8 minute read – Veygo

Cheap Car Insurance for Young Drivers

Simon Jones — Wed, 25 May 2022 16:59:44 +0000

Cheap Car Insurance for Young Drivers

Learning to drive at a young age is super exciting, it’s your first chance at real independence and freedom. You should be excited, and rightly so… you’re able to go where you want and do what you want! Drive-thrus, lifts, trips, and chilling with your friends.

However, it’s pretty common knowledge that getting insurance on a car at a younger age or when you first pass is a nightmare. It never seems cheap. Getting the right policy is essential!

So don’t let the buzz and excitement of learning to drive and passing your test be killed by pesky insurance. Hopefully here at Veygo we can keep the excitement alive and with some useful pointers – get you on the road!

Comparing cheap insurance for new drivers

When looking for cheap car insurance for young or new drivers. It’s important that you don’t just jump to the first site that pops into your mind and settle with them (Unless it’s Veygo of course). Landing on the wrong site and it could end up costing you hundreds of pounds. You may not even get the best temp cover for you. Slow down, and make it one of your main focuses after passing your test to set some time aside to compare which insurance is best for young drivers.

A good place to start would simply be searching for ‘cheap car insurance for young drivers’. By doing this, you’re likely to find a site that will do the comparisons for you. However, comparison sites aren’t always the best place to look, as not all insurance companies can be found on them. While comparison sites are a good start, make sure you know how to use them properly: using multiple sites, take notes, and make sure you do your own research.. then use the comparison sites as a guide. This is a good way to make sure you don’t miss any cheap insurance companies.

Martin Lewis explains cheap car insurance really well to help you understand it more. It’s also important that you’re looking for the correct insurance. For instance, you may want to go independent and get your own fully comprehensive insurance policy. But if you’re going to be using another car whilst shopping for your own, then temporary insurance will likely be best suited for you.

Find out more about comparing temporary car insurance here.

What is third party insurance

Third party insurance may seem like a quick solution to get cheap car insurance for young drivers, as it doesn’t cover as much as a fully comprehensive policy, therefore it should be less expensive… right?

Actually, you may well find third-party only (TPO) insurance isn’t a cheaper way to get car insurance for younger drivers. These policies can be more expensive than comprehensive car insurance, because insurance companies have found that those who take them out are at higher risk of having an accident.

Before going for what may seem to be the cheapest option, compare different types of policy to make sure! Also, if you can’t afford to repair or replace your car if you have an accident, getting a TPO policy is likely to be a false economy.

What is temporary car insurance?

This is a brilliant way to get cheap car insurance for first-time drivers, as you only need to be insured as and when you’re using the car.

For example, when you first pass, you may be looking to drive your parents’ car for a few weeks, or a couple of months. Being put on their policy as a named driver risks their no-claims bonus (NCB). Plus you might not know how long it’ll take to shop for a car of your own.

Veygo offers a temporary car insurance policy that is separate from the main policy. This is the handy answer to using your folks’ car with zero effect on their NCB should anything happen.

Student life is another example. Let’s say you leave your car at home while you travel off to university or college. This would then mean you’ve got a car with either; insurance that you’re not using and paying for, or a car with no insurance. Buying temporary car insurance solves this as when you come home from college or uni – you’re able to buy insurance for the specific time you’re home, from as little as an hour, and it’ll be finished by the time you go back, and you won’t be paying a penny more than you need to!

For those who are leaving their car for certain periods of time, don’t forget to SORN it. Check out everything you need to know about SORNing your car.

To find out what is and isn’t covered by Veygo’s insurance policies, please read our product information document and our policy booklet

Cars with cheap insurance for young drivers

If you’re searching for cheap car insurance for first-time drivers, you’ll notice a big difference when it comes to types of cars. Bigger and faster cars definitely fall into the higher category for newer and younger drivers’ insurance. If you’re looking for cheap car insurance for young drivers, then it’s fair to say that it’s unlikely that you’ll be looking to spend loads on a newer, bigger car anyways.

When looking for your first car, look for something with a smaller engine, as this is likely to mean lower emissions, less fuel needed, and cheaper tax. Overall, cars with smaller engines will mean lower running costs… Not to mention a lower price for insurance.

Check out The cheapest ways to buy a car to see which cars fall into the best insurance groups, and what to look out for to get a car in the cheapest insurance groups.

Also you can tap up Parkers, the car valuation pros. Check out Parkers’ car insurance group checker here.

Tips for cheap young driver insurance

Being totally real, no matter which way you go about it, you’re unlikely to find very cheap car insurance. Plus it’s going to be expensive in comparison to someone who’s been driving for a long time. It’s really about finding the deal that best suits you, so here are a few tips to think
about when looking for cheap car insurance for young drivers:

– Be with someone who’s applied for car insurance before and let them help you. You can learn from their previous mistakes and use their experience to your advantage.

– Look into a black box (telematics) policy. This is among the most common ways to lower your insurance, by fully monitoring your quality of driving, and mileage. A lot of young drivers may be put off by a black box, but in reality if you’re driving safely then it shouldn’t be any inconvenience to you.

– A good thing to look out for with a black box is that some offer discounts for good driving.
The initial price of the insurance could potentially be lowered every month if you show good etiquette and behaviour on the road, while staying within your mileage allowance.

– Adding extra security to your car may also help to reduce the cost, as it puts your car at much less risk. This could include buying additional security features, or having a designated place to park your car – like a driveway off the road or a garage.

– As mentioned, the type of car you drive can make a big difference. To find the cheapest car insurance for young drivers, you’re going to want a sensible car – in other words, a car with a smaller engine and good safety features. If it’s your first car, don’t worry too much about getting something too flashy. The first one is just to learn how to drive properly by yourself on the roads. So if by some chance you get a small bump or scratch, it won’t be the end of the world, and shouldn’t have too much effect on you or your car.

– Whatever car you end up buying, make sure that you try to keep it to how it originally came from the manufacturer. Making certain modifications can result in increased insurance prices, as they can be deemed high risk. In other words, no modding!

– Consider a one-time payment, if you can. Paying the full price of your insurance will usually, if not always, be cheaper than paying it monthly. So if you can pay it in one, it’s likely to save you money on your car insurance overall.

– Then – the classic – get your parents or an experienced driver named on the policy, as this is the good old way to bring down the cost of car insurance.

– Look into any additional courses that may help to bring the cost down. Check with your insurance provider before signing up to the course though, as they may not accept it.

Why is car insurance more expensive for younger drivers?

It’s purely down to the numbers. It’s proven statistically that younger drivers will get into collisions and accidents more often than drivers with greater experience. So given that younger drivers on average pose a higher risk to insurance, this pushes up the price.

Why are some cars cheaper to insure than others?

There are a number of factors that affect insurance price on cars. For example, the initial cost of the vehicle. So the more expensive the car is, the more the insurance might be. However, this isn’t a hard and fast rule. Another important factor is how safe the car is. If a car’s cheap but at high risk of being involved in an accident, then its insurance is likely to be higher than the price tag suggests.

Other factors include the cost of repairs and parts, how the car performs, and the car’s safety and security features.

Who’s considered a young driver?

The typical age bracket to be considered a young driver is between 17 and 24 years old. But don’t worry… The more years you drive, and the more years’ no-claims you build up, the cheaper your insurance should get!

So, as mentioned, if you’re looking for cheap car insurance, get a quote on our temporary
insurance from 1 hour to 90 days!

Get quote

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Temporary van insurance | Cover from 1 day

Simon Jones — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 16:19:00 +0000

What is temporary van insurance?

Temporary van insurance is a simple solution to using a van for a limited period of time. As not everyone drives a van or has immediate access to one, a lot of people may need to hire one, or borrow one from a friend. This will then lead to needing insurance in case anything goes wrong. So temporary can mean several things, an hour, a day, a week, or even a month, and even short term! The list can go on. So the idea of getting temporary van insurance will be to save cost on getting a full policy (while being fully comprehensive) and needing to cancel at the end, it’s really there for your convenience.

