Toyota recalls 'up to 1.8m' cars

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Toyota says it is recalling up to 1.8 million cars across Europe, including about 220,000 in the UK, following an accelerator problem.

The carmaker says it will recall eight models including the Yaris, the Corolla and the RAV4 sports utility vehicle.

On Thursday, Toyota announced it was recalling 1.1 million more cars in the US, a day after suspending sales of eight popular US models.

Toyota then widened the recall to Europe and China.

Last week it recalled 2.3 million US cars with faulty pedals.

Deep regret

In a statement, the company said the precise number of European vehicles involved was still under investigation, "but may reach up to 1.8 million vehicles."


We understand that the current situation is creating concerns and we deeply regret it

Tadashi Arashima, Toyota Motor Europe


'My Toyota crashed into wall'
The eight models recalled are the AYGO, iQ, Yaris, Auris, Corolla, Verso, Avensis and RAV4 and cover manufacturing dates going back to February 2005.

The recall does not affect Lexus models, Toyota said.

"We understand that the current situation is creating concerns and we deeply regret it," said Tadashi Arashima, the chief executive of Toyota Motor Europe.

Toyota said it was not aware of any accidents resulting from the issue and that only a limited number of incidents involving accelerator pedals had been reported in Europe.

On Thursday, Toyota said it was recalling 75,552 RAV4 vehicles in China from 28 February.

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The cars in question were manufactured between 19 March 2009 and 25 January 2010 in Tianjin, according to a notice on the website of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People's Republic of China.

Separately, Ford said it would be suspending production of a van made and sold in China that has an accelerator pedal made by the same firm at the centre of Toyota's investigations.

However, Ford said it had only been using the pedal in the Transit Classic model since December, with only 1,663 vehicles produced.

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Becoming an Approved Driving Instructor

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To become an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) you will first need to apply to join the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) Potential Driving Instructor (PDI) Register (the Register). You will then have to pass the three parts of the qualifying examination to become an ADI.
What an ADI does
Being an ADI involves more than teaching someone to drive a vehicle. You will be responsible for developing a high standard of driving behaviour among new drivers, many of whom are young and inexperienced.

As an ADI you will be expected to show a:

•high regard for all aspects of road safety
•high standard of driving and instructional ability
•professional approach to your customers
•responsible attitude to your pupils and profession
Deciding if a career as an ADI is for you
A career as an ADI is very demanding, but can also be very rewarding. The job requires patience and understanding, and the ability to get on with people. You will also need:

•a thorough knowledge of the theory and practice of driving
•an ability to teach
•the ability to provide a professional service to people from different backgrounds
•business sense
The nature of the ADI business means that you may have to work unsociable hours to fit in with your pupils’ needs. You must be able to teach the last lesson of the day as professionally as the first. You will be responsible for your own safety, and that of your pupils and other road users.

Registering as a potential driving instructor

You will be accepted onto the Register if you:

•hold a full UK, European Union or European Economic Area unrestricted car driving licence
•have held the car driving licence for at least four out of the previous six years prior to joining the Register after qualifying
•have not been disqualified from driving at any time in the four years prior to joining the Register
•are a ‘fit and proper’ person to have your name entered on the Register
All spent and unspent convictions, motoring and non-motoring will be taken into account when DSA assesses your suitability to be entered on the Register. This includes fixed penalties such as speeding.
Criminal record checks
You will need to have a criminal record check if you are:

•applying to become a PDI
•an existing ADI applying to extend your registration
•an existing ADI wanting to re-register
The DSA uses the Criminal Records Bureau for obtaining criminal record checks of people in England and Wales, and Disclosure Scotland for people in Scotland.
Qualifying tests and registration
The qualifying process consists of three tests:

•theory (part one)
•driving ability assessment (part two)
•test of instructional ability (part three)
You will have to pass all three parts of the qualifying examination to become an ADI. After passing part one, you have two years in which to complete and pass the remaining two parts.

You must apply for registration as an ADI within 12 months of passing the final part of the qualifying examination. The qualifying process is not easy. Failure to pass both practical exams within the two-year period, or not applying for ADI registration within 12 months of passing the final exam, will mean starting the process again from the beginning.

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Show me tell me questions for the Driving Test

Show Me Tell Me Questions

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At the start of your practical test the examiner will ask you one of each of the following:

- To explain how you would carry out certain safety checks
- To demonstrate how you would carry out certain safety checks.

You will need to open the bonnet of the vehicle for some of these checks.
You will be asked two questions from the following:

1. Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and
tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the
minimum / maximum markers.

2. Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level
and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.

