Reasons to fail your driving test

Ten reasons for failing your driving test

These are the most common reasons for failing your driving test.  I am sure your driving instructor has mentioned some of these to you already.

1. Not acting correctly at road junctions 
Its essential that you use the Mirrors, Signal, Position, Speed and gears routine when you approach any kind of junction. Did you check that the new road was safe to drive into? That's essential when your turning either left or right. Was your speed on approach too high? If that was the case, then you might not have been able to stop if needed.

2. Reversing around a corner
Most learners fail on this with either their control of the car or lack of observation. When reversing around a corner, it’s important to keep the car moving as slow as possible. You then have time to decide when to steer at the correct time. It’s also important that you keep looking around for any other road users in the vicinity, and act appropriately.

3. Steering faults
Losing control of the steering, either in normal driving or during a manouvre. This can be because you have allowed the steering wheel to 'spin through your hands'

4. Reverse parking faults
Reverse parking can be one of the hardest of the manoeuvre's to do successfully. Like all of the other exercises, it needs very careful use of the controls to keep the car moving very slowly, so you have time to decide when to steer at the right time. You should also be aware of other road users and act appropriately if you see anyone else, while you're completing the task.

5. Making proper use of the gears
Its essential to use the correct gear for the speed and road conditions. For example, if your approaching or driving through a lot of hazards, then its important to drive in a low gear whereas, if there are few hazards, the examiner will be expecting you to be in the highest gear available. A common error is to stay in a low gear (and this will include third gear) needlessly.

Another area where people fail on gears, is forgetting to select 1st gear before moving off. It results in the car stalling. This could cause inconvenience to others, or have dangerous consequences.

6. Not using the mirrors correctly
Why do you need to check your mirrors? Its essential to know if there are other road user’s  following behind you before you start any manoeuvre. Roughly speaking, you should check them between 25 and 50% of your driving time glancing in the mirrors. If you spend any more time, you are not paying enough attention to the road.

An 'old wives' tale' says that you have to move your head when you make the checks. The examiner is trained to check your mirrors without you having to emphasize that your checking them,

7. Avoiding hesitation and driving too slowly Don't expect to pass if you stop somewhere unnecessarily. For example giving way to traffic where it’s safe to continue without stopping.

The examiner will be expecting you to keep up with the flow of other road users within the legal limit, providing the road conditions allow you to. Driving too slowly when its safe to drive at the legal limit, will cause inconvenience to others.

8. Acting correctly when turning right
As with anything that isn't driving in a straight line, remember your mirrors. Look at them before you do anything. Then indicate and move to the right of the lane you are in Wait for an appropriate gap in the oncoming traffic – you know how long it takes for you to turn right, the aim is not to hold other people up unnecessarily. If someone flashes you out, decide if it’s safe then move out.

9. Hesitation at junctions
Your driving examiner will be expecting you to be able to judge gaps and the speed and distance correctly when either pulling out, or turning right. You should not pull out, or turn if you cause the approaching traffic to slow down or make them swerve.

10. Moving away from stationary positions The most common reasons for failing on this, are; moving off in the wrong gear; forgetting to turn the indicator off if you've used it; rolling back if you're moving off on a hill; or not looking around to make sure its safe go.

www.drive-travis.co.uk

Worst driving test route in Milton Keynes

I have done a short video on the worst driving test route in Milton Keynes.

www.drive-travis.co.uk

Driving lessons in Milton Keynes.

Milton Keynes driving lessons

So you want to learn to drive in the Milton Keynes area, FANTASTIC.  A couple of things to help you get on the right track.  Where to start and what to do.

1.  You need to get yourself a provisional driving licence first before you are able to drive as a learner.

2.  If you use glasses or contacts for distance then they will be required for you will be asked to read a standard number plate from over 20 meters away.

3.  If you are looking to use the services of an approved driving instructor then don't rush in, take your time and choose one that suits you. 

A.  There are lots of driving instructors with lots of grades and levels, check out the video below to show the difference.

4.  The cost of lessons will depend on your ability to make progress.  The average pupil can take about 45 hours, but some can take less and others more.  So, prepare for your driving lesson and make the most out of the lesson. 

