Be a safer driver: tip 3.

Be a safer driver: tip 3.
Don't drink and drive. Even a small amount of alcohol will effect your ability to drive. Nominate a driver for the night and let them drink cola. Cheaper than a taxi. www.travis-drive.co.uk

Be a safer driver: tip 3.

Be a safer driver: tip 3.
Don't drink and drive. Even a small amount of alcohol will effect your ability to drive. Nominate a driver for the night and let them drink cola. Cheaper than a taxi. www.travis-drive.co.uk

Be a safer driver: tip 3.

Be a safer driver: tip 3.
Don't drink and drive. Even a small amount of alcohol will effect your ability to drive. Nominate a driver for the night and let them drink cola. Cheaper than a taxi. www.travis-drive.co.uk

Safe driving: Tip 2

 Safer driver tip 2.
Anticipate: having looked ahead, use that knowledge to anticipate the problems that might come up and plan for them well in advance, to avoid needing to take last-minute action.
www.travis-drive.co.uk

Safe driving: Tip

Be a safer driver tip 1.
Read the road: the further ahead you look, the more time you have to recognise and respond to hazzards.www.travis-drive.co.uk

Travis School of Motoring

Travis School of Motoring

Driving Lessons in Milton Keynes.

If you want driving lessons in the Milton Keynes area then watch this video.
www.travis-drive.co.uk

Travis School of Motoring: Driving Lessons Milton Keynes

Travis School of Motoring: Driving Lessons Milton Keynes: A selection of pupils who all passed with Travis School of Motoring. www.travis-drive.co.uk

Mariusz Gil

Mariusz Gil

50,000 new drivers banned in four years.

Nearly 50,000 new drivers have had their licence revoked in the past four years, DVLA figures reveal today, with seven in ten under the age of 25.

Under strict rules brought in to cut the number of serious accidents among newly qualified drivers, those who tot up six points or more within two years of passing their test face an automatic ban.

The latest figures show that of the 48,983 who lost their licence in this way since 2009,  33,910 were under the age of 25. Men account for nearly eight out of ten bans.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2515921/50-000-new-drivers-lose-licence-young-male-motorists-penalised-tough-new-points-regime.html#ixzz2mh714kP5
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
www.travis-drive.co.uk

Tax Disc law changing.

DVLA will offer motorists the ability to spread their vehicle tax payments should they wish to do so. From 1 October 2014 motorists will be able to pay vehicle tax by direct debit annually, biannually or monthly. There will be no additional handling fees for annual payments but to limit the impact on the public finances there will be a small surcharge of 5% of vehicle tax for biannual and monthly payments. This is half of the 10% surcharge that is currently applied to 6 monthly tax discs and which has been in existence for a number of decades.

Also from 1 October 2014, the paper tax disc, first issued on 1 January 1921, will no longer be issued and required to be displayed on a vehicle windscreen. Vehicle tax will still need to be paid but with DVLA having a digital record of who has and has not paid, a paper tax disc is no longer necessary as proof that vehicle tax is paid. The vast majority of motorists pay their vehicle tax with latest figures confirming that over 99% of motorists’ tax their vehicles on time… Most on-road enforcement action is now based on using Automatic Number Plate Readers. These cameras use the number plate rather than a visual inspection of the tax disc. The police also have access to DVLA records via the police national computer. There are significant savings for fleet operators and other businesses from not having to handle the administration of tax discs.

www.travis-drive.co.uk

Police launch Christmas anti-drink campaign.

Thames Valley Police launched its Christmas anti-drink and drugs campaign this week. The force will be conducting more cross-border operations that ever before with the aim of reducing the number of alcohol and drugs related incidents on the roads over the Christmas period.
www.travis-drive.co.uk

The Christmas rush in Mk and Buckingham

The Christmas rush in MK and Buckingham. 
Today I seen a noticeably increase in traffic on the roads. This is the start of the Christmas shoppers, rushing around, taking risks. 
Be careful on the roads over the next 4 weeks.
Safe driving www.travis-drive.co.uk
James

Special offer driving lessons.

