Drive with Jonathan

20/05/2026

I'm whizzing through these mugs which I give to all my learners when they pass their test.

I've had to order the next batch of 20. 😊

I like to think It's a lovely reminder of a happy time for them when they gained the keys to driving freedom.

It's such a significant milestone in a person's life and one which opens up so many opportunities.

It's good to remember and celebrate our achievements, especially when having a cup of tea or coffee. ☕

Want to get your hands on one of these?

Pop me a message to get yourself on my waiting list for driving lessons in North Essex.

I cover all of Clacton and Colchester, and everywhere in between. 👍

13/05/2026

The new rules around booking car driving tests have now come into force.

It's now officially against the law for third parties (including driving instructors) to make a test booking for a learner. This also includes unofficial test booking and cancellation finder services.

This will stop third parties reselling tests to make a profit.

This change follows the previous change in March which saw a reduction in the number of test booking changes that can be made from 6 to 2.

From 9 June, further restrictions will come into force limiting learners to moving a test to only one of the 3 nearest driving test centres.

As an instructor I can still advise you on when you're ready to take your test and offer ongoing support, and I can set my available times so that your test booking coincides with them.

This all gives learners a lot more control over their tests.

Give me a shout if you have any questions about any of this. 👍

30/04/2026

Well that was a very early start this morning with a 06.00am lesson - yawn! and then a 07.13am test where Anna Lower from Clacton passed her driving test at first attempt with just two driver faults. Great result!! Well done Anna and enjoy the Drive With Jonathan Mug and your new freedom! Very Well deserved.

10/04/2026

Hope everyone's had a great Easter!

Following my last post about changes to the driving test booking system, the exact dates the rest of these changes will come into effect this year have been announced.

🚗 From 12 May, only learners will be allowed to book a test and make changes to their booking.

🚗 From 9 June learners will only be allowed to move a booked test to a nearby centre (restricted to the 3 nearest centres to wherever the test was originally booked).

These changes run alongside the previous announcement about a reduction in the number of times learners can change a test from 6 to 2, a change which has already been implemented.

These changes are happening to reduce misuse of the test booking system and give learners full control over booking and managing their driving test. Driving instructors will no longer be able to do this for their learners.

When booking a test (through the official channel), learners will have to declare that they are booking their own car test and agree to a new set of terms and conditions.

It's important to note that this means learners cannot use unofficial booking and cancellation finder services. These services will no longer be lawful.

Hope that all makes sense, but do drop me a message if you have any questions. 👍

23/02/2026

In spring this year there will be some changes to practical driving test booking which you should be aware of.

These include:

✅ Only learner drivers being able to book and manage the driving test (not instructors).

✅ Only up to 2 changes to a booked driving test being allowed (previously 6 changes were permitted). These include changing the date and/or time, changing the test centre and swapping tests with another learner. If any other changes are needed after 2 have already been made, you would need to cancel your test and rebook. This applies from 31st March this year.

✅ Only being able to rebook tests at a test centre near to where the original test was booked.

These changes are being introduced to help combat long waiting lists, prevent third-party apps and bots from reselling slots at higher prices, and ensure learners directly control their appointments.

You can read more here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/changes-to-driving-test-booking-rules-in-2026

And of course I'm happy to answer any questions you have. 👍

24/01/2026

Ryan Berritt cruised to a first time pass at Clacton Test Centre on Thursday lunchtime with just four driver faults. Great job well done. See you on the road !!

24/01/2026

Busy week at Drive with Jonathan and a bright and very early start Monday morning. Paris Thompson passed her practical driving test with a small handful of driver faults at Clacton test centre. (I cant claim all the kudos as Paris’s previous instructor had done a great job ). Well done Paris ! Enjoy your well deserved freedom!

16/01/2026

A great week for Alison from Brightlingsea! Alison passed her practical driving test on Monday at Clacton Driving Test Centre. Over coming nerves, she managed the perfect pass with Zero driver faults! Great Result!! Congratulations, You worked really hard for this - and you have won a Drive with Jonathan Mug too.

Enjoy your new found freedom and I look forward to your Motorway lesson in the not too distant future!

01/12/2025

National Highways has launched its Safe T.R.I.P. Checks campaign to encourage safe driving during winter.

Wet and icy road surfaces, and not maintaining your car properly, pose an increased risk of accidents and breakdowns.

The campaign is based on the TRIP framework with practical steps drivers can take to stay safe when driving in wintery conditions:

❄ TOP-UP

Make sure you always have enough fuel for your journeys, and ensure screen-wash and oil levels are topped up regularly.

🌨 REST

If you're taking a long journey, make sure you take regular breaks - the advice is at least 15 minutes for every two hours.

❄ INSPECT

Check your tyre pressure and tread depth regularly, and top up the pressure and replace tyres when needed.

🌨 PREPARE

Check the weather forecast before travelling so you know what to expect and can prepare adequately. Make sure to carry essential winter supplies such as warm clothing and blankets, an ice scraper, water, jump leads, and perhaps a power bank and torch - you'll be glad you have these if you break down in winter!

You can learn more about the campaign here: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/road-safety/trip/

27/11/2025

Changes to the driving test have now been implemented nationwide after a successful localised trial in April.

The aim is to make the test more aligned with the everyday reality of driving in the UK in this day and age, and improve the flow of the test.

There are three key changes:

1. The number of stops during the test have been reduced from four to three.

2. The frequency of emergency stops is reduced from one in three tests to one in seven.

3. Drivers will need to demonstrate more independent driving by following a sat nav, traffic signs or both for the duration of the test. This is to show that they can follow directions independently with more meaningful route planning, as would be the case after passing the test.

These changes will create better test routes that take drivers into more high-speed and high-risk areas so they can challenge themselves with broader driving scenarios that are reflective of real life.

The test should also feel more like a natural drive, helping drivers stay focused and relaxed.

Learners will still practise and be tested on all the same essential skills as previously, but hopefully have a better learning and test experience during the process.

You can read more here:
https://despatch.blog.gov.uk/2025/11/19/making-adjustments-to-the-driving-test/

I'll be implementing these changes with all my existing and future learners. Let me know what you think and if you have any questions. 👍

Following a successful 5-month trial, DVSA is rolling out some subtle changes to the practical driving test.