Drive Time and Personal Blog by Martin Scane

Fantastic Test Pass

2011-07-23T13:44:00.000-07:00

Very, very , very well done and congratulations to Julia who passed her test at the first attempt on Thursday with zero (0) driver faults.
Passing with no faults is a very rare event so congratulations to Julia - a well deserved success. Very well done.

Well Done Cija

2011-07-23T13:40:00.001-07:00

Very well done to Cija who passed at the second attempt on Wednesday. A really well derserved pass and very well done in overcoming your "Test Nerves". A great success.

Apologies

2011-07-23T13:38:00.000-07:00

Apologies for those of you who have been following this blog.

I have been a bit lazy in keeping it up to date !

But.......I'm back on line now. I have been really, really busy with lessons over the last few months and continue to be so.

Anyway ........congratulations are due to the following who have all passed their tests in the last couple of months :

Ffion, John, Aimee, Alan, Sara, Jenna, Sam, Dan, Gemma, Carol, Tom, Christie, Naomi and Beth.

Very well done to everyone.

Latest News

2011-03-08T03:55:00.000-08:00

Drive Time continues to be very busy but we have had a quiet few weeks as far as driving tests are concerned.
Just three people to congratulate over the last couple of weeks. Many congratulations and very well done to Lisa, Lauren and Ben who have all passed their driving tests over the last two weeks.
We are looking forward now to the lighter evenings and - hopefully - slightly warmer weather.

Cornwall Council Pass Plus Scheme
Unfortunately, with effect from end of March, Cornwall Council are scrapping their 50% subsidy for people wishing to take Pass Plus. This is a great shame as it was a very worthwhile scheme and enabled a lot of people to take part in the scheme who otherwise may not have been able to afford it. Drive Time continues to offer Pass Plus, but it will be available at full cost. Please follow the following link for full details www.drivetimecornwall.co.uk/pass.html

Well into the New Year

2011-01-26T00:13:00.000-08:00

So...we are well into the New Year and business continues to be good for Drive Time. The weather has been kind to us so far since Christmas (last year brought snow and icy roads to us aroundd now). Fingers crossed that the weather remains good right up until springtime.

Test Successes
Many congratulations to Joe, Declan and Pepsi who have all passed their tests in the last couple of weeks. I would particularly like to single out Pepsi who has really earned her success having overcome several hardships (not the least Test Nerves!) throughout her training.
Well done to you all.

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year

2010-12-23T03:37:00.000-08:00

Wishing all past (or is it passed !!), present and future pupils a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Holiday Cancelled !!

2010-12-18T03:29:00.000-08:00

We were due to fly out to Florence yesterday for a short pre=Christmas break but.....due to the weather we got no further than Newquay airport where we spent a frustrating 4 hours or so before it became apparent that our flight to Gatwick (for a connecting flight to Pisa) wasn't going to happen. Our plane was apparently iced in at Plymouth.
So....all in all frustrating and disappointing. We are now actively pursuing a refund through our travel insurance.

Test Success
Many congratulations to Nadine who passed first time on Wednesday last week. Very well done and well deserved.

Christmas Shopping

2010-12-10T00:28:00.000-08:00

Ah well....took a day off yesterday to complete the Christmas shopping with Lorraine. Had a nice day roaming around Truro. The best bit, of course, was lunch at Pizza Express (even better thanks to their two for one offer).

Congratulations
Only one test this week but congratulations are due to Dan who passed first time on Monday afternoon. Well done and safe driving.

Pirate FM

2010-11-25T10:26:00.000-08:00

Listen out over the next few days as Martin was interviwed today (Friday 25th November) by Pirate FM about safe driving in the wintry weather conditions that we have been experiencing recently. Not sure exactly when it will be on but possible during the morning Drive Time slot between about 7 and 10 on Friday.

Winter is Approaching

2010-11-24T00:40:00.000-08:00

The Winter months are now approaching and the weather is getting colder. It's worth taking a bit of time to check your car over in readiness : Check your tyres for wear and tear, check that you have enough anti-freeze in the engine coolant, check all lights are working properly, make sure your windscreen washer is tooped up and check your windows for cracks (remember that in cold weather a tiny crack can shatter your winscreen). And...on a similar note if your windows are frosted up, clear them properly & thoroughly before you drive off. And please don't use boiling water, if you have a crack on your winscreen, the sudden change of temperature can cause it to shatter.

CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations are due to Sean and Maria who both passed their tests in the last 10 days or so. Well done to both of you.

A Quiet Two Weeks for Tests

2010-11-14T13:09:00.000-08:00

It's been a quiet couple of weeks for Driving Tests but we have had two successes out of the two teats taken so congratulations to Laura and Chloe who both passed first time. Well done to both.

Independent Driving

2010-10-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

The new driving test is going well. As you will be aware, candidates now have a 10 minute spell of Independent Driving included as part of the Driving Test. This has caused no problems at all on test for Drive Time pupils all of whom have felt that the test is certainly no more difficult and is , in fact, slightly easier - especially as candidates now have to perform only ONE of the set manouevres. Previously two manouevres were included in the Test.

Congratulations
Congratulations are due to Lucy and Nathan who both passed their Driving Tests this week. Very well done to both of them.

The New Driving Test

2010-10-08T06:01:00.000-07:00

As you may be aware, the new Driving Test came into being on Monday last (October 4th).
From now on, candidates will be asked either to follow traffic signs to a particular location or to follow a simple set of written directions for a maximum period of 10 minutes. In addition, candidates will now have to perform only one of the manouevre exercises instead of two.

Congratulations go to Ben who passed the new test on Monday. No problems arose during the test which went smoothly.

Steam Train Journey

2010-09-24T00:13:00.000-07:00

Lorraine and I spent a pleasant day last Sunday taking a ride behind a steam engine on the branch line from Liskeard to Looe. The first steam engine to travel to Looe for some 45 years.

Yet More Test Successes

A really good last few days for Drive Time with April, Shelley and Tom all passing with Martin and Adam and Alex passing with Ian.

Well done to all of you.

It's a quiet couple of weeks for tests coming up but we are busy preparing candidates who will be taking the New Test from October 4th.

Mention in the West Briton Newspaper

2010-09-10T12:35:00.001-07:00

Drive Time was mentioned in the West Briton newspaper this week (Thursday September 9th) - see page 16.
The article is all about the forthcoming changes to the driving test that come about at the beginning of October. Martin states that Drive Time is already preparing candidates for the changes in the test and that he welcomes the changes that have been introduced.
It's all good publicity.

Coingratulations
Just the one test this week and its congratulations to Sonny who passed first time with just two driver faults. Very well done indeed.

Latest News

2010-09-05T03:45:00.000-07:00

Just had a very busy week and the weather has, on the whole been kind to us. Congratulations to Georgina and Matt who both passed their tests this week.
As you will know from previous blog messages, the drivivng test will be changing in October and we are now actively gearing our tuition to include the new Independent Driving section.
The reaction to this from pupils has been positive and I'm looking forward to my first test in the new format in a few weeks time.

Test Success for Pete

2010-08-25T10:01:00.000-07:00

A special mention today for Pete Hall (who designs and manages my two websites) who passed his driving test today at the first attempt and with only three Driver Faults.
Very well done Pete and especially so as you took your test in absolutely pouring rain.

Change to the Driving Test

2010-08-24T23:46:00.000-07:00

As of October 4th, the Driving Test will be changing to include a 10 minute slot called "Independent Driving". The length of the test will remain unchanged and you will, from that date, only be asked to perform one manouevre instead of the current two.
For more information on independent driving visit this link to the DSA's Facebook Page

Back from Holiday

2010-08-23T23:20:00.000-07:00

We have just had a few days away in our VW Camper (Bertie) at Hurley on the banks of the river Thames. Had a great time despite, having hired a small boat for the day, I fell in at one of the locks. I got a bit wet and felt very silly but no damage done !

Congratulations

Congratulations are due to Xavanna, Kayleigh, Annie, John and David who have all passed their driving tests recently. Well done to you all.

Congratulations

2010-07-13T08:29:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Jess and Anita who have both passed their Driving Tests in the last two weeks. Well done to both of you.

