East Lancashire Muslim ladies in the TV driving seat (From Lancashire Telegraph)
When news happens, text LT and your photos and videos to 80360. Or contact us by email or phone.
East Lancashire Muslim ladies in the TV driving seat
9:10am Wednesday 13th January 2010 in News
READY TO LEARN: Student Aysha will be featured learning to drive in the new BBC Two series Muslim Driving School
MUSLIM women from East Lancashire have been captured on camera as they learn to drive.
Learners and instructors from Blackburn and Burnley are the stars of a BBC series following the fortunes of the women as they strive to pass their test and gain independence.
The six-part show, called Muslim Driving School, which started last night, follows learners in East Lancs, as well as further afield in Yorkshire.
The series has exclusive access to driving schools in East Lancashire that specialise in teaching Muslim women.
Producers said the prog-ramme was a “big-hearted, warm and funny documentary series”, that shows a community group that normally keeps itself quiet striving for independence as Muslim women get behind the wheel for the first time.
Blackburn driving instructor Salma Patel, who has run her own driving school for 15 years, features on the programme.
She said: “I was approached by the local association about the programme.
“And after speaking to the producers decided to go for it.
“I was interviewed about my experience teaching Muslim women and they followed some of the lessons I gave.
“We’re also hoping to film a test one of my pupils has coming up in the next few weeks.”
Mrs Patel, of Brookhouse Close, said she had specialised in teaching Muslim women since she started her business.
“It is a real challenge,” she said.
“The language barrier can create problems and sometimes you have to start with simple things like traffic lights and what to do, but we get there eventually.
“It gives Muslim women a real sense of independence and means they can do things for themselves rather than relying on the other half. It opens up so many avenues for them.
“I have seen the episodes I am involved in and I have to say it’s really good, there is a funny side to it as well, it’s well worth a watch.”
Muslim Driving School will show on BBC Two at 10pm every Tuesday until February 16.
Comments(58)
ossy
says...
11:37am Wed 13 Jan 10
burner wrote:Fully agree with burner, how can they see and hear properly.
Saw it on TV. I want to know how the women can see!!!!!!!! or hear? . . What would happen to me if I drove with my hood pulled up over my head? I would be quickly stopped. . . It's good that a female teaches a female, but, I am forced to ask, what would happen if I specifically requested a female instructress? There is a law in this country regarding gender discrimination?
Why should they be allowed to take the exams in their own language. Come to Britain to live - learn to read and write English.
Next we will have kids being able to take GCSE's in their native languages.
Excluded
says...
11:50am Wed 13 Jan 10
I agree Ozzy. Imagine they could start giving English kids English GCSEs. The end of civilisation as we know it.
If they can see properly, then fine. Motorcycle helmets are. And deaf people have always been allowed to drive in the UK is they pass their driving test.
burner
says...
11:51am Wed 13 Jan 10
john the boss
says...
12:28pm Wed 13 Jan 10
Mikeee47
says...
12:33pm Wed 13 Jan 10
burner wrote:What happened to people having to speak basic english. when they come here?
Have to say that I have no problem with a tutor in own language. I would find an English speaker if I went to school in Germany. I am MEGGA-concerned with safety.
Sooner I can get out of this Namby pamby country that is broken the better. You won't find this hapening is Australia, Or U.S.A
Mike
says...
12:46pm Wed 13 Jan 10
The French have the right idea with proposed law that will impose fines of 750euros to any person wearing face coverings in a public place.
Can't see it happening here though. Too many politically correct people in the bleeding hearts brigade.
Markus Spartacus
says...
12:48pm Wed 13 Jan 10
ossy
says...
12:52pm Wed 13 Jan 10
Mike wrote:I agree Mike. This country has gone to far with being politically correct. The french have the right idea, no face coverings in public save it for when at home.
It's a question of identity. Who is driving the car? The French have the right idea with proposed law that will impose fines of 750euros to any person wearing face coverings in a public place. Can't see it happening here though. Too many politically correct people in the bleeding hearts brigade.
