Author: Jack Evans

Tips on how to pass your driving and theory test first time

With more vehicles on the road than ever before, is the driving and theory test in the UK too difficult?

Learning to drive is one of life’s most exciting moments, providing the gateway to freedom and the ability to go anywhere you want.

The driving test has been mandatory since the mid-1930s while the theory test has been in force since 1996.

However, with more and more cars on our roads, broken road surfaces, congestion, road works, speed cameras, potholes and the fact we now have clean-air zones like ULEZ – is it harder to learn to drive in the UK?

If you are learning to drive, there are great ways to get behind the wheel with a full licence quickly, safely and calmly.

Here are our top tips and guide into how to pass your driving and theory test for the first time.

Take multiple mock theory tests online or on smartphone apps

In the UK, you can’t take a practical driving test without passing a theory test first. The theory test consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception test which is scored out of 75 points.

The questions are all motoring-related and ask the candidate questions regarding road signs, medical assistance, accidents and how the road network works.

The hazard perception works by giving the user scenario videos of where potential hazards are appearing, with the person clicking the mouse on the computer every time they think a hazard is in sight.

To pass a theory test you need to achieve at least 43 out of 50 to pass and 44 out of 75 to pass the hazard perception.

The best method to pass your theory and hazard perception first time is to just keep practising over and over again.

As with most things, the more you practise the more you’ll remember – so those questions that you might’ve found tricky initially will soon become second nature. The same goes for the hazard perception – it’s all about getting used to it. There are plenty of good online sources of mock tests, or some handy smartphone apps which do the same so you can brush up no matter where you are.

Take your time and have plenty of lessons with a qualified driving instructor

It may be easier said than done, but having enough driving lessons before your practical driving test will benefit you in passing the first time. Rushing and only having a couple of lessons with your mum and dad may sound like an easy way to pass – but it’s not.

The average amount of driving lessons that is recommended varies from 40 to 45 hours prior to taking your test. Not only does it get you fully clued up on how a car and the road work, but it’ll also allow you to get used to the routes around your area and have more experience with different road situations.

Take the driving test in your instructor’s car

It’ll be a real help if you can take your driving test in the car you have been having lessons in. The more you drive a particular car, the more comfortable, confident and at ease you are with it – something you will want on the day of your driving test as sometimes nerves can cause lots of silly mistakes.

Learn the test routes

Before your driving test, it’s a good idea to drive around some of the routes which could crop up during your actual test. While your instructor won’t be able to pick out the exact route you could do, they’ll know where testers tend to ask those under examination to drive to.

Learning all the routes will stand you in better stead when the examiner tells you where to go. There will be less chance of you getting lost and even though this won’t cause you to fail, it can make things more stressful than driving somewhere familiar.

You’ll know what the speed limits are, what junctions you’ll come across and where they might ask you to conduct any manoeuvres like an emergency stop or parallel park.

Learn the basics

Sometimes the simple things get overlooked when you’re trying to pass your test, but it’s these aspects which make the difference. Mirror checks, for instance, are a must-do on a driving test and it’s always worth over-emphasising them to make sure your driving test examiner has spotted you doing them.

These cover a number of key areas, such as an eyesight test – usually done by asking the individual to read a number plate from a car nearby – as well as some typical mechanical queries, including showing where to top up your car’s washer fluid and how the horn is operated.

Learn in different driving conditions

When learning to drive, you must get practice in different weather conditions, such as rain, wind and during the night as doing so will make you a more confident and better driver. You’ll get to know how your car behaves in different driving conditions and it gives you greater experience out on the road with other road users.

Don’t be afraid to ask the examiner a question or to repeat their instructions

During your driving test it is better to be safe than sorry and asking the examiner a question or repeating what their last instructions were won’t do you any harm. In fact, it might be the make or break of you passing your driving test.

If you mishear the examiner and don’t ask them to repeat what they said, it may make you panic and cause an error in your test which would cause an instant failure.

Practice makes perfect

The simplest thing to do is just practice. If you are fortunate enough to have your own car before you pass your test, when you’re not having lessons with an instructor you can head out with your mum, dad, or someone who has been on the road for more than three years and is over the age of 21.

