A ski trip to the alps

13 Nov 2019

Me and my girlfriend are going on a ski trip in December. We have booked Val Thorens. Neither one of us has been there before. But some of our friends have, and they recommended it to us. My girlfriend, who is Swedish has been to the Swedish alps since she was a child. Last year we talked about going on a ski trip, but we decided to take a trip to Bahamas instead. But this year we thought it would be fun to go on a ski trip together. So, we are really exited now.

Need to update the ski gear

I don’t have any skis or boots or clothes for going on a ski trip. So, I need to buy all of this before our trip. I saw that there is a guide on a website called Freeride. So maybe I will check that out for advice on what kind of skis I need. I know that its possible to rent some of the equipment in the alps. But I think its nicer to have your own things. My girlfriend already has all things she need, but she talked about maybe invest in some new clothes as well. So maybe we need to go on a shopping trip real soon. I have heard about a place called Ullared, maybe we will go there. They have many cheap things that you can buy.

How UK’s alien got Swedish driving license - Körkort

12 Nov 2012

I was born and lived until 25 years in UK. I wasn’t thinking of changing my place of living until I met Louise. She was participating in Erasmus (international exchange of students program) and came to UK to study for a half a year. She was directed exactly to my university. Louise was from Sweden. She had white hair and blue eyes and it was hard not to fall in love with her. We spend nice time during the period she was in UK. When she went back to Sweden I was upset and understood that I should change my life in order not to loose her. I knew that she had big perspective in Sweden and couldn’t move to UK for living. I came to Sweden and we started to live together.

Well, this step for me was really hard. I didn’t know Swedish. I couldn’t say even three words in Swedish. It was a disaster. But Louise helped me a lot. She was teaching me every evening. After some weeks I started searching for a job. To get well-paid job I needed to have driving license. In Sweden the call them körkort.

As you know in UK we drive on the left side of the road, but in Sweden they do it on the right side. It was first horrible thing on my way to körkort. Fortunately, I have found out that I can drive with my English license up to 1 year. But anyway it didn’t simplify driving in Sweden for me. I got job, relaxed a little and started to learn for körkort. Theory test included 8 different tests. I was pretty self-confident about theory test. I can’t say the same about practical part. When I was driving I wanted to make some wrong turn from time to time. Another surprise of the practice test was driving in extreme conditions. It is driving on ice, on a rainy slippery road. We never have this in UK. We even don’t wear winter tires. It was serious trial for me, but in the end I even enjoyed it. Now I feel more confident about driving in bad conditions. Also see trafikskola malmö.

 

Invoicing software suits for both products’ and services’ sellers

7 Nov 2012

I am using invoicing software from the start of my company, which was 10 years ago. My friends and partners think like I am very experienced person and come for an advice. Last time I was asked about the differences between using invoicing software in product selling company and service providing company. My company is selling products in the internet and invoicing program really helps me do invoicing. I haven’t been thinking if there is some difference in using invoicing software for products and services.

I have added all the products I am selling to invoicing program. It is easy made by adding product name, price and unit. After that I can add products to invoice with a few clicks. I guess that if you provide services, you can add your services same way. For example, in the name field write “repair work”, set price and complete. To my mind, invoicing software could be perfectly used for both products selling companies and for service providing companies. There is no big difference what you offer for selling, because invoicing program is suitable for everything you provide and receive money for. Of course if you have cash register and give your clients receipt right after purchase, then invoicing software doesn’t suit for that. Usually shops that sell something in the internet use invoices and invoicing programs.

No matter what are you selling, but if you once have tried invoicing software you will never give up using it. That is proved practically. All the people I know, who started using invoicing program, are satisfied with the results it brings. What about me, I also can’t imagine my work without smart program, which invoices my clients, but I am thinking of trying some new and more advanced program in future.

 

Invoicing software for a simple start

6 Nov 2012

When you start new business or just new project think of how you’ll operate it. It is better to decide about all organizational moments at the very beginning. Of course you can introduce some gadgets and software in the middle of the project, but I advise to do everything before. Exactly that way I did when started my new project connected with shipping products to customers. Earlier we used Transport Company’s service, but decided that we can make this cheaper by ourselves.

First I have bought tracking program, which shows where delivery car is at the moment. It is very convenient to watch over delivery car and be aware of the route. Then I introduced invoicing software, which helps me create invoice very fast and send it immediately to the customer. Invoicing software also lets me create database with all my customers inside. Additional to customers’ database I created my products and services database. I haven’t thought before that invoicing software could be so useful and helpful. I am fully satisfied with this purchase. It will improve the quality of my invoicing and work in general. When I was founding my company I didn’t have such smart business programs like invoicing software, tracking program and other. We spent two times more time on invoicing than nowadays I spend. But I think it is good that progress is moving fast and creates modern solutions for everyday tasks.