WINTER SPECIAL OFFER
First 3 hours at £15 per hour.
check out my website with more offers from this link www.travis-drive.co.uk

How to drive on Motorways

How to drive on Motorways
Firstly ask your instructor to take you on the motorway. After all they know what your driving is like and you understand the way that they coached you to drive. www.travis-drive.co.uk

If asking your driving instructor is not possible then below are a few pointers to help. 

Read the rules of the Motorway. 

Many new drivers worry about their first time alone on a motorway. 

Motorways are safer, than normal roads, but they are also faster. Sometimes things do happen quicker, and you have to concentrate all the time.

When you are on the main carriageway of the motorway, remain in the first lane until you get used to the speed. If you need to overtake you must return to the first lane as soon as possible but only if its safe to do so! Many motorists try to stay in the overtaking lanes for normal driving. This is bad practice and causes inconvenience and tailbacks and annoys other users.

There are two types of motorway, rural and urban. You need to think of them as quiet and busy. Quiet motorways are boring, so you need to concentrate on the road and traffic conditions way ahead. Busy motorways need your attention all around you rather than just focused ahead.

Motorways are like dual carriageways only safer. They are safer because every motorway user is travelling in the same direction and at similar speeds. Another reason why motorways are safer is due to the fact that traffic is restricted to those who can make best use of it i.e. no pedestrians, cyclists, moped, no L drivers (except HGV), agricultural vehicles, and animals. Motorways are also safer because there are no sharp bends, no oncoming traffic, no right turn, and no roundabouts. The lanes are always wide, and well marked, and are usually straight for long distances. 
www.travis-drive.co.uk

Pass your driving test at the 1st go.

Top tips for passing your Driving Test - At the First Attempt.
www.travis-drive.co.uk
To pass your driving test you need to drive without making any serious or dangerous faults and no more than 15 minor faults during a drive of about 40 minutes. You must also complete several manoeuvres.
Do Your Homework
1. Pin up a map of your test centre area and mark out the test routes. Mark difficult areas on it such as one-way streets, difficult junctions, double mini roundabouts, so that you are ready for them on approach, rather than having to deal with them as if they have come out of nowhere. Make sure you get plenty of practice over the test routes with a professional driving school such as Travis School of Motoring.
2. Practise manoeuvres until you can carry them out without any minor faults. That will leave you with a margin of 15 faults for the rest of the drive on the day of your test.
3. Practise, practise, and practise until you can drive without verbal or physical intervention from me (your instructor) for the duration of a full driving lesson or a mock driving test. Don't forget: it's not practice that makes perfect: it's practice – with a professional driving instructor – that makes perfect.
Test Day
i) Warm up: Arrange to have an hour's driving lesson around the area of the test centre on the day of your test. This will help you to warm up and get into the swing of things. You will also be aware of any new roadworks, obstructions etc and will feel more able to deal with them more easily. Forewarned is foreamed.
ii) Nerves: If you start feeling shaky bag of nerves, breathe in, hold your breath, count up to 20 and out breathe out. Repeat this exercise until you gain control of your nerves. Once the test starts, you'll settle into your driving and your attention will be on the road rather than on your own feelings, and your nervousness should disappear.
iii) Think confident: Talk yourself – silently! – through the test. Talk about hazards coming up and how you are going to deal with them. This really focuses your mind on how you should be driving in order to pass the test.
iv) Don't be afraid to ask: If you don't understand what the examiner has asked you to do, don't be afraid to ask him or her to repeat the instruction.
v) Think positive: Before you start a manoeuvre, repeat to yourself three times – silently – "this is a piece of cake". Think positively at all times. You can do it!
vi) Making a mistake: If you feel you're messing up a manoeuvre, just pull forwards and do it again correctly. As long as you haven't done anything wrong, such as touching the kerb or failing to make effective observations, you can still pass.
vii) Stalling: if, unfortunately, you stall, deal with it and move on. As long as you don't stall in a dangerous situation, such as on a roundabout and as long as you handle it properly, this needn't count as a major fault and you can still pass your test.
viii) Have I already failed? If you feel you've made a mistake, don't instantly assume you've failed – it may only have been a minor fault. Put it behind you and carry on driving as well as you can.
ix) Keep your eyes on the road: Resist the temptation to look at the examiner and what he or she is writing. You will not be able to deduce anything anyway. Keep your attention on your driving and the road ahead!
Good Luck.

