Grantham Driving School

31/08/2026

🚗 GDS WEEKLY DRIVING UPDATE — 31 AUGUST 2026

This week's topic: DON'T BOOK YOUR DRIVING TEST BEFORE YOU'RE READY

There's some very interesting news from DVSA this week, and I think it's particularly relevant to learners.

DVSA says 197,295 driving tests were carried out in July 2026 — the highest monthly number ever recorded. That's 26,452 more tests than July last year.

But despite that record number, the median waiting time for learners who took a test in July was still 11.1 weeks.
GOV.UK

So my message this week is simple:

A long wait for a test is frustrating — but don't let it persuade you to take a test before you're ready.

- 🚦 Book with a realistic target in mind. DVSA now says learners should speak to their instructor and agree they're ready before booking. GOV.UK

- 📅 You can now only make TWO changes to your car driving-test booking. GOV.UK

- 👤 Only the learner can book and manage their test. Instructors and third-party services can no longer do it for you. GOV.UK

- 📍 If you move your test to another centre, your choices are now restricted to the three nearest test centres to where your test is currently booked. GOV.UK

- ⏰ New appointments are released by DVSA at 6am every Monday, 24 weeks ahead. Earlier appointments caused by cancellations or extra examiner availability can appear at any time during the week. GOV.UK

⭐ Kevin's Tip

Don't make the driving test the target. Make being able to drive safely and independently the target.

When you can do that consistently, the test becomes simply an opportunity to demonstrate what you already know.

That's why at Grantham Driving School, I would rather tell a learner they're not quite ready yet than send them to a test simply because they've managed to obtain an appointment.

Learn properly. Drive independently. Pass when you're ready.

📞 Lessons & enquiries: 07734 049978
Grantham Driving School

Patient • Experienced • Trusted
Teaching safe independent drivers for life.

28/08/2026

DVSA has published a new appointment-information page stating that:

- Half of learners who took a test in **July 2026** waited **11.1 weeks or less** from booking to taking their test.

- New test appointments continue to be released **24 weeks ahead**, every Monday at 6am.

- Appointments are currently available up to **7 February 2027**.
[DVSA appointment and waiting-time update, 28 August 2026]

(https://www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-test-appointments-release-dates-and-finding-earlier-tests)

The important distinction is that **11.1 weeks is the median wait experienced by people who actually took a test in July**. It is not a promise that a learner booking today will find a date in 11.1 weeks; availability remains very different between test centres.

Found no official statement in the last seven days saying waiting times are definitively improving or worsening nationally. The next full official monthly availability and waiting-time release, covering August, is due on **9 September 2026**.

[DVSA statistics timetable](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/driver-and-vehicle-standards-agency/about/statistics)

So the fair message to learners is: **there is a more encouraging official median figure for completed tests, but booking availability is still local and remains a challenge in many areas.**

27/08/2026

EMERGENCY STOP

🚨 Emergency Stop: Stay Calm, Stop Safely 🚨

The emergency stop is not about panic braking—it is about reacting quickly while staying in control.

✅ Wait for the examiner’s “STOP!” signal
✅ Brake firmly and keep the car under control
✅ Use the clutch as needed to prevent stalling
✅ Once stopped, secure the car
✅ Observe properly before moving off again

The examiner will only give the signal when they have checked it is safe. Do not anticipate it just because they look behind.

Remember: firm, controlled and calm beats frantic every time. Even your coffee should be wearing a seatbelt! ☕🚗

25/08/2026

🚗 SHOW ME, TELL ME: VEHICLE SAFETY QUESTIONS

You’ll be asked two vehicle-safety questions on your driving test:

• One “Tell Me” question before moving off
• One “Show Me” question while driving, when it is safe to do so

Remember: controls and under-bonnet locations vary between cars—practise these in your own lesson car.

TELL ME QUESTIONS

1. **How would you check the brakes are working before a journey?**
They should not feel spongy or slack. Test them as you move off and check that the car does not pull to one side.

2. **Where can you find the recommended tyre pressures, and how should they be checked?**
Use the manufacturer’s handbook or vehicle information. Check with a reliable gauge when tyres are cold; adjust if necessary, check the spare where fitted, and replace valve caps.

3. **How should the head restraint be adjusted?**
The rigid part should be at least as high as your eyes or the top of your ears, and as close to the back of your head as comfortably possible.

4. **How would you check tyre tread and condition?**
Check for cuts or bulges. The legal minimum tread is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre and around its full circumference.

5. **How would you check the headlights and tail lights work?**
Operate the lights, then walk around the vehicle to check them.

6. **How would you know if there was a problem with the anti-lock braking system (ABS)?**
The ABS warning light would stay on or illuminate to show a fault.

7. **How would you check the direction indicators work?**
Operate the indicators, then walk around the vehicle to check them.

8. **How would you check the brake lights work?**
Press the brake pedal and use reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.

9. **How would you check the power-assisted steering works?**
With gentle pressure on the steering wheel, start the engine—you should feel a slight movement. Alternatively, steering should not feel heavy as you move off.