5.  Use Youtube videos as a help to understanding driving in between driving lessons. Check out my channel and subscribe https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC94rkNhixyVA2N_UYTQyVeg

6.  At the moment the waiting times for the theory test is about 3 weeks and the driving test is about 18 weeks.  So don't take your time with the theory other wise you could end up having 20 hours of driving lessons before you pass the theory test. This could have a knock on effect with your driving test being 18 weeks wait.   Here are some useful links for the theory test  http://www.drive-travis.co.uk/apps/links/

Hope this post helps you.

James @ Travis School of Motoring

www.drive-travis.co.uk 

Examiner strike

Driving examiner strike action: December 2015

Some driving examiners are planning to take strike action at various times from Tuesday 1 December until Friday 4 December 2015.

Some driving examiners who are members of the Public and Commercial Service (PCS) union are planning to take strike action. PCS has planned action at various times from Tuesday 1 December until Friday 4 December 2015. DVSA is doing all it can to make sure that tests go ahead as planned. Not all examiners are union members, and many test centres are expected to be operating as normal. You can read further information on GOV.UK www.drive-travis.co.uk

I passed my driving test in Milton Keynes.

Passed first time in Milton Keynes.
Congratulations to Teri on passing her driving test at Bletchley, Milton Keynes.

www.drive-travis.co.uk
A great standard of driving from Teri today resulted in her passing the driving test at the first attempt in Milton Keynes.
Well done and safe and happy driving.

Driving in windy conditions

Hope the video helps on driving in windy conditions.  Stay safe

www.drive-travis.co.uk

Frosty day

Frosty day

Yes the frost is here today and the danger of skidding is a risk you have to think about.

So to limit the risk of skidding on frosty roads, try doing at a reasonable speed for the road condition. Think about the road bend ahead, will the car need to be going a lot slower today.  Will the trees covering the road keep the road frosty all day even when the Sun comes out.  Take all this into account when driving on frosty roads.

Safe driving

 

Driving in snow

Not sure how to drive on snow.  Well you are not alone, so I have done this quick video to help you be safer on the roads when it matters.
Hope it helps

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

Examiner strike

Driving examiner strike: candidates advised to attend tests 

Driving examiners and vehicle examiners are planning to take strike action at various times on Thursday 19 and Friday 20 November 2015.

Some driving examiners who are members of the Public and Commercial Service union (PCS) are planning to take strike action on Thursday 19 and Friday 20 November 2015. Candidates advised to attend tests DVSA is doing all it can to make sure that driving tests go ahead as planned and recommends all candidates come for their test as usual If your pupil’s test is cancelled because of strike action, they won’t have to contact DVSA to rebook their appointment. DVSA will contact them with a new test appointment within 5 to 10 working days. Out-of-pocket expenses Your pupil can claim out-of-pocket expenses if their test is cancelled, but they must have turned up for their test in order to make this claim. If they don’t turn up, they’ll have to rebook their own test and they won’t be able to claim expenses. Find out how to claim out-of-pocket expenses Theory tests Theory tests aren’t affected by the strike action and will be taking place as planned.  www.drive-travis.co.uk

Driving on windy roads

Windy Roads

A short video on what to look for on windy roads

What is aquaplaning and how to avoid it..

What to do if your car Aquaplanes

What is Aquaplaning?

A vehicle can only aquaplane if the two main causes are present; namely, Speed and Water. Take away the water or reduce the speed and you take away the risk of aquaplaning. Skidding in wet conditions while preserving some traction (some of the tyres rubber is touching the road surface) is not aquaplaning.

Aquaplaning is where the vehicles four wheels lose all traction by being lifted off the road surface and on to a cushion of water. The vehicle behaves as though it has a mind of its own with the driver feeling the vehicle is on water-skis. The result can be a terrifying coaster ride that seldom has a happy ending.

How does aquaplaning occur?

Aquaplaning occurs when the water in front of your tyres builds up faster than your vehicles tyres can handle. For example, when driving through a flooded road or pools of water, the surface of the tyre must move the water out of the way for the tyre to stay in contact with the road. The tyre compresses some of the water to the sides, and forces the remaining water through the tyre treads to the rear of the vehicle.

