Showing posts with label intensive driving course in peterborough. Show all posts
Showing posts with label intensive driving course in peterborough. Show all posts

Friday, 8 January 2016

Customers love our intensive driving course in Peterborough



5 Day Intensive Driving Course in Peterborough with BIG TOM Driving School 01733 306 016


A measure of the success of our intensive driving course in Peterborough is how our customers rate us after they get handed their full driving licence. BIG TOM customer reviews are authentic, not ready made ticky box statements. Our customers take the time and effort to place their thoughts and feelings about their experience so that others can benefit from it. And at BIG TOM we listen to what our customers tell us, look at what customers tell us they love about our intensive driving course in Peterborough:

  • The dedicated use of a Customer Support Line that enables any question to be answered
  • Rather than expecting our customers to meet us in Peterborough City Centre for their intensive driving course, we pick them up and drop them off at home or work
  • We let our customers concentrate on the driving, and we work away in the background booking tests so they don't have to wait a long time to get a driving test slot
  • We do want our customers to pass the test first time, in 2015 we managed to achieve that for 64% of our intensive driving course customers
  • We maintain standards of appearance, professional conduct, punctuality and reliability by adhering to our Customer Charter
  • 100% safety record: not a single customer of BIG TOM Driving School has ever been involved in an accident since the school was established in 2009

Take a look at all of our customer reviews across all of our public channels, you will see customers talking about "calm", they say "no pressure", they will mention "relaxed" - at BIG TOM we pay attention to the learning environment for our customers to enjoy the experience of learning to drive.

If you are looking to pass your driving test soon, then let BIG TOM hand your driving licence over to you by reserving your place on our popular Intensive Driving Course in Peterborough 01733 306016 



Sunday, 19 October 2014

Parking on grass verges and footpaths by Big Tom Driving School



A few years ago Dogsthorpe was chosen by Peterborough City Council to pilot a scheme that focussed on the problem of vehicles parking on grass verges and footpaths.  It designated areas with clear signs and white lines where drivers were allowed to park on the verge/footpath.


Circular street signs were put up that informed drivers that it is not permissible to park half on the road, half on the verge/footpath, and the sign looks like this:









Above is one of the larger versions of this unrecognisable sign in the Highway Code with text, in case there was any confusion caused.  Remember these circular signs are intended to indicate a "prohibition".



And this sign (right) shows the end of the prohibition.




Some Local Authorities will quite happily ticket vehicles that are parked with both wheels of either side of the vehicle on the verge/footpath citing the Disability Discrimination Act.  The logic is that wheelchair and mobility scooter users need to have access on the footpath.  In reality, little regard is given for how much of the footpath is actually affected to warrant a ticket.

My advice is to take care when choosing a spot to park up.  Leaving the four wheels fully but legally on the road, is often correct, despite the effect that has on cyclists, scooters, buses etc that then have a tougher time of passing your parked car.

Be wary of looking to see how others around you have parked, offending in numbers is little defence for the Peterborough City Council parking prohibition car that whizzes round taking photographs of offending vehicles with its camera on the top of the car, which is then used as evidence to enforce parking fines.

There was talk in the press recently that Local Authorities were being instructed to make less use of these money making parking enforcement cars - time will tell if the residents of Dogsthorpe can breathe easy yet.  

In general terms, parking on grass verges and footpaths often does present other problems.  The grass verges can get cut up badly and have very large pot holes in them.  Some drivers think nothing of parking an entire car fully on a grass verge, even when very near junctions.  This practise has road safety implications as it blocks vision for road and footpath users.

BIG TOM Driving School  Intensive Driving Course in Peterborough 01733 306016 

Thursday, 21 November 2013

5 day intensive driving course Peterborough "When turning right at a roundabout, look left!"


You would be excused for wondering if I’ve been watching too much Joey on “I’m a Celebrity”, but there is method in my apparent madness.  The following 2 examples are guaranteed to crop up on your 5 day intensive driving course in Peterborough

The first example is when we can use traffic coming from our left or straight over, to block the traffic coming from our right!  Blockers....there’s an idea!  Take a look at it in action here

The second example is when we need to initially drive over to our left, in order to drive round the roundabout.  Looking in that left side mirror before you do so, is a #gooddrivinghabit  Take a look here at how this is useful.


Good luck and keep monitoring this blog for more classic Joey one-liners!