When would you need temporary van insurance?

Moving/Removing furniture – Everyone knows the fuss and the hassle it is to move furniture, and how much more effort it can become when you don’t have the most convenient means to transport it around. However, the experience can be made much better by having the suitable transport for moving it, like having your own van.. So, whichever way you’ve obtained the van you’re going to need some cover for it, and that’s exactly why we provide van insurance cover for as little as an hour so no matter how long you’ll be using the van, you’re covered.

Sports – Some sports do require larger equipment, surfboards, mountain bikes, skis, snowboards, and even fishing. Typically these kinds of sports are generally held as events and aren’t usually local and will require some travel, this can mean a few hours or even a few days, so you shouldn’t miss out just because getting insurance on your van was an issue!

Building – You may not be the usual designated van driver and are having to take over for a certain amount of time, or perhaps you’re doing something to your home, like renovating a room or the entire house.. Whatever reason it may be that you’re building or constructing, you’re going to need that van insurance and that is where we can offer you it for the time that suits you best.

Borrowing – This covers all of the above plus more! When borrowing a van in the UK you’re going to need insurance to avoid any complications, so whatever your needs are, make sure you’re insured!

Why sign up for temporary van insurance?

Quicker, getting temporary van insurance can be much faster than sorting out a
full policy for van insurance.
Pay for what you get, you don’t have to worry about overpaying for a full policy when buying temporary van insurance as you only pay for the time you’ll be using the van.
Zero cancellation fees, you don’t have to worry and stress about cancelling the policy
as temporary van insurance is purchased with an end in mind.
More affordable, not having to pay for a full year or have a pesky cancellation fee
means less payments down the line.
Your own policy, signing up to your own policy means that in the unfortunate event of
having to make a claim whilst using someone else’s van, this still leaves them with their
no claims bonus intact. This is due to it being a separate policy to theirs so any actions
made by you only affect you.

So, what vans do we cover with temporary van insurance?

So, Veygo as a whole does cheap temporary insurance and learner insurance, so when it comes to vans, it’s typically the vans with a shorter wheelbase, anything that isn’t super big and that drives similarly to a car, to give an example of what kinds of van we insure (with a few exceptions);

Vauxhall Combo
Citroen Berlingo
Peugeot Partner
Mercedes Citan
Vauxhall Corsa
Renault Kangoo
Citroen Nemo
Fiat Doblo

As you can see there is a trend with the kind of van that gets insured, all smaller and have that car look to them. If you’re unsure of which type of van you’re trying to insure and need a guide helping you to distinguish a long wheel base vs a short wheel base Mercedes offer a great article.

What isn’t covered with our temporary van insurance?

So as it is typically shorter wheelbase vans that are covered this doesn’t usually include larger vans with a longer wheelbase, these kinds of vans are usually associated with people who use their vans daily, typically tradesmen. When thinking of a van with a longer wheelbase think of vans similar to the Mercedes Sprinter, using this as a guide it will give you an idea of larger vans. For an idea of what else isn’t covered by our policy here are some things listed:

1. Wear and tear, in the generic sense.

2. Driving without a Licence.

3. Driving under the Influence, any damages or injuries caused whilst under the influence,
or reckless driving.

4. Intentional and reckless damage.

5. Merchandise delivery.

6. Hire and reward, this is when your car is used in money making i.e. renting out the car,
or using it like a taxi.
7. Dual insurance, we will not pay a claim if any loss, damage or liability covered under this
policy is also covered by any other insurance policy.
8. Modifications.
9. Racing.
10. Personal Belongings.
11. Unauthorised use.
12. Mis-fuelling.
13. Poor security

Tool cover – For personal tools/belongings we’ll cover you up to £150, however, if the tools are used in connection to a trade or a business then you won’t be covered unfortunately.

To find out the full dos and don’ts that we actually cover in our temporary insurance please look at the following:
Product Information Document | Policy Booklet

As a growing company Veygo may not be able to provide insurance for your van, so head over to Admiral van insurance as it is very likely they’re able to provide you with what you’re looking for!

What is a car derived van or dual purpose vehicle?

‘car-derived van’ means a goods vehicle which is constructed or adapted as a derivative of a passenger vehicle and which has a maximum laden weight not exceeding 2 tonnes.’

What does a car derived van look like?

Typically it will look similar to a car in size and model, but will have some more defining
features such as:
1. No rear seats, seatbelts or their mountings.
2. It will have a payload area with a floor panel in the back of the van.
3. No side windows in the back, or if it does have side windows they’ll usually be filled in (opaque and fixed, unable to see through.)

Can I get van insurance for 1 day?

Yes, you are able to purchase short term van cover from as little as 1 hour!

Van speed limits

Car derived vans are the only light commercial (goods) vehicles which are subject to the same speed limits as a car.
1. 50mph on single carriageways.
2. 60mph on dual carriageways.
3. 70mph on motorways.

What to do if you think your vehicle has been incorrectly registered?

If you think your vehicle is a car derived van and isn’t registered as such then:
1. Check with the dealer, this is for new vehicles
2. For older vehicles check with the manufacturer
3. However, if you’re driving what you believe to be a car derived van but it’s registered as
a goods vehicle (not a car derived van) then you should stick to the lower speed limits
assigned to goods vehicles which are defined by exceeding 2 tones when fully loaded and has doesn’t fit criteria of a car derived van. Check the speed limits here.

What about dual purpose vehicles?

A dual purpose vehicle is a vehicle constructed or adapted for the carriage both of passengers and of goods and designed to weigh no more than 2,040 kg when unladen, and is either one:
1. Constructed or adapted so that the driving power of the engine is, or can be selected to be, transmitted to all wheels of the vehicle.

2. Permanently fitted with a rigid roof, at least one row of transverse passenger seats to the rear of the driver’s seat and will have side and rear windows – there must also be a minimum ratio between the size of passenger and stowage areas.

For full details of car derived vans and dual purpose vehicles visit:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/car-derived-vans-and-dual-purpose-vehicles/car- derived-vans-and-dual-purpose-vehicles

Do I need van insurance to drive a work van?

Yes, no matter what you’re using your van for you’re going to need insurance to drive it on public spaces and roads.

Who can use temporary van insurance ?

Anyone over the age of 17 up to the age of 75 with a full driving licence, although between 17 and 21 you need have held your full driving licence for at least 6months, if insuring your own car, this doesn’t apply if borrowing a car.

Get a quote

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Highway code changes

James Armstrong — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 17:54:29 +0000

If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you’re wondering what the new highway code changes are, well so are a lot of other people. On the 29th of January 2022 there were some 50 changes to the highway code that have caused some discussion in the media and on social channels, so we thought it would be good to take a look at 4 of these changes.

What are the new changes to the highway code

Whether you’ve already passed your test or you’re a learner driver looking to take your
theory test these new changes are important, and not just from a driving point of view. Below we’ll cover 4 of these new changes and how they may affect you out on the roads…

1. The dutch reach

The dutch reach was actually something we highlighted last year as a great way to protect
cyclists out on the road. This is guidance rather than law, but with more and more cyclists on
the road, a slightly different way of opening the door could save people getting seriously
insured, and savings on your insurance costs going up.

What is the dutch reach?

Step 1: Reach
Reach across to your car door handle with the hand that is furthest away from the door.
Step 2: Swivel
Reaching across with your arm will force you to swivel your body so you can look into your
rear view mirror and out the side of your window.
Step 3: Look back
Look over your shoulder to see if there is any oncoming traffic.
Step 4: Open slowly
Once you’ve checked the road is clear, slowly open your car door and step out facing the
traffic.

Want to know more about what it is and where it comes from. Well, you’re in luck as you can read all about the dutch reach here.

2. Ban on use of mobile phones

It was already illegal to hold a phone or sat nav while driving. But with the new changes,
drivers will now also be banned from taking pictures and videos, scrolling through playlists or playing games. Makes sense! We’ve also covered the questions most people have…

Can I still use a phone hands free?

