Theory driving test question uk

You are driving along the motorway and on your right side are amber coloured reflecting studs. On your left side is white reflecting studs. What lane are you driving on? Left, middle or right.

E-co driving. Save yourself £300

Smart driving

E-co Smart Driving 

For many, driving is a necessity but why spend more on it than you need to?  By driving smarter the average UK driver could save between £300 - £350 each year. With prices continuing to rise, now is an excellent time to start to learn to drive more efficiently. Make sure that you are not using the car when better methods of transport are available and you could save even more.  

Smart driving is easy to do and will reduce your cost of driving.  Try ourFuel your passion app to see how much you can save.

Our top tips for smart driving:

Fuel efficient driving techniques cut fuel costs and reduce the wear and tear on your car. Making you a smarter driver – simply follow our smart driving tips below. 

Techniques to try when you’re driving

Switch it off – If it is safe to do so, turn off your engine when stationary for more than a minute or two. Modern cars use virtually no extra fuel when they’re re-started without pressing the accelerator so you won’t waste lots of fuel turning the car back on. 

Shift to a higher gear as soon as possible - Driving at lower engine speeds reduces fuel consumption. Change up a gear between 2000 and 2500 revolutions per minute (rpm).

Drive smoothly - Anticipate the road as far ahead as possible to avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration. Decelerate early when slowing down.

Slow down - Avoid excessive speeds when possible. Driving at 85mph uses approximately 25% more fuel than 70mph. 

Close your windows if travelling at 60mph or more – The aerodynamic drag on your car of an open window at speeds of 60mph or more adds to your fuel usage.  Keep your windows closed at high speeds.

Get your car in shape

Check tyre pressure frequently – at least once a month and before long journeys. Under-inflated tyres are not only dangerous and but also increase your fuel consumption. While checking tyre pressure, it is also advisable to check the depth of the tyre tread to ensure they are legally compliant.

Lighten your load - Carrying excess weight in a vehicle increases fuel consumption as your car has to work harder to accelerate. Remove heavy objects and clear your boot of unnecessary items so that you can travel as lightly as possible.

Air conditioning – use air conditioning sparingly as your engine has to work harder to power the air conditioning machinery.  If driving at low speed, open the window instead.  

Remove roof boxes and racks if not being used – Car designers strive to make their vehicles as aerodynamic as possible.  Adding a roof box or rack spoils this by increasing drag on your car, making your engine work harder and increasing fuel usage, particularly at high speeds.

Don’t warm the engine – modern engines don’t need to be “warmed up” so idling before you start a journey simply wastes precious fuel.

Download our Eco-driving tips for more information. 

http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Travel/Driving

The Highway Code. Driving in adverse weather.

Do you know the rules about driving in adverse weather?  The highway code tells you https://www.gov.uk/driving-adverse-weather-conditions-226-to-237/icy-and-snowy-weather-228-to-231

Driving on snow for the first time. Ask my Instructor

Over the last week we have seen a lot of snow on the roads.  I have offered to teach my pupils how to drive on snow.  About 75% of them took me up on this and all of them enjoyed every minute of the lesson and gained so much experience from it.
If you ever get the chance to drive on snow with your driving Instructor then take it for after you pass your driving test you could be at work when it snows next and having to drive home in rush hour on snow for the first time is not the easiest thing to do.
Here is a few simple tips to help drive on snow.
1.  Remember the stopping distances is 10 times more than normal driving.
2.  Drive a lot slower than normal, use the appropriate speed.
3.  Look up the road more for cars and obstructions that will cause you to slow down or stop.
4.  Make sure you have enough petrol.
5.  Always carry a spade in the boot, just in case you need to dig the car out.
6.  Pull off in a higher gear in snow to avoid wheel spin.
7.  Avoid heavy braking, can cause skidding.

hope this helps.
www.travis-drive.co.uk
James@Travis School of Motoring

Milton Keynes Roads. Snow

The main roads around Milton Keynes are clear from snow and ok to drive on :) . Some side roads have slush or ice on but are still ok to drive at the appropriate speed.
www.travis-drive.co.uk

Pupils driving in snow

Well done to my pupils today. It is always difficult first time on snow and ice.

Driving on hills with snow

Hills

Climbing hills can pose particular problems on slippery roads.

Always leave plenty of space between yourself and the car ahead before starting your ascent. Stop and wait for a clear road if necessary, otherwise you may end up being stuck (literally) behind less skilful drivers. 

For short hills you may consider reversing up in front-wheel-drive vehicles - this way the driving wheels will carry more weight and have more grip. Zig-zagging can also help your wheels to grip.

Use low gears to help hold you back when descending slippery hills. Select the gear as early as possible.

Try to avoid using the brakes or changing gear while descending.

www.driveractive.com

Driving on Snow

Basic driving technique

When moving off in snow and ice use the highest gear possible - this will usually be second. If you encounter wheel-spin, ease off the gas, otherwise you will simply 'polish' the snow and ice, making it more slippery. 'Rock' the car back and forth to get it moving (clutch up and down).