BIG TOM Driving School   5 Day Intensive Driving Course in Peterborough 01733 306016



Thursday, 7 November 2013

Tom's really proud moment with Big Tom Driving School



Tom passed his driving test first time on the Big Tom Driving School Intensive Driving Course in Peterborough


This is a very proud "Tom" from Peterborough.  His brother came on an Intensive Driving Course in Peterborough with Big Tom Driving School a few years ago, and advised him to also use the same course.

This is what Tom's brother, Graeme, said a few years ago:

"“I would like to thank Tom for taking the time to teach me to drive last week on my intensive course. I learnt so much and Tom really made me feel at ease with something I wasn’t comfortable with to start with. I would highly recommend BIG TOM to anyone. Great teacher and a nice guy to boot. Thanks Tom”Graeme Miles (aged 31)


Tom overcame some real hurdles in learning to drive, he is a very busy person with his work commitments, and he made full use of all the extra resources that Big Tom Driving School offers to all it's customers.
This photo was a special moment for Tom, it was a life changing moment, this is what he had to say:

"I passed first time under instruction of Big Tom, both theory and practical. I was given a ton of resources such as video's and guides to help with the tests in which Tom does himself and despite my hectic calendar during the course, Tom was very accommodating and was able to work with me to get the hours in. Regularly giving tips and advice, encouraging and pleasant. BigTom does exactly what he says, teaches you to drive." Tom Miles (aged 28)


Big Tom Driving School has been getting results from their trademark Intensive Driving Courses in Peterborough for years, tons of people are passing the driving test first time by using all the support and help that is offered.

Quality and value guaranteed - an ideal solution for people with busy lives.

(Over 25's get extra discounts on the price too!)

BIG TOM Driving School   Intensive Driving Course in Peterborough 01733 306016


Wednesday, 16 October 2013

Queensgate Roundabout in Peterborough by Tom of Big Tom Driving School


This blog is aimed at raising the delicate balance needed when driving of keeping up with traffic around you and driving to the conditions.

A few days ago, I re-tweeted a pic from the Lincolnshire Police Roads Policing Unit (@LincsRPU) that had the text “Again, not driving to the conditions” accompanying it.  You could almost sense the exasperation, desperation and sheer frustration of someone who is spending all day attending collisions where drivers do not follow this most fundamental rule in driving. 

Why does this happen so often?  Partly it is due to something that I experienced only yesterday on one of my Intensive Driving Courses in Peterborough.  My pupil approached the Queensgate roundabout in Peterborough and realised a silver MX5 behind was very close, and kind of got into a bit of a battle of speed on the roundabout as a result.

We found ourselves on the roundabout, doing swift lane changes in 2nd gear, accelerating towards the sharp bend with no vision (near the Evening Telegraph building), and why?  So that the MX5 could not undertake us.  The result was the planning on the roundabout went astray, we ended up exiting at speed into the right hand lane and when the car took a much needed gasp of breath for the 2 – 3 gear change, the MX5 undertook us anyway.  As an observer of all this carry on, you have to take a step back, and ask.... “What on earth was that all about?”

What it is often about is not so much about “keeping up with traffic” as “not losing face”.  I’ve noticed that when a newly trained driver starts driving with emotion rather than skill, it only leads to problems.  The loss of pride associated with being undertaken or overtaken or giving way at a meeting situation, or pausing at a mini-roundabout are symptoms of someone who is now driving on emotion. 

There is a need to keep up with the pace of traffic, by that I mean, not become the hazard ourselves by driving so slowly that everyone is getting angry with us.... so doing 40 in a 60 for no apparent reason would be a good example.  But, far more important a skill to develop and apply every day of the year, is to shelve any macho tendencies, ditch the emotion, and drive to the conditions

If you go into your driving life with the mindset that you don’t want to get “had over” by any other driver, you are going to find every minute of your driving experience a constant battle.  There is ALWAYS someone around who wants to driver faster than you.... a sad but true fact. I appreciate that some people will read this paragraph in particular and really disagree with the sentiment and I would encourage you to drop me your comment below, as I know there are often 2 sides to any point of view.

My customers on my Intensive Driving Courses will be very used to the concept of “You must be able to stop in a distance seen to be clear” – how relevant that message is to this blog.

If you read this and want to air your view, vent your frustration, please fire away......