Identify high / low markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap,
and describe how to top up to correct level.

3. Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how
you would check the windscreen washer level.

Identify reservoir and explain how to check level.

4. Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me
how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

Identify reservoir, check level against high / low markings.

5. Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car.

Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc,
or ask someone to help.

6. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off.
Vehicle should not pull to one side.

7. Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient
tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

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No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the
breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.

8. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre
pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked.

Manufacturers guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures
when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.

9. Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted
steering is working before starting a journey.

If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly.
Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure
on the steering wheel maintained while the engine is started, should result in
a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate.
Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an
immediate indication that the power assisted steering is functioning.

10. Show me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working.

Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), walk round vehicle.

11. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working.

Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators.

12. Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).

Check is carried out by using control (turn on ignition if necessary).

13. Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear.

Demonstrate by applying parking brake that when it is fully applied it secures itself,and is not at the end of the working travel.

14. "Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the washers and wipers".

Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn on ignition if necessary)

15. "Show me how you would switch from dipped headlight to main beam."

Explain how you would the main beam is on whilst inside your car.
Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary)
check for the main beam warning light.

16. "Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear both front
and rear windscreens effectively".

Set relevant controls which include: fan, temperature, air direction and source,plus heated screen control. (Do not start engine).

17. "Tell me how you would make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted to provide the best protection in the event of a crash".

The head restraint should be adjusted to that the rigid part of the restraint is at
least as high as the eyes or top of the ears. The restraint should be as close to the
back of the head as is comfortably possible. (Not all head restraints are adjustable).

18. "Show me how you would switch on the rear fog lights and explain when you would use them".

(Stay in the car), Operate switch, (turn on ignition if necessary and select dipped beam), Check fog warning light is on. Explain use.

19. "Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with the anti lock braking system".

The warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti lock braking system.

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Driving eyesight requirements

Before you start to learn to drive, make sure you are aware of the eyesight requirements. If you need glasses or corrective lenses to meet the requirements, it’s a legal requirement that you wear them every time you drive.

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Letting the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) know about eyesight conditions
When applying for your driving licence from the DVLA you should let them know if you have:

•any visual condition which affects both eyes (not including short or long sight or colour blindness)
•any visual condition which affects your sight (not including short or long sight or colour blindness) eg if you have sight in one eye only

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Eyesight requirements for the practical driving test
Before the practical driving test, your driving examiner will ask you to read the number plate on a stationary vehicle.

The distance requirement for the eyesight test using old style number plates is 20.5 metres or 20 metres if the new-style number plate is used. New-style number plates are easily identifiable starting with two letters eg AB 51 ABC.

If you can't speak English or have difficulty reading, you may copy down what you see.

You can’t read the first number plate
If you can't read the first number plate correctly, you'll be asked to read a second number plate, if you can't read this number plate correctly, you'll be allowed to walk forward until you're just over the appropriate distance away.

If you still can't read the number plate correctly, the examiner will ask you to read a third number plate and will measure the precise distance from this number plate. The distance will be 20.5 metres if you're asked to read an old-style number plate and 20 metres if you're asked to read a new-style number plate.
You can’t read the third number plate
If you can't read the third number plate correctly, and the examiner is satisfied that you don't meet the required eyesight standard, you'll fail the driving test, and the practical test will not continue.

This test failure will be marked on the driving test report form (DL25) with a mark in the 'Item 1' box. Your interpretation of the number plate along with the correct one will be written on the back of the form along with the measured distance.
Wearing glasses/corrective lenses to pass the eyesight test
If you can only read a number plate using glasses/corrective lenses for the eyesight test, the law requires you wear them whenever you are driving and throughout your test. You're not allowed to remove your glasses/corrective lenses when carrying out test manoeuvres (reversing etc).

If you used your glasses/corrective lenses to read the number plate and take off/out your glasses/corrective lenses during the practical test, your examiner will remind you the law requires you to wear them; if you refuse to wear them, the test will not continue.

If you have broken, forgotten or brought the wrong glasses, you should tell your examiner at the start of the test. If you don't tell the examiner and attempt and fail the eyesight test, your test will be recorded as a failure and the remainder of the test will not go ahead.
Failing the eyesight test
Should you fail the eyesight requirement; the examiner will ask you to sign a form DL.77 –which acknowledges you were unable to comply with the eyesight requirements. The examiner (using form DL.77 form) will notify the DVLA that you did not meet the eyesight requirements and your licence will be revoked.

To reapply for your licence, send to DVLA an ‘Application for a Driving Licence’ (D1), available from the DVLA form ordering service or Post Office® branches. You can also download and complete the medical questionnaire V1 and return it with your D1 form.

