North West Disability Driving Centre

North West Disability Driving Centre The North West Dis-Ability Driving Centre, helping people with physical disabilities, special educational needs and those with hearing difficulties.

We also support specialist driving tuition with adaptations.

Jonathan succeeded on his second attempt—now it's your turn to be mum and dad’s taxi. Stay safe. Congratulations! 🎉
01/11/2025

Jonathan succeeded on his second attempt—now it's your turn to be mum and dad’s taxi. Stay safe. Congratulations! 🎉

Great Pass for Leonie Payne. Congratulations. Well deserved. 👍😎👊👏🎉
29/10/2025

Great Pass for Leonie Payne. Congratulations. Well deserved. 👍😎👊👏🎉

Fantastic first time pass for Tom today at Preston. Congratulations mate. Well deserved. Keep safe. Good luck with the c...
07/10/2025

Fantastic first time pass for Tom today at Preston. Congratulations mate. Well deserved. Keep safe. Good luck with the competitions.

A massive congratulations to Miles for passing his test in Preston first time. Fully deserved. Well done and enjoy drivi...
30/09/2025

A massive congratulations to Miles for passing his test in Preston first time. Fully deserved. Well done and enjoy driving. Stay safe. 🚘👏

There is no law in the UK specifying which shoes you must wear while driving, but the Highway Code states that your clot...
03/09/2025

There is no law in the UK specifying which shoes you must wear while driving, but the Highway Code states that your clothing and footwear must not prevent you from using the vehicle's controls properly. If inappropriate footwear, such as flip-flops, high heels, or even bare feet, interferes with your ability to operate the pedals safely, you could face a charge for driving without due care and attention. It's best to wear footwear with thin soles and good ankle flexibility to maintain control and avoid hazards.
What to consider when choosing footwear
* Pedal control:�Your footwear shouldn't be too thick or too thin to allow you to apply the necessary pressure to the pedals�
* Grip and stability:�The shoes should have enough grip to prevent your feet from slipping off the pedals.�
* Ankle movement:�Footwear should not restrict your ankle's ability to move freely. �
* Potential hazards:�Avoid footwear that could easily get caught between pedals, such as high heels or loose-fitting flip-flops. �
Why certain footwear is problematic
* Flip-flops:�Can get caught between the pedals or easily slip off your foot, leading to distraction and loss of control. �
* High heels:�A thin heel can get stuck under a pedal, while a thick heel or platform can make it difficult to judge pressure. �
* Thick-soled shoes:�May make it harder to feel and apply adequate force to the pedals. �
* Barefoot or socks:�While not illegal, your feet may slip on the pedals, or you may not be able to apply enough force in an emergency. �
Best practice
* It's recommended to carry a pair of suitable driving shoes in your car to change into when you need to drive.
* Choose shoes with thin soles, a secure fit around the ankle, and enough flexibility to operate the pedals effectively.

03/09/2025

🛣️🌳 Driving on regional and rural roads comes with extra challenges. This Rural Road Safety Month, be aware of the increased risks, which can include:

⚠️ Narrow, unsealed and winding roads
👀 Reduced visibility due to limited lighting or poor weather
🦘 Wildlife and other animals
🥱 Fatigue due to long distances between rest stops
📞 Help is often further away

Don't dismiss the risks. Slow down, plan ahead and drive to conditions.

02/09/2025

Great pass for Matt today at Chorley. So pleased for you mate. Keep safe. Look forward to taking you out in the new car.

Great pass for Max in Preston. Keep safe and enjoy the new car.
28/08/2025

Great pass for Max in Preston. Keep safe and enjoy the new car.

26/08/2025

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE DRIVING TEST

🚫 Myth 1: Examiners Have a Pass Quota
✅ Fact: There is no pass or fail quota. Examiners assess each candidate based on their performance during the test. If you meet the required standard, you pass simple as that.

🚫 Myth 2: Stalling Means Automatic Failure
✅ Fact: Stalling isn’t an automatic fail. It’s how you handle the situation that matters. If you stall but recover quickly and safely, it’s typically marked as a driver fault.

🚫 Myth 3: Crossing Hands on the Steering Wheel Leads to Failure
✅ Fact: Crossing your hands while steering isn’t a fault in itself. Examiners look for safe and controlled steering, regardless of hand position.

🚫 Myth 4: You Must Drive at the Speed Limit at All Times
✅ Fact: Speed limits are maximums, not targets. Driving at a speed appropriate for the road and conditions is key.
Driving too fast or too slow can both be faults.

🚫 Myth 5: Exaggerated Head Movements Show You’re Checking Mirrors
✅ Fact: Examiners are trained to notice subtle mirror checks. Over-exaggerating head movements isn’t necessary and can be distracting.

🚫 Myth 6: Taking the Test at Certain Times Increases Chances of Passing
✅ Fact: There’s no evidence that test timing affects outcomes. Being well-prepared and confident is the best strategy, regardless of the time of day.

🚫 Myth 7: Examiners Want You to Take a Specific Route
✅ Fact: While certain routes are commonly used, examiners can vary the test route. Familiarity with various road types and conditions is more beneficial than memorizing a specific path.

🚫 Myth 8: Driving Slowly Shows You’re a Careful Driver
✅ Fact: Driving significantly below the speed limit without reason can be seen as a lack of confidence and may disrupt traffic flow.

🚫 Myth 9: You Automatically Fail If You Take a Wrong Turn
✅ Fact: Taking a wrong turn isn’t an automatic fail. Examiners assess your ability to drive safely, not your navigation skills.

🚫 Myth 10: Male Learners Pass More Easily Than Female Learners
✅ Fact: Pass rates can vary, but success depends on individual preparation and performance, not gender.

By understanding the facts, you’re better prepared to approach your driving test with confidence.
Don’t let myths hold you back focus on safe and informed driving practices.

Remember, staying informed and practicing safe driving habits are key to success.

Let’s leave these myths behind and focus on what truly matters on the road.

www.nwddc.co.uk
gez@dis-instructor.co.uk

Address

201 Ramsgreave Drive
Blackburn
BB18LS

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 12pm

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