Wednesday, 24 July 2013

How to learn to drive on an Intensive Driving Course in Peterborough

Intensive Driving Course in Peterborough

There are motor skills and cognitive skills associated with learning how to drive... the doing bits (changing gear, steering, finding the ‘biting point’) and the thinking bits (knowing where to look at what time, judging speeds and distances, anticipating hazards).

Generally, people fail driving tests because of a failing in the cognitive skills.  Put another way, most people when they go to test, can physically drive the car down the road, if they fail it’s due to the brain and nothing else.

The good news is that you can start working on developing the cognitive skills immediately, without even being in a car!  There are a variety of techniques that can help you to appreciate what I call “The ‘whys’ of driving”.  Most people will concentrate on the ‘whats’ of driving, but not the ‘whys’.  The fact is, if you don’t know WHY a driving action is necessary, you may remember to do it, but you probably wont!  There is little consistency.  Take a look at this Prezi I did on this very subject.

So you can either choose to be told the ‘whys’ while you are sat in the car with your Driving Instructor (not a cheap way to learn to drive), or you can find a training provider like Big Tom Driving School who offers you the ‘whys’ for you to learn about in the comfort of your home, at a time that suits you, and costs you..... NOTHING!

Where’s the smart money on this one?



Thursday, 18 July 2013

"Fast Track Driving Course" by Tom of Big Tom Driving School

Fast Track Driving Course

A fast track driving course is a popular request for many customers of my Intensive Driving Courses in Peterborough or Grantham.  

Professional people with heavy workloads, pupils on holiday periods, and people with busy lifestyles, many customers are in need of learning to drive fast... learning fast, not driving fast!

I was talking to a Learner in Baston yesterday who was enquiring about a crash course in learning to drive.  He has had no previous driving experience and will not be able to do any private practise when learning how to drive.  He was doubting that he would need all of the 40 hours driving training on my “Beginners Intensive Driving Course”.  He may be forming this impression from peer pressure, or perhaps listening to Mum and Dad (who took their driving lessons many moons ago), or maybe just wanting to limit the overall cost of learning to drive.

When I told him the Driving Standards Agency have recently published ....  

”Research shows that 99% (742,500) of learner drivers take lessons from a professional instructor and that, on average, they pay around £1,500 for 50 hours of instruction each year

..... it sends a powerful message!  Take a look at what the DSA, an independent organisation say HERE.

It is an average figure, some will take more, some less, but it does demonstrate what superb value my 40 hour Intensive Driving Course in Peterborough or Grantham is at £737 – especially as it includes a guarantee that any additional hours needed are free of charge.

When your goal is a fast track driving course, make sure you don’t cut corners in the process.  Be sure to fully understand exactly how many hours of driving experience are being offered on any crash course in learning to drive.  "Driving experience" means actually driving; the more you drive, the more you experience, the more you learn!

Wishing you well, and GOOD LUCK!


Tom from Big Tom Driving School www.BIGTOM.org.uk/home/

Friday, 12 July 2013

How to discover "Golden Nuggets" by Tom from Big Tom Driving School


Intensive Driving Course in Peterborough or Grantham


I make a point of asking the customers of my intensive driving courses, (once they have passed the driving test and the dust has settled), what it was that made it work for them.  More often than not, they will mention one thing that happened that really ‘clicked’ with them.  I call these “Golden Nuggets”; things that occur that have a measurably positive outcome on the learning experience.
 
I had one of these moments at the turn of the New Year whilst on a ski trip.  Our instructor got us to do a drill (which not everyone embraced, more on that later), and this drill was a defining moment for me.  At once, ‘it clicked’, the ‘penny dropped’, it was a ‘light bulb’ moment, however you care to describe it, but my ability to traverse across the mountain, even in semi-ice patches measurably improved once I had experienced this “golden nugget”.

The key word in this blog title though, is actually “discover”.  One definition is ‘...to obtain knowledge or awareness of something not known before, as through observation or study...’.

In other words, there is a definable transfer of learning.  The choice that we all have is whether we encourage that transfer of learning, or not. 

One member of my ski class decided she did not want to do the drill I speak of above, and over the following days, my Wife and I watched her enthusiasm, confidence and motivation melt away into the snow with every passing day that her ability did not improve.

And so my message with this blog, is to be open to discovering these “golden nuggets” – they are often very personal to us; my Wife for instance got very little from trying out the ski drill I refer to above, but she DID give it a go.   Be willing to try new techniques, be happy to personalise your learning experience and discover a “golden nugget” that means something to you.  They can be as ‘off the wall’ as you like, it really matters not, but it’s being prepared to experiment and discover these little gems.  The reward is truly phenomenal, it improves ability, increases confidence, stimulates further learning, builds trust and develops success.



