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/

My practical test - when should I take it?

When Should i take my Driving Test?

When you pass your written or theory test, your driving instructor will inform you of just how ready you are for the practical stage of your driving test. It goes without saying that your driving school wants you to pass on the first attempt. With this in mind, Drive2pass school of motoring want to offer you that "edge" by giving you the tips listed below to help ensure you don't take it before you are ready, but also to help you bring

the day when you are ready, that bit closer.

Log Book

Different from the conventional logbook, meaning registration certificate for your car, a logbook filled out with the help of your instructor is a great way to track your progress. A written account you can refer to at anytime, will give you a specific record of your strengths and weaknesses. It will also give you a very precise indication of when you are ready to take that all important practical driving test.

Self-help books

There are a number of published works that give you driving tips etc, but in addition there are often testimonials and stories of others, documenting when some have either taken their test at the right time or at the wrong time. Anecdotal evidence is powerful and lets you learn from others' mistakes.

Practice on your own – with appropriate supervision!

Put what you have learnt into practice in between your lessons. There is nothing wrong with doing this and you can even get your instructor to give you things to work on before you see him or her next. It is however, important that you are insured on the owner’s car insurance and imperative that you don't pick up any bad habits from the friend or family member you practice with.

Have a mock test

There's no better indication of how ready you are than to have a 'dry run', simulating test conditions. When in this environment, it is easy to imagine the examiner sitting in the seat instead of your instructor. If you pass the mock test, then you should be more confident of  passing your actual practical.

Reasons for failure

The Driving Standards Agency (or DSA) publish common reasons for failure by students. By being aware of the pitfalls that lay ahead, you prepare yourself for success. Here is a selection taken from some of those publications.

A common place to fail is at junctions. Correct road positioning, signalling and use of mirrors are imperative to display road sense and awareness of other vehicles.

Always signal, adjust road position and use your mirrors in good time when approaching junctions and potential hazards. Getting into the habit of checking mirrors regularly will show your examiner that you are aware of your surroundings.

A lot of people slip up on lane positioning on roundabouts.There is a very specific correct way to approach and manoeuvre around roundabouts. In the whole scheme of things, road positioning is one of the easiest to rectify. By being mindful, you can make sure that you are always getting into the right lane in good time.

Touching the curb

Formerly known as the 'three point turn', the 'turn in the road' is a common place to fail your test. There isn't a maximum number of manoeuvres when turning in the road, so make sure you turn safely and without touching the curb. As long as you show that you are in control of the vehicle at all times, then you can take as many as you need....within reason.

If just one of these tips helps you through your test, or helps you decide the right time to take your test, then it has been worth us writing this and worth you reading it. www.drivingschool-ruislip.co.uk/

Good luck!

Pass your Manoeuvres for your Driving Test

How to Pass your Manoeuvres for your Driving Test?

Most people find driving test as one of the most daunting experiences in their lives. The good news for nervous drivers in the country is that they can actually seek help from different driving schools for a series of courses in National Standards for Driving and Riding. Many driving schools in the country provide confidence boosting lessons in driving both manual and automatic car. With these confidence boosting lessons, one can expect that he can have what it takes to be a responsible and better driver or rider. The driving confidence boosting lessons that most driving schools in the country provides include training for drivers of automatic car, dual controlled car, light vans, motorcycles, and buses.

However, the most difficult part in driving lessons is passing your manoeuvres for the test. Most examiners failed to pass their driving tests as they are nervous drivers. There is nothing to be nervous about taking manoeuvres during manual driving, or driving a dual controlled car. Below are some tips that you can ponder in order to pass your manoeuvres for your driving test.

• Research

It can be an advantage if you do some research about the area where you will take the test. This way, you can have access to road, traffic, pedestrian facilities, and traffic in the area. Taking a peep on the test routes will provide you a better picture of what can happen during the test. You can use Goggle Maps to take a look at the test centre and locate the awkward areas of the road such as curves, one way systems, tricky junctions, and complicated roundabouts. You can even practice in the area with the help of a professional driving instructor.

• Concentrate

High level of concentration is essential in taking manoeuvres for your driving test. You will be driving the car without a professional driving instructor by your side. The rules for driving tests in the country have changed, and you will be required to perform approximately 10-15 minutes of driving independently. During these minutes, you will follow a series of directions, traffic signs, and combination of both. Whether you are driving a manual or an automatic car, confidence is highly needed.

