The Driving Standards Agency have realised an example clip of how the test is likely to appear in the future, moving away from the clips recorded from vehicles to computer-generated clips.
They explain:
DSA has published a new early working example of a computer-generated hazard perception test clip.
The clip has been produced by Jelly - the company that won the contract to update the hazard perception clips. This new example shows what candidates can expect to see in the test.
The updated clips will be part of the theory test from summer 2013.
The scenarios and hazards remain the same but vehicles, fashions and backdrops will have a more modern look.
Over the coming months, DSA will be working closely with Jelly to make sure the new clips will meet quality assurance standards.
Surprisingly realistic and convincing, I think!
.
Wednesday, 3 October 2012
Friday, 21 September 2012
Not something you see every day . . .
Every evening, before leaving work, I check one or two web sites:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/england/berkshire/
And
http://www.trafficengland.co.uk/
This gives me an opportunity to see whether my trip home will be easy or not.
So it was with some surprise that, earlier this week, I saw in the traffic news:
"THE A34 is closed in both directions due to an accident involving overturned boat"
And, sure enough, it was! The local newspaper states that the lorry driver will be prosecuted for failing to secure the load.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/england/berkshire/
And
http://www.trafficengland.co.uk/
This gives me an opportunity to see whether my trip home will be easy or not.
So it was with some surprise that, earlier this week, I saw in the traffic news:
"THE A34 is closed in both directions due to an accident involving overturned boat"
And, sure enough, it was! The local newspaper states that the lorry driver will be prosecuted for failing to secure the load.
Monday, 3 September 2012
Life Imitates Art . . . ?
In one of those weird coincidences, having just posted about the Channel 5 TV series 'Emergency Bikers', having met two of the Birmingham paramedics, a few days ago I became a 'background' extra in a scene (assuming I don't end on the cutting room floor . . . ). It was also an interesting behind-the-scenes insight into the world of television and, in particular, 'reality TV'.
As anyone who's read Ben Elton's 'Dead Famous' will know, what happens on TV (for the viewer) isn't what happens in front of the camera - it's what the producers and directors decide to let us see.
My latest bruch with reality TV happened at Mawgan Porth, a small seaside resort in Cornwall, which is about half-way between Newquay and Padstow. There's not a lot there (one of its main attractions!) apart from (when the tide's out) a vast, sandy, beach.
The approach from either North or South is via steep, winding roads. The sort where a vehicle with a siren spreads its noise across the whole valley. In this case a paramedic bike leading a paramedic 4x4 down the hill from the 'Newquay' direction - about from where this view was taken:
View Larger Map
Note, to the right, a narrow bridge with parking just beyond. Then look to the far left, the lowest cliffs and the most distant white houses. NB - this is an 'active' image, so clicking/dragging/scrolling etc. will change what you see!
So, everyone on the beach hears the siren, some (like me) look around to see what's arriving, and see bike + 4x4 descending the hill. They go out of view as they reach the bridge. We think nothing more of it. A couple of minutes later, the 4x4 is thundering across the beach. Well, not strictly true, it was actually going carefully, pciking its way between the 'dunes' [exaggeration] and puddles left by the ebbing tide (the sea is about 1/3 mile out by now). The 4x4 heads off to the far side of the beach (as described ^ ), where an uneven set of steps descend to the beach - and where the lifeguards truck is parked with its amber beacons flashing.
But now here's the 'TV' bit. Several minutes later, trudging in full bike leathers and hi-viz, carrying two pannier liner bags of kit, comes the paramedic - in this case Sarah Watson, led by the cameraman leapfrogging to get shots and accompanied (out off shot) by the producer scribbling notes, past all the holidaying members of the public sunning themselves on the beach in August sunshine (really!).
At least they didn't make her walk back again!
http://www.channel5.com/shows/emergency-bikers/meet-the-bikers/sarah-watson-paramedic
We'll have to wait for the next series to be aired to find out whether a lazing Palmer hits the screen :)
.
As anyone who's read Ben Elton's 'Dead Famous' will know, what happens on TV (for the viewer) isn't what happens in front of the camera - it's what the producers and directors decide to let us see.
My latest bruch with reality TV happened at Mawgan Porth, a small seaside resort in Cornwall, which is about half-way between Newquay and Padstow. There's not a lot there (one of its main attractions!) apart from (when the tide's out) a vast, sandy, beach.