Good luck with your driving lessons!  


www.BigTom.org.uk/home/

Wednesday, 26 June 2013

How To Book Your Driving Test www.BigTom.org.uk


Intensive Driving Course in Peterborough or Grantham www.BigTom.org.uk

On your Intensive Driving Course in Peterborough or Grantham you will get your driving test aligned with your course so that there are no delays.  Some competitors talk of ‘express’ test bookings, no such thing.  Do not be fooled by such talk.  It is very simple to get test cancellations, and they are available to everyone!
Only this morning, a driving test was pulled forward from early August to next Monday, yes next Monday as in 5 days time!  There is nothing special going on, no extra money being spent, no exclusivity rights to do this.  It is utter nonsense to suggest otherwise!

So do not let the apparent advance booking required on driving tests put you off your Intensive Driving Course with Big Tom Driving School.  It is very easy to ensure that a test slot is booked precisely for your needs.


Any questions about this subject, call Tom on 07894 262 718 

Tuesday, 18 June 2013

Driving Lessons in Peterborough for Older Drivers


Driving lessons in Peterborough for older drivers, you have come to the right place!  We reward experience, and that means we give cheaper driving lessons for older people.  Time is tight, you will be busy, you have little time for boring driving lessons, here is your solution.

Intensive Driving Courses in Peterborough by Big Tom Driving School offer AT LEAST 40 hours of driving experience for just £737!  You are guaranteed free training if you do fail the driving test. 

Customers love these Intensive Driving Courses.....


“I would like to thank Tom for taking the time to teach me to drive last week on a 30 hour intensive course. I learnt so much and Tom really made me feel at ease with something I wasn’t comfortable with to start with. I would highly recommend BIG TOM to anyone. Great teacher and a nice guy to boot. Thanks Tom”

Graeme Miles (aged 31)

                                                                                                               

                                 The 30 hour intensive driving course is just £540!

These are specially devised intense courses in Peterborough that deliver calm, reassurance, personalised 1:1 driving training by a registered Driving Instructor in Peterborough.

Finding it hard to find time for driving lessons, then you only need to find 7 days on this Intensive Driving Course in Peterborough.  Busy people are always looking for ways to save time, well you can save time on driving lessons by using a tried and trusted driving school in Peterborough.  You can also save money on driving lessons.  Go here to find out TODAY how much money you can save on our 40 hour Intensive Driving Course OFFER, 25 or over and you save money on driving lessons!


Text “Peterboro” TODAY to 07894 262 718 to “drive more... learn more!”  

Monday, 17 June 2013

Forming good habits www.BIGTOM.org.uk


Intensive Driving Course in Peterborough or Grantham

Having recently lost 41 pounds in weight, the subject of my eating habits has been very much in my focus of late.

As I have discovered, when you start measuring weight, recording your daily food/liquid intake, recognising the relationship between what you eat and how you feel, then it brings it home how easy it is to fall into ‘bad habits’.  That regular intake of carbohydrates, the ‘occasional’ glass of vino, the convenient ‘drive by’ snack – the habitual dietary slips that eventually, all add up.

Driving habits is a subject I’ve been interested in, and making videos about, for some time.  I’m not wanting to focus in this blog how driving habits evolve through the years, but I would like to concentrate on the importance of developing good driving habits when you learn to drive.

Failing to develop good driving habits when learning to drive, is at least partly responsible for two things: the low driving test pass rates achieved in the UK (approx 48%) and the high incidence of collisions by newly qualified drivers (approx 20%) – both of those figures by the way are from the Driving Standards Agency.

One of the reasons why this problem exists is because it is very ‘convenient’ (there’s that word again) when taking driving lessons to focus solely on the driving test standard.  As such, many fall into the trap of attempting to do driving actions IN ORDER to pass the test, rather than in order to be a safe driver. 

A case in point would be the driving actions of ‘observations’.  A general term meaning what actions a driver takes to appreciate what is going on around them, and how they affect, or could affect, other road users.  The full extent of observations, the timing of them, and the proper use of the information gained from them, takes time to become habit forming.  But with good and proper training a driver doesn’t just get into the habit of making effective observations, they understand WHY the observations are so important in terms of road safety.  I cover on my Intensive Driving Courses in Peterborough or Grantham a ‘system’ of observations, and my customers get to appreciate why such a system is important, and they repeatedly practice this system – because that then develops a ‘good driving habit’.