Driving Test Nerves. How to calm them.

Driving test Nerves-How to calm them.

Driving Test Nerves - How To Calm Them
If you are affected by driving test nerves then the first thing to remember is that you are not alone. Driving test nerves affect the majority of learner drivers, the overwhelming majority of whom will eventually go on to pass their driving test.

The second point to remember is that you shouldn't be taking your practical driving test unless I think you are capable of passing. If I think you're ready, then you are capable of passing. Already you have a vote of confidence from someone who matters.

Why do you feel nervous? What consequences do you fear? Is it for your safety on the road? If it is then don't worry, you're in a dual controlled car with a professional Driving Test Examiner. They know how to deal with you and any mistakes you may make.

Maybe your nerves stem from the fear that if you fail your test you'll let your friends and family down. If so then sod them. Don't tell them.

Fear of Failure - Leads to Failure

In some people exams of any sort can cause nerves and anxiety to rise. If this is you then put your driving test in context. It's a lot easier to retake a driving test than it is your GCSE's or A-Levels. The main loss of a failed driving test is financial, several more lessons and the cost of a second test.

Take your nerves on by accepting them. Nerves can be positive. They tell the body to release adrenaline which helps keep you alert and focused. Use nerves to your advantage and they will increase your performance.

Turn the day to your advantage. When are you at your best? If you're a morning person then make sure you book your driving test for a morning start. If it takes you until noon to "wake-up" then make sure you book an afternoon test.

Never book a driving test during a time when you know other stressful events will be happening.

Arrive at the driving test centre unhurried and at least 15 minutes before your test is due to start.
www.travis-drive.co.uk

Believe in the positive. Focus on your successes in life, not your failures.
As the test day approaches ask yourself the following questions.

Do I feel nervous?
Do I experience self-doubt?
Do I get butterflies in my stomach?
Do I fear underperformance?
Does my body tense up?
Do I feel prepared?
Do I feel relaxed in mind and body?
Do I feel up for it?
Do I need the toilet?
Do I enjoy the challenge?
When you answer these questions, ask yourself why you have answered it in that way and why you fell that way. If the answer is a negative, think about how you can change it, what you can do to prevent it in the future. Write out a list of positive and negative thought about your driving, as this will help you recognise areas of perceived personal weakness that need working on.

Don't Take a 'Test', Go For A Drive

As soon as the word test or exam is mentioned it can ignite all sorts of negative thoughts and associations. You can start to feel pressured and stressed. So don;t take a test, go for a drive. You already have the ability to drive to test standard, otherwise your instructor wouldn't have told you to book the test, so all you have to do is drive naturally, to the standard you are capable of.

Don't Let A Previous Fail Influence You

Don't dwell on a previous fail. You failed, so what? Move on. You're better this time, more experienced, and, statistically, you have a much higher chance of passing this time.

Breathe, Relax

There are many techniques/remedies that claim to ease nerves and anxiety. From herbal remedies such as Kalms tablets to psychological techniques such as visualization and even hypnosis. Does any of this work? Well maybe. I myself have no first hand or even second hand experience that any of them do work so I won't be recommending any.

One technique I can recommend however is 4-7-8 breathing. Breathing correctly can have a profound effect on the way you feel. It is widely considered to be the most effective and time efficient relaxation method that exists.

The standard breathing relaxation method recommended for your natural breathing pattern is

breathe into your diaphragm, (the bottom of your stomach), not shallow chest breathing
inhale through the nose
exhale through the mouth
take longer to exhale than to inhale
slow your breathing down (less breaths-per-minute)
4-7-8 breathing simply adds

begin by slowly breathing in through your nose for a count of 4.
Hold the breath for a count of 7.
Slowly exhale through your mouth for a count of 8. When you exhale, try to make a soft whoosh sound by holding the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth (or lightly clench your teeth) as you exhale slowly.
Repeat this process for three more times (for a total of four breaths.) Do not do more than four breaths at first - with practice, you can work your way up to eight breaths. Do this twice each day.
4-7-8 breathing shouldn't be your naturally breathing pattern but should be used to calm nerves and find a more relaxed state of mind at or before times of increased anxiety.