Yes, you can if you’re using…

● A Bluetooth headset

● Voice command
● A dashboard holder or mat
● A windscreen mount
● A built-in sat nav

Can I use my phone if the car has stopped?

No, not if you’re…

● Stopped at traffic lights
● Queuing in traffic
● Supervising a learner driver

That said, there have been questions around paying for food at drive-thrus like McDonalds, KFC… you know the ones. In this instance, if the car is at a window and is ‘stationary’ you are allowed to use your phone to pay for those chips!

When can I use a hand held phone?

You can use a hand-held phone if…

● you’re safely parked
● you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop

What fine would I get if caught using a phone while driving?

You could land yourself with 6 penalty points and a £200 fine if you use a hand-held phone
when driving. Don’t forget you can also get points on a provisional licence when learning to drive! This will also affect your insurance costs for up to 5 years. These come into effect on 25th March 2022

3. Priority at junctions

Up until now if say a car was turning left (unless there was a zebra crossing or set of traffic
lights giving priority to the pedestrian) the car was free to make the turn, but now this has changed to give priority to the more vulnerable. The rule says: “At a junction you should give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning.”

According to the highway code this should make things clear for…

● When people are crossing or waiting to cross at a junction, other traffic should give
way
● If people have started crossing and traffic wants to turn into the road, the people
crossing have priority and the traffic should give way
● People driving, riding a motorcycle or cycling must give way to people on a zebra
crossing and people walking and cycling on a parallel crossing
A parallel crossing is similar to a zebra crossing, but includes a cycle route alongside the
black and white stripes.

4. Hierarchy of road users

The last of our 4 on this article. Like we said at the top, it’s important for learner drivers to
make sure they are aware of all these new rules before taking a theory or practical test. If
you need any other tips on how to pass your driving test first time we’ve got you covered.
The introduction section of The Highway Code has been updated to include 3 new rules
about the new ‘hierarchy of road users’.

It’s important that all road users:
● Are aware of The Highway Code
● Are considerate to other road users
● Understand their responsibility for the safety of others

Learner driver insurance

If you want to pass your driving test, why not consider private practice? Just make sure you’re insured before getting behind the wheel.

Our learner driver insurance lets you practice in a friend or family member’s car from 1 hour right up to 180 days. They don’t need to worry about their annual policy, because with Veygo, the owner’s no claims bonus is completely protected.

Get a quote

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Compare temporary car insurance

Simon Jones — Sun, 13 Feb 2022 18:22:39 +0000

How to compare temporary car insurance

Temporary car insurance can be helpful for loads of different occasions; whether you’re borrowing a car from somebody else or picking up short-term insurance for your own car.
With a number of different options out there, it can be hard to know how to decide on which company to go with. We’re going to cut through the insurance jargon and run through how to compare temporary car insurance.

Comparing temporary insurance: can you book in advance?

It’s great being able to pick up insurance when you need it and hit the road straight away.
But if you love to plan ahead, you may want the option to book in advance. Some temporary
insurers don’t allow you to book in advance so it’s worth checking out before you decide on the best temporary insurance for you. With our short-term insurance you can choose to buy the moment you need it, or you can book cover in advance.

Which temporary insurance has driving curfews?

Some temporary insurers will have curfews in place meaning you can’t drive late at night.
The devil is in the details, so it’s worth checking all the insurance policy information before deciding on the best temporary insurance for you.

With our temporary cover, there’s no curfew on insurance policies that are 24 hours or more. That means you’re free to drive whatever time you’d like. Go on, go and enjoy that late night drive-through.

Cancellation and refund policies

Sometimes, things don’t go to plan and you may end up wanting to cancel your temporary insurance. It’s a good idea to check the FAQs of different temporary insurers to find out their cancellation policies.

With our temporary car insurance for example, if your policy hasn’t started yet, you can
easily log into your account to cancel and get a full refund. If you’ve started your policy we’ll recalculate the price based on a shorter policy and refund the difference.
Check out our Help Centre for more information.

With Cuvva, you won’t be able to get a refund your temporary cover. With Temp Cover, you can’t get a refund if your policy is less than 30 days. If your policy is more than 30 days, they’ll refund the premium paid minus a pro rata refund and the administration fee of £15. With Adrian Flux, you won’t be able to get a refund on your temporary cover.

Temporary car insurance excess

Car insurance excess is the amount you’d have to pay towards a claim you make on your insurance policy, or the amount that’s held back by your insurance company. If you choose a higher car insurance excess, the price of your insurance is likely to be lower; but you’ll have to pay out more if you end up having to make a claim. Check out our guide to car insurance
excess for more information.

Some people prefer a higher excess, while others would prefer to choose a lower excess. Whatever your preference, it’s a good idea to check insurance policy details and make sure you get what you’re after from your temporary cover.

Our accidental damage excess is set at £750 and some customers can choose a lower
excess of £250 depending on some general information about you and your car.

With Cuvva and Temp Cover excess is variable depending on your quote.

Temporary insurance durations

How long do you need temporary insurance? If you just need to pop out quickly, you might only need insurance for an hour. Not all temporary insurers offer hourly insurance so it’s worth checking out your options as you don’t want to be overpaying for something you may not even potentially use, finding the best time frame for your needs could lead to a cheaper insurance policy . Similarly, you may want to get monthly insurance if you need the car for a bit longer.

Veygo temporary insurance is available from as little as 1 hour up to 60 days.

Cuvva temporary insurance is available from 1 hour up to 28 days; or they offer subscription
cover where you pay monthly.

Temp Cover temporary insurance is available from 1 hour up to 3 months.

Adrian Flux temporary insurance is available from 1 day up to 3 months.

What are the restrictions?

Every temporary insurance company will have different rules about who they’ll actually
insure. Generally this will include restrictions on your age and the age or value of your car. For example, a lot of temporary insurers won’t cover anyone under 21 years old.

With our temporary insurance, we cover people who are 17 years old or older to
borrow someone else’s car. If you’re getting insurance on your own car and you’re between 17 and 21, you’ll need to have held your license for at least 6 months. We also don’t insure cars that are more than 30 years old, so if you’ve got a bit of a golden oldie, you’ll have to go elsewhere.

At Cuvva, they’ll insure people who are 19 years or older, but if you’re under 21 you’ll need
to have held your license for a full year. They don’t insure cars that are more than 20 years old or worth more than £40,000.

At Temp Cover, they’ll insure people who are 17 years or older, as long as you’ve held your licence for at least 6 months. They don’t insure cars that are worth more than £65,000 or less than £800.

At Adrian Flux, they’ll insure people who are 21 years or older with temporary insurance. They don’t insure cars that are worth more than £25,000.

Customer service

It’s important to know that you’ll be well looked after by your insurance company if you have an issue with your account or need to make a claim.

You can check Reevoo reviews to see how other customers rate the customer service for
different temporary car insurance brands. For example with our temporary insurance, 91% of people say enquiries are handled effectively.

It’s also a good idea to compare the different options for contacting customer support. For example, we’re available Monday to Friday via our email address, social media accounts and a live chat. We also have a Help Centre with loads of useful articles to help answer your questions.

Click here to find out more about how to contact us.

No impact on the owner’s no claims bonus

With most temporary insurance companies, if you’re borrowing a car from someone and need to make a claim, it won’t impact the owner’s no claims bonus. Amazing!

However, it’s always worth double checking how the insurance policy will impact the owner before deciding on who to go with.

So, thinking ahead, make sure you get cover that best suits you, as later down the line this could be the leading factor to cheap temporary cover!

Finding the cheapest temporary car insurance

There are lots of things to consider when it comes to finding cheap short-term insurance. But we know that for most people, the price will be a deal breaker.

The cost of insurance varies depending on lots of different factors and every temporary
insurer will have a different way of calculating your price. There are some price comparison websites for temporary insurance.