We now cover Penzance, Helston & Hayle areas

2010-06-16T13:17:00.000-07:00

A new Instructor , Ian , has now joined Drive time and will be covering the following areas :
Camborne, Redruth, Penzance, Hayle, Helston , St Ives and surrouding areas.
Ian has nearly ten years expeience as an instructor and will bring a wealth of knowledge to Drive Time.
Drive Time already covers Camborne, Redruth, Truro, Falmouth and Penryn so if you live in West Cornwall (formerly Penwith), give us a call and we will be happy to fit you in.
Our main contact number is 01209 821730.

The main website will be updated in the near future with fuller details on Ian and the areas that he will cover.

Shark Watching

2010-06-14T12:59:00.000-07:00

On Friday of last week, my partner Lorraine & I took part in our first basking shark survey session on behalf of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust. We spent some 6.5 hours on the clifftop near Porthcurno watching for basking sharks. We saw three.
The Wildlife Trust is carrying out the survey each morning and afternoon/evening during June, July and August in order to track the numbers and movements of basking sharks off the Cornish coast. Lorraine & I will be taking part in some 8 further sessions. Hope it stays dry !!

Congratulations

2010-06-14T12:55:00.000-07:00

Congratulations are due to Sarah and Louise who both passed their tests last week.

The Last Few Days

2010-05-20T07:08:00.000-07:00

We went to see Neil Oliver (who is he you may ask?) at Fowey this week. He is the chap with the long hair and scottish accent who co-presents Coast and Two Men in a Trench on TV. He did a 90 minute talk at the Daphne DuMarier festival in Fowey on Tuesday and very entertaining it was. Well worth going to see if you get the chance.
We are going to see the Stranglers (remember them from the 1980s) at the same festival on Friday evening.

CONGRATUALTIONS
Congrats are due to Nathan, Donna and Adrian who have all passed their driving tests in the last 10 days or so. Well done and well deserved to each of you.

Back On Line !!

2010-05-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

Many apologies for not having kept the Blog up to date for the last 5 weeks. We changed broadband suppliers - BIG mistake - we were without broadband for 4 weeks - now happily back with BT. Since my last blog , I have a new car (see photo) and will be updating the main website with new photographs in the next few weeks. It's a brand new Renault Clio 1.5 diesel.

Congratultions

Congratulations are due to Alana, Ruth, Aled, Emma, Becky, Will and Adam who have all passed their driving tests recently. Well done and well deserved to you all.

Booking Theory & Practical Tests

2010-03-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

The DSA (Driving Standards Agency) have changed the web addresses for booking both theory & practical tests. Pupils should now follow the following links :

Theory Test : www.direct.gov.uk/booktheorytest

Practical Test : www.direct.gov.uk/bookpracticaltest

Congratulations
Congratulations are in order for Lakeisha and Gemma who have both passed their practical tests in the last few days. Well done to both & well deserved.

New Car
Martin will be taking delivery of a brand new Renault Clio in the next two weeks. This will replace my existing Clio which I have been using for lessons over the last 30 months or so.

Diploma Presentation

2010-03-14T13:34:00.000-07:00

On Monday of last week (March 8th) I attended the DIA National Conference in Luton where I was presented with the Diploma in Driving Instruction. I sat the examinations (5 written papers) in May 2009 and was one of only 2 driving instructors in the whole country to pass all 5b papers in a single year. The presentation was made by Professor Peter Russell. The Diploma is awarded jointly by the Driving Instructor's Association & Middlesex University.

And....Congratulations

to Lakeisha Brokenshire who passed her driving test 1st time last Friday. Well done to her.

Change to Driving Test

2010-02-28T08:58:00.000-08:00

As from April 6th, all Driving Test candidates will be asked if they wish their instructor to accompany them on Test. There are a number of advantages to this arrangement. Briefly :

Instructors will be able to see how the test is coducted and will become fully conversant with local test routes.
Candidates often do not listen to the test debrief. An instructor being present will mean that he/she can go over the examiner's comments and explain them fully to the candidate.
Examiners will be able to build up a closer working relationship with Instructors.

This is a totally voluntary arrangement and it is NOT compulsory for instructors to accompany candidates on test.

Congratulations

Many congratulations to Kayel, Charlotte and John who have all passed their driving tests in the last 10 days. Well done to you all.