Contrast that approach with someone who goes to the driving test NOT with any particular habit of observations in place.  Instead they have the tactic that they will pass the test by making mirror checks every 8 seconds, so that the examiner can see they are looking in the mirrors.  Now that person may well pass the driving test, but for how long are they going to keep on looking at the mirrors every 8 seconds after they have passed?    

Not only does this approach to driving seem odd to a Learner, as they are doing driving actions for no apparent reason other than passing the test, but it is also very difficult to effectively pull off.  Trying to remember to robotically do something with no idea why it is necessary, is a hard thing to achieve in any walk of life, but when on a driving test with the added nerves.... many cannot do it.

Forget about any pre-conceived idea you might have of what a crash course might mean, having driving lessons in Peterborough or Grantham with me is all about developing good driving habits.  Understanding why they are good, and being given the opportunity to develop them so that they become 2nd nature to you – not false, not just for show on a driving test, not just to please a Driving Instructor, but because that is simply what you do, you just..... do it.  Now that sounds like an approach to learning to drive that might well buck the trends given above. 


Question is.... are you up to it?   Text "YES" to 07894 262 718 right now, and I will send you 3 really useful habit forming techniques that I use every day when I'm driving.  Go ahead, you have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.... I look forward to hearing from you.

Sunday, 16 June 2013

How to plan to pass the driving test




Intensive Driving Course in Peterborough or Grantham


I attended a Grammar school this week to talk about the DofE Award (Duke of Edinburgh), and I realised just how important these ‘life skills’ are.  Not just in terms of learning new skills, with groups of like minded people, and being given the opportunity to apply these skills in far from home locations, but also, and possibly more importantly, to get used to the idea of planning goals, keeping motivated, conquering fear, acknowledging progress, combating anxieties, overcoming self-doubt, persevering after failure and eventually achieving, being successful.... experiencing the taste of success after effort.   It is a wonderful opportunity for mid-late teenagers in schools to begin applying themselves to achieve an end goal – the positive outcomes of this “process” are far too numerous for me to list in this blog.

I see striking similarities with the “process” of learning to drive.  There are plenty of hurdles to jump over to gain this life skill too.  And my few words of advice are to recognise the size of the task ahead and plan for it with attention to detail.  It will require resilience to overcome knock backs, willingness to dig deep and recognise weaknesses and train well. 
In short, learning to drive can’t be ‘bought’ for someone, like we go and buy an Xbox game.

It is a very personal experience, the training is 1:1, there are many different subjects to cover, and everyone has their unique elements they like and dislike.  The real key to success, and to make passing the driving test a reality, is in the planning.  Can you imagine turning up to an expedition in some remote location, late, without adequate clothing, no route planned, and no equipment?  It is not going to happen is it?  These are not the ingredients to success!

So a convenient checklist to help you on your way to planning how to learn to drive (I’m spoiling you now!), here we go:


Set goals, such as:

       When do you want/need to pass the theory and practical tests
       Where do you want to take the driving test
       How much does it cost to train, how long, and who provides good training
       What can you do BEFORE the training to give you a head start
       What time do you have available in your diary to train and practise
       How are you able to practise/study in addition to the training sessions
       What are your preferences for learning, can they be included


You get the picture?  Answer those types of question and you are on your way to planning how to drive.  Ignore these questions and you are on your way to a very prolonged, frustrating and expensive process.  If you had a choice which would you prefer?


The really good news is I’m more than happy to assist in this planning.  I regularly provide help and support to my customers on THIS very subject before they have even placed a deposit on my Intensive Driving Course.  The reason?  Because it is ESSENTIAL to success, which is what we all want!

If you like this, and want to hear more, I have 3 golden tips for getting the most out of your driving lessons.  Text "3 tips" to 07894 262 718 NOW and start planning for success TODAY!

www.BigTom.org.uk/home/

Wednesday, 5 June 2013

An essential tool in Learning to Drive - your diary!


Intensive Driving Course in Peterborough


Keep failing the driving test?  Finding it really difficult to learn to drive?

You are not alone, this can be very frustrating for many people.  Take a moment to step back for 2 minutes, read this blog, I promise it will help you in your cause.

