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# Diary Of An ADI

A Driving Instructor's Blog

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [DVSA Alert: Fake Highway Code Books Being Sold](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=36697) - This email came in from DVSA, warning of fake Highway Code books being sold. Apparently, there are unspecified errors in these which could lead the public to break the Law or even have accidents. How to spot a fake The easiest way to decide whether you have an official copy of The Highway Code or
- [Driving Test Backlog - A Warning](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=26484) - I only wrote this at the beginning of May 2021, but it's already worth an update as of late May 2021. As of 2023, it should be clear how right I was about what was going to happen. At the time when I first published it, a lot of instructors were complaining about the waiting
- [Annoying Adverts III](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=10787) - I’ve mentioned before the doomed advertising Heinz employed to market its Tomato Soup. I thought they’d listened - it hasn’t been on for months - but it seems I was wrong. Partly, at any rate. What Heinz failed to appreciate was that the fault lay with the advertising agency it was using. You see, when
- [Reolink Video Doorbell And Chime – Part II](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=42254) - I wrote about my issues with the Ring video doorbell in the first part of this series of articles, and my intention to switch to Reolink's new device. I placed my order with Reolink in the early hours of Monday 5 June. The package arrived on the morning of 7 June - though I was
- [Virgin Media Phishing Scam](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=19259) - An old post, but still very relevant. Be aware that there is a very convincing phishing scam doing the rounds at the moment. It takes the form of an email, which looks like this: It has the Virgin logo and everything, and if you click on the link at the bottom it takes you to
- [Points? What Points?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6885) - This is very old story, and all links are now dead and so removed. Another (yawn!) FOI request by the Daily Mail reveals that there are over 10,000 motorists in the UK who have more than 12 points on their licences, and yet have not been banned. Offences include drink-driving, speeding, and jumping red lights.
- [Taxi Drivers Banned for Illegal Parking](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=5838) - This is a very old story and all links in it are now dead and so removed. And DSA is now DVSA, of course. When I saw the headline, my first thought was "about time". But as soon as I started reading the story in This is South Devon I realised that it wasn't all
- [ITV: Secrets Of The Driving Test](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23937) - Old post warning. This is a new series on ITV, where cameras were allowed ‘unprecedented access’ to the driving test and test centres, and each week (if it sticks to the same format), follows three candidates with a bit of background information about them, and footage of their performance during their tests. You can still
- [Steering... The Right Way](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=2399) - This article was originally written in 2010. It was due an update. Some time ago, a magazine printed an article which implied that driving examiners had been failing people for crossing their hands when steering. It seems that this came about because the then latest update to DT1 (16/03/2010) - a DSA (DVSA) internal guidance
- [Planning Ahead For ADIs' Christmas Prezzies?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22390) - I noticed an FAQ on the Intelligent Instructor website just now, where an ADI was asking for advice on how to plan ahead for the winter and Christmas periods. The answer includes the following: Think of clever ways of increasing your short term income. … I know an instructor who made over £1000 on Christmas
- [Netherfield Road Works Now Running Over Schedule](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=18082) - Warning: this is an old article (though anyone reading it in 2023 would be forgiven for thinking it is current). Back in January signs went up on the Colwick Loop Road near the Victoria Retail Park. They were the standard “screw you” type much loved by Nottingham City/County Council, gleefully declaring that road works would
- [Which Test Centre is Easiest?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6139) - Note that this is an old article, and the test centres in Nottingham have changed. We now (in 2022, and since 2018) have Colwick, Chilwell, and Watnall. Chalfont Drive closed down several years ago. A reader asked this interesting question about test centres. It is also a common search term used to find the blog.
- [Just Google The Damned Thing!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21612) - It often amuses me the kinds of questions that get asked in Q&A columns in the media. Apart from the stupid ones along the lines of “does anyone else have a surname that rhymes with ‘spanner’, like mine does?” there are the ones that a child could answer simply by typing one sentence into Google
- [Chilwell High Street Speed Limit](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=18328) - Someone found the blog on that precise search term. The arseholes on Nottingham’s City Council have made it very difficult for the average driver with their overdue tram and the resulting speed limit changes. Within the city ward there is the council’s “blanket 20mph speed limit on urban roads”. Not all urban roads, you understand.
- [Reolink Video Doorbell And Chime - Part I](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=42054) - This series of articles comprises a review of the Reolink Smart 2K+ Wired PoE Video Doorbell with Chime. Back in 2020, I bought a Ring video doorbell and chime. The Ring is a wi-fi system, and it relies totally on Ring's own cloud network. You cannot connect to it directly. That wasn't too much of
- [Video Doorbell Project #1 - Overview](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=29825) - Update: I've had a rethink on this and won't be trying to build an entire system after all. After playing around with CCTV cameras I have realised they can do most of the work already. Update (2023): As a result of fairly frequent issues with the Ring not recording video, recording blank video, or dropping
- [Ring 3 Plus Doorbell And Chime Pro](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24764) - Update: As a result of fairly frequent issues with the Ring not recording video, recording blank video, or dropping off the network altogether (requiring troubleshooting and rebooting) - which has caused me to miss several callers and deliveries - the final straw came with Ring's discontinuation of the desktop app. I have switched to the
- [Personalised Number Plates](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=4468) - I noticed a thread on one of the forums about personalised number plates. Someone who is an ADI says he has bought a personalised plate and is asking if the examiner “would mind” if he made it - for example - A12BC D instead of A12 BCD. People who buy these things usually do what
- [Support The Cornish Fish Industry](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24673) - During the lockdown, some items were extremely difficult to get hold of - and still are, unless you’re prepared to go into shops and markets. My dad likes crab meat, and in the past I’ve always bought it for him at Makro, where they have very good fish and meat counters. But right now there
- [Man Has Pine Tree Growing in Lung](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=1036) - Saw this story in The Sun today. Apparently, this guy in Russia thought he had cancer and went into hospital for treatment. When they opened him up they found a small sapling growing in his lung. The specialist believes that he must have inhaled a pine seed and it had germinated. Fairly straightforward explanation, you'd
- [Saturday, Sunday… Monday?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=7993) - Kylie Innes, 23, passed her driving test on Christmas Eve (link long since dead). On Boxing Day (just), she was stopped by police who had seen her swerving across the A90, near Newtonhill in Scotland. She was 1½ times the drink drive limit. The usual kind of mitigating circumstances were given – argument with mother,
- [If a Little Knowledge is a Dangerous Thing...](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6343) - ...then no knowledge whatsoever must be lethal! This is Plymouth (link long since dead) reports on a press release concerning test centre pass rates. Basically, 152 out of 340 test centres have pass rates of 50% or more. No one seems to have bothered to calculate that this is 45% of test centres - so
- [The Correct Way to Steer](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6610) - I originally wrote this way back in 2008, but update it regularly. The topic keeps coming back because it is relevant to all learner drivers. At the time of the original, DVSA had just updated its Internal Guidance Document (DT1) to say: To ensure uniformity, when conducting car or vocational tests and ADI qualifying examinations,
- [Why Is Fuel Priced In Tenths Of A Penny In The UK?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21893) - Finding an absolutely definitive answer to this isn’t easy. In fact, I’ve found it impossible. However, by piecing various things together, it is possible to come up with a plausible explanation. It seems that it began in the 1930s, in America. At that time, fuel cost as little as 10 cents per gallon, and considering
- [RIP, Dad. And Mum.](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=42691) - It's been a bad morning. My dad passed away early today. I owe everything to him, and I hope I've been able to repay some of it over these last few years. RIP, dad. I love you, and always will. I hope there's something which means one day I'll meet up with you again. And
- [Network Attached Storage (NAS)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=27162) - During the lockdown I was watching films and TV shows I’d downloaded and ripped from DVD. I prefer to watch videos on my TV rather than my computer most of the time, and I use Plex as my preferred media server. Plex is great, but I was suffering from buffering problems when using it. A
- ['JSON' Is Undefined](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=4482) - Oh, wow. Someone found this in 2023! It is an old, old, OLD post and is no longer relevant. IE is no more, of course. And the Wordpress editors are nearly 15 years better! If any of you notice that you're getting an error when you visit webpages, don't blame it on the website in
- [People Who Rub You Up The Wrong Way](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=7423) - Or subtitled: DO NOT USE FOLIOPRESS WYSIWYG PLUG-IN AS YOUR WORDPRESS TEXT EDITOR. EVER. For any non-UK readers, when you “rub someone up the wrong way” what you are doing is going against the grain, aggravating them, creating unnecessary conflict, and so on. I think the phrase is derived from the old advice about rubbing
- [DVSA Gipsy Lane Leicester Test Centre Moving](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=16355) - An email alert from DVSA advises that next year - no dates given yet, though somewhere between January and March is mooted - Leicester’s Gipsy Lane test centre will close and tests will relocate to the ex-VOSA building on Cannock Street. Driving tests should be booked as normal in the meantime. The new location (or
- [Windows 10 and Disk Imaging Software](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=17959) - I originally wrote this in 2015 and updated it in mid-2016. It has been popular again recently as a result of the Wannacry and Petya/NotPetya outbreaks. I upgraded to Windows 10 [2014], and I haven't regretted it for a moment. The only drawback to Microsoft’s “free upgrade” at that time was that you didn’t get an
- [Can ADIs Countersign Passport Applications?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22591) - I wrote this in 2019 and updated it in March 2022 (after a reader sent me a link to a Home Office internal document or SOP). I've just added a late 2022 update. When I first published this in 2019, ADIs were not on the list of accepted professions for signing passport applications. I contacted
- [Kangaroo in Privacy Battle](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=16743) - A kangaroo took exception to being filmed by a drone copter and took matters into its own... paws. -- Video no longer available --
- [Sky Dish And Snow](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=16816) - Well, that’s a first! I was watching TV through my Sky box when all of a sudden it said no signal was being received. I rebooted, and still the same. Then it occurred to me... SNOW! I’ve had Sky since the old analogue days and never in all that time (it must be more than
- [BirdCam Live Page](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=28519) - Camera reboots twice daily, at 00:00 and 12:00 GMT - 60 seconds duration. Note that I said GMT - most readers are from the UK, so that means plus 1 hour in the Summer. Apologies for any corrupted feeds - I'm trying to get to the bottom of it when it happens. It looks like
- [Dashcams and MicroSD Cards](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22900) - I first published this in 2019, but recently noticed people having dashcam issues which are likely connected with this topic. The original article follows. A bit of advice to anyone using a dashcam. I see a lot of people complaining that theirs is playing up, and other advice to regularly reformat the card - which
- [Nextbase Dashcams - 612GW](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23558) - I’ve had a Nextbase 612GW for over a year now (that’s the Amazon link there). It records in 4k – meaning that you can see number plates and other details much further away and much more clearly than on other dashcams. I’m actually on my second unit. Within a year, my first one stopped turning
- [Using The Clutch At Junctions](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=8524) - Someone found the blog on the search term “how to stop a car at a junction using clutch and brakes”. If you’re on an upward incline, and assuming that you can already find the bite quickly and gently, the best way to do this is to slow the car enough that it won’t coast as
- [Superheroine..? Or Just a Stupid Idiot?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=7167) - A reader sent me this link to a story which beggars belief. I suppose the fact that it's a lovey-dovey, brains-turned-to-mush mummies website has a lot to do with it. Emma French, 20, from Bathgate in Scotland, had her driving test booked. She's been waiting for it "since August". The article spouts: ...[she] had four
- [Should You Set Gas Before Finding The Bite?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=3417) - The blog gets hundreds of hits from people who have been taught to drive in a diesel, but who then find that they keep stalling now that they have bought a petrol car. When I pick up a new pupil I can often tell straight away if they have previously been taught in a diesel
- [Nottingham's 20mph Speed Limits](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=17107) - I’ve mentioned before that Nottingham City Council (NCC) seems to be out to ruin this city. Nottingham is filthy. There is litter everywhere, the roads are full of potholes, and white lines are barely visible on most of them. Designs for new office buildings only seem to be acceptable if they’re submitted in wax crayon
- [Talking ‘Bout The Car Wash](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=7675) - This is an old post. In 2023 it costs £15-£20 for a simple car wash and vac. I took my car to one of those hand car washes today, and it struck me how much money they must be making when you add it all up. I mean, at around £4 for a simple wash
- [Now Clap For This!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24379) - Donna Smith came to the UK from Jamaica over five years ago. She met her husband – also originally from Jamaica, I believe – while he was on holiday there. She came to the UK a year after marrying Ralston Fustiye. Her two children also came with her. Ralston was a British citizen, and had
- [Driving Instructor Banking](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23737) - Someone found the blog on the term ‘what bank should I use as an instructor’? The answer is simple: It doesn’t matter who you bank with. All you need to be able to do is pay money in and get it out when you need it. As a sole trader, you really don’t need a
- [Bloody Virgin Media](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=41297) - I've been with Virgin Media since they took over NTL in 2010, and to be fair I haven't had many problems with them - and certainly not ones you could turn against them for. I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of times I've needed to call them. I've had hubs
- [New Theory Test CGI Clips](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22625) - An email alert from DVSA advises that they are introducing 23 new CGI clips to the Theory Test, which feature adverse weather and lighting conditions. These are effective immediately for car tests, and will be introduced for the other tests at a later date. I would assume that the various apps will also include test
- [The Pretty Reckless @ Rock City 2014](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=16642) - I’m a bit late mentioning this, but I went to see The Pretty Reckless at Rock City a few weeks ago (17 November, to be precise). I saw them a few years ago at the Leeds O2, where they were supporting Evanescence. I’d had them on my tour alerts and snapped up tickets as soon
- [THIS Is The Problem - Part III](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24659) - There’s a news article in The Telegraph about pubs asking for a 20 minute ‘drinking up time’ following the newly introduced 10pm curfew. A quote in it from a supposed ‘industry expert’ made me shake my head in disbelief. Kate Nicholls, CEO of industry group UK Hospitality, told The Telegraph: “A staggered closing time would
- [Driving Tests In Bromsgrove](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=12528) - This story from the Bromsgrove Standard says that driving tests will be available from Halfords in Bromsgrove from 19 June 2013. Tests will be conducted on Wednesdays and Fridays - the first time the town has had tests there in over 17 years. I have my own reservations about this decentralisation thing. For a start,
- [Neil Peart Dies At 67](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23647) - This is a sad, sad day. It is reported that Neil Peart, drummer with Rush, has died from brain cancer at the age of 67. I was still hoping beyond hope that I'd get to see them one more time, but sadly that is no longer to be. RIP Neil. And thanks for a lifetime
- [Horslips Gig: January 2011](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=4409) - Holy cow! I popped over to the Horslips site and discovered they are playing a gig January 18th. It's at the Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow. I've got my ticket ordered. This will be the first time I have seen them in 33 years - they were the first band I saw live when I was still
- [Mogal-E-Azam Boarded Up](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=41382) - This is bad news (but note the updates at the end of the story). Whenever I go to a gig at Rock City, it is automatically followed by a curry at the Mogal. It's been that way for the last 30 or more years. But it appears that the Mogal has gone into liquidation and
- [Driving Tests and Lessons In Snow](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=1683) - Originally posted in 2009. Updated annually, so here’s the 2023 version. It’s the start of March and wintry showers have started (heavier snow in some places). The papers are full of dire warnings about the coldest winter since 10,000 BC (the last Ice Age). Same as every year. The original article follows. Further to a
- [Stop-Start Drivers a Nuisance](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=5439) - This is an old article. This story in Autoblog raises an interesting issue (link now dead). It says that there is a group of drivers between the ages of 17 and 29 who have passed their tests, but rarely drive. As a result, when they DO drive they are a danger to themselves and everyone
- [Spyda Diary Software](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=2672) - This is a very old post. I keep getting hits for this - I mentioned it in a post earlier this year. It is one of the things Red Driving School had listed under its assets when it was put up for sale. Here is the outline from the Trademark application LVG made in the
- [How to Bay Park](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=7328) - The original version of this dates back to 2011, and there are updates here, and here. This July 2018 edit reflects the new driving test, which came into force in December 2017. The new test has done away with the Turn In The Road (aka “three-point turn”) and Reversing Into A Corner. These have been
- [YouTube Bans Breastfeeding Videos](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=610) - And as you can imagine, there is a huge, angry outcry from breastfeeding mothers - even though it's worth bearing in mind that Facebook and MySpace have already banned such images. I think we need to clarify a couple of things here... the only people who want breastfeeding forced on the general public are: Sad women
- [Police and Dashcam Footage](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=32852) - Well, at long last Nottinghamshire Police have begun to accept online submissions. If you have an example of bad driving and you caught it on dashcam, you can submit it here. Use the link for the Online Form (I stress that this is for Nottinghamshire - your own force will have its own system for
- [Fake Britain: Franchises](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=10284) - Someone at the test centre was telling me about an episode of Fake Britain, which looked at franchises for companies like McDonalds. I didn’t see it myself, and I can’t find it on BBC iPlayer, so I can only take her word for what was said. She said that they should have included driving school
- [Advanced Stop Lines](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=9093) - Otherwise known as “cyclist forward areas”… I saw an interesting argument raging not long ago about whether you can stop in these or not. It involved some strange and novel interpretations of the Highway Code. 178 Advanced stop lines. Some signal-controlled junctions have advanced stop lines to allow cycles to be positioned ahead of other
- [Canadian Roundabouts](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=5354) - The Calgary Herald says that City officials are considering building roundabouts as a solution to problems at 4-way stops and traffic lights. Well, I suppose they've got to move into the 20th Century at some point - let's hope they make it quickly into the 21st, where the rest of us are! I do find
- [Michael Jackson Summer Tour Already Off The Rails?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=1150) - This is obviously a very, very, VERY old article if you're reading it in 2023. Back in March - just after Michael Jackson announced his marathon Summer tour - I commented that I couldn't really see someone as fragile as him managing to complete such a punishing schedule. I mean: 50 years old, 50 dates,
- [Is Jack Powell The Luckiest Man On Earth?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15918) - This story beggars belief. Jack Powell was 18, and had passed his test a mere two weeks earlier. He was busy following the script those of his kind live their lives by, and “lost control” of his Renault Clio on a bend. Just as an aside, there is a massive statistical blip in the accident
- [Man Has Pine Tree Growing In Lung (Update)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=3337) - Well, as I've mentioned before, the story about the Russian who supposedly has a pine tree growing in his lung I posted in April last year has been by far the most popular on this blog. Today, though, I started getting a lot of hits again. I think this new news story is why. This one is
- [DSA Advice: Towing And Loading](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=12308) - This is an old post. DSA is now DVSA. An email alert from the DSA about loading and towing: Vehicle towing and loading. As a driver you MUST NOT tow more than your licence permits. If you passed a car test after 1 Jan 1997 you are restricted on the weight of trailer you can
- [Is Gibraltar A British Colony?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22908) - Or, “How to get deliberately angry over something trivial”. Brexit is the gift that just keeps on giving. Unfortunately, these gifts are invariably parcels of dog crap. The latest episode involves the EU’s reference to Gibraltar as a British “colony” in one of the latest documents. The flag-waving tosspots who hold court in this country
- [Nottingham City Council - Devious, Or What?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=14780) - I mentioned not long ago how Nottingham City Council has been sending out leaflets supposedly “canvassing” opinion on its plans to introduce blanket 20mph speed limits on all but the largest of roads. When challenged, their only defence is to say that other councils are doing it, and to glibly – but very selectively –
- [Crackdown on Uninsured Driving Commences](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6242) - This is a very, very old article from 2011. DSA is now DVSA. An email alert from the DSA: Crackdown on uninsured driving gets underway New laws to tackle uninsured driving will be enforced from today. Under the new Continuous Insurance Enforcement law it's an offence to be the keeper of an uninsured vehicle, rather
- [Free Driving School. Is It Really A Viable Business Model?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=13492) - UPDATED When I first saw this I thought it was from America, then I thought is was April Fools’ Day – but it really is genuine. The story reports that a company has launched a “free driving school”. It goes without saying that if there really were schools offering genuinely free driving courses and running
- [Mazuma Mobile II](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=8105) - Another absolutely perfect transaction using Mazuma Mobile! I first used them when I upgraded my phone to the HTC Desire back in 2010. I’ve just upgraded to the HTC Sensation XE, and upon checking I saw my old Desire was worth £73… here’s the timeline of events: I “sold” it online Thursday 9th I got
- [Ford Ecoboost Engine Recalls](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22434) - You may have heard about a problem with Ford’s Ecoboost petrol engines, where cars are apparently overheating, failing, and sometimes even catching fire. The situation is a little confusing, as it appears to be due to more than one problem. For the 1.0 litre engine, the issue is simply overheating, and only Focuses produced between
- [Still Driving at 100!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6564) - Anyone who reads this blog regularly will know that I don't have a lot of time for older drivers who are clearly a risk, and yet keep on driving (or complain if they are banned because of poor eyesight or other problems, as if they have some special right to drive). When I first saw
- [Why Is There So Much Oil In Curry?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=10378) - I get quite a few hits on this exact search term. I’ve said in my own recipes that you can’t make a decent curry (or Chinese, for that matter) without oil and salt - so if you’re looking for a low-calorie, low-sodium meal without either of those you’re going to have to get used to it
- [Suitable Cars For Driving Tests](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=11232) - Someone recently asked which cars are suitable for use on the driving test - specifically, is there an approved list of acceptable cars? The DVSA website on GOV.UK gives the best answer. Basically, there isn’t a list of cars you can use, but there are several named ones which you can’t. Those deemed unsuitable are
- [Nice One, Eric!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24320) - Couldn’t have put it better myself. Eric Idle has criticised the official Monty Python Twitter feed for tweeting “It’s time to dust off your finest attire now that pubs & restaurants are open from tomorrow.” Idle’s response was: Do not listen. This is shit advice. I have nothing to do with this. In the wise
- [Hot Weather Prat - MM05 CLY](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22121) - On a lesson with a pupil tonight, we we’d just driven on to Pennyfoot Street and I noticed in my mirror that there was a prat trying to overtake us actually on the junction before we’d even passed the pedestrian island. I turned round to look at him and he waved his arms around as
- [Profiteering Scumbags](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23894) - I’ve mentioned recently how hard it is to buy certain things because of panic buyers. In many cases, these people aren’t buying for themselves – they’re doing it to try and make a quick buck on eBay or on street corners. Take hand sanitizer. The usual price of a bottle is around £5, give or
- [JML Turbo Brush](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=14697) - Some time ago I wrote about the JML PediPaws nail trimmer for cats and dogs. At the time, it must have rated as the stupidest product ever – though plenty of Westie owners were clearly enthralled enough to buy it in spite of the obvious drawbacks, judging from the Amazon user reviews. More recently, there
- [Potholes](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=2376) - I saw this story on the BBC News website yesterday. At first, the date made me think 'yeah, right' - but the BBC has used some examples which would put the whole story in very poor taste if it turned out to be an April 1st prank. Some old bloke in Ashford, Kent (Ted Relf) has
- [Rush @ Sheffield Motorpoint Arena, 2013](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=12818) - NOTE: The write up for the Birmingham gig is here. NOTE: Gary in Leeds - I would love to send you photos for your son, but please send a valid email address. The last one keeps returning my replies. Well, that was a turn up for the books! The Sheffield leg of the Time Machine
- [Test Pass: 11/2/2013](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=11609) - Well done to Lynne, who passed first time today with 6 driver faults. This one was particularly satisfying, as she is in her 50s and needs to learn to drive because her husband is likely to have to give up driving soon due to the progression of Alzheimer’s. She will need to become the family
- [Comb Binders](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=4558) - Here's a handy tip! If you use one of those spiral binding machines (also called comb binders), make sure the plastic base is firmly attached before you pick it up. Especially if you have just punched around 250 sheets of paper. This is because 10,000 little squares of paper (about 2mm x 4mm) make a
- [Sexist Litter Campaign](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=18471) - I’m a couple of months behind on this one, but various councils in Essex have embraced a litter campaign which features these two posters. The feminists have gone ballistic over it. I became aware of it when I updated that Ched Evans story and had a look at the Jean Hatchet blog to see if
- [Great Danes Abandoned](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=1155) - This is a very old article. Just saw on the local news that a local charity is saying the number of Great Danes (that's a breed of dog, by the way) being abandoned is on the increase. The dumbed-down BBC presenter chirped: Join us later to find out why this might be. I'll be out.
- [Independent Driving Maps](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=7494) - This is a very old article, and they no longer use maps - it was the precursor to using a satnav. I get a large amount of traffic based around the above search term. It’s so long since the introduction of the Independent Driving (ID) section of the test - more than a year ago
- [There Is No “Legal” Number Of Pints: I](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=16092) - An interesting story from Cumbria. Rory George Amos had only drunk “a couple of pints”, but he registered 53mg of alcohol in a breath test, against the legal limit of 35mg. He was drink-driving, it’s as simple as that. But comments from the defence lawyer, John Cooper, are worth mentioning: “It still seems to be
- [Damned Chavs Who Think They Know It All](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22335) - I was on a lesson with a pupil recently, and we were driving from Chilwell through Long Eaton. It was busy, and traffic was queuing in both lanes for both of the roundabouts in the town centre. My usual mantra to pupils is “stay in the left hand lane unless you know what you are
- [5Day Intensive Driving Course](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=19134) - Note the age of this article. Prices were correct at the time (5Day are still going, but as of 2022 the fees are almost double what they were in 2016). I saw someone refer to this on a forum and looked the company up. I must stress that the following comments are my own opinion.
- [Epileptic Causes Fatal Crash](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6280) - A nasty story in the BBC News. Giles Furnival is an epileptic who had not informed the DVLA of his illness. He was suffering several fits a month, yet somehow decided that suddenly being inside a car which didn't have a driver (when a fit came) and was going at anything up to 70mph (legally) wasn't
- [Road Signs: There To Be Ignored](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=173) - First thing this morning I was on my way to my first lesson of the day when I had to suddenly brake. Two old dears in a silver car (FL53 YNO) had decided the No Right Turn sign (opposite) - on a bend with solid 'no overtaking' lines both sides - didn't apply to them, and
- [Banned Driver Caught 14 Times, But He’s “A Nice Boy” Really!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=13055) - Damien Stansfield, 30, has been sent to prison after being caught driving whilst banned for the 14th time. His previous ban was only 18 months ago and was for 38 months, but Stansfield didn’t think it was necessary to wait out the whole ban. His defence lawyer seems to be new to this game. Either
- [Woman Drives Wrong Way On A11](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=14917) - This story contains a video taken at the weekend, and it shows a woman driving the wrong way on the A11 near Cambridge. Since it’s on YouTube, I’ve embedded it here. I’m sure that there will be more about it shortly, but the story simply says that the police took her home, and seized her
- [DVSA Corrects Media (And ADIs)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23344) - A few days ago, the media was awash with reports about how the driving test pass rate had plummeted, and it was all because of the “new parallel parking manoeuvre” that had been introduced. It was a great opportunity for ADIs who have been against “it” from the start to give their two penn’orth. Although
- [Cashew Nuts and Poop Colour](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21282) - Since I wrote this half way through 2017, it has been viewed 40,000 times! For the last year, it has been the top post. Obviously, a lot of people like Cashew nuts! Before I start, let me state clearly that I am not a doctor, and this is not a medical assessment of any kind.
- [Global Warming: Is It Bollocks?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=1924) - A while ago, I wrote about the Polar Bears Fallacy (and a new book which was due to be published). The book was called Global Warming And Other Bollocks , and as it happens is wasn't a bad read. It brought into question a lot of the things we take for granted when we are
- [Parking - How Far From The Kerb?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22395) - Someone found the blog today with the search term “how far from the kerb can you park?” I’m not sure what the context was for the question, but this is what I tell my own pupils. To be completely legal, you should park within 19” (48cm) of the kerb - I round this up to
- [Wonder Woman in Hirsuteness Row](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21072) - There’s a new superhero film on its way, this time a remake of Wonder Woman. That second word pretty much guarantees that everyone involved with the film is going to be strung up by the feminist community, no matter how feminine, masculine, or neutral the main character ends up as being portrayed. In fact, it
- [Reference Points](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=8148) - I wrote this back in 2012, but someone contacted me about it so I’ve updated it. At the time I wrote the original article, a debate was raging on one of the forums concerning reference points – using parts of the car to reference your position in relation to other objects, like the kerb. Some
- [Quality Private Practice Counts](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6532) - This thought has occurred to me on and off for quite a while now. I often mention it to pupils when they say they've been out driving with their mum or dad, or whoever. But one pupil in particular has hammered it into my brain recently. Her husband is called... well, let's call him Ray.
- [Digital Virtual PC Oscilloscope](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21970) - Many moons ago, I got hold of an oscilloscope from an army surplus depot. It was a pretty decent machine - a Tektronix - albeit very basic and dated. I haven’t used it in donkey’s years, and although it is still in the garage, I wouldn’t dare turn it on now. It was one of
- [Confusion Over Tom Petty's Death](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21591) - If it’s true, it is yet another sad loss to music. Reports say that Tom Petty suffered a major cardiac arrest on Sunday and was left brain dead. As a result, life support has been removed. However, in spite of reports stating that he was dead, at the time of writing (23.30 on 2 October
- [Gorilla Shot Dead. Parents Left Unharmed](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=19464) - I saw this on the news this morning. Zoo keepers – sorry, “officials” – shot dead a gorilla in a zoo in Cincinnati, after a four-year-old boy climbed through a barrier and fell into a moat. The gorilla made no threatening moves towards the boy, and was shot as a precaution (hey, this is America,
- [Shoot All Crocs!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=19474) - Following on from that story about the Americans shooting a gorilla as a precautionary measure in their attempts to deal with crass stupidity on the part of their citizens, at least the Aussies are more sanguine about such episodes. Oh, I know they were looking down their noses at us over that bloody Boaty McBoatface
- [Dangerous Driver - BN05 OLH - Honda Civic](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22198) - Another lesson, this time in Wollaton. School run time. My pupil was following the sat nav, and we were turning right. We’d just passed a light-controlled junction with all the mummies backed up and I’d told the pupil to carry on to next junction away from the road the school is on. As we approached
- [Village With Eight Speed Limits, Councils With Eight Brain Cells](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=12955) - Most people who live in Nottinghamshire know that the Nottingham City and County Councils currently hold the top two positions in the League Of Biggest ******** (fill in the blanks, and feel free to add or remove a couple to make your favoured word fit) On The Entire Planet. Two years ago, one (or possibly
- [Shopping Should Be Easy](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=943) - This is a very old article. Maplin is no more. I detest queuing or being messed around... Start here -> Irritation Level: 0 Yesterday, I nipped into a huge Wyevale Garden Centre down in Hampshire. I grabbed a trolley and piled on to it four sacks of compost from the pallets lined up outside. I
- [Classic Lessons In A Moggy](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=3878) - Another reader-supplied link to another Autoblog story. An ADI in Taunton is giving lessons in a Morris Minor - or Moggy. The only part I disagree with in the story is that they say the car is "30 years old". It is an "H" reg - and that was issued in 1969/70. So the car
- [Despatch: January 2012](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=8081) - This is an OLD, OLD article. All external links are dead. The latest edition of Despatch is now available – you can view it as a PDF file here. You have to work over half way through it this month to find anything of any real interest (unless you’re so out of touch that the
- [Test Pass:19/7/2013](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=13337) - Well done to Oscar, who passed today first time with just 4 driver faults. It was a bloody early start, though, to get to an 8 o’clock test. My diary has gone nuts over the last few weeks. The first half of this year has been a bit quiet, but I’m doing anything up to
- [There's No Pleasing Some People](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23906) - Originally published 27 March 2020. It’s no secret, but I am not a fan of this government in normal times. None of that will have changed. However, they have announced a help package for self-employed people that will apply to the majority of driving instructors. From what I understand at the moment, your average income
- [Virtual Let-off for Drunk Driver on A66](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6273) - A very old post. I said a couple of posts ago that we could do with people like the Irish Judge who refused to overturn a test fail decision. Then, I came across this story in The Northern Echo. Sandra Summers, 47, missed her slip road on the A66 in Teesdale, was driving on grass,
- [Learning to Drive by Cutting Corners?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6158) - This is a very old article. DSA is now DVSA. Here's an interesting article from Tiger.co.uk (site no longer exists), reviewing the cost of getting on the road for new drivers. It points out the following: The Driving Standards Agency suggest that it is very unlikely that anyone except an approved driving instructor will have
- [Theory, Schmeery!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=8788) - I was listening to a discussion in the test centre waiting room last week about the merits - or otherwise - of the Driving Theory Test (introduced in the mid-90s) over the previous method of testing driving knowledge. For anyone who doesn’t know, in the “olden days” when you took your driving test, the examiner
- [Praise For Praise's Sake](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=1993) - Another interesting story - this one is about the modern culture of praising and rewarding children for things like being able to pee in the toilet without missing as if they'd just invented an unlimited energy machine or something. I couldn't agree more. The article says: Growing numbers of experts believe families lavishing compliments on
- [The Lights Are On, But No One Is Home: II](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22935) - You’ve got to laugh. A PDI (trainee instructor) asks for advice on whether it’s best to go it alone in his Part 3 training, or use a franchise to go on a pink licence. He gets a reply that franchises are a waste of money and he should go it alone using Facebook. Except that
- [HERMES Report "Welcomed"](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=2330) - This is an old article from 2010. DSA is now DVSA. I got this in an email alert on Tuesday: Chief driving examiner welcomes the publication of scientific study Chief driving examiner and director for safer driving Trevor Wedge has welcomed the publication of a new scientific tudy into how driving instructors can develop their
- [An Earthquake Felt in Nottingham](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=32718) - I was on my computer this afternoon and was leaning on my heavy wooden desk with my elbow. At sometime around 3.30pm-ish I noticed a distinct vibration sensation, which lasted for maybe 5-8 seconds. Having experienced earth tremors before, the thought fleetingly crossed my mind that this might have been one. Then another fleeting thought
- [Women Spend More on Driving Lessons](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=7120) - This is an old post. A very confusing news release from the Press Association says that women take more lessons to pass their tests than men [link dead]. In itself, that is no big deal, but the article goes on to say that women take "an average of 22 driving lessons compared with a figure
- [PDI System to Change?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6541) - OLD ARTICLE - possibly out of date now. This article was originally written in July 2011. However, there has been a run of hits on it recently, so I’ve updated it (2014). It's getting another run of hits (2020). It's quite amusing looking back, because ten years after the original article, nothing has actually changed!