Typically on a family car, a patch of rubber no bigger than a size nine mans shoe, is the only contact between the cars tyres and the road surface. In moderate rainfall on a smooth road surface at a speed of 60 mph, each tyre has to displace about a gallon of water every second. Each gripping element of the tread is on the ground for only 1/150th of a second; during this time it must displace the bulk of the water, driving through the remaining thin film of water, and then begin to grip the road surface. On good tyres with a moderate rate of rainfall on a well-drained road surface; aquaplaning rarely occurs below 55 mph. However, if any of the above conditions are not met, aquaplaning can happen at speeds as low as 35 mph.

The Four main elements that contribute to aquaplaning

• Speed. The faster you travel in wet conditions, the less grip your tyres have. If a car travelling at a speed of 30mph with good tyres hits a patch of water at a depth of 5cm-2in the chances are the tyres will manage to displace enough water to maintain traction. An identical car travelling at 50mph hitting the same patch of water and the likelihood is the car will aquaplane out of control.
• Tyre condition. Damaged or worn tyres are unable to spread water efficiently multiplying your chances of aquaplaning. Surface laying water mixed with a soiled road surface, e.g. spilt fuel and oil deposits acts as a lubricant on rubber making worn or bald tyres doubly dangerous. Check your tyres regularly for damage or signs of wear. Keep your tyres properly inflated as per the tyre manufacturers' recommendations. Although the legal tyre depth is 1.6mm; for winter driving RoadDriver recommends you change your tyres when the depth falls below 2.5mm.
• Water. The greater the rainfall, the deeper the water, the more likely you will aquaplane. Slow down when on wet roads; stay well back from vehicles with large tyres (the bigger the tyre the more water thrown back into your path). Drive in the middle of your lane to avoid side puddles or pools of water. Keep well back from the vehicle in front but try to follow in their tracks, this will gain more traction as your tyres will have less water to disperse.
• Road Surface.  In rainfall, a slippery road surface is considerably more prone to vehicles aquaplaning. Mud on the road from building sites or farm tracks are particularly hazardous, as are smooth tarmac surfaces compared to ribbed or grooved concrete surfaces.

How to avoid Aquaplaning

• Check your tyres regularly for wear and tear; ensure your tyres are properly inflated and maintain at least 2.5mm tread on your tyres.
• Slow down on wet roads and stay away from pools of water or puddles. Try to drive in the tyre tracks left by the cars in front of you.
• Do not use cruise control in wet conditions.

What to do if your vehicle Aquaplanes

• It is often difficult to feel the point at which your vehicle starts to aquaplane. Sometimes when you lose traction it is accompanied by an audible rise in the engine revs, likened to depressing the clutch at speed. Other signs can be a sudden lightness of the steering wheel coupled with the back end of the vehicle starting to fishtail.
• Finesse not brute strength is called for in this situation, try to focus on-the-job at hand, staying calm, will help you make the right choices allowing you to safely regain control of your vehicle. If you have cruise control disengage it by using the switch not the brake pedal. (In certain circumstances some experts' believe cruise control can contribute to aquaplaning) For this reason RoadDriver recommends that you turn off cruise control while driving in wet conditions.
• While a vehicle is aquaplaning, the driver has little if any directional control. Avoid the temptation to slam on the brakes as this action is likely to throw your car into a violent skid. You should also avoid sudden jerking or turning movements of the steering wheel as this too will acerbate the situation. If the vehicle is sliding or skidding, no matter how difficult it is for your brain to accept, initially at least, let the vehicle find its own pathway while simultaneously easing your foot off the accelerator until you can feel friction and traction returning to your wheels.
• At this point, you can nudge the steering wheel ever so gently in the direction you wish to go and if you need to brake, do so gently with light pumping actions. If your car has ABS, then brake normally. 

http://www.roaddriver.co.uk/safety-tips/what-to-do-if-your-car-aquaplanes/

www.drive-travis.co.uk

DVSA consultation

Consultation launch: Motoring Services Strategy

The Government wants to hear your views on how to improve the services offered by DVSA and DVLA.

