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

Travis School of Motoring: How long will it take me to pass my driving test i...

Travis School of Motoring: How long will it take me to pass my driving test i...: How long will it take me to pass my driving test in Milton Keynes? How long will it take me to pass my driving test? That's a ve...

Travis School of Motoring: City driving tips

Travis School of Motoring: City driving tips: City driving tips   How to improve your city driving skills. 1. Be twice as alert - there's more to watch out for! Cities a...

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

Travis School of Motoring: Emergency Stop Part 2: Stopping under control Part 2. Controlling the car Control when stopping quickly is easy if you follow the two basic rules below... Press th...

Travis School of Motoring: Emergency Stop

Travis School of Motoring: Emergency Stop: Stopping under control Part 1. During your driving test you might be asked to 'stop, as if in an emergency'. Although this isn't...

Travis School of Motoring: Driving. Flashing headlights

Travis School of Motoring: Driving. Flashing headlights: Flashing headlights Like the horn, flashing headlights warn other road users of your presence. They should not be used for any other reason....

Travis School of Motoring: Driving. Someone has flashed the headlights at me....

Travis School of Motoring: Driving. Someone has flashed the headlights at me....: What if someone flashes the headlights at me? Perhaps having read the post on flashing headlights, you might be coming to the conclusion tha...

Travis School of Motoring: How long will it take me to pass my driving test i...

Travis School of Motoring: How long will it take me to pass my driving test i...: How long will it take me to pass my driving test in Milton Keynes? How long will it take me to pass my driving test? That's a ve...

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. 
www.travis-drive.co.uk

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

Passed the driving test in Milton Keynes.

A very good driving test pass by Ellie Fox http://www.travis-drive.co.uk/apps/photos/

4x4 driving tips

 

How to become a good nighttime driver and why you should be extra alert when driving in the city?

1. Routinely check your tyres.

Make sure you do the following routine maintenance:

Keep your tyres properly inflated. The correct air pressure for your tyres is specified by the vehicle manufacturer and can be found on the vehicle door edge, door-post, and glove box door or fuel door. It is also listed in the owner's manual. The number listed on the side of the tire is not the recommended air pressure for your tyre – it is the maximum air pressure for the tyre. You should check your tyre's air pressure at least once a month.

Check the tyres tread depth. Proper tread depth will help prevent skids, aquaplaning and blowouts.

2. Slow down.

Going too slow can be hazardous, but whenever you find yourself in difficult conditions like fog, rain, snow or glare, reduce your speed. Don't rush or lose patience.

3. Become a good night time driver.

Night driving can be a pleasure if you are aware of the special alertness demanded by low visibility. A few fundamentals: Keep your headlights and tail lights on for the entire period between sunset and sunrise. Put your headlights on low-beam when another vehicle is within 200 metres, also when driving behind another vehicle. If your car breaks down at night, make sure other drivers can see your car and stop in time. Turn on the hazard warning lights. If possible, pull off the road. Avoid stopping just over a hill or just around a curve. Take good notice of roadside reflectors and any other helpful visual signals to stay on the road at night.

4. Be aware of your physical condition.

You need good vision and good hearing, and you must be alert and responsive. Never drive when:

• You have been drinking alcohol
• You have taken any prescription or over-the-counter medicine that can cause drowsiness
• You are under the influence of any drug that may affect your performance or perception
• You are very tired
• You are emotionally upset – this can cause you to become careless.

5. Pay attention to the special requirements of different seasons.

You must prepare your car and tyres well in advance for Winter, but also for the other seasons. Fog, excessive rainfall, snow and ice, and glare and heat all bring specific kinds of adjustments and maintenance. Look at our Winter driving tips and the 'Maintaining a tyre' section here in the site for more information. And consult your Goodyear dealer, too.