- [Colgate Max White Toothpaste](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=18095) - I just saw an advert for Colgate Max White toothpaste. It was filled with catwalk models with teeth so white you needed sunglasses. The fun part – if you don’t include how it was shot in pseudo-black & white to emphasise the whiteness - was in the small print at the end which says it
- [Driving Examiners Are A*holes?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=4233) - I originally wrote this way back in 2010, and it was only a simple couple of paragraphs thrown out following a search term used to find the blog. Since then, I get periodic hits on the same search term: driving examiners are arseholes. I had another today. Assuming that it's a candidate who is searching,
- [Sandwich Shops](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=9087) - About 10 years ago, sandwich shops started multiplying like… a lot of multiplying things! They were everywhere, taking over any empty retail outlet that came on the market. Many of these places are real fly-by-night affairs. They’ll be there one day, and gone the next. The problem is similar to that which affects many would-be
- [The A537 Cat And Fiddle Road](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15332) - I thought I was missing something when I saw this. Until the last few seconds of the clip, that is – when reality struck back. In summary, Jack Sanderson was nearly killed when his bike almost collided with a car on the notorious Cat & Fiddle Road in Cheshire. Instead, Sanderson rolled down a hill
- [A Reader Writes… Bill Plant Saga](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=11460) - I received an email via the Contact Form a little earlier. It reads: I’d like to bring to your attention some comments about this photo. I find it shocking so called professionals can make fun of this and suggest it is right or deserving of the driver or learner… …As a Bill Plant instructor I
- [Audi And Vauxhall Vectra Drivers Exposed](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=11745) - Very old post. But still completely relevant - if not more so. A reader sent me this link to an article in the Daily Mail. It identifies Audi drivers as the worst in the country at parking (it forgot to include “at driving” too, but I guess that there’s no point stating the obvious). Anyone
- [What Car? Franchise](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=2120) - VERY old post. I've mentioned the BSM and AA franchises in recent posts, but a new player on the field is What Car? They launched their driving school a couple of months ago. [link long since dead] For £179 a week, they offer a franchise which includes the car and a full support package. At
- [Woman Banned for 40 Miles Bad Driving](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=5788) - After that story about the Chinese authorities cracking down and bad driving, right on cue comes a story from the UK to illustrate why we ought to be taking the problem a little more seriously as well. Kelly Spencer was banned from driving as a result of a 40 mile journey at around 1.50pm in
- [The New Test and Satnavs](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21775) - This article was first published in January 2018, then updated in November of the same year. However, I noticed someone asking on a forum recently what model of TomTom was used. He was given a lot of inaccurate and misleading information. It was announced mid-2017 - sometime before the 4 December start date - that
- [Bloody Virgin Media - II](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=42527) - I wrote just over a month ago about how Virgin Media had had a major outage, and it dragged on for days. I thought we were up-and-running again. Then, around midnight on Sunday, Outlook told me it couldn't connect to the email server. It was still doing it when I got up Monday. And to
- [Avoiding A Ban By Deed Poll](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=14949) - Old post! Another candidate for the 2014 Darwin Awards, I think. Ronald Murray, 34, was banned from driving for two years back in 2011 for dangerous driving. Then, in 2012, he changed his name to Paul Murray and took and passed a driving test. He was stopped by police some time later – whatever it
- [Indicating And Overtaking (Obstructions)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=9154) - I was out on a lesson with a pupil recently and she was driving me mad, indicating for every parked car and stopped bus, all without looking in her mirrors. After we discussed it, it came out that she had been looking at "instructional" videos on the internet and these had told her to indicate
- [Can You Park Next To A Chicane?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=3302) - Someone just found the blog with the query "is it legal to park next to a chicane". Simple answer: it depends on the road markings. Look at this chicane in Nottingham. It has "give priority to oncoming traffic" signs both sides - because it is on a bend. Looking at it from this side, you
- [Idiocy Is An Epidemic](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20912) - That could be a song title by an experimental, post-punk, alternative rock/dance band. Instead, it readily describes a woman from Birmingham who has gotten herself into debt over a trivial matter. Don’t let the title of the Birmingham Mail story fool you (link removed, article no longer exists). This is no miscarriage of justice or
- [Bill Plant Struggling Again?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23141) - I can’t find any specific information to back this up, but a little bird told me that Bill Plant was in financial difficulties again earlier this year. And they have apparently switched from BMWs to Volkswagens. The exact words used that Bill Plant went bust again earlier this year. Regular readers might recall that I
- [Silver Birch Dropping Leaves Early](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=16263) - Silver Birch Dropping Leaves Early Diary Of An ADI
- [Lane Choice and Lane Discipline](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=5717) - I originally wrote about this back in 2011 as a result of people asking which lane they should choose at traffic lights and how they should merge back in later on. But there is a lot more to the topic than just traffic lights - it applies to junctions, roundabouts, and normal driving. Not choosing
- [Colwick Roundabout And Lane Discipline](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23016) - One of the most common reasons pupils fail their tests is by not maintaining lane discipline on roundabouts. I’ve noticed over the years that - from time to time - you get instructors who have read a few pages out of Roadcraft, and who have subsequently decided they’re going to teach their pupils to drive
- [Technology Breakdown. Thanks, Brexit!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21334) - The only people likely to not realise the significance of technology in the world today – other than a few isolated tribes in the Amazonian rain forests – are Brexiters. Even if they’re technically capable of understanding, they won’t, because they’re blinded by their obsession to leave the EU no matter what the ultimate cost.
- [Adaptive Cruise Control And Phantom Traffic Jams](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22312) - It’s funny, but ever since I became a driving instructor I have often explained to my pupils about the “caterpillar effect” on motorways. This is where you will be travelling along at a steady 60 or 70mph, suddenly to be faced with a wall of traffic at a complete standstill. You’ll be wondering what has
- [So Who Is The "Good Guy" Really?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=14759) - This story from the newsfeeds tells how Julian Evans (a cyclist) was knocked off his bike and killed by Deborah Lumley-Holmes (a motorist). Before I continue, let me make it quite clear that as far as I’m concerned, Lumley-Holmes should be in prison for what she did (she got a six-month suspended sentence and was
- [War of Words](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20797) - I was watching a “developing hazard” on a web forum, and was strongly reminded of this very, very appropriate Dilbert cartoon. People like this really do exist, which means that there are some issues where men are f***ed no matter what they say, do, or think.
- [How An ADI Describes The Clutch](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=947) - Originally posted in 2009, updated periodically. I noticed the search term 'adi clutch explained' used to find the blog. In my lesson plans I have various drawings I can use to explain parts of the car and driving. This is the one I use when I'm explaining the clutch on the Controls lesson. Basically, in
- [Using The Clutch And Brake](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=2987) - Another update to an older post, which has seen an increased number of hits recently. A while ago, I suddenly started getting hits from someone (the same person) searching using "will you fail if you use clutch brake". I'm not quite sure what they were asking, so here's a summary of how to control the
- [How Much Do YOU Charge Per Hour?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=26268) - A new game appeared across social media over the last year. It’s called ‘why don’t you put your prices up to £40 like me?’ Apparently, it is played every two weeks, and each round has to assume it has never been played before. It started off fairly innocuously, but it’s turned into another tool of
- [The Best Time To Take Your Test](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=14975) - This article was first published in 2014, but it has become popular recently. It was due another update. I touched on this topic back in May, 2010, following a run on searches based on the questions “what test time is easiest?” and “why do they do tests at odd times?” The topic appears to be
- [Review: JML Chillmax Air - Personal Space Cooler](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23250) - It's 2023, and the warm Spring Bank Holiday weekend kick started interest in this article yet again. It was originally published in 2019. Note that this article also applies to the JML InstaChill, Chill Tower, and any cooling device that costs under £100 and claims to just run 'on water' - even if it is
- [Annoying Adverts 2023 - I](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=41879) - Quite a few years ago, I wrote about Secret Escapes, and it's inane fascination with whispering. In fact, I wrote about it four times (two separate ads), here, here, here, and here. Those were in 2012 and 2014. But bugger me, they've managed an even more annoying whispering pile of crap in 2023. I'm not
- [Sticking Your Badge On The Windscreen](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22476) - This time of year must be when most ADIs renew their badges judging by the traffic recently. Someone asked me the best way to mount your badge in the car. Well, when you get your badge, they also send you a plastic wallet to put it in, and this has a sticky side so you
- [No Cash At Birds Bakery](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24408) - We have a local chain of bakers up this way called Birds. They’re perfectly OK, other than for the fact that they run out of bread and other stuff later in the day – though that’s true of most bakery stores. For me, they’ve been a bit of a headache during the lockdown. You see,
- [Starting Lessons Again](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24460) - This is an old article dating from the end of the first Covid lockdown. Well, I’m on the cusp of starting teaching again. I’ve held back because I am carer to my elderly parents, but I have bills to pay and need to start generating income – albeit definitely less than usual for the time
- [Adam Savage Tells It Like It Is](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24404) - I’ve referred to a TV series called Mythbusters several times on the blog. Notably, the one about high speed collisions, and another about whether roundabouts are better than stop junctions. One of the presenters on the original and classic version was Adam Savage. I came across the series of Tweets shown above from him dating
- [Learner In Borehamwood Gets Zero Faults](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=13134) - This made me smile. Not the main story itself, about a learner who passed first time with no faults (well done for that), but the bit at the end where he is quoted: My lack of a driving licence was holding me back. Now I can move my career to the next level. I've already
- [Steel Panther @ Nottingham Rock City 2014](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15253) - I’d had my tickets for this gig on order from the moment they went on sale last year. Having seen Steel Panther at Rock City back in 2012 I just had to go again. To be honest, this show was even better than last time. To begin with, the support band was The Cringe, who
- [uBlock Origin - Ad Blocker](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=41784) - I know this makes me look like a hypocrite, but read on. Most readers will know that I display ads on this blog. They are purposely not intended to be obtrusive, and I only put them at the end of articles (sometimes in the middle if it's a long article). The ones at the end/middle
- [Access Irrigation Static Dilutor - Fertilizer Dispenser](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22234) - One of the most popular posts on the blog is the one about Silver Birch Trees shedding leaves in the middle of summer as a result of nutrient deficiency in the soil. The remedy involves applying fertilizer and watering it in so the trees can get at it. In 2018, though, another cause of premature
- [McDonalds Drive-thru Abused Once More](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=13687) - McDonalds has a clear policy regarding use of its drive-thru facilities. That page was last updated in March 2011, and it runs as follows (appalling grammar in the question left uncorrected): What are the policies for service in the drive thru lanes? Q: i have a serious question for you what is the polices for
- [Most Annoying Ad Ever](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=780) - Has to be the latest one by The Natural Confectionery Company. I can't imagine it having cost that much to make, either. What intrigues me is that it has absolutely no movement whatsoever and yet it appears to be filmed and not composed of stills.
- [SLRHut - Online Camera Supplier](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=12574) - This is an old post. I ought to point out that I tried to use SLRHut again one time, and was far from impressed. They don't actually do pure online ordering - your order gets held until you phone them, and their phone line is poorly manned. The only reason they want to talk to
- [The New Standards Check (Formerly The Check Test)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15188) - This is an old post. As of 2017/18 they have been using the new check sheet, and Part 3 is now carried out using the single assessment sheet (no more PSTs). And DSA is now DVSA, of course. A while ago the DSA circulated a Quick Guide to the new Standards Check that will replace
- [Hotter Than... Prague?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=41710) - My local 'newspaper' is often good for a giggle. Most of the major news is to do with restaurants/shops opening, restaurants/shops closing, 'disgusted' and 'horrified' people posing with funny expressions concerning all manner of issues (such as restaurants/shops opening or closing), and their favourite: the weather. All through winter, they have been warning of blizzards
- [Domino's Pizza Wobble-boarders](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=17173) - Nottingham City Council really are a bunch of idiots. Over the last couple of weeks, Domino’s Pizza has been using human billboards (known as wobble-boarders) to advertise its products. Basically, they get a bunch of cash-strapped students to wear giant pizza boxes with a special offer price on it to stand on corners. Depending on
- [Beta-blockers For Nerves](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22046) - This article was last updated in 2018, but it’s become popular again recently. At the time of the original, I had recently seen a forum post from someone who had failed their driving test five times, and who said that the whole test business was too stressful and that they were ready to give up.
- [ADI Earnings and Wages](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=25645) - People keep asking this. I’ve had two emails this week: how much do you earn as an instructor? When it is asked online, almost every time some dipstick somewhere tries to answer it by doing it all wrong, or by making it too complicated. If you were in a salaried position where the stated wage
- [Questions, Questions, Questions...](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23674) - Questions people ask search engines to find the blog. And my answers that I use with pupils, along with links to articles I've written on the subject previously. Why is it important to know different terminology? The full question was 'why is it important to know different terminology when instructing?' Everyone is different, with different
- [Windscreen Smearing When it Rains](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=18771) - The problem of smeared windscreens in the rain has driven me nuts ever since I started driving, but it became a major headache when I became a driving instructor. We've all experienced it. You get a few spots of rain, and when the wipers wipe you get a mosaic pattern left behind for a few
- [Make Your Own Screenwash Concentrate](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22499) - I’ve mentioned this in the smearing windscreens article, but winter is the time of year where it gets wet and cold (well, certainly wet), and along with the salt spreading a lot of crap gets thrown on to your glass and builds up into a nasty film that doesn’t easily wash off. I'm always surprised
- [Lesson: Don't Argue With The Police](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=14229) - You’d think that being over the drink drive limit, having no licence, and no insurance would mean that you’d give the police a wide berth if you were driving past them. Mind you, to get like that in the first place you’d probably have had a certain kind of upbringing – and therefore if you
- [Toffee-nosed Tosser?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=8477) - An ex-public schoolboy - William Colebrook, 23 - has been arrested for driving at 113mph in a 50mph zone in Switzerland. He was taking part in an exclusive “rally” from Mayfair, London, to Verbier in the Swiss Alps. He was driving an Audi R8, valued at £157,000. Entry to the “rally” is by invitation only,
- [Aaron Wintin Involved In 120mph Police Chase](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15499) - Spooky. I'm getting a flood of hits yet again in 2023 on a ten year old story. Candidate for the 2014 Darwin Awards, Aaron Wintin, 18, was showing off to his friends. Wintin was one of that breed of person too stupid to be able to pass a driving test, so just drove without a
- [How To Bribe Driving Examiners!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=7434) - I updated this again. I'm still getting hits on the same search terms, such as: 13/10/2015 - "bribe driving examiner uk" 14/03/2016 - "how to tell if your driving examner is corputed [sic]" 26/03/2017 - "driving test how does bribe work woth instructors [sic]" 26/03/2017 - "bribing driving examiner" 28/03/2017 - "how much to bribe
- [Parking Too Far From Kerb! What's New?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=7065) - This article is from 2011, but it has had a run of hits lately. At the time of the original article (2011) I had noticed on one of the forums that someone was saying they'd heard that from next year (2012) it will be an offence to park too far from the kerb (or next
- [Driving Examiner Jailed For Taking Bribes](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=10774) - This is a very old story. DSA is now DVSA. This story came in on the newsfeeds. It reports that ex-driving examiner (he’s an “ex” because of the case), Richard Cwierzona, took bribes from candidates in exchange for test passes. He also attempted to obtain “dates” from female pupils in exchange for test passes. One
- [Unicef BLANKET 70007 Text](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20938) - I was watching TV just now, and an appeal came on for Syrian children asking for a donation of £3 to buy a blanket. I suddenly felt quite benevolent (actually, I do occasionally make donations, usually through DEC, and once or twice through crowdfunding websites). I usually resist formal charities like the plague – and
- [Can I Fail For Rolling Back?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=3069) - I've had several people find the blog on the search term "can I fail my driving test for rolling back?" The short answer is yes, you can fail for rolling back - but not automatically. It all depends on how far you roll, the circumstances, and who else is around. For example: if you roll
- [How To Put Your Foot In It!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23901) - This was posted right at the start of the pandemic. Bear that in mind. Since the Coronavirus pandemic started, one of the most annoying aspects of it has been how all the self-professed ‘experts’ have squirmed out of the woodwork and offered their takes on it. I am repeatedly pointing out on various message boards
- [Cycle Awareness Part Of The Driving Test?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=10361) - Update #1: I’m attracting a lot of hits from a Scottish cycling website, and it’s no surprise that they aren’t particularly enamoured of this article - from what I can see, that’s because they don’t understand the issues. I tried not to use any big words or joined up writing, but we’re talking about cyclists
- [Collision At 50mph Equal To What?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=3612) - Originally posted in September 2010. Mythbusters is a show on Discovery Channel (and various others) which looks at various movie stunts and other things to check if they are really possible or just Hollywood licence. They cover things like "is it possible to shoot a gun out of someone's hand without hurting them?" or one
- [Another Test Pass](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=4064) - A really old post. Well done to HH, who passed her test yesterday with 10 driver faults. She was extremely nervous - usually much better than those 10 faults would suggest - but she held it together and got her driving licence. The examiner was really good and acknowledged that she was nervous in the debrief
- [Blu-Tack and Tarmac](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=1235) - Sometime, you just couldn't make it up! In one news story today, two young girls were treated in hospital for burns they sustained to their bare feet after walking on to freshly-laid tarmac. Fair enough: it's obviously not something you want to happen - but it happens. It's what they call 'an accident'. Well, they
- [Theory Test Has 90% Failure Rate](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15749) - Don’t worry - it’s not in the UK. The Bangkok Post reports that the new multiple choice test introduced a few days ago is showing a greater than 90% failure rate in the first set of results from Chiang Mai. It seems that the new multiple choice test introduced last Sunday - which requires 45
- [iZettle Chip & Pin Reader](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=13920) - Note: I stopped using this after iZettle let me down EXTREMELY badly, almost destroyed my business overnight (and that is no exaggeration at all), and just said "too bad" (that's not, either). They subsequently apologised and admitted they were wrong, but it was too late. I now use the PayPal card reader option. As of October
- [If You Find Driving Difficult, Blame Your Instructor…](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=9254) - That’s nonsense, of course, But it seems to be the favoured excuse of some learners when their mates are winding them up. I was reading a forum where there are a lot of learners and people with immature attitudes hanging about, and someone was asking for opinions about whether they should change instructor. They write:
- [Pupils Who Just Disappear!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=9606) - This is a very old post. I noticed someone was asking about pupil dropout rates - where someone starts taking lessons, then stops and you never hear from them again. They were worried that they might be doing something wrong. The first thing is: it happens! Anyone who claims they don’t get any dropouts is
- [Most Annoying Advert of 2012: Weight Watchers](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=7580) - This an very old article. I think we might have the annual winner here. It’s only 1 January 2012, and already there is an advert that has to rate as the most annoying in the universe – and that’s likely to be against some pretty stiff competition. I’d read about it a couple of weeks
- [Licence To Kill: Update](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=12297) - Following on from the BBC3 show I mentioned a few days ago, a story appeared in The Telegraph. It provides a little extra information and comment. I mentioned previously that I couldn’t find any specific information relating to Sophie Morgan’s accident, which left her in a wheelchair. In this new story, she states that she
- [Virgin Media Broadband](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15791) - This is an old post. Less than ten years later, my speed is 1,000Mb/s. Times change quickly. I mentioned back in January that my broadband speed was a healthy 126Mb/s following an automatic upgrade. Well, I just had another. I’m now up to 160Mb/s. However, there are still people out there who argue that 10Mb/s
- [Student Fined For Driving Doorless Car](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15366) - Sam Wilson, 25, is a new front runner in the 2014 Darwin Awards. Wilson, from Bingham in Nottinghamshire, was driving his car to a scrap yard, expecting to get £150 for it. However, he had the bright idea of taking parts off it with the intention of selling them separately. He had removed all the
- [You Are Joking, Aren't you...?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=3272) - This is a very old post, and the DT1 quotes date from that time. DT1 is no longer a downloadable document but an online resource and it is somewhat different to how it used to be. Someone sent me this link - it's on Yahoo! Cars . Some guy - unbelievably, an ADI of 26
- [The Alcopal Saga](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=13806) - Last year I wrote about Alcopal – an internet snake oil medicine that claimed to be able to make people pass the breathalyser test even if they’d drunk around five pints of beer. The posts relating to it are listed below: Alcopal: Sold By Dickheads, FOR Dickheads An Alcopal Update Does Alcopal Work? Does Alcopal
- [Does Alcopal Work? (Update)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=11100) - Since I wrote about Alcopal a few months ago, I must admit that I haven’t kept my eye on its website (although this blog still gets a lot of hits via the search engines). However, today I received a press release from the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) listing its weekly adjudications, and Alcopal was one
- [Alcopal: Sold By Dickheads, FOR Dickheads](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=10186) - This came through on the newsfeeds, and I’m sure a lot of people have read about it in the newspapers today (and as of Christmas 2015, the story has become - perhaps not surprisingly - very popular again). The story deals with Alcopal tablets, an internet “medicine” which can allegedly make a breathalyser reading read
- [Alcopal Slammed By ASA Again](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15324) - I noticed a surge in hits from people searching for information about Alcopal or reviews of it. As I have said previously, Alcopal does not work. This is especially true when you consider that the guy who is peddling the stuff can’t even make up his mind how it is supposed to work in his
- [How To Bay Park (Update)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=9756) - Note that this is an old article from 2012! I say that, because it's been getting hits in mid-2019. All references to DSA are, of course, referring to DVSA in 2019. Also, in 2019 you might be asked to drive forwards into a bay, then reverse out again. I wrote an article a while back
- [Johnny Fean Dies at 71](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=41221) - I heard the sad news over the weekend that Johnny Fean - one of the most underrated guitarists of all time, with one of the most underrated bands of all time - died last week at the age of 71. As I have said elsewhere on the blog (and Horslips' website is linked to in
- [Best Cars For Driving Instructors](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15525) - Someone found the blog on that search term – and I also notice that the same question has been asked in several forms across various forums. The simple answer is that there IS no “best” car for a driving instructor. You could teach in a 1912 Bugatti if you wanted to… well, maybe not, but
- [Who Is Jamie Oliver Trying To Kid?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=11268) - I just glanced at the TV and there is a cooking programme on called Jamie’s Christmas With Bells On . For some unfathomable reason, he is outside cooking Christmas meals on a campfire. I won’t go into the usual pretentiousness of his chocolate gloop served in mugs, and dishes that only people desperate to appear
- [Darwin Awards 2019 - Late Entry](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23622) - We’re near the end of 2019, and we have a last minute entry for the 2019 Darwin Awards. A bloke in Halifax was parked up outside some shops and bars. He’d been spraying air freshener inside his car, and when he’d finished he decided to light a cigarette. Although aerosol cans used to use non-flammable
- [Review: Going Paperless With DoogleBooks](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24432) - Ever since I became an instructor I’ve managed to get through a lot of notebooks. Anyone who does this job will know that you have to sketch a lot of things when you’re explaining stuff to pupils. I started off buying notepads, but realised that was quite expensive – especially if you wanted the larger
- [Arrogant Tossers #7](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=28484) - Can you believe this one? It happened today on a lesson. We’d just driven through Bestwood Village and were heading towards Bulwell. We stopped at the traffic lights at the junction with Hucknall Road, and it was tipping down with rain. Then, a motor hearse drove through the junction just before the lights changed to
- [Arrogant Tossers #6](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=28425) - This one happened a couple of weeks ago. I was on my way to a lesson, and turned into Mabel Grove in West Bridgford. Mabel Grove is a narrow road, and only one car can pass each way at the best of times. So when I take my pupils down it, I always make sure
- [Arrogant Tossers #5](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=28378) - Another recent one, this time on the A453 near Clifton. My pupil was travelling at the speed limit (in fact, I’d told him to watch his speed as the GPS nudged 41mph). Then this van sped past, and flew across three lanes in those weather conditions. It was a silver Vauxhall Vivaro 2900 Sportiv, registration
- [Arrogant Tossers #4](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=28370) - This happened recently on the Priory Roundabout in Bramcote. The twat in question was driving a blue Mercedes GLE 450 AMG, registration number LN20 KYS. Note that they used the right-turn only lane, and then cut in. It was completely deliberate, because as the title says, they are an arrogant tosser (as well as an
- [Arrogant Tossers #3](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=28039) - This one involves a van driver, so not so much an ‘arrogant’ tosser as a borderline human. More of an above average monkey, I guess. Driving through Mapperley on a lesson, and this dickhead emerged from The Wells Road into traffic from both directions. It was a Specially Fitted Transit, registration MV62 VUG.
- [Arrogant Tossers #2](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=28034) - And another one in the same location at Wilford Lane off Loughborough Road. This time, white Vauxhall Astra Energy, registration number DK13 RVP. Why not just get in the correct lane to start with, instead of forcing your way in later? And I love how these prats think a signal gives them overall priority. The
- [Arrogant Tossers #1](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=28027) - Nothing annoys me more than people cutting in, and all the more so when they are doing it purely to gain advantage by using the wrong lane, speeding, and putting people at risk. The Junction with Wilford Lane off Loughborough Road is a common location for these arrogant prats. This one was a black Lexus
- [Will They Ever Learn?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=3566) - This is an old post. A very old one. DSA is now DVSA. However, the points made are still valid. While I was searching for news articles concerned with the impending change to the driving test, I came upon this one on the BBC website from May 1999. It relates to a previous change to the
- [YouTube And Its Breastfeeding Video Ban](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=684) - As a bit of additional background to the story on the YouTube ban I posted on 2 January, I was reminded of a skiing holiday I went on in France some years ago. You have to remember that mothers who have just had a kid are not a full shilling. Indeed, some of them remain
- [Woman Driver Demonstrates How To Reverse Out Of Parking Bay](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=14089) - This came in on the newsfeeds. Apparently, at normal speed (the video is speeded up), it took her over 4 minutes to get out of that parking bay. At least she didn’t hit anything, though she came darned close a couple of times. Edit: As of 2023, I discovered the video no longer exists. So
- [How to Reverse Around a Corner](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=5473) - Note that this manoeuvre is no longer included in the driving test (since 4 December 2017). However, in the real world it is still important, because sooner or later you're going to have to do it when you're driving on your own. This article gets a lot of hits, and reversing around a corner is
- [Windows 10 Desktop Icon Layout](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=17983) - Note that this is an old post. Windows isn't so bad with this these days (2022). All versions of Windows have had an annoying feature whereby changing the screen resolution – and that includes when you’re updating your graphics drivers – the layout of your icons gets messed up. It’s already happened a couple of
- [Adeel Ayub: Certified Dickhead](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=1948) - Another one from the Daily Mail today - has to be seen to be believed. Take a look at this video: Adeel Ayub filmed himself - or rather, had himself filmed (who was the accomplice?) - causing significant damage to the Asda store where he worked. He is shown causing damage to food, urinating in
- [Dry Roasted Peanuts Recipe](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=17372) - I recently started hankering after dry roasted peanuts as a result of buying a packet for snacking purposes one sunny afternoon. The immediate and most obvious drawback to this ever becoming a regular snack item was the price - nearly £2 for small bag (roasted cashews are even more expensive - more on that in
- [Renewing Your ADI Badge – 2022](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=18905) - This is a complete rewrite of the original 2018 article. It applies to my own renewal process this year which – in the end – ran quite smoothly. I received an email from DVSA at the start of April 2022 warning me that my Green Badge (my licence to teach) expired later in the year
- [Should I Join a Franchise or Go Solo?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=18573) - Reading the forums, it never ceases to amaze me how many ADIs who started their careers with a franchise vehemently try to deter new instructors from choosing that route. A new ADI who is doing this job as their intended main source of income needs to get work as quickly as possible. In any given
- [Rush @ Glasgow SECC Arena, 2013](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=12842) - Well, that’s the UK part of the Clockwork Angels tour over. And Rush went out on a high note with their performance last night in Glasgow. The crowd didn’t quite beat Sheffield for atmosphere - but they came darned close. It was a great way for Rush to leave the UK on this tour. The
- [To Be National, Or Not To Be National?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=12243) - I notice from this weeks ASA Rulings that Bill Plant had lodged a complaint against The AA’s claim to be the “only national driving school using fully-qualified instructors”. When I read it, I remembered that it had occurred to me a few times recently that Bill Plant was now using “only fully-qualified instructors” as a
- [ADI Licence Renewal](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=4023) - This article is now obsolete, as it partly dates from 2010 and includes details up to 2018. I have written a new article outlining my badge renewal in 2022. Things are slightly easier now. My ADI badge was due for renewal in October 2018. I got the initial alert that my DBS check (formerly the
- [Wing Mirror Position + Usage](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=5213) - This article was originally published in 2011, with updates in 2014 and 2016. It has had a few hits recently, so I've updated it again. Someone found the blog on the search term "adi how to check wing mirror position". A bit of a strange question if it was from an ADI, but for pupils
- [Barbara Windsor Dies](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=25516) - To me, she will always be associated with the Carry On films. But it’s sad to hear that Barbara Windsor has died following her struggle with Alzheimer’s. RIP, Barbara. Another childhood memory has passed on.
- [A Polite Moose?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20826) - A funny story from the BBC about a moose dropping into someone’s basement in America. The homeowner is quoted: She was absolutely the most polite, gracious beast that you could have in your house. Each to their own, I guess. My attention was drawn to those little black things all over the rug, so I
- [Clucking Bat: 11 April 2023](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=40994) - This one was in heavy rain.The Clio had changed lanes left-to-right at the last minute. It then stopped dead, short at green traffic lights - I had to get involved and stop my pupil. Initially, it seemed like they had broken down or something was in front of them, so I instructed my pupil to
- [Clucking Bat: 21 April 2023](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=40990) - On a lesson with a pupil, dealing with a roundabout, and this clucking bat decided to get past no matter what. Obviously, it scared the shit out of the pupil. Further down, he was changing lanes with no signals whatsoever. Ironically, apart from other clucking bats switching lanes because they don't know which to use
- [Clucking Bat: 1 April 2023](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=40980) - I've mentioned many times before, but I submit dashcam footage to Nottinghamshire Police if someone behaves like a twat. The police take action in 90% or more of cases I have submitted, to date. One thing I have discovered is that they are as frustrated as me in some cases when the action reported is
- [Abandoned Tests](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=2264) - This is an old article from 2010, but it's had a run of hits recently, and I have updated it to make sure it is current. Someone has found the blog several times on the search term "abandoned tests". I'm not exactly sure what they were looking for, but here's a bit of information that
- [Screaming Brats and Crap Parents](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=19741) - I was in Asda the other night doing my weekly shop. It was about 6.30pm, and I remember thinking to myself that I was a bit early and would have to put up with an elevated number of other customers (and all that that entails). True to form, the entrance area (from 5m inside the
- [Not Another One!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=5573) - The disease seems to be spreading. I mentioned a day or two ago about instructors up in Dumbarton ready to chain themselves to railings because they've convinced themselves that the test centre is going to close and they'll all be forced to drive 10 miles - 10 whole miles - to another one. This is
- [Rip Off Britain: Trainee Instructors](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=4280) - This is a very old story from 2010. I caught an episode of Rip Off Britain on BBC One this morning, and it was laying into trainee driving instructors. You can watch the episode in question on BBC iPlayer for a limited time. This episode focuses on transport, though it is worth bearing in mind
- [Teenager Dies In Crash On Rural Road](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=10964) - Another sad story involving the death of a teenager who only passed her test a few weeks earlier. There are no specific details, and police are calling for witnesses, but 18-year-old Hannah Lodge crashed into a telegraph pole on a B-road. It happened during daylight and no passengers were mentioned, but other than that it
- [Test Centre Test Times](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=2627) - Someone used the search term "colwick test centre test times" to find the blog. For the life of me, I cannot understand why this matters - tests are held in the early morning, daytime, and late afternoon - unless you are just trying to fit it in with work or something. The earliest one they
- [Mystery Beast Of Buckshaw](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=1939) - Whilst browsing I noticed this story in the Daily Mail. True to form, the Mail describes the 'beast' as: ...savaging animals and terrorising villagers... It has been variously described as a wild boar, a hyena and a ferocious wolf... They say it's to blame for the recent deer slayings... Make your own mind up from
- [Nottingham Forest Supporters - Reverse Evolution](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=40850) - I was on my way home from a lesson this afternoon. I thought I'd timed my home journey well enough to avoid the usual problems on Trent Bridge when Forest supporters leave a match. Then this happened. I can only assume that the prat was using a Mobility scooter because his f--cking brain didn't work
- [AA Franchise Fees](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=2042) - This is an old post. Note that the AA periodically updates its franchise options, and there several variations available. EDIT: 19/8/2019: This has started to get a few hits recently. It seems the AA has changed its franchise options. I will update this very old article when I get more information. Just to keep the
- [No Smoking Signs In Cars](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=11050) - You have to smile sometimes. Vehicles which are primarily used for business purposes by more than one person are legally obliged to display a No Smoking sign. A driving school car will almost certainly be primarily used for business, and by definition will have more than one person in it the vast majority of the
- [Two Jailed For Theory Test Scam](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=3449) - This is an old post. DSA is now DVSA, of course. A DSA email alert: Brother and sister jailed for conspiracy over theory tests Couple in ‘family business’ Shopping list of tests covered Four candidates also in court A brother and sister who ran their own ‘family business’ of arranging theory tests for candidates received
- [Advice? Or Law?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=7571) - This is an old post. With the impending change to the law, which will see learner drivers allowed on the motorways with their instructors (and that’s means with ADIs – not mum and dad), there is a big question mark hanging over what they will learn from what they see other drivers doing, as opposed
- [Rush @ London O2 2011](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6005) - NOTE: My 2013 Clockwork Angels gig review at the O2 is here. OK. Just back from the O2, and the last UK gig on Rush's Time Machine Tour. Before I go all negative, let me just say that it was another virtuoso performance by the band. Nothing they ever do is bad, and they are
- [Rush O2 Gig Review in The Sun](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6054) - Note: This review was for the Time Machine Tour in 2011. The Clockwork Angels Tour is reviewed starting here (and look for each venue - I reviewed each one). The Sun has also reviewed the Clockwork Angels O2 gig. I saw this in today's Sun newspaper. It's a review of the O2 gig on Wednesday.
- [How to End a Career Before it's Started](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=19984) - I saw this in the newsfeeds today. It’s in The Sun, which loves this kind of “shocking” story, but it raises a few questions. Emily Higgins was out at a nightclub in the West Midlands and had apparently done what many young people do when they’re out in nightclubs in the West Midlands. She got
- [Can You Wheel Clamp A Lorry?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=3058) - Someone found the blog on that search term - presumably they found my recent post on wheel clamping near the Colwick MPTC. I was told that some lorries had been clamped at the Colwick test centre when I suggested that it was only driving instructors being targeted. I also did a quick search and found
- [Space-Saver Tyres And Driving Test](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=3412) - This is an old article from 2010, but it's had a run of hits recently. Note that DVSA was DSA up until 2013, when it merged with VOSA. A DSA (now DVSA) email alert: Space-saver tyres and driving tests DSA (DVSA) is getting increasing numbers of complaints from candidates whose test didn’t go ahead because
- [At Last! Someone Tackles Boy Racers](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=13757) - This snippet from the Southend Standard is interesting. It says that in an “unprecedented” move, police arrested 80 boy racers for illegal street racing in Thurrock. They are due to appear in court later this month. It is such a large operation that Basildon Magistrates’ court has been set aside to just deal with this
- [So You Thought It Was Safe To Drive In Sussex...](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15948) - This is in the Irish Independent, but it relates to a UK driver. It reports that a 79-year old man driving a Mitsubishi Shogun was involved in a crash on the A26 in East Sussex last month. When police arranged for a test (not sure if it was roadside, as he had to be cut
- [Instant Dismissal Required](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23118) - You couldn’t make this up. Regular readers will know that I don’t hold back on telling it like it is. I don’t give damn that the trend is towards making it a crime to tell the truth if the truth involves women or those from minority groups having done something wrong. The truth is the
- [Typical Audi (and Merc) Drivers](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=7044) - This is an OLD article, from way before I got my dashcam. Nowadays, I am able to record these behaviours and send them to the police. I was on my way to a lesson yesterday afternoon. I'd stopped at traffic lights in Ruddington with a blue-grey Audi behind me (one of the "look how big
- [Costa Rica: 7 Out Of 10 Fail New Driving Test](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=12488) - This story from Costa Rica says that the failure rate of a new driving test - a preliminary one, which learners have to pass before they can drive unaided - is 65%. It says that causes of failure have shaking hands, knocking over cones, not being able to reverse, and even knocking over the examiner!
