BLC Driving Centre

04/05/2022

An update for any learner drivers due to take a test.

The reverse bay park can take place in any external car park (not just the test centre) as from 9th May 2022.

This shouldn't be a problem as you've all been practicing in public car parks

01/03/2022

Here's the next opportunity to get on the MORE driving course at Millbrook.

A half day course for 16 / 17 year old future drivers who haven't yet started learning. Car maintenance and safety, buying a car, driving and much more.

For newly passed drivers, you can experience skid control, enhance your skills and much more.

Supported by Central Beds Council, Luton Council, Roads Policing, Beds Fire & Rescue, Three Shires Driving Centre and Herts Ability.

All free if you live in Luton or Central Beds. Follow the link to book on for March 19th, places are limited.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-young-driver-more-course-16-to-30-year-olds-central-beds-bookings-registration-214592330437?fbclid=IwAR1m5loIVT_h_2H61zBPC0FVsQIW8KwfhgJsdT5CwdSoJQ7F7alkCFPsDGE

BOOKING IS ONLY FOR CENTRAL BEDFORSHIRE RESIDENTS - Aged between 16 and 30 and fancy a driving experience around a famous test track?

27/02/2022

Following the governments recent announcement to drop all Covid 19 restrictions, we would like to assure all our customers that we still take the risk seriously and will continue safe practice for your protection.

16/02/2022

Credit to Kev Brock Driving Instructor who caught this on his Dash Cam.

I fine example of too fast and not driving to the conditions.

Vert likely, the diver was saved by Electronic Stabilisition Programme (ESP) which is outstanding on these cars.

Without modern technology, this could have ended very differently.

Never rely on technology, it's not fool proof. It's a "Get out of jail free" card.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7npgkoT_UYE

A useful teaching tool as to the dangers of not driving to the conditions. Video is my own, please share/use as necessary. No credit necessary.

12/02/2022

Fancy a day in the life of a driving instructor?

We get abuse for being in the correct lanes.

We get abuse for sticking to the speed limits.

We get abuse for slowing down because it says so on the road.

We get abuse for pulling up outside your house.

We get abuse because the driver didn’t set off quick enough.

We get abuse for stalling.

We get abuse for not tailgating the car in front.

We even get abuse for not blocking junctions and not going into a box junction.

We get abuse when you kindly let a learner out but they don’t react as quick as you would like them too.

Please don't beep your horn, it really won't speed us up.

Until we teach one of your family to drive then for a short time the abuse stops, but only for a short time.

We have all had to learn to drive, it’s funny how quickly we forget what it’s like.

We forget what it’s like to approach your first roundabout, the first parallel park, the first crossroads.

Please have a thought for us and our Students. We can’t use a class room and trust me we don’t like holding you up anymore than you do!

Thank you xx

29/01/2022

The Highway Code has now been updated.

All of the main changes are in the attached picture.

Some people agree and like the change, some are not so keen but, like it or not, change is here.

24/01/2022

New rules for 2022. Not yet confirmed but are likely to come in by the end of January.

31/12/2021

As 2021 comes to a close and a new year begins, BLC Three Shires Driving Centre would like to wish all our loyal customers, past present and future and, of course our friends and fellow instructors a very Happy New Year.

May all your dreams come true in 2022

21/12/2021

Wishing all our customers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We're all done with lessons in 2021 and look forward to helping you achieve your driving dreams in 2022.

Stay safe.

13/10/2021

Driving is a skill that takes a long time to master. In fact, we probably never master it and we are never as good as we think. Always treat your journey as though that examiner is sat next to you, judging your every action. Treat the journey like you've got an elderly relative in the car.

If you really do believe you're a great driver, watch this clip, see if it moves you. One mistake can change many lives.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnZbxDcgmUA

This is a shortened version of the excellent Award winning BBC 3 Documentary 'Licence to Kill' presented by Sophie Morgan who was paralysed in a car crash ag...

25/08/2021

At BLC Three Shires Driving Centre, we understand the concerns of our customers.
That is why we will continue to check on the well being of all our valued customers before every session and, we'll continue with our high standard of vehicle cleansing throughout each working day.

We will also continue with temperature checks and wearing face coverings for every session.

Our priority is your safety.

17/08/2021

Nerves can undoubtedly play a part in whether you succeed or fail a driving test, yet lots of very nervous people pass their driving test 1st time every day, HOW?

Well, firstly remember, instructors don’t teach you to fail, so stick to what they have told you and what you have been taught! Forget what uncle Bill says about his test in 1975 it’s not relevant.