The approach from either North or South is via steep, winding roads. The sort where a vehicle with a siren spreads its noise across the whole valley. In this case a paramedic bike leading a paramedic 4x4 down the hill from the 'Newquay' direction - about from where this view was taken:
View Larger Map
Note, to the right, a narrow bridge with parking just beyond. Then look to the far left, the lowest cliffs and the most distant white houses. NB - this is an 'active' image, so clicking/dragging/scrolling etc. will change what you see!
So, everyone on the beach hears the siren, some (like me) look around to see what's arriving, and see bike + 4x4 descending the hill. They go out of view as they reach the bridge. We think nothing more of it. A couple of minutes later, the 4x4 is thundering across the beach. Well, not strictly true, it was actually going carefully, pciking its way between the 'dunes' [exaggeration] and puddles left by the ebbing tide (the sea is about 1/3 mile out by now). The 4x4 heads off to the far side of the beach (as described ^ ), where an uneven set of steps descend to the beach - and where the lifeguards truck is parked with its amber beacons flashing.
But now here's the 'TV' bit. Several minutes later, trudging in full bike leathers and hi-viz, carrying two pannier liner bags of kit, comes the paramedic - in this case Sarah Watson, led by the cameraman leapfrogging to get shots and accompanied (out off shot) by the producer scribbling notes, past all the holidaying members of the public sunning themselves on the beach in August sunshine (really!).
At least they didn't make her walk back again!
http://www.channel5.com/shows/emergency-bikers/meet-the-bikers/sarah-watson-paramedic
We'll have to wait for the next series to be aired to find out whether a lazing Palmer hits the screen :)
.
Tuesday, 24 July 2012
Birmingham Tourist Trail Celebs!
Although I've been to Birmingham before, it had always been to either the NEC or - just down the road from there - the National Motorcycle Museum. However, a trip for a meeting allowed a bit of time for sightseeing, and one of those sights (more accurately 'two') were Steve Harris [left in the pic, aka 'Forrest Gump'] and Mark Hayes ['Flymo'] two of the stars of the Channel 5 series 'Emergency Bikers'.
http://www.channel5.com/shows/emergency-bikers/
Part of the 'Emergency Bikers' format is that events are video recorded as they happen, with cameras on their bikes and body-worn by the riders. This 'over the shoulder' view was used by TRL when obtaining 'rider's eye view' video for a project on hazard perception:
http://www.trl.co.uk/online_store/reports_publications/trl_reports/cat_road_user_safety/report_development_of_a_video_measure_of_hazard_perception_skill_and_a_group_discussion_based_hazard_perception_training_package_for_motorcyclists.htm
Development of a video measure of hazard perception skill and a group discussion based hazard perception training package for motorcyclists
.
Saturday, 21 July 2012
Lifesaving - There's An App For That!
http://www.bhf.org.uk/heart-health/life-saving-skills/hands-only-cpr/app-enquiry-form.aspx
Practice Hands-only CPR with our app for Android and iPhone.
If you have an Android phone, head to the Android App Market to download it now.
Or head to the iTunes App Store to download the app for your iPhone.
This app was developed and kindly provided by Zoll.
Wednesday, 11 July 2012
The Bronze Sentinels
I've mentioned Greg Bennett before on here; he's a very good friend, actor and writer.
His latest work is now on the Amazon / Kindle book download store:
The Bronze Sentinels
![]()
Greg explains . . .
A young traveller boy comes to London to burgle the Queen. Waiting for him is a man who claims to be five centuries old and – thanks to an ancient elixir – ageing only a few days each year.
He represents a secret society of people considered long dead in the normal world, who now live in a dream state. In their deep trance, they have used their combined psychic might to create an extraordinary alternate universe. Our young hero encounters J.R.R. Tolkien, Florence Nightingale and Scott of the Antarctic. He discovers that the Royal Family are actually powerful psychics, asleep in the crypts beneath Windsor Castle...
But an old enemy has an army of ghosts and marionettes massing at their gates. One in every thousand who take the elixir has a terrible negative reaction – and tonight a once great man, now insane, has come to exact his revenge. His name is Charles Dickens…
Intended as a tonic and an exhilirating escape in tough times, it's Harry Potter with a gritty edge. And in this Jubilee year, here's a book that is all about being British...