- [Christmas Presents I - Drones](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=25342) - I just had to get me one of these! I’ve been fascinated by drones for years, and always had plans to get one. They’re a tad expensive, I admit, but I saw that DJI were just about to release the Mini 2, and I thought it would be an ideal opportunity to get in on
- [Drones - The Press Gets It Wrong Yet Again](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22820) - I’ve been thinking about getting a drone for some time. If I did, I would also take the necessary flying courses to make sure I was fully legal and capable of handling it. And I wouldn’t break the Law with it. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you will be aware of the chaos
- [Amazon Plans To Deliver By Drone Copter](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=14413) - This article was published in December 2013. The UK media has just got hold of the subject as if it has never been discussed before. I’m in favour of gadgets - I always have been. But only ones that make any sense. Getting a mobile phone made sense when they first reached a sensible size
- [Drone Hits BA Plane](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=19305) - I saw this story on the BBC website. Apparently, a BA Airbus A320 flying to London from Geneva collided with what was believed to be a drone as it was coming in to land. Apparently, it is the first such collision, though there have been numerous close calls. …pilots have also called for the DoT
- [Sometimes, Terms & Conditions Changes Are Good](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24176) - Since we went into lockdown, my bank has changed its interest rates, and they are certainly not for the better. It’s no big deal, and I fully understand why they’ve done it. But one change on the financial front which was a pleasant surprise involved my Asda Cashback credit card. I’ve written about this before,
- [Panic Buyers Are Assholes](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23786) - Last week, I took the decision to do my weekly shopping online for the time being. I shop in Asda several times a week, and usually spend upwards of £150 there on groceries, and similar on fuel (I have a 2% cashback credit card with them, which is one of the drivers for that). I
- [Is Supermarket Fuel Inferior To Branded Fuel?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22603) - For as long as I can remember - from way before I was a driving instructor - I have repeatedly heard the old story trotted out about how supermarket fuel is of inferior quality and can damage your engine. I even got it from an Esso cashier a few years ago when I told him
- [Minimum IQ Required For Self-Checkout?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=10705) - Normally, I avoid shopping in places like Morrisons and Asda during the day because of the queues. A drawback to this is the stock on the shelves - it’s common to find fresh stuff and bread sold out in Morrisons and even in Asda (which claims to be open 24 hours). By 9pm there will
- [Cashback Credit Cards](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=25594) - I’ve mentioned this before in several articles. There was the one about buying fuel and groceries, and the one about how my Asda Credit Card - which is no longer available - being transferred to the original agent (Creation) and the rewards extended. Basically, several years ago, Asda was offering a credit card with 2%
- [Kneeling Chair Project #4](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=1222) - The chair is now complete and in use! If anyone has any questions you can email me via the contact form (comments were abused so I turned them off). Here are a couple of diagrams showing how I put the parts together - you need to refer to parts #1 (plus update), #2, and #3
- [Horslips @ Glasgow Old Fruitmarket](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=4782) - Well - and forgive me if I repeat anything I've said before about this - the last time I saw Horslips was in the late 70s on their "American" Tour. They broke up two years later, and stayed broken up for the following 24 years. I'd kept an eye on the unofficial .com website (I
- [Elderly Boy Racers](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=10721) - I was on a lesson with a pupil this afternoon and we were driving along the Colwick Loop Road near Netherfield. I was teaching my pupil how to anticipate traffic lights changing by looking well ahead, easing off the gas, and avoiding stopping if necessary. As we passed through the lights at Road No. 1
- [Blind Drivers](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=13737) - I know this is terribly politically incorrect of me, but I just saw this story on the newsfeeds, and the one question that keeps dancing in front of me is: WHY? A special off-road driving day was set up to allow “young drivers with sight problems” to have a go at driving a car. The
- [No More Manoeuvres On Driving Tests?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=16549) - This is an old post - so old information This BBC article outlines proposed changes to the driving test. It is suggested that the turn in the road and corner reverse exercises could be dropped in favour of using a satnav to get to a destination and reversing out of a parking bay. The proposals
- [Yeah, But What About Private Practice?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=7699) - There is an e-petition doing the rounds at the moment (I was notified via the newsfeeds). Here’s the exact petition wording: Regulate/stop parent/relatives/friends supervising learner drivers. Responsible department: Department for Transport We now have two instances whereby learner drivers have caused deaths while being supervised by unqualified persons. Mr Penning wants to stop unqualified instructors
- [DVSA: COVID-19 Update](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24019) - I received an email today from DVSA. This one has no web link, and since it is addressed and worded to me personally (as in, all ADIs ought to have received similar), I won’t reproduce the entire thing here. It refers to the suspension of driving tests (except for key workers) – which we all
- [Windows 10 and Quiet Microphone Level](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=18118) - Note that this is a very old post. I’ve been using Windows 10 for almost a month now and I’m very impressed with it. I’ve not had a single crash, and every piece of software I have works on it. Something I want to start making more use of is speech recognition and speech-to-text (for
- [New Driving Test Effective From December 2017](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21128) - An email alert has just come in from DVSA advising that the driving test will change from 4 December 2017. The changes are as follows: Independent driving will now last for 20 minutes (instead of 10 minutes) 4 out of every 5 tests will use a sat nav for the independent driving part 1 out
- [Slash @ Leeds Arena 2014](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=16653) - Still a little behind with these updates, but on 29 November I went to see Slash with Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators at the Leeds Arena. I saw Slash last year in Nottingham and it was a great show.It was notable that he had a great support band - The Treatment - who are making
- [Is YOUR Wife Hot (Under The Collar)?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23453) - Until recently, there was a billboard in Nottingham at the junction between Porchester Road and Woodborough Road which carried the ad shown above. The owner of the company, Lee Davies, had seen the same sort of ad used in America – and if you Google it, they use it a lot – and decided to
- [Nottingham Tram Roadworks](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=9385) - Very old post from 2012. I’ve written about this before, but we’re due an update since things have got much worse since that last article. Let me just summarise an important detail here: trams might be politically correct as a form of transport, capable of making the average council employee wet their pants at the
- [The Public's Solutions To The Cyclist Problem](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=14492) - This BBC story makes highly entertaining reading. If nothing else, it shows clearly why there should be a minimum IQ required in order to be allowed to vote! In the wake of the recent spate of cyclist fatalities the BBC asked its readers if they had any solutions to the problem. You can read the
- [Having A Laugh + Coaching](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=4768) - UPDATE: The DSA has now embarked on its implementation of coaching, so read this article posted in November 2012. I was on a lesson with a pupil on Saturday, and we had just done a parallel park and were looking for another car to try it on. My pupil asked: Why don't we do them
- [High School Shootings in USA](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21818) - After the recent tragedy in Florida, and yet another mass shooting spree in a school, with multiple fatalities, it seemed like the time had finally come for America to realise that virtually unrestricted gun ownership had to be curtailed. Donald Trump looked like he was about to make a decision that would finally make him
- [Warning: Retards Active In Radford](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=2522) - Any instructors working in Nottingham, especially the Radford area, should watch out for a retard on the loose. I was on a lesson tonight, driving past the Pricewise supermarket on Radford Boulevard (on the corner of Denman Street), when a wanker standing on the corner threw something with all his might at the windscreen on
- [Body Mass And Alcohol Tolerance](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=11386) - This time of year, all the newspapers are filled to the brim with stories about alcohol - primarily because it’s also the time when the police launch their Christmas and New Year drink drive campaigns. If you search the internet, just about every source says that body mass affects direct alcohol absorption, and that generally,
- [Having A Laugh (And Coaching) Again](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=4929) - On a lesson with a pupil last night, his speed was far too high coming into some junctions. It resulted in him messing up the gears a few times, coasting, going too wide, and anything else that this particular fault (well, planning for the junction - the speed is just a symptom) brings with it.
- [Parking On Hills](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=11379) - Concerning parking your car on hills and slopes, Driving: The Essential Skills (TES) says: If you park your vehicle on a slope, remember the following. Parking facing uphill - Stop your vehicle as close as you can to the nearside kerb, if there is one. Leave your steering wheel turned to the right. If the
- [And Another Teenage Death-fest](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=7966) - Lauren Birkett, 16, was one of three teenagers killed in Mexborough (link now dead), South Yorkshire, as a result of “aggressive driving”. The others were Robert Tepper and Jonathan Scott, both 17. The survivors in other cars involved provided evidence that was “self serving and supporting of the individuals closest to them”, and “lacking in
- [Another Teenage Idiot](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=7982) - You sometimes have difficulty believing what you read – believing that people can be so completely stupid, and unable to learn from previous incidents. This story came in on the newsfeeds (dead link). A 17-year old male from Brackley was driving a typical pratmobile – an MG Rover ZR – near Banbury, when it left
- [Desreen's Law E-petition](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=18662) - As I mentioned in my last article, there is a petition now open demanding a change in the Law so that elderly drivers are forced to undergo proper re-testing once they reach 70 years of age. This petition was set up by Benjamin Brooks-Dutton, whose wife was killed by an elderly driver who got the
- [Desreen’s Law MUST be Introduced](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=18654) - Please note that there is a petition open for signing over at Change.org. I’m going to put a separate article up to emphasise this. And thanks to blog reader “Sam” who brought all of this to my attention. Regular readers will know that I have no sympathy for older drivers who end up killing or
- [Cast a Long Shadow with Windows 10](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=19167) - One of the more promising additional features in Windows 10 was the apparent ease with which you can display your computer display on to your TV set using the “cast to…” feature. If only it were as easy as that. The web is full of half-assed articles thrown up by Google whenever you search for
- [Idiots Controlling Vaccine Rollout](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=25599) - I’m utterly convinced the idiots I used to work for are in charge of the COVID vaccine rollout! It stands to reason that we need to get as many people as possible vaccinated as soon as possible in order for it to be effective. After all, the fewer people who have COVID, the fewer they
- [Idiots Controlling Vaccine Rollout - Part 2](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=25613) - I have had my parents vaccinated. They both received the Pfizer jab. The only concern I have is that their second jab is scheduled for March, in line with this government’s ‘expert’ appraisal of the situation. Much was made of the approval process of the vaccine in the first place - all the stuff about
- [Moronic Biker - But He Lived](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=1033) - Another one from The Sun - which seems to have been scouring Germany this week for material. The story contains CCTV footage (old story, link dead) showing a motorcycle hitting a car at around 60mph. The lucky idiot survived, albeit with serious injuries.
- [Squalling Brats](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=19945) - About a month ago I wrote about crap parents who can’t (or won’t) control their kids, with the result that everyone else has to suffer. I mentioned how other crap parents rise up against anyone who objects, citing all manner of illnesses and disorders as possible causes of unruly behaviour, even though we all know
- [Interpreter On Driving Test](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=2921) - Completely rewritten in August 2015 due to further hits. Original article from 2010, and updated in 2012. In late 2011 it was announced that there were plans to scrap tests where candidates cannot speak English. From 7 April 2014 this came into effect, and it is now no longer possible to have an interpreter on
- [What An Absolute Farthead Trump Is](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21997) - 2016 saw two of the biggest catastrophes the world has seen in a long time. Brexit, and the election of Donald Trump as POTUS. There has been a collective movement of denial over Trump. To some of us, he was a f---ing w--nker in 2016, he has remained a f---ing w--nker all the time since
- [Annoying Adverts: IV](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=11328) - Aaargh! Secret Escapes hasn’t gone bankrupt after all. After months without its annoying ad being shown, I was just mugged by it! EDIT: As of late 2014/early 2015 Secret Escapes has embarked on a new advertising drive. I must say that the woman is beginning to look a bit past it now. Another annoying set
- [Driving In Snow And Ice](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=16849) - DVSA has been putting out reminders about the Highway Code and how it relates to driving in bad weather. Quite right, too. Snow On The Roof Anyone who drives their car with a thick cover of snow on the roof doesn’t deserve to hold a driving licence. Furthermore, if the idiot in question has kids
- [Ched Evans](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=16932) - Original story published 7 January 2015, updated October 2015. Updated again as a result of Evans' successful appeal as of April 2016 and subsequent date for retrial in October 2016. Updated again in June 2016 after Evans is signed by Chesterfield on a one-year deal. Further update after Ched Evans is cleared of rape in
- [Barbecue Ribs Recipe](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=2846) - Every now and then I get a craving for some Chinese-style ribs. Here's a recipe for a suitable barbecue sauce when you're making them. Put the oil in a large pan, add the onions (finely chopped), and fry gently until just beginning to colour at the edges. Add the garlic and fry for a couple of
- [Evening and Weekend Lessons - Are They Special?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=19197) - Note that this is quite an old post, and the figures given are not correct in 2023). I saw a comment recently on one of the forums where a newly-qualified ADI was asking if anyone had “considered” working after 4pm and weekends, since these apparently counted as “unsociable hours” and so a premium price could
- [Driving Test Results Rigged?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=3594) - UPDATED I've updated this article, which was originally written 3 years ago (September 2010). The subject is going through one of its periodic revivals among the ignorati across various web forums. At the time I wrote the original, there was a story doing the rounds on these forums concerning someone who called himself Jim Kerr.
- [Quad Bike Crash](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=18361) - Most people will have heard about the quad bike accident in Yorkshire a couple of days ago. The level of media attention has been accelerated by the revelation that these were four “young people” between the ages of 16 and 20 who were “celebrating the birthday of the youngest victim”. Much has also been made
- [Why Is Nottingham Gridlocked?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=10643) - Update: February 2020 - take a look here (Clifton Bridge closed). Update: If you want to know what the problem was on 21 November 2012, take a look here. The simple answer is: because the Nottingham City Council is the biggest bunch of pillocks on the planet. Let’s explain that in a little more detail.
- [Taking Card Payments with iZettle - DON'T](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=18538) - Note the more recent addendum at the end of this article. Also note the original publication date - 2015. Regular readers will know that I started taking card payments for lessons a couple of years ago. I initially opted for PayPal’s system because I liked what it was offering, but although I purchased a card
- [Red Driving School Holding Company HAS Gone Bust!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=2069) - This is an old, old, OLD post. But it HAS been saved already - so read the other stories on this subject! Let me stress that again for whoever it is keeps digging this one up: THIS IS AN OLD STORY. RED WAS BOUGHT OUT AND IS NOW TRADING PERFECTLY HAPPILY AGAIN. IT WENT BUST AND
- [Woman Parallel Parking](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=3521) - This link was sent to me by a reader. Some time ago, I posted a video titled (on YouTube) "Worst Woman Driver I Have Ever Seen". This one is right up there as a contender for that title! Four and a half minutes of perfect comedy. I love it how she nearly gets in at one point -
- [How To End A Career](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=14261) - This is a very old article. The Suffolk Free Press reports that a driving instructor, Philip Devereux, was on a lesson with a pupil and the car was involved in a collision with another vehicle. When breathalysed, he was found to be almost twice the legal limit! The incident occurred on 5 October 2013. He
- [Learner Driver Car-Jacks His Instructor](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15649) - This story in The Mirror tells how a learner driver turned on his instructor when challenged over unpaid lesson fees. As well as being (“allegedly”) the kind of scumbag who didn’t pay for his lessons in the first place, the learner then decided that punching his instructor in the face would be a good way
- [Drunk Learner Pulled On A Lesson](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15372) - Another nominee for the 2014 Darwin Awards. Louise Ditchfield, 23, called her instructor at midnight to arrange a lesson the following day “because she was bored”. Unfortunately, being a pisshead, she was drunk at the time – so drunk that when she was pulled over for swerving all over the road the next day she
- [Learner On Lesson Gets Speeding Ticket](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15045) - This came in on the newsfeeds, and it reports that a learner driver, Stacie Ralphes, was on a driving lesson with a driving instructor when she was clocked at 36mph in a 30mph zone and subsequently received a speeding ticket. She was given the option of points or a speed awareness course and took the
- [Driver Location Signs](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=8763) - I originally wrote this back in 2012, but it has had a run of hits lately so I thought I’d update it. Although the official line suggests otherwise, I’m sure these signs were around long before I became a driving instructor, and their exact purpose was always a bit of a mystery to me. You’ve
- [DVSA: Suspended Lessons And Tests](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24920) - Updated again: A further DVSA email in mid-November ‘clarified’ the restart date. Another update today (see the end of this article) clarified it back to where it was the first time. I can’t be arsed to rewrite the whole article, so let’s leave it as a testament to how well the COVID pandemic is being
- [Cannabis Plants Dumped](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21685) - I just saw this on the BBC website (unusually for the BBC, that link is now dead - they usually archive old stories) Apparently, someone dumped some bin bags full of cannabis plants at the side of the road near Harrogate in Yorkshire. Police are asking anyone with information to come forward. It made me
- [Six of One, But Not Half a Dozen of the Other](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21607) - I saw a news item this week where a female teacher, Alice Mc Brearty, had had a sexual relationship (that link about a female teacher is now dead, even though the one later in this article about a male teacher is still live) with a 15-year old male pupil. The judge – another female, Sheelagh
- [Burying Evidence](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21587) - The raw (and probably some of the in-store cooked) chicken sold at stores like Marks & Spencer, Aldi, Lidl, The Co-op, Tesco, and Sainsbury's is supplied by a company called 2 Sisters Food Group, based in Birmingham. It was founded in 1993 and has an annual revenue of over £3 billion. It has numerous subsidiaries,
- [PoliceWitness.com - An Update](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15681) - As of June 2019, this article has received a few hits. Please note that it is an old post and is not relevant any longer. DVSA allows recording of tests using dashcams now (but still not the audio). Indeed, I often use dashcam footage to show pupils where they went wrong. However, the original post
- [Boiling Water On Tap](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=11489) - How on earth did this get by Health & Safety? It’s an accident waiting to happen. Part of me says it’s a great idea, but when I saw it on TV just now the other part of me said bloody hell, that looks lethal. What it is is a worktop mounted tap which produces instant
- [Nearly Half of UK Motorists on Illegal Tyres](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=5540) - This story from etyres claims that over 40% of UK motorists are driving on illegal tyres. It blames the recession - people are trying to save money. As anyone who can answer the Show Me Tell Me questions (required for the driving test) will know, the specification for tyres is that they should have a
- [Nearly Half Drive on Illegal Tyres](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6941) - This story in Exchange & Mart (and covered elsewhere) reveals that nearly half of British motorists are driving on illegal tyres - risking fines and penalty points, as well as lives. The specification for tyres is that they should have a minimum of 1.6mm of tread across the middle three-quarters of the tyre's width, and
- [The Börner V5 Food Slicer - You Live And Learn!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23913) - I’ve had a Mandoline slicer for many years. I bought my old one after seeing an ad on TV, and it lasted for at least 20 years. In fact, there’s still not much wrong with it now, apart from the state of its box after all this time. But – and being a sucker for
- [Learn to Drive, Dummy!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=18866) - This time of year you get some real idiots on the roads. I’m not talking about boy racers, but middle-aged plus fossils who simply don’t know how to drive. To make matters worse, they usually have big 4x4s specifically to advertise how much money they’ve been able to borrow in order to get it. If
- [BirdCam - First Activity of 2023](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=40296) - We had the first visitor of the year this morning. She only stayed a short time, checking the walls. Hopefully she will return. This year, it will be water cannon at the ready for that bloody cat, which I'm sure was responsible for what happened last year.
- [PayPal Here Card Reader](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=18542) - This article was originally written in 2015. Prior to PayPal Here, I had used iZettle, but I had an extremely (and I mean EXTREMELY) unfortunate experience with them - and one which has become more significant to me as of 2023. PayPal bought iZettle in 2018. The situation as of 2021 in the UK was
- [20mph Signs Erected by Halfwits](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=17352) - I recently mentioned the idiotic 20mph speed limits which Nottingham City Council - and championed by Jane Urquhart - has erected within the City boundaries. I pointed out specifically that the signage is now extremely confusing - and in many cases, totally wrong and probably illegal. Well, take a look at these two examples. This
- [Nonsense About Advanced Driving Qualifications](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=14945) - This is an old article, and I have edited it to my more recent style. I have not changed it, though. IAM (the Institute of Advanced Motorists) is at it again. In poll it has commissioned, it reveals that “only 60% of drivers concentrate when they are behind the wheel”. The IAM chief executive comments:
- [Dragons' Den](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=39915) - I love this show. A lot of the things that appear are crap (to me), but every now and then something comes up which makes me go 'woah!' A few years ago, someone came on with the Tangle Teezer - a hair brush which removes tangles. I've got long hair, and tangles (and dust bunnies,
- [A Digital Pound?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=39079) - I've bumped this to the top, because I've just seen that the plans have been dropped. The original article - from February (less than a month ago) - follows. Cryptocurrency does nothing for me. Fair enough, many years ago when I first heard about mining and how much people had apparently 'made', I toyed with
- [Moving Off And Stopping Safely](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=9306) - This is an old article, but it is still correct overall. .I noticed someone asked a question on one of the forums about this. The range of replies was quite astounding, with everyone having their own “must-do-it-this-way” method, and poo-pooing everyone else’s “no-it-has-to-be-done-like-this” procedure. Let’s take a look at the issue, starting in the most
- [Testing Britain’s Worst Drivers: Crash Course](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15997) - The show is available on catch-up on ITV Player until around 16 August 2014. An ITV press release a couple of weeks ago alerted me to this programme, and I commented on that release at the time. Since I wrote the piece - and before the show was aired - both of the people appearing
- [Near Miss - East Midlands Airport](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=1075) - I'm convinced I saw one of these this evening. I was driving home and I'd stopped to make a phone call. The place where I stopped was right underneath the flightpath for incoming aircraft at East Midlands Airport. You have to imagine the landing path running from left to right (basically, east to west). You
- [Horslips Gig: A Reader's Story](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=4431) - My recent post about the upcoming Horslips gig in Glasgow has drawn in a huge amount of hits. A guy called Sean contacted me about it, and kindly gave me permission to reproduce this story he posted on the Horslips forums: Hi just felt the need to put this into words - I`ll try to
- [New Drivers And Car Rental](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15732) - Someone has asked via the Contact Form if they would be able to hire a car in order to travel to Heathrow, having only passed their driving test during the last 3 months. There is no way to be certain, but there is a good chance you would not be able to hire a car.
- [BirdCamLive - First Visitor](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=29168) - I had my first non-insectoid and non-arachnoid visitor to my birdbox today. What appears to have been a Great Tit popped in and cased the joint. He (or she) inspected every corner, and even checked the walls for integrity. Apparently, this time of year they’re looking for places to roost, so I hope he comes
- [DVSA: Find Your Lost Theory Test Certificate Number](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=10070) - I wrote this article way back in 2012. At the time, DVSA had just launched a new facility where you could find your Theory Test Certificate (TTC) number online if you’d lost the paper sheet. Here’s the link to the feature on GOV.UK. You need the number if you’re going to book your practical test
- [Rik Mayall Dies](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15769) - These days you don’t get people who you could genuinely class as comedy legends, but if you did, Rik Mayall would be up there. So, it was very, very sad to read of his sudden death earlier today at the relatively young age of just 56. He first hit the big time in the 80s
- [Make Your Own Doner Kebabs](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21041) - I first wrote this in 2017, but it’s had a run of hits lately. And I’m just making another batch, so an update seemed in order. I like cooking, and I especially like to be able to reproduce food that I would normally end up paying an arm and a leg for if I went
- [NSA Harvests Photos For Face Recognition](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15706) - This story came through on the news feeds today. Apparently, the NSA is harvesting photos of people in order to build up its database to be used for face recognition. They are harvesting millions of photos every day according to the latest Edward Snowden leaks. Coincidentally, I got some new Dilbert books over the weekend,
- [Another BirdCam Visitor](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=29288) - It might be the same bird as the first time, but this time he stayed for almost ten minutes - some of the time above the camera (you can hear him tapping with his beak). He gave the box a really good going over before finally leaving. I’m hoping that such a long check means
- [Giant Rats: V](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=17330) - It’s been a while since any new rat stories cropped up, but the original article I wrote about giant rats remains popular. So this latest item on the BBC website made me smile. It talks of a race of super-rats which once lived in the Caribbean... ...some of which grew to the size of cats.
- [Giant Rats: III & IV](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=9545) - The articles Giant Rats and Giant Rats: II have been quite popular since I published them. Every now and then I get a run of people looking for them. People searching for “huge rats” or something similar is the usual way they end up here. This story from a couple of months ago now reveals
- [Giant Rats: II](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=3440) - EDIT: As well as the Bradford Rat , one has turned up in County Durham as of April 2012. The Sun can never leave a new story alone. Only a day after the Giant Rat from Bradford, we now have one in Lincoln . In order to keep the story alive, The Sun skirts neatly
- [Idiot Drives Wrong Way on Dual Carriageway](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=5552) - Another frightening tale from the real world in the Daily Mail. The report is a little flaky - the car is described variously as "this little car" (cutesy), a "Vauxhall Astro (sic)", and a "Vauxhall Corsa" (got there eventually). Let me paraphrase in plain English: an idiot driver came up an EXIT slip road to drive
- [Dilbert - Reborn](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=40111) - Quite recently, I wrote about Dilbert being cancelled by 'woke'. At the time, the cartoon strip was being cancelled in some American newspapers because it was lampooning 'wokeness' - by having a black character who 'identified' as white, and who was subsequently asked by management to also identify as 'gay' to balance out the numbers
- [It's Official: The Police Are Now Recruiting Morons](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=17969) - Maybe I’m missing something, and the title of this article is therefore wrong, but I saw this article on the BBC website just now. It would appear that Leicestershire Police have been “trialling” a scheme whereby they have not fully investigated burglaries involving properties with odd-numbered addresses. Just think about that. Now that the burglars
- [Ramadan And Driving](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=3578) - I originally wrote this back in 2010, but it gets a new raft of hits each year, usually around the start of Ramadan. I had a pupil fail her test a while back, and on the way home she mentioned that Ramadan had started. She insisted that she felt OK, but I couldn’t help wonder
- [Driving Without Due Care And Attention - 8 August 2017](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21494) - I’m starting to get seriously pissed off with some of the prats on the roads these days. As if it wasn’t bad enough that Nottingham City and Country Councils have got road works on virtually every route into and out of the city, you have people like the driver of this white Nissan Qashqai, registration
- [Speaking Of Accidents...](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=2440) - Earlier this week I had a pupil on test. He's a good driver. So, he drives off and - 40 minutes later - arrives back at the test centre. I've seen him coming up the driveway, so I collect my magazine, throw my cup in the bin, and head outside. As usual, I walk slowly
- [Judge Not, Lest Ye Be Judged...](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21506) - Over the years, I’ve taught many pupils whose ability behind the wheel gave me cause for concern. In some cases, it seemed that they would never learn simple clutch control, gear changing, and steering, let alone roundabouts and complex road junctions, and even when they reached test standard, it was obvious they still had issues.
- [Gypsies Stripped of Licences](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=5664) - I hope it isn't just gypsies who have this happen to them - it should happen to anyone who is found to be involved in the same type of fraud. This story in the Daily Mirror reports that almost 150 Irish travellers paid around £500 per test to have some one do it for them,
- [Bye-bye PayPal Here, Hello SumUp](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=39955) - Regular readers will know that I have been taking card payments from my pupils since 2013. It'll be ten years this September! How time flies. I originally used iZettle, which I was happy with. I'd initially wanted to use PayPal Here, but their sales rep got something wrapped around his neck at the time, and
- [PayPal Assimilates iZettle](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22022) - I’ve mentioned elsewhere that when I first started taking card payments from my pupils, I chose iZettle. Everything was fine (without anything to compare with) until the time they updated their app and it wouldn’t run on my smartphone. They basically told me to get stuffed - effectively almost killing my business overnight - which
- [New Channel 5 TV Series about Driving Instructors](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=7082) - This is a very, very old article. Well, it's about individuals with poor driving skills taking lessons to bring them up to scratch - but the people who find this blog looking for info about the show won't be interested in that sort of minor detail. It involves driving instructors, and that's enough. Starting on
- [Learner In 60mph Crash](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=11197) - This story makes you wonder how this guy will behave if - God forbid - he were ever to gain a driving licence. At 37, Alexssandro Osti is far from being young - at least physically - but he sure could be considered extremely immature. The idiot was spotted not wearing a seatbelt, and when police tried
- [Coaching And The Driving Instructor](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=4644) - This is an old article. DSA is now DVSA, of course. UPDATE: The DSA has now embarked on its implementation of coaching, so read this article posted in November 2012. It goes without saying that the GDE Matrix is involved in this - purely because the Clown College life skills department has got hold of
- [Hay Fever Sufferers Driving Blind](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=5768) - This story in the Daily Mail says that millions are driving "almost blind" because of hay fever. In a way, it's yet another statement of the blindingly obvious - like saying that if people have a ruptured appendix or a broken leg then they are not going to be driving up to par. But they
- [Linekergate Scandal Grows](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=39882) - Most people (in the UK) will be aware of the furore this week over a tweet made by Gary Lineker in relation to the government's proposed bill concerning asylum seekers. This is what he said: There is no huge influx. We take far fewer refugees than other major European countries. This is just an immeasurably
- [Tram Fiasco Just Gets Worse and Worse](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=17929) - I’ve written many times about Nottingham’s tram system, and in particular how it is a monumental waste of money and a showcase for the incompetence of those involved with it. I read somewhere that every minute beyond the planned completion date was costing an additional £100. That puts the bloody thing up to £35 million
- [Cancelled Tests Due To Snow II](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=1660) - This is a very old post from the harsh winter of 2009! This is the post you are probably looking for - it's about lessons and tests in snow. That's another one gone! I had a 9.17am test and didn't expect it to go ahead. It snowed a little more last night and the temperature
- [Cancelled Driving Tests](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=17139) - This is an old post from 2015. This is the post you are probably looking for - it's about lessons and tests in snow. Someone found the blog with this first question. If my driving test is cancelled, can my instructor still charge for the lesson/car hire? Unfortunately, there is no law which says your instructor
- [Storm Eunice: Cancelled Tests](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=30988) - DVSA has just sent out an email alert advising that all driving and riding tests at certain test centres are cancelled due to Storm Eunice. It’s a long list, mainly involving test centres in the south of the UK. Centres involved currently are Ashford Kent, Ashford Middlesex, Aylesbury, Banbury, Barking, Barnet, Barnstaple, Basildon, Basingstoke, Belvedere,
- [Snow And Cancelled Lessons (And Tests)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=1647) - This is a very old post from the harsh winter of 2009! This is the post you are probably looking for - it's about lessons and tests in snow. I'm keeping this one updated into 2010... originally posted just before Christmas... Reading some of the forums, you always find a load of smart arses
- [Cancelled Tests Due To Snow I](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=1651) - This is a very old post from the harsh winter of 2009! This is the post you are probably looking for - it's about lessons and tests in snow. OK. One down, two to go! I had an 8.40am test this morning, and I picked the pupil up at 6.45am. It was deadly on some
- [Unreasonable Refund Requests](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=19218) - This is an older article, and the lesson prices given are not current - though they were correct at the original time of writing. Current hourly rates (2022) are £31. Another recent forum discussion referred to unreasonable demands for lesson refunds by pupils. I mentioned in my recently updated article on becoming an ADI that
- [Good Feeling](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=41) - A very old post - one of the first I wrote, in fact. My style has changed a lot since then. I have a pupil who is taking a long time to grasp certain aspects of driving. She's been having particular problems with road markings, road signs and signals, and roundabouts - in spite of
- [To Signal, Or Not To Signal](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=17076) - This article was originally published in 2015 after I saw an argument on a driving forum. I noticed a similar argument more recently, so I thought I'd update it. The general rule is that you should signal whenever it would help another road user, including cyclists and pedestrians, to understand your intentions. However, some instructors
- [A Guide to ADI Etiquette](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=39452) - Although I've tended to move away from this topic over the years, in the past - fired by the comments of imbeciles on web forums which no longer exist - I've often made the point that many ADIs are complete prats in almost everything they do. Back in the days when the three-point-turn (aka turn
- [Extension To Green Badge?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23925) - This is an old article from right at the start of the Covid Pandemic. People keep asking (or criticising) DVSA over concerns about their badges. The ADI’s ‘badge’ – often called the ‘green badge’ – is their licence to teach. It costs £300, which has to be paid every 4 years in order to remain
- [The National Speed Limit](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22838) - On lessons, it is quite common for pupils to query why there is a national speed limit in force in places where it is obviously not possible or safe to drive above about 30-40mph. One particular road around here is a single track with crude passing places on it (not the one shown in the
- [Living the Dream](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22847) - This is a sponsored article on behalf of Kate McKinlay. Seven years ago I changed my life for the better and qualified as a Driving Instructor and have never looked back. To say I am passionate about my job is an understatement. My friends and family regularly have to tell me (in the nicest possible
- [Easiest Driving Test Manoeuvre?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=5602) - This is an old, old, OLD article from 2011! The test no longer involves turn in the road and reversing around a corner. That's the search term someone used to find the blog! Since the introduction of the Independent Driving section on the test late last year, candidates only have to do one of the
- [They Work In Mysterious Ways](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24825) - At the weekend, I ordered a tray of semi-skimmed milk from Amazon. It’s a repeat order for my mum - ordering online means I don’t have to go into Asda or anywhere. I order stacks of stuff from Amazon and it always arrives on time. This order immediately went down as delivery for today (Wednesday),
- [Examiner Strikes and Cancelled Tests (2023)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=39684) - Well, I did have a test this morning, but the pupil had been contacted by the test centre to inform her that there wasn't an examiner available, and that her test had been rescheduled in a couple of weeks - albeit at the God Awful time of 7.50am. Bastards. I went back to bed for
- [Turning Right at Crossroads](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6684) - Originally published in 2011, but updated periodically. There seems to be a lot of confusion over how to turn right at crossroads when another vehicle is turning right from the opposite direction. Driving: The Essential Skills (TES) - that's the official DVSA guide to driving - says the following: Turning right when an oncoming vehicle
- [ADI Tests - Failed 3rd Attempt](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6673) - This is an old article from 2011. It is still correct, but I suggest you take a look at Should I Become A Driving Instructor for more information. Someone found the blog on the search term "what happens if you fail your 3rd adi test"? You have two years to complete all the training from the
- [Red Driving School Is Saved](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=2091) - This is an OLD story from 2010. Red went bust in 2009/10 but was bought up immediately. It never ceased trading, and it is still going strong now. It doesn’t advertise (or do) instructor training like it used to do. It is not the same company as the one it was before it went bust
- [Dilbert... Cancelled by Woke](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=35528) - Please note that I wrote this in September, 2022. Readers finding this post will no doubt be aware of Scott Adams' more recent (February, 2023) comments. This article has nothing to do with those comments, as it predates them. However, Adams has effectively destroyed his career now, whatever point he was making - which, incidentally,
- [Non-UK Drivers Driving In UK... And Vice Versa](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22700) - The system we have in the UK is that if you hold a full non-UK licence from a non-EU country, or a country which does not have a reciprocal arrangement with the UK, you can drive on that licence for up to 12 months. The clock starts ticking from the moment you set foot in
- [Fuel Costs, Fuel Cards, And Credit Cards](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23421) - Please note figures were correct at the time of writing. Fuel prices are volatile, and all this was before Covid. I’ve never used a fuel card, and for a good reason. I’ve been approached many times over the years (damned Yellow Pages) by companies offering me one, but the simple fact is that I have
- [Baking Bread: Vollkornbrot (Sourdough Rye) - Part II](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23999) - After my preamble in Part I, now it’s time to get down to business and start making my proper German Sourdough Rye Bread – Vollkornbrot in this case. The whole point of sourdough bread is that you don’t use any added yeast – which is fortunate, since the panic-buyers have it all. Instead, you make
- [Thieving Scumbag at Asda](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=18086) - I was shopping in Asda tonight. I paid for my items at the self-checkout by debit card, and also requested £30 cash back. I loaded my bags into my trolley, but I forgot to pick up my cash from the tray. Let’s just say that there was a bloke behind me who didn’t call me
- [Dry Roasted Cashews Recipe](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=17378) - I covered dry roasted peanuts in that last article, noting how expensive they can be. Cashews have always been a hundred times worse - with peanuts, at least you get a few handfuls. A typical bag of cashews is likely to contain less than 20 nuts and cost at least twice the price of the
- [Gosh! A Hawk](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=30067) - I woke up this morning to be met by a very unusual and rather exciting sight just outside the kitchen window. A bird - I believe it is a Goshawk [correction: A Sparrowhawk, so the article title is now a bit off] - had caught a pigeon and was eating it. It was quite macabre,
- [I'm Not All Right Jack](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24476) - Just when you think you’ve seen it all! I noticed on SkyQ earlier that Talking Pictures is showing the classic comedy ‘I’m All Right Jack’. I’m watching it right now. For anyone who doesn’t know, it was made in 1959. Yes, over sixty years ago. It tells the story of Stanley Windrush (played by Ian
- [On Your Marks... Banned!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22632) - This made me smile. An 18-year old kid in Germany passed his driving test, then got caught by police with a radar gun doing 60mph in a 30mph zone on his way home (with four of his mates in the car). This happened 49 minutes after his test pass. He’s got an automatic four-week ban,
- [COVID Complacency And Stupidity](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=33975) - I’ve not written about Covid in a while, though I have had to deal with many situations involving it in working as an ADI. I’ve explained previously, but I am carer to my two elderly parents, both of whom have age-related health issues which put them in the ‘extremely vulnerable’ group as far as Covid
- [Wheels Within Wheels](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23490) - There was a news item on the BBC earlier, which is covered by this article on the BBC website. It tells of an elderly chap, Doug Varey, who saw a pop-up on his computer offering security protection for 12 years at a cost of £556. A couple of weeks ago, I got an email from
- [Nottingham. City. Council. Are. Idiots.](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20187) - Four years ago, spurred on by the London Olympics, a lot of people with no brains took up cycling, and so joined a lot of other people with no brains who already cycled. I think I should explain, for about the six hundredth time, that I ride a bike sometimes. But – being in possession
- [Another Day Of Chaos](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23711) - Caution – contains swearing. It’s been an absolute joke, today. The A52 is still closed southbound, so traffic is having to find its way across the Trent elsewhere. But that’s why I made sure I wasn’t teaching during the rush hour. Or, at least that was the plan. You see, I didn’t take into account
- [Lamb Has Ears Cut Off](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=12582) - I wish I could catch the twats responsible for this. It happened in my neck of the woods, near Gotham in Nottinghamshire. A three week old lamb has had its ears cut of with what appeared to be either a knife or scissors. It was subsequently rejected by its mother and is having to be
- [Chalfont Drive Test Centre Is Moving!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=10979) - This is a really, really, REALLY old story from November 2012. This update is from late 2021, as a result of a run of hits on the article. When Chalfont closed, tests were variously conducted over a couple of years from Colwick, Beeston (near the train station), Chilwell (from The Village Hotel), Clifton (on the
- [ADHD And Learning To Drive](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=8895) - Originally published in April, 2012. Furthermore, I have seen a few posts on a forum with ADIs fretting over pupils who aren’t making progress. They really ought to consider ADHD as a possible reason for this. I had another one recently who has all the necessary hardware to drive well, but who struggles when the
- [Exam Results Time... Again!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=1361) - Well, the BBC has been behaving as if no one ever - in the history of the universe - has ever got their exam results at this time of year. And once again, record A Level pass rates have been recorded. I heard a funny job advertisement on Smooth Radio the other day. For anyone
- [Alexandra Bastedo Dies At 67](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=14690) - One of my favourite TV shows as a child was The Champions. I remember that I had a schoolboy crush on Alexandra Bastedo, who was one of the stars. Well, I just saw on the BBC website that she has died at the age of 67 after a long illness. In her younger years she
- [Mixed Messages, Or What? New Book Reckons You Can Learn To Drive In 24 Hours](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=11731) - This came in on the newsfeeds. A driving instructor has published a book which claims to teach people to drive in 24 hours. In the article, the most bizarre list of contradictory nonsense is put forward, with the instructor in question claiming to take a “totally different approach” to learning to drive. He says that
- [What The Hell Is An EU No Entry Sign?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=13716) - This article from the newsfeeds tells how drivers in Rochdale are ignoring a No Entry sign. It’s a local story, and no big deal otherwise. However, the part that really confuses me is this: A police spokesman said: "Some drivers may be confused, as this is a European Union standard sign and not the usual
- [Dumb it Down a Little... And Now a Little More](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=17774) - I sometimes find it difficult to comprehend the mentalities of people I share this planet with. This story on the BBC does little to change that. As a footnote to this, the day after I updated it I was in contact with a pupil who has a her test coming up. She wanted an extra
- [Stalling On Your Driving Test](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=8422) - In the majority of cases, it is probably because you're changing gear too soon so you're in the wrong gear for the speed the car is moving at. The two graphs of speed against time show how an experienced driver will accelerate in 1st gear, and when the car is well into the 2nd gear
- [More Moon Pictures](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=18392) - Having seen the effect of the sun casting shadows across the face of the moon I took the opportunity to catch the latest phase tonight. The moon rises later each night, and it is quite low on the horizon – which led to this lucky shot. Anyway, after moving away from the Silver Birch tree,
- [Fast Food Baloney at McDonald's](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21342) - This is an Australian story, but it reports that McDonald’s over there is about to take “one of the biggest risks in the company's history” by introducing fresh beef patties to its menu. Apparently, ordering one adds about a minute to your waiting time, since the fresh beef patties are prepared to order, whereas the
- [“Special” ADI Module For Cyclists](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=13208) - Nicely following on from the tragedy in that last story, several driving schools have reportedly “created” special modules for their instructors to use when teaching learners how to handle cyclists. You can read more in ADI News but you’ll have to subscribe to the magazine itself (which is very worthwhile). But it makes me smile.