6. Be extra alert when driving in the city.

Cities and urban areas have the highest concentrations and varieties of traffic, from pedestrians, trams and bicycles to utility vehicles like street sweepers and garbage trucks. There is twice as much to watch out for. You have to pay great attention to what is going on in front, to the sides and behind your vehicle.

http://www.goodyear.eu/uk_en/tire-advice/safe-driving/driving-tips/4x4-driving-tips.jsp

City driving tips

 

How to improve your city driving skills.

1. Be twice as alert - there's more to watch out for!

Cities and urban areas have the highest concentrations and varieties of traffic, from pedestrians, trams and bicycles to utility vehicles like street sweepers and garbage trucks. There is twice as much to watch out for. You have to pay great attention to what is going on in front, to the sides and behind your vehicle.

2. In addition to using the mirrors, look over your shoulder.

Watch out for blind spots, even if you've checked all your mirrors. Whenever changing lanes or pulling away from the curb, look around to check for other cars or motorcycles.

3. Intersections demand extra alertness.

Pay special attention to intersections. There is more to watch out for and more that can go wrong. Go slowly, and anticipate wrong moves by pedestrians.

4. Signal consistently and well in advance.

Always signal well in advance when turning or changing lanes. Forcing your way into another lane can cause angry or aggressive reactions.

5. Develop a co-operative and flexible attitude.

Concentrate on making allowances for others when they make mistakes. This can help avoid tense situations that can lead to accidents.

http://www.goodyear.eu/uk_en/tire-advice/safe-driving/driving-tips/city-driving-tips.jsp

Performance driving tips

 

High performance isn't only required from racing drivers. Are you ready for the road?

1. Don't become an aggressive driver.

Yelling, honking the horn, slamming on the brakes in front of a tailgater, passing on the road shoulder, speeding, improper gestures... All of these can quickly create a dangerous situation. Be aware of the real danger, and keep your temper in check. Don't drive when angry, over-tired or upset. Avoid conflict, even if you are right. Allow extra time and avoid congestion whenever possible.

2. In addition to using the mirrors, look over your shoulder.

If a driver is acting aggressively toward you, do not retaliate or engage him or her. Get out of the way. Don't make eye contact. Keep your doors locked and your windows up. Don't underestimate the potential of the other driver for aggression.

3. Stay alert

Be rested, calm and not under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Avoid distracting activities like eating or engaging in conversations with passengers.

4. Avoid highway hypnosis.

Highway hypnosis – extreme drowsiness caused by a combination of repetitive visual stimuli and fatigue – is one of the greatest driving hazards. When driving long distances, make frequent stops, during which you might take short naps or exercise. Exercise your eyes by reading road signs or shifting the focus of your eyes to different parts of the roadway. Make sure you are properly rested. If you notice yourself nodding and losing concentration - STOP! Get the rest you need, and then continue.

5. Drive defensively.

Use your imagination. Always be ready to react to the other drivers, in case they don't do what they should – or what you think they should. If you cannot avoid a crash, try to choose the least dangerous option. For example, you often have more chance of surviving running off the road than hitting another vehicle head-on.

http://www.goodyear.eu/uk_en/tire-advice/safe-driving/driving-tips/performance-drive.jsp

• © Goodyear, 2013
• Sitemap
• Contact
• Privacy statement
• Terms of use
• Dealer's Tyre Portal
• Fleet first

Wet weather driving tips

 

These tips will keep you and your passengers safe on wet roads.

1. Routinely check your tyres…

Always check your tyres before you hit the road. Make sure you do the following routine maintenance:

Keep your tyres properly inflated. The correct air pressure for your tyres is specified by the vehicle manufacturer and can be found on the vehicle door edge, door-post, and glove box door or fuel door. It is also listed in the owner's manual. The number listed on the side of the tyre is not the recommended air pressure for your tyre – it is the maximum air pressure for the tyre. You should check your tyre's air pressure at least once a month.

Check the tyres tread depth. Proper tread depth will help prevent skids and aquaplaning.

2. Slow down.

As rain falls, it mixes with grime and oil on the road creating slick conditions perfect for skids. The best way to avoid skidding is to slow down. Driving at a slower pace allows more of the tire's tread to make contact with the road, which leads to better traction.

