Cars of the year 2010 - Some to keep an eye out for!

Best small car - Audi A1

Was your first car an Audi? With the release of the A1 it could be true of many new drivers.

With a choice of 3 engines and 3 trim levels to choose from there is plenty for consumers to view.

Chances are, we'll be seeing a lot of these on the UK roads in the next few years - possibly even replacing the Mini as the choice for trendy urbanities.

Best family car - Ford C-Max

Multi-Activity vehicle which comes in both 5 and 7 seat variants.

1.6 litre EcoBoost is a sweet engine, combining performance and economy. One to look out for!

Best diesel car - Seat Ibiza FR TDI

A decade ago the very idea of a diesel hot hatch would have been considered laughable. Seat has here developed a car with a superb blend of performance and economy, combines with a sweet chassis.

With 170bhp on offer, this sporty supermini is likely to please keen drivers as well as those who seek a relatively engaging but efficient driving experience.

Best MPV - Seat Alhambra

At almost a grand less than the Volkswagen Sharan and sharing the same underpinnings, the Spanish version pips it's German cousin ny virtue of the price and slightly funkier looks!

Best executive car - BMW 5-Series

Building a good car is hard enough but improving an already great car is really tough! The latest 5 is therefore a considerable improvement on the part of BMW, as it handles just as sharply as before and is a total joy to drive.

Best crossover - KIA Sportage

Korean car makers have come on in leaps and bounds in the last few years, and the Sportage is a symbol of how they can no longer be dismissed as cheaply designed and engineered cars for people who don't car what they drive.

The Sportage is arguably the best looking car launched in 2010. It is built in Europe and now rides and handles as well as anything from the continent or Japan.

The Nissan Qashqai has a fight on it's hands!

Best 4x4 - BMW X3

The previous X3 was far and away the weakest car in the BMW range. However, the latest iteration is massively improved, with a far superior ride, a cabin with better-quality materials and a look that gives it more presence without being too imposing.

It also performs light off-roading duties with ease.

Definately a good all rounder for those in the market for a premium small 4x4.

Best supercar - Audi R8 Spyder

The Audi R8 coupe made everyone sit up and take notice of the brand and this new convertible version is equally successful.

An eye-catching design combined with excellent on-road manners means that the R8 Spyder is a real head turner and hugely enjoyable to drive.

Best luxury car - Bentley Mulsanne

There's really only a cigarette paper between the latest range topping Bentley and the 'baby' Rolls-Royce, the Ghost. Both are incredibly expensive and superb to drive.

Wishing everyone a very merry Christmas from Excel Driver Training! Enjoy and stay safe!

Practical test for cars explained

The driving test for a car is designed for you to show you understand and can demonstrate your knowledge of the Highway Code and the theory of driving safely. Throughout the test your examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving, including when you are carrying out the set exercises.

 The car practical driving test

 

The driving test is straightforward and has been designed to see if you:

• can drive safely in different road and traffic conditions
• know The Highway Code and can demonstrate this through your driving

After meeting your examiner, the next two stages are:

• an eyesight check – if you fail this, your test will not continue
• your examiner will ask you two questions about carrying out vehicle safety checks

You'll be asked one 'show me' and one 'tell me' question. One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault being recorded.

You can find source material in the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) publication 'The official guide to Driving - the essential skills' and 'The official DSA guide to learning to drive'. Advice and information on how to carry out vehicle safety checks can also be found in the manufacturer's handbook.

To find out more and watch the DSA video on what to expect during your practical driving test, please visit:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/PracticalTest/DG_4022540

Free soft drinks for designated drivers this Christmas

Designated drivers will be rewarded in thousands of pubs across the country as part of the THINK! Christmas drink drive campaign, launched today by Road Safety Minister Mike Penning.

http://nds.coi.gov.uk/clientmicrosite/Content/Detail.aspx?ClientId=202&NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=416818&SubjectId=36

Designated drivers will be rewarded in thousands of pubs across the country as part of the THINK! Christmas drink drive campaign, launched today by Road Safety Minister Mike Penning.

In addition to running radio advertising, posters in pub washrooms and online search activity, THINK! has teamed up with Coca-Cola’s Designated Driver campaign to offer drivers free soft drinks in more than 8,000 participating venues across Britain as part of the Driver Friendly campaign.

Mike Penning said:

"Drivers should be in no doubt that if they get behind the wheel after drinking this Christmas, they risk losing their licence as well as facing a fine and even a prison sentence.

