free
2 weeks franchise 'holiday'
1 instructor per area until established
1st Call Roof Sign + door panels
Free pupil introduction service
Free check test guidance and continued supervision and support
Free stationary
Social events

You will be supported by an extensive advertising program including Internet, Yellow pages and local newspaper ads.

The 1st Call Franchise fee is £70 per week for the 1st 12 months.

Following 12 months service instructors will benefit from reduced franchise payments.

Driving Instructor Training Course Fees

A deposit of £100 is payable on registration. Once payment has cleared the relevant training materials will be issued.

Instructor tests* are paid by the trainee and will be deducted from the total cost of the course.

ADI part one - theory test £50.00
ADI part two - driving ability £82.00
ADI part three - instructional ability £82.00
Total £214

Breakdown of costs.
Deposit - £100
Exams - £214
Part 2 - £400
Part 3 - £1280
Total £1994

Payments must be completed prior to the start of each stage of training.
Additional costs.

Training License - £125

The allocated training time is generally sufficient; however, should a trainee require additional training this is charged per hour. £25p/hr

Find out more information >

Driving Instructor Training Course outline

Part one (Theory)
- Home study pack including.- Theory CDs and text books, - Telephone and email support.
Part two (driving ability).
- 2 Days* (12 hours) in car advanced driver training.- Text books supplied.
Part three (instructional ability)
- 6 Days* (40 hours) in car Driving Instructor Training.- Help CD.- Visual training aids.
All in car training is one to one with a 1st Call qualified driving instructor trainer.Driving Instructor Training LicenceFollowing completion of the 6 day part three course a 6 month training license may be applied for. This will enable the trainee to develop their instructional skills with paying customers. Under the terms of this license each trainee must undergo an additional 20 hours of practical instructor training within 3 months from the date of issue.
*Training may be taken as half day sessions of 3 hours
Find out more information >

Driving Instructor Qualifying Examination

The qualification examination is in three parts:

a computer based theory test
a practical test of your driving ability
a practical test of your ability to instruct

The three-part qualifying exam must be passed within a two-year period and in the following sequence:-

Part 1 Theory Test
This test consists of 100 multiple choice questions. The questions are banded into four sections. To pass you must score 80% in each band and achieve an overall mark of at least 85%.
Each question has three answers and you simply touch the computer screen by the one you think is correct.
The most economical, easiest and effective way of preparing for this test is to follow the 1st Call Home Study Programme - you will find more information about this on the training page.
Hazard Perception Test
As part of the Government’s plan to improve road safety, The Driving Standards Agency has incorporated a hazard perception element into the ADI Theory Test.
The test is made up of 14 film clips chosen at random from a bank of two hundred. The clips show real road scenes and potential hazards and you will be assessed on your reactions to the developing dangers.
You have to achieve a pass mark of 57 out of a possible 75.
To Pass the Part 1
You have to pass both elements of the test in one session.

Part 2 Test of Driving Ability

This test is of about one hour's duration and covers all types of driving including:-
urban; rural; dual carriageway; motorway; emergency stop; left and right reverse; reverse parking; and turn in the road. You need to demonstrate the ability to drive effectively and efficiently, putting into practice the rules and regulations that apply to all the situations in which you find yourself. You will be assessed on your:
handling of the controls
application of correct road procedure; anticipation of the actions of other road users and taking the appropriate action
sound judgement of speed, distance and timing
consideration for the convenience and safety of other road users
You are limited to three attempts at this test. You therefore need to be prepared to have enough high-quality training before you take it.

Part 3 Test of Instructional Ability

This tests lasts for about an hour and is split into two "phases".
Phase I - your examiner will play the role of a learner with either no, or very little, experience. This part of the test is to assess your teaching skills and how well you can adjust to the level of ability of the "pupil" being portrayed.
Phase II - your examiner will play the role of a pupil with more experience. This part of the exam is to test your ability to assess and correct any underlying problems the pupil may have and to give positive advice on how to improve.
You are limited to only three attempts at this test. You must therefore be prepared to have sufficient high quality training before you take it.
Only when you have passed all three parts of the examination and have paid pay the Registration fee, will you be eligible to have your name entered in the ADI Register and call yourself: Driving Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructor (Car).

More information

How to become a driving instructor

To become an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI)

You must have held a full driving licence for at least 4 years
Be able to read a car number plate from a minimum distance of 90 feet.
Your licence should be free of endorsements, although certain allowances may be made. Anybody with serious criminal convictions cannot be accepted.
You must pass a searching three part examination. This comprises of theory, driving and instructional ability.

You must have your name entered on the Register of Approved Driving Instructors
Once you have satisfied all of the above criteria, you will then be a Driving Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructor (ADI). You must then send in your registration fee, and you will receive your 'green badge'. This must be displayed whilst giving lessons for reward. Display it in the lower left corner of the front windscreen.
Your registration will last for 4 years. You can renew the registration on payment of a fee, however your continued fitness and ability to instruct is monitored. If certain standards are not met, you could ultimately be removed from the register.

You love driving, but have you the patience of a Saint?