3. Know how to recover from a skid.

Skids can happen even to the most cautious drivers. If your car does skid, remember not to slam on the brakes. Do not pump the brakes if you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS). Instead, apply firm, steady pressure to the brakes and steer the car in the direction of the skid.

4. Keep your distance from the car ahead.

Wet-weather driving demands gentle use of all the main controls – steering, clutch, brake and accelerator – and a larger allowance for errors and emergencies. When you begin a journey in rain, your shoes will be wet and can easily slip off the pedals. Scuff the soles on the rubber matting or carpeting of the car before you start the engine. All motorists should regularly check that their headlights, rear lights, brake lights and turn indicators are working properly. It takes about three times longer to break on wet roads than on dry roads. Since more distance is required to brake, it is important not to tailgate. Keep a little more than two car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you.

5. Drive in the tracks of a car ahead of you.

Avoid using your brakes. Whenever possible, slow down by taking your foot off the accelerator.Turn your headlights on, even in light rain. Not only do they help you see the road, but they'll help other drivers see you. If your car has daytime running lights, you should turn them on, so vehicles behind you can see you better.

6. Prepare for your journey.

Wet-weather driving demands gentle use of all the main controls – steering, clutch, brake and accelerator – and a larger allowance for errors and emergencies. When you begin a journey in rain, your shoes will be wet and liable to slip off the pedals. Scuff the soles on the rubber matting or carpeting of the car before you start the engine. All motorists should regularly check that their headlights, rear lights, brake lights and turn indicators are working properly.

7. Learn how to avoid and deal with aquaplaning.

Aquaplaning happens when the water in front of your tyres builds up faster than your car's weight can push it out of the way. The water pressure causes your car to rise up and slide on a thin layer of water between your tyres and the road. At this point, your car can be completely out of contact with the road, and you are in danger of skidding or drifting out of your lane, or even off the road. To avoid aquaplaning, keep your tyres properly inflated, ensure that the tread non skid is above the legal limits on your tyres and replace them when necessary, slow down when roads are wet, and stay away from puddles. Try to drive in the tyre tracks left by the cars in front of you. If you find yourself Aquaplaning, do not brake or turn suddenly. This could throw your car into a skid. Ease your foot off the accelerator until the car slows and you can feel the road again. If you need to brake, do so gently with light pumping actions. If your car has ABS, then brake normally; the car's computer will mimic a pumping action, when necessary.

8. If the rain becomes too heavy, stop!

Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades, allowing an almost continuous sheet of water to flow over the screen. When visibility is so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other protected areas. If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as possible and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on your hazard warning lights to alert other drivers.

9. First rain make the road very slippery.

The first rain always make the roads the most difficult to drive on, as the mud and oil on the dry road combines with the water and forms a rather slippery layer. Drivers are likely to experience reduced control, and are cautioned to be extra careful for the first half-hour after it begins to rain.

10. Cloudy weather reduces visibility.

Use extra caution when passing other vehicles.

11. Dry your brakes after driving through standing water.

If you have driven through standing water deep enough to get your brake shoes wet, apply the brakes lightly to dry them.

12. Don't drive while fatigued.

Stop at least every couple of hours or every hundred miles to rest.

http://www.goodyear.eu/uk_en/tire-advice/safe-driving/driving-tips/rain-driving.jsp

Hazard Perception

Hazard Perception

In this section, you will be shown a number of video clips which depict at least one hazard. The objective is to click whenever you see the hazard developing. A hazard is something which would typically cause you to change your speed or direction while driving e.g. a parked car, wet roads, children running across the street and so on.

You should avoid clicking too much, or in a pattern as this can cause you to fail. Click when you see a hazard ahead and then again when you get closer to it. For example, you are coming up to a parked car, click. Now, a number of different situations can develop e.g. the car may move away or someone could open the door etc. When you get closer to it, click again to signify you have recognised these situations.