Driving after your test

You've passed your driving test and you're ready to go it alone!

Your new-found independence and freedom are something that you just have to try out and all you want to do is get out there and take your car out for a drive. Although the primary emotion you feel is excitement, there can be a tinge of worry as being out on your own can be a little daunting.

Having previously only driven with a comforting relative or an assuring driving instructor, its very normal to feel a little strange when going out on your own in the car. It can take a bit adjustment until it becomes comfortable for you.

Pick a good time

Unless there is a specific reason for going out in your car, then you can pick and choose when to you go out. If you go out at a quieter time, you'll have more time to practice the parts of your driving that need attention.

On the first occasion you venture out on your own, follow a route that you are familiar with.

As you gain confidence in your driving, you may venture further out and into less familiar or busier roads. At the beginning though, it is a good idea to stay on easier roads to build your fledgling driving confidence.

P Plates

It is not a mandatory for you to use the green 'p plates' that display that you have recently passed your test, but it is an allowance that you can use to further build your confidence. If the more experienced drivers you encounter are aware that you are still learning your craft, then they will more often than not be more patient with you. Any understandable mistakes or hesitancy should be forgiven, and knowing this might make that first drive more comfortable for you.

Running out of petrol

It's happened to most of us. We think we can make it just a little further without fuelling up and what happens?.... you run out in just the wrong place on a junction or in the middle of nowhere. If you're unsure about putting petrol in to your car, it's not a bad idea to take someone with you who does. It might seem

like an over-cautious approach to the task, but there are things that can go very wrong, for example putting diesel in a petrol engine or vice versa. A mistake that can cost you hundreds of pounds in repair costs.

Inform someone where you are going

Tell someone that you are off out on your first drive and approximately when you plan to return. If you only planned to pop round the block or to a local shop, then they will know where to look if you aren't back within a reasonable time.

Take a mobile phone with you.

In this age of cheap and easy mobile communication, it's easy to get a means to let someone know that you have either broken down or are in need of assistance. Don't however, use it when you are driving. Always pull over before calling someone.

Lastly, if you get lost, don't worry as you won't be lost for long. Everyone gets lost at some point. If it happens, pull over when it is safe to do so and check either your AtoZ or your SatNav to get you back on track. Just don't panic!

Your first drive should be just as exciting as you plan it to be. Just remember that you need to legislate for slight mishaps or miscalculations that could turn that drive into a nightmare if you don't.

Be safe and enjoy yourself. You've passed your test!! http://www.drivingschool-wembley.co.uk/

No man (or woman) is an island!

One of England’s greatest poets once wrote of our need to communicate and connect with others. He tells us not to isolate ourselves and cut ourselves off from the rest of humanity. We could consider the deep philosophy attached to this sentiment, or we can take it a bit more literally and get the map out! Airports are full of people jetting all over the world, on journeys of self-discovery and personal growth. We salute your sense of adventure, but we do have to ask – have you thought about finding yourself in Europe, behind the wheel of your car. The Dover to Calais sea crossing, and Eurotunnel, is the gateway to Europe. Once in Calais, you can be in Bruges, the Belgian chocolate capital, within two short hours. The battlefields of World War I are within easy reach of the French coast, so taking time to make a visit before next year’s centenary commemorations can be achieved. If you want to go further, Paris and EuroDisney are a couple of hours from Calais – without any airline baggage restrictions. Easy access to Europe is just one of the best things about living in the South East. Germany’s Black Forest, the Swiss Alps, the Seven Hills of Rome, Athens! These places are all accessible by car in mainland Europe. With a thick wallet, a strong heart and a fistful of visas, you can drive all the way to Vladivostok on Russia’s Pacific coast… It’s not about driving all the way around the globe, but it does go to show how powerful the ability to drive can be. As another of our great writers, Will Shakespeare, wrote ‘The world is one’s oyster’, it can help open up infinite possibilities! Give the world to someone you love this Christmas. Give them the Drive2Pass Christmas Offer.