However, it’s not going to have all potential options so you may be missing out on the
cheapest temporary car insurance for you.

Your best bet is to get a list of short-term insurance brands that you trust and get a quote
from each one. With our temporary insurance, you can get a quote in minutes to find out exactly how much it will cost you.

What’s the best temporary car insurance?

So, it all depends on what you’re looking for. We hope we’ve helped you with how to
compare temporary car insurance so you can choose the best option for you. Happy driving!

get a quote

The post Compare temporary car insurance appeared first on Veygo.

The complete MOT guide every driver should know

Simon Jones — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 15:13:26 +0000

An MOT is an annual test that checks your car is safe, legally roadworthy and meets all the latest environmental standards. Getting your car’s MOT test sorted is one of those responsibilities that comes with owning a car that can seem a bit daunting. To help you understand what’s involved, we’ve pulled together the ultimate MOT checklist.

What does MOT stand for?

MOT stands for Ministry of Transport. The Ministry of Transport was the government department that set up the test back in 1960. While the department no longer exists, the purpose of MOTs remains the same; to check whether or not cars are safe to drive on the roads. It’s now done in line with the latest rules and regulations of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

What cars are MOT exempt?

Some classic cars are MOT exempt. If your car was registered more than 40 years ago and no substantial changes have been made to it over the last 30 years, you’re exempt from MOT. However, your car still needs to be roadworthy, and you can choose to take your car for an MOT.

When is my MOT due?

You’ll need to get an MOT three years after the date of your car’s registration. After that date, it needs to be retested every year on the date of the last MOT test. You can be fined up to £1000 for driving a vehicle without an MOT, so it’s not a date you want to forget.

Most garages will send you a handy reminder to let you know your MOT date is coming up. If you’re unsure on how to find out when your MOT is due, you can visit the government website to check your MOT history:

Head to https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history

Click start now and enter your car’s registration number plate
Press continue and you’ll be taken to a page that tells you the date your car was registered and when your latest MOT is valid until
Click MOT history to find out any previous fails or problems

How long does an MOT take?

On average an MOT test takes around 60 minutes. However, if your car fails its MOT and needs repairs it will take longer. You can usually wait at the garage while your car gets its MOT, or you can drop it off and the garage will call you when it’s ready to collect.

How much does an MOT cost?

The cost of an MOT depends on the type of car you’re driving and which MOT test centre you choose to go to. However, there’s a limit in place by the DVSA so the maximum an MOT should cost for a car is £54.85.

What is checked on an MOT?

Here’s a checklist of all the key elements that will be checked during your MOT test. Make sure everything on it is in good working condition to avoid any problems. Also, fix any issues you find beforehand to increase the chances of passing the inspection.

1. Body, vehicle structure and general items

A general inspection of the body of your car. To pass the MOT, it will need to be free from excessive corrosion and sharp edges.

2. Check the tyres and wheels

Tyres will be checked for wear and tear, making sure there are no bolts missing and that the tread depth is at least 1.6mm. To find out how to check your tread depth, check out our article on driving in winter.

3. Check the brakes

Brakes are a really important part of your MOT test because they’re so critical to safety. They must be in excellent condition and hold the car firmly to pass your MOT.

4. Check the vehicle lights

Lights not working properly is a common reason for failing an MOT. All lights on the car will be tested including front and rear lights, brake lights, fog lights and indicators. They will need to be correctly positioned, turn on easily at the switch and show the right colour.

5. Check the mirrors, doors and load security

Your mirrors should be secure and unbroken so they’re safe to use. The doors will be checked to make sure they can be open from the inside and outside of the car. All openings including the doors, boot and bonnet will be checked to make sure they can be shut securely.

6. Check the seats and seatbelts

The driver’s seat should be adjustable and all seats will need to be securely fitted. Seatbelts need to be attached securely and in good condition.

7. Check the steering and suspension

Steering and suspension will be checked to make sure they’re in good condition and working correctly with the right steering oil level.

8. Check the windscreen, windscreen wipers and washers

Windscreens are checked for chips and cracks. Any cracks in the area that’s swept by windscreen wipers must be less than 10mm, outside of this area they can be up to 40mm. The rubber blades on the wipers should be in good condition and work correctly.

9. Check the registration plate and Vehicle identification number (VIN)

Your car’s registration should meet regulations and be securely attached to the car. The Vehicle identification number (VIN) needs to be displayed and legible. Each car has a unique VIN to identify it. The VIN can usually be found either on the front of the dashboard or on the driver door side pillars.

10. Check the towbars

Towbars will be checked for secureness, condition and any inappropriate repairs or modifications. They’ll also check the speedometer is working correctly and engine mountings are secure.

Check out what invalidates car insurance for more information on modifications.

11. Check the horn

The MOT tester will check to see your horn is working and is loud enough. This is an easy one to check at home before you go!

12. Check the electrical wiring and battery

Electric wiring will be checked for damage and security. This is to make sure it’s not going to short circuit or become detached. They will check the battery to see if it shows signs of leaking electrolytes.

13. Check the exhaust emissions and system

The car will be checked to make sure it meets the latest regulations on exhaust emissions. They will also do checks on the fuel system, so make sure you’ve got the key because the fuel cap will need to be opened.

MOT fail list

You can fail your MOT based on any of the parts listed above in our MOT checklist, depending on how serious the problem is. According to data from the DVSA, in quarter 1 of 2019-2020, 32.54% of car’s failed their MOT, so it’s not uncommon. These were the 5 most common reasons for failing:

Lights, reflectors and electrical equipment
Suspension
Brakes
Tyres
Visibility

What happens if you get an MOT advisory?

MOT advisories are things that your MOT tester advise you to get fixed, but are not officially part of the test. You don’t have to get advisories fixed, but it’s likely to cause you problems in the future if you don’t.

What happens if your car fails its MOT?

If you’ve failed your MOT, you’ll be given a ‘Refusal of MOT Test Certificate’ which explains the reasons your car has failed its MOT. You’ll need to get these issues fixed and then get your car retested to get your MOT certificate.

Assuming your test centre does repairs, you can leave your car there to get all these issues fixed. You’ll have to pay the cost of any repairs, but you won’t have to pay to get your car retested as long as everything is fixed within 10 days.

Or, you can take your car elsewhere to get repairs. If you bring it back within 1 day you won’t have to pay, within 10 days you’ll pay a partial retest fee and any longer you’ll have to pay for the test again. For more information check out the government guidance.

Can you drive a car with a failed MOT?

If you got your MOT before your last MOT certificate expires, you can still drive your car up until it’s been a year on the date you got your last MOT. That is unless you get any dangerous problems listed in your MOT. If you have any dangerous issues, you’ll have to pay to get them fixed before you can legally drive your car.

Tips to pass your car’s MOT

The best advice we can give you to make sure you pass your MOT is to keep on top of your car maintenance all year round. This means doing your car maintenance checks and taking your car to get a full service.

Here’s some articles you may find helpful:

Can I take an uninsured car for an MOT?

You can take a car that is SORN for an MOT, but you’ll need to make sure you pick up insurance to cover you for the journey. We might be able to help you out with temporary car insurance for as little as 1 hour.

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Taking the practical test with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Ellen Littlejohns — Thu, 04 Apr 2019 14:50:37 +0000

Driving test day is nerve-wracking at the best of times – but taking the practical test with ASD may seem more daunting if you’re not sure what to expect. Everyone experiences an Autism Spectrum Disorder differently, so we won’t say that there’s one right way to prepare for the test.

We shouldn’t group everyone with ASD into one category, as every individual will have varying behaviours, levels of ability, and characteristics.

All of these qualities make for a brilliantly diverse population, but it also makes it difficult to provide solid guidelines on how to approach driving. So, everything we say in this article will be very basic information, and it shouldn’t be generalised to everyone.

You may feel confident in preparing for your practical test, or you may decide that it isn’t the right choice for you. Either way, here’s some general guidelines based on information and real-life experiences of people who have taken the practical test with ASD.