- [One Lane Roundabouts](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20049) - Please note that this is an old post, and the layout of the Racecourse Roundabout is not longer as described here. The article How to do Roundabouts is one of the most popular on the blog, and I often get questions from people regarding roundabouts in their areas. Some of these I add to that
- [McDonalds Ride Thru?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=13353) - I saw this on the BBC website, where two people in Manchester tried to use the McDonalds drive-thru on horseback. Initially, it raised a smile. More detail in The Telegraph (but still no names). It seems McDonalds staff merely asked her to tie the horse up outside – they just wouldn’t serve her whilst mounted
- [Ford Focus Oil Change Warning](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20791) - This article was originally written a few years ago, but it has become extremely popular, and gets hundreds of hits a week. The original article refers to all Focus models between 2016 and 2018 (not the latest model). The reset procedure is different on the 2019 Focus and be careful with that because there may
- [Changing Ford Focus Headlight Bulbs](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6171) - I saw an amusing post on one of the forums a while back. Someone was asking how to change a Ford Focus headlight bulb and had concluded that the front bumper had to be removed because he'd taken a screw out and couldn't remove the headlight. Naturally, this was the manufacturer's fault. Even more amusing
- [How Many Turns is Full Lock?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=18873) - This question crops up regularly in the search terms used to find the blog, but since just before Christmas there has been a noticeable spike. It’s often asked in relation to specific models of car, so I am seeing people repeatedly asking how many turns they need for full lock in Astras, Corsas, Fiestas, and
- [How to do Roundabouts](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6468) - In this diagram, you have the same layout as above, but with the added complication of other sets of rails crisscrossing it. The trick is to only look at your set of rails - the others are nothing to do with where you want to go. You seldom need to make sharp turns on a
- [The 4 Es of Road Safety](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=7227) - This article was originally published in 2011, but I've updated it a couple of times since, and again in 2018 following a run of hits. It's been popular on and off since, and has suddenly been swamped again in mid-2021. The original article came about after watching an argument flare up on a forum concerning
- [Driving Instructor Caught With No Insurance](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=11280) - This story tells how driving instructor Alan Taylor, 51, admitted to having no insurance when he appeared in front of magistrates on December 6. He was driving an uninsured car back from the garage when he was stopped by police. Now, I’m not defending him, but when you read the story it doesn’t look like
- [Can Someone Pass Their Test Anywhere?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22942) - I originally wrote this after I saw this question posed on a forum a while back. The premise was that if you have been trained properly, you could pass your test at any test centre in the country. The same argument comes up periodically, and I have updated the article. Some ADIs leap on the
- [Too Stupid for Words (or a Licence)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6657) - This classic yarn is covered by The Guardian. Also in the Daily Mail. Hadi Mohammed had failed his test five times, so he got Derbas Hamed (who had a full licence) to take the test for him. Mohammed is a former Iraqi police officer. What happened was this: Hamed drove to the test alone He took
- [BSM Pupil Flips Car](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=2426) - I noticed this story on the BBC website today, about a learner who had an accident on a lesson and flipped the car. My first thought was for the occupants. True to form, though, this does not appear to be the first thought which has occurred to many other instructors out there. Some know-it-alls wonder
- [Air Conditioning In Cars](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=13403) - One of them controls the speed (and noise) of the fan, one controls the temperature (blue is cool, red is warmer), and another allows you to select which vents and grilles the air will be blown through (at your feet, at your face, at both, or at the windscreen – possibly with other combinations). Higher
- [Driving Test Routes Withdrawn](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=3560) - This is an old story. DVSA (then known as DSA) used to publish complete test routes for all parts of the UK. However, they ceased publication of the routes from 4 October 2010. They were simply text directions, and to be honest I gave up after only a couple of attempts to follow them just after
- [A Good Idea In Theory, But Still Missing The Point By A Mile](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=11417) - Another story from the newsfeeds. It involves IAM - but I won’t diss it outright since just for once they haven’t tried to blame the behaviour of the last 10 generations of young drivers on their driving instructors. Not directly, anyway. There’s a scheme in Scotland being sponsored by a former racing driver who is
- [The Two Second Rule](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=14719) - Driving: The Essential Skills (TES) is the official DVSA guide to driving. Under the heading “Separation Distance”, it says the following: The two-second rule In good dry conditions an alert driver, who is driving a vehicle with first class tyres and brakes, needs to be at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front. In
- [After All That Hassle](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=39069) - I've mentioned before, but I build my own PCs. I began doing it nearly 30 years ago, when one of my early PCs broke down. In those days, unless you could afford one of the business computers from the big manufacturers (which were hugely expensive), you'd usually get your machine from one of the many
- [Words of the (Un)Wise (or, How to Turn Corners Properly)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6837) - Things never change, do they? On a forum (frequented by learners and young people), a lot of ridiculous advice is bandied about. The latest has to do with which gear to choose when turning left or right into junctions: You should only go into 1st if you reach a complete stop. Otherwise 2nd is the
- [UK Law Demonstrates Its Stupidity Yet Again](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=14920) - The Belper News reports that Gareth Warne, 32, was banned for 12 months last October for drink-driving. He was then spotted driving a BMW by police, who confirmed he was a banned driver. That means he was also driving without insurance. He pleaded guilty to both charges. His defence was obviously completely out of ideas
- [Queen's Medical Centre Parking](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=38818) - It's been a stressful week. My mum was rushed into hospital last Thursday with severe back pain, and it turns out she has fractures in her spine. They say it will heal, but she's still in pain and on powerful painkillers as a result of the manipulations necessary when she has a scan or physiotherapy.
- [Most Used Phrases When Teaching](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=490) - I was out with a particular pupil a few days ago and something struck a chord with me as I kept saying the same thing. It then occurred to me that there are several phrases (including variations) which you end up saying a lot - so much so, that I think I may end up having
- [Fewer Learners Crashing On Test](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15477) - A reader sent me a link to a recent press release, which reports that fewer learners are having crashes while on their driving tests. I was aware of it because the author, Pete McAllister, had asked me for my opinion before it was published. I was meaning to get around to reporting on it myself,
- [Apple vs. The FBI](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=19242) - When I think of the Apple versus the FBI fiasco, I sometimes wonder what the world is coming to. In December 2015, Syed Rizwan Farook and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, carried out a terrorist attack in San Bernardino, California. They shot and killed 14 people, and seriously wounded 22 more. Three bombs they also planted
- [HTC One Voted Best Phone At T3 Awards](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=14246) - I’ve had my HTC One for a good few months now – I got it immediately it went on sale. I called it a “superphone” then, and I really meant it. Unless HTC brings out something better, I can’t see there being any need to upgrade for a long time. So it is great to
- [BoE Raises Interest Rates](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=39034) - We own our house outright, so the increase in interest rates from 3.5% to 4% - the highest level for 14 years - doesn't affect us too much. In fact, I actually got a laugh out of it when I read the BBC's guide to interest rates (it was written last year, but they've linked
- [Macular Degeneration And Driving](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=5171) - As I've mentioned elsewhere, my dad has macular degeneration (MD). He's over 80. And before he finally admitted he couldn't see well enough to drive (he can't tell the difference between a pigeon and a pheasant 30 metres away) I had to threaten to report him to police if he even tried to drive -
- [Instructor Guilty Of Sexual Abuse](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=7927) - This is an old story, However, it had a run of hits in 2017. DSA is now DVSA, of course. Note that links originally referred to are now dead and have been removed. I noticed last week that on one forum posters were beside themselves over the case of a driving instructor who had raped
- [Ford Focus - Erratic Idle](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=2643) - Please Note: This applies to the pre-2012/13 Focus model. The latest one doesn't have the problem based on my own experience. Request: If anyone actually benefits from this advice, please let me know so I can update the article. I'd like to identify if the problems I had were the same as those being experienced
- [How To Parallel Park](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15551) - As I said in that discussion about parallel parking, however you look at it all it boils down to is reversing into a space behind another vehicle in a reverse 'S' path (or an 'S' path on the right side of the road, so USA readers bear that in mind). However, success, failure, and reproducibility
- [Independent Driving Routes in Nottingham](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=5518) - This is a VERY old post - one of the oldest on the site. Somewhere along the way, sat navs were introduced and the subject matter here is no longer relevant. I'm getting a lot of hits on this search term at the moment. As I've pointed out several times, test routes are no longer
- [Original Highway Code (1931)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=5941) - An email alert from the DSA advises that you can buy an anniversary copy of the 1931 Highway Code (for a limited time). Here's the link to it on the TSO Bookshop. I've actually got the PDF version, but I've ordered a copy of it. It's only £4.99. I won't reproduce the whole DSA message
- [Electronic Parking Brakes On Test](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=4069) - An email alert from the DSA (this is an old post - it's DVSA now, of course): Electronic parking brakes suitable for tests Vehicles with electronic parking brakes can be used for tests Change from 1 November 2010 DSA responds to advances in vehicle technology From 1 November vehicles fitted with an electronic parking brake
- [Moneygrabbing Vandals (Update)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=2268) - A couple of months ago, I wrote about the damage that had been caused by some moneygrabbers to a large expanse of trees in Toton, Nottinghamshire. They'd done this without any warning whatsoever, and the destruction was total. They had the weakest excuses imaginable - it would have been far easier to have admitted they
- [It’s a Woman’s World: #1](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21509) - I just saw this report from the Evening Standard. Imagine what would happen if a 37-year old man did this: had a gambling addiction was an accountant for a tech company created over 400 fake invoices stole £350,000 in one year spent £250,000 of it playing online poker concealed details to avoid being caught Now
- [Bill Plant Goes Bust](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21202) - This is an old article from 2017. You may want to take a look here, as I was told by a Bill Plant franchisee that they "went bust" again in early 2019. This came in via the Google newsfeeds. It seems that Bill Plant driving school went into administration on 27 April 2017. It has
- [What is Coasting?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=18613) - I noticed someone on a forum state that “coasting is driving without a gear engaged”. As it appeared to be meant to be interpreted, this is not correct. Coasting is where the vehicle is moving but it is not being driven by the engine, and that can happen: when the clutch is down and the
- [Scumbag Jailed For 130mph Death Crash](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=14304) - This is an old story from 2013. It has had a few hits lately, which makes me wonder if Li is out and checking his reputation. A reader sent me this link. Martin Li, 22, from Hexham was put away for 8 years for various offences associated with the crash. Lucy Duggan, 18, was a
- [ADI Parts 1, 2, and 3 Pass Rates](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=2154) - A reader has taken issue with my maths in my article "Should I Become A Driving Instructor?" (which is now updated for 2018, though the following article applies to the 2010 version). He says: ...I have to say your maths is totally to pot.The pass rate figures are for each exam taken.You fail to take
- [THIS Is Why Young Drivers Have Accidents](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=8596) - This is an old post. But it is still absolutely true. In a long-overdue update - I didn't follow the story at the time, but it was visited by a search in 2022 - Tennant was unbelievably cleared of causing his girlfriend's death! This story from Edinburgh illustrates clearly the absolute Number One reason many
- [Test Pass: 16/4/2015](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=17387) - A bit late, but well done Sam, who passed first time a few weeks ago with 8 driver faults. Sam had never driven before, and completed his training in just 29½ hours. We held off on lessons for a month or so in the middle while he passed his theory test, but then did them
- [Dealing with Emergency Vehicles](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6752) - I originally published this article back in 2011, but I noticed that the subject has cropped up again. The first part of the text below is the original article. A reader recently asked this question about emergency vehicles and what is the best course of action when dealing with them: [This incident happened a few
- [Good News/Bad News Sandwich](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=9684) - This is an old post. Some of the examples are out of date, but the message is still the same. When I was in the rat race, the “good news/bad news sandwich” (GNBN) was much touted. One of the things I learnt about it was that it is only something you were expected to give
- [Council Car Parking Scam](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=14661) - This story in the news today suggests that councils are using car park fines as a “cash cow”. Did anyone ever think that they weren’t? Last year, I parked in one of the West Bridgford car parks. The ticket machines there used to just print out a ticket when you paid your money, and since
- [A Coach, A Coach. My Kingdom For A Coach.](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=13582) - A reader sent me an email which made me laugh out loud. Here it is in full: Thought you may enjoy this - from the [coaching spam source] Facebook page. An ADI posts: Just spent a 2 hour lesson with a lady who cannot tell the difference between the different pedestrian crossings plus the flashing
- [Cheats Never Prosper](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23368) - There was a story in the media recently about someone who attempted to cheat on the theory test by having a bluetooth device under a headscarf. As usual, ADIs across the web forums and social media know more about the story than anyone else – even though they only just read it in the newspapers
- [David Crosby Dies, 81](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=38700) - The end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023 has been a bummer for legendary artists dying. Now we've lost another, in David Crosby, who has died at the age of 81. Crosby, Stills, and Nash (and Young) are one of the defining groups of the 60s and 70s (though they were active up until
- [Drink Driver Leaves Victim Brain Damaged](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=10350) - This story tells how Paul Critchley, 29, drank four pints of beer and then drove at speeds of between 50 and 60mph in Northwich, before smashing into a pedestrian and leaving him brain-damaged for life. Critchley had only been driving for a year after a previous conviction for dangerous driving. Something occurred to me, though.
- [No Favouritism? That's A Good One](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22871) - It gets better. If a normal motorist was observed not wearing a seatbelt, the police would go nuts over it (they have done, before). It’s a good job the Duke is not getting “favourable” treatment, isn’t it? And in the latest update, Prince Philip has done the right thing and surrendered his licence. Whatever the
- [New ITV Show - Testing Britain's Worst Drivers: Crash Course](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15914) - Show reviewed here. A new series (well, a single show) begins next week. Not much information in the press release, but it appears to feature two typical berks (note: that's a general comment - I don't know either of them) who couldn’t get on Big Brother (note: that's an opinion built up after watching many
- [HMRC Trialling Text Messages](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=38651) - I've been doing my own self assessment (SA) tax return for eighteen years now. The only time I ever need to contact HMRC is if something is wrong, and I can count the number of those instances on the fingers of one hand. Having said that, HMRC (His Majesty's Customs and Revenue) is a bit
- [Toyota Yaris Recall And Driving Tests](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15396) - This is an old article. However, it might be useful for anyone buying a used Yaris to prompt them to make sure their car has had the fix applied. DVSA has sent out a warning about Toyota Yaris vehicles built between 2005 and 2010. The Yaris is subject to a recall notice as a result
- [Explaining The Car Gears To Pupils](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=9411) - At some point in the training of many pupils it becomes necessary to explain how the gears work. Sometimes you can do it during the controls lesson - I usually mention it briefly then - but it often makes more sense to them once they have got a basic understanding of how to make the
- [Why Don't People Use the Handbrake?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6072) - Someone found the blog on that search term. I've written about the handbrake before. The answer is quite simple, really. They're just bad drivers. You often see people riding the clutch at traffic lights, and the car is rolling back and forth because they can't do it properly. You often pull up behind someone who
- [Nottingham Ring Road "Improvement" - Really?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=14506) - I was going to write this article anyway, but I notice from my logs that someone found the blog on the following search term: Is traffic worse now on the ring road in Nottingham since the Aspley Lane junction was changed? The junction was re-opened this week. The clowns responsible have removed the original roundabout
- [Portable GPS/GPRS Tracker](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=17815) - I've stopped using this device and switched to one from Tracker Shop. Specifically, the Pro Pod 4. The reason for this is that Rewire Security changed the lifetime subscription agreement terms and then ignored my email when I sought clarification. Bad service equals bad product in my view. Added bonus I found was that the Pro
- [Aberdeen Man Abuses Examiner](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6579) - Stuart Low, 42, failed his driving test in Aberdeen, then verbally assaulted the examiner who failed him. Low - there is a picture of him on this Evening Express link (long since dead) - was fined £80. Hard to read more as this publication is subscription - only.
- [Daily Mail And Incandescence Over Light Bulbs](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=656) - The story below is from 2009. A more recent one (January 2016), which has generated renewed interest in the subject, suggests that scientists have found a way to make the old-style bulb more energy efficient (better than LEDs). I should point out - since the Daily Mail skims over it - that it is only
- [Online Booking Services](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=2249) - The Theory Test for learners learning to drive a car costs £31.00, and the Practical Test £62.00 (or £75.00 for a weekend or evening slot, where available). The current prices are always shown on the Direct.gov website. You can book online directly through the DSA's website, or by telephoning them on 0300 200 1122 . It
- [Are Brexiters REALLY This Thick?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=19764) - Not a day goes by without some new piece of negative financial or political fallout from the EU Referendum result. The side of the scales which contain the negative stuff is overflowing – the GBP has plummeted, and continues to do so; ALL the market experts predict uncertainty and negativity; science and technology is already
- [Frank, Bob, Dick – and Clodagh, Too](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=18870) - They’ve been naming hurricanes (all right, cyclones) for years. They all used to have female names, but someone somewhere decided that this was sexist and now they alternate between male and female. Apparently, they have six lists for the North Atlantic, each list comprising names beginning with the letters A-W, but excluding Q and U.
- [Your Driving Test Report Explained](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=2752) - This was originally published way back when the blog was still new. It has been updated several times since. As of 2019, DVSA no longer uses a paper test report (the DL25 form). It is all done using an iPad, and an email copy of the test result is sent instead. It means that there
- [PediPaws Nail Trimmer](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=1688) - Article updated as a result of a run of hits recently. This cracked me up! They say 'nail trimmer' - it's more of a 'claw grinder' for pets. Just now (back in 2009, actually) on TV there was one of those adverts from JML Direct advertising PediPaws (it’s now been taken down and pedi-paws no
- [Sad Hill Cemetery Refurb](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21484) - I just caught this story on the BBC website. The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly (TGTBATU) is the best film of all time. I should say that that’s just my opinion, but I don’t want to water it down. It just is. It has sentimental value to me as well. An uncle, who died
- [Are You Sure About That?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21889) - I’ve noticed a serious downward trend in spelling and grammar these days on usually reputable websites. Even the BBC isn’t averse to mistakes. This screenshot from an MSN newsfeed aggregate made me smile, though. It’s apparently a picture of a red panda sitting on a branch in New York. I have visions of someone submitting
- [A Stressful Job? Only If You Let It](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15178) - Recently, I’ve been picking up comments from driving instructors admitting to stress and related health problems (ulcers, obesity, etc.). I have to confess that when I got on the scales recently I almost lost 10kg there and then when I saw how heavy I was. It’s all due to sitting down all day and not
- [Electric Cars: Salvation?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=5594) - Not missing a chance to push the hype to ever higher limits, the Conservative-controlled Lincoln City Council has been boasting how it is using an electric car to ferry staff to and from meetings. The story has escaped captivity and is also meandering through the (local) media. The car in question is the Smart Fortwo (electric
- [How To Save Voicemail To Your PC](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22158) - I don’t know about you, but I find that people are rubbish at leaving coherent voicemail messages. If they’re not rubbing the phone around their head making crackles and thumps, or blowing into the microphone so it sounds like they’re standing in a Force 9 gale (this is right up there with whistling on the
- [The Undriveables](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=16219) - A new series of The Undriveables started on ITV this week. You can catch it for the usual limited period on the ITV Player (you’ll have to put up with the adverts). As an aside, I once had a middle-aged pupil who simply couldn’t coordinate the clutch, brake, and gas pedals. She couldn’t steer a
- [Highway Code Stopping Distances Wrong?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21456) - This story has appeared in a few newspapers recently. It concerns the stopping distances in the Highway Code (HC), and “research” by Brake - which is usually involved when anything like this kicks off. The charge being levelled this time is that the HC is wrong, and stopping distances are actually much longer. The first
- [SEISS - What Planet Are People On?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24224) - They get, worse. They really do. Why do people who are usually unable to even do their own accounts insist on reading into things, and then create concerns among others? A few weeks ago, it was announced that the SEISS scheme would be paid for a 2nd and final time, and you’ll be able to
- [Self Employment Income Support Scheme - II](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24185) - Update: I checked last weekend on my Government Gateway (where I do my self-assessment each year) and it told me I could claim the second SEISS from Wednesday 19 August. The scheme actually opened on Monday 17 August, and they appear to have used the same staggering as before, so some people will have been
- [SEISS Extension (Updated)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24622) - Originally published 22 October, Last updated 5 November 2020 Due to the ongoing pandemic, the SEISS has been extended to April 2021. It will be paid in two instalments – the first, covering November-January, and the second covering February-April. It was initially targeted at people who were working fewer hours than they normally would be
- [HMRC: Self-Employment Income Support Scheme](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24098) - Reading social media, etc., and it amazes me the number of instructors who are confused over what they need to do – even though they apparently do their own self assessments each year! If you do your own SA, you will have access to the Government Gateway. When you log in, the security system sends
- [Ouch! Tax Time Again](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=38384) - I just completed and paid my 2021/22 SA Return. Once I'd completed it, I was under the impression I was going to have to pay £1,200 now, and another £1,200 by the end of July. Well, I was half right. It turns out the £2,500 tax refund they gave me last year was in error.
- [Under-17s Given Lessons](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=10253) - I saw this a few days ago. It tells how driving lessons are being given to young people between 15 and 19 years old in Wokingham. I’ve written before about how lessons have been given to those as young as 11, and that that particular course was being championed by self-declared motoring guru (and former
- [Saving Money On Magazines](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24358) - A couple of years ago I was having a clear out and I was amazed at the number of magazines I’d collected over the years. They were mainly my Classic Rock mags, and part of my decision to have a clear out was that I’d been getting more and more disillusioned with that particular publication.
- [How Long Does It Take To Become An ADI?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20671) - I covered this years ago when the blog was still young! It was around the time of the last big rush of people wanting to become driving instructors. You might also want to take a look at my longer article, Should I Become a Driving Instructor? More recently, I pointed out that the current climate
- [I Saw Neowise!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24367) - Yessss! The weather finally cleared up and I finally saw Comet Neowise with my own eyes. This is just a handheld short-exposure shot, but it’s clearly there. And you can see it with the naked eye even in well-lit areas. It has a long visible tail. If the weather looks good tomorrow, I might drive
- [ZZ Top @ Manchester O2 Apollo](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=13092) - As everyone knows, the 1980s were the worst decade ever. Even another outbreak of the Bubonic Plague couldn’t have made the 80s any worse as far as new bands and music were concerned. Some of the best pre-80s bands faltered - depending on the source, even Rush came fairly close to splitting as a result
- [American Roundabouts](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=14074) - Almost two years ago, I wrote about North-American Roundabouts, and how they were becoming more popular to the extent that websites about them were appearing. Even back then, some American states were whingeing that they were a “European import” and that they increased accidents. The Americans appear to be even worse than the Brits when
- [AA Launches “Drivesafe Box”](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=8182) - WARNING: Very old post and out of date. I saw this article on motoring.co.uk (dead link), which announces that the AA is launching a device called the “Drivesafe Box” to help young drivers. Apparently, the box is about the size of a pack of playing cards, according to the piece, and it records the speed,
- [A Definition of Corporate Suicide](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=19326) - This article on the BBC website reports on how 123-reg – a web hosting company – has accidentally deleted the websites of an undisclosed number of its customers. To make matters worse, it seems that it didn’t have backups of at least some of them. Some years ago, I was with a company called UKHosts.
- [No Entry Means… No Entry!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=12231) - On the subject of pathetic drivers, I was on a lesson last night and we were driving through the city centre. We’d got to the end of Huntingdon Street when all of a sudden the traffic was at a standstill in the left lane. It was because some imbecile (Black Ford Focus, reg. no. Y734
- [Too Drunk For Theory Test](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=5059) - I saw this story about a Romanian (dead link), who had been banned from driving and then turned up for his theory test too drunk even to walk! Cristina Tanasa, a spokeswoman for the local police, said: "The candidate was tested with the breathalyser and it turned out he had 1.11 mg/l alcohol in the exhaled air.
- [The Gunners Resurrected](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=350) - Obviously, this is an old, old post. Arsenal (2023) doesn't do the boasting thing. Well, I'm back into football again after our excellent win over Manchester Utd yesterday. I can't believe some of the rubbish being printed about Arsene Wenger. It isn't his fault the team sometimes plays like a bunch of morons. We know
- [Operating The Car Heater](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15520) - I’ve had a run of hits recently on the search term “how do I turn on the car heater”. The most obvious answer to this is: READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL. If your car doesn’t have one (it’s usually in the glove box or under a flap somewhere beneath the dashboard) you can easily download them
- [That's All, Folks. For The Time Being.](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23865) - This post was made shortly before the first lockdown at the start of the pandemic. I’ve now officially cancelled all my pupils’ lessons (with the exception of a Pass Plus that concludes Tuesday, and I’m uneasy even about that. Update: I have cancelled it). Not one of them had any issues whatsoever, and all of
- [Baking Bread: Vollkornbrot (Sourdough Rye) - Part I](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23982) - Like most of us, I have a lot of spare time on my hands right now, and regular readers will know that I like cooking, especially if it involves trying to copy something that already exists commercially, and which I enjoy eating. Note: This is a three-part series - the fun stuff is in Parts
- [Salt Awareness Week](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20613) - I reckon that Salt Awareness Week ran concurrently with Clueless Week, with participants in the latter generating publicity for the former. While reading a shock-horror story about salt in crumpets, I discovered this MSN news feed on the subject and, as a chemist, immediately realised that those responsible for Salt Awareness Week – some idiots
- [Why Does Everything Have To Be Classed As Road Rage?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=13339) - The term “road rage” was coined as long ago as the late 1980s in America as a result of a series of roadside shootings. It was quickly bastardised to mean anything - from a slightly elevated pulse rate, all the way up to mass murder and genocide. The Wikipedia entry makes amusing reading. After effectively
- [Road Rage. Again!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=13515) - This report from Scotland tells how police are seeking (link now dead) a driver who punched another in the face and walked away after narrowly avoiding a collision. The report doesn’t say anything about who was to blame for the near miss, but if the guilty party was the man who ended up being punched…
- [Batmobile Tumbler Model](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=38191) - Some time ago, I wrote about how you could build a scale model of The Terminator (the point being it would ultimately end up costing you over £1,000). That came hot on the heels of your opportunity to build a scale model of the Bismarck (at an overall cost of over £1,200). Before that, it
- [Why Is The UK’s Productivity So Low?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20628) - A question posed by The Guardian today. The answer is quite simple, although The Guardian didn’t get it: Teamworking. I saw the problem myself before I was fortunate enough to lose my job and forever be freed from this pernicious fad. Productivity is the rate of output per unit input, and you don’t need to
- [Build The Bismarck](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22947) - Holy cow, they’re at it again! I wrote an article in 2015 about a monthly magazine where you gradually got parts to build a model of The Millennium Falcon from Star Wars. Although issue 1 was priced at £2.99, subsequent issues were £8.99 and the full series was 100 issues long (totalling nearly £900 to
- [Now, Build A Terminator](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22977) - They’re on a roll. After the chance to build a model of the Bismarck that would only fit in an empty shed for just £1,250, you can now build a model of the Terminator robot for just over £1,000. Damned thing is a metre tall, too, and mostly made of metal. I must admit that
- [Private Car Park Scams](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15193) - A lot of people are finding this article based on the search term "UKCPS scam". It was first published in 2013 and it sees regular spikes in visitor traffic. I saw a surge at Christmas 2018, then there was one in 2019, and - after the break for Covid - another one now in 2022.
- [More Cuteness](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21269) - Someone dumped a baby rabbit in Bestwood. Its mother died, but it was rescued. It’s the cutest little thing. Knowing Bestwood and its denizens, I'm surprised they dumped the rabbit. Most of them would have eaten it - and the box it was in, as well. And I promise to stop posting this sort of
- [Driving Test Results Rigged? An Update](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=3642) - There's an update to this story about an examiner who reckons he was sacked for not failing people on purpose. The updated story is in the Sunday Mail and Daily Record (Scottish news sites), and includes an interview with Jim Kerr. It really is clear that Mr Kerr does not have a clue how statistics
- [Examiner Claims Unfair Dismissal (and Loses)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=7032) - This is an old story. DSA is now DVSA. A story appeared a few days ago on the BBC website about a driving examiner in Devon, who claimed she was bullied over her pass rate. Nicola Bentley-Lovell made a claim of constructive dismissal against the DSA. She'd worked as an examiner for seven years up
- [Pelé Dies at 82](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=38177) - This is sad news. Pelé has finally succumbed to his ongoing cancer at the age of 82. RIP, Pelé. Even more than 50 years after your last World Cup, your name still rolls off the tongue as the greatest. And this is a nice tribute from the Brazilian Football Federation.
- [Client-Centred Learning (CCL)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=10847) - Or what most people are saying when they mean 'coaching' these days. Note: This is an old article from 2012. DSA is now DVSA. The recent announcement that CPD wasn’t going to be compulsory (for the foreseeable future, anyway) threw the current crop of nouveau-spammers into disarray. No longer could they send out almost daily
- [When Should I Take my Pupil on the Main Road?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20505) - I originally wrote this in 2016, but it's had a run of hits so I have updated it. Someone found the blog on that search term today. There’s no single, definitive answer – it depends on both the ADI and the pupil. When I take on a new pupil who has never driven before, in
- [Life Is Full Of Paradoxes...](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=96) - Such as, why is it that men with complexions out of a Tipp-Ex bottle and legs like baler-twine feel that they must wear shorts in hot weather? Or why do women who take time to dress in appropriately light summer clothing then decide to wear Ugg boots as well? Or why do people with the
- [Ukrainian Refugees and Driving Licences](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=37464) - Over the last year, I have been providing familiarisation driving sessions to Ukrainian refugees to help them get settled in the UK and help them get jobs. One of them has recently come back to me because he wants to get a full UK licence. I have just learned a lot. There is a post
- [The Law Is An Ass!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=9640) - Can you believe this story? Emma Robertson was banned for 2 years and given a 12-month prison sentence suspended for 2 years in January (link now dead, and the internet apparently wiped of any reference to the case). Here’s what she did to get that: drove off without paying for £20 of fuel tried to
- [THIS Is How To Deal With Bad Drivers!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=9648) - It’s not so much the story, but one of the details that made this one stand out. It’s from New South Wales, Australia. The man police arrested had already been banned from driving for 56 years! Given that he is 42 years old, that amounts to a lifetime ban. Now that’s the way to do
- [Penguins At Christmas](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=38126) - This was a nice story on the BBC. Every year, various animals are taken into Tewksbury Hospital to cheer up the patients. Last year it was Alpacas. This year it was a couple of Humboldt Penguins.
- [Basaar Spice Blend](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=8550) - Someone found the blog on the search term “basaar from pakistan to use in curries do it go old”. I mention Kashmiri Basaar in my curry recipe. All spices deteriorate with age. At best, they lose their aromatic qualities. At worst, they go mouldy (I discovered that with some whole cumin seeds recently – admittedly,
- [Watnall Test Centre to Close?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=19350) - NOTE: This is an old article and much of what is said is no longer relevant. It was at the time... but the River of Time flows ever on... Apologies for this crappy link. The Nottingham Post website is an unfortunate collection of annoying and intrusive adverts with poorly written and alarmist news stories secreted
- [The Best Roast Potatoes](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=38055) - Once again, the time of year is upon us when everyone starts off on 'the best...' routine concerning Christmas dinner. The best carrots, the best sprouts, the best turkey. And so on. That usually translates to 'how much extra stuff can I add so I can get lots of hits on Instagram and become a
- [First Snow of 2022](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=37885) - I got an alert tonight from my CCTV camera that motion had been detected. The snapshot showed what can often be pollen, mist, rain, or a cloud of bugs. An hour later, I went to put some stuff in the trash (aka the Wheelie Bin) and there was a smattering of snow on top. Only
- [Strikes and Assholes](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=38042) - I'm a Labour voter, and in my youth I was also an active member of the Labour Party. However, I have never agreed with strikes in general, and can only ever think of a couple over the years which I believed were completely justified. One thing I am absolutely certain of, though, is that those
- [Why Did I Fail?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=38083) - DVSA sent out a message a few months ago on the top reasons people fail their tests. A lot of sources have glibly quoted this verbatim, but it doesn't explain things in detail, and taking it at face value is confusing, to say the least. I'm not going to repeat what is in that DVSA
- [Facebook Readers](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=38092) - Apologies to anyone reading this on Facebook. The blog truly is 'updated regularly' - and has been, since 2008. However, I am not a major Facebook user, so rarely look at the supposed automatic posting of any article I publish on the blog on Facebook.I recently realised the link had gotten broken at some point.