You are not allowed in a bank with a motorcycle helmet on, the same should apply to face coverings.
Davidoff
says...
1:16pm Wed 13 Jan 10
Akki
says...
1:48pm Wed 13 Jan 10
burner wrote:The eyes arn't covered (take a look) and the veil is so thin there is no problem with hearing.
Saw it on TV. I want to know how the women can see!!!!!!!! or hear? . . What would happen to me if I drove with my hood pulled up over my head? I would be quickly stopped. . . It's good that a female teaches a female, but, I am forced to ask, what would happen if I specifically requested a female instructress? There is a law in this country regarding gender discrimination?
.
.
If your going to drive with a hood over your head, at least make sure you can see.
.
.
This is not gender discrimination, try using some of the female only loo's in this country, you wont be allowed to, unfortunately thats not gender discrimination either.
burner
says...
1:57pm Wed 13 Jan 10
.
.
You have ignored the word " safety " in your comments.
Akki
says...
2:06pm Wed 13 Jan 10
burner wrote:yes i have.
Have you ever had a conversation with a veiled female, Akki? No, I thought not. It is extremely difficult to guage reaction with no facial expression. Impossible to inter-react accurately. I have tried on many occasions. Some are OK, most are not. . . You have ignored the word " safety " in your comments.
Facial expressions were not required. Facial expressions can be misleading sometimes, listen to the words.
safety what?
More accidents are caused by non-veiled people. Of course this does mean we should all choose to wear veils, its the taxpayers job to fund these accidents.
burner
says...
2:21pm Wed 13 Jan 10
Inter-Rossiter
says...
2:22pm Wed 13 Jan 10
Wikidi
says...
2:27pm Wed 13 Jan 10
Or is this a religous debate.
Aspenfalls
says...
2:32pm Wed 13 Jan 10
Akki
says...
2:41pm Wed 13 Jan 10
Aspenfalls wrote:why do you want to do that?
Would I be allowed to start up a white women only driving school? - I doubt it!
burner
says...
3:05pm Wed 13 Jan 10
Inter-Rossiter
says...
3:17pm Wed 13 Jan 10
Wikidi wrote:Since when did nuns cover the whole of their face apart from a small slit for their eyes?
Would the same not apply to a nun ??? Or is this a religous debate.
Akki
says...
3:24pm Wed 13 Jan 10
burner wrote:LOL this is not a muslim or brown only driving school, Salma has taught plenty white women during her time
Aspenfalls is quite rightly pointing out the absurdity and injustice of such a situation.
.
why are you misreporting it burner?
Wikidi
says...
3:36pm Wed 13 Jan 10
But I would have you know that the head of every man is Christ and the head of the woman is the man, and the head of Christ is God. Every man praying or prophesying with his head covered, disgraces his head. But every woman praying or prophesying with her head uncovered disgraces her head, for it is the same as if she were shaven. For if a woman is not covered, let her be shaven. But if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her cover her head. A man indeed ought not to cover his head, because he is the image and glory of God. But woman is the glory of man. For man was not created for woman, but woman for man. This is why the woman ought to have a sign of authority over her head, because of the angels.
http://www.muhajabah
.com/christianveil.h
tm
Jingle bells!
spyderleg
says...
3:38pm Wed 13 Jan 10
Rocksta
says...
3:43pm Wed 13 Jan 10
I had a email exchange with one of the reporters yesterday regarding race and the subsequent comments that are left behind.
Lets get this clear, the report says the instructor specialises in teaching muslim women. She is not just teaching Muslim Women - thats a big difference. Also before a test a women in her veil has to show her face to the DVLA representative along with relevant government ID such as a Passport.
Remember these women choose to cover themselves in public but they also understand that they need to show their face if it is a legal requirement.
Some exploit the matters I won't hide away from that but that doesn't mean all of them are a threat to others in any shape of form.
This is a good fly-on-the-wall documentary from the BBC showing the lives of others. This is something different for the viewing public to watch on TV. Lets enjoy and welcome other peoples way of life.