We’ve also got a guide on taking the theory test with ASD that you may find helpful.

The practical test format

To pass the practical test, you must be able to:

Drive safely in different road and traffic conditions.
Show that you know The Highway Code by the way you drive.

The national standard for driving cars details everything you need to be able to do to pass the test. You should only take the test when you can do everything without instruction.

If you have ASD, you’ll still have to do the same practical test as all drivers and display the same ability. The test will last approximately 40 minutes.

There are 5 parts to the driving test:

An eyesight check
‘Show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions
General driving ability
Reversing your vehicle
Independent driving

1. Eyesight test

You will have to read a number plate from a distance of:

20 metres for vehicles with a new-style of number plate (new-style number plates start with 2 letters followed by 2 numbers e.g. AB51 ABC)
5 metres for vehicles with an old-style number plate

If you fail the eye sight test you’ll fail the driving test, and the test will end straight away. Your instructor will come to collect you and drive you home safely.

2. ‘Show me, tell me’ questions

Your examiner will ask you to answer 2 vehicle safety questions:

A ‘tell me’ question at the start of the test, where you will explain how something is done when driving e.g.
Q: Tell me how you’d know there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system
A: A warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system
A ‘show me’ question that you will have to demonstrate the answer to while you are driving
g. When it’s safe to do so, show me how to wash and clean the front windscreen

These questions are asked to demonstrate that you are comfortable with how to use your car, and that you can display important knowledge of vehicle safety.

3. General driving ability

During the test, you will drive in different road and traffic conditions, but not on motorways.

The examiner will give you directions and you’ll be asked to pull over onto the side of the road before pulling away again. These stops may include regular stops at the side of the road, pulling out from behind a parked vehicle, and a hill start.

NOTE: You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop.

4. Reversing your vehicle

The examiner will ask you to do one of the following exercises:

Parallel park at the side of the road
Park in a parking bay – either by driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out (the examiner will tell you which you have to do)
Pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for around 2 car lengths, and re-join the traffic

5. Independent driving

You’ll have to drive for about 20 minutes by following either:

Directions from a sat nav
Traffic signs

The examiner will tell you which you have to follow. They’ll set the sat nav up for you, and you can’t use your own.

The examiner won’t give you a driving test fault for taking a wrong turning – they’ll help you get back on route if you do. What matters most is that if you do take a wrong turning, you handle the situation well and continue to drive safely.

Faults

There are 3 types of faults you can make:

A dangerous fault – this involves actual danger to you, the examiner, the public or property
A serious fault – something potentially dangerous e.g. hitting the kerb when parallel parking
A driving fault – this isn’t potentially dangerous, but if you keep making the same fault, it could become a serious fault e.g. indicating too early

You’ll pass your practical test if you make:

no more than 15 driving faults (sometimes called ‘minors’)
no serious or dangerous faults (sometimes called ‘majors’)

Check out our full guide on driving test faults for more information.

Preparation

If you have any anxiety regarding taking the practical test with ASD, talk to someone that you trust for support. This could be a friend, family member, your GP, you driving instructor, or anyone!

If you’re part of any online forums (or perhaps a community) for people that have ASD, it may be helpful to speak to them and ask about their own experiences with driving.

We caught up with some learner drivers who shared their experience on learning to drive with anxiety which you may find helpful.

Do you have to tell DVLA if you have autism?

You don’t have to disclose your autism diagnosis to the DVLA unless it affects your ability to drive safely.

If autism does affect your ability to drive safely and you don’t disclose it to the DVLA, you may be fined up to £1000 and prosecuted if you’re in an accident. If you’re not sure, it’s a good idea to speak with your GP about the fact you’re going to learn to drive so you can run through the guidelines.

Some drivers with disabilities may be allowed extra time for their test, so it’s important to contact the DVLA prior to your test and discuss this with your instructor if you think that this may help.

While you will still have to display the same ability and meet the same criteria during your practical test, letting your examiner know that you have ASD will help them to consider your behaviours/needs/anxieties while you are driving and allow them to offer you additional support.

What happens on the day?

On the day of your practical test, you should make sure that you are well-rested; so try and get a good night’s sleep beforehand. You’ll need to demonstrate to your examiner that you have quick reactions to hazards and that you can assess your driving well, so sleeping well is vital.

Your driving instructor will collect you from your home to go to the test centre. Most instructors will advise that you have an hour’s lesson before your test begins so that you can practise driving and relax. If your anxiety is particularly strong, you may even want to have a longer lesson to build your confidence in your abilities and feel prepared. This time will be particularly useful for practising manoeuvres, as well as general driving practise.
After your lesson, you will drive yourself to the test centre and sign in at reception with your instructor. They will need to see your provisional licence and your theory test pass certificate, so don’t forget these.
Your examiner will then call your name and ask to see your licence.
You will then walk to your car with your examiner ready to begin your test. It’s your choice as to whether you want to have your instructor sit in the back of the car for the duration of your test. Some people find the extra support helpful, but the instructor is not allowed to give you any help or advice while you’re driving.
Before getting in the car, you’ll have to do the eyesight test so that the examiner can agree that your sight is good enough to safely drive.
Your test will then begin. You’ll have to take care in leaving the test centre so that you can demonstrate safe driving to your examiner from the beginning of the test.
See the section on ‘the practical test format’ above to see what happens during the test.
When the test is finished, you’ll drive back to the test centre, park up safely, and await your examiner’s decision as to whether you’ve passed or failed.

If you’ve passed…

Congratulations! If you’ve passed your test, your examiner will:

Tell you what faults you made, if any
Give you a pass certificate
Ask you if you want your full licence to be sent to you automatically – you’ll need to give the examiner your provisional licence if you want to do this

Apply for your full driving licence within 2 years of passing your test if you don’t want to get your licence automatically.

You may also want to consider a Pass Plus course. This will help you get used to driving without the support of dual controls, and will show you how to drive on motorways. The course can take as little as a day, and many instructors provide it at an affordable rate – so check if your instructor can help you out. It will boost your confidence in your driving ability, and give you that last bit of extra practice with an instructor before starting to drive independently.

If you haven’t passed…

Don’t worry – the examiner will tell you what faults you made. If you decide that you want to book another test, you can bear these faults in mind and have more driving lessons to help you overcome these issues. You’ll have to pay again and choose a date at least 10 working days away.

If you have a negative experience during your practical test and decide that you don’t want to continue driving, then that’s completely okay! Learning to drive and going on your practical test shows great courage and determination – that’s something to be proud of whether you pass the test or not!

Now can be a great time to reach out to your friends, family, or community for other people that have ASD to seek support and encouragement. They may be able to reassure you that you have done something worth celebrating, or simply give you the chance to talk about your experience.

What next?

You can start driving straight away when you’ve passed your test. You don’t need to wait for your full licence to arrive.

Contact the DVSA if your full licence hasn’t arrived 3 weeks after you applied for it.

If you’ve passed and you want to borrow someone else’s car to carry on driving, we might be able to help you out with temporary insurance to borrow a friend or family member’s car for as little as 1 hour.

Or if you want to carry on learning, our learner driver insurance may be perfect for you. You can practice driving with a friend or family member to help build up your confidence ready for your driving test.

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Taking the theory test with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Ellen Littlejohns — Wed, 03 Apr 2019 14:58:23 +0000

The theory test marks one of the final stages of learning to drive and can be nerve-wracking for a lot of people. However, there is some great news for learner drivers with ASD. The format of the theory test has changed. The written case studies have been replaced with a short video clip, followed by 3 questions. As well as this, there are plenty of options for you to make the experience more accessible.

Autism Spectrum Disorders are incredibly diverse, and no one person will experience it the same way as the next. So, we can’t promise that anything in this article will make taking the theory test an easier experience for everyone; but we can share some basic information that we’ve found that may help some people with ASD.