10 Driving Test Tips

10 Test Tips

1. Familiarise yourself with the area on the day of the test

Although there is usually more than one possible test route, prior to taking your test, it is recommended that you take at least 30 mins to drive around the general area on the day of the test. It will familiarise you and more than likely boost your confidence that nothing will be a surprise, taking lesson with your driving instructor beforehand will help to calm any nerves.

2. Don’t give in to peer pressure - take your driving test when you’re ready

It is very easy to listen to those among us that like to tell you just how quick they picked driving up and how soon after starting they passed. It is also easy to rush in to your test as it does feel that the whole experience will end up being cheaper. If you’re not ready, then 1) you probably won’t pass and it will end up costing you more in the long run and 2) you will do nothing at all for your confidence going forward.

3. Learn the basics privately

If you have access to a vehicle and understanding relative or friend, then use the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the basic controls. That way you aren’t wasting time you’re paying for learning the fundamentals of driving. Another nice side effect is that you will boost your road sense and general confidence.

4. When you park at the test centre

Preparing the way, is the key to feeling confident. Give yourself a head start by parking before your test in a place that’s easy to leave that way you know you can do it calmly.

5. Do your homework

Just because you’ve passed your theory test, it doesn’t mean that you won’t have to know your highway code for the practical test itself. How galling would it be to fail on your knowledge when that’s one of the easiest things to prepare for. A few good driving schools will help you prepare with resources and worksheets as they want you to pass. Have a look on Amazon for a wide range of helpful books. Another helpful tip is to use post-it notes that you place around your home with important things you need to learn. You will keep seeing them often and subconsciously you will be taking them in without much effort. On the toaster, on the back of the toilet door and the mirror.

6. Do a mock test

Nothing can completely prepare you for the real thing, but the nearest thing to that is by doing a mock test. All aspects of your mock test are prepared in great detail to best replicate test conditions. Like driving the test route, it is giving you a prior knowledge of what to expect.

7. Don’t tell everyone you’re doing your test

Don’t put undue pressure on yourself on the build up to your test day. The less people that know, the less you will feel people are ‘expecting’ you to pass. And if you don’t pass, at least you don’t need to do that dreaded call but you will pass if you believe you can. Having a positive mind-set is a powerful tool. Motivate yourself with a goal. Use the post-it notes method to build your confidence. Write what you want to achieve by explaining in detail the exact specifics. e.g. “When I pass my driving test I will drive to London for my holiday with a blue ford focus 1.6 with the windows down, with my favourite music blasting out.” This picture is automatically programming your mind to succeed. Look up NLP for more information.

8. When parking, don’t be afraid to start again. You will not fail for trying again

There’s no time limit for manoeuvres. If after starting a parking manoeuvre, you feel that you’ve done something wrong. Reposition the vehicle to its original position and try again. The last thing you want to do is persist with the bad manoeuvre and hit a curb or worse still another vehicle. That WOULD be a fail....obviously.

9. Don’t do your driving lessons too far apart

You need to keep your experience of driving fresh. The old way of doing 1 lesson per week, will get you there, but much slower. Increasing the frequency of your lessons or time spent in charge of a vehicle will significantly improve the speed of your progress.

10. Don’t try and watch what the examiner is writing.

Watching the examiner’s clipboard to see if he’s writing not only takes your attention away from what you’re supposed to be doing i.e. driving, it will greatly affect your confidence if you see writing occur. Ironically, if the examiner feels that you aren’t driving safely because you are peering at what he/she is doing, they will mark you down...so don’t do it!

Lastly and perhaps not deserving the title of a full-blown ‘tip’, but essential all the same, make sure you take your provisional licence with you and that your eyesight is up to scratch. Either of these could result in the immediate termination of the test.

Happy driving and good luck! If your looking to learn to drive in London visit our driving school website http://drivingschool-harrow.co.uk/

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