Network Rail is calling on the government do more to curb unsafe driving by motorists at level crossings, which puts thousands of lives at risk every year. 

They want the driving theory test to include questions on level crossings to help learner drivers' understanding of the dangers involved in dodging around barriers and ignoring red lights as trains approach. 

The company is also urging pedestrians to obey signs and lights at crossings. 

Network Rail claims that around 95% of incidents at level crossings are down to motorist or pedestrian misuse or error. 

New CCTV footage of pedestrians and drivers taking their life in their hands has been released to demonstrate the need for better understanding of the risks.

See video here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8558273.stm

We've all heard the horror stories - the friend who took eleven times to pass their driving test, the 
relative who crashed during the exam and the colleague who was simply never granted the elusive license.

So, how does a learner motorist ensure that they do not become driving test folklore and pass their exam swiftly?

Firstly, it is important to know exactly what the test will entail so there are no surprises on the big day. Being caught out by the unexpected will only make a candidate's nerves worse.

The driving test will always begin with an eyesight check. This will normally involve the examiner asking the candidate to read the number plate of a car parked in the area. If a candidate fails this test, they will not be able to sit the rest of the examination - so those who suspect they might need glasses should get their eyes checked out prior to a driving test.

After this, the examiner will ask the driver to perform some basic safety checks on their vehicle, such as turning on the hazard lights and identifying where the oil gauge is.

The practical test will then begin. On average, this will last for about 40 minutes, during which the examiner will be assessing the candidate's overall standard of driving.

Candidates will be directed around the area by their examiner and those who are keen to pass would be advised to thoroughly familiarise themselves with the test route before the big day.

This will ensure that if there are any quirks in the road layout or confusing junctions etc the candidate will know to expect them and be confident in maneuvering the car through them.

Examiners will be assessing how well candidates change gears, their awareness of road hazards, perception of other cars and how they navigate the vehicle through junctions and roundabouts.

In addition to this, a candidate will be asked to perform a number of manoeuvres, which those hoping to pass their test should have practised and perfected before the big day.

The manoeuvres candidates should prepare include a reverse around a corner, a parallel park, a turn in the road and an emergency stop - although it is very unlikely they will be asked to perform all of these in one test.

Those taking their driving test should also think carefully about which vehicle they take the exam in. If a driving instructor cannot make the test date, choosing to undertake the test in a friend or relative's car, which the candidate is not as familiar with, could prove to be a fatal mistake.

Finally, try to be as calm as possible on the big day. 



* For those who feel nervous about the ir driving test nerves visit: www.TestNerves.co.uk or click on the 'DRIVE WITH CONFIDENCE'header on the Home page of this website '

The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union is asking its members to take strike action on Monday and 
Tuesday, 8 and 9 March.

If you have a driving test booked for either day, we ask you to attend as scheduled.

We won’t know the effects of the strikes until the day as not all of our examiners and staff are members of the union. 

We don’t know at this stage who will attend for work, which is why we ask that you arrive for your test regardless. 

You don’t need to do anything and there is no need to contact DSA. 

If you can’t take a test because of the action, you will have the test rebooked automatically, free of charge, and an appointment confirmation will be sent by email or post. 

If your new appointment isn’t suitable you can change it online at direct.gov.uk/drivingtest

Mobility scooter users in Lincolnshire may have to pass a 'fitness to drive' test before they take to 
the streets, in a bid to reduce accidents.

The scooters are not an obvious menace but to those who have experienced a pavement-based stand-off with a scooter might understand why a test might be appropriate.

Mobility scooter owner Patrick Doherty, 58, said before he got his own scooter he was almost run-down by one.

"I must admit some of them really are wicked," he said.

"Even before I had one, I was run over by one. An old lady hit me with her stick because I did not get out of the way.

"I think it's a good idea because some people tend to think that the whole pavement is theirs and people should get out of their way."

The Government scheme would also mean users have to secure appropriate insurance and properly register the vehicle.

And they could also receive training on how to best use their scooter.

Ministers are consulting over the changes which will affect up to 100,000 vehicles in a bid to reduce accidents.

But all of this will be considered during a three-month consultation.

Spokesman for the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership Brian Burns said it was a step in the right direction for the safety of users and other pedestrians.

"I absolutely 100 per cent support these plans," he said.

"To ensure that they as a user group are safer and as much for everyone else as well.

"There seems to be a section of people who get their scooter and do not know what their responsibilities are.

"They also don't realise that they are governed by the Highway Code."

Learner drivers in the UK should be tested on their environmental awareness as well as their skills 
behind the wheel, business leaders have argued. 

According to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), learners should be taught increasingly-pertinent aspects of modern motoring, such as boosting fuel efficiency, in their lessons and then tested on these when it comes to trying for their licence. 

Not only would this help cut the UK's carbon footprint, but it could also help businesses save around £250 per car per year on petrol costs. 

Dr Neil Bentley, director of business environment at the CBI, explained: "Making energy-efficient driving techniques a mandatory part of the test will make a significant contribution to changing the next generation of motorists' behaviour, and to cutting transport emissions."

This comes just days after AXA Insurance claimed that British drivers are significantly less environmentally-friendly than their European counterparts. 

The insurer found Britons to be less willing to give up their cars, while even the idea of reducing speed limits so as to cut back on carbon emissions is also unlikely to find favour in the UK.