You can take your theory test from your 17th birthday onward, or you can take it from your 16th birthday if you get (or have applied for) the enhanced rate of mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

The theory test format

Multiple-choice section

You will be given 57 minutes to answer 50 multiple-choice questions.
These questions are based on 3 books: the Highway Code; Know your traffic signs; and Driving – the essential skills.
You’ll need to get 43 questions correct to pass this part of the test.
Before starting, you’ll be given instructions on how the test works.
You’ll also be given the option to do a practise session to get used to the layout of the test.
At the end of the practise session the real test begins.
A question and several answer options will appear on the screen, and you must select your chosen answer by touching the screen – some questions may require more than one answer.
Some of these questions will be presented in the form of a short silent video clip on which 3 questions will be based. You can watch the video as many times as you like in order to answer the multiple-choice questions. You can find an example video here.
The subject of the scenario will focus on real life examples and experiences that you might meet when driving.
You can flag questions that you want to come back to later, and you can go back to any question to review and change your answer at any point.
You can have a break of up to 3 minutes before the hazard perception test starts.

Hazard perception section

You will be presented with 14 clips which feature every day road scenes.
In each clip, there will be at least 1 developing hazard (but one clip will feature 2 developing hazards).
You get points for spotting the developing hazards as soon as they start to happen.
The maximum you can score for each developing hazard is 5 points.
You should respond by pressing the mouse button as soon as you see a hazard developing that may result in you, the driver, having to take some action, such as changing speed or direction.
The earlier you notice a developing hazard, the higher your score.
You will only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard, so you will have to concentrate throughout each clip.
If you react inappropriately during a clip by clicking continuously or in a pattern of responses you will score 0 for that clip.
You will need to score 44 out of 75 to pass.

For more information on the theory test format, click here.

Learning to drive with autism

To prepare for your theory test, you should try to give equal attention to revising both the multiple-choice questions and the hazard perception section. Think about how you learn best and how you can apply this to your revision.

For example, if you personally find comfort in structure or routines, you could revise the Highway Code or road signs systematically to aid your memory of the content. Or, if you learn well through visual aids, you can (and should) practise some example scenarios for the hazard perception section through the official guides which can be found below:

NOTE: You can also buy a theory practise interactive DVD from most high street and online book shops.

If you or your GP/guardian/family member feel that an aspect of your ASD may make the theory test more difficult or less accessible, it is important to contact the DVSA prior to booking your test. The GOV.UK website offers information on how to contact the DVSA if you have a reading difficulty, disability or health condition.

What if I have a reading difficulty?

You can ask to hear the test through headphones when you book your test. You can listen to the questions and possible answers as many times as you need to.
If necessary, you can have extra time to take the multiple-choice section of the test (just under 2 hours to answer the questions, rather than 57 minutes).
You can get someone to read what’s on the screen and record your answers.
You can have someone to reword the questions for you.

What if I have a hearing impairment?

If you know British Sign Language, you can take the test in BSL through a video that appears on the screen next to the questions and answers.
You can have a BSL interpreter with you during the test if you contact the DVSA before booking your test – this service is free.
You can arrange to have a lip speaker with you at the test centre or use a listening aid (hearing loop).
A private environment or separate room to take the test in may be available on request.

What if I have a different impairment or requirement?

You can contact the DVSA to discuss any other disability or health condition before you book your test. Then, they can accommodate to help make the experience of taking the theory test with autism as smooth as possible. When contacting the DVSA, you’ll need to attach proof of any special needs – a letter from school/college (stating what provisions were made when taking tests/exams) or a letter from your GP (detailing the medical condition and special needs requirements) on headed paper will be fine.

For more information on things that can be done to help accommodate ASD, click here.

NOTE: No special allowances can be made when taking the hazard perception test.

Is the theory test hard?

The theory test is a challenging part of learning to drive. But it will test you on important skills and knowledge that will keep you safe on the road. Making sure you’ve understood exactly what to expect and spent lots of time preparing will help make the process easier for you.

What to bring on the day

On the day of your theory test, you must bring your provisional licence with you. The photo ID will help the invigilators to confirm that you are the right person to be taking the test and that you have not sent someone to take it on your behalf. If you only have a paper licence, you must bring your passport with you too for the photo ID.

You can’t take personal belongings into the test room such as headphones, bags, mobile phones or watches – but anything you do want to bring with you on the day can be stored safely in a locker. You’ll be able to retrieve your items when the test is complete.

What happens in the test centre

You should arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled time of your test to give you time to relax before the test begins.
When you go to the reception area you’ll be asked for your name and have your licence checked.
Next, you’ll be shown to the lockers to store your personal belongings.
You’ll then be shown to the waiting area, where you’ll be given a copy of the test procedures to read through.
An invigilator will check you in by signing a registration log and confirming your details. They’ll also check that you have nothing with you that could be used to cheat.
The invigilator will escort you to the test room and show you to your allocated individual booth where you’ll sit the test.
On the screen there will be instructions on how the test works; as well as the chance to do some practise questions and get used to the screens.
As long as the details on the screen are right, you can press ‘Start’ to begin.
If you have any problems, raise your hand and a member of staff will come to assist you.
When you’ve finished, you can leave the room and be signed out. Next, collect your belongings and take a seat in the waiting room to await your results.
You’ll then receive your results and be given a letter saying whether you’ve passed or failed.

NOTE: You must have passed both sections to pass overall.

You’re then free to leave the test centre.

Taking the theory test with ASD may be daunting and cause anxiety – if your ASD involves any other behaviours/characteristics that may make the experience difficult, you can bring someone you trust. They won’t be able to come into the testing room, but they can wait for you in the waiting room ready to support you when you’ve finished.

What next?

If you’ve passed…

Congratulations! If you’ve passed, then you can continue taking driving lessons until you and your instructor feel that you’re ready to take the practical test. You’ll need your theory test pass certificate number to book your practical test. You’ll have two years from the date of passing your theory test to take your practical – otherwise you’ll have to pass the test again. For tips on taking the practical test with ASD click here.

If you haven’t passed…

Don’t worry, your test results will tell you which parts you didn’t score enough points on, so you know what to practise. You must book and take the full test again, even if you passed one part this time. You have to wait at least 3 working days before taking the test again.

Taking the theory test is a great achievement – whether you pass or not. It demonstrates dedication through committing to revision, and it shows that you’re determined to succeed. Keep trying, and seek more support if necessary. Your driving instructor may have some valuable advice, and if you’re a member of any forums or communities for other people that have ASD then consider asking them for their thoughts too! Even if you eventually decide that driving isn’t the right path for you, you can congratulate yourself for persevering and giving it your best effort.

Book your theory test here.

For more general information on learning to drive with a disability, check out our article here.

We know it’s hard learning to drive, so drop us a line on twitter if this helped, or if you think there’s anything else we could to help support other taking the theory test with ASD.

If you’re still learning and want to practise driving in someone else’s car ready for your practical test, then check out our learner driver insurance – you can get cover for as little as 2 hours and for as long as 180 days.

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Learning to drive with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Ellen Littlejohns — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 15:00:16 +0000

Learning to drive is often seen as a huge milestone; and having ASD doesn’t always have to be a barrier to freedom and independence. We’ve got together this guide on learning to drive with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to help you through the process.

Before we get into it, we thought we’d answer some of your frequently asked questions about learning to drive with autism

Can you learn to drive with ASD?

Autism Spectrum Disorders are very diverse, and it’s impossible to say what an individual will or won’t be able to achieve if they have one. Everyone is different, and we’ll all relate to experiences in different ways. You may find it difficult, or you could take to driving very well and pick it up quickly!

So, we can’t predict how easy or hard learning to drive with autism will be, and we can’t make any huge assumptions about how one person may find it.

But we can give some basic information that we’ve found from The National Autistic Society website and others like it, so that you can get a general overview and basic pointers if you have ASD and are considering driving for the first time.

Do you have to declare autism to DVSA?