Besides invoicing software I use bookkeeping software and accounting program. Smart programs cooperate with each other and bring me perfect results. On the one hand, I envy people who start their business now because they have all necessary programs and equipment for easy start. On the other hand, all I went through when stated my company is my priceless experience. Not always the easiest way is the better one. I advise everyone to choose their own way and start successful business.

Driving license

22 Oct 2012

Anyone who wants to drive a vehicle must have a driving license. To achieve this, drivers of cars, motorcycle and moped riders have to pass a driving theory test and a driving test.

The permitted driving age in the UK is:

• Car (Category B) - from 17 years.

• Motorcycle (Category A) - from 17 years.

• Moped (Category P) - from 16 years.

You cannot take a theory test and a driving test unless you are a resident of (live in) the UK. This means that you must either work (and pay tax) or have close family in the UK. However, if you have moved to the UK from another European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country and have lived in the UK for at least 185 days in the last 12 months and are still living in the UK, you can apply for a provisional license. Be aware that you will be asked to provide evidence of the fact that you have been living in the UK.

After receiving your provisional license, you can apply for a theory test and having passed it, you can apply for a driving test. Once you have passed your theory test and driving test, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency will need to be informed. You must apply to exchange the test pass certificate within two years of passing your test. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency should send your driving license to you within three weeks of receiving your application.

UKTheoryTest.co.uk offers you a wealth of information and tips to help you pass your driving license tests and to obtain your driving license as cheaply and as quickly as possible. Information is provided for car (Category B), motorcycle (Category A) and moped (Category P) learners.

Driving test

21 Oct 2012

Driving test is the test which is applied by the Driving Standards Agency to evaluate your practical driving skills. Learning to drive and passing the driving test is primarily a road safety measure. It is designed to ensure that all new drivers can drive alone and safely.

To be able to apply for UK driving test you need a provisional license (you will be asked for its number) and a valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron and Solo cards are accepted).

The easiest way to apply for a driving test is by using the online application form from 6:00 am till 12:00 pm, but you can also call 0300 200 1122 from 8:00 am til 6:00 pm or apply by post. Payment can also be made by cheque or postal order, but cash payments are not accepted. A completed application form, with the appropriate fee, should be sent to the: Driving Standards Agency, PO Box 280, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE99 1FP.

After booking your driving test it is important to check its status - has it been confirmed, when and where has it been scheduled etc. During the checking of your status, you will be asked for the number of your provisional license, the number of your theory test pass certificate and the number of your application reference.

If you would like to cancel or change (the place, date, time etc.) of the previously booked driving test, you can do it at least 3 working days prior to the scheduled date of the driving test. In the case of a cancellation, you should get a full refund of the test fee.

Driving test for a car

During the driving test for a car your knowledge is evaluated in several stages: the Highway Code, the theory of driving safely, driving eyesight requirements and show me tell me questions (vehicle safety checks). The driving part of your test lasts approximately 40 minutes during which your general driving and ability to reverse your vehicle safely in various road situations are examined. You will also be asked to perform one of the reversing maneuvers (reversing around a corner, turning in the road, reverse parking). You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop exercise. In addition, your practical driving test also includes approximately ten minutes of independent driving in order to assess your ability to drive safely while making decisions independently.

Driving test for a motorcycle

During the driving test for a motorcycle you and your examiner ride on separate motorcycles. The examiner uses a radio to give you directions. The driving test for a motorcycle consists of two separate modules.

Module one tests how you accomplish set maneuvers on the motorcycle in a safe off-road area. This module lasts approximately 20 minutes and includes the following specified maneuvers: wheeling the machine and using the stand, doing a slalom and a figure eight, cornering, hazard avoidance and a controlled stop, a U-turn, a slow ride, and an emergency stop. Be aware of the minimal speed requirement of 50 km/h (32 m/h) for the hazard avoidance and emergency stop exercises. At the end of the module, the examiner provides you with feedback. If you have passed, you receive a module one pass certificate.

Module two is the on-road test and lasts approximately 40 minutes. It includes: an eyesight test, show me tell me questions (safety and balance questions), a road riding element that will cover a variety of road and traffic conditions and independent riding. The examiner evaluates your ability to do normal stops, an angle start (pulling out from behind a parked vehicle) and a hill start (where possible).

Independent driving

Both the driving test for cars and for motorcycles include independent driving. This test usually takes 10 minutes. During the independent driving you have to drive independently by either following traffic signs, a series of directions or a combination of both. If there are poor or obscured traffic signs, the examiner gives you directions until you can see the next traffic sign - you do not need to have a detailed knowledge of the area. It is important to understand that independent driving is not a test of your orientation skills on roads, but rather, it is a test of your ability to make decisions safely on the road.

