Car practical test are generally available at all permanent test centers, subjected to the availability of the resources, these tests are offered at nominal rates.
The car driving test is simple and is designed to see if you:
• Can drive safely
• Know The Highway Code and can show this through your driving practical test
What will the test include?
The practical test will include an eyesight test (if you fail, your test will not continue). The test requires you to read a number plate that is some distance away.
After the eyesight test, you shall be questioned about vehicle safety checks. After this you would be examined on your general driving and on two reversing exercises.
The reversing exercises will be chosen from:
• Reversing around a corner
• Turning in the road
• Reverse parking
You can also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise for testing.
Vehicle safety questions
The driver should do some basic safety measures to ensure the vehicle is safe for use.
Candidates will be asked two questions. One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault being marked.
During the Driving test tips the examiner will give you directions which you have to follow. Test routes are designed to be as normal as possible and will include a variety of usual road and traffic conditions.
Throughout the test you should drive in the way your instructor has instructed you. The examiner looks for an overall safe standard of driving.
You can make maximum 15 driving faults and still pass the test. But, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test.
After the practical test
When the practical test is over, the examiner should tell you whether you have passed or failed. You can ask for feedback on your test from the examiner.
You will then be given a pass certificate to prove you passed your test. DVLA will then send you your new full license by post within three weeks of you passing your practical test.
If you fail...
If you fail the driving test you can and must ask the examiner for some feedback to help prepare yourself for your next test. Your driving report form will also show you where you made any mistakes. You can take another practical test 10 working days after your test.
Driving test standards
All examiners are trained to carry out the test to the same standard. So as long as you drive as you will pass your driving test.
DSA do not conduct practical tests in bad light or in adverse weather conditions for the safety reasons. They will arrange another appointment at no further cost.
By: John Wale
Monday, August 15, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
How to Know When Labor Rates for Car Repairs are Fair
How does a person know that he is not being overcharged for repairs done on his car? The main answer for this is to compare the prices that are in the market. Some car repair rates are quite expensive while others are reasonable.
The Cost List
The first thing to do when seeking the best labor rates for your car is to check the cost list at the repair center. Some repair centers do not show a list of their prices as they consider this a strategy in their day-to-day business operation. If there is not a list available then it is in your best interest to consult the center for a list of their prices.
What Your Repair Consist of
Your repairs will consist of parts and labor as well as miscellaneous charges. Parts listed with a brief description, quantity and cost are the things one must look for when seeking to do business with a repair center.
Cost
The cost of parts may differ depending on where you do your purchasing. Some service centers may offer you a package consisting of parts and labor. If this is not suitable then you will need to find a place to purchase your car parts. You may need to go online or seek advice from a friend or family member.
Labor
Labor rates in a service center may range from $60.00-$100.00 per hour locally and $80.00-$140.00 at the dealer level. Before turning your car over for repairs or tune-ups, it is best to come to an agreed amount with the service centre as they may charge above the normal price. A car owner can pay as high as $200.00 per hour for repairs that would usually cost about $150.00.
After you have come to an agreed amount and the job is complete, you may want to check the number of hours billed by the center so you can be sure that you are billed correctly according to what the repair center charges. To know that you are not being overcharged by the center, it is best to seek out other repair shops and get a list of prices.
Miscellaneous fees consist of shop supplies, chemicals, hazardous wastes, disposal fees and waste oil. Miscellaneous charges range from $3.00- $25.00 and in some cases can go even higher.
After reviewing the costs for your car repair, be sure to ask for a summary of charges from the center. The summary of charges will tell you how much each job cost and you may use this information to compare prices with other repair centers.
Knowing when labor rates for your car repairs are fair will save you money that can be put to good use in the future.
By: Frankson James
The Cost List
The first thing to do when seeking the best labor rates for your car is to check the cost list at the repair center. Some repair centers do not show a list of their prices as they consider this a strategy in their day-to-day business operation. If there is not a list available then it is in your best interest to consult the center for a list of their prices.
What Your Repair Consist of
Your repairs will consist of parts and labor as well as miscellaneous charges. Parts listed with a brief description, quantity and cost are the things one must look for when seeking to do business with a repair center.
Cost
The cost of parts may differ depending on where you do your purchasing. Some service centers may offer you a package consisting of parts and labor. If this is not suitable then you will need to find a place to purchase your car parts. You may need to go online or seek advice from a friend or family member.
Labor
Labor rates in a service center may range from $60.00-$100.00 per hour locally and $80.00-$140.00 at the dealer level. Before turning your car over for repairs or tune-ups, it is best to come to an agreed amount with the service centre as they may charge above the normal price. A car owner can pay as high as $200.00 per hour for repairs that would usually cost about $150.00.
After you have come to an agreed amount and the job is complete, you may want to check the number of hours billed by the center so you can be sure that you are billed correctly according to what the repair center charges. To know that you are not being overcharged by the center, it is best to seek out other repair shops and get a list of prices.
Miscellaneous fees consist of shop supplies, chemicals, hazardous wastes, disposal fees and waste oil. Miscellaneous charges range from $3.00- $25.00 and in some cases can go even higher.
After reviewing the costs for your car repair, be sure to ask for a summary of charges from the center. The summary of charges will tell you how much each job cost and you may use this information to compare prices with other repair centers.