This makes UK a great Multi-Cultural Nation. Lets embrace it.
Peace Out.
happycyclist
says...
4:28pm Wed 13 Jan 10
I got a couple of pillowcases and tied them round my head in the style of a niqab. Guess what? They don't restrict your vision one little bit. I have a problem with identity regarding the veil, but there is no problem whatsoever with restricted vision, and it doesn't present a danger to other roadusers -unlike mobile phones, texting, lighting fags, and not clearing your frozen windscreens properly.
tintin3726
says...
5:34pm Wed 13 Jan 10
happycyclist wrote:I am sure there would be outrage if you were seen driving around with pillowcases on your head! You didn't happen to have a burning cross as well did you?
Well I saw this on the BBC yesterday and decided to do a little experiment. I got a couple of pillowcases and tied them round my head in the style of a niqab. Guess what? They don't restrict your vision one little bit. I have a problem with identity regarding the veil, but there is no problem whatsoever with restricted vision, and it doesn't present a danger to other roadusers -unlike mobile phones, texting, lighting fags, and not clearing your frozen windscreens properly.
Mr_Zubin_Ali
says...
5:55pm Wed 13 Jan 10
1:57pm Wed 13 Jan 10
Have you ever had a conversation with a veiled female, Akki? No, I thought not. It is extremely difficult to guage reaction with no facial expression. Impossible to inter-react accurately. I have tried on many occasions. Some are OK, most are not.
I bet you wouldnt complain about seeing a persons "facial expressions" if you were chatting on the phone now would you?
I am muslim and dont really see a valid reason for these women to wear a full veil, but if that is their choice, so be it, racist idiots like you HAVE NO RIGHT to dictate what they should or should not wear, its upto them and them solely!
stick your BNP **** where the sun doesnt shine.
brfcianbrfc
says...
6:00pm Wed 13 Jan 10
happycyclist
says...
6:24pm Wed 13 Jan 10
brfcianbrfc wrote:That's a different matter altogether, and I share your concerns about being able to identify people.
If one of these are stopped and asked to produce their driving licence would they need to show their face as well or would that be an invasion of their privacy.
But the veil does not restrict vision and on those grounds there is no reason to call for a ban on wearing it whilst driving.
cyberpaul
says...
7:54pm Wed 13 Jan 10
I know if I had applied for my picture-card driving licence wearing my motor-cycle crash helmet, the pictures would have been returned to me as unacceptable. In fact, my passport application photos WERE rejected due to inadequate lighting of the picture making my face somewhat indistinct.
How indistinct must it make your picture if your face is covered up ?
But - Hey !- it doesn't matter. We all know by now that the bunch of Islam-appeasers and muslim-lovers that comprise ZaNuLabour want an Islamic state in the UK, if not an actual EU Caliphate.
So kiss your freedoms goodbye - especially you ladies - chuck out the beer bottles, throw out your ciggies, get rid of your music and CDs, buy a copy of the Koran and welcome to New Islamabad ( formerly Great Britain ).
Looks my dad flew his Spitfire in vain during WW2 and also it looks like my late father-in-law stormed up the beach at Normandy in vain too - we have been invaded by Fascists ( religious fascists admittedly, but fascists nevertheless ) and it's all thanks to Jack Straw and his Band of Tosspots -aka The Labour Government.
Akki
says...
8:06pm Wed 13 Jan 10
.
That ends your state of baffle.
suttydog
says...
9:11pm Wed 13 Jan 10
time.team
says...
9:38pm Wed 13 Jan 10
But surely it can’t be safe to drive a vehicle wearing such a restrictive garment? Why wear such an attire anyway? Why would anyone want to hide themselves from the world? If it’s a religious thing, why would a caring god ever want such a costume to be worn? Even our own Jack Straw thinks it’s offensive to others?
So, too many question marks without a sensible known answer to these awkward questions. Please someone do tell me WHY?
Wikidi
says...
10:46pm Wed 13 Jan 10
I understand if it was a veil then comments would have been directed towards my comment anyhow I can understand the concerned has a majority of Christians that don’t want to discuss the comment comprehensively.
burner
says...