The Power of Sleep

For anyone taking their driving test, nervous or not, a good nights sleep is essential. It has been estimated that up to 36 percent of all vehicle accidents were sleep (lack of) related. Research shows that sleep patterns play a huge part in driver awareness, performance and road safety, and a poor nights sleep will have a negative effect on your driving. Tiredness will also heighten feelings of anxiety and nervousness.

If you do feel tired prior to taking the test you should avoid taking caffeine. As a stimulant it can heighten feelings of anxiety plus research has shown that it does not increase alertness or concentration unless taken alongside a short power nap of around twenty minutes. Additional research has shown that a high sugar content in a drink that contains caffeine can actually make the sleepiness worse, although a glucose or energy drink can temporarily help alertness.

So, take sleep seriously. Try and get several good nights sleep in the run up to your driving test. If you do, you will be physically and mentally at your best and much more able to deal with any negative feelings or anxiety you may have.
www.travis-drive.co.uk

Driving test Doctor

Driving test Doctor

• Do you need help with your driving lessons? 
• Do you need advise on your driving?
• DO you keep failing your driving test?

www.travis-drive.co.uk

Pass the driving test with Zero minors!

Not easy to come by, but when they arrive it always puts a smile on the driving instructors face.  

www.travis-drive.co.uk

Good luck to all pupils who are taking the driving test this week.

James

Winter driving tips for new drivers

Winter driving tips
As the winter starts to get its grip I am thinking about all those pupils who passed the driving test in summer. So here are a few tips that I hope you might consider.
1. Put a spade in the boot of your car( in case you get snowed in).
2. Check the grip on your tyres. You need a minimum 1.6mm to be legal. Even more to be safer on the wets wintery roads.
3. Get a winter service done. Last thing you want is the car breaking down.
4. Check the wind screen wipers for there condition and ask yourself will they last the winter.
5. Check all your light(once a week).
6. If going on a long journey check weather forecast.
7. Keep a blanket in the boot.
8. Have deicer and scraper in boot for the frosty days.
9. When driving in winter remember that frost can be around all day, even on a sunny day in the shade and on bends.
10. When driving give yourself more time to get from A to B.
11. At Christmas the car parks become packed(full) give yourself more time to park. Or use the park and ride.
12. At Christmas the roads get a lot more traffic on in the run up to the 24th. Be extra careful( busy roads means more idiots to look out for).
www.travis-drive.co.uk
Drive safe
James

Don't forget to claim your FREE on line driver course.

FREE ON LINE THEORY/PRACTICAL COURSE.
Don't forget all new pupils will get a FREE on line theory/practical course to help them gain a better understanding of driving whist outside of the driving lessons. It will help you to prepare for each driving lesson giving you a better knowledge base which is will help you to become a very good safe driver.
www.travis-drive.co.uk

Pass your driving test in Milton keynes

Driving Lessons Milton Keynes

A selection of pupils who all passed with Travis School of Motoring.

www.travis-drive.co.uk

Aquaplaning in Milton Keynes.

How to Deal With Aquaplaning

In heavy or persistent rain, pools can form across the road. 
Aquaplaning accurs because the tyres cannot clear the road of water and a "wedge" of water forms between the tyre and the road, losing any traction between tyres and road. 

Your Steering appears light, like your driving on a sheet of ice. 



Aquaplaning can be a terrifying experience, however, it is not the initial stages of an incident that will cause loss of control of the vehicle, it will be what the driver does in response the incident that will become the problem. 

As soon as you feel the car begin to aquaplane just take your foot off the accelerator and DON'T use the brake. 

DON'T PANIC!!!!!!!!!!

If any braking is done at any time this will only make everything worse, so do not make any speed or directional changes. 

The period of aquaplaning, for 99% of occasions, will be for no more than a second or two. 

Hold the steering wheel,

taking your foot off the accelerator

and NOT using the brake 

This will be enough for you to gain control of the vehicle. 

