Help with clutch control

A quick video on clutch control

Need to learn to drive in Milton Keynes?

Driving lessons in Milton Keynes

If you are thinking about learning to drive in the Milton Keynes area then check out my youtube video and you will see some of my successes.  Hope you find it interesting.  If you want to see my videos as I upload them just subscribe and enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC94rkNhixyVA2N_UYTQyVeg

Driving in flooded areas

Tips for driving in flooded areas

1. Do not attempt to drive through water if you are unsure of the depth – the edge of the kerb is a good indicator
2. If you do go through water, drive on the highest section of the road
3. Drive steadily and slowly so as not to create a bow wave in front of the vehicle and allow oncoming traffic to pass first - make sure you have a clear route ahead so you do not have to stop in standing water
4. Driving at speed may be dangerous to other vehicles or pedestrians and could cause loss of control
5. Drive a safe distance from the vehicle in front
6. Never attempt to drive through fast flowing water – you could easily get swept away
7. Test your brakes after leaving flood water
8. If your engine cuts out after driving through deep water, do not attempt to restart as engine damage may occur – instead call for assistance and have the vehicle professionally examined.

Driving test route in Milton Keynes.

Another independent driving test route. Commentary from myself on what sort of things you need to be doing.

Driving test. Independent driving in Milton Keynes

The short video is of an independent driving test route in Milton Keynes.

If you like the video then feel free to checkout all my others on my youtube channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC94rkNhixyVA2N_UYTQyVeg

Passing your driving test in Milton Keynes

Eva passed her driving test today in Milton Keynes.

Hard work and a determination to improve on her previous driving lesson proved a winning combination for Eva.  If you are looking for driving lessons in Milton Keynes then Travis School of Motoring is your first place of call.  Visit my website www.drive-travis.co.uk to find out all you need to know about starting to learn to drive in there Milton Keynes area.

All the best, and safe driving.

Being safe in winter when driving

Tyres

The minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm of tread.  But if you are on that now then winter is going to be a dangerous place for you.  

Firstly if you are approaching the 1.6mm minimum then you need to start thinking about changing the tyre so you don't end up driving with tyres that are illegal.

Secondly, the lower the tread depth the more chance you have of losing the grip on the roads and skidding into a bush or a lamp post.  Also as winter takes its grip the roads get frost, ice, mud and snow on at some point.  So the more tread depth the better the grip, which means less chance of skidding. www.drive-travis.co.uk

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC94rkNhixyVA2N_UYTQyVeg

Winter Breakdowns

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.

Driving while on the mobile

We see it everywhere the driver on a mobile phone whilst driving. We all know it is an offence which carries a 3 point penalty on your driving licence if caught. But how many are caught and when you listen to them they are at it again. 

So is it time to think outside the box.

By that I mean look at different ways to penalise the driver who is caught.

There is talk about(rumoured)increasing the 3 points to 6. But I think that won't stop them.

What about a month driving ban if caught on the mobile driving along the road. The more severe offence involving the mobile the longer the ban. 

Maybe the thought of losing your licence for a month could convince drivers that it is dangerous. 

Driving around this morning.

Been driving this morning around Milton Keynes and Newport Pagnell.  The rain is coming down and still some drivers are racing about in there own bubble right up behind other motorists.
Why do they drive like that?
Is it they think they will never drive into another car, or are they just bad at driving.
www.drive-travis.co.uk 

Driving in Autumn video

Short video on driving in Autumn

www.drive-travis.co.uk

Bletchley B & Q.

As a learner driver who lives in Milton Keynes and Buckingham you would of heard of the complex roundabout at the side of B & Q in Bletchley.

I will try to explain one way of driving through it.

Starting at Asda driving towards Bletchley along Bletcham Way wanting to go to Bletchley town centre.

1.  As you go past Ikea you will need to be crossing into the right lane as you approach Denbigh roundabout to indicate right to take the third exit.

2.  Enter the roundabout in the right lane, half way round follow the arrows into the middle lane, at the same time Mirrors, signaling to left.

3.  Stay in the middle lane on the roundabout and exit in the middle.

4.  As you approach the B & Q section give way to your right at the first giveway point unless it is clear.

5.  Follow the lane in the middle, as you approach the small roundabout give way to your right, indicating right.

6.  As you enter the roundabout follow it round in the left lane on the roundabout mirrors and signaling left as you exit.

www.drive-travis.co.uk
Check out the videos on test routes https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC94rkNhixyVA2N_UYTQyVeg

Drive in fog

Driving in fog

Stay safe when visibility is reduced by fog, rain or spray

According to the Highway Code, you must use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced – generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet) or the length of a football pitch.