- [Dark Hedges Damaged By Winds](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22893) - I don’t watch Game of Thrones, but there is apparently a natural feature in Northern Ireland called The Dark Hedges. It is a tunnel formed by Beech trees, and it has been used in the series because of its other-worldly appearance. The trees which form the tunnel have apparently been damaged by the weather before,
- [Side View Cameras? Why?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22876) - This isn’t a new story, but I only saw it today on the newsfeed on my phone. It seems that Lexus is to be the first company to offer a vehicle which has cameras replacing the wing mirrors. I have just one question. Why?
- [Boy Racer Jailed For Killing Teenagers](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15082) - Samuel Etherington, 20, has been jailed for 9 years, banned from driving for 7 years, and ordered to take an extended test when he is allowed to drive again. Although the report doesn’t make it clear, it seems that the driving ban will run concurrently with the prison sentence, meaning that when Etherington is released
- [Advanced Stop Lines - Say What?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22520) - In this months issue of Intelligent Instructor magazine, there is an article from the RAC, the heading of which suggests that motorists could face being fined and getting points on their licences if they stop inside the cycle forward area (advanced stop lines) at traffic lights. The full RAC news release is here. I’m absolutely
- [Trainee Instructors, Bad Instructors?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=4370) - A reader sent me this link (now dead), which also appears to be surfacing on one or two forums. It discusses a report by The AA. As many as 27,000 driving tests have been failed in the last year because the pupil was taught insufficiently by a trainee, according to the AA. The AA claims
- [Damned Royal Mail](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23565) - Note the date of this article. It has nothing to do with the 2022 strikes. Over the last few weeks there have been reports that Royal Mail staff are threatening to go on strike over Christmas. There is one burning question in my mind on this if they do strike. How would anyone bloody know?
- [GDE Matrix And Coaching](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=2657) - This old post is experiencing a renaissance. Also have a look at Coaching + Having A Laugh and The Driving Test Marking Sheet. Oh, and Coaching And The Driving Instructor . UPDATE: The DSA (now DVSA) has now embarked on its implementation of coaching, so read this article posted in November 2012. There's a debate/argument going
- [Driving Instructor “Said He Would Spank Pupil”](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=11272) - This story from Wales is quite disturbing. The case is ongoing, so I won’t make any personal judgements just yet. Robert James Delabertouche is alleged to have told a female pupil that he would “put her over his knee and spank her”. He is also alleged to have regularly put his hand on her knee
- [A Couple Of Recent Passes](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=34464) - Sometimes you couldn’t make it up. About a month ago I was rear-ended by some idiot at a pedestrian crossing. As a result, my car went in for repair and I had a replacement/courtesy car supplied - which was totally different to my normal car. It took me a few days to properly figure out
- [Damned Road Works in Nottingham](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23499) - This is getting beyond a joke now. Take a look at the map of current road works in Nottingham (click the image above, or click here, for the full-size version). This section of the map doesn’t even show the whole of the county, nor does it include at least two of the telephone pole replacement
- [Design Change](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=352) - This an old, old, OLD post and is way out of date. I'm messing with the templates again, trying to find one I really like. Nothing too gaudy, but that last one was just too minimal for what I really want (after a while, anyway). I still like 'minimal', so I'm going with this one
- [Rehydration Drink Recipe](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=17299) - Sitting in the car all day can be bad for your health. Apart from the more obvious risks like lack of exercise, the matter of dehydration is easily overlooked. Although I never had anything like it as a child, these days I get early season hay fever symptoms (it’s the tree blossom). Nothing too serious,
- [Heat Stress in Trees - Summer 2018](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22111) - This article was written in the hot summer of 2018. It applies equally to the one in 2022. My article about early leaf drop in Silver Birch trees is very popular - but it has really peaked this year (2018). My own trees started going yellow this time around in mid-June. After a lot of
- [Sad News About Maplin](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21832) - Back in the day, when I first got into technology, the go-to place for all your bits and pieces was Maplin Electronics. Back then, pretty much all they supplied was electronic components, and it was all done through mail order using order forms, with items being selected from a catalogue which rivalled the old-style phone
- [Learner Driver Maniac In Police Chase](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=11261) - This story from Staffordshire (link now dead) tells how Callum Lines, 19, took a car without telling the owner, and “panicked” when police tried to stop him. He got up to speeds of 90mph in Tamworth. When he was finally stopped by several police cars, he refused to get out and police smashed the windows
- [Building A British Snowman](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=796) - I hope you're all sitting comfortably, because today we're going to learn how to build a proper British snowman. 'Snow' in the UK has - for the last 20 years or so - amounted to a spot or two of cold rain that looks a bit grainy when it hits your windscreen (windshield for American viewers) as
- [Women Park Better?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=7939) - As recently as September last year, they were reporting how women were not better at parking than men. Official data suggested that women were 7% less likely to pass their driving tests than men, and that parking appeared to be a major issue. But you can forget all that, as that well-known source of factual
- [Women Cannot Park: Fact](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=1041) - We always knew this, really. Men knew it but weren't allowed to say it. Women knew it but wouldn't admit to it. But this article tucked away in The Daily Mail (link long since deleted by The Mail) confirms it. You'll need to scroll down about halfway (obviously, this could be a problem - especially
- [Drivers And Horses](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15311) - This makes interesting reading. Well, it’s more mind-blowing than interesting, with almost 10% of drivers admitting that they don’t know how to behave when they encounter horses. Even more surprising is that the figure rises when you ask younger drivers (or Londoners) about the subject! You’d expect that even a monkey would realise that when
- [Mötley Crüe and Alice Cooper @ Manchester MEN 2015](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=18605) - Had a good night out last night at the MEN in Manchester. Mötley Crüe are in their middle of their farewell tour and their main support act is Alice Cooper. Surprisingly, I’ve never been to an Alice Cooper show before – and I don’t really know why. I like his music, and I certainly like
- [DVSA: Strike Action December 2022/January 2023](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=37835) - DVSA has sent out an email alert warning of strike action by PCS union members. The action is scheduled for December 2022 and January 2023. As DVSA points out: Not all DVSA staff are PCS members and, even if they are, they might choose not to go on strike. So, we will not know which
- [Autoglass Redundancies](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6204) - The story below is from 2011. In 2014 it attracted quite few hits on the blog. In actual fact, apart from the original announcement, there appears to have been no further press information on this subject. Indeed, Autoglass's own website doesn't even mention the original press release - it seems to have been removed, and
- [Bay Parking (Another Update)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=13439) - I’ve written a couple of articles in the past to do with bay parking. One thing that keeps cropping up is how people refer to “the DSA way” and starting from a 90° angle to your final parked position. You do not have to start from 90°! You can park however the hell you want
- [Wagamama Upsets Union (What Doesn't?)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21734) - Every year now, I make a concerted effort to fill my diary up to the rafters in the weeks running up to and during Christmas. I do this because I know from past experience that - without fail - as soon as Christmas starts to bite, people are going to start cancelling due to "illness".
- [Undercover Boss Canada - Mary Brown's](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=12943) - I don’t often watch this show (UK version) because I’m not usually at home when it’s on. I usually don’t even try to watch any of the non-UK variants. The American one in particular is smothered in saccharin and seems completely out of touch with reality (they cover horse racing stadiums and other minority concerns,
- [Oooh! So Close!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23460) - I nearly went a full year without a single puncture… until last night. My last lesson was due to start less than 5 minutes away from my house, so I hopped in the car and was met with the “ping” and a warning light on the dashboard. I went round to have a look and,
- [And No Cuts Or Bulges... You Couldn't Make This Up](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23464) - Look at the photo, above. Yes, it’s real. It hasn’t been Photoshopped or anything (unless Derbyshire Police are making stuff up), but this is what they found when they stopped a driver doing the school run near Normanton. It appeared on the BBC local newsfeed, so there’s no stable link, but the brief text with
- [A60 Chaos At Ruddington](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=13947) - This is a very old post. I had a pupil on test this morning, and as I was travelling to pick her up I hit traffic. At 9.30am, it was far heavier than usual, and I quickly realised something other than the idiot tram works were involved. And so it was. Severn Trent were in
- [Violent Thug 1 Mugged Instructor 0](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=717) - Another story in yesterday's press (and covered further today) dealt with the female driving instructor, Denise Dawson , who had been mugged by a gang of violent thugs on an estate in Bristol. She'd positively identified the one who robbed her - and with whom she had struggled - at an identity parade. The thug in question was
- [It Comes But Once A Year](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23483) - But, by God, it hangs around for a long time. It’s 16 October. The trees are only just turning yellow. The clocks don’t go back for another few weeks. Bonfire night is still a way off. And I just saw (last night) the first Christmas advert on TV. In the last week, I saw my
- [BSM Franchise Fees](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=2040) - EDIT 28/6/2012: This is an old story. I understand that now BSM is run by The AA, franchise prices are similar to those of The AA Driving School. Lesson prices with PDIs are also not charged at full rate. I get a lot of hits on this search term (i.e. "BSM franchise fees"). Take a
- [Anoraks Call for 80mph Trial](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=7212) - Note: This is an old article. This came through on the newsfeeds - it seems that the driving equivalent of the Neighbourhood Watch (link no longer live) is trying to persuade the government to trial an 80mph limit on "a managed and controlled motorway". I wonder if these fossils have actually considered the implications of
- [Repetitive Driving Injury (RDI)?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=7179) - I originally wrote this article back in 2011 following an RAC story about bad car posture. I must confess I was dismissive of it - and still am to some extent - but my writing style has changed in the nine years that have passed. I’ve also had a string of hits on the subject
- [Annoying Radio Ads](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=36283) - This article is very old. It's still very true, though. When you do a lot of driving you listen to the radio for traffic news. But I wish I knew who it was who comes up with some of those adverts! They're mostly just stupid, but every now and then you get one that is
- [Irish Learner Fails to get Test Result Reversed](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6265) - This is a very, very old article. The same story is covered in the Independent and The Irish Times. The 61-year old plasterer, Raymond Hefferman, has failed 10 tests since 2004. The Irish system means he can still drive on a provisional licence. Hefferman took his latest result to a district court in an attempt
- [So You Passed Your Part 3! What Now?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=14340) - I originally wrote this back in 2013, but it has become popular recently (late 2022). Someone found the blog on the term “I just passed my ADI part 3 and don’t know what to do next”. It’s also a common question on the forums, alongside “should I become an ADI? - which I explain in
- [How Do You Annoy A Feminist?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21544) - Quite simply: you tell the truth. Or, rather, you correct falsehoods. I’m getting sick and tired of the constant attempts to rewrite history and make it sound like women invented everything. It’s bad enough that the BBC has already declared that it wasn’t Charles Babbage, but Ada Lovelace, who invented the first programmable computer, but
- [SEISS - Here We Go Again!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=28095) - There is going to be a fifth SEISS grant. A couple of weeks ago, HMRC sent out an email explaining how it would work this time. Bear in mind that the SEISS is not - absolutely not - just for driving instructors. That important distinction makes how you interpret the email rather important. The email
- [TV Licensing Scam](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24127) - Just a heads up on another silly attempt at scamming people over their TV licence. I get one of these at least once a year and can spot them a mile off. This one (in May) came from postmaster@kuriya.jp, which is an automatic giveaway in the first place. The second clue is in that I
- [DVSA: Trialling Reverse Park In External Car Parks](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=30586) - This is interesting. DVSA has announced that it will be trialling carrying out the reverse bay park exercise in non-DVSA car parks during February and March 2022. The trials will be conducted in Stafford, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Barnsley, Wakefield, Chester, Northwich, Upton, Wallasey, St Helens, Wolverhampton, Gillingham, Bishopbriggs, Gateshead, Durham, and Abergavenny. I’m all for it -
- [Why Aren’t We All Driving Electric Cars?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=10667) - Some people ask the stupidest questions! (old, dead link) That article refers to electric cars in 1900 constituting 34% of all cars on the roads (in Boston, Chicago, and New York), and then asks why it is less than 1% in the present day. The reasons are simple: ridiculously low range lack of charging points
- [How To Speak To Women](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=12909) - Someone sent me this. I reproduce it as my duty to report on things people send in. I have no comment on it.
- [DVSA Relocation - New Address](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=37543) - An email came through this morning announcing that DVSA has moved its Head Office from Parliament Street, Nottingham to a new development just on the outskirts of the City Centre. For anyone who didn't know, this is where the old offices used to be (The Axis Building). The new location is a newly built complex
- [Annoying TV Adverts - 2017](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21673) - I’ve not done one of these for quite some time, but I am currently being driven to distraction by the most annoying TV advert of the year. It’s for TUI Holidays, and it features an irritating, gap-toothed woman, and a thin, whiny female voice singing an already-irritating song (“Ain’t Nobody”, by Rufus and Chaka Khan).
- [Lesson Prices](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=3512) - This is an old article, originally from pre-2010. The national school rate as of late 2022 is £30-plus. And BSM is now part of the same group as The AA. There's an argument going on on one of the forums at the moment. Actually, there's always an argument going on on one of the forums
- [April 1st: Robotic Printer](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=16116) - April Fools’ Day has come early this year. Fuji Xerox has apparently created a printer that can... ...move around a lounge or office to bring documents to the person who printed them. It has to be absolutely the most pointless invention ever. Even when you consider that it is intended to improve security by going
- [Independent Driving And Tit-For-Tat](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15654) - I noticed someone comment recently that the independent driving part of the driving test is pointless and a waste of time simply because it doesn’t matter if someone fails to follow the directions accurately. This is a rather short-sighted view. I’ve noticed time and again that in the early stages of learning, when I am
- [FJ58 YSL - Nottingham City Council Shoplink Bus](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6746) - On a lesson with a pupil Saturday, we had come from his house in Gotham and were turning right into Farnborough Road, Clifton. A Nottingham City Council-run Shoplink bus (reg. no. FJ58 YSL) saw us coming, but pulled out from Farnborough Road anyway. This had the obvious effect on the pupil, who braked hard and
- [Driving Instructor’s Son Killed Best Friend After Crashing Stolen Driving School Car](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=13138) - This came in on the newsfeeds and tells how Marc Lutman, 19, took his father’s driving school car without consent and crashed it, killing his best friend in the process. He was 2½ times the legal limit when tested. It’s a tragic story, but the fact that Lutman’s father was a driving instructor is totally
- [DVSA Threatens to Publish Instructor Pass Rates](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21190) - Another story from the newsfeeds a few weeks ago now. Apparently, DVSA is “threatening” to publish ADI pass rates because the national pass rate is “so low”, and they blame this on sub-standard tuition. Note that throughout this article, when I say “DVSA”, I mean the top end nearest to government, and not the examiners.
- [How To Do Roundabouts (Addendum)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=9596) - This is a very old article, and unlike the main article on roundabouts it is not regularly updated. The technical detail is still correct, but references to Chalfont Drive test centre are not. The article “How To Do Roundabouts” is very popular, and I add to it regularly based on search terms people use to
- [The Handbrake And Automatic Transmission](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=9369) - Driving: The Essential Skills (TES) says: The parking brake You should normally apply the parking brake whenever the vehicle is stationary. Apply the parking brake… unless the wait is likely to be very short. Your foot could easily slip off the footbrake if, for example, your shoes are wet or if you’re bumped from behind.
- [How To Do STOP Junctions](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=37455) - I've written about this before as part of the article on how to use the handbrake/parking brake properly, but I'm seeing a lot of visits on specific search terms related to STOP junctions. A typical STOP junction looks something like the image above. This one is in West Bridgford, Nottingham, and it consists of a
- [DVSA Wins Against Scammer](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=37451) - Surprisingly, a commonly visited article on the blog is the one entitled How to Bribe Driving Examiners. It shows that there is obviously a market for liars and cheats. It is therefore gratifying to see that one such liar and cheat, who goes by the name of Ali Ahmad, has been jailed for pandering to
- [Clockwork Angels Set To Chart In Top 5](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=9264) - Just saw this news item on Planet Rock. It says that Rush’s new album Clockwork Angels is set to chart in the top 5, having sold nearly 100,000 copies in the US alone. If it charts at #2, it’ll equal Counterparts’ debut position in 1993. Not bad for a bunch of old fogeys who’ve been
- [IQ Test Required To Get A Driving Licence?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=5206) - I think this might be a little tongue-in-cheek judging from some of the stories on there [link removed, as now dead], but wouldn't it be good if it were true and spread over to the UK? In an effort to make driving less of a headache, the State of Colorado passed a law requiring an
- [A Special Kind of Stupid](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=37412) - This happened here in Nottingham this morning. You really do have to be a special kind of stupid to achieve it, but it is far from being the first time exactly the same thing has happened. Frankly, it wouldn't really surprise me if some of them are repeat offenders, either. Basically, someone drove on to
- [Part 3 - Crossing the Path of Other Traffic](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=19753) - WARNING: This is an old post which my no longer contain accurate information about the Part 3 test. It is still relevant, but some details may no longer be correct. I’ve been watching a forum thread regarding the Part 3 test and dealing with crossing the path of other traffic. It’s amazing how something so
- [Raspberry Pi ONVIF Camera Project - I](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=31966) - Update: I've changed my plans on this and will not be trying to construct a complete Ring-type doorbell after all. My experiments with CCTV cameras have shown I can build a suitable system without having to mess with the motion detection. I can let the camera do that. Overview I've been having problems with my
- [How To Lose Weight And Influence Yourself...](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=4626) - I just watched a fascinating programme on BBC One called "10 Things You Need to Know About Losing Weight". It is available on iPlayer for the usual limited time. The programme starts by explaining that visceral fat - fat which fills body cavities and surrounds organs - is the most dangerous kind, and can lead
- [CCTV + Stupid = Bad Mix](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=37323) - [vplayer id=37382] Over the last couple of years, I've got involved with CCTV cameras. It started with my Bird Box Camera (which had some activity in the first year). But that interest quickly moved into home security and doorbell monitoring as I learned about camera networking. When I began playing around with the security CCTV,
- [Mazuma Mobile Phone Recycling](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=3406) - I've been seeing the ads for ages on TV, but I've not really paid them much attention. Mazuma buys your old mobile phone for cash and then recycles it. The adverts say that they will pay up to £150 - it was that claim which made me a bit sceptical, especially when I looked up
- [Does Alcopal Work?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=10274) - With reference to the sale of Alcopal - an internet “medicine” which claims to reduce the apparent amount of alcohol drunk when tested by breathalyser, and which I covered in this story, and updated in this one - I got to thinking about the mechanisms involved. There is a lot of confusion about what it
- [Anneka Avery - Watch Out For Her!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=1203) - A quick 2022 edit to the 2014 update (and original below), but a recent surge of hits has been as a result of this much more recent case of someone acting as crassly as Avery did over ten years ago. Back in time, 'Anneka' was also used to identify this individual. Just be aware that
- [Two-tone Lobsters](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=14678) - I came in from work tonight and switched on the TV. BBC 2 was showing Nature’s Weirdest Events – some stuff about dolphins swimming with whales, cats raising ducks and hedgehogs, walking catfish, weird noises in the sky in Canada, and so on. But the part that really piqued my interest was the trailer for
- [DVSA Sinfin Derby Test Centre Moving](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=16359) - This an old article, and therefore the underlying sentiment is also outdated. At the time, DVSA was closing down a lot of smaller test centres. It looks like part of a coordinated exercise, as this email from DVSA advises that the Sinfin test centre in Derby is moving to the ex-VOSA testing station in Alveston.
- [Never Had Lessons, Over The Limit, Killed In Crash. Higher Justice At Work](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=12578) - This came in on the news feed (the story is now truncated, as it happened a long time ago if you're reading it now). Richard Crookes, 19, was more than twice the legal limit, wasn’t wearing a seat belt, and had never taken a driving lesson in his life. He crashed the black Renault Clio
- [Idiot Driver Blocks On-call Ambulance](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=37295) - [vplayer id='37302'] Quite a few years ago now - God! It was in 2009 - there was a case where a foul little chav was prosecuted for deliberately blocking an ambulance while it was engaged in an emergency call. Although it is hard to fathom what must have been going on inside her tiny little
- [Blitz on Tyres by Cumbria Police](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6992) - This is an OLD story from 2011. The campaign referred to is outdated now. The Westmorland Gazette reports that Cumbria police are launching a month-long campaign to get drivers to check that their tyres are safe and legal before winter weather sets in (note that this article is from Winter 2011). Obviously this is a
- [PassMeFast Intensive Driving Lessons](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21879) - Periodically, I will get a pupil who is desperate to pass their driving test as soon as possible. When this happens, I explain to the pupil that since the typical new learner in the UK takes an average of around 46 hours to learn to drive, learning quickly is pretty much going to involve getting
- [DSA Advice: Driving In Icy And Snowy Weather](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=11129) - The latest advice from the DSA, reminding people on how to deal with ice and snow. Rule 229 Before you set off you MUST be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows you MUST ensure that lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible and legible make sure
- [What Other ADIs Teach and Do](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=36645) - I've taken on a few new pupils recently, all of them referrals from one who had recently passed. All of them had had previous driving lessons with other instructors. The first was a girl who had been let down on test day by her instructor and she had (at the point I took her on)
- [Sheep in the Highway Code](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6147) - People often find the blog on something to do with sheep. The latest made me smile - it was "what should you do when passing through a sheep". The mind boggles, but I know (I think) what they meant. The word "sheep" isn't specifically mentioned in the Highway Code in this context, but the following
- [Cockpit Drill](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=1586) - What's all this about, then? I'm getting hits on the search term "aa cockpit drill ". Assuming it isn't something to do with flying, and people who can't use search engines properly, just bear in mind the following. the cockpit drill is not usually assessed as part of the driving test (though it could be)
- [Stopping Distances](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=8954) - I thought I’d update this article yet again as I’m currently getting a lot of hits from people looking for 'overall stopping distance' and 'stopping on ice'. I also get quite a few people looking for motorbike stopping distances. This diagram shows stopping distances in metres (which are easier to remember). First of all, for
- [Lichfield Roundabout Advice](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=18476) - A reader has asked for advice on a roundabout in Lichfield (I think the same roundabout is also the subject of a forum debate at the moment). My How to do Roundabouts article continues to be popular, but I thought I’d cover this question separately because that article is quite big. The question asked by
- [Independent Driving - Change To Driving Test](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=2209) - This is a very old post. Sat nav devices are used now. EDIT: Please use the blog search function to look for more recent posts on independent driving. This one was posted months ahead of the launch. From 4th October 2010 a new stage will be included in the driving test, where the candidate is
- [ADI Part 3 PST Marking Sheets](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=5072) - I haven't updated this in a while, and I really should have. I have been intrigued by the number of driving school websites carrying these sheets now - even to the extent that they carry the exact same scanning defects that are on the ones I generated. Coincidence? Or uncredited plagiarism? I'm seeing a lot
- [Emergency Stop and ABS](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6408) - This article was originally written in 2011 after someone asked if it is OK for the ABS to kick in when you do the emergency stop on your test (and in real life). DT1 - DVSA's Internal Guidance Document - says: ABS – Anti-lock braking system. Note: Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) are being fitted to
- [Worst Winter on Record Coming?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6174) - This article is from 2011, so it is very old. However, someone says the same thing every years, so you can just insert whatever year you like into it. I saw this scaremongering story from ChoiceQuote - an online insurance website. ATS Euromaster is advising all drivers to pre-order cold-weather tyres for protection against heavy
- [Rush @ Manchester MEN Arena, 2013](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=12727) - Wow. I just got back from the first night of the UK leg of Rush’s Clockwork Angels Tour, and it was bloody brilliant! A great crowd at Manchester’s MEN Arena, and I couldn’t see an empty seat in the entire place. Here’s my review of the concert (gig). As well as playing at least half
- [Rush @ London O2 Arena, 2013](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=12768) - NOTE: The Manchester MEN Arena, 2013 review is here. Just got back from the second instalment of Rush’s Clockwork Angels Tour, and it was another stormer. In the tour programme I picked up at Manchester, Neil made reference to how they’re doing more improvisation this time around (he says that the album itself was less
- [Roadcraft](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=11647) - Or to give it its full title: Roadcraft: The Police Driver’s Handbook. Anyone who has a copy of this should occasionally turn around and make sure they haven’t let reality slip out of their sight. Some elements of the book can be useful when teaching, but this is NOT the case most of the time,
- [Learner Fails Test in Illegal School Car](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21210) - A post from pre-Covid, but here's a demonstration of how you have to be careful when you choose an instructor. The BBC reports that a learner in Birmingham was on-course to pass her driving test (no faults had been recorded) when the police pulled the car over because it had no insurance and no MOT.
- [Kneeling Chair Project #3 (update)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=1193) - I'm putting the parts together at the moment - just finished the seating half. While I was assembling it I discovered an error in one of the dimensions on the diagram in Part 2 of this project. You can find Part #4 (the final) of this project here. The support strut longest length should be
- [Kneeling Chair Project #3](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=1189) - Here’s an update to my on going project (Part 1 here and here, Part 2 here) to build a kneeling chair . Also take a look at the Part #3 Update here. The diagram below - you can call it a blueprint or whatever (I make no claims in that area) - shows the holes
- [How To Build A Kneeling Chair](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=2008) - My project to build an ergonomic kneeling chair has been one of the most popular items on the blog. This page is a summary to identify the various separate articles involved in the project. Note that this kneeling chair is made out of metal, not wood. The finished article is absolutely bomb-proof. The separate articles
- [Kneeling Chair Project #1 (update)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=1130) - Well, following on from my previous post on this project, the metal has arrived! You can find Part #2 of this project here. I'm just drawing up the plan I need for the component parts at the moment. I also nipped into Makro today and bought a few tools to make the job easier. Makro
- [Welding Isn't Easy!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=36267) - As well as being a driving instructor I also do a lot of work on my computer (websites, programming, and so on). So being comfortable is very important. I’ve used all sorts of chairs over the years, and ones with arm rests or which tilt drive me nuts. I'd much rather sit up straight. So
- [Kneeling Chair Project #1](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=1120) - Right! A while back I wrote about how welding isn't easy. Surprisingly, it has been one of the most popular pages - mainly people asking about sticking welding rods, or kneeling chairs. There is an update to this project here. I said that come the new year I was going to build a kneeling chair
- [Kneeling Chair Project #2](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=1158) - OK. This ongoing project for a DIY kneeling chair is well on its way now. Here's the schematic of the parts I'm using and the relevant dimensions. You could call it 'plans' or 'blueprint', but I'm not making any claims in that area! Also refer to the next article (Part #3) here. EDIT: Please note
- [Ford Focus Yo-Yo Windows](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23571) - My Focus has one-touch electric windows. On my last car, shortly before it was due for a service, the driver-side window developed a fault whereby when it was closed and hit the top of the frame, it bounced half way back down. What I had to do was carefully inch it up and make sure
- [How An ADI Gives Route Instructions](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=2892) - This is an old article. DT1 has been updated several times, but the gist is still the same. Someone found the site using the above search term - they were asking how a driving instructor gives route instructions to a pupil. The short answer is: do it how the examiners do it, and refer to
- [GPS Speedometer App](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=12203) - This is an old article. Nowadays, my dashcam has a speed readout as a screensaver and is far more useful. However, you may find this app useful. A while back I wrote about an app I was using on my Android phone called SpeedView. However, my new HTC One superphone is running on Jelly Bean
- [Learning to Drive When You're Older](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6255) - I originally wrote this article as the result of the most ridiculous editorial written by a female journalist in one of the usual newspapers which prints crap like that. She was trying to justify why she couldn't drive. She was only 30, for God's sake! The news story was badly written and full of inaccuracies
- [One More Perfect Mazuma Mobile Transaction](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=16047) - I’ve used Mazuma Mobile several times now. They never fail to impress - and this time is no exception. I have upgraded my HTC One to the latest HTC One M8 model, and once I was running on the new phone I hopped on over to Mazuma and ordered a return pack last Wednesday night.
- [City Link Goes Bust](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=16782) - Note the various updates at the bottom of this post. Also note that it is a very old article. This is a shitty story for Christmas. The parcel delivery service, City Link, has gone bust after 45 years in business. Basically, nearly 3,000 employees have lost their jobs overnight - and virtually without any warning
- [Probability Of Passing Your Driving Test](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=9074) - I first published this back in 2012 after someone had found the blog on precisely that search term! Passing the driving test is a skills-based event, so probability doesn’t come into it - not in any way that could be manipulated or measured, anyway. But I had another one recently come to the blog via
- [Is The Backlash Against Cyclists Finally Starting?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=17723) - Regular readers will know how I feel about cyclists. This year looks like it is going to be the worst yet - there’s already a plague of the damned things which is rivalling even the most alarmist newspaper predictions about other plagues we can expect this summer. There was an incident this week where a
- [Stupid, Stupid, Stupid!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=30260) - From 29 January 2022, new changes to the Highway Code (HC) come into effect. The new hierarchy for road users is as shown in the graphic above. Pedestrians first, then cyclists, then motorcyclists, then cars and vans, and finally lorries. This is based on who is likely to get the most damaged if any one
- [What. A. Prat!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=31048) - What else is there to say? Vladimir Putin is a fu**ing w**ker! I’ve tried to give him the benefit of the doubt all these years. But now, all doubt is removed. And he is a fu**ing w**ker!
- [Putin’s Screw Up](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=31163) - The last blog article simply stated the obvious detail that anyone of sound mind will already be aware of. Vladimir Putin is a f**king w*nker. A BBC article gives some technical info which explains this fact in more precise detail. Ukraine has fought back much harder during the first week than Vladimir Putin expected, or
- [Arnold Schwarzenegger Speaks](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=31482) - [vplayer id='36725'] And he speaks the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Yesterday, Arnie released this video aimed at the Russian people, telling them the truth about what Putin has done, and about what is happening to their families in Ukraine (many have Ukrainian relatives), and about what is happening to Russian
- [Asperitas Clouds](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=32072) - [vplayer id='36717'] I’m always fascinated by the weather. A few days ago I was stopped waiting to pick up a pupil and was struck by the clouds that were overhead. I initially thought that they might be forming Mammatus (which is a rare formation itself), but it turns out they were another rare type called
- [Kingfisher Visit](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=32667) - I was making a pot of tea yesterday, and looking out the kitchen window I saw a flash of blue. This little guy landed on the fence and sat there for quite a while. It’s a Kingfisher, and I think it is a juvenile.
