News

Here you'll find regular updates about VSM, our services, and other motoring news.

Reduced rate for 10 hours of lessons

You can now book 10 hours of lessons with us in advance and we'll give you a discount! Ask for details when you call.

 

Drivers group welcomes theory test changes (27/1/12)

 

The Driving Instructors Association (DIA) says it welcomes the changes to the driving theory test, which came into force from January 23.

 

The DSA has decided that it will no longer use pre-published questions and answers, an initiative which is designed to force candidates to think about applying the rules from the Highway Code and interpret the meanings of road signs, rather than learning the answers to questions by rote.

 

Revision questions are still contained in books and mobile phone apps published by The Stationary Office so learner drivers can still test themselves and assess their progress.

 

Steve Garrod, DIA general manager, welcomed the change, saying: 'Drivers' knowledge of the Highway Code has been on the decline since the theory test was first introduced in 1996, with very few people ever opening a copy.  Simply memorising answers to the theory test will not help anyone how to stay safe on increasingly busier roads and in more congested traffic conditions.

 

The Highway Code can be purchased at good bookshops and supermarkets for £2.50 and is also available online.

 

 



 

Institute of Advanced Motorist - Driving Advise (20/1/12)



 

Driver training specialist the IAM offers the following tips to motorist to improve their driving in 2012.

  • Observe what is happening on the road ahead to give yourself more time to identify and respond to hazards.
  • Anticipate what the traffic around you at traffic lights, roundabouts and junctions are likely to do.
  • Make sure you keep space around your vehicle to leave you more time to deal with hazards.
  • Use all your mirrors regularly so you have 360 degree awareness of what is going on around you.
  • Never assume that another road user has seen you or will react as you would.
  • Be open minded to your limitations and always be prepared to learn from any mistakes you make.

Learning with VSM will ground you in all the above skills. Refresher courses for experianced drivers are also available.

 

  Company cars 'driven less safely' (20/1/12)

 

Company car drivers tend to drive faster and less safely than motorist, the Lords was told.  Lord Berkeley said 'Company car drivers tend not only to drive further but drive faster and less safely than people who own their own cars'

 

If you are, or are going to become a company car driver take care.  It may be the company's car but its your and your family's lifes.