There's no obligation to use fog lights but if your car is involved in an accident in reduced visibility and its fog lights weren't on, then it may be queried by an insurer.

If you do use fog lights they must be switched off when visibility improves. This applies equally to front and rear fog lights.

When there's fog around visibility can seriously deteriorate in a matter of seconds. Be extra vigilant and drive only as fast as conditions allow and maintain a greater distance between you and the car in front.

Fog lights

Use common sense when it comes to fog lights. Some drivers are worried about dazzling other motorists, and some simply don't know how to turn them on.

Generally it's better to be safe than sorry, so use them when appropriate. Don't keep switching them on and off, though – this can be a distraction, so wait for a consistent improvement in visibility before switching them off - front and back.

Ten tips

• Use dipped headlights at all times along with wipers and demisters.
• Familiarise yourself with your front and rear fog lights – know how to switch them on and off – and use them when appropriate.
• Beware of other drivers not using headlights.
• Only drive as fast as conditions allow and maintain a greater distance between you and the car in front.  Follow a three-second rule.
• Tailing someone's rear lights can give a false sense of security and is dangerous.
• If the road has street lights on, then you probably don't need your fog lights on.
• Be able to stop within the distance you can see clearly – this is particularly important on motorways and dual carriageways, as vehicles are travelling faster.
• Don't accelerate to get away from a vehicle that is too close behind you.
• Check your mirrors before you slow down.
• At a junction with limited visibility, stop, wind down the window, andlisten for traffic. When you are sure it is safe to emerge, do so positively and do not hesitate in a position that puts you directly in the path of approaching vehicles.

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/seasonal/driving-in-fog.html
www.drive-travis.co.uk

A close shave.

I was finishing a very productive driving lesson last night and on the way back out of Bletchley I noticed a man ahead of us on a bike.  I started to ask my pupil how she was going to overtake him and where.  Just then from a left side road a car entered our road at the same time as the man on the bike passing that entrance.  The man on the bike swerved into the middle of the road to avoid being hit by the car.  

At this point I was very surprized for I did not expext the car on the side road to enter for they had a clear view on approach, also I was surprized for the car was a learner car.

What happened next was also dangerous, for the car started to drive along the road with two wheels on the grass verge and two wheels on the road while the man on the bike rode at the side of them waving at the car in horror.

The man on the bike took the lead and the learner car followed close behind.  I asked my pupil when is a good place to over take the man on the bike.  At that point the learner car ahead of us started to overtake the man on the bike,  but they were overtaking on a bend.  Sure enough a car came round the bend in the opposite direction causing the learner car to swerve back into his side of the road narrowly missing the man on the bike again.

This all took place in the matter of a couple of minutes.  It was like watching a video on how to drive dangerously.

Lucky for the man on the bike and the pupil in the learner car,  no one got hurt on this occation.  

My pupil was happy that she was not being taught by that learner school.

For more information on prices and my latest promotions visit my website

www.drive-travis.co.uk

James@Travis School of Motoring

My first driving lesson..

It can be a bit nervy waiting for your driving instructor to turn up and knock on your front door for the first time.  Then comes the time when your instructor asks you to start the car for the first time.  In your head you are thinking about what he/she has asked you to do and you are saying to yourself "I hope I don't make a fool of myself".
Trust me when I say this.  Don't worry yourself.  Your instructor has seen all the mistakes before with other pupils.  I always tell my pupils to ask questions, as many as they feel they need.  If they do not understand what I am asking or explaining then ask to repeat it.
You will soon get use to the idea of driving, then you will enjoy it more.

Good luck on your first lesson.

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

Pass the theory test in less than 100 attempts.

107 ATTEMPTS TO PASS THE THEORY TEST.
A hapless unnamed 28year old, from London, has spent so far £3,317 trying to pass the theory test, at a cost of £31 each- a record 107 attempts.

If you need help.  Download my FREE app 
www.drive-travis.co.uk

You have passed the driving test. What next.