• Observation

Observation is a critical aspect not only in taking your manoeuvres for your driving test but also in real life driving. A thing that you need to do correctly is to check your mirrors at the side and rear. Failing to observe from time to time will fail you during the test or before you even get your car out your garage. If you are on a dual controlled car, it is a good idea to check your blind spot.

Observation play a vital role in making manoeuvres as you can make driving errors such as parking in the kerb or catching people out of your view. Performing observation and checking your mirrors several times before doing the manoeuvres will make your examiner feel confident that you can be a responsible driver.

• Stay Positive, Confident, and Relaxed

Most people who are taking up driving tests fail because they are nervous drivers. Theirs is no reason to be nervous about taking manoeuvres. Taking a deep breath and relaxing will make you feel confident that you will pass the manoeuvres right before you sit inside the car. Stepping inside the car thinking that you will pass the test will provide you with a better result. However, you have to remember that being over confident and reckless can also cause you to fail the driving test.

• Study You Car

Most people do not realize that knowing the car that they drive during the test is essential in making better manoeuvres. This is due to the fact that not all cars are the same. People who are used to manual driving will find it hard to make better manoeuvres than those who are driving automatic car or dual controlled car. Days before you take the exam, you have to make sure you that you ask your examiner the type of car that you are about to drive so you can practice.

These tips on how to pass your manoeuvres for your driving test seem to be easily said than done. However, driving is not a thing that you can learn in an overnight process or days of practice. It is a skill that requires a lot of lessons and practice.

Many driving courses in the country provide the combination of both theory and actual lessons. People who are want to become a skilled and responsible driver need to take driving lessons if they want to achieve their goals. Whether you are used to manual driving or driving an automatic car, taking confidence boosting lessons is highly essential. Remember that your examiner will only let you pass the test if you are a responsible driver as one mistake in the road can cause loss of life.

Learn to Drive Tips

Learn to drive

There is lots of information about what you should do and how you should do it, with regards to going to a driving school and getting professional tuition. But what about when you just want to jump in your car with L plates on (and a driver over 21 with a full car licence with 3 years’ experience under their belt of course!) and get out on the road to get valuable experience. It is definitely recommended that you combine this with professional tuition, so that any bad habits that are picked up are highlighted by your instructor.

Who should I drive with?

Anyone you practice your driving with (without paying them) must be over 21, they must be qualified to drive the type of vehicle you want to learn in, e.g. they must have a manual car licence if they’re supervising you in a manual car and they must have had their driving licence for 3 years. Although this is the legal requirement, it’s important that you feel relaxed and not under pressure when you get behind the wheel, so try and make sure that the person with you is normally calm in the car and has lots of patience.

Keep a log

It can be very useful to keep a log of your driving to pinpoint any points of focus for your instructor to work on with you. If you don’t note it down and forget what you are struggling with, then it will take much longer to get better at it.

Safe driving

When not under the watchful supervision of an instructor, it is easy to let standards slip, but try to obey the same standards even when with a relative or a friend.

i) Try not to turn the radio on as it may distract you

ii) Take time to adjust to different vehicles. There can be big differences between different models and makes of car such as power steering, car size etc.

iii) Try and drive in all the different driving conditions. In the dry, in the wet, and night-time driving are just a few to speak of.

Getting on the road

When you are satisfied that you have accomplished all the necessary precautions before getting behind the wheel, then make sure you;

i) clearly display front and rear L plates, making sure that you don’t obscure either registration plates on the car.

ii) do not use a mobile phone whilst driving.

iii) don’t drive under the influence of prescription drugs. Read all the bumf that goes with medication, so that you are sure you can drive whilst taking them.

iv) only drive vehicles that are stated on your learner licence

v) It goes without saying, but do not drink ANY alcohol prior to driving...just in case. No one can accurately tell whether they are over the limit without a breathalyser and if you are stopped, pleading ignorance as a learner driver will not cut any ice.

When you get out there, be confident, be legal and above all, be safe.

If you would like to learn to drive with us, please visit http://drivingschoolhillingdon.co.uk/#/the-cars/4572823753