When your application arrives at DVLA they’ll ask the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) to conduct a separate eyesight test for you at a test centre. If you’re successful you’ll still have to pass the DSA standard eyesight test at your next practical driving test.

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Pass Plus

The Pass Plus scheme is made up of six course modules. All of the modules must be successfully completed to the required standard. Find out what you need to know to pass the six modules.

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Driving around a town
The first module has two parts. It begins with an introduction to Pass Plus, explaining the course aims and the skills and knowledge to be covered.

The second part is a practical session covering the different features of driving in a town, such as complex junctions and public transport.

You'll focus on:

•observation, judgement and awareness
•eye contact
•consideration for vulnerable road users
•showing caution
•keeping space around your car
All weather driving
This module will be covered as much as possible in a practical session. You’ll focus on correct speed, safe stopping distances, plus seeing and being seen in:

•rain
•sleet, snow and ice
•mist and fog
•bright sunshine
You’ll also look at skidding, and:

•what causes skids
•how to prevent skids
•correcting slow-speed skids
•braking on poor surfaces
•aquaplaning
Driving in the countryside
This module looks at the main differences between town and country driving:

•observing the road ahead
•making progress safely
•bends, hills, uneven roads and dead ground
•keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead
•safe overtaking
It focuses especially on being aware and showing consideration for:

•pedestrians, horse riders and animals in the road
•farm entrances
•slow moving vehicles
It also covers the correct use of a horn, coping with mud and debris on the road and how to use passing places.
Driving at night
This covers the important parts of driving at night, dawn and dusk. You'll learn about:

•the importance of using headlights correctly
•adjusting to the dark
•judging speed and distance
•the correct use of lights and keeping them clean
•dealing with dazzle
•hard-to-see road users
•parking issues
Driving on dual carriageways
Dual carriageways are high speed roads where the two carriageways are separated by a central reservation. You’ll need to have particular skills, including:

•effective observation, using your mirrors and checking blind spots
•judgement and planning ahead
•separation distances
•joining and leaving a dual carriageway
•overtaking and lane discipline
•the correct use of speed
Driving on motorways
This should be a practical session if possible. If there is no motorway nearby, it will be covered in a theory session.You should drive on a motorway as soon as you can afterwards so you can put the theory into practice.

The topics covered include:

•journey planning
•joining and leaving a motorway, and using slip roads
•safe speeds in different circumstances
•effective observation
•signs, signals and markings
•overtaking and lane discipline
•courtesy to other road users
•motorway fatigue
•breakdown procedures
•use of lights, including hazard warning lights
•debris on the carriageway
•crosswinds

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Learning To Drive

Learning To Drive:
Learning to drive can be very difficult. The first thing you need to do is select the right driving school or instructor for you. There are two types of driving instructor, those with pink licences and those with green licences. In the following article I will explain the difference between these two licences.

Trainee Instructors:
When a driving instructor displays a pink, triangular badge in the windscreen of his or her car it means that he is a Provisional Driving Instructor or PDI. When qualifying to become a driving instructor, three tests must be passed. A pink licence and badge is awarded to someone who has passed two out of the three tests. The two tests that the instructor has passed are the theory test and the ability to drive test, they are yet to complete the ability to instruct test. They are given the pink licence so that they are able to earn a living as an instructor whilst completing the third part of the course. The pink licence is valid for just six months; within this time they must develop their skills in order to pass the third test - ability to instruct. They are only able to take the ability to instruct test a total of three times. if they do not pass after their third attempt, they must start again from the beginning. Simply put, instructors who hold a pink licence and badge can be referred to as trainee instructors.

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Green Badge Instructors:
When you see a driving instructor displaying a octagonal shaped green colour badge that’s mean they are fully qualified instructor by Driving Standard Agency (DSA). In our field we call them ADI. All ADI need to go thorough a check test every two to four years to show DSA their quality of instruction. When ADI’s sit for their check test they go with one of their real pupil to the test centre and a senior examiner seat at the back to see how the instructor teaching their pupil. Check test last for an hour. At the end of the test examiner will issue the instructor a certificate with a grade on it. ADI’s could get grade 4, 5 or 6. Grade 4 mean: A competent overall performance with some minor deficiencies in instructional technique. Grade 5 mean: A good over all standard of instruction with some minor weakness in instructional technique. Grade 6 mean: Overall performance to a very high standard with no significant instructional weaknesses.

So when its come to learning to drive choose wisely because its not just passing the test its safe driving for life.

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