Make sure you get a good balance of your personal car and your instructor’s car to keep your options open, depending on which vehicle you’re planning to do your test in.

Every car has a different clutch and biting point, as well as different brakes, power and even size differences, which can all cause you to drive in a different manner.

By Cameron Richards

The stylish French hatchbacks have received cleaner powertrains to reduce emissions.

DS Automobiles has revealed hybrid versions of its DS3 and DS4 hatchback models.

Both models will come with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine producing 138bhp coupled to a new six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that incorporates a 28bhp electric motor – there is also a 0.9 kWh lithium-ion battery that helps boost the electric system.

Around town and at lower speeds, the new hybrid system allows both cars to run on pure electric power which helps improve fuel economy by 40 per cent, according to DS.

The DS3 hybrid can achieve a 0-60mph time of 8.2 seconds – which is 1.2 seconds faster compared to the conventional powered version while the DS4 hybrid does 0-60mph in 10.2 seconds.

Furthermore, there are two new trim levels for the DS4 hybrid called Pallas and Etoile.

DS 4 HYBRID.
Discover a new way to explore the world without charging.#DSautomobiles #DS4 #Hybrid pic.twitter.com/R4npUkMfHE

— DS Automobiles (@ds_automobiles) April 4, 2024

 

Pallas trim has a Diamond Tungsten fabric interior, dual-zone climate control, reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors.

Etoile models add electric seats, DS’ Iris infotainment system, head up display, matrix LED headlamps and tinted rear windows.

Prices for the hybrid version of the DS3 start at just over £30,200 with the new Pallas trim for the DS4 hybrid starting from just over £34,300 and rises to £38,000 for the Etoile model.

All models are available to order now with deliveries expected later this year.

 

By Cameron Richards

The facelifted version of Hyundai’s popular crossover will come with five different trim levels.

Hyundai has revealed prices and specifications for its new Tucson with the updated crossover starting at £32,000.

Engines are now all electrified with mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and hybrid powertrains as well as two and four-wheel-drive options available.

The new Tucson will be available with five different trim levels, Advance, Premium, Ultimate, N-Line and N-Line S.

The range kicks off with the entry-level Advance – which starts at £32,000. Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps and taillights, privacy glass, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry, front and rear USB-C charging ports and customisable interior lighting. The Advance is only available in two-wheel-drive format and can be chosen with mild-hybrid, hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines.

The Premium models start at £34,500 and add 18-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable heated front seats and rear seats, heated steering wheel, cloth and leather seat trim. It’s equipped with the same offerings as the Advance trim in terms of engines with the Premium also available as a four-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid.

The N-Line gets the same starting price as the Premium at £34,500 and adds equipment such as bespoke 19-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured wheel arches and sportier N-Line front and rear bumpers. You’ll find the same engine setup as Premium models here too. N-Line S starts from £37,000 and adds electrically adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, among other features.

The top-of-the-line Ultimate spec is priced the same as the N-Line S from £37,000 but takes a more luxurious approach with 19-inch alloy wheels, matrix LED headlamps, memory function on the driver’s seat, ventilated seats and the option of either black, grey or Cypress green leather.

The new Tucson is available to order now with deliveries expected towards the end of this year.

By Cameron Richards

Swedish brand is partnering up with Mattel’s Hot Wheels, with the winner being made into a real Hot Wheels model.

Polestar is running a design contest in partnership with Hot Wheels with the winning creation becoming part of the toy company’s offering.

Not only will the winning design be made into a Hot Wheels toy car, but there’s a chance that the creation could be made into a real production version of the model, too.

Entrants are encouraged to be as imaginative as possible with their designs, colours and performance figures.

Maximilian Missoni, Polestar’s head of design said: “This is a chance for all participating designers to really push that Polestar envelope and let their imagination run riot.”

The finalists in the competition will receive one-to-one coaching by Polestar and Hot Wheels design professionals to refine their final submissions before a winner is decided.

Ted Wu, VP and global head of vehicle design at Mattel said: “Both Polestar and Hot Wheels dedicate time, energy and skill to ensure design is at the core of our vehicles.