On the day of the driving test

Bring the following items with you:

• An appropriately insured and licensed vehicle, displaying L-plates, that is suitable for the purpose of the test.

• The appropriate theory test pass certificate (or confirmation).

• Both parts of your valid provisional license (the photocard and its paper counterpart). In case you have an old-style licence without a photo you must also bring a valid passport.

• A compulsory basic training certificate for both modules of the motorcycle test (unless the test is within the Accelerated Access scheme).

• A motorcycle module one test pass certificate for module two of the motorcycle test.

Tips for a successful driving test:

• Do as much driving practice as possible!

• Experience as many driving situations as possible!

• Drive at various time of the day - early mornings, during the day, afternoons, late evenings and nights!

• Drive in different areas – the country side, the city, dual carriageways!

• Drive in various weather conditions!

• Have a driving lesson with your instructor one hour before a real driving test!

In case the worst happens and you fail the driving test, you’ll have to wait at least three working days before being able to take the theory test again for the motorcycle module one test and you’ll have to wait at least ten working days before being able to take the theory test again for the car or motorcycle module two test.

Hazard perception test

21 Oct 2012

Hazard perception test is a component of the UK theory test. The first part of the theory test is the multiple choice questions and the second part – the hazard perception test.

You may have up to three minutes break between both parts of the theory test. After the break, a short tutorial video clip about how the hazard perception part works will be shown. The hazard perception part records your responses through the use of a computer mouse button. For the hazard perception test there are no separate versions for different vehicles. During this section you will see 14 video clips which feature everyday road scenes. In each clip there is at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips features two developing hazards.

A hazard is anything that could cause you - the driver - to change speed or direction. This section of UK theory test requires you to spot the hazards in the video clips by clicking on the mouse button as soon as you see the hazard develop. The earlier you spot the hazard the higher your test score is. If you click the mouse as soon as you notice the hazard developing you will get the maximum of five points for that hazard. In this theory test section you are unable to review your answers to the hazard perception test; this is because you always have only one chance to respond to a developing hazard on the road. You will have passed the hazard perception test section if you get at least 44 points out of 75.

When you have finished the hazard perception test you may leave the examination room. But remember, once you have left the room, you will not be allowed to enter it again. You can get the result of your theory test on the same day, just after leaving the examination room.

Hazard perception test practice

Look for the following hazards:

• Pedestrians or cyclists crossing the road

• Vehicles emerging from side roads and parking places

• Large vehicles moving over to your side of the road

• Unleashed pets and farmyard animals

• Meeting oncoming vehicles on narrow roads or where other obstructions or slow moving vehicles restrict your path

• Changes in the traffic volume and movement

• Roundabouts and junctions

• Horse riders

• Weather conditions

• Road surfaces

• Parked vehicles

• Hidden junctions and turns

Read more about the first part of UK theory test - multiple choice questions - how it takes place, how to apply and how to prepare.

UK theory test

21 Oct 2012

UK theory test is the test which is applied by the Driving Standards Agency to evaluate your theoretical driving knowledge. The theory test takes place at the Theory Test Centre. There are approximately 200 Theory Test Centres in the UK for you to choose from (nearest distance etc.)

To apply for the theory test you need a provisional license (you will be asked for its number), a theory test certificate (you will be asked for its number and the date that you passed it) and a valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron and Solo cards are accepted).

The easiest way to apply for a theory test is by using the online application form, but you can also call 0300 200 1122 from 8:00 am til 6:00 pm or apply by post. Payment can also be made by cheque or postal order, but cash payments are not accepted. A completed application form, with the appropriate fee should be sent to the: Driving Standards Agency, PO Box 280, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE99 1FP.

After booking your theory test it is important to check its status - has it been confirmed, when and where it has been scheduled etc. During the checking of the status, you will be asked for the number of your provisional license, your surname and date of birth.

If you would like to cancel or change (the place, date, time etc.) of the previously booked theory test, you can do it at least 3 working days prior to the scheduled date of the theory test. In the case of a cancellation you should get a full refund of the test fee.

The theory test consists of two parts: multiple choice questions and a hazard perception test. You will have passed the theory test only if you have passed both parts. Teoriprov.

The multiple choice part is taken using a touch screen computer. Before the test starts you will be given instructions on how the test works. you may also choose to go through a practice session of the multiple choice questions to get used to the layout of the test and touch screen. Only one question will appear on screen at a time and you will be able to navigate between questions, changing answers if necessary. You can even mark (flag) questions that you want to return to later. The multiple choice part requires you to answer the questions by touching the correct box on the actual computer screen. Some questions may require more than one answer. Some multiple choice questions will be provided as a case study. The case study will show a scenario that the question will be based on. The subject of the scenario focuses on real life examples and experiences that drivers could face when driving. There are 50 questions in the multiple choice part and you will have 57 minutes to answer them. You will have passed the multiple choice part if at least 43 questions have been answered correctly.