- [ADI Annual Mileage](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=8512) - This article was written over ten years ago! But it's had a run of hits, so I've updated and expanded it. Someone found the blog (during the last recession) on the search term “adi drive miles per year”. I was surprised that anyone should think that there is somehow a fixed figure, and that any
- [Hitler History Taught By Dummies Using Lego](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=16836) - Regular readers will know that I periodically cover topics that are associated with the dumbing down the education system in this country, and the annual hullabaloo come exam results time which seeks to pretend everything is really OK. So this latest story fits in rather well. It seems that a teacher, David West, from Rossett
- [Max Upload File Size on 1&1 Servers](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=17438) - This article has had a run of hits late in 2021. Note that it is an old article, and I no longer use Flash movies on the site. I think the information is still valid, though. Also note that 1&1 is now known as IONOS. I’ve recently been having a bit of trouble with one
- [Gridlock In Beeston - Thanks Again To The Tram](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=14725) - This is an old article. The tram still causes problems, but this was related to its construction phase. I had a lesson with a pupil in Long Eaton yesterday. Getting down there for 1pm was no problem but coming back at 2.30pm was a nightmare. Traffic was solid along Queens Road West heading through Beeston
- [DL25 - The Driving Test Marking Sheet](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=5233) - This is an old article which was updated several times over the years to maintain a link to an up to date DL25 - which was the name of the form used to record the result of a driving test. However, since November 2019, DVSA has switched to using an electronic version of the DL25
- [Chetwynd Barracks to Close](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=19232) - This is an old post. Chetwynd is still operating, at least partially, since it still has armed guards at the gate as of mid-2022. It appears that numerous MoD sites around the country are being sold off to raise money. They will apparently be used to build houses, and one of the sites due to
- [Jump Starting a Car - With a Li-ion NOCO Boost](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24702) - During the initial Covid lockdown, I was worried that my car might have a flat battery when I started to use it again. I’d taken it out a couple of times, but not for a significant run - once to the Post Office, and once to fetch fuel. Traditionally, I have used jump leads if
- [Make Your Own Hand Sanitizer](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23856) - As people will no doubt have found out, those members of our society who don’t wash their hands even after they’ve had a shit have been resolutely buying crates of hand sanitizer and thus preventing those of us for whom it might have some benefit getting any of it. In some cases, they’re selling it
- [Evanescence + The Pretty Reckless @ Leeds O2 Academy](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=7218) - I mentioned in August that I'd been waiting for The Pretty Reckless to tour, and when I got an email alert and went to book the tickets, I discovered that they were supporting Evanescence ! Well, last night I travelled up to Leeds for the gig. One minor gripe was that I was expecting a
- [How Long Does It Take To Learn To Drive?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23113) - Someone found the blog on the search term “what are the chances of passing your test in three months?” The short answer: DVSA statistics show that the average UK learner takes 46 hours of lessons with an instructor, and 20 or more hours of private practice. Without getting into any arguments over that just yet,
- [The Biting Point - And How To Find It](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=3117) - I get a lot of hits on the rolling back and clutch/brake posts as a result of the search term "how do you hold the clutch so you don't roll back", "how to find the bite", and (my favourite) "how to drive - find the bite". There’s also the article about whether you set the
- [Giant Rats](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=3432) - EDIT: There are updates to this story in Giant Rats: II and Giant Rats: III & IV. This story has had a lot of radio coverage today. It's also been covered by Sky. Apparently, someone in Bradford (I guess it just had to be up Yorkshire way - remember the Beast of Buckshaw from that
- [Car Roll Back + Biting Point](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=4878) - Someone found the blog using the question "can the car roll back at the biting point?" If you understand what the biting point is then you already will know the answer. I've explained the biting point before. Here's a summary. If the car is in gear, the clutch acts like a volume control on a
- [Solid White Lines - Can You Cross Them?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=17358) - This article is from 2015, but it's had a run of hits lately and is therefore due an update. I saw a discussion on a forum where someone had crossed or straddled a solid white line to pass a jogger and was now fretting that he’d broken the Law. I also noted that none of
- [The Emergency Stop](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=14543) - I wrote this article in 2013 after I’d seen someone desperately trying to complicate the subject by claiming that the Emergency Stop isn’t in DT1 (the examiners’ internal guidance document). Just for the record, that document contains the following section: 1.31 EMERGENCY STOP An emergency stop should be carried out on one third of tests
- [ADI Number When Booking Your Test](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=9273) - This is an old post. Nowadays (2022), you do not need to register separately to allow your ADI number to be used. It comes as part of the package when you access the instructor booking system, and has done for several years. However, if your pupils book their own tests, they still need to use
- [How NOT To Do Roundabouts (And Other Junctions)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=8254) - Note that this is a very old post from 2012. As of 2022, I have a decent dashcam and - best of all - the Police accept online submissions of footage. Today was one of those days. It started off with some idiot stopped completely on a mini-roundabout (they were giving way to traffic coming
- [To Ratchet, Or Not To Ratchet?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=9662) - I noticed an amusing discussion on a web forum about whether or not to push the button in on the handbrake when applying it. So here are some sensible answers to those questions. Will I fail my test if I push the button in when I put the handbrake on? No. The examiner doesn’t mark
- [Appropriate Driving Footwear (And Other Attire)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23381) - Originally published in 2019, so references to ‘recent’ apply to 2019. With the weather we’ve had recently, there’s a good chance you'll have had pupils turn up half naked for their lessons ready to sweat all over your seats (one of mine has been bringing a towel to sit on after I ribbed him about
- [Using Another Vehicle As A Shield](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=16902) - I saw this topic on a forum recently. It concerns emerging - usually on to a roundabout - using a vehicle on your right as a “shield”. I’ve covered roundabouts in detail before, but this is a separate subject. There is no official guidance that I am aware of which says you should or shouldn’t
- [Box Junctions](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20571) - I noticed that the subject of Box Junctions was being over-complicated and obfuscated on a web forum recently. Rule 174 of the Highway Code says: Box junctions. These have criss-cross yellow lines painted on the road (see ‘Road markings’). You MUST NOT enter the box until your exit road or lane is clear. However, you
- [Ford Sync 3 Update](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23109) - I published this article in early 2019. At the time, the Ford Sync 3 system kept freezing (among other glitches). Recently, I have noticed people complaining about the problem as if it's the end of the world. As usual, non-Ford owners are chiming in with their 'expert' opinions without having a clue what they're talking
- [Tinted Glass on Cars](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=18711) - Someone found the blog on the search term “are blacked out windows ok for driving instructors?” I think the terminology used speaks volumes, but let’s look at the Law. The official government policy states: Vehicles first used on 1 April 1985 or later The front windscreen must let at least 75% of light through and
- [Sequential versus Block Gear Changing](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20725) - This often crops up with my pupils, especially when mum or dad is involved in their driving practice. Back in the day, the standard way new drivers were taught to slow down was to change down through the gears sequentially, using the engine to slow the car down after each change, then completing the stop
- [Flyscreens](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=1282) - As I've mentioned before, I do a lot of work on my PC when I'm at home. Ever since I can remember, whenever the weather warms up a little - and this includes potentially every day of the year - the moths, flies, and gnats have driven me crazy. Even in deepest winter, if the temperature
- [Phrases (and Methods) an ADI Uses When Teaching](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=7907) - This article was originally published in early 2012 and was based on an even earlier article in which I talked about the most common phrases I seem to use when I’m conducting lessons. That earlier article was somewhat tongue-in-cheek, but my stats tell me that – from time to time – buzzword bingo becomes an
- [Positioning on Roundabouts](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=18562) - The blog article about How to do Roundabouts remains popular (and, judging from feedback I receive, very useful to many). One question which crops up again and again is to do with positioning on roundabouts. At the time I wrote this original article, it was being fuelled by nonsense from IAM, and and readily picked
- [Using The Handbrake/Parking Brake](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=4700) - Since I first wrote this article, things have changed somewhat. More and more cars now have electronic handbrakes, along with other brake-assist functions. Where a car has a manually operated lever (the classic handbrake), refer also to this article on whether or not to push the button when you apply it. Although I have hitherto
- [Driving Test Routes - Anywhere](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=2414) - Originally published in 2014, but updated due to numerous recent enquiries. Over the years, I’ve seen a lot of people looking for test route information. Once upon a time, official test routes were published by DVSA (when it was still DSA) and available for download. They stopped publishing them in 2010, but that didn’t prevent
- [Black Grapes and Poop Colour](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21811) - Well, I'm on a voyage of discovery, just lately. It might have something to do with getting older and worrying more about my health. On the other hand, it might just be that I simply have too much time on my hands, sometimes. I recently wrote about how cashew nuts can turn your poop almost
- [Forecourt Fuel Pumps Jumping By 1p](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=13822) - This article was originally published in 2013, but it's been popular recently, so I have updated it. I've also written a more detailed explanation about why fuel is priced in tenths of a penny, here. I’ve noticed that sometimes – and I stress sometimes – the petrol pumps at my local garages jump by 1p
- [Berlinki Hot Dog Sausages](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=4174) - This is an old article from 2010. It has seen a surge in popularity recently, so I updated it. I was in Asda recently getting something for my dinner, and as I walked past the cooked meat cabinet, I noticed a new product line: Berlinki Classic Hot Dog Sausages. I have a bit of a
- [Refresher Lessons and Full Licence Holders](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23429) - This crops up from time to time, and someone recently asked me if the same rules applied when giving refresher lessons to full licence holders that apply to learners. When teaching a learner for reward (i.e. if you’re being paid), you must be an ADI, and you must display your badge. It’s also worth noting
- [Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) versus Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22987) - A long, long time ago - while the ink was still damp on my first ADI badge - I discovered that some test routes in Nottingham were going through an old, narrow, one-way part of the city centre. I quickly realised that it would be wrong to expect pupils’ first encounter with these to be
- [Council Leader Apologises to Scum](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22289) - You couldn’t make this up. Mike Bird, the leader of Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council, has apologised for saying that travellers are a “lawless society”. Let me just set the record straight. Travellers (note that I said “travellers”) are filthy, lawless, putrid scumbags who deserve nothing. They are no better than the bags of shit they
- [Bald Tyres and Insurance Validity](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=7030) - This is an old story from 2011, updated last in 2017, and again in 2020 following another surge of interest with people asking about bald tyres and insurance – particularly when they've been involved in accidents. Back in 2011 in the run-up to Winter there was story about Cumbria police and the "20p test" (original
- [Vigilante York Cyclist Shoots Self In Foot](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15564) - This story came through on the newsfeeds. It’s totally mislabelled as it does not – in any way, shape, or form – show “Britain’s Worst Drivers”. That label is merely a demonstration of the crass ignorance of the Yahoo! hacks who wrote it. It concerns a video montage created by an anonymous cyclist with a
- [How To Deal With Public Urination - Indian Style](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15558) - This made me laugh. Public urination is a big problem in India, it seems, and a group of vigilantes have come up with a solution. They’ve got a water cannon, and they drive around looking for the urinators – at which point they blast them with it. We’re not talking about a toy here, either.
- [Can Rescue Remedy Make You Drunk?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=19490) - A lot of people use Bach’s Rescue Remedy (or something similar, like Kalms) for their nerves when driving – especially on their tests. Someone found the blog today on the search term “can bachs rescue remedy make you over the drink drive limit because it contains alcohol[?]” The original Bach’s extracts contained up to 40%
- [Ford Focus - Sticky Clutch](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22549) - About a month ago I noticed my clutch pedal on my Ford Focus 1.5TDCi felt different. It started off where as you lifted it, your foot would leave it, then the pedal jumped the last few centimetres and bounced on to your sole. The next morning was quite cool, and after the first depression to
- [Can I Go Bankrupt As An ADI (COVID-19 Update)?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=2259) - I originally published this article in 2010 during the last recession, when people had been finding the blog on search terms along the lines of "can I go bankrupt as an ADI”, and “can I become an ADI if I’m bankrupt”. I updated it in March 2020 when the Covid Pandemic started as a result
- [Parallel Parking](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=15545) - I get a lot of hits from people asking about parallel parking, so I’m going to write a How To… article on the subject to go along with the others. This article isn’t it – it’s just a bit of a discussion. In my own experience, I’ve found that the manoeuvre pupils seem to have
- [Should I Become A Driving Instructor?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=2058) - I originally published this back in 2010. It is extremely popular, and since it keeps getting plagiarised (without due credit) elsewhere, I update it regularly. I’ve seen a huge surge in hits during the COVID-19 pandemic. I assume that this is due to the number of people who have lost their jobs and are looking
- [Covid Autumn Booster](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=36299) - As I am carer to my two elderly parents, in the last month I have taken both for their Autumn booster jabs. My mum dealt with it as usual – the worst she’s ever had, aching the next day, and the next, and the next, and even now complaining she’s ‘got no energy’ since having
- [Cost Of Living Crisis](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=34967) - Before the Covid Pandemic, I always bought Cravendale Milk from Asda. It tasted perfect, but the main thing was that due to how it is processed it lasted much longer than traditional milk. Once the Pandemic first started we were not allowed out (or it was a major risk if we went out for legitimate
- [Queen's Funeral and Driving Tests](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=35408) - I had a test booked for next Monday, and when I found out that The Queen's funeral was that day I wondered what would be happening - particularly as momentum has been building with planned closures by other businesses. I just received this email: DVSA services suspended on 19 September 2022 following sad death of
- [NASA's DART Mission](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=35543) - NASA has just deliberately crashed a spacecraft into an asteroid to see if it can alter its orbit. The asteroid is called Dimorphos, and it orbits another asteroid called Didymos. It was fascinating to watch. NASA's live feed began at about 10.15 BST, at which point the Didymos/Dimorphos pair was visible as just a small
- [Russia Is A Complete Joke](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=35643) - Russia is ruled by a brutal madman with a massive inferiority complex (because he IS inferior, but he won't admit it), who is flanked by insane and inferior flunkies, such as Sergey Lavrov - who is quite prepared to claim black is white, and seriously believe it after he's said it. The recent 'referendums' that
- [Starting Lessons](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=35791) - Just a word of advice to anyone who is starting driving lessons. Right now, in Nottingham, if you wanted to book a practical driving test and there were any not yet taken, you would be looking at March 2023 for your test date. It’s six months – and when new dates are added each week,
- [Bus Lanes](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20590) - One fairly common reason people fail their driving tests is because they don’t use bus lanes properly. Unfortunately, a contributing factor is that very few so-called ‘experienced’ drivers know how to use them, either. And to make matters worse, the people who work for local councils and the contractors who produce bus lane signs also
- [How To Get SPAM Out Of The Can](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=8316) - I’ve been enjoying the occasional SPAM sandwich lately, and anyone who has done the same knows how tricky it can be getting the stuff out of the tin (a "tin" is what we in the UK call the "can") without mangling it as you shove a knife inside to prise it out. Here’s a simple
- [Baking Bread: Vollkornbrot (Sourdough Rye) - Part III](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24045) - After the preamble in Part I, and the production of the Anstellgut in Part II, we’re now down to the serious business – making my first loaf of Vollkornbrot. There will (eventually) be a few more pictures. The recipe I’m using is very simple, and is given below. In a suitable bowl, beat the starter,
- [The Queen Unwell](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=35338) - Sad news today informing us that the Queen is unwell and her family is congregating at Balmoral. I'm not a staunch Royalist by any means, but the Queen has been a completely benign constant the whole of my life, and it is always sad to lose something like that. My thoughts are with her and
- [Geddy and Alex Reunite](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=34713) - This was a great piece of news today. I heard it on Planet Rock News then looked it up when I got home. Apparently, there was a South Park 25th Anniversary show in the USA. It was a two-night event, and on the second night there was a surprise appearance by Geddy Lee and Alex
- [Shiny Side Up... Or Down?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=33857) - As most people will know, aluminium cooking foil has a shiny side and a dull one. This is not deliberate, and is simply a result of the shiny side being in contact with smooth rollers when it is manufactured. Personally, I prefer the shiny (smooth) side to be in direct contact with food because it
- [Well, I NEARLY Made It Right!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=33851) - I’ve mentioned this topic before, but you have to laugh at some of the ‘reviews’ for online recipes. I was scrolling through a few the other day - you have to scroll, because standard food blog technique is to write about 6,000 words on how your grandmother used to catch mackerel by hand whilst blindfolded
- [Prime Day Is Coming!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=33845) - Amazon Prime Day is 12-13 July 2022 and it is great time to bag some bargains. If nothing else, it can give you some ideas before you shop around to see if you can get a better deal somewhere else (which I often do myself, even though I have Prime for the next-day delivery option
- [Post-Pandemic Pupils](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=33398) - Most ADIs will be aware that there is a huge backlog of people wanting to learn to drive right now. So much so where I am that I’m turning them away - I simply do not want to end up working from 8am until 10pm again, which I often was before the pandemic. An increasing
- [A Food Recall - Monty Python Style](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=33361) - I get food recall alerts from the Food Standards Agency (FSA). There are usually at least several a day. Sometimes, you have to wonder at what the world is coming to. The one I just received concerns Ben & Jerry’s Moo-phoria Peanut Butter Cookie Dough ice cream - and the recall is because... it has
- [A New Look - And Some Issues](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=33212) - Regular readers will notice the new theme. Please bear with me while I get it sorted - it doesn’t work properly-ish with my previous layout, so I have got to do some fiddling. You can still navigate somewhat, but there are a few obvious issues right now, many of which I have already sorted after
- [Panic Buyers' Brains Running On Empty](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=29187) - [vplayer id='29186']I had a very eventful weekend.On Friday, the fuel panic-buying started. I’d noticed queues throughout the day, and I knew it wasn’t going to just blow over anytime soon. My main concern was having fuel for Monday, when I have a pupil on test. I’d already started thinking of cancelling weekend lessons if need
- [Something Otterish Passed By](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=29182) - [vplayer id='29181']Well, here’s something you don’t see everyday in Nottingham. In fact, it’s the first time I have ever seen one in the flesh (or fur) anywhere in my life.I was on a lesson and we were driving through Stoke Bardolph. We’d just gone past the pub when I noticed what I first thought was
- [Coming Soon - BirdCam Live Feed](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=28640) - I have a new toy. A birdbox with a camera fitted into it. I will be installing it outside over the next few weeks, and maybe I’ll get some roosting birds in the autumn and winter, but I’m hoping to get them nesting next year. The plan is to get Blue Tits nesting in my
- [Bad Drivers #1](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=28382) - [vplayer id=28381] Last week, I was going to a lesson in Clifton and caught this near miss on my dashcam. When you consider what the blue car was, and the speed he shot off at across the mini-roundabouts once the taxi turned off, the FedEx driver was nearly involved in a very unpleasant situation.
- [COVID Mayhem](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=28064) - All was going well. Then, last Monday, a pupil texted me to say he’d had to go into isolation because someone had tested positive at work. He actually had COVID last year. Then, the following day, I gave a lesson to a pupil who had been to watch one of the Euro 2021 matches at
- [Face Mask Rules](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=28023) - Recently, I mentioned that when the face mask rules were due to be scrapped on 19 July, I hadn’t yet decided how I was likely to proceed. Since writing that, I did decide how I was going to proceed based on one of my pupils coming down with COVID, and three others having to isolate,
- [COVID Vaccinations, Isolation, Masks](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=27908) - It was announced today that from 16 August, those who have had both COVID vaccinations will not have to isolate if they come into contact with an infected person. I notice that social media is still fairly overflowing with flat-earthers in the allegedly ‘professional’ ADI community proudly trumpeting that they’ve never worn a mask, and
- [Local Authority And Stupidity Epidemics](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=27872) - A reader contacted me recently and asked for advice on a particular mini-roundabout. It’s shown in the photo above and - when there aren’t roadworks in place - there are two lanes on the approach. Have you ever seen such a stupidly misplaced circle? This is in Southampton. There is absolutely no way anyone in
- [Here We Go Again...](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=27854) - Instructors have recently been off on one again about how much you can earn as an ADI. This time, the argument revolves around the latest advertising strapline from a training company that you can ‘earn £50k and work hours to suit yourself’ as an ADI. I have explained how a driving instructor’s finances work many
- [Karma, Scooter. Karma.](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=27589) - [vplayer id=27733] Nottingham City Council is trialling the use of e-scooters in the city. Everyone knows that approval will be given for them to be introduced, no matter what negatives the ‘trial’ throws up. Indeed, in the last couple of months in Nottingham, there was the case of a visually-impaired woman who was injured by
- [The Audi Lane - Correct Usage](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=27530) - Many moons ago, I wrote an article coining the term ‘the Audi lane’. It went semi-viral at the time. Here is a perfect demonstration (for Audi drivers) of how to use it. [vplayer id=27774] I was on my way to pick up a pupil and was driving along Wilford Lane. The speed limit is 30mph
- [Are ADIs Clairvoyant?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=26908) - Had a funny one this evening. I was on a lesson with a pupil and we were driving through Mapperley. We stopped at lights and I pointed out to him that the lanes merged on the other side, and the Audi that had pulled alongside us was going to try and get in front at
- [Video Lessons - 4](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=26817) - Chavs from Bulwell this time. Standard behaviour on the Nuthall roundabout.[vplayer id=27779]The pupil was just driving home, and roundabouts are one of his current worries. Everything going smoothly, then these prats appear - at speed, in the wrong lane, across three lanes of traffic, and then they’re in the wrong lane anyway and cut across
- [Video Lessons - 3](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=26814) - And another one from last week. Heaven only knows what was going through their tiny minds.[vplayer id=27782]In this case, it was a relatively new pupil who can also be a little jumpy. She wanted to be dropped off in the city centre, and at that time in the evening it is pretty quiet. The Mercedes
- [Video Lessons - 2](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=26777) - And a couple of weeks ago, this one. Another elderly driver, though that’s not why I am posting these.[vplayer id=27784]The pupil in question on this one is quite jumpy, and he just about shit himself when this happened. Then I just about shit myself when I saw a 3.5 tonne truck behind us slam his
- [Video Lessons - 1](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=26660) - Sometimes, the message that you should hang up your driving keys is loud and clear. You just don’t hear it. [vplayer id=27786] This happened on a lesson last week (it was an elderly driver). Click the video to start it. As the clip opens, note the dark red car (YG65 FPT) in the left hand
- [SEISS #4 Claimed](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=26206) - Phew! That was a relief. I was worried I might not get the fourth SEISS because my 2019/20 profits were down as a result of the start of the pandemic, and it was touch and go as to whether my self-employment income amounted to more than my private pension. Fortunately, it did. I went through
- [DVSA: Free Lateral Flow Tests (Wales)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=26183) - An email alert from DVSA is encouraging people to take lateral flow tests on a regular basis. I should stress that this is currently only targeted at Wales - and I have no idea why that is. I have been ordering free test kits from the NHS, and run one twice a week. Each kit
- [I Surprised Myself Today](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=26149) - Before going back to work, I was running over a few things in my head - and was worried that I had forgotten stuff! Once I was in the car, it was like I’d never been out of it! The only fly in the ointment was the bloody roadworks. Nottingham City Council, for example, decided
- [A Good Start After Lockdown](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=26119) - A nice easy start to work today. Began with a new pupil who’d contacted me during the lockdown, and who needs a manual licence having driven automatic in her home country. No real issues other than a bit eager with the indicators for everything, and a tendency to brake for everything. But nothing that can’t
- [Sometimes You've Just Got To Laugh](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=26063) - My local newspaper published an article about which pubs would be opening on 12 April. For anyone who doesn’t know, it’s those with outdoor drinking areas who are allowed to do so. The photo above is the ‘outdoor’ drinking area of one of those being touted. Precisely how is it ‘outdoors’? I’m now waiting for
- [The Vacation Is Over!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=26058) - Well, just over a year since the pandemic hit, and save for a few weeks at the end of last summer when it was relatively safe, on Monday I’ll be starting lessons again. Unlike some complete prats out there, I realise that COVID a) actually exists, and b) is quite dangerous if you get it,
- [COVID Vaccination #1](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=25846) - Well, I had my first jab on Thursday. I got myself officially registered as a carer (I don’t understand why I already wasn’t), and booked immediately. It didn’t hurt, though I have to say it was the most uncomfortable jab I can remember having. Mind you, that might have been just a throw of the
- [DVSA: Theory Test Extension](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=25676) - A DVSA alert clarifies once and for all that theory test certificates will not be extended for road safety reasons. The government has further considered the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the validity period of theory test certificates. After careful consideration and in response to a recent petition the government has decided not to
- [DVSA: Increasing Car Tests/Examiner Recruitment](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=25664) - An email alert from DVSA came through today. In it, they outline measures for handling the increased demand for tests. I wrote recently that only specific key workers can still get tests. This email doesn’t make it clear in regards the time frames based on the key worker situation, but I am assuming that it
- [The REAL One And Only Rice Cooker You Need](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=25656) - At the moment, my newsfeed is filled with stories about ‘the best rice cooker’ - probably as a result of my browsing history, I admit. They’re all-singing, all-dancing electric things that do far more than you actually need. Now, I know that a lot of Asian people swear by electric rice cookers, but they tend
- [DVSA Alert: Mobile Emergency Testing](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=25638) - An email alert from DVSA advises that they are introducing a limited theory and practical test service for emergency workers. The key details: This will be available to: NHS health and social care workers the emergency services local councils Who need to both: drive as part of their job respond to 'threats to life' as
- [Plymouth Hoe and Facebook](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=25632) - Basic geography lesson for non-UK readers. It will undoubtedly come as a surprise to learn that ‘England’ consists of more than just ‘London’. Yes, I’m looking at you, Americans. It actually has quite a few other cities, towns, and villages - thousands, in fact. However, although never originally intended to cater for primary school toilet
- [I Am Really Missing Live Music](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=25618) - Regular readers will know that I usually attend quite a few rock concerts each year. I actually had several lines up for 2020, but they were all cancelled for obvious reasons - and there would have been more. But, by God, am I missing them right now!Joe Bonamassa was cancelled completely. Bad Touch was rescheduled
- [I Wonder What IS To Blame?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=25609) - I just placed my weekly Asda shop - well, updated my weekly delivery for tomorrow - and discovered something very interesting. And very annoying. They have no cucumbers, no grapes, no sweetclems, no broccoli, no aubergines, and various missing choices for other fruits and vegetables. It’s the worst I’ve seen it, and that includes anytime
- [Maskless Idiots](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=25582) - And as if that previous story didn’t illustrate why we so urgently need to get the vaccine out without having morons involved in the distribution, I saw this on the MSN Newsfeed just now. It’s titled ‘Unbelievably long queue for butcher winds around London street’. The interesting part is how London - which has just
- [Vaccine Rollout - Managed By Idiots (In The UK)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=25576) - You couldn’t make this up. Not content with the ridiculously slow rollout of the COVID vaccine, or giving it to celebrities first when there are people far more in need of it, or throwing bits away (same article) which amount to almost a sixth more availability if they didn’t, some twat has now caused 1,000
- [Rosalind Knight Dies, Aged 87](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=25573) - Not necessarily a name on everyone’s lips, but Rosalind Knight - whom I remember from school holidays watching St Trinians and the old Carry On films - has died at the age of 87 (I have all the Carry On films on DVD). She played parts in a lot of 50s and 60s British films,
- [DVSA: No Tests Or Lessons In Tier 4 Areas](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=25568) - Social media has been in meltdown all day because of the usual idiots and their ‘can we work or can’t we work’ nonsense. The answer was obvious to anyone smarter than a chimp, but DVSA has now confirmed it in an email for those who weren’t. Driving lessons The Government has confirmed that driving lessons
- [Glasses Steaming Up With Mask](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=25560) - You have to laugh. Right from the start of the pandemic - with the requirement to wear a mask (unless you are a twat or genuinely exempt) - glasses steaming up has been a problem. If you go by social media, anything from washing up liquid, through squirrel pee, shaving foam, all the way up
- [COVID Restrictions Continue](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=25557) - Well, we have a vaccine, but we’re not out of the woods yet. We’re close, but not in time to ‘save Christmas’. Actually, people are pissing me off more and more all the time. There are still those who believe it is all a hoax, closely followed by those who believe we should ‘just get
- [Happy Birthday Rock City](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=25537) - I saw this article today on the BBC website. Nottingham’s Rock City has turned 40. They’ve been shut down throughout the pandemic, and I’ve been worried they might not survive. It’d be a disaster if they closed for good. It’s a brilliant venue. I must admit that some of the bands that play there aren’t
- [Australian Vaccine Trial Halted](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=25522) - A potential COVID vaccine in Queensland, Australia, has been kicked out because... trial participants gave false positive test results for HIV - even though the trial coordinators had already suggested participants might produce antibodies that would do this.You can only wonder if they’d have kicked it out for lower profile false positives. For flu, for
- [Training To Be An Instructor - Avoid Misinformation](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=25480) - My article, Should I Become A Driving Instructor, is very popular. If you’re thinking of moving into this industry as a result of losing your job during the last 9 months, you might want to read it. Yes, it’s a long article, and if you don’t have the attention span to get through it then
- [Christmas Cards And COVID-19](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=25427) - It suddenly occurred to me today that Christmas is only about six weeks away. Come to think of it, I always realise this late every year without fail. And about now, I’d be buying my Christmas cards from Asda - and I’m thinking like last year, with just walking in and browsing as I usually
- [A Cat Translator App?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=25364) - Mankind has this never-ending belief that animals have their own languages. There’s maybe a possibility with apes and monkeys, but when you start moving to different branches of the evolutionary tree, I think you’re stretching it a bit. The latest story is to do with a cat translator app - called MeowTalk - which aims
- [A New US President - Thankfully](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24932) - At last, Joe Biden has made it to the White House. It’s still disturbing that it was so close, but it’s the result America - and the civilised world - needed. The Americans are lucky. They were able to rectify the crass mistake which occurred in their country in 2016. Here in the UK, the
- [JML Flippity Fish](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24926) - Just when you think you’ve seen it all, you get the Flippity Fish cat toy from JML. I just saw it advertised on TV, and I laughed out loud. Actually, it looks like great fun, and I bet cats will love it, too. Incidentally, it looks like JML have got into something which has been
- [Another Tragic COVID-19 Story](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24916) - To all those tosspots on Facebook driving instructor (and anywhere else) pages who keep saying COVID-19 is all a con and overplayed just to try and keep working, try engaging your only brain cell and wake up. I saw this story on the news tonight. David Lewis, from Pentre, Wales, lost his wife Gladys to
- [The US Presidential Election](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24902) - I’m watching the drawn out process that constitutes ‘democracy’ in America. I shouldn’t complain - ours has its own quirks. But looking at a BBC page where they ask a panel of typical US voters how they feel waking up this morning with the count ongoing, I just thought I’d add my own view. The
- [Cancelled Theory Tests - A Bit Of Extra Information](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24898) - I rarely book theory tests for my pupils. However, one of my current lot had a practical test booked at the end of March and it was cancelled. We all know how the year panned out after that, and his theory certificate subsequently expired in June. He doesn’t have internet access at home, and to
- [DVSA: Theory Tests Cancelled](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24891) - As if it wasn’t already obvious - and it wasn’t to many ADIs out there - DVSA has issued a statement that theory tests are cancelled between 5 November and 2 December. They’ve clarified that with: These measures mean all theory tests in England will be suspended from 5 November and restart on Wednesday 2
- [DVSA: All Tests Suspended Again](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24872) - An email alert from DVSA following the announcement of the 2nd lockdown.Update on lockdown measures in EnglandFollowing the announcement on Saturday 31 October 2020 around further lockdown measures being introduced in England, we are working closely with the Government to agree the impact these will have on DVSA services. All driver and rider training and
- [No Flu Deaths This Year?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24861) - People really are such utter idiots. Especially when they have an agenda to push. The latest was some clown trotting out the old line about how there have been ‘no flu deaths this year’ so the COVID-19 statistics must be wrong or made up. Being a scientist, I prefer facts to made up stuff. And
- [Nottingham Students Whingeing](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24847) - Look. You brought it on yourselves - and passed it to the rest of us - so grow up and start behaving like adults just for once! Nottingham has entered Tier 3 of restrictions because of escalating COVID-19 infections. For the last month, we’ve had report, after report, after report of students partying and ignoring
- [This Is Not A Conspiracy Post...](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24842) - ...so here’s a link to an outright conspiracy website, which is claiming that the UK Government ‘knows COVID-19 doesn’t exist.’ I just read precisely that on social media. The website in question - which I’m not going to link to, because the owner needs medical help and not derision - is written by a: Critically
- [DVSA: Test Centre Waiting Rooms (Update)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24820) - An email alert from DVSA explains that 9 test centres across England and Scotland will fully re-open from 30 October. Wales is not included since tests are currently suspended there. Test centres involved are currently Alness, Darlington MPTC, Chesterfield, Garrets Green, Widnes, Cambridge Brookmount Court, Gillingham GVTS, Maidstone, and Swindon MPTC. I’m certain this will
- [DVSA: Test Centre Waiting Room Access](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24802) - An email alert from DVSA indicates they will be making an announcement next week about access to waiting rooms. Driving test centre waiting rooms It’s our priority to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect you, your pupils and our examiners, so for everyone’s safety we reduced access to our driving test centres. We understand
- [Graduated Licence Plans Scrapped](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24799) - This story has been doing the rounds since yesterday. You might remember that last year DVSA was looking into the introduction of graduated driver licences for the umpteenth time, and there was a large (and expensive) consultation over it. The subject comes up on a regular basis, usually once every 1-2 years. I said back
- [Driving Tests (And Lessons) Suspended In Wales](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24786) - An email alert from DVSA indicates that due to the ‘fire break’ in Wales, all tests and lessons (including Theory, and Part 2 and Part 3 ADI tests) are to be suspended from Saturday 24 October until Saturday 7 November. Tests will restart Monday 9 November.
- [THIS Is The Problem - Part VI](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24776) - Nottingham has the highest rate of COVID-19 infections in the country. We were put on Tier 2 this week, and it looks very much like it has been decided that we go to Tier 3 on Monday. That’s serious. More serious than Tier 2. And it was already serious before that.The biggest cause of COVID-19
- [Another Way COVID-19 Spreads Discovered](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24744) - As if COVID-19 wasn’t good enough at spreading with the current help it’s getting from QAnon believers, anti-vaxxers, and students/young people with under-developed brains, Birmingham City Council has found a new way of helping it along. The method involves passing out used COVID-19 test kits to people needing them. People who do have developed brains
- [THIS Is The Problem - Part V](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24730) - In normal times, when someone goes out on their driving test, it is quite possible for them to ‘fail’ before they even leave the test centre if they mess up on the bay park, for example (or try to take out the test centre gate on their way out). However, in the vast majority of
- [Hey, Morons! Here It Is In Black And White](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24726) - It has always been patently obvious that wearing a face mask will reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 around. Even an oily floor rag wrapped around your face would reduce that risk. That’s because if you have the virus, and cough, sneeze, or even spit while you’re talking, the mask will catch the larger droplets
- [Uncle Roger And Egg Fried Rice](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24715) - First and foremost, I was relieved to discover that I have been making egg fried rice properly all these years. I just want to get that one out of the way. However, I found that out definitively after I saw an article on MSN about how Uncle Roger criticised Jamie Oliver’s egg fried rice recipe.
- [You Couldn’t Make This Up If You Tried](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24709) - Nottingham’s number of COVID-19 cases has gone through the roof. We’re now sixth fifth fourth worst in the country and rising for cases per 100,000 (we went through those struck-out positions as I was drafting this). We have been told to go into local lockdown mode in anticipation of a formal announcement, and I am
- [This Is The Problem - Part IV](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24683) - An article in PA Media declares “students should not foot blame for Northumbria [university] outbreak, pupils and parents say”.It quotes a mother - Sara from Kent (and it’s no surprise she ‘didn’t want to give her second name’) - who saw:...no evidence of security checks...No one patrols the corridors to see if there are parties
- [Damned If They Do...](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24651) - My feelings on this government, the Tories in general, and Brexit are well known. But I don’t go so far as to blame them for everything. Only the things they do wrong. The new Test & Trace app is now available. I downloaded it with no trouble, and it runs with no problems that I
- [THIS Is The Problem - Part II](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24628) - This is a real example from a couple of weeks ago. I’m teaching a brother and sister. The sister is virtually test-ready, and has been since before the lockdown in March. However, she is having problems with passing her theory test, so we have put lessons on hold until she gets that sorted (and she’s
- [THIS Is The Problem - Part I](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24614) - The BBC has an article titled ‘Covid: Is it time we learnt to live with the virus?’ It also has a comments section open in that story. At the same time, there is another article resulting from today’s government announcements which says that if we don’t do something, we could be looking at 50,000 new
- [The Second Wave Is Here – I Wonder Why?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24602) - As I write this, I’m looking at FlightRadar24, which shows active flights all over the world.At 9.40pm, incoming flights include Milan-East Midlands (Ryanair). Zakynthos-Newcastle (Jet2), Skiathos-Manchester (Jet2), Kefalonia-Stansted (Jet2), Athens-Luton (Ryanair), Rhodes-Luton (EasyJet), Kalamata-Heathrow (BA), Izmir-Luton (TUI), Katowice-Birmingham (Ryanair), Larnaca-Heathrow (BA), Ibiza-East Midlands (Ryanair), Venice-Manchester (Ryanair), Istanbul-Stansted (Flypgs), Krakow-Manchester (Easyjet), Copenhagen-Manchester (Ryanair), Poznan-Doncaster (Wizzair), Kaunas-Bristol
- [DVSA: Changes To Theory Test](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24594) - At the start of 2020, DVSA announced they were planning to make some changes to the theory test. Any planned schedule for that went right out of the window when COVID-19 came along. However, with things firing on two or three cylinders again, an email today gives a date for when the changes come into
- [How To Remove Label Glue](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24584) - Regular readers will know I do a bit of cooking when the fancy takes me. The kind of stuff I cook involves any, some, or all of Olive Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Peanut Oil, Sesame Oil, Rapeseed Oil, Sunflower Oil, light Soy Sauce, dark Soy Sauce, Worcestershire Sauce, and several others. Recently, and to
- [First Post-Lockdown Test](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24555) - Well, I had my first post-lockdown test today, and she passed with six driver faults. Well done to her! Reading some of the horror stories on social media, I wasn’t sure what to expect when arriving at the test centre. Half of me wouldn’t have been surprised to see armed guards at the gates and
- [Michael Richards (Ought) To Receive Lifetime Darwin Award](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24545) - Regular readers will know I make occasional reference to the Darwin Awards. These are actually a semi-official thing, and relate to people who are just stupid in the extreme. My mentions are not official, but the people involved are at least as stupid – if not more so. The latest is Michael Richards, 41, who
- [When Advertising Campaigns Are Run By Idiots](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24535) - CAMRA has found itself at the heart of the latest ‘let’s be deeply offended’ epidemic with it’s choice of limited-edition glass design for this year’s Great British Beer Festival (which is being held virtually). As you can see in the images above, it has little virus images all over it. On the surface of it,
- [Being Clueless Doesn't Stop You Being An ADI](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24526) - Although it might have a say in how long you remain one! My article, Should I Become A Driving Instructor is quite popular – 25,000 views since I published it. It is a very long article, and some people probably don’t have the attention span to read it all, but in it I explain how
- [COVID-19 Vaccine Trials](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24491) - The only proper way out of this current mess is a vaccine. This is even more true while there are idiots using every slight fall in infection rates as an excuse to go on holiday to Spain, Greece, and loads of other places where cases are rising, where many of them will end up on
- [DVSA: Restarting Driving Tests](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24480) - This article is already out of date. Read the addendum at the end! An email alert from DVSA outlines important details on the phased restart of routine testing. There’s nothing especially worrying in there except for one possible thing. It’s this part: Valid theory test certificates checks As part of our normal ID and eligibility
- [I Have Always Wanted A Potato Peeler](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24468) - Seriously. I’ve been thinking of getting an automatic potato peeler for years, but the fact that they’re usually industrial units for use by chip shops, matched by industrial prices, has put me off. Maybe not so much the price, but certainly the size. I was browsing through the newsfeed tonight and came across this review.
- [Webcam Shortage? AUSDOM AW615](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24394) - Until I saw this article on the BBC, I had no idea there was a webcam shortage. But apparently, the lockdown has meant these, too, have been panic-bought into oblivion, and they are difficult to get hold of. During the lockdown, I’ve been having a nightly Skype session with my mate who lives in Leeds.
