DUI Lawyers,,DUI Laws,Penalties

Archive for December, 2006

When it comes to choosing a driving school, or more specifically a driving instructor, there are many factors to consider in making the right choice. Choosing a driving instructor that is compatible with you is the best way to ensure that you are adequately prepared for your driving test and ultimately more likely to be a better, safer driver, when it is time to go it alone.

A good driving instructor will be patient, understanding and approachable. Those factors, along with others should be central to choosing which one is right for you.

Referrals

When people are happy with a product or service they are usually happy to refer the business to their friends and family. The same applies with driving instructors – if your friend or family member recommends a certain driving instructor then this could be a good means of finding one that is right for you. Although your friend or family member may like the driving instructor on a personal level, it is important that you find out if they are also satisfied with his or her teaching ability and how they have turned out as a driver through using their services.

Car They Drive

Although you may not be too concerned with the kind of car your instructor has, this could become a factor when you eventually get in a car on your own. If, for example, you have bought a large car in preparation for when you pass your test, then you may find it a shock to your system when you have to drive a car that is much larger in size. In that instance, an influencing factor in choosing an instructor could be to choose one that has a car around the same size and engine displacement as the one that you have bought.

It is also worthy of note that many driving instructors are happy to take you out in your own car, however it is better to check with them first as not all instructors and schools will be happy to do this.

Experience

Choosing a more experienced driving instructor will mean that you are more likely to be dealing with someone who knows a lot more than what they had to in order to pass a test. With experience comes knowledge and expertise in how to deal with students, as well as how to act on the road. Although you should not be completely put off working with a younger driving instructor altogether, it is probably best to consider someone with more years of experience to have an advantage where this is concerned.

Compatibility

One of the most overlooked parts of choosing any service provider is their compatibility with you. Although it may be hard to work this out on a phone, or in a quick meeting, you should try to get a grasp for whether or not you are likely to get on with them. Keep in mind that you do not have to become best friends with your driving instructor, however having a mutual understanding is vital.

What is a safe amount to drink and still be under the legal limit?

The simple answer is that there is no way in knowing for sure. There are so many factors that affect the amount someone can drink and still remain under the legal limit. The amount and type of drink consumed as well as age, sex, weight and metabolism all play a part in how well someone can cope with alcohol.

Knowing you are over the limit on the night you are drinking is one thing, but it’s far more difficult to know if you are safe to drive the next day. According to the Department for Transport (DfT), one in five drivers found to be over the limit are caught the morning after they consumed alcohol.

Because the amount of time that alcohol stays in the body will vary from person to person, it’s impossible to know for certain if you are safe to drive the following morning.

The Penalties of Drink Driving

• Driving whilst under the influence of alcohol carries a maximum of 6 months imprisonment, a fine of up to £5,000 and a 12 month driving ban. If you are caught re-offending within 10 years then you could face a mandatory 3 year driving disqualification.

• Causing a death whilst driving under the influence of drink or drugs carries a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment and a minimum 2 year driving ban.

• A drink driving offence will remain on your licence for 11 years

• If you have a drink driving conviction then expect to see a dramatic increase in the amount you pay for your car insurance. Finding competitive car insurance quotes will be difficult. Many car insurance companies will be unwilling to take the risk of insuring a driver with previous drink driving convictions.