“The Hot Wheels design team has always challenged the conventional approach and the Polestar design contest allows the design community to showcase their skills and wow us with something we have never seen before, and we cannot wait to see the submissions.”

Previous Polestar design contests have seen a car which tackles air pollution with on-board and externally visible air filters, while an electric and helium airship has also been imagined.

Juan Pablo Bernal, interior design manager at Polestar said: “I believe this year’s Hot Wheels collaboration will push the design community to work outside their traditional comfort zones by balancing the minimalist Polestar brand essence with the extreme Hot Wheels aesthetic.”

The Polestar design competition started on March 5 and runs until April 16 with a winner expected to be revealed in the fourth quarter of 2024.

By Cameron Richards

The first public release of items from the late rally and stunt driver will go under the hammer.

An auction of items belonging to the late rally and stunt-driving legend Ken Block is underway online.

The auction listing includes car parts, art pieces, collectables, sourced parts from Block’s Gymkhana series, rally races and other highlights in his career.

All the proceeds will go towards the 43 Institute, which ‘creates paths of opportunity’ into motorsport, action sports and creative arts for the next generation ‘of aspiring talent regardless of their financial means’. The auction runs from April 3 to April 13.

The number 43 was Block’s racing number, with 43 individual collectables being included as part of this sale, which is being conducted by eBay Motors.

Chris Phil, global VP of eBay Motors said: “Ken Block was an undeniable inspiration to car lovers and fans everywhere – he united automotive and pop culture in a way that no one else could.

“We are deeply honoured to partner with the Block family and support Ken’s commitment to the community by connecting our enthusiasts to his legacy through these one-of-one pieces.”

During Ken Block’s life, he co-founded the skating brand DC Shoes, had a varied rally career and created his famous internet driving series called ‘Gymkhana’.

He passed away aged 55 in January 2023, following a snowmobile accident in Utah, USA.

His wife, Lucy Block, also a pro rally driver and Block house racing principal said: “Ken was passionate about motorsports, action sports, creative arts and giving back to those communities. We founded 43 institute after his passing to carry on his empowerment of others.

“Opening our archives for the first time with Ebay motors and sharing a piece of his career with fans is the perfect way to honour his legacy.”

By Cameron Richards

The compact crossover gets a price cut thanks to a new trim level in the range.

The electric version of the Vauxhall Mokka has just had a price cut thanks to a new trim level – Griffin.

The Mokka Electric Griffin now starts from £29,495 making it the cheapest new electric SUV on sale – and £7,000 cheaper than the original entry-level Mokka that started from £36,610.

On the outside, the Mokka Electric Griffin gets 17-inch alloy wheels, tinted rear windows, LED headlights, tailights and daytime running lights as well as a contrasting black roof.

Inside, there is a seven-inch colour touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and also features a rear-view camera as well as a seven-inch digital instrument cluster.

The Mokka Griffin also comes with Vauxhall connect which allows drivers to pre-heat the cabin temperature and schedule their charging remotely via their smartphone.

Furthermore, the Griffin model also comes with rear parking sensors, heated front seats and steering wheel, automatic climate control and keyless start.

Under the bonnet is a 50kWh battery which provides an electric range of 209 miles and links with an electric motor that produces 134bhp and 260Nm of torque.

Introducing the special edition Vauxhall Mokka Electric Griffin – where style meets comfort in a compact electric SUV. Griffin trim enhances the Mokka’s striking design with a sleek black roof and tinted windows.🌟 ​
​
Starting at £29,495 ​
🔗 https://t.co/sFbm6BF1i5 pic.twitter.com/RlXqzcptNf

— Vauxhall (@vauxhall) April 3, 2024

Charging from a 100kW rapid charger means the Mokka Electric Griffin can be taken from zero to 80 per cent in just half an hour, while a standard home wallbox will charge this EV from zero to 100 per cent charge in seven and a half hours.

Orders will open for the Mokka electric Griffin on April 17 with the first deliveries expected in June.

By Cameron Richards

The Cyberbeast is the top-of-the-line Cybertruck with 856bhp and has an electric range of 320 miles.

