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!

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.

Cheaper Car Insurance Infomation

Choosing car insurance after learning to drive

Having a car on the road, as we all know, costs a lot of money when you take into consideration petrol, road tax, mot tests, maintenance and of course, insurance. The sky-high premiums charged to young drivers has seen the number of those people learning to drive drop by 19% since 2005.Whereas there’s little you can do about most of those costs, there may be significant measures you can take in regards to your car insurance and keeping your premiums down.

Pass Plus

Car Insurance is not optional, so if you want to drive, it’s something that you will have to face sooner or later. The first big step you can take is obtain your Pass Plus certification, which can take as little as 6 hours to complete with an accredited driving instructor. A good selection of insurance companies recognise Pass Plus as an indicator that you have the extra experience and less like likely to have an accident, making you less of an insurance liability and therefore cheaper to insure. Not all companies give a discount for this, so it’s important to check when getting insured. For those that do, you can expect a reduction in the region of 30% as a reward for your efforts.

Don’t ‘soup up’ up your car

A key factor in your insurance company deciding your category is the performance of your vehicle. If it has been modified with low-profile alloy wheels and a spoiler etc, then you can expect your premiums to rise to ‘eye-watering’ levels.  

Telematic car insurance

Although you will be required to pay a relatively high cost at the start of your policy, telematic insurance rewards safe driving. According to the AA, a small ‘black box’ GPS device is fitted in your car to record how the car is driven. Factors like speed and cornering are measured to give you a score which may lead to a reduced premium if you drive safely. The advantage is that you pay a premium that’s based on your driving record, rather than the record of all young drivers.

Improve your car's security

Another of the major factors used in calculating your premiums is your car’s overall security. For example, where the vehicle is kept overnight. If it’s kept in a garage, that is better than if it’s kept out on a busy road. Others details include security measures such as alarms/immobilisers, glass etching and removing valuables from your car.

Limited hours policy

Not the sexiest policy around, but when needs must a measure that could result in a reduction of up to 40% is to take out a limited hours policy. A policy aimed at 17 to 25 year olds, it asks that you don’t drive your car between the hours of 11pm and 5am, a time when it is much less likely you’ll be out and about anyway.

Again, check with your insurer to see if this is an option when getting quotes.

You really can change your driving landscape with these different approaches. It could be the difference between you driving and not being able to drive at all. If you would like to take driving lessons with a company who cares, then opt for Drive2Pass Driving Schools covering many areas in London.

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

What is Pass Plus, how does it effect me?

What is Pass Plus and what can it do for me?

According to the government website “Pass Plus is a practical training course that takes at least 6 hours and is for drivers to improve their skills and drive more safely”.

As many new drivers will attest to, driving up to and including your test can be a lot different to what you experience afterwards. It can be taken anytime, but to get the most out of Pass Plus, it’s recommended that you take it within the year after passing your test.

Cheaper insurance

If you are a young driver, then you will be well aware of just how much car insurance can be. As a Pass Plus certified driver, you are displaying your general driving competence and you may find that you receive a discount from your car insurer.

Current insurers offering discounts based on Pass Plus include but are not limited to;

Swinton Colonnade

Tesco Insurance

AA

Churchill

Co-op Insurance

Direct Line

Aviva

Endsleigh

What does the course cover?

The course, as said before, takes a minimum of 6 hours to complete and includes the following disciplines;

i) Town driving

ii) All-weather driving

iii) Driving out of town

iv) Night Driving

v) Driving on dual carriageways

vi) Driving on motorways

Although, all these categories are covered, some may only be in theory, as conditions such as bad weather can’t be easily replicated. Being fully prepared for every avenue and situation, will help your future as a competent and safe driver.

Is it harder to pass than the normal driving test?

The practical assessment rules are more lenient than those used in the normal driving test and many rules that would constitute a fail (such as not parking straight) do not apply. It is only required that the instructor deems you to be able to drive safely and legally.

Can any driving instructor do this?

Your instructor will have to be a Pass Plus registered approved driving instructor. Look for the logo - (insert the logo)

How much does it cost?

The cost does vary depending on where you live, the instructor or driving school that you use and how long it takes you to achieve certification, but based on you taking the standard 6 hours, then the cost will be around £140.

So, in answer to the question right at the beginning of this article “what can Pass Plus do for me?”, it can put more money in your pocket by giving you a discount off your car insurance. In addition to this, it will comprehensively prepare you for all the scenarios you are likely to encounter in your driving life. The confidence and independence gained from knowing that you can go wherever you want, whenever you want regardless of weather can be a real liberation.

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/