In seconds, the car control will come back, and you can continue your journey again. 
http://www.2pass.co.uk/aquaplaning.htm#.UoN75aWkkfE

Video on driving lessons in milton keynes

www.drive-travis.co.uk

Do I need a refresher driving lesson?

 Received a text off an old pupil who passed in August of this year, then went off to University. The girl wanted to know if a refresher lesson was needed in December for she is back then and her dad was going to let her drive over Christmas. 
I lesson would be wise for a bit of rusty driving would be starting to show. You still might have the confidence to drive but a lesson would not do anybody any harm and it will give the girl the opportunity to practice in a car that she passed in.
www.travis-drive.co.uk

Driving at this time of year!

This time of year the weather is wet, leaves on the ground and mud on the road. So, it is more important that every time you get in your car to access the road conditions and drive at the correct speed to match that condition. 
Safe driving 
James www.travis-drive.co.uk

Buy Christmas Driving lessons now.

Buy your friends and family Christmas driving lessons from Travis School of Motoring. Check out the vouchers from the link www.travis-drive.co.uk This can be as little as £15.

Driving Lessons in Milton keynes.

Driving Lessons in Milton keynes.

Feel free to share this video

B & Q roundabout in Bletchley

B & Q roundabout in Bletchley

Driving Lessons in Milton keynes.

Driving Lessons in Milton keynes.

Shaving on the Motorway.

A man who was shaving while speeding on the motorway was among 200 drivers caught by undercover Hampshire and Thames Valley Police.  They also stopped a driver brushing his teeth with one hand, while holding a razor in the other.
www.adinews.co.uk
www.travis-drive.co.uk  

More theory test failures!

More theory test failures.
New questions added to the theory test cut the pass rate among learners who took the test between April and June this year to just over 50%. That's more than 8% fewer than in the same period in 2012, according to the latest stats from the DSA.
www.travis-drive.co.uk

I took a wrong turn on my driving test.

If you take a wrong turn on your driving test, don't panic.  As long as you have checked your mirrors and signalled to go that direction and done the correct observations you will be ok.
www.travis-drive.co.uk

Happy Halloween Driving

Safe driving today/tonight around Milton Keynes and buckingham.
www.travis-drive.co.uk

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Want to learn to drive in Milton keynes?

www.travis-drive.co.uk

Cross winds in Milton Keynes

Cross Winds

Cross Winds
At moment it is very windy around Milton keynes. If you are out driving remember that cross winds are dangerous. 
You could encounter a cross wind when driving along a road that has been protected by trees and becomes more open flat fields, or if you pass a large HGV. 
This is where the wind will push against the side of the car causing it to move to either left or right. If you are expecting it could happen then keep a firm grip of the steering wheel and readjust the car back into the centre of your lane. If you are passing a large HGV then give it a bit more space and try not to stay in its blind spot for too long.

Be safe today

James

www.travis-drive.co.uk

Bletchley Driving Test Centre. Test routes.

Bletchley Driving Test Centre & Driving Test Routes
		The main thing with Bletchley is you need to know the area well. There are a lot of speed changes on the Bletchley routes, including National Speed Limits, so you need to be aware of the speed limit of the roads you are on. I would recommend having driving lessons with a approved driving instructor in the area.  They can give you a full assessment of your driving and tell you how many hours (if any) you would need to get to driving test standard. This is a couple of links to driving schools in Milton Keynes with very good pass rates www.drive-travis.co.uk www.drivejohnsons.co.uk If you are wanting to take the driving test on your own without the help of a driving instructor then try and download the test routes from the link below http://www.route-led.com/bletchley-driving-test-centre.asp

Driving in Autumn.

Autumn driving advice

Don't get caught out by the seasonal change in driving conditions

 

Autumn isn't all about blackberries and crunchy leaves – it also brings many changes for road users, from dazzlingly blinding sunlight to the first icy windscreen of the season. Be prepared – plan ahead to avoid being caught out.

Autumn is particularly bad for dazzle from low sun. Improve vision by making sure that the windscreen is clean – inside and out. Even non-smokers find a hazy film builds up on the inside surface of the windscreen over time. Scratches, abrasions and chips on the outside can intensify the sun's dazzle too.