"Christmas should be a time for a celebration not a night in the cells. That is why we have teamed up with Coca-Cola and pub chains this Christmas to reward designated drivers as well as reminding drivers of the consequences of getting a drink drive conviction.

"Last year 380 people were killed in accidents where the driver was over the limit. That is why our message is clear: don't drink and drive."

ACPO lead on roads policing, Chief Constable Mick Giannasi said:

"This year we are using information from the public to target those areas where drink driving is a particular problem and so the chances of getting caught are greater than ever.

"If the police stop a driver, and there is any suspicion that they have been drinking, then they will be asked to provide a breath test and drivers should be in no doubt that if they are found to be over the limit they will be brought before the courts.

"Many drivers don’t realise that alcohol stays in the system for a number of hours, and that they could still be over the limit the next morning when driving to work or dropping the children off at school. That is why we are asking drivers to be safe, not sorry, this Christmas."

Jon Woods, Country Manager, Coca-Cola Great Britain and Ireland said:

"With Christmas just around the corner, our consumers are gearing up to celebrate. We know how much they enjoy the festive period and we don’t want to dampen their spirits.

"This Christmas we’re proud to be partnering with the Government’s THINK! initiative to help raise awareness of responsible drinking. By rewarding those drivers who choose not to drink with a free Coke or diet Coke, we can encourage people to do the right thing while still enjoying a great night out. It’s a different approach to responsible drinking but our consumers love it."

Designated drivers should ask at the bar about how to take advantage of the buy one soft drink, get one free offer at participating pubs.

The THINK! drink drive radio advertising campaign will run from 1 December 2010 to 1 January 2011 and posters will appear in pub washrooms from 6 December to 2 January.

Too many people don't know how to drive in the snow!

If you're a new driver why improve your technique and learn some advanced driving skills with our Pass Plus course.

Pass Plus is a great way to further your driving technique and give you greater confidence behind the wheel.

This is also recognised by some insurers who will offer you a discount for successfully completing the course.

It only takes one day to complete and there is no test to sit. You will be continually assessed during the course.

For further info/prices or to book please call 0800 862 0822 or visit:

http://www.excel-driver-training.co.uk/pass-plus-and-improve-your-driving.php

Driving in adverse weather conditions

Some important info to remember when driving in bad weather:

When driving in icy or snowy weather

• drive with care, even if the roads have been treated
• keep well back from the road user in front as stopping distances can be ten times greater than on dry roads
• take care when overtaking vehicles spreading salt or other de-icer, particularly if you are riding a motorcycle or cycle
• watch out for snowploughs which may throw out snow on either side. Do not overtake them unless the lane you intend to use has been cleared
• be prepared for the road conditions to change over relatively short distances

For more info visit:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_069859

Driving tests and bad weather

Some driving tests may be affected by winter weather over the next few days.

The Met Office has forecast colder weather with snow showers becoming increasingly likely. Some parts of the country may have significant snowfall.
Your driving test

If you're due to take your practical test, follow the advice given on your appointment email or letter. You should call your test centre only if there is snow or ice in your local area on the day of your test.

DSA do not conduct tests in bad light or bad weather conditions for the safety of the candidate and the examiner. Another appointment will be arranged automatically at no further cost, but compensation is not payable.

A new appointment date is usually sent within three working days. This may take longer when there's a period of prolonged bad weather.

If you haven't heard about a new appointment within seven working days, you can check the status of your booking online at direct.gov.uk/drivingtest.

If your test hasn't been rebooked at that time, you should call our customer service centre.
http://www.dft.gov.uk/dsa/News.asp?id=SXDF67-A7838DD9

Excel Cars - Vauxhall Astra Sport Hatch

The Car You'll Learn In

Excel Driver Training - SPECIAL OFFER

Check out our latest special offer - BEGINNERS COURSE ONLY £35*

This start up course provides new drivers with a brilliant opportunity to get started in the basics of driving a car. The course includes 4 hours of lesson time covering the following subjects: - Car controls - Moving off & stopping - Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre - Basic junctions.   

http://www.excel-driver-training.co.uk/

Official DSA car practical test - Are you ready?

The official DSA step-by-step guide to make sure you're ready to pass the car practical driving test. Find out what to expect when you take the test.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hweCy5vJ1yk&feature=channel

Official DSA car theory test - Are you ready?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fL6b4eS3xDY

Book your practical driving test online @ Direct.gov.uk

http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/documents/digitalasset/dg_186302.html

http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/documents/digitalasset/dg_186295.html