Phil's Automatic School of Motoring

23/09/2026

Curious about what happens during a driving test? Here's what to expect on test day.

An eyesight check 👀
You'll read a number plate from 20 metres away or 20.5 metres if it's an old-style plate.

'Show me, tell me' vehicle safety questions 💭
You'll answer 2 questions about vehicle safety. The 'tell me' question comes before you start driving and the 'show me' question while you're on the move.

General driving ability ✅
You'll drive on a variety of roads, but not on motorways, including 20 to 35 minutes of independent driving, following either a sat nav, traffic signs, or both.

Reversing your vehicle 🚗
You'll be asked to do one of the following: parallel park, park in a bay, or pull up on the right and reverse 2 car lengths. Your examiner will let you know which one.

Knowing what's coming can make test day feel a lot less daunting.

Familiarise yourself with the test: https://ow.ly/p52350ZP1l7

23/09/2026

21/09/2026

Autumn's here and with it comes more rain. ☔

Before the next downpour catches you out, brush up on your wet weather driving skills.

Remember to:

✅ Keep well back from the vehicle in front.

✅ Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually if the steering becomes unresponsive.

✅ Watch out for any spilt diesel.

✅ Take extra care around pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders.

For more information, read rule 227 of The Highway Code: https://ow.ly/OpNw50ZOBJm

21/09/2026

📱Someone asks to borrow your phone for a “quick call”?

Think before handing it over.

Keep hold of your phone around people you don’t know and stay aware of your surroundings.

21/09/2026

North Wales Police are supporting the national Op Spotlight Young Drivers campaign, helping to promote safer driving through engagement, positive action and enforcement.

Over the next two weeks, the campaign aims to raise awareness among young and newly qualified drivers about the importance of safe and responsible driving, while encouraging positive choices that can help reduce the risk of serious collisions and save lives on our roads.

More info 🔻
https://www.northwales.police.uk/news/north-wales/news/news/2026/september/force-supports-op-spotlight-focusing-on-young-drivers/

21/09/2026

Set up your Driver and vehicles account on GOV.UK and you can choose to receive vehicle tax reminders by text or email.

Do it today – it only takes 5 minutes: www.gov.uk/dvla/account

21/09/2026

If you’re caught using a handheld phone while driving you’ll get 6 penalty points on your licence and a £200 fine.
Passed your test in the last two years? You’ll automatically lose your licence.
If you're a professional driver you could face fines of up to £2,500.

21/09/2026

👀 It’s National Eye Health Week! 👓🚗

🔎 Could you read a vehicle number plate from 20 metres away?

Good eyesight is essential for safe driving. If you need glasses or contact lenses to meet the required standard for driving, make sure you wear them every time you get behind the wheel.

Don’t take chances with your eyesight. Regular eye tests can help identify changes in your vision and ensure you’re safe to drive.

👓 Need glasses to drive? Wear them.
🚘 Check your eyesight.

More info here⬇️
https://optometrywales.org.uk/safe-driving-patient-leaflets/