Flying Lesson

2010-02-15T14:06:00.000-08:00

I had my first flying lesson on 14th February. A birthday present from my partner, Lorraine. I took the controls for some 30 minutes above West Cornwall - having taken off from Perranporth airfield.

It was great fun and we had terrific views over the coast and inland. I now know what my learner car drivers feel like on their first lesson !

New Instructor Training Website

2010-02-05T13:33:00.000-08:00

The brand new Drive Time Instructor Training website is now live at www.drivetimeinstructortraining.co.uk . There are still some changes/alterations to be made but it is looking very, very good. If you are thinking of becoming an instructor, check out the website. We also offer various options for existing and potential instructors such as business development and marketing courses, check test training and a full website design service. Check our websites for full details.

On a different note, congratulations to Tony and Mike who both passed their driving tests with us this week. Well done to you both.

Sunday January 24th

2010-01-24T11:37:00.000-08:00

Just completed my tax return and sent it of to HM Revenue and Customs - Phew !
My new website (aimed at Driving Instructor Training) is under construction and is looking really,really good. I'm looking forward to it going live in a few weeks time. The current highly successful learner driving website will remain unchanged.
Congratulations to George and Lucy who both passed their driving tests last week (and with only 4 minor driving faults between them). They both did really well.
Only one test coming up next week so lets hope for another pass.

Happy New Year

2010-01-20T07:32:00.001-08:00

A happy new year to everyone. Drive Time continues to be busy even at a time of the year usually reckoned to be a quiet period for driving instructors. The recent snow/ice has caused some problems - especially with driving tests being cancelled (I've had 6 tests cancelled due to the weather since Christmas). However, I've only had to cancel one day of lessons and that's when we had heavy (for Cornwall) snow a couple of weeks ago.
Congratulations are due to Jess, Emily, Michaela, Sean, Lucy, Kate, John and Will who have all passed tests in the last few weeks.
The other big news is that Drive Time will be launching an additional website in the next few weeks aimed at people who wish to train as driving instructors. We will also be offering additional services for existing driving instructors such as additional training, website design and marketing tips. I will keep you posted as to when the new site is up and running.

Instructor Training

2009-11-01T04:05:00.000-08:00

I now offer Instructor Training for anyone who wants to train as a driving instructor and also development/refresher courses for ADIs who wish to brush up their skills or who have "Check Tests" looming and are worried or feel that they are ill prepared.
I recently spent a full week training with one of the country's leading Training Organisations based in Harrogate. The course was run on an extremely professional basis and has given me a thorough grounding in the art of instructor training. I now feel fully prepared to be able to offer high quality instructor training both for people wishing to train as instructors and for those wishing to expand their existing skills. Full details of this exciting new venture will be added to my main website soon.

Latest News

2009-10-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

Have been on holiday in Malta and Gozo recently but back to work now. I can thoroughly recommend Malta/Gozo - well worth a visit if you have never been. Take a trip on the vintage buses over there - great fun.
I'm off on a course next week to Harrogate in order to train to teach others to become driving instructors and to help other instructors with their regular "check tests" of ability to teach.
Finally, congratulations to Darrell, Sam, Joe, Mike, Hayley and Amy who have all passed their driving tests in the last 3 weeks.

Latest Update

2009-08-31T13:08:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone

Just had a few days off for the Bank Holiday weekend. Visited the Cornwall VW Jamboree with our campervan (Bertie). Back to work tomorrow. Congratulations to Matt, Simon and Jason who have all passed their tests in the last week or so. A busy week ahead for me with a Driver Improvement Course to run at Bodmin and a Pass Plus Course on Friday. Pass Plus is a long day but very worthwhile and involves a trip from Truro up to Taunton (via the M5 and Plymouth city centre).

Latest Update

2009-08-10T06:02:00.000-07:00

I've been very busy over the last week or so so with lots of people wanting to learn to drive. Congratulations by the way to Ben & Millie who have both passed their tests in the last few days. We had a short break near St Just with our campervan (Bertie) to celebrate Lorraine's birthday. Had a good time and we now have Lorraine's two daughters and their partners staying with us for a few days.