- [DVSA: Driving Test Procedure](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24388) - An email alert from DVSA details the procedure for the actual driving test. You can read the full communication by clicking the link, but the important part is as follows: Wearing glasses with face coverings on test Your pupil must wear a face covering when they come for their driving test, unless they have a
- [DVSA: Expired Theory Tests](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24383) - An email alert from DVSA, which you can read in full here. In a nutshell, there will be no extension to theory test certificates which expired during the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has considered the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the validity period of theory test certificates. After careful consideration, the government has decided
- [Back To The Future - Again](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24328) - This is worth getting. It’s 35 years since Back To The Future was released, and this book - We Don't Need Roads: The Making of the Back to the Future Trilogy – is the in-depth story of how it was made, with interviews with all the writers, cast, and crew. I was interested immediately, because
- [Ennio Morricone Dies](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24324) - This one’s likely to pass most people by – I doubt many know who he is. But he represents a huge part of my childhood (and ever since, come to think of it). Ennio Morricone has died at the age of 91. He was a film composer, but by far his best known works were
- [What Does A Moron Look Like?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24269) - America has a problem. Actually, America has many problems. But with COVID-19, some problems stick out more than others. Mind you, I say that. But in America right now, pretty much all problems stick out. One of the current ones is in Texas. It seems they have had daily new cases of COVID-19 jump from
- [Driving Lessons To Recommence From 4 July](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24251) - Just saw this in the news. Driving lessons can recommence from 4 July 2020.I’m now going to have to let most of my pupils go, since I cannot start immediately as I am still isolating to protect my elderly parents. And it’s too soon, anyway (we can’t socially distance, and far too many new cases
- [Lessons For The Clinically Stupid – Part I](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24242) - Question: Can I start doing lessons yet?Answer: There is no Law which directly says you cannot. As in, there is no Law which specifically states ‘driving instructors must not give lessons’. This is probably why your grocer, your hairdresser, your mum, your nan, the police, DVSA, some weirdo you met in the park last night,
- [The Jeremy Vine School Of Performing Arts](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24236) - I just saw this video posted by Jeremy Vine on his Twitter feed. For anyone who doesn’t know, Vine is the cycling equivalent of a Born Again Christian. He never gives up in his crusades. And they are legion. There are two incidents in the video. The first – which he circles – is where
- [DVSA: All Tests Off Until Further Notice](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24229) - I received an email alert from DVSA today (as should most other instructors have done). Basically – and except for key workers – all tests are off until further notice. The essential part is reproduced here: Driving instruction and driving tests Other than emergency training and tests for critical workers, driving instruction and driving tests
- [RIP Steve Priest Of Sweet](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24219) - Another legend from my childhood gone. Sweet were one of the glam rock pioneers in the early 70s, and one of the bands I grew up with.The 70s was easily the best for music. Steve Priest – one of the founding members - was the one who wore make-up and big ear-rings. RIP, Steve.
- [If You Shake Your Head In Disbelief Enough...](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24199) - Does anyone remember that toy you used to get in Lucky Bags? It was a small plastic plate with 15 sliding tiles in it. The Sixteenth position was empty, and the idea was to slide the other tiles into the space and eventually end up with all of them in numerical order. I wonder if
- [Like Lambs To The Slaughter...](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24195) - I’m still amazed by the number of people who are prepared to go out and behave like nothing is wrong now that lockdown rules have been eased. These people are simply too thick to realise that the virus is still out there. I was looking for a simulation of the situation we’re in and came
- [A Volatile Combination](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24180) - As I mentioned some weeks ago – Jeezus, it was the day before we stopped work – it is easy to make your own hand sanitizer.The best kind contains alcohol, and it has to be at least 60% alcohol to be classed as effectively anti-bacterial. So any holistic fruit extracts people are using are both
- [The Things They say...](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24150) - Almost every one of these has ‘so can I start teaching again’ after it.Loads of people have had COVID-19 without realising it Official ONS statistics suggest 0.25% of the population has had COVID-19 as of the time this claim was made. That’s not ‘loads’. It’s actually a very small proportion – one four hundredth of
- [But What If You're Superman?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24143) - If you’re sitting comfortably, a little story. Once upon a time not that long ago, Mr Virus appeared. There is no vaccine to deal with him right now. Mr Virus tends to kill quite a few of the people he visits – at the time of writing he has more than doubled the normal weekly
- [Completed: Self Employment Income Support Claim](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24137) - Today was my day to make my claim. I had already checked to see if I was eligible for the grant, and had been given today as the date to make my claim. The claim procedure was absolutely straightforward. Not a single hiccup along the way. The amount I was awarded was exactly what I’d
- [Complete Morons](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24121) - An article in the local Nottingham Post (have an ad blocker – you’ve been warned) reveals that police had to be called as massive queues built up outside the only branch of KFC to open up in the region. The combined IQ of those in the queue probably barely made it into three figures, but
- [DVSA Alert - Theory Tests Cancelled until 30 May 2020](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24116) - An email alert from DVSA states that all theory tests are cancelled up to and including 30 May 2020.Obviously – though perhaps not obvious to everyone – previous recent history suggests that this should be taken as at least the next review date in postponements, and that further postponements are a distinct possibility.
- [Ninety-nine Percent Of Household Germs!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24026) - Well, Donald Trump appears desperate to outdo himself with everything he says and does. You will no doubt have heard his latest medical endorsement of the possible use of bleach or detergent – injected or consumed – to get rid of COVID-19. He even iced the cake by referring to UV light – used internally
- [DVSA: Theory Tests Off Until 8 May 2020](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=24007) - An email alert from DVSA states that all theory tests booked from 20 April are off until Friday 8 May. Key worker tests will still be conducted. All those affected are being contacted. I’m sure the rumours will start imminently, but 8 May is just a current future point. Depending on what happens over the
- [An Alternative Way Out In The Shorter Term](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23972) - People are continuing to whinge about the extension to the lockdown the government has just announced. I also note that although many have wised up, and are expressing the same concern I have had since all this started, many haven’t. My concern is this: precisely what happens when the lockdown is lifted? You see, I
- [A Vaccine - The Only Way Out](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23967) - I want to clarify what many people have read in the media over the last few days, but appear to have misunderstood. Here’s one media reference to the subject. It concerns a promising candidate for a vaccine for COVID-19 being developed at Oxford that is just entering human trials. The confusion amongst people who have
- [When Will We Get Back To Normal?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23917) - I keep seeing people saying we’ll be back working as instructors by the end of May, or in June or July. I do not see how we possibly can be.COVID-19 is still there. You can still catch it. You can still spread it. People can still die from it. And there’s still no vaccine to
- [Rearranged Test Dates (And Times)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23890) - Regarding the three-month driving test suspension, be aware that the rearranged dates in June cannot be changed right now. One of my pupils texted me tonight and said the time on the new date she’s been given isn’t convenient, but she couldn’t change it. I asked her for the booking reference so I could have
- [Stay. At. Home.](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23884) - In an earlier post today, I said I wouldn’t mention any more about earnings just yet. The reason I said that was because I was hoping beyond hope that the few dim bulbs out there who are still ‘working normally’ would finally see sense and realise that COVID-19 is only going to get worse if
- [The Current Spread Of COVID-19](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23876) - A further example of how the Coronavirus pandemic isn’t a game, and that people need to wake up to the seriousness of it.And feel free to use that animated GIF everywhere. The more people who see it, the quicker we’ll all come through this.
- [I Wonder When Reality Pills Will Be Back In Stock?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23871) - My inbox is filled with emails from companies I have previously bought things from, or who I currently obtain services from. Virtually all of them begin with: This is an unprecedented situation… A basic lesson in English is called for here. unprecedented /ʌnˈprɛsɪdɛntɪd/ adjective never done or known before. Does everyone get that? Never done
- [What Could Possibly Go Wrong With This?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23853) - There’s a website called Instructables, where people provide step-by-step details for building various things. I came across it a couple of years ago when I was searching for a circuit diagram for something I was building using a Raspberry Pi. A lot of the stuff on it is extremely… well, let’s say ‘niche’. I mean,
- [Parents! Who'd Have 'em?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23845) - I’m a carer for my elderly parents. On Thursday, I got up and told my 90-year old dad that I wasn’t doing anymore lessons so I didn’t have to come into contact with people, and the first thing he says is: ‘can you take me to Wickes, then?’I said ‘what? No, I’m not’, and he
- [One Gig Down](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23839) - Well, that’s one down. I was due to see Bad Touch next week at the Bodega. I’d heard the band were going to reschedule, and now it’s official – the gig has been rearranged for September. Fingers crossed things are better by then. This year was gearing up to be a big one, with lots
- [DVSA Alert: Driving Tests Suspended For Three Months](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23815) - This just came through. What we all expected has finally happened.All driving tests have been suspended for ‘up to 3 months’. Just remember that it could end up being longer depending on how the Coronavirus/COVID-19 epidemic situation pans out.
- [Maybe Just Pause And Think For A Moment](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23825) - I just saw this article on the BBC website. Coronavirus has killed four members of the same family in New Jersey. Grace Fusco was 73. She, and six of her adult children, fell ill after a larger family gathering of up to 20 people. One of those children, Rita, was only 55 and had no
- [Coronavirus And Driving Lessons](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23778) - Houston, we have a problem!I only wrote this a couple of days ago, but I’m having to update it already. The problem I was referring to was that not many driving instructors understand statistics or come from scientific backgrounds. They are concerned about Coronavirus on the one hand, but trying hard to persuade themselves they’re
- [All Theory Tests Off Until 20 April](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23807) - An email when I got in tonight from DVSA. Here’s the full text: Theory tests cancelled for 4 weeks Due to the unfolding COVID-19 situation, from Friday 20 March 2020, all theory tests have been postponed until Monday 20 April 2020. What DVSA is doing We are emailing anyone with a test booked during this
- [Rock City Closed Until Further Notice](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23804) - Rock City has announced it is closing until further notice. I have a few gigs coming up. The first is at The Bodega next week, but I hear that the band has already decided to postpone the gig (not official yet). I have several big ones at the rate of about one a month, and
- [Driving Tests Stopped For Three Months In NI](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23800) - All tests have been cancelled in Northern Ireland for three months. Note that this is for Northern Ireland, which is a different agency to DVSA in the rest of the UK.
- [DVSA Alert: Coronavirus And Driving Tests](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23788) - This just came through. Driving tests are cancelled across the country for the next two days (19/20 March). Test centres are closing down. They will review the situation after that. I'm not affected this week, but I have already warned my pupils with tests in the next month to be prepared for them not going
- [DVSA: Coronavirus Alert](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23780) - DVSA has sent out an email relating to Coronavirus. I suspect this is especially for the idiots still intent on doing lessons and tests, even if they are unwell. Basically, do not take anyone to test if you or they feel unwell. Test rearrangements will be free of charge, even if at short notice. You
- [But I had a REALLY Good Reason...](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23766) - A press release from DVSA lists some of the reasons given by people for not taxing their vehicles. You can read the article yourself, but I will repeat the list they give here: I’m about to start a prison sentence, so is there any way you could hang on to my ice cream van for
- [Easy Come, Easy Go - 2020 Darwin Award Candidate](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23706) - You have to laugh. Ben Bardsley, of Warrington, was having a pond built at his house, and while he was watching the work he was struck by a digger bucket and knocked into the pond. He claimed that the accident had caused damage to his neck and back, meaning he couldn’t lift weights anymore (he’s
- [Chaos As Clifton Bridge Closed](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23694) - Bloody hell! I was on my way to a 6.30pm lesson last night (6 February), heading north on the A52, and I noticed they were putting up cones on the southbound side. I thought ‘bloody idiots, doing roadworks at this time during the busiest rush hour of the week’ (Thursday is busier than Friday, usually).
- [Brexit Shows Its True Colours. Again.](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23684) - Immediately after the referendum, Brexiters showed their true colours by putting signs up telling foreigners to go home. Nearly four years down the line, the unimaginable has happened, and that half of the electorate with the combined intelligence of a cowpat has collectively orgasmed overnight, as Johnson delivered what he hopes will keep him in
- [31 January 2020, 11.00pm](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23677) - A date and time which will live in infamy. The idiots still can't see what they've done. The warnings of the last four years have not been heeded, and nearly half a million have lost their jobs in vain. Brexit is going to destroy this country.
- [Get Albert To Jamaica](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23670) - Here's a worthwhile GoFundMe appeal. Albert Johnson was one of the Windrush generation. He hasn't been to Jamaica - where he thinks he may still have family - since 1974. He is now 89 years old and... well, you can understand what that means. He has been ill and age is taking its toll. It
- [Working On Christmas Day](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23630) - Spare a thought for the people who have to work on Christmas Day - the police, ambulance, and fire service in particular. They don't really have much choice, but they provide a valuable service that can't take holidays. As far as driving instructors are concerned, what with being self-employed and all, taking holidays is always
- [Absolutely Your Last Chance!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23617) - The polling stations open in a few hours. This is your last chance to use common sense, vote tactically, and keep Boris Johnson and the Tories out of a majority. You’ll keep seeing morons claiming that a Labour government would bankrupt the country. It wouldn’t. The stark reality, though, is that any government which carries
- [Your Last Chance To Make A Difference](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23610) - With only days to go before the General Election, this is your last chance to make a difference. If the UK goes through with Brexit in any form, we are all going to be screwed. The only people who will be happy will be the crusty old weasels who’ll be clutching blue passports they’ll never
- [Not The Magic Money Tree Again?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23538) - They’re at it again. Someone has asked for advice on car leasing, and one of the replies (answering the wrong question, anyway) has stated that someone on a franchise pays £1,000 a month, whereas if you buy your own car and go independent, you save £1,000 a month. How many more bloody times? NO. YOU.
- [Blog Outages](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23531) - Apologies to anyone who has had problems accessing the site the last day or so.I’ve been trying to get a content delivery network (CDN) set up, and until yesterday every time I activated it the site went down. I finally got it sorted, and the site should be loading much faster now – especially where
- [Getting Pupils - You Have To Smile Sometimes](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23516) - The article on the blog, Should I Become A Driving Instructor, is very popular. Yes, it’s very long, but there’s only so much information you can convey in a single Tweet, or with a couple of rows of emoticons in a Facebook post, and sometimes you have to go into the grown-ups’ world and actually
- [2019 General Election](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23524) - Well, the Clown Prince has finally had something go his way. We’re set for a General Election in December.I am a lifelong Labour voter (and one time active Labour Party member), but I cannot vote for them while Corbyn is leader. His stance on Brexit – and what I know he feels about EU membership,
- [Expect The Unexpected](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23509) - I had a heart stopper today. I was on a lesson with a pupil who has her test booked in about a month’s time. She’s a good driver, and we’d done a two-hour motorway session in heavy traffic, road works, and rain. We were on our way back to her house, and I’d asked her
- [Eggs And Salmonella](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23440) - Most people will remember the Edwin Curry saga back in 1988, where she claimed that most eggs were contaminated with Salmonella. It led to a dramatic fall in egg sales (60%), and it destroyed her political career. Ironically, there actually had been a Salmonella epidemic, even though the furore resulting from her comments sought to
- [That's My Vote Sorted For The General Election](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23436) - I’m a lifelong Labour voter. In my youth, I was even an active member. But I simply cannot vote for them while Jeremy Corbyn is leading them. That’s just on general policies and leadership issues, though. Corbyn’s turn-and-turn-about half-and-half stance on Brexit is a separate reason why I wouldn’t vote Labour, no matter who was
- [The Problem With Guns...](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23370) - Another mass shooting in the USA. And just when you think that, this time, someone must start to take gun control seriously over there, you see this: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, however, said gun control would probably not have stopped the attack. He added that if a "crazy" gunman launches such an attack, there
- [Theory Test Study And Practice](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23364) - I recently saw an ADI claim that theory test apps are no good because they “only cover 5%” of the possible questions. It’s yet more complete bollocks from so-called “professionals”, and is only true – and even then, only partially - if you (or your pupil) is an idiot. The only app I recommend to
- [Graduated Driver Licences In The News Again](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23321) - A DVSA alert came through yesterday informing us that they’re investigating the possibility of introducing graduated driver licences (or something along those lines). Again. First of all, let’s look at the facts surrounding this news (i.e. what’s actually in it, and not what the media headlines are saying). They’re only exploring the possibility. It won’t
- [You Have To Laugh](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23289) - I got an email tonight from the Food Standards Agency (I'm signed up to alerts). It's amazing how many recalls are issued each week - they're mostly for bits of plastic or salmonella contamination, though many are labelling issues where something in them isn't declared on the label.The one I received tonight was of the
- [Pupil Referral Companies](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23244) - I got an email recently from a company which supplies pupils. I don't have any real problem with places like this (as long as they aren't ripping people off), but one thing about it made me smile. The article "Should I Become A Driving Instructor?" is very popular, and one point I make in there
- [Points On Your Provisional Licence](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23228) - I'm proud of the fact that I have never had any points on my driving licence. That's not to say that when I was a newly-qualified 17-year old I was some sort of angel, but as the years have gone by I have become... well, as I already said. Proud. And I always try to
- [White Mercedes KL68 TLY](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23206) - This is the kind of thing you have to deal with when you're driving on Britain's roads these days. Complete wankers like the driver of this white Mercedes, registration number KL68 TLY. This was on a 50mph road, with me driving (at 50mph), and there was no one behind me. If Nottinghamshire Police had managed
- [Mango Lassi](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23199) - My love affair with mango lassi started some years ago, after I'd been to a concert in Leeds. I was driving my mate home, and we decided to stop off for a curry. Now, usually when we go for a curry, we end up drinking large quantities of beer (when he comes to Nottingham, I
- [Joseph Heller Nailed It](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23130) - There’s a passage in Catch-22 where the Chaplain is musing over his misfortunes, and asks himself: Did it then seem probable, as he had once overheard Dunbar ask, that the answers to the riddles of creation would be supplied by people too ignorant to understand the mechanics of rainfall? I have exactly the same feeling
- [Provisional Licence vs. Foreign Licence](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23105) - For anyone who’s interested, I recently had a pupil who was driving on their full licence from another country inside the 12 month period they are allowed. They had a UK provisional licence, and were taking their test in their own car. The question arose over what would happen if they failed their test. Would
- [More Brexit Crapola](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23096) - You will remember the Leave campaign’s Brexit bus, which stated: We send the EU £350m a week - let’s fund our NHS instead This was enough to persuade many people of restricted intelligence to vote to leave the EU back in 2016. They genuinely believed that we really did send that amount of money and
- [The Face (And Voice) Of Brexit](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23091) - There’s a story on the BBC website at the moment which deals with the fact that the Passport Office has started issuing passports without “European Union” on them. It seems that they’re using up old stock, so some passports do have it, whereas some don’t.An ardent Brexiter, Peter Brady (and his wife), are a little
- [One Million Milepost](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23085) - Finally got there! The blog received its 1,000,000th visitor earlier this evening. I started it in November 2008 and got 7 visitors that month. December of that year saw 28, but by May 2009 we were into the thousands. The trend has been upwards ever since, and the blog currently gets around 20,000 visits a
- [We Can’t Arrest Ourselves Out Of Violent Crime?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23063) - Part of me feels a bit sorry for Theresa May. She took on a problem - Brexit - which has no solution, and which is not going to let her keep her job however it pans out. But then, I remember she is also a Tory, and my pity vanishes. Being a Tory is probably
- [Brexit Revoke A50 Debate](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23058) - The petition to revoke A50 is being discussed in parliament today. It should be pretty clear that if the outcome is anything other than a revocation of A50, then the whole exercise is a charade which ignores true public opinion.The petition has amassed over 6 million signatures. Official estimates put fake signatures at under 4%,
- [Stop Brexit Now - Before It's Too Late](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23047) - If you haven’t already seen it, get on over to this petition to revoke Article 50 and remain in the EU. Sign it. And tell others about it. https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/241584 We’re getting closer and closer to the point of no return with Brexit, but the whole platform it’s sitting on is sinking lower and lower all
- [If Only I Dared Do It!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23043) - Wouldn’t you just love to have the guts to put one of these on your car?
- [Far Out, Man!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23038) - See if you can get your head around this one. And you’re not even drunk.Well, I assume you’re not.
- [Silver BMW M240i Automatic](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23026) - It is clearly a precondition to owning a BMW, Audi, or Mercedes that you have to be a certified f***ing twat, with no discernible brain activity in the head area (it’s all concentrated in the groin, of course). Their behaviour happens too often and too consistently to be a coincidence. I didn’t have my dash
- [Sculpture Of Nottinghamshire's First Female MP](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=23004) - They’ve unveiled this sculpture of Florence Paton, Nottingham’s first female MP, in Carlton. I wonder if it’s a good likeness? It looks like a character from Dr Who or Futurama.
- [Only The Big Schools Are Bad, Of Course](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22972) - I saw someone post an online comment about having seen “a big school car” driving in the middle lane of a motorway, and then implying that this in some way meant that every ADI who works for that “big school” is therefore pants. It’s just another variation of the “indie is better because I’m indie”
- [The Lights Are on, But No One is Home](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22882) - Just before Christmas I wrote an article based on some silly statements I’d seen about independent instructors being “better trained” and “more professional”, meaning that they could charge more and not have to offer discounts. It was easy to prove categorically that those claims are untrue with a simple scan of some instructors’ websites, and
- [Donald Tusk Nails It](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22861) - I’ve been saying this since 24 June 2016, but Donald Tusk has uttered the words that our own government is too stupid to work out for itself. If a deal is impossible, and no one wants no deal, then who will finally have the courage to say what the only positive solution is? Brexit needs
- [Australian Cookery Shows](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22855) - Is it just me, or does every Australian cookery programme revolve around barbecuing 2-foot long shrimps and an octopus in front of Sydney Harbour? I’m watching the cookery channel and they’ve got an Australian Day. Every bloody programme it’s the giant shrimps and cephalopods. And Sydney Harbour. If you want even one shrimp that size
- [How Long Does It Take To Learn To Drive?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22834) - This question crops up repeatedly. It’s often the first question a pupil asks when they get in the car for the first time. The official DVSA statistics say that the typical learner takes around 45 hours of lessons with an instructor, and 20 or more hours of private practice before they pass their test. As
- [Facebook Generation Kills Literacy Stone Dead](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22696) - I’ve been noticing this for some time now. Previously reputable news agencies reporting on things solely sourced from Facebook or Twitter. It might not be what you’d call “reputable” in the usual sense of the word, but it is nevertheless a newspaper and so you’d expect some journalistic skill on display, but the Daily Mirror
- [April Fool's Day Isn't For Months, Yet](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22688) - I just saw the biggest load of nonsense on a web forum. Someone has made the statement that independent instructors charge more than those who are franchised to a school, and that independents don’t offer block booking discounts, whereas the schools do. Others have added that this is because independent instructors are “more experienced” and
- [Brothers Osborne @ Rock City, November 2018](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22654) - I’ve been to a lot of gigs the last few years, though I haven’t posted any articles about them. I need to do a bit of catching up on that. Anyway, I went to a brilliant show on Friday at Rock City in Nottingham. After Rush, my favourite genres have to be blues and Southern
- [Yes! Take Them Down, My Son!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22639) -  This has made my day. Excellent story on the BBC about how the Met Police are ending chases involving scumbags on motor scooters. Look at their response when they get rammed. No attempt to run off, just shitting themselves. Well done to the Met!
- [Driving Test Success Theory Test App](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=12374) - This post from 2013, but an update is long overdue.Unless they already have an app, I advise all my pupils that the only thing they need to buy to prepare for their Theory Test is Driving Test Success 4-in1, published by Focus Multimedia (DTS). It is available for both Android and iPhone, and costs £4.99
- [Funniest Ad Of 2018 - JML Hollywood Pants](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22615) - I saw it on the TV earlier today. It’s another JML one (remember PediPaws and the Turbo Brush?) This time, it’s for Hollywood Pants - a lower-body garment that appears to be capable of the equivalent of turning a hippopotamus into a cheetah without the need for liposuction. Take a look at the TV ad
- [DVSA Trial - Text Messages To Pupils](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22608) - A DVSA email alert advises that DVSA is running a trial where they will send text messages to candidates in the run up to their tests offering advice on how to be prepared, not to take their test before they’re ready, and how to stay safe once they’ve passed. The trial will run between now
- [Hello? Police? Can You Lend Me 3p?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22566) - You know how I’m always going on about the prats I have share this planet with? How about this one? He goes into a garage and tries to put £10 of fuel in his car. He overshoots by 3p, but he doesn’t want to break into another note, and the garage won’t let him off
- [Asda To Cut Jobs?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22555) - Well, well, well. I just did a bit of delving to find out why someone had found the blog on the search term “why is UK productivity so low”, which had thrown up an article I’d pretty much forgotten I’d written. Maybe it’s a coincidence, but I mentioned Asda in that. Then, browsing the BBC
- [Right On BBC](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22536) - I’d imagine that many people are aware of the BBC’s obsession with women’s rights, and its ongoing policy of generating alternative history stories to muddy the past. The one that irritates me the most is how they use every opportunity to portray Charles Babbage as secondary to Ada Lovelace. But that’s another story. This one
- [Not In My Back Yard - Or Anyone Else’s](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22528) - It’s funny, but I keep seeing instructors claiming on forums and social media that they all still teach turn in the road (TIR) and reversing around a corner (RRC). I mean, 99% of them are all doing it, same as they ever were.For anyone who doesn’t know, DVSA stopped testing these manoeuvres in December 2017.Before
- [And Talking Of Photo ID...](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22472) - I had a pupil pass his test a few weeks ago, and when he handed his licence to the examiner at the end, she looked at his photo and said “bloody hell!” He looked nothing like it. It turned out that when he’d applied for his provisional licence, he’d accidentally ticked “use my passport photo”
- [The Attention Spans Of Gnats](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22447) - I’ve mentioned this before, but I started the blog way back in November 2008. That first month, I got 7 visits! It’s gone steadily upwards ever since, and at the present rate, I figure that the blog will pass the 1,000,000 visitor mark early in 2019. So I guess I must be doing something right,
- [DVSA: Test Time Changes](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22441) - An email alert from DVSA advises that from 10 October 2018, the timings of driving tests will be changing for one day each week so that examiners can receive appropriate training and development. Timings on other days will remain unaltered. It is absolutely no problem, though that hasn’t stopped the usual culprits demanding to know
- [Europe Regains Ryder Cup](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22430) - Europe captain, Thomas Bjorn, said: Some people say golf is boring… Yes. Yes, it is. Especially on the radio.
- [Heinz Salad Cream Stays](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22410) - Every year, like all big corporations, Heinz will take on a bunch of new graduates and let them loose with flipcharts, Lego bricks, Play-doh, finger paints, and all the other things that pass for good Team Meeting props these days (I’ve worked for a big company, so I know that’s what happens). Also like all
- [Online Recipe Reviews](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22379) - I’ve mentioned many times that I like cooking when I have the time. If I see something on TV I like, I’ll look it up and make it for myself, or sometimes just look things up to get some ideas for myself. Something I find really amusing is the reviews people leave for recipes, though.
- [Blinded By The Blindingly Obvious](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22260) - It seems to have escaped everyone’s attention yet again, but if we draw a horizontal line on a graph of temperature versus time of the year at, say, 10ºC, there is a tendency for the actual temperature to be below 10ºC in winter and above 10ºC in summer. It’s funny, I know. But as far
- [Toblerone Sees Sense - Albeit Two Years Late](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22206) - Well, when I say “Toblerone”, I mean Mondelez - the American jerks who own the brand now. Back in 2016, they decided to do what most other commercial confectioners do to combat rising costs, and that was to reduce the size/weight of the product whilst simultaneously maintaining the price. Unfortunately - and as most people
- [Dangerous Driver - FD17 VWE - Black VW Touran](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22193) - I was teaching a pupil how to handle the Nottingham Knight roundabout today. Oh, if only the f---ing halfwits who have licences had even a grain of a clue, how much easier my job would be. Here, you can see a black VW Touran, registration number FD17 VWE, decide that lane markings didn’t apply to
- [The Way People Are Handling GDPR Is A Pain](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22162) - This is an old article. I no longer use SlickVPN because available IP addresses kept going down and it was taking forever for them to come back online ever after I reported it. I now use IPVanish. I’m being driven to distraction by the number of emails from sites I’m subscribed to either asking me
- [Driving Tests And Extra Passengers](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22148) - Just a word of warning to anyone taking their test between 16 July and October 2018. There’s a good chance you’ll have someone sitting in the back when you do your test. DVSA is carrying out a timing study on how long it takes the examiner to set up the sat nav and conduct the
- [A Really Sad Story](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22117) - I just saw this on the BBC website. It’s one of the saddest stories I’ve ever read. Harold Milner, 79, passed his driving test in October 2017. He’d done it because his wife, who had always driven, was terminally ill with bone cancer and was unable to continue doing so, and he needed to be
- [Trump's Space Corps](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22103) - Like Brexit, Donald Trump is another anomaly from 2016 that just keeps on giving. His latest stunt appears to involve restarting the Strategic Defense Initiative - aka “Star Wars” - which was first started by Ronald Reagan in 1983 at the height of The Cold War. The big differences this time around are that: Ronald
- [118 118 (And Others) Ripping People Off](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22097) - Once upon a time, a call made to “directory enquiries” by dialling 192 on your phone was free. In the 1990s, BT started charging 25p per call, and this rose to 40p by 2002. At that time, this was already considered a rip-off - an understandable reaction to something which previously cost nothing. The service
- [And Another For Even Better Measure](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22081) - I went into McDonalds in Basford this afternoon to use the loo and get a coffee. It was about 2.30pm, and since it was a Friday, the traffic was building. I got in my car to leave, and I must confess that the thought crossed my mind that some twat would be trying to turn
- [Yay! Motorways! Plus a Stupid Bitch For Good Measure](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22066) - I did my first motorway lesson this morning and everything went completely according to plan. The pupil said it was the best lesson he’d ever had. Ironically, the only thing that I’ve had any negative thoughts about concerning lessons on motorways is if any pupil should panic and slam the brakes on. So as we
- [Chilwell P+R Rat Infestation](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22062) - Anyone using the Chilwell park and ride car park should be aware that it is currently overrun with vermin. It seems they’ve been there almost a week already. Yes, for at least the third time in 18 months, filthy “travellers” have moved in and they’ve turned the place into a garbage tip. I went in
- [Learners on Motorways: D-Day Has Arrived](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22058) - I’ve said it before, but this is about 50 years late. But better late than never. As of today, 4 June 2018, learner drivers will be allowed on motorways as long as they’re with a fully-qualified instructor and in a car with dual controls fitted. The Highway Code has also changed with effect from today.
- [The Keystone Kops Are Alive And Well - In Britain](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22014) - Wikipedia tells us that The Keystone Kops were… …fictional, humorously incompetent policemen, featured in several silent film slapstick comedies produced by Mack Sennett for his Keystone Film Company between 1912 and 1917. A local news item tells how a lunatic waving a machete around was reported to the Police on 4 May. The man who
- [Funniest Story Of The Week](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=22009) - A grandmother was “shocked” when a horse turned up in her back garden. It had been “ordered on the internet” by her 13-year old granddaughter. I don’t know why, but I just find it very, very funny - which is not helped by the fact the horse is apparently called “Mr Melvin Andrews”.
- [Theory Test Changes From 1 May 2018](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21959) - I must admit that wasn’t aware this was being looked into, but from today the Theory Test is changing slightly to make it “more accessible”. Apparently, words like “increased” and “decreased” are considered to be “long and complicated”, so they have been replaced with “bigger” and “smaller” instead. I’ll take their word for it that
- [Worst Day For 22 Years](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21950) - I got up this morning and received a text from a pupil about booking his test, and he added the footnote “Wenger’s going”. I immediately flipped to the BBC website and discovered the full horror contained in those two words. Arsene Wenger is leaving Arsenal at the end of the season. This is truly the
- [Graduated Licences (Again)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21946) - Last December (2017), the driving test was changed to include use of a satnav, and two of the harder manoeuvres were replaced with two that my cat could do. From June 2018, learners will - at long last - be allowed to take lessons on motorways (with an instructor, and not with mum, dad, or
- [Motorways' A-comin'](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21941) - A reminder from DVSA that there are now less than 50 days before learners are going to be allowed on motorways when accompanied by a fully-qualified ADI. That means no PDIs and no mum, dad, or best mate Kyle/Kylie. I hope to God no ADI goes out there and screws it up for everyone else
- [Retards' Gallery](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21930) - I wrote a few days ago about the Alford Road car park in West Bridgford, and kids climbing on the roof of the sports building. Well, take a look at these two mugshots. I went in there again yesterday afternoon with a pupil. Just as we entered, the smug-looking retard on the left (who looks
- [How To Wash Your Hands Of Responsibility](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21926) - Or, how to destroy the environment and get paid loads of money for doing it. This BBC news article reports on campaigners’ claims that the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) has “violated [the park’s] World Heritage status”. They cite the dramatic increase in “off-roaders” on motorbikes and 4x4s, who have damaged the landscape. The
- [No, Mr Policeman, WE Weren't Climbing On The Roof](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21918) - I was in the Alford Road Park car park in West Bridgford last night doing a bay park with a pupil. It was empty when we arrived, but after about ten minutes some kids arrived with a football. I won’t dwell on the fact that there are signs posted on the wall of the changing
- [Australian Cricket Team Cancels Large Order](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21901) - Following on from recent events in South Africa, it is understood that the Australian Cricket Team has cancelled orders for specialised Test Match equipment, shown above, it was due to take delivery of.
- [Nutcases and Not-So-Annoying TV Ads](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21885) - Before Christmas I wrote about the most annoying ad in the world (at the moment) - the TUI ad, which is still on Sky One every ten bloody minutes. It’s so annoying that I would never book a holiday with TUI, just on principle, and I switch the sound off or change channels as soon
- [Asshole in Nissan Micra - Reg. No. NU53 SZZ](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21873) - On the Chilwell Test Centre routes, there is one particular road which causes problems for pupils. It’s a very narrow road called Baskin Lane, and is only a couple of minutes away from the test centre. What makes it tricky for pupils is that to negotiate it you have to do a right turn on
- [Snow Madness](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21858) - Yesterday, during the worst of the snow, the media were falling over themselves to show inane video footage sent in by the public of cats in the snow, dogs in the snow, birds in the snow, snow drifts, cars covered in snow, snow on runways, snow being shovelled off runways, fields covered in snow, people
- [The Irony Academy is Still Open, Though!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21852) - The local BBC newsfeed has done away with news other than to report page after page of school closures due to the snow. But this one made me laugh. I think we can be fairly certain that the Irony Academy is still open.
- [Are You Sure About That?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21848) - The local BBC newsfeed has a comment where a local school – Burntstump Seely - has set some “homework” for children, while the school is closed due to snow. It shows a photograph of the poster the school has put up (or possibly emailed) for the children (above). Personally, I’d have set some spelling homework.
- [Car Insurance and Bad Weather](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21840) - A couple of days ago, I updated my article on Driving Tests and Lesson in Snow after someone found the blog due to their instructor claiming he wasn’t covered to drive in icy conditions.Cancelling lessons because it is dangerous is fine, but I am not aware of any insurance policy which would preclude driving. I
- [Learners On Motorways - AT LAST!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21837) - It’s about 50 years overdue, but after the recent yes-it-is-no-it-isn’t nonsense, we now know once and for all that from 4 June 2018 learner drivers will be allowed on motorways. They will only be allowed on with a qualified ADI, and the car they are in must be fitted with dual controls. It’s worth emphasising
- [The Kitten in Britain](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21826) - Or, what the media insists on referring to as "The Beast from the East". It's a bit nippy, though not dramatically so, and there are frequent light snow flurries. Every hour or three there is a heavy flurry, which settles - then melts almost completely as soon as the sun comes out. And this is
- [Men's Winter Olympics](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21805) - Anyone tell me when it starts? I mean, I know all about the GB women (well, I would if I'd bothered to read it), the South Korean women, the North Korean women, the synchronised North Korean cheerleaders (women), the joint North and South Korean women's ice hockey team, a bronze medal a British woman won
- [Graduated Licences (Again)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21801) - The media is having a hissy-fit over the possibility that new drivers could face restrictions after they pass their tests. Possibilities include: night-time curfews speed limit restrictions restrictions on number and age of passengers lower drink-drive limits restrictions on engine sizes No one should worry just yet. With such organisations as the RAC and Brake
- [The New Driving Test - One Month On](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21757) - Anyone due to take their first driving test in the new format, a bit of advice. make sure you can handle roundabouts and multi-lane junctions competently when following satnav instructions make sure you can do it on roundabouts and junctions you may not have driven on before The satnav gives instructions differently from the verbal
- [Lewis Hamilton May Just Have Destroyed His Career](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21748) - Or, he will have if some people get their way.He told his (young) nephew, who was wearing a pink princess dress and holding a magic wand on an Instagram post, that "boys don't wear dresses". He's since apologised, etc., etc., etc. But as you can imagine, that's not enough, and more blood needs to be
- [And This Is What Brexit Was (And Is) All About](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21743) - It's funny when you look around various discussion forums, and see how the attitudes of Brexiters have developed since June 2016. Brexit, of course, was the stupidest decision this country has ever made - marginally ahead of the decision to hold a referendum in the first place, and so allow morons with serious problems in
- [Examiner "Strike" Action - December 2017](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21706) - Various alerts from DVSA over the last week. These are summarised here. Not so much a "strike" but a "work to rule".It's the same advice as usual. Not all examiners are union members, and not all those who are will necessarily be involved. Turn up for your test as normal, get a free rearranged date
- [It's (Not) A Man's World](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21678) - As I've mentioned in the About Me section, I seriously considered becoming a teacher before I went down the route of being a driving instructor. I like teaching people.I saw an advert on the TV just now from the Department for Education pushing its Get Into Teaching campaign.I think it's fair to say, judging from
- [The New Part 3 Test - Delayed Again](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21656) - Look at the date this was first published! It's an old, old post! CCL definitely IS part of the Part 3 test in 2019. A few years ago, on a now-defunct forum, one of the resident fossils took issue with comments I had made on the page where I provide the PST marking sheets for
- [Dedicated ADI Examiners’ Team](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21650) - An email alert from DVSA says that they are creating:…a new team of dedicated Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) examiners, who’ll be conducting ADI qualifying tests and standards checks 5 days a week. No dates or timings, no names, no locations. Just this email.I’m not sure what to make of it just yet. Most of the
- [Brilliant Gainesville Tribute to Tom Petty](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21615) - I mentioned earlier this week the sudden death of Tom Petty – yet another legendary musician taken away from us. How’s this for an awesome tribute? A football match in Gainesville – Tom’s home town – saw 90,000 spectators singing his hit “I Won’t Back Down” in unison.