This is also the ONLY book you will ever find that was written between takes on the sets of the movies "Hugo", "Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows" and "The Dark Knight Rises", as well as the TV series "Merlin", "Sherlock", "Torchwood" and "Doctor Who". It is very much written in their spirit...
His latest work is now on the Amazon / Kindle book download store:
The Bronze Sentinels
Greg explains . . .
A young traveller boy comes to London to burgle the Queen. Waiting for him is a man who claims to be five centuries old and – thanks to an ancient elixir – ageing only a few days each year.
He represents a secret society of people considered long dead in the normal world, who now live in a dream state. In their deep trance, they have used their combined psychic might to create an extraordinary alternate universe. Our young hero encounters J.R.R. Tolkien, Florence Nightingale and Scott of the Antarctic. He discovers that the Royal Family are actually powerful psychics, asleep in the crypts beneath Windsor Castle...
But an old enemy has an army of ghosts and marionettes massing at their gates. One in every thousand who take the elixir has a terrible negative reaction – and tonight a once great man, now insane, has come to exact his revenge. His name is Charles Dickens…
Intended as a tonic and an exhilirating escape in tough times, it's Harry Potter with a gritty edge. And in this Jubilee year, here's a book that is all about being British...
This is also the ONLY book you will ever find that was written between takes on the sets of the movies "Hugo", "Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows" and "The Dark Knight Rises", as well as the TV series "Merlin", "Sherlock", "Torchwood" and "Doctor Who". It is very much written in their spirit...
Tuesday, 10 July 2012
DSA / Halfords Driving Test Tie-In
Driving tests could soon be available from branches of Halfords under plans announced today (10 July) by Road Safety Minister Mike Penning.
As well as using traditional driving test centres, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is looking at working with public and private sector partners to provide driving test premises in selected areas that don’t already have a local test centre.
New approach to test delivery
The DSA has selected Halfords plc as a preferred partner, and is also exploring partnerships with the Fire and Rescue Service and several universities.
In one location the agency also expects to sign an agreement with training company Mantra Learning Ltd.
The scheme focuses on 21 locations, centred around 5 different areas across the country:
• Glasgow
• Kettering
• Manchester
• Watford
• Worcestershire
Starting from autumn
Testing from partner premises in these locations is expected to start from the autumn.
These arrangements apply to practical car tests. Other types of practical tests and theory test centres will not be affected.
Partners will allow the use of their premises at no cost to the DSA. Tests will still be conducted by DSA examiners.
‘Best possible service’
Road Safety Minister, Mike Penning, said:
“It is vital that public services are as open and accessible as possible. This initiative is a great example of how working with partners in the public and private sectors can help to ensure that we offer people the best possible service wherever they live.
“Our aim is to provide all driving test candidates with a local service that is convenient as well as being cost effective.”
David Wild, Halfords CEO, said:
“We want to help motorists wherever we can, so we look forward to working in partnership with the DSA to provide a first class service for drivers taking their tests.”
Info from DSA View this email as a web page
As well as using traditional driving test centres, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is looking at working with public and private sector partners to provide driving test premises in selected areas that don’t already have a local test centre.
New approach to test delivery
The DSA has selected Halfords plc as a preferred partner, and is also exploring partnerships with the Fire and Rescue Service and several universities.
In one location the agency also expects to sign an agreement with training company Mantra Learning Ltd.
The scheme focuses on 21 locations, centred around 5 different areas across the country:
• Glasgow
• Kettering
• Manchester
• Watford
• Worcestershire
Starting from autumn
Testing from partner premises in these locations is expected to start from the autumn.
These arrangements apply to practical car tests. Other types of practical tests and theory test centres will not be affected.
Partners will allow the use of their premises at no cost to the DSA. Tests will still be conducted by DSA examiners.
‘Best possible service’
Road Safety Minister, Mike Penning, said:
“It is vital that public services are as open and accessible as possible. This initiative is a great example of how working with partners in the public and private sectors can help to ensure that we offer people the best possible service wherever they live.
“Our aim is to provide all driving test candidates with a local service that is convenient as well as being cost effective.”
David Wild, Halfords CEO, said:
“We want to help motorists wherever we can, so we look forward to working in partnership with the DSA to provide a first class service for drivers taking their tests.”
Info from DSA View this email as a web page
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