After the multiple choice part you may choose to have a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception part begins.

You can obtain the results of your theory test on the same day, immediately after finishing the hazard perception test and leaving the examination room.

Tips for the day of UK theory test:

• Take all the required documents - both parts of your valid provisional license (the photocard and its paper counterpart). In case you have an old-style license without a photo you must also bring a valid passport.

• Last minute driving theory revision should be done to ensure that it is fresh in your mind!

• Make sure you know the location of the Theory Test Centre and how to get there!

• Do not be late! It’s better to plan an extra 15 minutes for transportation to the Theory Test Centre!

In case the worst happens and you fail in the theory test, you will have to wait at least three working days before being able to take the theory test again.

Provisional license

20 Oct 2012

Provisional license gives you the right to commence learning to drive a car, a moped or a motorcycle.

If you would like to obtain the driving skills to drive a car or ride a motorcycle, you can apply for your provisional license 3 months prior to your 17th birthday. Be aware that you may not start practice driving on the road until your licence has arrived and not until the day of your 17th birthday. If you would like to learn to ride a moped, you can apply for a provisional license at the age of 16. Be aware that you may not start practicing to ride a moped on the road until you have passed the compulsory basic training.

The provisional license is issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. The easiest way to apply for a provisional license is by using the online application form, but you can also do it personally or by post.

Usually you will receive your provisional license within two weeks of your application. If you wish, you can check status of your application.

To apply online for a provisional license you need a valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron and Solo cards are accepted), your UK passport if you have one and details of your previous addresses.

Create a free account and start your practice trial UK theory test with the Driving Standards Agency’s official driving theory questions and hazard perception tests and mock theory tests online for free right now!

Your provisional license is valid until your 70th Birthday. However, you have to renew the photo part of your license every 10 years.

Before getting behind the wheel you have to make sure:

• That you have received your provisional license and reached the appropriate age (17 years for cars and motorcycles or 16 years for mopeds).

• That the vehicle is taxed, insured and has a valid Ministry of Transport (MOT) test, if applicable.

• You are accompanied by either a registered driving instructor or someone over the age of 21 years who holds a current driving license in the relevant vehicle category and has for at least three years.

Driving lessons

19 Oct 2012

In order to drive safely and pass a driving test every learner attends driving lessons. Your instructor can be anyone over 21 years of age who holds a current driving license in the relevant vehicle category and has for at least three years. Driving lessons with an approved driving instructor are not compulsory. However, it is critical that you are taught correctly from the very beginning. Usually an approved driving instructor has the necessary experience, knowledge and training to teach you properly.

Driving instructor

Some driving instructors work for driving schools but some work independently. Any driving instructor who is called an “approved driving instructor” should be registered with the Driving Standards Agency, which issues two types of badges. They should be displayed in tuition vehicles. For learners the badges help to identify the instructor's qualification: a green, octagonal badge – the instructor is fully qualified and approved; a pink, triangular badge – the instructor is licensed under training and is not yet fully qualified.

Before you make a final decision, it is recommended that you speak to (and even test - try a driving lesson with) 2 or 3 driving instructors. Don’t hesitate to draw on the experience of your friends, family members and colleagues who have recently passed a driving test. It is important to know what the tuition fee for a full hour will be, whether it will always be the same car, at what times of the day the instructor is available, and whether there will be any other learners present during your driving lessons. It is vital that you feel secure and confident while you are learning to drive.

Content of driving lessons

Driving lessons can be structured in four sections, each of which come sequentially after the previous one:

• Lessons on learning the basic control skills needed to drive safely. This section is crucial especially for learners who don’t have previous driving experience. It includes starting to move, steering, coordination and emergency stopping.

• Lessons on learning the road skills to be able to drive and cope with modern road systems. This includes junctions, crossroads, roundabouts and road and traffic signs.

• Lessons on learning the traffic skills to be able to apply both basic control skills and road skills when other road members are present. It includes hazard perception, defensive driving, dual carriageways, driving in the city centre and progressive driving.

• Lessons on learning various manoeuvres. This includes straight line reversing, reversing to the left, reversing to the right, turning on the road and reverse parking.

Readiness for the driving test

It is the task of your driving instructor to guide you through the learning process and to judge when are you ready for the driving test. A mock driving test is always recommended before taking the real driving test. During the mock driving test a driving instructor acts as an examiner and asks you to follow instructions and implement a number of procedures that will be given, e.g. turning the car on the road. After the mock driving test, you get a clear picture of what is expected in the real driving test. It leads to a better performance and a higher success rate on the day of the real driving test.