Sacks under the rear wheels can help the tyres to grip. If you tie them to the 'tow ring' you can pull them along, that way you don't lose them! 

Once you are moving, keep your speed down and use the highest practical gear. Gentle use of all controls is essential.

Although we all consider ourselves to be expert, smooth drivers, it is not always the case.

You might spend some time on an icy car park to improve your finesse, but be careful not to upset the local council or police.

www.driveractive.com

Good driving in the snow.

Well I took out all my pupils today, even when the snow was coming down. The experience that the pupils will get driving in the snow will help them to cope when they are driving after they pass the driving test and the snow comes down then. Well done to all today..

Car Direction Indicators

Direction indicators play an important part of communication between road users. They are operated by the fingertips, but without losing hand contact with the steering wheel. They are frequently required for moving off, stopping, moving left or right, and turning to the left or right at junctions. Generally they should be used in good time, but some traffic situations require special consideration in the timing of them. They must be correct for the situation and cancelled after use. Self-cancelling mechanisms are not infallible and it is the driver's overall responsibility to reapply prematurely cancelled signals and to ensure that indicators are switched off after a manoeuvre is completed.

Driving Aids

Windscreen, windows, wipers, washers, demisters, defrosters and rear screen heaters all help to maintain good all-round visibility for the driver. Avoid using windscreen wipers on dry glass and wiping the insides of the windows with bare hands(rings can scratch). Avoid leaving rear screen heaters on continually when not required. Keep wipers in good condition and washer bottle topped up with water/solvent. keep windows clean at all times. Plenty of fresh air inside the car will help to prevent windows misting up. Familiarise yourself with the controls while the vehicle is stationary.
www.travis-drive.co.uk

Driving Tests from Halfords

Driving tests will be available from the Halfords store in Wellingborough from Tuesday 5 February. Other branches of Halfords across the country are expected to start offering tests in coming months. All tests will be conducted by Driving Standards Agency (DSA) examiners.

Manual Gears

Gears. 
Avoid looking at the gear lever when changing the gears.

First Gear: The most powerful, but slowest. Used for moving off, low speed clutch control and for manoeuvring.
Second Gear: Also powerful, but faster than the first gear. Useful for rapid acceleration and for driving at slower speeds through some hazards.
Third Gear: A faster gear, used for acceleration from over 15 mph. Used for driving through some hazards.
Fourth Gear: The most economical gear, with insufficient power for speeds of much lower than 25 mph. Used to provide progressive acceleration from over 25-30 mph and for cruising at constant speeds.
Fifth Gear: Used as an aid for cruising at sustained higher speeds.
www.travis-drive.co.uk

Driving lessons. 1 hour V 2 hour!

I get asked by my pupils, what is better.  A one hour lesson or a two hour lesson.  I will say the two hour lesson has more benifits.  Let me explain.

One hour lesson   Cost £22

It takes about 10 minutes from the start of the lesson to get back to where you left off from your last lesson.  This is down to being a bit rusty and still trying to learn the task from the last lesson. 

If we work on hill starts we could end up driving to a suitable place that could be 5 to 10 minutes away. Then we work on hill starts we could end up spending 20 minues practicing this, which then leaves you only 20 minutes left of your lesson which does not include driving back to your home. So you will not get the time to drive to different areas unless we miss somthing out.

Two hour lesson   Cost £43

It takes about 10 minutes from the start of the lesson to get back to where you left off from your last lesson.  This is down to being a bit rusty and still trying to learn the task from the last lesson. 

If we work on hill starts we could end up driving to a suitable place that could be 5 to 10 minutes away. Then we work on hill starts we could end up spending 20 minues practicing this, which then leaves you about 1 hour and 20 minutes left of your lesson to work on learning more skills.  It also gives more time to drive to differant areas to gain more experience and pratice. Then leave about 10 to 15 minutes to get back home.

A.   1 x 2 hour lesson, you take 10 minutes to get back to where you were from previous lesson.

2 x 1 hour lessons will take 10 minues  x 2  ( 20 minutes)to get back to where you were from your previous lesson.

B.  The DSA states it takes an average of 45 hours training with a driving instructor plus 20 hours private lessons with your mum and dad.  So if you were having 1 hour a week with no gaps then it will take you about 11 months  to take your driving test.

If you were taking 2 hours a week then you could be taking your driving test by 4 to 5 months.

www.travis-drive.co.uk

Two driving test passes this month already..

Well done to Aimee Hockens looking very happy on passing the driving test today and with only 4 minors.  Safe Driving in Milton Keynes.

www.travis-drive.co.uk

Physical side of driving

The physical side to driving
Apart from pushing the pedals and turning the steering wheel, driving is not a very physical activity – this is perhaps one reason why people become fatigued on long journeys.

And as the roadside signs often seen on motorways tell us, tiredness kills.
If you are diving on a long journey consider a buddy who can share the drive half way.
www.travis-drive.co.uk

First Driving test pass of the New Year.

A great start to the new year.
Congratulations to Saint Thiaw on passing his driving test today.  All the hard work has paid off.  Safe driving around Milton Keynes.

www.travis-drive.co.uk