10:47pm Wed 13 Jan 10
I regret and resent your ignorant comments.
My point is that everyone treat others equally and they be equal to others. My other issue is one of safety.
How dare you call those opinions racist? Get a mirror!
topman01
says...
11:46pm Wed 13 Jan 10
jennyspain
says...
8:51am Thu 14 Jan 10
wackyracer
says...
9:06am Thu 14 Jan 10
AnthonyUK
says...
9:49am Thu 14 Jan 10
morrissey1972
says...
9:50am Thu 14 Jan 10
morrissey1972
says...
9:54am Thu 14 Jan 10
AnthonyUK wrote:you are allowed to drive when you are profoundly Deaf
Why do they have to drive with a veil on? How can they see what they're doing and where they are going and how can they hear as well? I'am glad the french fine muslims 750euros for wearing them in public, but they should ideally be banned. I would personally ban the veil completely and refuse to listen to pc dogooders who think multiculturalism is for everybody and that we should embrace the muslim way and the islam way onto everybody, if they come here we shouldn't have to fit round them and their needs it should be the opposite way round.
AnthonyUK
says...
10:03am Thu 14 Jan 10
morrissey1972 wrote:But the veil covers your ears IDIOT. And I didn't say anything about deaf people so don't bring that useless piece of trash into the equation!!!
AnthonyUK wrote: Why do they have to drive with a veil on? How can they see what they're doing and where they are going and how can they hear as well? I'am glad the french fine muslims 750euros for wearing them in public, but they should ideally be banned. I would personally ban the veil completely and refuse to listen to pc dogooders who think multiculturalism is for everybody and that we should embrace the muslim way and the islam way onto everybody, if they come here we shouldn't have to fit round them and their needs it should be the opposite way round.you are allowed to drive when you are profoundly Deaf
morrissey1972
says...
10:08am Thu 14 Jan 10
AnthonyUK wrote:yes it does you charming man.. but you said that they couldnt hear when wearing a veil.. (which you can but that is a moot point) .. but even if you couldnt it doesnt matter as you dont need hearing to be able to drive. Ok Einstein?
morrissey1972 wrote:But the veil covers your ears IDIOT. And I didn't say anything about deaf people so don't bring that useless piece of trash into the equation!!!AnthonyUK wrote: Why do they have to drive with a veil on? How can they see what they're doing and where they are going and how can they hear as well? I'am glad the french fine muslims 750euros for wearing them in public, but they should ideally be banned. I would personally ban the veil completely and refuse to listen to pc dogooders who think multiculturalism is for everybody and that we should embrace the muslim way and the islam way onto everybody, if they come here we shouldn't have to fit round them and their needs it should be the opposite way round.you are allowed to drive when you are profoundly Deaf
madari
says...
10:51am Thu 14 Jan 10
I would like to see a comment from the insurance companies as regards road safety on this matter, and also do they have to pay more for their car insurance for the privilage of wearing a veil?
Wikidi
says...
11:52am Thu 14 Jan 10
Rocksta
says...
12:15pm Thu 14 Jan 10
I was surprised to hear not many accidents involving veiled womed occur. That should ease peoples concerns. I don't know why everyone is still getting their knickers in a twist. Next news please.
I also believe the veil is a very thin material so you can perfectly hear everything and the slit is good enough to see everything. I don't have a problem with the women driving with a veil on.
wackyracer
says...
12:17pm Thu 14 Jan 10
Wikidi wrote:Both. It ain't my bible yet it's mentioned all the time. Personally I think that the really issue here is that people think the veil is stupid and obsolete in the 21st century (which it is) and that this is just another excuse to say so.
Are you trying to say what your bible states is rubbish or are you stating you’re an atheist?
time.team
says...
12:58pm Thu 14 Jan 10
Why wear such an attire anyway?
Why would anyone want to hide themselves from the world?
If it’s a religious thing, why would a caring god ever want such a costume to be worn?
Is Jack Straw wrong to consider it’s offensive to others?