Don’t listen to horror stories from others about how bad their tests were, people love a bit of drama and they will always make things sound worse.

Keep the date and time of your test to yourself, if you are nervous why have an audience?

Now this is important, STICK to the routines you have been taught, go through the procedures in your mind, mentally plan your manoeuvres and how to deal with junctions. Mental planning is so important, it helps you focus on the positive not on the possible negatives.

Remember your lane discipline, three reasons to be in the right hand lane:
Turning right
Overtaking
If ONE arrow tells you that you must use that lane.
Otherwise stay left!

Watch for road markings and signs they are like a silent instructor in the car.

The test lasts about the length of an Eastenders episode, just make sure you don’t have to go back for a second episode 🤣

Finally, have a little faith in yourself. You've got this. Your instructor won't take you if they don't have faith in your ability so, believe that YOU can do it, go out there and smash it.

PS. Bach’s Rescue Remedy is brilliant for helping nerves👍or, try a banana just before the test starts.

I would say good luck but, you don't need luck. Skill and belief over rides luck.

08/08/2021

Do you like your new driving licence?
How hard did you work to get it?
How much money did you spend?
Our advice is this.
Think back to those lessons where your instructor talked about taking responsibility. Think back to the times your instructor stepped in to save the day. (Your instructor isn't there anymore).

If you lose your licence, there is only one person to blame. It's no good blaming others or saying it's not fair because it was your doing, nobody forced you to speed or use your mobile. Nobody forced you to drive like that and nobody can fix what you've done!!

'Worrying' jump in new drivers losing licences during probation period.

Government figures show a sharp increase in the number of licences revoked within first two years on the road.

A rising number of newly qualified drivers are losing their licence during the probationary period for offences including speeding and driving without insurance.

Data from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) shows a sharp rise in the number of drivers who have had their licence revoked within two years of passing their tests.

In 2018 5,401 motorists saw their licences cancelled within their first two years on the road, in 2019 that rose to 7,484, hitting 7,975 in 2020.

The New Drivers Act, introduced in 1995, imposed tougher rules for newly qualified drivers. During a probationary two-year period after passing their test any driver who accrues six penalty points automatically loses their licence and is required to resit their theory and practical tests.

That means a single offence of using a mobile phone at the wheel or two low-level speeding offences are enough to put a new driver off the road again.

Penalty points on a provisional licence also carry across to a driver’s full licence, meaning a single offence could be enough to have their licence cancelled.

The figures were obtained by road safety charity IAM Roadsmart and also revealed the most common offences among new motorists.

Driving without insurance was among the most common offences committed by newly qualified drivers. Since 2018 a total of 12,000 have been given penalty points for failing to produce valid insurance documents.

A further 5,500 have been given points for speeding offences. These generally carry three penalty points, although more serious offences can attract six points - enough for an instant disqualification for a new driver.

Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart’s director of policy and research, said: “These figures paint a worrying picture. It is the responsibility of all drivers, whether they are newly qualified or more experienced behind the wheel, to drive safely and within the law at all times and to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy and insured for the purpose it is being used.”

Other significant reasons for new drivers losing their licence within their probation period include failing to provide information about who was driving the vehicle when an offence was committed, and not being in control of the vehicle - which can include incidents such as using a mobile phone while driving.

Young and newly qualified drivers are involved in a disproportionate number of accidents and, according to safety charity Brake, one in five drivers crash within their first year of driving. Research by the AA Charitable Trust has also found that young drivers are particularly at risk of a fatal crash on rural roads.

10/07/2021

Important information for all customers:

You may have heard that all covid19 restrictions are going to be lifted from the 19th July. However please read the following information on how this effects you on your Driving Lessons.

As a business which operates a close contact service, Eg Driving Lesson in a Car, we have to think about the safety of all students whether you have had both covid19 vaccinations or if you've had none.

As new cases are still very high, we have taken the decision not to relax the rules over face coverings in the car so, for the time being FACE COVERINGS MUST BE WORN in the car at all times.

The DVSA are yet to announce their ruling for tests.

We will be reviewing the rules on a weekly basis and some restrictions may be removed or added at any time.

This decision has been made to protect you, your instructor and all relatives and loved ones.

If you have any further questions please get in touch.

13/06/2021

Huge congratulations to Will on completing his Pass Plus course today.

Some say the Pass Plus scheme is now pointless as everything can be covered during lessons but, done right, as Will did, it's hugely beneficial.

As well as covering the whole syllabus, Will also developed his existing skills with vehicle control, driver behavior and defensive driving. Learning new, advanced techniques, Will is more likely to remain safe and in full control of his own car.

Awesome job Will, Drive safe