There can be several possible reasons why things are not working out for you, but a very common one is the method you are choosing to learn to drive.  The key word in that last sentence is “YOU”, this is all about identifying a strategy to learning that works for you personally.  Consider for a minute how you actually feel when you are in the car on a driving lesson; do you feel happy, comfortable, are you enjoying the experience?  If not, it’s a little bit like swimming against the tide; you are working hard, but not actually getting anywhere.

One little trap that many people fall in to is to not properly consider a time-plan for learning to drive.  As such, they tend to "bunny hop" around driving lessons in a very ad-hoc way.  Some people even repeatedly swap Driving Instructors maybe making the most of any promotions being offered along the way.   If there is one word that completely describes what you, me, all of us NEED when we are learning something, it is consistency.   By that I mean you need to take regular lessons at a duration that suits you, with the same Driving Instructor that suits you, in the same Driving School car that suits you. Taking a driving lesson one week for say an hour, then leaving it 3 weeks until your next is really not helping you to develop.  

It’s almost like you are 'designing in' failure to your strategy.  

The reason this is counter-productive is because you are leaving it too long between driving lessons to build on any progress being made.  Learning is all about making regular bite size chunks of improvement, and continually BUILDING on that success.   If you leave it too long between learning sessions, you have very likely forgotten what you learnt on the last session, so you spend half an hour, just trying to get back to the level you were at on the previous session.  Consequently, you get demotivated and frustrated at the lack of progress you are making.

What’s the answer to this problem?  Build a time-plan to success.  

Might sound a cliché, but it is essential to helping you achieve your goal of passing the driving test.  We are all busy people, with many commitments all eating in to our available time.  You need to sit down with a diary, and commit yourself to providing yourself with regular time slots to aid your learning experience.  One reason why many people choose Intensive Driving Courses to learn to drive is precisely for this reason, time pressure.  With one of my Intensive Courses in Peterborough or Grantham, you can set aside time to achieve your goal with minimal interruption to your lifestyle.
 
If you prefer to learn with say one driving session per week, it’s essential you fully commit yourself – both in terms of time and the finances required.  If you take a single 1hour driving lesson per week, then you need to be preparing yourself to commit in your diary to it taking about a year to learn to drive.  Now that might be fine with you, you may not be in any rush, but it’s essential you truly do commit to a session per week in your diary.

So the first step to designing in success...... GET YOUR DIARY OUT NOW, and start really using it!



Best of luck with making your dream come true.       

www.BIGTOM.org.uk

Saturday, 1 June 2013

Money worries when learning to drive


Intensive Driving Course in Peterborough or Grantham

One of the major advantages to learning to drive on an Intensive Driving Course with BIG TOM Driving School is that even if you were to fail the driving test, you pay no more money for further driving lessons.
 
A common fear of people wanting to learn to drive is the problem of not knowing how much it is going to cost to get the Driving Licence.  It is statistically a fact (from the Driving Standards Agency) that more people pass the test with more than one attempt, and so there is some reason to be concerned.
 
It is a very easy trap to fall in to when taking driving lessons on a ‘pay as you go basis’ to be very keen to take the driving test as soon as possible – thereby reducing the overall time it has taken for you to get that lovely driving licence, as well as reducing the costs of each and every driving lesson.  

However, unless that is carefully managed, you can end up paying more than was necessary in repeated driving test fees (£62) and repeated use of a driving school car for the tests (approx £40-60 each time).

The trick is to create some confidence and trust by getting an overall package that has a safety net.  This is an important advantage.  It eliminates any pressure that might otherwise exist.  Reducing pressure when in a learning environment is a good thing. 

I have heard of people racking up bills of over £2000 going down the conventional 'pay as you go' route – look HERE   I am not attempting to put fear in your mind, it is I’m afraid to say, the reality of how it can go.

