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WHAT'S NEW?
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The counterpart driving licence (the paper b it) is set to go. The Department for Transport says that it will be discontinued in 2014. Old-style paper licences will be abolished soon after as well. Driver records will be stored on an on-line database. This means that Police can check on endorsements without needing to see the paper counterpart, which many people 'lose' or mislay. The old-style licences - of which there are still an amazing 12 million in circulation, will gradually be recalled for conversion to a photocard.
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In recent meetings held by the Department for Transport, agreement has been reached that the system of trainee licences for driving instructors, known as 'pinkies', has failed, and may well be withdrawn. There are many plans afoot for changing and improving the way that driving instructors are trained.
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Young people learning to drive have had to undertake the DSA Theory Test for some years now. Many are failing because of a lack of knowledge about procedures to follow in the event of a collision. Very many qualified drivers, too, do not know which documents must be produced, and whether a collision must be reported to the Police. 1.6 million people take the Theory Test each year, with only 46% passing on their first attempt.
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Over 40? Then you may be one of millions of people at risk of developing Glaucoma without realising it. Glaucoma is a condition that reduces peripheral vision, a vital ability for anyone who drives: over 600,000 people in Great Britain suffer with it. The condition makes vision progressively more difficult, and many people do not realise their vision is gradually getting worse. The risks for drivers are obvious, so getting eyes checked on a regular basis if you drive is essential.
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Speeding is, it seems, finally beginning to slow down.  In 1998, 69% of cars were over the limit in 30mph zones in free-flow conditions. Last year (2010), this had dropped to 46% - still too many! As a result, pedestrian fatalities have shown a marked decrease, down by 40% since 1995. 90% of collisions with pedestrians occur on urban roads. The speed range from 30 to 40 mph is known as 'the killing zone', as the greatest number of fatalities occur involving vehicles travelling in this range.
 A recent survey from a major commercial insurance broker revealed that the worst group of motor vehicle drivers for road sign recognition were van drivers: only 59% could recognise all of 20 common road signs.
Car drivers were little better, with 63% getting them right, whilst LGV drivers came out on top with a 77% recognition rate.
Cyclists need to keep a low profile, though: only 44% got all 20! Hmmm....
If you have any queries or questions on any aspect of driving, get in touch with us and we'll be pleased to help!
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