Knowing when labor rates for your car repairs are fair will save you money that can be put to good use in the future.
By: Frankson James
Friday, February 11, 2011
Save Money Bargaining With a Private Seller for a Used Car
There are a few ways to honestly and ethically get the car of your dreams for a reasonable price. Follow these tips and hints and you may be surprised how much the seller will discount the advertised price.
Ready to Start? Lets' go.
1. Do this before you even see the car. When you see the car on the Internet or in the newspaper or the magazine and you are interested in checking it out more closely, do these things first:
a) Check out the price of this car against others of similar specifications.
b) Have your finances worked out in advance. Set your spending limit and stick to it. Offering cash is usually a better option than saying you will need to organize finance.
c) Contact the seller and ask the following questions:
- Is the car still for sale?
- How many kilometers or miles has it done?
- How long have you owned the car for?
- What color is it?
- What is the overall condition of the car?
- How negotiable is the price?
If you're satisfied with the answers to these questions ask if you can see the car at a mutually convenient time.
2. Do these things once you see the car.
a) Check it out closely in all areas and test whether the answers you were given over the phone were correct.
b) See if there are things that need to be done to get the car to your standard and mentally work out their costs. For example, does the car need new tires, does it need a new windscreen?
c) Go for a test drive. Not with the stereo going all the time though, so you can hear the car's noises.
d) Work out, silently, what you think you are prepared to pay as a maximum for this car. Make sure it is equal to, or less than your set limit.
3. Remember these things once you have decided that you will purchase the car, if the price is right.
a) This is not the only car in the world for you. There are others. Maybe, they will be even better.
b) Don't be in a rush to conclude the deal. Take your time.
c) Don't be swayed by seller saying "I have another buying waiting".
4. Do these things when negotiating.
a) Say "I'd like to make an offer".
b) Tell the seller the costs of the items you think will need fixing once you purchase the car.
c) Make your offer taking b) into account and leaving room to move upwards on your price to the maximum you set.
For example, say your maximum spend is $10,000, the car is advertised for $12,000 but you have found $2,000 of work to be done to bring it up to your standard. Make an offer for $8,000 ($10,000-$2,000). The seller may respond by saying that $10,000 is his minimum. After taking a suitable amount of time to consider this response, you can say "I'll go half way, is $9,000 OK? If the seller agrees, then you have purchased the car for $3,000 less than advertised. However, your $9,000 price plus your $2,000 of expenses is $11,000, $1,000 over your limit. No worries, just delay some of the work until you can afford it. The seller feels a bit of pain, you feel a bit of pain and you both are reasonably satisfied with the deal.
These are just some general tips and hints from my experiences in buying and selling cars over a long period of time. I am passing them on to you to help you with your personal finances. You need to be able to save money wherever you can.
By: Bruce Hokin
Ready to Start? Lets' go.
1. Do this before you even see the car. When you see the car on the Internet or in the newspaper or the magazine and you are interested in checking it out more closely, do these things first:
a) Check out the price of this car against others of similar specifications.
b) Have your finances worked out in advance. Set your spending limit and stick to it. Offering cash is usually a better option than saying you will need to organize finance.
c) Contact the seller and ask the following questions:
- Is the car still for sale?
- How many kilometers or miles has it done?
- How long have you owned the car for?
- What color is it?
- What is the overall condition of the car?
- How negotiable is the price?
If you're satisfied with the answers to these questions ask if you can see the car at a mutually convenient time.
2. Do these things once you see the car.
a) Check it out closely in all areas and test whether the answers you were given over the phone were correct.
b) See if there are things that need to be done to get the car to your standard and mentally work out their costs. For example, does the car need new tires, does it need a new windscreen?
c) Go for a test drive. Not with the stereo going all the time though, so you can hear the car's noises.
d) Work out, silently, what you think you are prepared to pay as a maximum for this car. Make sure it is equal to, or less than your set limit.
3. Remember these things once you have decided that you will purchase the car, if the price is right.
a) This is not the only car in the world for you. There are others. Maybe, they will be even better.
b) Don't be in a rush to conclude the deal. Take your time.
c) Don't be swayed by seller saying "I have another buying waiting".
4. Do these things when negotiating.
a) Say "I'd like to make an offer".
b) Tell the seller the costs of the items you think will need fixing once you purchase the car.
c) Make your offer taking b) into account and leaving room to move upwards on your price to the maximum you set.
For example, say your maximum spend is $10,000, the car is advertised for $12,000 but you have found $2,000 of work to be done to bring it up to your standard. Make an offer for $8,000 ($10,000-$2,000). The seller may respond by saying that $10,000 is his minimum. After taking a suitable amount of time to consider this response, you can say "I'll go half way, is $9,000 OK? If the seller agrees, then you have purchased the car for $3,000 less than advertised. However, your $9,000 price plus your $2,000 of expenses is $11,000, $1,000 over your limit. No worries, just delay some of the work until you can afford it. The seller feels a bit of pain, you feel a bit of pain and you both are reasonably satisfied with the deal.
These are just some general tips and hints from my experiences in buying and selling cars over a long period of time. I am passing them on to you to help you with your personal finances. You need to be able to save money wherever you can.
By: Bruce Hokin
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