You’ll need to tell the DVSA if you have a disability that affects your ability to drive safely – if you don’t notify them of this, you could be subject to a fine or prosecution if you’re involved in an accident.

You may want to speak to your GP if you’re thinking of learning to drive so you can discuss guidelines with them, as well as any other questions you may have about driving safely with ASD.

Step 1: Applying for your provisional licence

You can apply for your provisional licence when you’re 15 years and 9 months old, and typically start driving when you’re 17. However, if you have the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), then you can start learning to drive when you’re 16.

For more information check out our guide: what age can you learn to drive.

Step 2: Finding a driving instructor

Finding a driving instructor that can adapt their teaching style to your needs is really important. A lot of instructors specialise in teaching learners with a disability; some of which can be found here.

You may also have friends, family, or someone else in your community who can recommend an instructor. Many offer taster lessons, so you can “shop around” before finding the right one for you.

Before meeting your instructor for the first time, you should think about your worries about driving, as well as anything that could impact your ability to learn – you might want to write this down to give to your instructor or tell them before your first lesson.

How can they make it easier for you?

If you have any calming methods that help you manage your anxiety, let your instructor know so that they can be prepared to help you with these if necessary.

You should also think about what could help you to progress; not just what could hold you back. So, if you’re a visual learner, you should tell your instructor so that they can make use of any visual aids they have – most will have a handheld teaching guide which includes detailed diagrams, and explanations.

If you have a shorter attention span, you can ask for breaks during lessons rather than doing them in solid chunks. Think about what helps you to learn best and talk to your instructor about how you can include these methods in your lessons!

For some more general tips, check out our guide on how to choose a driving instructor.

Step 3: Preparing for your first lesson

Getting ready for your first lesson can cause anxiety for a lot of people. So, it’s important to find a strategy that works for you to manage your nerves effectively and focus.

If you find visual learning is best, try observing traffic as a passenger in another person’s car, or watch videos online. This might help you to familiarise yourself with road signs, the rules of the road, and the behaviour of other drivers.

You may also want to look at the Highway Code so that the rules aren’t new to you when you first get in the driver’s seat. There are plenty of cheap second-hand copies of the Highway Code online, and there are some great apps out there that help you to learn and put your knowledge into practice with quizzes and tests.

Check out our guide on the top 5 theory test apps.

It’s also important to note that you may be able to get help with the cost of lessons through a Motability Charitable Grant.

If you need inspiration or you’re doubting yourself as a driver, then check out Julia Malkin – a qualified driving instructor with autism.

Step 4: Going on driving lessons

The most important thing to do when it comes to curbing your driving anxieties is acknowledging them. Nerves are your brain’s fail-safe mechanism and exist to protect you from dangerous situations – but you need to acknowledge where your nerves stem from.

If you’re worried about your own abilities as a driver, think about how you can actively manage these fears. You may want to get advice from your driving instructor, a GP, therapist, family member, or friend.

You should also focus on your strengths, and how you can use them to your advantage when learning to drive. For example, if you have a good memory, you can revise the rules of the road and know that you’ll put them into practice when you’re driving. Or, if you benefit from routines, you may be better with manoeuvres.

Speaking to your instructor

Your instructor’s role isn’t solely to teach you how to drive, but is also to act as your guardian during your learning experience. So, you should try to communicate any worries you have with them to see if you need to try a new learning strategy.

If you don’t feel confident doing this, then try speaking to someone that you trust and they can speak to your instructor on your behalf.

Practice makes perfect, so try to get as much as you can. When you have a provisional licence, you’ll need to be supervised by a driver over the age of 21 who has held a full licence for at least 3 years.

Your driving practice doesn’t have to stop just because your lesson is over – you can get learner driver insurance on a friend or family member’s car and practice your new skills outside of lessons.

Step 5: Have faith in yourself

Learning to drive can be difficult, but focusing on the small victories can also be a huge help. Make sure to reward yourself when you’ve learned something you’ve been struggling with and congratulate yourself regularly.

Being able to drive is an achievement, so take pride in your abilities regardless of how long it takes you to learn. And if you decide that driving isn’t right for you, it still shows great determination and ambition to consider learning in the first place.

For more information, check out our post on learning to drive with a disability.

When it comes time to prepare for your test day, we’ve got some more detailed information on:

If you’re practising in someone else’s car outside of lessons, check out our learner driver insurance – we might be able to help you out with cover from 2 hours to 180 days.

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The essential car maintenance checklist

Simon Jones — Thu, 14 Feb 2019 11:45:56 +0000

FLOWER Check

The FLOWER check is a car maintenance checklist to help you remember all the things you need to look at to make sure your car is good to go.

1. Fuel

Check how much fuel you’ve got every time you get behind the wheel. We’ve all been there… you’re mid journey, you glance at your dashboard and your fuel warning light is on. Then it’s a mad dash to the nearest petrol station. Avoid that panic and check your fuel before you set off.

How much fuel is left when the light comes on?

Generally, your fuel warning light will turn on when there’s around 10% fuel left. This means you’ve probably got around 30 to 50 miles left in the tank. It’s different for every car but should be enough to get you to the nearest petrol station.

2. Lights

It’s a good idea to check your lights at least once a fortnight as part of your car maintenance. Here’s a checklist to make sure you don’t forget any:

Side lights
Headlights
Fog lights
Brake lights
Rear lights
Tail lights
Indicators
Number plates

How to check lights on a car?

It’s much easier to do this if you’ve got a friend who can help out. Ask someone to do a walk round of your car while you turn on each light one by one. If no-one’s around, try and park near somewhere reflective like a window so you can check your rear lights. Or you can drive and reverse up close to a wall to check your front and rear lights.

3. Oil

Incorrect oil levels can damage your car so it’s a good idea to check your oil levels at least once a month.

How to check your engine oil?

Before you dive in and open the bonnet of the car, check your vehicle handbook. Some newer cars have changed from the manual dipstick check to an electronic oil monitor. But if you need to manually check engine oil levels, here’s how:

Make sure you’re parked on flat ground; otherwise, you’ll get a false reading
With the car’s ignition switched off, open the bonnet and look for the oil dipstick – it normally has a brightly coloured hoop on the top
Pull it out and wipe away any excess oil on it with a tissue
Replace the dipstick into the tube and pull it out again
Check where the oil line is in relation to the oil level indicators (it will tell you what these are in the vehicle handbook)
If the oil is between the two indicators, then you’re good to go. If the oil level is close to or below the minimum indicator, then you’ll need to add oil to the car

4. Water

When we say ‘water’, we’re talking about checking all the liquids in your car. That includes engine coolant (antifreeze), engine oil levels, brake fluid and washer fluid.

How to check engine coolant?

Engine coolant helps the engine to stay cool while you’re driving. It’s also known as anitfreeze because it also stops the engine from freezing. It basically keeps the water in your radiator from reaching extreme temperatures.

Most newer cars will have a sealed cooling system and won’t need topping up; but even these engines should still be checked regularly for leaks.

Checking your engine coolant is pretty simple, just look at the coolant level in the tank and see if it’s between the minimum and maximum indicators. If it’s below the minimum required level, it will need topping up with antifreeze solution and water. Follow the instructions on the bottle of antifreeze to make sure you use the right ratio of solution to water.

How to check brake fluid?

Find the ‘brake master cylinder reservoir’. This is basically just a plastic canister with a lid on that holds your brake fluid. It’s usually up near the firewall, but you can check your manual if you’re having trouble finding it
The reservoir will have a clear ‘full’ line or minimum and maximum level indicators. If it’s not near the ‘full line’ your brake fluid will need to be topped up. Brake fluid is toxic so always go to a mechanic to get it topped up
Brake fluid should be a light brown colour. If it’s a dark colour it will need to be replaced by a mechanic

Where do I put windscreen wash in my car?

Your windscreen washer bottle is located under the car bonnet. The position of the washer bottle will vary depending on your car, but you’ll be able to spot it because the cap will have a symbol with a windscreen and water droplets on it. If you’re struggling, check your car handbook.