-
So, too many question marks without a sensible known answer to these awkward questions. Please someone do tell me WHY?
morrissey1972
says...
2:04pm Thu 14 Jan 10
And please stop going on about hearing being affected. Hearing is not needed to drive therefore whether the veil restricts or not isnt relevant.
If there was a safety issue with veils then they would not be allowed. People are allowed to wear veils and they are not dangerous when driving.
Why does it bother so many people? People wear veils because they choose to, because they choose to interpret their religion that way, or because they feel like it. Primarily it can be seen as a 'modesty' issue.. but everyone will have their own reasons. Here's a thought why dont you ask someone with a veil why they wear it.
You dont have to like or understand it, you only have to allow people the right to do it.
Akki
says...
5:31pm Thu 14 Jan 10
moggy669
says...
5:37pm Thu 14 Jan 10
They do need to learn to drive though from what i witness every day around blackburn, pathetic!
Mr_Zubin_Ali
says...
6:23pm Thu 14 Jan 10
10:47pm Wed 13 Jan 10
Odd, isn't it, that the words, "racist" and "BNP " first appear from Mr Zubin Ali.
I regret and resent your ignorant comments.
My point is that everyone treat others equally and they be equal to others. My other issue is one of safety.
How dare you call those opinions racist? Get a mirror!
you moron if it was a question of safety they would never allow them to wear it!!!
You're the bloody racist, picking on stupid things that dont even make sense. They can see properly, as can drivers with a helmet, why cant you understand that? they aint driving with blinkers on, even though you will probably dispute that fact. ARE YOU the BNP spokesman on here? I think so.
tenerc
says...
10:43pm Thu 14 Jan 10
Akki wrote:the reason is you can`t see the person behind it, take that photo, is it male or female, smiling or sulking, blond or brunette, Asian or Oriental, 17 or 52 you can`t tell! *
Why do people fear the Veil?
i watched that show, and loved the old woman, but couldn`t take to Aysha, why did she wear the veil yet the others of same religion didn`t
reason why you shouldn`t wear it when driving... imagine that person hit you with the car, police ask you to describe the driver.... or it`s caught on CCTV where is the evidence in court... new speed cameras can photograph the face...
*(yes we know she’s a white female, if you didn’t know that though...)
midas
says...
12:41pm Fri 15 Jan 10
.
What do they bleat?
you can't see! - yes you can
you can't hear - yes you can
Its dangerous - no it isn't
Why do they want to wear a veil - cause they can!
.
Don't dress up your fear and loathing under the guise of health and safety. if you don't like them cause they don't "fit in" admit it!
tobbi
says...
11:26am Sat 16 Jan 10
great sumarry of the above.
suttydog
says...
2:49pm Sun 17 Jan 10
zabir
says...
9:09pm Tue 19 Jan 10
Many of these veil wearing grils are more fashionable under their abayas then most of the rest of us. And they will wear these clothes infront of females and male family members. They were bought up with fashion. Have you ever spoken to a niqab wearer. Many are highly educated and fashion consious and have a western upbringing which they haven't given up because they start to cover. You don't become more asian or arab or foreign or less western because you cover. It's nothing to do with any nation or country. The niqab is more uncommon in some muslim countries than it is here. If you haven't got a clue you shouldn't write an article about something you have no knowledge of.
zabir
says...
9:10pm Tue 19 Jan 10
ps male pressure is put on us all for all sorts of fashions. And why isn't anyone else told to fit in or go home eg bikers hells angels, rockers, goths, orthodox jews, posh people etc. They all just stick to their own kind but thats ok because their white and non muslim. If you dont like these people because of who they are just say so stop hiding behind excuses about the veil that wouldn't apply to any white religious group.
burner says...
11:29am Wed 13 Jan 10
.
.
What would happen to me if I drove with my hood pulled up over my head? I would be quickly stopped.
.
.
It's good that a female teaches a female, but, I am forced to ask, what would happen if I specifically requested a female instructress? There is a law in this country regarding gender discrimination?