Busy Week Ahead

2009-07-27T13:29:00.000-07:00

Last week I had a few days off (a rarity) because my daughter & son in law had cycled from London to Cornwall for a short break. Luckily the weather wasn't too bad. Back to work this week with lots of driving lessons. However it's my partner Lorraine's birthday next weekend so we have that to lok forward to.

2009-07-19T08:04:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy week here but the weather has been absolutely terrible. On Thursday, I was out teaching all day and it rained throughout - headlights and wipers on continually. Congratulations this week go to Neil & Abi who were both successful in their driving tests (and only 3 minor driving faults between them). My daughter Rachel and her husband Duncan are busy cycling down to Cornwall from London this week. They are expected to arrive Wednesday afternoon. Looking forward to seeing them.

Theory Test Booking - Take Care

2009-07-08T12:31:00.000-07:00

If booking your Theort Test on line please ensure that you use the official DSA Test Booking Site https://pt.dsa.gov.uk/tests/tests_E/tt/index.asp?test=tt
The fee for this is £31-00p. If you simply Google Driving Theory Test you may well end up booking with an external agency who will charge you an extra fee for doing nothing that you cannot do yourself. If you are charged more than £31-00 then you are paying TOO MUCH.

Examination Success

2009-06-30T11:57:00.000-07:00

Had some really good news today. I've passed the Diploma in Driving Instruction examinations. This is an optional qualification (awarded jointly by the Driving Instructor's Assoc & Middlesex University)aimed at encouraging a more professional approach and higher standards amongst driving instructors. Only 43 (out of a total of some 41000) instructors took the examination this year. Hence, I'm really pleased. The examination consists of 5 modules covering the following topics :

Legal obligations & Regulations

Management, Practices & Procedures

Vehicle Maintenance / Mechanical principles

Driving Theory, Skills & Procedures

Teaching practices & procedures.

A Good Week for Driving Test Success

2009-06-28T12:49:00.001-07:00

I had three people pass their driving tests last week and no failures. Very well done to Matt Vernon, Tom Ford & Amanda Gregson. All very much deserved. None of my pupils are taking tests in the coming week.

Newspaper Coverage for Drive Time

2009-06-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

Article published in the weekly West Briton newspaper (which covers the whole of Cornwall) on Thursday June 25th 2009.

The article focuses on Drive Time's link up with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

Martin provided 3 seperate Eco-Safe Driving Courses for some 18 staff members at the Trust.

See the links on the main Drive Time Website www.drivetimecornwall.co.uk for full details of my association with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust and also details of the Eco-Safe Driving Courses which I offer. Eco-Safe Driving saves you money and also greatly reduces your emisions.

My New Grading - Good News

2009-06-27T13:06:00.000-07:00

Every few years, all Driving Instructors have to undergo what's called a Check Test of their ability to teach.
I had my latest Check Test last Wednesday and am pleased to announce that I was graded at 5. The grades run fro 1-6 with 6 being the highest so I was more than pleased to be graded at 5. The check test is conducted by a senior examiner from the DSA (Driving Standards Agency) who sits in the back of the car whilst the instructor (me) gives a normal driving lesson. Many thanks to Alana Close who was my pupil.

Keeping My Blog Up to Date

2009-06-27T13:03:00.000-07:00

Hi
Hello again everyone. I've been really busy with Drive Time so have had little time to keep the blog up to date. However, from now on, I intend to post at least once a week.

2008-11-18T03:17:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of me (on Maenporth beach - near Falmouth) with our VW Camper called Bertie. He's a 1973 westfalia continental in pretty near original condition and in very good order. He's named Bertie in honour of my partner Lorraine's dad. Bertie is great fun to drive and we use him regularly throughout Cornwall and further afield for both day trips and camping. We are members of the Cornwall VW owners club (CVWOC) and we regularly attend VW shows such as Run to the Sun and Vanfest.

Unfortunately, you will, I'm afraid, not be learning to drive in Bertie.

2008-11-18T03:06:00.000-08:00

Hi everybody.

This is my first posting to the Drive Time blog which I am using as an add-on to my Driving School website.

I intend to use the blog to provide news and information regarding both Drive Time and driving in general (including learners, advanced and eco-driving) and also, in order to "liven it up" I intend to provide some personal information about myself, my interests and Cornwall in general.

I hope that people will like this approach and will find it interesting and helpful.