You can pick up screen wash for around £5 from most garages and supermarkets. It’s a good idea to pick up antifreeze screenwash in winter to avoid it freezing over. Check out our full article on driving in winter to prepare your car for the cold months.

To fill up your windscreen wash, take the cap of the washer bottle and pour in your screenwash, just make sure you don’t go over the full line. Then screw the cap back on and you’re done.

5. Electrics

All cars need a battery to run. Battery problems are one of the main causes of breakdowns so you’ll want to keep your car battery healthy.

How to check your car battery?

To be honest, this may be a good one to handover to the professionals. You can get free checks at most retail autocentres.
But if you have a voltmeter handy and want to get stuck in, this is how you check the battery yourself:

Check your car manual because this will give you guidance for your specific car
Remove the battery’s positive terminal cover and connect the positive lead of the voltmeter (it’s usually red)
Attach the negative voltmeter lead to the negative battery terminal
Check that the voltmeter presents a voltage of between 12.4 and 12.7; anything lower than this means your battery needs to be charged. Higher than 12.9V and you’ll need to drain the battery a little – this can be done by turning on your high beams

How long do car batteries last?

Car batteries last for three to five years. Most modern cars will have a ‘check engine’ warning light on the dashboard to let you know when your car battery is low. Or if your engine is taking longer to start than usual it may be a sign that it’s time for a new battery

How to keep your car battery from dying?

Car batteries naturally lose some of their charge overtime. The less you drive, the more likely your battery will go flat. But there are some things you can do to help:

Start the engine once a week and allow it to run for 15 minutes
Take your car out for a drive on essential journeys
Depress the clutch when you start the engine to help ease the strain

6. Rubber

The final check is for rubber. It’s a legal requirement to have tread depth of 1.6mm. Tread depth is the depth of the grooves on the tyres that have contact with the road. It’s important for grip, particularly when you’re driving in winter.

How to check your tyre tread depth?

Put a 20p into the tread grooves on the tyre
If you can’t see the outer band of the coin, your tyres are above the legal limit
If the outer band is visible, they may not be safe and you’ll need to head to your local mechanic

What if your car fails your car maintenance checklist?

If you’re worried about the safety of your car, we’d suggest taking your car into the garage for a mechanic to take a look. Sometimes it’s best to just leave it to the pros.

If you need to borrow a friend’s car while yours is in the garage, check out our temporary car insurance. Whether you own your own car, or you’re borrowing someone else’s, you can get cover in minutes for as little or as long as you need.

Get a quote

The post The essential car maintenance checklist appeared first on Veygo.

Best 5 theory test apps in 2021

Simon Jones — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 14:17:26 +0000

So, it’s time to crack on with your 20 hours of revision (as suggested by the DVSA) for the theory test. This doesn’t have to be as mind-numbing as it sounds though. With the help of some of the best theory test apps, revision can be much more fun than memorising the Highway Code front to back.

It’s well worth taking the time out to do so. Between April 2020 and March 2021, the average theory test pass rate was 55.7% – and that’s not just first-timers. It costs another £23 to retake, plus your licence gets a little further away. So it’s smart to get lots of practice in.

There are tons of apps out there to help you to revise for your theory test. They can be useful for anything from learning the signs to taking mock tests. This could be a cost-effective way of revising as many apps have free versions or trial periods, so you can rinse them before having to with the option of upgrading to the full paid version. Bonus! Here’s our round up of the top 5 best theory test apps.

1. Official DVSA Theory Test KitApp

This DVSA theory test app has pretty much everything you need to prepare yourself for your theory test. As it’s the official kit, you know you can trust it to be accurate. And that’s why it’s our #1. It contains every single theory test question, an official copy of the Highway Code, and 20 realistic hazard perception tests. The app is £4.99, with no free version available, but it’s definitely worth it.

Pros: It’s official – so it’s going to be accurate! It has everything you need to prepare yourself, and the tests are just like the real deal.

Cons: As there’s no free version to try, you need to pay £4.99 without testing it first.

User rating: 4.5 Android, 4.6 iOS

2. Driving Theory Test 4-in-1 Kit

The maker of this app makes the bold claim that 9 out of 10 learners pass their theory test using nothing more than this app. It’s also the best-selling theory test app nationwide. Seems like a good investment. This app may seem a little bit out-dated at first glance, its graphics aren’t exactly easy on the eye and the layout is a bit basic. But don’t let that put you off!

The free version has nearly everything you need to get ready for your theory test. It’s got the entire Highway Code, separated into categories, for revision. It’s also got realistic practice Theory tests, which has the same features as the real deal. For £4.99, you can download the full app to unlock more questions, try mock test hazard perceptions tests, and play games & quizzes.

Pros: The free app has a ton of material to help you pass your test – including practice theory questions & hazard perceptions. The paid version has absolutely everything you need to prepare for your test.

Cons: The app isn’t great to look at, and there are occasional pop-up ads.

User rating: 4.8 Android, 4.8 iOS

3. Theory Test Hazard Perception

This is the most expensive on the list, at £5.99 – although you can try two topics for free to see if you like the look of the app, which you probably will, as it’s pretty slick.

If you shell out for it, there are a whopping 80 DVSA-licensed and custom-made hazard perception videos. What you’re paying for is the most comprehensive set of questions and videos out there.

Pros: It’s got all DVSA-licensed materials, and then some. There’s also a voiceover function, so you can listen to the questions.

Cons: Just the price really. Although it’s obviously still cheaper than booking a retest.

User rating: 4.8 Android, 4.8 iOS

4. Driving Theory Test Genius UK

This driving test theory app is super simple and runs well. It has different levels of questions, so you can start with the easy ones and work your way up until you’re ready to take a practice test. The best thing about the app is the challenge bank. If you get a question wrong, it goes into the challenge bank, so you can work on your weaker spots.

Pros: There’s not an overwhelming amount of information. The stages of difficulty set up is great for those just starting out. The challenge bank means that you can nail those tougher questions. But most of all, it’s free!

Cons: There’s no hazard perception practice. This app also can’t stand on its own as there’s no Highway Code element to study, only practice questions.

User rating: 4.5 Android, 4.7 iOS (on which it’s called Genie)

4. UK Road Signs

Need help working out the difference between the ‘no waiting’ sign and the ‘no stopping’ sign? The UK Road Signs app is for you! The app has every road sign you could possibly need to know, separated into categories for easy learning. There’s also a quiz section to test your knowledge.

Pros: It’s great for learning your road signs alongside other theory practice.

Cons: ADS! An ad pops up every time you click on a new category, which can be a little bit annoying. You can close them immediately, though.

5. Driving Theory Test 2018 – with Brain Hack

Brain Hack’s Theory Test app has a nice, simple layout. It’s got a lot of practice questions separated into categories. There are plenty of different categories, meaning that you can really drill down on areas you’re finding difficult. You can also take a mock test when you feel ready.

We love the app’s explanations – if you say “I don’t know” or get the question wrong, it gives you a full explanation. But what makes the app truly unique is because it uses The Spacing Effect. For an extra 99p, it incorporates a learning method– that it will show you questions on just the right day, to make sure they go into your memory. That’s where the ‘brain hack’ comes in.

Pros: The app’s clever use of The Spacing Effect, and the notifications it sends you, make sure you’re learning in a way that’s more likely to resonate in your long-term memory.

Cons: Android only! Also, The mock test isn’t entirely realistic, as– it’s not timed., And it’s interrupted by ads every now and again. Bear in mind that 2018 is the only version available.

User rating: 4.5 Android (only)

Revising for your theory test

If you use any of these, let us know what you think is the best theory test app! Alongside these great driving theory test apps, we’ve got some free guides and resources that you might find helpful:

Once you’ve passed your theory test…it’s time to start thinking about the practical! Practicing outside of your lessons is a great way to help speed up the process. We might be able to help you out with learner driver insurance from 2 hours to 180 days.

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