There will always be people who want and need to learn to drive, so equally there will always be a call for professional driving instructors to teach them. Becoming a qualified Driving Instructor is not simply starting a new job, but learning the skills of a new profession which can last the rest of your working life. A good sense of humour and product knowledge are a good starting point. Can you teach a mature learner like Maureen Reece of television documentary `Driving School' fame?
You need to be patient - it's not always easy to be the perfect driver and spend your time sitting next to people who can't drive ! Not only is it a very rewarding and interesting career, but as nearly all driving instructors are self employed, there is a higher degree of freedom and flexibility than in many other professions. This should appeal to women, who are always in demand as driving instructors, yet only a small proportion of DSA registered driving instructors are female.

If you would like more information please take a look at The 1st Call Driving Instructor Training Program.

Mark passed ADI part 3 exam

Mark Rigby from Skelmersdale, Lancashire passed his final qualification exam to become an Approved Driving Instructor (car). Mark began his instructor training with 1st Call Driving School in late 2006 and has trained in his spare time. Mark will be leaving his current job to work with 1st Call Driving Schools in Skelmersdale.

Mark becomes the 3rd instructor in 2 weeks to qualify with 1st Call. If you would like more information about the 1st Call Driving Instructor Training Program please drop us a line.

Congratulations Mark

From the 1st Call Team

28.10.07

Driving Lessons in Wigan

1st Call Driving Schools Wigan throughout the borough of Wigan covering; Orrell, Standish, Aspull, Ashton in Makerfield, Ince, Hindley, Leigh, Scholes, Whelley, Pemberton, Shevington, Appley Bridge.

10 1st Call instructors cover these areas offering a complete range of driver training products.

From a single driving lessons to intensive courses 1st Call Driving Schools Wigan have an instructor to suit your needs.

In addition to teaching learner drivers, 1st Call Driving Schools Wigan offer complete Driving Instructor Training Packages. Complete courses just £1995, half the price of other training providers.

For a chat about our range of courses call 08456431679 or email

Driving Lessons in Skelmersdale

1st Call Driving Schools have their head office in Skelmersdale, Lancashire.

There are 7 1st Call instructors based in Skelmersdale covering all the surrounding areas.

If you live in Skelmersdale and would like to take driving lessons with 1st Call please give us a call.

08456431679
Email

Intensive Driving Courses

An intensive driving course is an alternate method to learning to drive in the traditional sense, namely, taking one or two lessons each week, spread over a given period. However, an intensive learn to drive course does not suit everyone, as the individual will need to retain and put into practice a great deal of information over a short period of time.
Before embarking on an intensive driving course, you should consider the following:
On average, the pass rate for someone taking their driving test following lessons in the traditional sense is 42% (DSA statistics), whereas for those taking intensive courses it drops to approximately 35%. Therefore just over 1 in 3 people fail their driving test at the first attempt using this method.
Before anyone takes a driving test they will have to reach a minimum standard. Anything less than the minimum would mean they were not ready to sit the test. The disadvantage of taking an intensive course is that once you begin the course, you forfeit the ability to cancel the driving test without losing the fee as you will not be able to give the required 10 working days notice.
On the day of your test, if in the opinion of your instructor your driving is potentially dangerous or actually dangerous, we reserve the right to withdraw the tuition vehicle from service (you are advised to read our full terms and conditions).
If, after considering the above, you think an intensive driving course is for you then please carefully note the following information:
The Theory and Hazard Perception TestsYou will need to pass the above before you will be eligible to apply for a practical driving test. This should be arranged and paid for by you. The above therefore needs to be applied for and passed as soon as possible. Appointments for both the driving theory test and practical driving tests can be made either on line or by telephone through the Driving Standards Agency. All necessary information can be found at their website at www.dsa.gov.uk.
The Practical Driving TestThis can be arranged and paid for by you. The current cost of a weekday test is £48.50.
The Course and CostsGiven that Driving Standards Agency statistics suggest an average person should look to undertake around 40 hours of training before they will be ready to sit the test, you should therefore consider the options available below.
Please note the following costs:
Option 1 – Bronze (32 Hour Course)The total cost for ‘option1' £576 This will usually consist of 7 hours of tuition per day for the first four days, followed by 4 hours of tuition on the final day. A typical day for this length of course would be 0900 to 1600hrs.
Option 2 – Silver (36 Hour Course)The total cost for ‘option 2' £648 This will usually consist of 7.5 hours of tuition per day for the first four days, followed by 6 hours of tuition on the final day. A typical day for this length of course would be 0900 to 1630hrs.
Option 3 – Gold (40 Hour Course)The total cost for ‘option 3' £720 This will usually consist of 8 hours of tuition per day. A typical day for this length of course would be 0900 to 1700hrs.
Remember. The more hours you are prepared to put in, the better your chance of passing your test!
Please note that it is not absolutely necessary to take a week's intensive driving training with a driving test on the Friday of the same week. Many pupils undertake the intensive course and then take the driving test a couple of weeks later. Feedback from past pupils suggests this is a preferred method, as it will allow you to take the intensive driving course without the pressure of the test immediately at the end, and also allows flexibility when arranging the test date itself.
PaymentA deposit of £100 will be payable within seven working days of arranging the dates of the course. .
The outstanding balance is payable no less than 14 working days prior to the test.
Please note that due to the complexity of arranging suitable course and test dates, deposits are non refundable. However, if for any reason your instructor is unable to conduct the course, you will receive a full refund.
Payment can be made by cash (it is recommended that you send this by insured delivery) or cheque. All cheques should be made payable to 1st Call School of Motoring and sent to the address listed on our contacts page.
Should you wish to proceed with arranging an intensive driving course or require more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Who should teach me to drive?