Top Tips after you have passed the driving test.
1 Remember when you were learning and the other drivers did not signal on roundabouts and every time you said "I would of gone then, if they only signalled." Do not forget to Mirrors then signal your intentions.
2 The DSA has passed you because you have reached the standard. Keep doing what you have been taught.
3 When you first go out in your own car for the first couple of times keep it to short and simple drives. It will feel strange, your instructor not being next to you.
4 Resist being a taxi for your friends for the first month until you are more confident to have friends in the car.
5 Remember you passed because you can drive to a good standard and safe. Don't try and copy other drivers.
6 At the end of each drive take a moment to reflect on your driving. Be honest with yourself. Was it good, did you take any silly risks. Try to improve.
7 If you are confused about a roundabout or a new road layout. Then ask for advise. Either post a question on my page or text me or ask a parent. You are not alone.
8 It took me about two years after I passed my driving test to fully understand a lot of different roads. So don't consider yourself the leading expert after one week.
9 When parking in a car park for the first time go to the quiet area to park until you are more confident.
10 Don't be rushed into making choices, remember keep it simple and do it early.
11 Remember you are responsible for who is in your car. If they have not got the seat belt on, they you are also liable.
12 It has cost a lot of time and money to pass the driving test. As a new driver if you get 6 points or more in the first two years of driving you will revert back to a learner driver and have to retake the driving test again.
www.drive-travis.co.uk

Questions about the driving test

Typical questions about the test

Q. My dad says it's easy to pass the driving test. Has it changed over the years since he took it?
A. The test is more rigorous than it used to be. It lasts longer, the roads are busier, the marking is tougher and there's more extensive testing of manoeuvres. It takes longer to prepare for today's test but it is still easy to pass for those who are fully prepared.
Q. How long will the test last?
A. About 40 minutes.
Q. Which manoeuvres will I have to do?
A. You may be asked to do any of the following manoeuvres: reversing around a corner to the left or right; turning the car in the road; reverse (parallel) parking; moving off at an angle from behind a parked vehicle; and reversing into a parking bay. You may also be asked to perform an emergency stop.
Q. Is there anything I need to do if I take the test in my own car?
A. Yes - you must fit a rear view mirror for the examiner's use. Your car must also comply with all the normal regulations.
Q What kind of roads will I drive on? 
A. The routes are designed to ensure that you can drive safely in a wide range of conditions. Wherever possible, the routes will include: town centres, suburban roads, dual carriageways and rural roads.
Q. My friend had two examiners - is that fair?
A. A senior DSA examiner sometimes sits in the back to ensure that the examiners are doing their job properly and not failing people who should pass - this ensures a fair test for everyone.
Q. Can I drive an automatic car after I pass?
A. if you pass in a manual car, you can also drive an automatic, however, if you pass in an automatic you will have to take a separate test in order to drive a manual.
Q. My friend told me it's best to drive slowly during the test to show that I am safe, is this right?
A. The speed you drive will be determined by the speed limit, traffic and weather conditions. You can fail for going too fast, but you can also fail for going too slow or being hesitant.
Q. How are my mistakes marked?
A. The examiner will keep track of your drive on a form (Driving Test Report). The form lists a number of items that relate to your control of the car, its equipment and your procedure on the road. There are three categories of mistake that can be recorded. 1. Dangerous faults: these are marked if your actions actually cause danger. 2. Serious faults: these are faults that could be dangerous in a different set of circumstances or are habitual errors that are potentially dangerous. 3. Driving faults: these are less serious errors that detract from 'perfect drive'. A single dangerous or serious fault will lead to test failure. You are currently permitted a maximum of 15 less serious 'Driving faults' although it is unlikely you will make anywhere near that many.
Q. Does each examiner have a quota of passes?
A. No - examiners are checked regularly to ensure that they are doing the job correctly; if you drive well, you will pass, regardless of how many passes the examiner has awarded that day or week.
Q. What happens if I fail?
A. At the end of the test the examiner will explain the reasons for your result and give you a copy of his test report.
Q. What happens when I pass?
A. The examiner will offer advice about your driving and issue a pass certificate – you are now licensed to drive on your own!

http://www.driveractive.com/Driving_Test/DT4_.html
www.drive-travis.co.uk

Driving around the city. Tips

City driving tips

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
www.drive-travis.co.uk

ADI's who need some extra work.

Introducing Nationwide Driving A new way of gaining work without the need for a franchise...... just pay for what you need! Welcome to Nationwide Driving Instructors - a service designed to supply you pupils and increase your hours without the need to sign up to a franchise or contract. It’s simple - sign up to our text alerts and when we have a pupil in the areas, we will send you a text letting you know we have a pupil available and some details about them. If you want to purchase and receive the full details, you can either text or call 0330 332 0636. The beauty is that you only pay for what you need, when you need it! We purchase surplus pupils from other schools in bulk and instructors and then we can pass them on to you individually at low trade prices. We also safeguard your purchase with a refund policy too! Looking forward to your call.. Kind Regards, Carolann Here's a quick video showing you how the system works.