10. **How would you switch on the rear fog light, and when would you use it?**
Switch on dipped headlights if needed, operate the rear fog-light switch, and check the warning light. Use rear fog lights only when visibility is seriously reduced.

11. **How would you change dipped headlights to main beam?**
Operate the control and check the main-beam warning light on the dashboard.

12. **How would you check the engine oil level?**
Open the bonnet, identify the dipstick or oil-level indicator, and check that the oil is between the minimum and maximum marks.

13. **How would you check the engine coolant level?**
Open the bonnet, identify the coolant reservoir and its high/low markings, and explain how you would top it up to the correct level.

14. **How would you check the hydraulic brake-fluid level?**
Open the bonnet, identify the brake-fluid reservoir, and check that the level is between the high and low marks.

SHOW ME QUESTIONS

15. **When safe, show me how to wash and clean the rear windscreen.**
Use the rear wash/wipe control.

16. **When safe, show me how to wash and clean the front windscreen.**
Use the front wash/wipe control.

17. **When safe, show me how to switch on dipped headlights.**
Use the headlight control.

18. **When safe, show me how to switch on the rear demister.**
Use the rear-window demister button.

19. **When safe, show me how to operate the horn.**
Press the centre of the steering wheel.

20. **When safe, show me how to demist the front windscreen.**
Use the front demister control and adjust the fan/temperature if needed.

21. **When safe, show me how to open and close the side window.**
Use the electric window switch.

Practise these controls before your test so you can answer calmly and safely. ✅

23/08/2026

Parallel Parking: Step-by-Step Guide 🚗

Every car has slightly different reference points, so use these as a guide and practise them safely with your instructor.

**Step 1 – Position alongside the vehicle**
Pull up close and parallel to the target vehicle, roughly wing mirror to wing mirror. Use your chosen reference point: IN THIS CAR, YOUR SHOULDER SHOULD LINE UP WITH THE FRONT OF THE TARGET VEHICLE.

**Step 2 – Start reversing towards the kerb**
After effective all-round observations, select reverse and move very slowly using clutch control. Turn the steering a quarter turn to the left.

**Step 3 – Check your kerb reference**
Continue reversing until your rear nearside wheel is approximately 15 cm from the kerb. In the left mirror, the passenger door-handle reference should overlap the kerb, as shown.

**Step 4 – Steer into the space**
When you reach your reference point, take your foot off the brake and apply full right lock. Continue reversing slowly, keeping up your observations. Avoid holding the car still on full lock.

**Step 5 – Finish safely**
When the car is parallel with the kerb, check your left mirror to confirm your position. Stop, straighten the wheels, and ensure the car is safely parked.

Slow speed, accurate observation and good control are the keys to a smooth parallel park.

20/08/2026

19/08/2026

🚗 GDS Driving Skills #2

REVERSE BAY PARKING (RIGHT OR LEFT)

STEP 1 – Position

Position your car centrally between the parking bays on your left and right.
If there are no bays on one side, leave a gap approximately equal to the width of your car.
Stop when your right wing mirror lines up with the white line of a parking bay ahead of your chosen bay - your target bay is the next bay behind your marker bay.
Stop when your vehicle is correctly positioned.

💡 Instructor's Tip:

Good positioning at the start makes the whole manoeuvre much easier.

STEP 2 – Apply Full Steering Lock

Decide which bay you wish to reverse into.
While the car is stationary, turn the steering wheel fully towards your chosen bay. Full lock right for a bay on the right.
Full lock left for a bay on the left.

💡 Instructor's Tip:

CHECK YOUR BLINDSPOTS ON BOTH SIDES - Applying full steering lock before moving creates a smooth, controlled turning arc.

STEP 3 – Reverse Slowly

Carry out effective blind spot checks over both shoulders.

Check all around for pedestrians, cyclists and moving vehicles.
Reverse slowly using clutch control only (no accelerator on level ground).

Continue to look mainly through the rear window while keeping regular checks in both door mirrors.

💡 Instructor's Tip:

The slower the car moves, the more time you have to observe and make small corrections.

STEP 4 – Straighten the Steering

As the vehicle reaches approximately 90 degrees to the parking bay, you should see your car appearing equally spaced between the bay lines in both door mirrors.

Stop the car.

While stationary, smoothly unwind the steering wheel until the front wheels are straight.

As your confidence grows, this can be done while the car is moving very slowly.

💡 Instructor's Tip:

Using both mirrors together is one of the easiest ways to judge whether the car is centred.

STEP 5 – Reverse Into the Bay

Carry out blind spot checks over both shoulders before moving again.

Reverse slowly using clutch control only.

Continue straight back between the white bay lines.

Stop when the front of your car has crossed the front bay line and the vehicle is fully inside the parking space.

✔ Final Check
Before securing the vehicle, ask yourself:

✅ Am I centred between the white lines?
✅ Is there equal space on both sides?
✅ Are my wheels straight?
✅ Is the vehicle completely inside the bay?

If the answer is YES to all four, you've completed a successful reverse bay park.