The Driving Standards Agency strongly recommends that you take lessons from an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) and there is no doubt that this is the best and safest way to learn.
Any person who gives car-driving lessons for payment or reward must be registered with the Driving Standards Agency, and he or she is required to display an ADI identification certificate on the windscreen of the tuition car. To drive safely on today’s roads requires a higher standard of competence than in the past and the standard required to pass the Driving Test has increased to reflect this.

1st Call Driving Schools have a proven track record and have established themselves as a market leader in the delivery of professional driver training. All instructors are DSA approved and continuously checked and supervised by both the DSA and 1st Call management staff.
1st Call provides cost effective driver training in a safe and friendly environment. Founder Paul Atkinson is a former DSA Examiner and understands the needs of today's learner drivers.
Practising your driving
If you practise your driving with another qualified driver, they must have held a full EC/EEA Driving Licence for the category of vehicle being driven for at least three years. And they must be at least 21 years of age.
Also, unless they are an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI), they’re not legally allowed to charge for giving driving lessons or for accompanying a driver. And it’s also an offence to accept money for fuel unless you are an ADI.
Beware – anyone who does not comply with these requirements could be liable for a maximum fine of £1,000, discretionary disqualification or 3-6 penalty points (as could you, the learner driver).

What do I need to start learning to drive?

You need to be at a legal age to drive and have a Provisional Licence. The minimum age that you can legally drive a car on public roads is 17. If you’re disabled and receive mobility allowance, the minimum age is 16. Before you can learn to drive though, you’ll need to apply for a Provisional Licence. While the minimum driving age in most European countries is 18, there are no definite plans to increase the legal age in the UK.

Getting your provisional licence
To get this you must complete a D1 – the Driving Licence application form. It’s available from most post offices. The earliest date your Provisional Licence can be valid from is your seventeenth birthday, but you can apply for the licence up to three months before then. If you receive your Provisional Licence before you’re 17, you’ll still have to wait until your birthday before you can take your theory test. You must not drive until you’ve received this first Provisional Licence and have reached your seventeenth birthday.
The current cost of a first provisional licence is £38.00 (for a car, motorcycle, medium/large vehicle, minibus/bus). It is also worthwhile having an eyesight test to check that you meet the minimum eyesight standard for driving.
Please remember that all learner drivers are required to display 'L' plates ('L' or 'D' plates in Wales) in a conspicuous position on the front and back of the vehicle they are driving. And until the day you pass the practical part of the Driving Test you’re not allowed to drive on your own.

Practical Test top 10 failures

The top 10 reasons for failure
More people fail the practical test each year than pass it and the DSA regularly publishes the top 10 reasons why learner drivers fail their Practical Driving Test.

However, it’s probably safe to say that most of these failures could be avoided if you make sure you take enough lessons and get enough practice. You should only take your test when your instructor tells you that you’re ready – don’t take the test just for the experience.

1. Not making effective observations and poor judgment when emerging out of side roads

2. Incorrect use of the controls and/or poor observations when reverse parking

3. Not making effective use of the mirrors well before changing direction or slowing down

4. Poor use of the controls and/or weak observation when reversing round a corner

5. Incorrect use of signals either by not cancelling signals or by giving misleading ones

6. Failure to move away correctly from stationary positions, usually due to poor observation

7. Incorrect road position, usually on bends, and poor lane discipline on roundabouts

8. Poor steering control, such as when making left or right turns

9. Incorrect position when turning right such as in one-way streets

10. Hesitation causing delay, usually by not pulling out promptly at junctions

1st Call Driving School instructors are specially trained to spot potential problems and to offer practical solutions to any issues.

Good luck, and you can alway give us a call should you need any help.

08456431679
1st Call Driving School

Getting Started With Your Driving Lessons

Take the first step to getting your full driving licence and the freedom of being able to drive a car unrestricted from place to place, forget the bus or train, and just join the many that have successfully passed through 1st Call Driving Schools.

To help you on your way to taking your practical and theory test, your 1st 10 lessons will cost just £160 saving £30!

Although there will be a lot for you to learn, you need not worry as your qualified driving instructor is at hand to help you pass your driving test and become one of the many safe drivers that have passed through our hands.

Make yourself comfortable, adjust you seat and driving mirror, fasten your seatbelt and begin your journey to that date with the driving test examiner.

For more information visit Driving Lessons The 1st Step