Sign up with your details, such as which areas youwould like work in and a few details about what work you are looking for   When we have a pupil available in your area you will receive an E-mail and/or text alertwith some basic details.   If you would like the pupil, either pay the quoted fee on the paypal link provided or ring to pay via card. We will then send you the full details and the pupil is then all yours

There are so many reasons to use Nationwide Driving Instructors instead of joining a driving instructor franchise or putting in the hard work advertising for your own work as an independent instructor. # No need to pay for advertising that may not work # No need to take calls from potential pupils # Only pay for what you need, when you need it # Comprehensive refund policy safeguarding your investment # No tie ins # No weekly fees # No sign up fees # Keep your own identity # Use us to top up your current pupil base or to build a new one! # Freedom of choice with all aspects of your business such as car and decals For more information check out or to sign up free of charge please visit http://www.nationwidedrivinginstructors.co.uk or call 0330 332 0636 or 07772 750 967 and speak to a member of our friendly team. Sign up here Facebook Twitter Website

FREE theory test app for you.

www.drive-travis.co.uk

Need help with your theory test?

Need help with your theory test?  Then visit my website page dedicated to the theory test
http://www.drive-travis.co.uk/theory-test-mk
All you need to know and a FREE app to download as well.

My way of giving you a helping hand.

Good luck
James @ Travis School of Motoring

Driving Instructor Podcast

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The Driving Instructors Podcast - Show 102‏ Show 102 is now ready for your listening pleasure. You can find it at www.dipod.co.uk.   48 minutes We continue our conversation with DVSA Registrar Mark Magee into how he weighs up who is a Fit and Proper ADI. • Motoring Offences • No Show For Standards Check • Badges In The Window • Appeal Costs • Trainee Licences • Retrieving Pink Badge • Test Waiting Times • New Test Trials • The Big Learner Relay Find the podcast by going to the website by clicking HERE!

The Highway Code

The Highway Code is now easier to use on GOV.UK

The Highway Code on GOV.UK has been made easier to use, as research shows how keeping up to date changes people's road behaviour.

The improvements to how The Highway Code is published on GOV.UK mean that you can now: search just within The Highway Code, rather than all of GOV.UK quickly move between related rules follow links to the original laws that the rules are based on print sections more easily Read more about the changes and research Test your knowledge The rules in The Highway Code are updated when there are changes in the law. How well do you know what’s changed in the last 12 months? Take our quick quiz on Buzzfeed to find out. www.drive-travis.co.uk

Understanding crossroads

A crossroads is usually the junction of a major and a minor road - traffic on the major road will pass through uninterrupted, while traffic on the minor road will have to stop and give way.

When approaching a crossroads always look well ahead to see if any traffic is waiting to pull out and remember, emerging traffic may misjudge your speed and pull out too early.

Crossroads can be accident blackspots. Serious collisions can occur when one vehicle pulls out in front of another that is travelling at high speed. About 100m before you reach the crossroads you should see a crossroads road sign, as soon as you do, you should start the MSM/PSL routine. Be aware, crossroads road signs can be hidden by trees and difficult to see, especially when driving at night.

Marked and Unmarked Crossroads

There are basically two types of crossroads, marked and unmarked. On an unmarked crossroads, which will have no road signs or road markings, neither road has priority. You need to be extra careful when negotiating an unmarked crossroad. Approach slowly and be prepared to give way to traffic moving along the other road.

Marked crossroads may have Stop or Give way signs, traffic lights and/or yellow box road markings.

Road Position When Turning

When turning left or going straight ahead, you should keep to the left, leaving the right lane clear for traffic turning right.

When turning right, you should keep to the right of the lane.

On your driving test, when dealing with a Crossroads the examiner will expect you to:

• Use the MSM/PSL routine in good time
• Comply with the correct rules for turning at, entering into and emerging from the junction
• Position your car correctly and use the correct speed
• Understand the rules of priority
• Pull away safely, smoothly and under control.

Key Signs

Crossroads Road Sign. The broader line indicates priority through the junction.

Stop Sign - stop and give way.

Give Way road markings seen at crossroads between the minor and major road.

Stop line at a Stop sign.

Warning of a Give way ahead.

Longer broken white lines in the centre of the road indicate a crossroads (or another hazard) ahead.

http://www.driving-test-success.com/crossroads/crossroadjunction.htm

www.drive-travis.co.uk

FREE theory test app for you or your friend.

Need help with your theory test, or you know a friend who needs help.  
Download my FREE theory test app
Available to all
www.drive-travis.co.uk

How to deal with Aquaplaning in the UK.

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 acceleratorand 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#.Vg_6iNYuL6k
www.drive-travis.co.uk

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