Bike Theft Hotspots

The insurer, Carole Nash, which specialises in motorcycle insurance, has released a survey highlight the worst areas affected by bike theft. Overall, for every 1000 bikes registered, 25 are stolen each year. North London has a theft rate of 4 times this.

Other areas of London, Manchester, Halifax and Aberdeen also have high motorcycle theft rates.

Also, according to this survey, the safest place to own a bike is Northern Ireland and Wales.

Rob Laird
RPL Driving
Driving Instructor In Romford

Crime Figures Map

I've just come across an interesting map which shows crime figures in areas around the UK. Have a look at http://maps.police.uk/

It also allows you to compare areas, and look at last years figures as well. It might help to explain your insurance costs, and any changes compared to last year.

Rob Laird
RPL Driving - Lessons In Hornchurch

Have a look at the new View our website for more information, let me know what you think.

5 days grace for new tax

Not many people are aware of this, but if you buy your tax disc online, over the phone or by post, since September last year, you are legally allowed to drive your car for the first 5 days of the new month while the new disc arrives.

However I wouldn't want to chance it leaving getting the tax disc that late, but if I did, it would probably be advisable to keep a receipt of the payment in the car just in case.

As well as this change, the DVLA now allow you to buy the new tax disc from the 5th of the month it expires in, compared to the 15th which it was before.

Below is a quote taken from the DVLA website

As a result, from the 1st of September 2008, those buying their vehicle tax online, by phone or by post will be able to legally continue to drive their vehicles for up to 5 days while they wait for their new tax disc to arrive. This will only apply where the new tax disc has been applied for before the current one expires and motorists should continue to display the expired disc on their vehicle, until the new one arrives. This will be of great benefit to those motorists who have to leave buying their tax disc until the last day of the month, because they are waiting to be paid. They can now still do that, but also get the benefits of taxing online, by phone or by post.



In addition, motorists are now able to buy their vehicle tax disc from the 5th day of the month that their current disc is due to expire in. Previously, discs could only be bought from the 15th of the month. DVLA has introduced this new procedure following feedback from the motoring public, which has shown an increasing demand, especially since the advent of electronic vehicle licensing, for motorists to be allowed to re-license earlier in the month.

Rob Laird
RPL Driving - Lessons In Chelmsford, Brentwood, Romford, Hornchurch

When Is A Car Exempt From Road Tax?

Originally it used to be cars over 25 years were exempt, but now the rule is if you own a car made before 1st January 1973, you don't have to road tax on it.

Rob Laird
RPL Driving
Go to our website

The New Driver Act, And What It Means To You

If you passed your driving test after 1st June 1997, you will have been subject to the New Driver Act (NDA).

Under this law, if you gain 6 or more penalty points within 2 years of passing your first driving test, your licence will be revoked. This means that you'll have to re-apply for a provisional licence, and re-take your theory test and driving test.

Below are a few questions I've been asked about this, and the answers:

- If I have points on my provisional licence, do they count after I pass my test?
Yes, they do. For example if you have 3 points on your provisional, and you pass your test, if you gain 3 more points, your licence will be revoked.
However if you have 6 or more points, you won't lose your licence as soon as you pass. However if you gain 1 more point in 2 years, your licence will be revoked.

- If I lose my licence because of the NDA, and I re-take my driving test, does the 2 years start over?
No, the NDA applies from your first driving test. This could also be when you passed your full motorcycle licence.

Rob Laird
RPL Driving School
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How long do points stay on my driving licence?

When getting insurance, any previous convictions could greatly change your insurance premium.

Most insurance companies insist on knowing any previous convictions in the last 5 years. In most cases, after 4 years the points can be taken off your driving licence. With more serious offences (causing death while being drunk, etc) the points stay on your licence for 11 years.

Looking at the general offences, the rule is that the points remain valid for 3 years, then can be removed after 1 more year

Under the 'totting up' rule if you acquire 12 or more valid points, you will lose your licence. The mandatory length of the driving ban will be 6 months, but in some cases may be less or more, depending on the circumstances, and the court's decision.

Rob Laird - ADI
RPL Driving School

New Car, 7 Days To Get Tax...??

If you buy a car untaxed, have you got 7 days in which to tax it??

This has been a rumour that I've heard several times, unfortunately sometimes from car dealers and salesmen.

If you buy a car, it must be taxed. There is no 7 day period for you to arrange it.

Rob Laird - ADI
RPL Driving School