The auction for the first Tesla Cyberbeast is underway at Sotheby Motorsports in Florida.

There is no reserve allowing the truck to sell for any price when the auction ends on April 9, though bidding was kicked off at $75,000 (£59,700). At the time of writing, seven bids had been placed with the truck’s auction price standing at $87,000 (£69,200).

The Cyberbeast is the top-of-the-line model in the Cybertruck range, packing 856bhp and an electric range of 320 miles alongside a claimed 0-60mph time of just 2.6 seconds and a towing capacity of five and a half tonnes.

Colleen Cash, president of Sotheby’s Motorsport, said: “The Cybertruck and Cyberbeast have seized the global spotlight in a manner unlike any vehicle launch before, marking a pop culture phenomenon.

“We believe that the Cyberbeast will become an iconic symbol of this era, much like the DeLorean has for past generations. This auction represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history.”

Tesla’s Cybertruck had to pass several hurdles before it could enter production, including the fabrication of the highly durable steel exterior. Despite being first shown in 2019, it took until December 1, 2023, for the Cybertruck to be showcased in production-ready form.

When the Cyberbeast goes on sale, the base price will be the equivalent of £79,500 – however with the first Cyberbeast under auction with no reserve, it’s anticipated to exceed above and beyond that price tag.

Unfortunately, there are no plans to bring the Cyberbeast and Cybertruck models to the UK.

By Cameron Richards

The hot version of the Renault 5 E-Tech will receive more power and better aerodynamics.

The world debut for the hotly anticipated Alpine A290 is just around the corner with the 24 hours of Le Mans being the destination of its unveil this summer.

The A290 was showcased last year in concept form, with this upcoming hot hatch underpinning by the same platform as the new Renault 5 E-Tech.

The new city car is the first electric model to be in Alpine’s range and will mark a turning point in the brand’s future.

The concept, which debuted in May 2023, gave the impression that Alpine wanted to make an urban city car with sports car credentials and showed that the company wanted to still build driver-focused cars with sustainable motorsport pedigree.

The A290 will be entering into a new and competitive market with EV hot hatches, directly competing with the Abarth 500e, MG4 XPower and Volkswagen ID.3 GTX.

The new Alpine will share the same platform as the new Renault 5 E-Tech with its AmpR small platform but the A290 will get more power, chassis tweaks and suspension upgrades compared to the standard 5 E-Tech.

Further details will be revealed nearer the car’s launch, with prices and specifications still not confirmed for the UK market – but expect a premium over the standard Renault 5 E-Tech’s starting price of around £23,000 when A290 goes on sale.

The new Alpine A290 will be unveiled to the public at the Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race on June 13, 2024.

By Cameron Richards

Government to commission a study into headlight glare after RAC research found more drivers being affected.

An online petition of nearly 11,000 signatures has prompted the government to launch a study into the issue of headlight glare.

The petition, set up by a member of the public but campaigned for by the RAC, reflects a recent study by the breakdown assistance provider which found as many as eight-in-10 drivers believe that the problem of headlight glare is getting worse.

A recent survey of 2,000 drivers found that 89 per cent think headlights on modern cars are too bright – and some 91 per cent say they get dazzled and 74 per cent say that it happens regularly.

Rod Dennis, RAC road safety spokesperson said: “The fact the government has listened to drivers’ concerns and heeded our calls to examine the complex issue of headlight glare in more detail marks a real turning point.

“Brighter headlights, while giving drivers a better view of the road ahead, are clearly causing other road users significant problems. As many as nine-in-10 drivers tell us they believe at least some car headlights are too bright, while 14 per cent of drivers aged 65 plus say they have stopped driving altogether as a result of being dazzled.”

The petition will need to receive at least 100,000 signatures for the issue to be discussed in parliament.

Baroness Hayter said: “This is a victory for all those drivers affected by glare who’ve complained to their MP, signed the parliamentary petition, or indeed sought help from an optometrist – only to discover the problem was with headlights, and not their eyes.

“This is an issue the RAC has long campaigned on and I am delighted the Government has recognised there is a real problem. We look forward to discussing its research in due course.”

By Cameron Richards

With the motor industry putting all of its eggs into the EV basket, does hydrogen fuel cell technology still have its place in the market?