Windscreen wipers

Blades will last for two years at the most. New blades clear the screen more effectively and so help reduce dazzle from the sun. Now is a good time to renew worn blades.

Windscreen washer fluid

Top up and treat with a good quality, purpose-made additive to reduce the chance of freezing. Don't use ordinary engine anti-freeze but do check the handbook carefully to make sure you fill the right reservoir.

Battery

This is one of the most common causes of breakdown at any time of year, but particularly in the winter when electrical loads are higher. If there's any sign of the battery struggling now, the likelihood is that it'll let you down at some time during the winter, particularly if it's more than five years old. It makes sense to renew the battery now to avoid the hassle and inconvenience of an unplanned failure later.

More about batteries and winter breakdowns >>

Bulbs

Check all bulbs regularly (at least once a week) not forgetting brake lights and number plate lights. The handbook will show you how to change bulbs, though some headlight bulbs may require a visit to the garage. Carry some spare bulbs.

Tyres

Check all tyres for condition, pressure and tread depth. We recommend at least 3mm of tread for winter motoring, so if the treads are getting low think about buying new tyres now before the colder weather sets in.

More about tyres >>

Antifreeze

Not just for winter, antifreeze is important all year round as it contains additives to prevent corrosion and improve summer cooling too. It should be checked as part of the regular service schedule.

A frozen engine is very expensive to repair so if there's any doubt now is a good time to check the concentration. The handbook will give details of the correct antifreeze to use for your car — there are different types and mixing them could cause engine damage. If in doubt get a garage to check for you — many offer cheap or even free winter checks at this time of year.

More about antifreeze >>

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/seasonal/autumn_advice.html

Road Rage

Our Biggest Fear as Drivers:

Statistics tell us that most all of us have been involved in an aggressive driving experience either as the victim or the aggressor at some point in our lives.

Aggressive driving and road rage is on the rise and according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAA) it is one, if not the top concern for many drivers today. AAA reported that, "at least 1,500 people a year are seriously injured or killed in senseless traffic disputes."

http://crime.about.com/od/victims/p/roadrage.htm

A great bay park in Milton Keynes

A great bay park today, well done Emma

To book your theory test

Thinking of booking the theory test.  Then follow this link to the DSA website https://www.gov.uk/book-a-driving-theory-test

It will cost you £31 to book.

If you find yourself on another website saying they will book it for you then they will charge you extra to book it.

Free mock theory test

Just follow the link


http://toptests.co.uk

Travis School of Motoring: Emergency Stop Part 2

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Too frightened to take the driving test..

A pupil of mine was frightened to take the driving test.  I asked what was causing this and my pupil said "the thought of failing the test is making me not want to take the driving test".   After a lot of encouragement and a bit of pushing the test was finally booked.
On the day of the driving test my pupil changed the mind and decided to cancel the test.  I did manage to explain that by not taking the test you were giving in to the nerves and to think of the test as a driving lesson.
My pupil took the driving test and got a great examiner who also helped put the nerves to rest.  My pupil passed first time and is now driving round Milton Keynes happy.

So,  if you are reading this and have got the driving test jitters then, don't let the nerves get the better of you and go and take that driving test.

James
www.travis-drive.co.uk

Well done to my pupils in Milton keynes.

Well done to all my pupils today.  Very good driving from all of you, see you all next week.

Driving in Buckingham

I will be teaching a pupil to drive in Buckingham today.  Looking forward to the lesson.

How to drive on Motorways.

How to Deal With
Driving On Motorways

Take our Motorway Quiz and see how well you know the rules of the Motorway. 

Many new drivers worry about their first time alone on a motorway. 

Motorways are safer, than normal roads, but they are also faster. Sometimes things do happen quicker, and you have to concentrate all the time. 

When you are on the main carriageway of the motorway, remain in the first lane until you get used to the speed. If you need to overtake you must return to the first lane as soon as possible but only if its safe to do so! Many motorists try to stay in the overtaking lanes for normal driving. This is bad practice and causes inconvenience and tailbacks and annoys other users. 

