Chelmsford driving will hopefully be safer in the future if plans go ahead to change the way motoring offences are dealt with by the police.

As part of the Government strategy (Strategic Framework for Road Safety.) to make Britain's roads a safer place, the police will have the powers to issue 'on the spot' fines for such offences as careless driving, rather than taking offenders to court. Department for Transport (DfT) ministers believe that this system will be more efficient than the current one and help to stop such offences as tailgating & undertaking which often go unpunished.

In a statement, the DfT said: "The strategy will focus on cracking down on the really reckless drivers through more efficient enforcement." They went on to say that "by giving the police the tools to deal with those who present the greatest danger to others, we can make our roads even safer.

Currently, motorists are prosecuted through the courts when accused of driving in a careless manner. The new law will see the police in Chelmsford able to issue instant fines of at least £80 and three points on a driving license. Transport Secretary Philip Hammond believes this new approach will target genuinely reckless drivers rather those who most of the time follow the law but make an inadvertent mistake.

Also announced is a clampdown on motorists in Chelmsford driving whilst under the influence of drugs (known as drug-driving), and loopholes being closed that currently allow drivers to escape drink-driving charges.

Further measures planned are for drivers who have been disqualified from driving being required to undergo retraining, and possibly having to re-take their driving test before getting their license back. Plus, for the more serious motoring offences, the courts will be encouraged to use their powers more to seize offenders vehicles and have them crushed.

For those learning to drive in Chelmsford there is not only the good news of  potentially safer roads, but also the announcement of support for new and recently qualified drivers. This will see the replacement of the current Pass Plus scheme with a new post-test qualification, which will include an assessment of driving skills, in the attempt to lower car insurance premiums.

Chelmsford Driving Schools

If you are about to celebrate your 17th birthday, then inevitably your thoughts will be turning to driving and your chance to gain independence from relying on public transport or friends and family to ferry you around.

To help you in your pursuit for freedom, there are several Chelmsford Driving Schools in the town which offer lessons from qualified instructors. The Chelmsford Driving Lessons market is incredibly competitive with several individual driving instructors and well known national companies from which to choose. Whichever you choose, make sure you are that you are comfortable with your driving instructor, happy with how your lessons are progressing, and don't be frightened to change driving school.

Chelmsford Driving Test Centre
Synergy Centre
4 Hoffmanns Way
Chelmsford
CM1 1GU

Use Chelmsford Driving Test Centre Postcode CM1 1GU if using SatNav.

Chelmsford Driving Test Centre Map

Facilities
Toilets
Disabled ramp
Candidates Parking (park in marked bays)

Current Chelmsford Driving Test Waiting Times
As at 11th May 2011
Car: 8 weeks
Taxi: 3 Weeks

Chelmsford Advanced Motorists

If you have already passed your driving test and want to improve your skills, then why not take an Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) test? Not only will this put the enjoyment back into your driving, but it will help improve your road safety and the chance of you being involved in an accident significantly reduced, plus reduce your insurance premiums.

By becoming a member of the Chelmsford Advanced Motorists, their ‘Skill for Life' package includes qualified observers giving advice on ways to improve your driving and help you prepare and pass the IAM test. There are also monthly meetings with speakers and presentations, a chance to try out the skid-pan in your own car, and as much help and guidance as you require to help you become a better driver.

Chelmsford Young Drivers Scheme

The Chelmsford branch of IAM also runs a young drivers scheme which give the chance for 15 and 16 year olds to learn to drive on private roads. Using dual controlled cars, this gives youngsters not old enough to drive on the public highways, the opportunity to learn handling and driving skills.

Lessons are held at Earls Colne Business Park near Colchester on the third Sunday of every month under the professional tuition of a Driving Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructor (DSA ADI). The current charge, as at 11th May 2011, is an initial fee of £28 for registration and the first one hour lesson, followed by £24 per one hour lesson thereafter.

The scheme has not only attracted attention from the local press, but also Essex Police who have given there wholehearted approval. In an open letter to all parents of young and up and coming drivers, Inspector Keith Whiting of the Chelmsford Road Policing Unit stated that it will "greatly help parents to reduce the risk that their children face when they drive."

Statistics show that about 50% serious injury collisions in Essex are caused by drivers aged 17 to 24, but Inspector Whiting went on to confirm his support by stating that by "enabling your teenage son or daughter to enrol on this course, you will be taking the first step toward ensuring that they become a safe and responsible driver."