Hydrogen fuel cell technology could be the answer to all motorists’ prayers – it offers the promise of zero-emission motoring with the ease and practicality of internal combustion-engined vehicles.

However, even though hydrogen sounds like the answer, it has never caught on in passenger vehicles, mainly because of the hurdles the technology has been trying to jump through.

Production costs are high, a lack of government funding for infrastructure expansion hasn’t helped and the vehicles available come with very hefty price tags attached to them.

Currently, there are only two hydrogen fuel cell vehicles on the market, and as of March 2023, only 15 hydrogen filling stations were in the UK.

Does it all mean that hydrogen-powered cars are only a recent creation? Well, dig beneath the surface and you’ll find that there have been many hydrogen-fuelled vehicles before and though uptake is steady, they are still catching the eye of car manufacturers.

Here is our list of the current and past cars that have used hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Present:

Toyota Mirai: £49,995 to £64,995

The Toyota Mirai is now in its second generation and is one of the most well-known and recognisable fuel cell electric vehicles on sale.

Originally launched in 2015, the Mirai offered car buyers a taste of the hydrogen world. It could do 300 miles on a full tank of hydrogen and would take no longer than a few minutes to fill up – as long as you had a hydrogen filling station nearby.

The second generation car came out in 2021 and was better looking and cheaper, starting at just under £50,000, while more range and increased power made the whole car better.

The new Mirai can do 400 miles on a tank and produces 178bhp from its electric motor, however, its small boot and cramped rear seating don’t make it a very practical car nor does the slow 0-60mph time of 8.8 seconds make it a fast one either.

But the Mirai drives really well for a very heavy and bulbous car, with decent steering and not too much body roll in the corners.

Hyundai Nexo: £65,995 to £69,495

The only other new car today that offers hydrogen power is the rather expensive Hyundai Nexo.

The Nexo has been around since 2018 and in that time, hardly anyone has bought one.

It offers 414 miles on a tank and is priced from £65,995, and with its direct competitor from Toyota £16,000 cheaper, makes this very small market almost a one-man-band.

But, where the Nexo falls down in one area, it pulls itself up in other areas. The drive in the Nexo is good, there is plenty of grip around the corners and it’s very well refined, but with a slow 0-60mph time of nine seconds, it’s not going to be scaring Teslas any time soon.

Past:

Honda FCX Clarity

Back in 2008, Honda showed us the FCX Clarity. Originally only sold in Japan and the Californian market, Honda used the FCX Clarity to set the ball rolling for the mass production of hydrogen fuel cell passenger vehicles.

Then in 2017, Honda released the second generation FCX clarity fuel cell exclusively to the Californian market. Not only that, they were available with only 12 approved Honda dealers, one in Sacramento, six in Southern California and five in San Francisco.

The second generation car came with 139bhp and had a range of 366 miles on a tank, however, Honda never brought the FCX Clarity to the European market.

Hyundai iX35 FCEV

Another Hyundai on this list is the ix35 FCEV. Hyundai has a history of producing fuel cell vehicles in concept form but has frequently made production-ready hydrogen cars too. The ix35 FCEV was an experiment to see if the mass markets could adapt to another battery-electric alternative.

In 2015, Hyundai made 1000 examples of the ix35 FCEV and 250 were in active service throughout 11 European countries.

The ix35 FCEV came with a fuel cell motor that produced the equivalent of 134bhp, had a hydrogen capacity of 144 litres, did 100mph and could manage 369 miles on a single tank.

Mercedes F-Cell

You may think that this list is dominated by Japanese and South Korean manufacturers – but Germany has also taken hydrogen research and development seriously, too.

Back in 2003, Mercedes got hold of an A-Class long-wheel-base and created the F-Cell. The A-Class F-Cell came with an 87bhp electric motor and had a range of 99 miles – poor by modern standards but impressive for more than two decades ago.

In 2004, four F-Cell A-Class’ were delivered to Deutsche Telekom and BEWAG Vattenfall Europe under their Clean Energy partnership project – which were the first fuel stations to use hydrogen filling pumps in Europe.

By Cameron Richards