There are two types of motorway, rural and urban. You need to think of them as quiet and busy. Quiet motorways are boring, so you need to concentrate on the road and traffic conditions way ahead. Busy motorways need your attention all around you rather than just focused ahead. 

Motorways are like dual carriageways only safer. They are safer because every motorway user is travelling in the same direction and at similar speeds. Another reason why motorways are safer is due to the fact that traffic is restricted to those who can make best use of it i.e. no pedestrians, cyclists, moped, no L drivers (except HGV), agricultural vehicles, and animals. Motorways are also safer because there are no sharp bends, no oncoming traffic, no right turn, and no roundabouts. The lanes are always wide, and well marked, and are usually straight for long distances. 

Remember you are not allowed to reverse, cross the central reservation, or to drive in the wrong direction on motorways. 

On urban (busy) motorways each lane of traffic has an electronic signal system which applies to traffic in each lane. Care needs to be taken to make sure you know the various signals and what they mean. Motorway signs are being used with increasing frequency to warn you of hold ups or accidents ahead. 

When joining a motorway you usually join from a roundabout or a main road by means of a slip road. This leads to an acceleration lane. The rule here is not to interfere with the traffic already on the motorway. Make sure your speed is the same as the traffic already on the motorway. Vehicles already on the motorway usually realise you need to join the main carriageway and they try and move over to the other lane. (This is not always possible if the traffic is busy). This makes room for you to join the first lane of the motorway. Mirrors and signals must be used correctly to avoid interfering with the following traffic. Full and proper observation as you enter usually involves looking over your right shoulder as well as using your door mirrors. Don't rely on mirrors alone. 

To get off the motorway the normal procedure is to look for the first advance warning sign (1 mile from the exit). This sign gives the exit number and the road number. 

At half a mile from the exit a second sign identifies the towns for the exit.
Then at 300 yards from the deceleration lane there is a three line countdown marker, (at this point you should begin to signal left to say you are turning off - but don't slow down yet), followed by the 200 yd and 100 yd marker signs. Only when you have crossed into the deceleration lane should you begin to slow down. 

Once you get back on to ordinary roads again, you need to watch your speed until you are acclimatised to the new lower speeds on the road. Don't forget too, that these roads are likely to have roundabouts, oncoming traffic, and sharp bends on them. 

Breaking Down on the Motorway

Video Lesson - When to Use the Motorway Hard Shoulder 

Hopefully if your vehicle is well maintained and fuelled up, you should be in no danger of breaking down on the motorway, but we all know that even a car which is only a few hours old can still break down. 

If you do break down then the hard shoulder is there to help you. When you are stopping on the hard shoulder (remember, only use the hard shoulder in an emergency), try to stop at one of the emergency telephones. This will save you time if you have to walk to the phone. Switch on your hazard lights and try to stop as near to the left as possible. If you have passengers get them out of the car, off the hard shoulder, and as far away from danger as possible. Do this before you go to use the phone. The phone is always within half a mile from any spot on the motorway. 

Look at the arrows on the nearest post, like the one in the picture on the left. These will tell you the direction to walk to the nearest phone. The phones are free to use, and connect you straight to the police who control that stretch of motorway. When you return to your vehicle to wait for help, do not get back into the car, but stay on the embankment, or as far away from the traffic as possible. If you have a mobile phone it's O.K. to use this initially, but the police do prefer you to use the roadside phones to confirm your exact location. 

Remember that motorways are safe, but they are fast, you need to concentrate because things happen quicker than a normal road. 
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Lane Discipline

Video Lesson - Lane discipline on Motorways When driving along motorways always remain in the left lane unless you are travelling faster than traffic ahead of you and it is safe to move over to the right lanes. If you use these lanes you must return to the left lane as soon as it is safe to do so. 

It is bad practice to try and stay in the overtaking lanes for normal driving. This annoys other users because they can see that you are avoiding the empty lanes on the left, or never using your mirrors to see the tailbacks that you are causing. Remember the two-second rule. Four seconds will give you time to react easily and you will be more relaxed. 

Video Lesson - Motorway Red X with Flashing Red Lights 

 

http://www.2pass.co.uk/motorway.htm#.Ul5Xzxbe4fE