Pass Your Driving Test in 2025 with Thames Driving School

Thames Driving School, covering the key driving test changes in 2025, driving instructor etiquette, test bookings, and Highway Code updates.

Driving Test and Highway Code Updates for 2025: What Kingston Learners Need to Know

Welcome back to the Thames Driving School blog! As we move further into 2025, it's crucial for all learner drivers in Kingston upon Thames and surrounding areas (Berrylands, Canbury, Chessington, Coombe, Kingston Vale, Malden Rushett, and Motspur Park) to stay updated on the latest changes to driving tests, the Highway Code, and best practices for interacting with your driving instructor.

Let's dive in!

Driving Test Changes in 2025
While there haven't been sweeping overhauls, a few important tweaks have been implemented to ensure new drivers are well-prepared for modern road conditions:

• Focus on Independent Driving: The independent driving portion of the test now constitutes a larger segment. This assesses your ability to make safe decisions on your own, following directions from a sat nav or road signs.
• Manoeuvres: Emphasis is being placed on ensuring you can perform these safely and smoothly, with examiners looking for confident control and excellent observation.

Driving Instructor Etiquette: Building a Positive Learning EnvironmentYour relationship with your driving instructor is key to your success. Here’s how to ensure a positive and productive learning environment:

• Respect Their Time: Arrive on time for your lessons, and if you need to cancel, provide as much notice as possible (ideally 24-48 hours).
• Be Prepared: Come to each lesson ready to learn, having practiced what was covered in the previous session.
• Communicate Openly: Don't hesitate to ask questions if you're unsure about something. Your instructor is there to guide you. Also, voice any concerns you may have.
• Listen to Feedback: Your instructor is a professional, and their feedback is invaluable. Take it constructively and use it to improve.
• Be Respectful: Treat your instructor with courtesy and respect at all times.

Test Bookings: Planning for Success

• Book in Advance: Demand for driving tests can be high, so book your test well in advance to secure a convenient date and time.
• Check Availability Regularly: Keep an eye on the DVSA website for cancellations, which can open up earlier test slots.
• Ensure You're Ready: Don't rush to book your driving test until you and your instructor are confident you're at the required standard. Taking the test before you're ready can be costly and disheartening.

Highway Code Updates: Keeping You Safe and Informed
The Highway Code is regularly updated to reflect changes in road use and technology. Some key updates include:

• Hierarchy of Road Users: The code now provides more protection for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.
• Mobile Phone Usage: Stricter rules are in place regarding mobile phone use while driving, even when stationary.
• Guidance on Emerging Technologies: The code now includes guidance on using driver-assistance systems safely.

Thames Driving School: Your Partner in Safe Driving
At Thames Driving School, we're committed to providing the highest quality driving lessons in Kingston upon Thames. Our experienced and knowledgeable instructors stay up-to-date with all the latest changes to driving tests and the Highway Code, ensuring you receive the best possible training.

Whether you're a complete beginner or looking for refresher lessons, we have a driving course to suit your needs. We offer:

• Standard Driving Lessons: Tailored to your individual learning style and pace.
• Automatic Driving Lessons: For those who prefer automatic vehicles.
• Pass Plus Driving Course: To enhance your skills after passing your test.
• Refresher Driving Lessons: To boost your confidence.
• Motorway Driving Lessons: To learn how to drive safely on motorways.

Ready to get started? Contact Us

• Call us today on 0208 626 7979 to discuss your requirements.
• Check out our website for more information and to book your lessons: https://www.thamesdrivingschools.co.uk/

Let Thames Driving School help you become a safe, confident, and responsible driver!

​New Terms and Conditions for Driving Instructors:

What Thames Driving School Students Need to Know
At Thames Driving School, we're committed to keeping our students informed about the latest changes in driving instruction. The new terms and conditions for driving instructors, which came into effect on January 6, 2025, bring several important changes that will benefit our learners.

Enhanced Protection for Learners
The stricter regulations are designed to safeguard learner drivers from exploitation. At Thames Driving School, we've always prioritized our students' interests, and these new rules align perfectly with our ethos.

Fairer Driving Test Booking System
Our students can now expect an easier process when booking their driving tests directly. The new rules aim to reduce the number of tests booked by instructors for students they're not actually teaching, ensuring more available slots for genuine learners.

Shorter Driving Test Waiting Times
By curbing misuse of the booking system, these changes are expected to contribute to reduced waiting times for driving tests. This is part of the DVSA's broader strategy to address the backlog, with a target to bring average waiting times down to 7 weeks by December 2025.

Ensuring Driving Test Readiness
At Thames Driving School, we've always ensured our students are fully prepared before booking their tests. The new rules now explicitly prohibit instructors from booking tests for learners they're not teaching, aligning with our existing practices.

Increased Transparency
The new regulations clarify that learners should book their own tests directly with the DVSA if not doing so through their instructor. At Thames Driving School, we're happy to guide our students through this process, ensuring they understand every step.

Our Commitment to You
While these changes may lead some schools to implement stricter cancellation policies, at Thames Driving School, we remain committed to flexibility and understanding. We'll continue to work with our students to ensure efficient use of lesson time while accommodating individual needs.

These changes are part of the DVSA's efforts to create a fairer and more efficient driving test system. At Thames Driving School, we fully support these initiatives and are here to help our students navigate these changes.

For more information or to book your lessons with Thames Driving School
Visit our website at https://www.thamesdrivingschools.co.uk/ or call us on 0208 626 7979. Let us guide you towards becoming a safe and confident driver in Kingston upon Thames and the surrounding areas.
Citations:

1. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dvsa-sets-out-plan-to-reduce-driving-test-waiting-times

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