LJ's Learners

02/09/2026

What a great drive earlier today from Archie Parkhouse with examiner Kay in Exeter on his 1st test & just 5 driver faults. Despite lots of blue light vehicles on the dual carriageway slowing you down, thankfully the queues dispersed fairly promptly & you kept a calm mind & went with the flow.

Archie has been such a natural driver all through our training; his previous experience of passing his tractor test has enabled him to transfer his hazard awareness & use of pedal controls seamlessly into the car. Because of this, Archie has achieved his full training in around 36 hours, which includes driving to Exeter & back to his home village for each 3 hour lesson for 12 weeks.

Archie, you are one of the most genuinely lovely people I’m lucky enough to have in my car; you’ve listened & absorbed quickly everything we’ve discussed, & it’s made me able to practically give you something new to tackle, every time we met up.

You’re such a hard worker & I know you truly love your work, today’s pass will make not just getting to work easier with the changing weather coming, but allow you to use your work vehicles more fully too.

Don’t forget to take some time out to relax & enjoy you’re free time. After chatting earlier about the different types of insurance, benefits of a black box, & types of cars you’re interested in, I truly hope you enjoy your independence whatever vehicle you decide upon. You’ve been an absolute joy to get to know. 😊

28/08/2026

Spotting a yellow box junction right in front of traffic lights with a filter arrow? It’s a common scenario that catches plenty of drivers out!

Here is what you need to remember to stay safe and penalty-free:

The Golden Rule: You must NOT enter a box junction unless your exit clear.

The Turning Exception: You can enter the box junction and wait if you want to turn right and are only prevented from doing so by oncoming traffic, or by other vehicles waiting to turn right.

Filter Arrows: Even if you have a green filter arrow showing, double-check that the road ahead is actually clear enough for your vehicle before moving into the box. A green light gives you permission to proceed, but only if it's safe and clear to do so!

Blocking the Junction: Stopping in the box because straight-ahead traffic or left-turning traffic is backed up can result in a fine—and blocks the intersection for everyone else.

How confident do you feel tackling complex junctions like this one? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

25/08/2026

25/08/2026

WHO KNEW THIS? 👇

Britain’s A-road numbers aren’t random - the country is divided into nine road-numbering zones, originally based around the major single-digit A-roads.

Generally, the first digit of an A-road tells you the zone in which that road starts.

So A-roads beginning with 2 originate in Zone 2, those beginning with 3 in Zone 3, and so on.

Now look at the map and it suddenly all makes sense. 😂

Did you already know this?

17/08/2026

Well done Georgie Barrow who passed her 1st test very early this morning, in Launceston, with examiner Janine, in her own electric car with mum accompanying her there & back.

With grateful thanks to Kate Monk Adi who helped Georgie start on her driving journey, it’s been a team effort to achieve this milestone today.

Wishing you every success in the future with your work & studies Georgie.

16/08/2026

Belated congratulations to Nicole Strange who passed her 1st test in Exeter on Thursday 13th August with just 1 driver fault, with examiner James.

Nicole has had such a busy summer taxi-ing mum about, who broke her foot a few months back & couldn’t drive. So Nicole’s had lots of practice taking Mum to RD&E for check ups etc.

I’ve seen you develop from an initially very anxious driver, to a very capable & safe driver who is well used to anticipating other drivers & pedestrians poor decisions, competently & in your stride .

You’ve been so lovely to coach & it’s been great to see your confidence grow. I hope this means you will now have more independence & life will become easier.

Apologies for the late posting of this, in the excitement of your pass, I forgot to take a picture & been waiting for Nicole to send me one.

All the best in the future Nicole. Xx