STEP 6 – Secure the Vehicle
Stop the car.
Apply the handbrake.
Select Neutral (or Park if driving an automatic).

🚗 Moving Away Again

When your Driving Examiner asks you to leave the bay:

Carry out 360° observations.
Check both blind spots by looking over both shoulders.
Ensure it is safe before moving away.

Remember, the manoeuvre is not finished until you have driven away safely.

⭐ Kevin's Tip

"Reverse parking isn't about speed—it's about observation and control. If you're unsure, stop, think, and then continue."

Smooth. Slow. Accurate. Every time.

19/08/2026

🚗 GDS Driving Skills #1

FORWARD BAY PARKING (RIGHT)

STEP 1 – Position
Position your car close to the parking bays on your left, leaving as much room as possible between your vehicle and the target bay on the right.

Keep the car straight.
Select first gear.
Prepare to move away slowly.

💡 Instructor's Tip:

The more room you create, the easier the turn into the bay becomes.

STEP 2 – Line Up

Move forward slowly.
Watch your right wing mirror.
Stop when your right wing mirror lines up with the first white line of your chosen parking bay.

💡 Instructor's Tip:

Stopping at the correct reference point makes the rest of the manoeuvre much easier.

STEP 3 – Full Steering Lock

Carry out effective all-round observations.
Check for pedestrians and moving vehicles.
While the car is stationary, turn the steering wheel fully to the right (full lock).

💡 Instructor's Tip:

Apply full steering before the car starts moving.

STEP 4 – Drive Into the Bay

Move away slowly using clutch control (or gentle accelerator if needed).
Keep the steering on full right lock.
Allow the vehicle to follow its natural turning circle.
As the car becomes parallel with the bay lines, smoothly unwind the steering wheel.
Continue until the vehicle is centred in the bay.
Stop the car.
Apply the handbrake.

Select Neutral (or Park if driving an automatic).

✔ Final Check
Before leaving the vehicle, using both wing mirrors and ask yourself:

✅ Am I centred between the white lines?
✅ Is there similar space on both sides?
✅ Are my wheels straight?
✅ Is the handbrake applied?

If the answer is YES to all four, you've completed a successful bay park.

⭐ Kevin's Tip
"Don't try to park quickly.
Try to park accurately.
Speed comes naturally with practice."

Smooth. Slow. Accurate. Every time.

17/08/2026

Could Learner Driver Insurance Save You Hundreds of Pounds?

One of the biggest questions I get asked is:

"How can I pass my test quicker without spending a fortune on driving lessons?"

The answer might surprise you...

🚗 Practise Between Lessons!

The more safe driving experience you gain, the quicker your confidence grows.

Many learners don't realise they can take out Learner Driver Insurance and legally practise in a parent's, partner's or friend's car (provided they're supervised by someone who meets the legal requirements).

Extra practice means you can:

✅ Improve confidence much faster.
✅ Reinforce the skills learned during professional lessons.
✅ Become familiar with different roads and traffic situations.
✅ Potentially reduce the number of professional lessons needed before your driving test.

For many learners, that can mean saving hundreds of pounds while becoming a safer, more experienced driver.

What does Learner Driver Insurance cost?

Prices vary depending on:

Your age
Your postcode
The vehicle
How long you need cover

Typical UK prices in 2026 are approximately:

Cover Period Typical Cost

1 week £55–£110
1 month £120–£180
3 months £200–£300
6 months £300–£450

Some providers also offer cover by the hour, day or week, while annual learner policies can be a few hundred pounds depending on the vehicle and driver.

Popular UK Learner Insurance providers include:

Collingwood Insurance
Veygo (Admiral Group)
RAC Learner Driver Insurance
Sterling Insurance

Always compare quotes because prices vary considerably.

My advice as an instructor

After teaching local families for over 25 years, I've found that learners who regularly practise between lessons often:

✔ Build confidence sooner.
✔ Need fewer professional lessons overall.
✔ Feel much more relaxed on test day.

Professional tuition teaches you how to drive.
Private practice helps you remember it.
Together they're one of the quickest routes to becoming a safe driver.

☎️ Grantham Driving School 07734 049978

11/08/2026

🚗 DID YOU KNOW?

Sitting in your parked car with the engine running just to keep cool could cost you a fine...

Many drivers don't realise that leaving your engine running unnecessarily while stationary on a public road can result in a Fixed Penalty Notice if you refuse to switch the engine off when requested by an authorised officer.

❄️ Running the air conditioning while parked may feel comfortable...
💷 ...but it could prove expensive.

The good news?
✅ It doesn't normally carry penalty points on your driving licence.
Instead, you could receive a financial penalty, which varies depending on where you are and the enforcement powers of the local authority.

The best advice is simple:
✔ If you're parked and waiting for someone...
✔ If you're outside a school...
✔ If you're sitting in a car park...

Switch the engine off whenever it's safe and practical to do so.
It's better for your wallet...
It's better for your engine...
And it's better for the air we all breathe.

☎️ Grantham Driving School
07734 049978