So, if you have never driven before, book yourself up on the ‘Beginners’ course, and immediately reduce any financial anxieties about learning to drive.  It guarantees AT LEAST 40 hours of driving experience with a qualified Driving Instructor in Peterborough or Grantham, for just £737.  Call Tom now on 07894262718


www.BIGTOM.org.uk 

Friday, 24 May 2013

Intensive Driving Course



When you sign up to my Intensive Driving Course in Peterborough or Grantham you are going to receive a complete package of benefits that include:

Access to 2 x Official DSA approved Theory Test Study DVD's

A guarantee that you will pay no more money for training - even if you were to fail the driving test, you receive more training for free

Access to a Pre-Course Driving Video Library that maximises your learning experience

A minimum of 38 hours of driving experience - not in classrooms or sitting at the side of the road talking

2 hours for the Driving Test

1:1 Driving Instruction from a DSA registered Driving Instructor for just £18/hr

Free and unlimited use of recording your progress on video

A Drivers Pack to help record important personal learning points, record your progress and privately reflect on your driving sessions

Over 25's receive an automatic discount on the course fee (apply via my website)


It is a risk-free way of obtaining your Driving Licence because it guarantees you training until you pass the driving test.  View the testimonials on my Facebook page, Twitter and my website to see that this really has worked for many people... and you are paying for a service with proven results.

Take the first step to obtaining your driving licence and book up your course TODAY! 

www.BIGTOM.org.uk

Thursday, 25 October 2012

Peterborough Drivers - call to action www.BIGTOM.org.uk

Driving Lessons in Peterborough.  Intensive Driving Course in Peterborough.


I pinged up on my Twitter ("tukkr") what looked like a nasty accident today - to warn drivers to avoid the area.  I had just finished some Driving Instructor Training in Peterborough, and was travelling North on the A15 when I saw a couple of cars that had just been in an accident at 'Kate's Bridge' near Thurlby - it's reported here and I very much hope that everyone concerned is not seriously injured.  I have witnessed many accidents in my time due to my work in a previous career, but it gets no easier to witness the immediate aftermath.

I see that they are widening the exit slip road leading to Boongate Roundabout which the Peterborough Evening Telegraph is describing here as the 'Worst accident blackspot'.  And that was where one of my ex-Learners (who was then a Full Licence Holder), was desperately unlucky to be at that precise location when a chap decided to drive out of slow moving traffic (backed up from Boongate Roundabout all the way up to the dual carraigeway), and in doing so created a pile up of several cars as he did not take adequate observations before making the lane change.  Despite her car actually flipping on to it's roof, I thank God that she actually survived with minor physical injuries (although the psychological injury will be substantial).

It's a fine balance between driving standards and road design (the A15 does seem to attract a lot of serious accidents though).  I personally find it very hard to remain calm when I hear 'academics' in road safety speak of expected levels of accidents.  I have had cause to contact Clair George (Road Safety Officer for Peterborough City Council) a few times for different reasons, and she has quoted to me 'normal' numbers of accidents for given volumes of traffic.

Take for example that short and very steep downhill entry slip road on Nene Parkway (a dual carraigeway) between the Holiday Inn hotel and Gordon Arms pub.  What a nightmare.  Drivers barge themselves on to the dual carraigeway (not giving way as they should), which forces many vehicles to veer into lane 2, and then if the poor driver wants to exit at the Gordon Arms exit, they have to then somehow find a way to get back to lane 1 having just been shoved in to lane 2.  If you want to literally see some footage of that happening in real life, just watch this video forward it to 2mins 20 secs and literally watch this 'barging' going on in real time.  That situation is not good for a few reasons:

1.  The vehicles on the steep downward slip road are actually gathering speed when they may very well need to be DECREASING speed to potentially give way to traffic in lanes 1 & 2.
2.  The elevated position on the slip road (coupled with shrubs/bushes/trees) makes it difficult for drivers to see vehicles already on the parkway.
3. The slip road is deceptively short which surprises many drivers on it.
4.  At night time the Council have a tendency to turn off lights on the dual carraigeway reducing visibility.

It must be said that if drivers were to inappropriately FORCE themselves on to the dual carriageway on their driving test, they would fail the test, so education/driving standards do have a part to play with this problem.

However, I asked the Council if they could just put up a sign or 2 on the entry slip reminding/emphasising drivers' obligation to 'give way' to traffic already on the dual carriageway - I was informed that EU policy dictated that far from increasing signage the Council were actively reducing signage.

When I asked why are the lights being switched off, I was told that not only is it 'greener' to have less light pollution (which is another EU directive), but it's cheaper for the Council too.

These entry/exit points on our dual carraigeways are very hazardous and there are actions (that need not be expensive) that could prevent some accidents.  

If you agree with any of the above and want to take positive action, then contact the Council, here are details of a variety of ways of doing that.  I also let the Evening Telegraph know, as I did here

What are your views on this blog?  Any comments please add below.


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