- [Oooh. I am SO Tempted By This One!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21564) - Last month, I mentioned an email I’d received which informed me that I’d got $950,000 waiting in a Zimbabwean bank. All I had to do was send $95 for delivery of the ATM card which would unlock these untold riches.I just received another one. Apparently, I have $12,000,000 now – $24,000,000 if you allow for
- [When A Tosser Doesn't Realise He's A Tosser](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21540) - Some questions in life just don’t have a viable answer to them. North Korea is a pariah state. Every other country on the face of the earth hates it. It has acquired big boys toys – nuclear weapons – primarily because it is run by a Big Boy. Well, a fat, retarded specimen with the
- [Learners Allowed On Motorways From 2018](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21521) - About bloody time. An email alert from DVSA advises that learners will be allowed on motorways – with an instructor and dual controls fitted to the car – from 2018.This change will only apply to cars – not motorcycles. Only ADIs will be allowed to do motorway lessons – not trainee instructors. Mum and Dad
- [Brexit Bill €40 Billion? No. Yes. No...](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21488) - The Brexit fiasco leaps from one incompetent episode to another. The latest being the reports that the UK was willing to pay a €40 billion divorce bill, quickly followed by a statement that it wasn’t. It seems that Theresa May – who is no longer in charge of the government – was willing to pay
- [Do You Think I Should?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21480) - You have to smile sometimes. I just received this email. It’s just a hunch, but it might be a scam. From: Charles Koch Subject: CONTACT ME URGENT Dear Beneficiary, How are you today, I hope all is well .Be informed that due to your delay ,YOUR FUND worth of (USD$950,000.00) was converted
- [Hacked Billboard in Cardiff](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21467) - The BBC reports that an electronic billboard in Cardiff has been hacked, and until it was turned off was displaying offensive images and messages. You can probably guess the nature of these.They should have taken a look at the one at the rear of the Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham last week, prior to the
- [Most Dangerous Roundabout In The UK?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21463) - This story has been in the news the last day or so. It concerns a new roundabout in Mickleover, Derbyshire, where there were 10 accidents within 48 hours of it opening. Resident Peter Hall told the Derby Telegraph: "These accidents are not driver error but the result of a poorly designed, unlit roundabout on a
- [Quick, Quick, Slow Broadband](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21448) - Extensive government research has identified several areas in the UK where broadband is quite slow. Note that the population density in the UK as a whole is over 270 people per square kilometre. The population density in the areas identified as having the slowest broadband - mainly the extremities of Scotland and rural Wales -
- [Well, Wood You Believe It?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21439) - A real non-story, this one. It seems that social media has been “going wild” over a “mystery beast” spotted in Scotland. Let’s just cut to chase on this one. It ain’t Nessie, or any other weird animal. My guess is that it is still there, in the exact same pose. It’s a tree stump.
- [She's Doctor Who](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21424) - I told you! Back in January, I speculated that the odds of the next Doctor Who being female were good. Let’s not beat about the bush here. The fact that the new Doctor Who will be female is contrived – contrived with a capital “C”. The media response to it just highlights the fact. The
- [Why Don't Women's Clothes Have Pockets?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21419) - I have just seen what must rank as the biggest pile of feminist bollocks ever written. It claims that women’s clothing doesn’t have pockets because of a male conspiracy to restrict their freedom! Let’s get something straight. At least 99.999999% of women’s clothes are concerned with style and appearance. And 99.999999% of women want it
- [How To Get Sued - By A Monkey](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21410) - This story beggars belief. It started in 2011, when a British photographer went to Indonesia to photograph macaques. After a bit of bonding, he managed to get the monkeys to press the camera shutter, and the image above is the now infamous “monkey selfie” that has caused the trouble.In 2014, David Slater, the photographer, asked
- [Nottingham City Council - Complete And Utter Prats](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21398) - One of the more difficult road layouts for learners to understand is the T-junction with priority over vehicles from the left or right. The majority of allegedly “experienced” road users haven’t got a clue about them, either. Essentially, what they are is a T-junction, but instead of the naturally assumed arrangement whereby the upright of
- [Microsoft Outlook Making Annoying Sounds](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21389) - I use Office and always have done. I like Microsoft, and see no reason to resort to using a hammer and small chisel to make cuneiform tablets for the purposes of communication just because I’m jealous of how big Microsoft is.Anyway, yesterday I came home and discovered that a new Windows Insider update had come
- [Show Me, Tell Me Questions – December 2017](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21374) - In April, I reported that the driving test will change from 4 December 2017. I won’t go into the details again – you can read them in the earlier article – but DVSA has published the amended Show Me, Tell Me (SMTM) questions on the GOV.UK website that it plans to use from December (the
- [Light The Blue Touch Paper, and Stand Well Back…](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21366) - Following the Grenfell Tower Fire, everybody has gone nuts about fires and flats. It’s understandable and – as long as we don’t overdo it – completely sensible.And then I saw this post on the local BBC website. I’ll copy the text, since there’s no specific link to the actual post:Fire extinguishers 'go missing' from Nottingham
- [Stupidity Spreads To Australia](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21349) - This story on the MSN newsfeed (in The Telegraph) falls over itself in its gleeful demonstration of pro-feminism.Some berk who has a real problem separating home life from work breastfed a baby whilst putting forward a motion to the Australian Parliament. If that wasn’t bad enough, the baby also took a dump in its nappy.
- [When a Pupil Fails Their Test Before It’s Begun](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21324) - I saw a discussion about this on a forum. It was to do with terminated tests and “what happens next?”On more than one occasion since I became an instructor, a pupil has done something which they know has resulted in a fail. And on more than one occasion, the examiner has persuaded them to continue
- [Roger Moore, 89, Dies](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21264) - Sad news. The best Bond of the lot has died at the age of 89. RIP, Roger, and thanks for the great memories.
- [Too Much Cuteness - 2](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21256) - And someone sent me this picture of a sleeping kitten. This amount of cuteness should be illegal.
- [Too Much Cuteness - 1](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21253) - My favourite breed of dog is the Husky, but you rarely see Husky puppies. Until I came across this.
- [WannaCry Ransomware](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21228) - Everyone must have heard about the problems this week with an unprecedented attack on Windows computer systems around the world. I understand that there are already reports of further cases as we head into the new week. I’m not going to do an in-depth report, since you can find them all over the internet, and
- [Brexit Disaster Continues](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21218) - Theresa May originally backed remaining in the EU. Now, she is the über-mouthpiece for Brexit. This blatant about-turn alone should tell you all you ever need to know about both her and the Tories. The Tories are – and always have been – the party for the elite. They have never represented the working class.
- [Lyrid Meteor Shower 2017](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21181) - The Mirror has some handy advice for people who might want to watch the Lyrid meteor shower this weekend. Apparently, you need to look up at the sky to see if it’s clear, because if it’s not you won’t see anything. Having established the clarity of the sky, you then need to keep looking up
- [2017 General Election](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21170) - I’ve always been a Labour voter, though I didn’t vote last time because Jeremy Corbyn is not the person to lead this country (even less so with his Brexit sympathies). Ooops. I DID vote last time, but vowed not to the next time because of Jeremy Corbyn. Thanks to a reader for pointing that out
- [Well, It Made Me Smile!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21136)
- [For The Record Books](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21106) - 29 March 2017 is a date which will go down in history as a turning point. It marks the point at which stupidity as a prerequisite of being allowed to vote in the UK was officially sanctioned. It also marks the official sanctioning of hatred and xenophobia as a British trait suitable for campaigning purposes,
- [Article 50 To Be Triggered on 29 March 2017](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21059) - Another nail in the coffin of the UK as any sort of world power comes as it is announced that Theresa May will trigger Article 50 – the official notification of the UK’s intention to leave the EU – on Wednesday, 29 March 2017. Remember: 29 March 2017. It is a date which will live
- [Hopkins vs. Monroe](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=21026) - You couldn’t make this sort of thing up. Level after level of complete stupidity. On one side, you have Katie Hopkins – anything she says or writes is usually complete bollocks, and with her unique way of putting it across, it is frequently even more bollocks than that. Back in 2015, she made a mistake
- [Mock Tests](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=10491) - Originally published in 2012, previously updated in 2014. New update for 2017. I will never understand why driving instructors get themselves so wound up about mock tests. I mean, I know why they do, but I’ll never understand. The only test which matters is the actual driving test, and the outcome of any arbitrary pre-test
- [Bus Lane Bingo Bonanza](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20979) - This BBC story reports that bus lane enforcement cameras make £31m per year in fines. One particular lane, in Newcastle, made £1.5m on its own – and that’s after you consider that the BBC contacted 160 local authorities for financial data. The fun part is where a spokeswoman for Newcastle said: We would firmly stress
- [Using a Mobile Phone When Driving](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20973) - From today (1 March 2017) the penalties for using a mobile phone when driving have increased. If you get caught now, it’s 6 points on your licence and a £200 fine. New drivers – those who passed their tests less than 2 years ago – should bear in mind that the points will put them
- [Nearly Another Boaty McBoatface](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20962) - It seems that the new £1 coin – which will soon be put into circulation – narrowly escaped having a picture of a fried breakfast on it. How long will it take for the arseholes who run this country wake up and realise that “having a vote” on important decisions by involving the general public
- [Football Reaches New Low](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20956) - It’s hard to believe that only 6 months ago Claudio Ranieri was being hailed as a god for leading Leicester City to the unlikeliest Premiership title ever. In all honesty, he deserved that accolade. What he achieved was incredible, and it showed what a great manager he is. I was amazed that Leicester maintained their
- [New £1 Coin Imminent](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20947) - A new £1 coin with 12 “sides” is being launched in March 2017. The old £1 coin will cease to be legal tender in October 2017. People are being advised to cash in their piggy bank and whisky bottle collections as soon as possible so they don’t lose out. Apparently, there is £45 million worth
- [Darwin Awards 2017: A New Candidate](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20942) - Andrew Jackson had an interview with Greater Manchester Police for a job in their IT department. The problem was that he stank of alcohol, and when casually questioned about whether he had found the interview location easily enough, commented that he’d had a job finding somewhere to park. Alarm bells duly rang, he was breathalysed
- [Advanced Warning: Applied Coach Approach](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20928) - Over the last week or so I’ve noticed the sudden appearance in my stats of visits to the blog using the search term “applied coach approach”. Until the first one last week no one has EVER used that term before, now it is appearing multiple times per day. I should also point out that –
- [Do It Properly, Dummy!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20924) - As I mentioned in that recent story about the idiot who had allowed an it’s-a-fair-cop-I-did-it-where-do-I-pay £30 parking fine escalate into a £600-and-counting-here-come-the-bailiffs-again melodrama, I sometimes despair at the direction society seems to be heading. When I write out my address on a letterhead or envelope (or when I complete any online form), it takes the
- [You Couldn't Make This Up!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20908) - Hot on the heels of that last story about companies employing retards and allowing them to make business-shaping decisions, Sainsbury’s appears to have done it again with one of its Valentine’s Day crapola range items. They’re called Hugging Bear Mugs, and they come in pairs. You will note that – if you make the obvious
- [When Teamworking® Goes Wrong](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20903) - I’ve written before of my still-recurring nightmares about Teamworking and the hell I had to put up with for the final ten years of my time in the rat race. Not that long ago, Sainsbury’s made the mistake of allowing “the Team” to become involved in things which were really none of their business, and
- [I Laughed Until My Ribs Hurt!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20898) - I was on a lesson with a pupil today and I asked her how she was getting on studying for her theory test. I asked her to identify a pedestrian crossing we had just passed, and it was clear she was a little confused. Next time we stopped, I got my sketch pad out and
- [You Have the Conn…](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20888) - I picked a pupil up for a lesson tonight from his house. He’d already asked if we could finish at his girlfriend’s place over in Cotgrave, which I had no problem with. Well, I say that, but I did have some small reservations, which grew as the lesson went on. I enjoy this job immensely,
- [Cool Ketchup](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20881) - I’ve seen this in various newspapers today (including online ones). The BBC refers to it as a “Ketchup debate”, but in reality there is nothing to debate. The silly saga has come about because an Asda branch in London has started stacking it in chiller cabinets instead of on the shelves with other condiments, as
- [Ice Age XXVI - This Time I'm In On The Ground Floor](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20875) - The Sun is at it again. I saw a small item in today’s paper copy reporting that it will be -15°C by the end of the week, and that it will stay like this until the end of March. Oddly, the front page of the online version’s UK news has a story about how plants
- [Sweden's Six-Hour Day Trial](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20865) - I read about this a while back, but it seems the trial has come to an end. The BBC’s story title is misleading, because it certainly doesn’t answer the question “what really happened when Swedes tried six-hour days?” The only detail that matters is that those who had their working day cut to six hours
- [Brexit IS Screwing Things Up](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20855) - This article makes interesting reading. The heads of more than half of the top 500 companies in the UK say Brexit has already had a negative impact business, and two-thirds believe it will worsen over the next 12 months. The only people who have benefited so far are those who export, where the weaker pound
- [1-2-3-4-5... Fail!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20849) - I saw this story a few days ago about a man in Norfolk who failed his driving test “in just 5 seconds”. It reminded me of something that happened to one of my pupils about 7 years ago. He drove back into the test centre and I made my way through the waiting room to
- [Echoes From History](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20835) - On 30 September 1938, Neville Chamberlain (then, the British Prime Minister) returned from a meeting with Adolf Hitler. He is famously pictured holding a piece of paper aloft, and he can be seen on newsreel footage saying: This morning I had another talk with the German Chancellor, Herr Hitler, and here is the paper which
- [Team Rock Goes into Administration](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20618) - Originally published 25 December 2016. This is a bit of bad news. Team Rock Ltd. – the company behind Classic Rock and Prog magazines (amongst others) – has gone into administration. The administrators were called in five days before Christmas, and staff were laid off with no pay with immediate effect. They watched as locks
- [Natural History](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20820) - Sky’s Discovery channels often carry a lot of stuff about evolution, which is quite ironic given the reaction by many people on various web forums over the last couple of months to the possibility that the Sky/Discovery partnership would become extinct at midnight on 31 January 2017. I fully accept that there are people out
- [Who's Doctor Who?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20815) - Another one which follows on tentatively from the previous two articles. I haven’t watched Doctor Who since Tom Baker left, and although the reboot of the series in recent years seemed to take a quantum leap in terms of budget and effects, it just doesn’t interest me anymore – maybe I just grew up? I
- [Sexism is a One-Way Street](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20805) - Following on nicely from that previous story about someone playing the “offended little woman” card against some hapless male on a web forum, this story came in as if to emphasise the ridiculousness of the situation in this country regarding women and their “rights”. A female police chief – obviously in the role because of
- [Theresa May is a Joke](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20770) - Theresa May has spent the whole time since she became PM absolutely refusing to give details of her plans for Brexit, and refusing equally absolutely to involve parliament in the whole affair. UK Courts previously ruled that Parliament must be involved. Theresa May appealed that decision, and after yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling upholding the original
- [Still a Glimmer of Hope](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20766) - The government has lost its appeal against having to put the decision to trigger Article 50 to Parliament. Let’s not forget: allowing morons to vote on EU membership in the first place was the worst decision any government has ever made in this country Britain is part of Europe It should also be a member
- [M1 To Get 60 mph Limit](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20761) - Actually, it’s only a small section of the M1 – near Sheffield - but the media likes to distort these things. I wrote about this subject a few years ago. That was at a time where they had only recently been talking about raising the speed limit! My main point was that although cars emit
- [Learners on Motorways - Update](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20752) - This month’s Intelligent Instructor magazine talks of the “reaction” to government proposals to allow learners on to the motorways. Just for the record, I – as an objective and… well, I won’t say ‘intelligent’, but let’s just say ‘more so than plankton’ observer – think it is a good and long overdue change (if it
- [Hellboy 3 On The Cards?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20746) - Let’s hope so. This story suggests that Guillermo del Toro is up for making a third Hellboy film. The only thing stopping it is the small matter of getting $120 million funding. The first two were brilliant pieces of escapism – the second one in particular – so it would be great to see a
- [Cause and Effect](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20736) - Something made me smile today. I was at the Trent University for a driving test and while my pupil was out I went to one of the cafes on the campus to get a coffee, as is my wont. It was lunch time, so the place was full of students (God, was I ever like
- [GBP Hits New Low](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20707) - I just did a quick check of the exchange of the GBP versus USD and noted that it is currently at a new 30-year low of $1.206. The previous low was in early October last year at around $1.211. And still the retards who voted to leave the EU are convincing themselves that everything will
- [What Will They Think of Next?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=6521) - I've updated this old post as it has attracted hits recently. In spite of what some instructors claim - that people aren't ready for their tests and have been taught incorrectly if they’re nervous - nerves are something that can have an adverse effect on the outcome of many pupils' driving tests, no matter how
- [Alexa, Ignore This Next Bit...](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20696) - This is funny. You’ve probably come across the various ‘assistants’ which respond to your voice on today’s computers and smartphones. One of the biggest at the moment is Alexa, Amazon’s assistant, and it comes with the Amazon Echo – a device that personally I can’t see the point of, but it appears quite a few
- [All The Legends Are Disappearing](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20689) - Last year seemed to have been a terrible year for legendary artists dying. It looks like 2017 isn’t going to give up on the trend, as I just read that Peter Sarstedt has died. When I was very young, one of my earliest memories was of his hit ‘Where Do You Go To My Lovely’.
- [Believe Everything](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20643) - It’s funny, but you can always recognise a newly-qualified ADI. They know everything, and believe everything. My last instructor… In all the years I’ve been doing this job I have never – not once – had a pupil come to me and say “my old instructor got rid of me because I kept cancelling lessons
- [Learners to be Allowed on Motorways - Act III](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20646) - This email alert just came through from DfT. It’s about allowing learner drivers on motorways. Let’s just take a time-out here before we get all excited. This precise subject has kicked off at least twice in the last 10 years, and each time it was put across as ‘definitely going to happen’. Changes to government
- [Rick Parfitt Dies](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20607) - It always seems to happen at this time of year. Famous people dying – although we’ve lost a lot of them during 2016. But I was saddened to read of Rick Parfitt’s death earlier today on Christmas Eve. I went to see Status Quo last weekend in Leeds, and though it wasn’t the same without
- [Rio Ferdinand - What A Guy](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20586) - I didn’t used to like Rio Ferdinand purely based on the fact that I’m an Arsenal fan and he played for Manchester Utd. After he retired, I never really thought much more about him. Then I saw this story in the media today. It seems that he’s donated £500,000 of toys to a charity to
- [It’s As Easy As You Make It!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20553) - I should be numb to it by now, but I never cease to be amazed by some of the things ADIs come out with. This time it’s to do with lessons and lesson payments. The first comment I saw was to do with lesson payments. Speaking personally, in all the years I’ve been doing this
- [Vauxhall Corsa Recall (Catching Fire)](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20559) - I’m getting a lot of hits on this subject, probably due to the Watchdog programme which aired this week. The situation is a little confused at the moment. A recall is already in effect for certain Corsa models made between 2006-2014, and this was the subject of a Watchdog report a couple of months ago.
- [Associate EU Citizenship - Update](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20556) - An update from Charles Goerens, following the previous communication on this: Dear Madam or Sir, Yesterday I decided together with Guy Verhofstadt to withdraw my amendment on Associate EU Citizenship. We realised that this has become a very important issue that cannot await treaty change - as was my intention when I first tabled my
- [Driving Tests and Bad Weather](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=18620) - This article was published in 2015, but I've started getting hits this year, and DVSA has sent out the first 2016 reminder, so it’s worth an update. DVSA has posted a new blog entry [original article from 2015] concerning bad weather and driving tests. As we know, apart from being rocket scientists, doctors, psychiatrists, life
- [Shock, Horror! Food Has Taste](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20535) - This nanny state gets ever worse. You can’t buy anything these days that tastes any good because they’ve removed the bloody salt and sugar from it. I had a couple of hash browns from McDonalds this morning and they were devoid of flavour (they only have any if they’re crispy, and mine were bordering on
- [Brexit Bulls**t](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20513) - I haven't written much about Brexit recently – if I did, I’d be at my keyboard permanently. However, one particular story today has prompted me to start writing about it again. The story concerns an aged halfwit called Derek Norman. This unholy specimen is 82 years old, and he is apparently a “staunch Brexiteer”. It
- [The ASA Has Waaaay Too Much Power](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20495) - I get email alerts from the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), and over the years I’ve seen some funny rulings. Until recently, ASA was a battlefield for BT, Virgin, and all the other broadband companies to keep trying to discredit each other over claims made in adverts. Every week without fail, BT would have a complaint
- [A New Way to Peel Spuds?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20488) - On the surface of it, this story from Cosmopolitan (no, I don’t read it – this was an MSN aggregate feed) had me all “ooh! I must try that”. But then I did a quick, mental reality check. In the real world, potatoes usually have ‘eyes’ and other bits you don’t want. If they are
- [Severn Trent, National Grid, et al Take Note](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20469) - On 8 November 2016, a massive sinkhole 30m across and 15m deep opened in the middle of Fukuoka, Japan, just after 5am. This is what it looked like. By the morning of 10 November – also in 2016, just in case Severn Trent or National Grid staff are reading this – this is what they
- [M&S Closures](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20464) - It’s been in the news a lot over the last week that Marks & Spencer is going to be closing a many of its stores or converting them to food-only outlets due to poor sales. M&S has not identified which stores will close, but that hasn’t stopped the Daily Mail – that well-known xenophobic, right-wing
- [Associate EU Citizenship](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20460) - I mentioned this a few days ago. The subject of associate EU citizenship for the very slight minority of us who weren’t so racially motivated (or so thick) as to vote to leave the EU. Here is what Charles Goerens has to say on the matter in a letter sent out to those who have
- [A Super Supermoon](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20451) - I wonder if anyone proof-reads BBC articles anymore? They’re riddled with spelling and grammar mistakes, with numerous typos thrown in for good measure. But it’s the content that has me worried. Take this article, entitled How to see biggest supermoon in almost 70 years. Well, just like on any other night, the usual trick is
- [A Way Out?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20443) - This story screamed out to me like a million watt PA system when I saw it. Apparently, the EU Parliament is considering allowing individual Britons to opt-in to EU citizenship. Let me make it clear right now – if it wasn’t already apparent. I consider myself European and I am ashamed of Britain and those
- [Trump Wins](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20437) - …an even worse disaster than Brexit.
- [Test Passes](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20432) - I’ve not been reporting these lately, so here’s a bit of a catch-up since the last one I posted back in April. Lena, who passed with 6 faults on 17 May 2016. Hannah, who passed first time with 9 driver faults on 7 June 2016. Connor, who passed with just 2 driver faults
- [Clifton Test Centre to Close in January 2017](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20427) - This took me by surprise. An email alert from DVSA announces that Clifton Test Centre will cease operating on 25 January 2017. It is not relocating, which means Nottingham will have three test centres instead of four going forward (pending any further announcements, of course). I’m sure there will be those who will find fault
- [Ticket Touts](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20413) - They keep going on about this topic, but here’s the latest wannabe pop star trying to make a name for himself by jumping on the band wagon and trying to ban gig ticket reselling. A bit of history. The first band I ever saw live was Horslips, circa 1977 or 1978. I found out about
- [Video of the Day](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20402) - A musical Masterclass. Rush playing YYZ.
- [Dumbing Down Deer](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20396) - The local BBC News site had a warning after some local troglodytes were seen waving bags at stags in Wollaton Park. Bear in mind that it is the rutting season, and the last thing any sane person needs is a pair of deer antlers up their backside. But this bit is funny: Kath George, museum
- [When Research is NOT Research](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20375) - That well-known scientific organisation VoucherCodesPro.co.uk has carried out some “research” into the kind of music being listened to at the time people had accidents. They conclude that Adele, Justin Bieber, and Sia were the biggest offenders. The full list is as follows: Adele – 18% Justin Bieber – 17% Sia – 15% Slip Knot –
- [Beeston/Chilwell Test Centre - Permanent Relocation](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20371) - An email alert just came through from DVSA advising that from 28 October 2016 the permanent Chilwell location for the test centre (formerly situated in Beeston) will be at Unit 24 on Eldon Road. This is little more than a stone’s throw away from the Village Hotel, where it is currently situated. Up until 28
- [Samsung Pulls Galaxy Note 7](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20364) - This is a big story in the tech world. Samsung, which recently launched its Galaxy Note 7 phone in a blaze of publicity, has halted all sales. Many people will be aware that they had to do a recall after a number of devices caught fire or exploded either during or after charging. Samsung said
- [GBP Hits New Low](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20316) - Original article - 3 October 2016. So there we go. After selective reporting by the media, only saying anything when the GBP goes up against the US Dollar (USD), today it has hit a new 31-year low. The Quotes are powered by Investing.com UK As I write this, it stands at $1.286 - and
- [I Pushed it, I was Wrong, I Apologise](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20356) - Final proof – if ever it were needed – that Donald Trump must not become US President. The actual transcript of what he has been recorded saying about women makes damning reading. This is the same man who has been making similarly derogatory remarks about anyone who isn’t American - and most of those who
- [Only in America…!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20341) - America is currently in the grip of what appears to be an epidemic of creepy clowns trying to abduct children. It even appears that the problem has moved over to the UK. It started out as a dimwit prankish kind of thing, then the sicko-perverts got in on the act. In the UK, incidents seem
- [The Truth is an -ism](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20307) - This story in the Huffington Post made me smile. Pentahotels has labelled the toilet doors in one of its branches as shown in the picture below. As you can probably guess, this was perfectly OK (and passably amusing) until it was noticed by a professional feminist and complainist – in this case, someone called Cassie
- [Brexit Berks](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20303) - It’s amazing that these people were even allowed to vote, let alone vote on something as important as EU membership. A selection of comments from people with serious mental problems on the BBC Have Your Say pages: Elizabeth Kirkby There is absolutely no need to wait any longer before triggering Article 50, nor any excuse
- [Working at the Car Wash, Yeah!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20299) - This story from the BBC reports that a hand car wash at a Tesco store in Congleton, Cheshire was found to be employing “undocumented” Romanians and paying them only about half the minimum wage (£3.63 an hour). It’s funny, because I’ve recently started using hand car washes and they’re bloody brilliant. I can get a
- [Die Katastrophe Weiter](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20295) - Theresa May – who has quickly learned that the only purpose of her job is to look after Theresa May – has announced that she will trigger Article 50 by the end of March 2017. This would mean the UK is no longer part of the EU by the middle of 2019. Actually, she hasn't
- [Not of This World](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20291) - I caught this pointless “news” as I was browsing the BBC website. It’s querying the decline in popularity of high heels as a shoe choice among women. The part that caught my attention was just over half way down, where they talk of Rihanna’s “collaboration” with Puma, which was: inspired by the concept of Marie
- [Spooky or What?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20278) - Just regarding that last post about Rosetta, and one of the images I have shown again here: If you get the full sized image here, in the black sky to the middle left there is a small white dot that might be a star, a data glitch, or just an aberration on the optics. But
- [Rosetta Mission Ends](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20263) - The Rosetta probe went into orbit around Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko in August 2014, after a 10-year journey which saw it travel more than 4 billion miles as it swung around Mars and Earth (three times) to pick up speed. Finally, a critical deceleration phase as it neared 67P slowed it from almost 800 metres per second
- [A Six Inch Nail Through The Frontal Lobe](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20245) - I was on a lesson over the weekend, and driving through the city centre and on to London Road we were repeatedly obstructed by a cyclist who was weaving through traffic and riding in the middle of lanes to prevent anyone getting by. Amusingly, he had a GoPro on the front of his helmet –
- [I Told You It’d Happen](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20223) - Somewhere in my posts about the disastrous decision to leave the EU I mentioned that it wouldn’t be long before some prat started going on about bringing back Imperial units of measure. Well, although I said it over 3 months ago, here's confirmation that I was right. The leading jackass for the movement, Warwick Cairns,
- [Kicked YOUR Ass](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20217) - Well done to Arsenal, who walloped Nottingham Forest 4-0 last night in the “League Cup” – in spite of certain Forest supporters convincing themselves Forest would run up a cricket score and get Arsene Wenger sacked. In the words of the inimitable Fry in Futurama – the Bicyclops Built for Two episode: Kicked YOUR ass!
- [When is a University Not a University?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20207) - The answer is when it is Trent University – which is more of a glorified sixth form that takes people from around the country instead of just locally. I say this after seeing this story in the week. It laughingly refers to the people ultimately responsible for killing a hedgehog as “researchers”. In case any
- [The Trend Continues](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20197) - The Met Office has revealed the names it will be assigning to storms during 2017/18. Here they are: You could just leave it at that. If you’re like me, though, you might see something a little more sinister. Once upon a time, hurricanes were always given female names. In our modern PC world, though, this
- [To the Unknown Pupil](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20157) - Someone sent this to me recently, and I thought I’d tidy it up, add a few bits, and reproduce it here. It’s in the form of an open letter to a problem pupil. To be honest, I think it’s a composite of various pupils, but I think most of us can relate to at least
- [Sorry for the Down Time](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20148) - Apologies for being offline for a while this evening. I had been trying to convert the site to HTTPS and lost access to the control panel. I make regular backups, and had a bit of a scare when the latest one wouldn’t restore (more specifically, I couldn’t import the old MySQL database into the new
- [Planet of Women](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20144) - A week or two ago I was force-fed the news that Alex Jones (a BBC TV presenter) was pregnant at the age of 39. My thoughts at the time were a very vague and nondescript mixture of “so what”, “39 isn’t old”, and “good luck to her”. Stuff like that. Given the choice, I probably
- [There is Hope for the World](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20137) - I saw this story on the BBC website. It’s one of those that brings a tear to the eye. Fidencio Sanchez is 89 years old. He had only been retired for a few weeks from his ice-cream selling business when his only daughter died and he became guardian to her two children. His wife, who
- [It’s Official! They’re Liars](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20132) - The Brexit campaign has officially dumped its pre-referendum claim that leaving the EU would immediately free up £350,000,000 for the NHS. Irrespective of retrospective semantics, that’s what they were telling the monkey-with-the-vote on the run up. Ironically – or perhaps not – this comes on the same day the NHS announced that it is at
- [How Sick Can the World Get?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20129) - I saw in the news that the woman in this iconic photo from the 2nd World War has died at the age of 92. What I didn’t realise was that, in recent years, people with very severe learning difficulties have been labelling it as: …little more than the documentation of a very public sexual assault…
- [Older Drivers are “Not Dangerous”](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20084) - I saw an amazing piece of nonsensical gobbledegook in this BBC science story, which is in turn based on the amazingly biased writings of a “professor” of extremely soft subjects at a university which has incredibly low entry standards, and which comes 45th in the current University League Table. Apparently, “new research” – that’s layman’s
- [The iPhone 7 and Misunderstanding Over the Meaning of “Courage”](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20102) - You’ve got to love Apple sometimes (and I mean that in a jocular sense). They’ve just released the iPhone 7, which has had the fortunate (for Samsung) effect of shifting attention away from the saga of the exploding Galaxy Note 7s. However, keen to innovate everything to death as always, they have caused a bit
- [Vehicles Not Allowed on Driving Test](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20073) - Someone found the blog on the search term “cars not suitable for dvsa driving test”. The rules for this are actually quite simple and are given on the GOV.UK website. You definitely can’t use a BMW Mini convertible, a Ford KA convertible, a Toyota iQ, or a VW Beetle convertible. You are advised to contact
- [Flock of Sheep](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20036) - A bad accident happened in Penge, London, a few days ago when a car being chased by police crashed into pedestrians and killed two people. It’s always a little bit surreal when you see lives end like this – and that includes that of Joshua Dobby, the 23-year old driver who is “accused” of the
- [Filthy Parasites](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20032) - Over the last month or so, whenever I was picking a pupil up from Top Valley, it had been noticeable that a bunch of travellers (aka in colloquial terms, “gypsies”) had infested a playing field up that way. Now, I know there will be do-gooders out there who resent the use of the term “gypsy”,
- [How Do They Sleep At Night?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20015) - I’m referring to drug companies, after reading this “extraordinary commercial response” from Mylan (that’s their own self-glorious rhetoric, by the way) in dealing with a series of obscene price rises for a live-saving product they acquired. For anyone who doesn’t know, an EpiPen is a device used by people with severe allergies to give themselves
- [Make Your Bloody Minds Up](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=20002) - Instructors’ favourite whinge at the moment is test waiting times. In Nottingham, a test booked anytime now (August) would be in mid-December, and the same story repeats across the country. In Nelson, near Burnley, they still have one of those silly little test centres. It has three parking bays and DVSA has recently upped the
- [Another Statement of the Blindingly Obvious](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=19996) - It’s been in the news over the last year or so, but “the world’s longest aircraft” has been having test flights in the UK. It’s basically a big balloon with propellers – not entirely unlike a Zeppelin. Well, on it’s second test flight it crash-landed. I love the euphemistic language they have used for that:
- [How to Destroy Your Life in a Single Step](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=19949) - Imagine this. You’re competing at the Olympics. You’ve won a few gold medals and you’ve left the Olympic Village to have a few drinks with your team mates one night. You end up pissed out of your skull – or at least pissed out of it enough to allegedly do a bit of vandalism and
- [Shock, Horror: If You Put Water on it, it Gets Wet!](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=19974) - I saw this in the news yesterday, and naturally the BBC is on it like a starving Chihuahua on a pork chop. Apparently, women who return to work part-time after having children earn less than men who don’t. Also, the women miss out on promotions and gain less experience. according to shock “studies”. Obviously, this
- [When Does the Men's Olympics Start?](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=19937) - I mean, we know that the Paralympics begins when the current ones end, but when does the one where we acknowledge that men can win medals start? For the last week and half the BBC has been talking up every medal won by a female at the expense of those won by men – except
- [More Brexit Bunkum](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=19922) - This news report on the BBC website reports that he government is to “guarantee post-EU funds”. People shouldn’t get too excited, though that is naturally going to be very difficult for the average Brexiter, who will probably orgasm when they read it. It turns out that the EU is funding somewhere close to £4.5bn per
- [Mental Blockage](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?p=19909) - I’ve just opened this month’s copy of Intelligent Instructor and one of the feature stories concerns the public consultation on proposed changes to the driving test. One highlighted comment caught my eye. It comes from David Davies of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS). He says: No one gets killed making a three-point

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- [Information](https://diaryofanadi.co.uk/?page_id=2932) - Useful information and links for all stages learning to drive, covering learners, qualified drivers, and those seeking to become driving instructors. Studying For Your Theory Test You do not really need anything other than Focus Multimedia's "Driving Test Success" in order to study for your theory test. The app bundle costs around £5 and contains
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