The Department for Transport (DfT) have today (Friday 13 November) launched proposals for improving the driving test. This forms part of a wider review of motoring services in Great Britain. The consultation sets out a number of other proposals to improve road safety and increase efficiency in government agencies, including: introducing more flexible driving test slots including weekends and evenings, to reduce waiting times and offer learner drivers a greater range of choice offering tests from a range of venues reviewing fees for all services provided by motoring agencies and potentially changing providers for some services consolidating services at motoring agencies and improving digital experience for customers This will form part of the government’s ongoing work to streamline public services and save the taxpayer money. Read the news story for more details Give your views on the proposals The consultation will close on Friday 8 January 2016 and DfT will respond shortly after this date.

Rain is on its way

Driving in rain.

Well autumn is here and the rain showers follow.  So don't forget to keep your distance from the car in front and if its heavy rain use your headlights so other drivers and pedestrians can see you.

Safe driving

www.drive-travis.co.uk

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

Autumn driving

it’s trickier than you think

Autumn is the most dangerous time of year to be on the roads – and especially for new drivers, who have never experienced the extreme conditions they will encounter.

Everyone knows about the dangers of snow and ice, and the care you need to take. But few people give any thought to the autumn, when low sun, dark evenings, heavy rain, strong winds, dead leaves and poor visibility can all add up to a potential nightmare for inexperienced motorists.

Steve Garrod, group manager of the Driving Instructors Association (DIA), has drawn up a list of the main problems encountered on the roads in the autumn.

Low sun This time of year is particularly bad for being dazzled by low sun, so it makes sense to ensure that your windscreen is spotless, inside and out. If you don’t clean it regularly, a film builds up on the inside surface which can turn opaque in strong sun. And scratches, chips and scuffs on the outside (older cars often have their screens scoured by windscreen wipers) will exaggerate the dazzle effect.

Puddles and lying water With a combination of heavy rain and leaves blocking drains, large sections of road surface are often covered by water, some of it surprisingly deep. And it’s easy to lose control of your car if you drive into deep water too quickly. Apparently ordinary puddles often disguise deep potholes, so they should be avoided too, if possible.

Leaves on the road Leaves cause two main problems, apart from blocking drains.
They often cover road markings, which is a particular problem at junctions, where they also make braking more hazardous. And fallen leaves make any wet roads even more slippery than usual.

Wind On open roads, and particularly on bridges and motorways, high-sided vehicles not only swerve from side to side, but can actually topple over. And if you overtake one, having been sheltered while overtaking, when you get past the vehicle a strong wind will actually force you towards the centre of the road. In towns, wheelie bins, dustbin lids and other debris can appear from nowhere and cause you to swerve to avoid them.

Verges When you’re driving out of town and meet a driver coming towards you on a narrow road, verges will be soft. If you drive on to one your car will sink in, often disastrously.

“All in all, new drivers who have perhaps been driving since the spring need to be far more aware of road conditions and their surroundings in the autumn than they can possibly realise,” says Steve Garrod. “You need to be more observant, more cautious, and you need to take account of the changing road conditions and drive accordingly.

“It’s common sense for most people, but skill levels vary and a complete novice might feel far more comfortable with a couple of hours’ extra tuition under their belt. Go out in the dark, in the rain, in the wind. It’s surprising how much more competent drivers can become with even a small amount of season-specific training.”

If you feel you would benefit from further training on any aspect of autumn driving pleasecontact us

http://www.driving.org/diamond/seasonaldriving/autumn
www.drive-travis.co.uk

Hyundai i20 car test review

Car review

Hi I a have quick video of the Hyundai i20.  

Short video on driving in windy conditions

How to drive on a windy day.

Hi, I have downloaded a short video about driving when it is a windy day.  The video was filmed around Milton Keynes and covers what sort of things you should be looking out for.

Hope you find it helpful

If you find it helpful just follow the link to my channel and watch some more
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC94rkNhixyVA2N_UYTQyVeg

Cooling systems for the winter

Cooling System:

Most cooling systems specify that anti-freeze should be used all year round as a corrosion inhibitor, however it is a good idea to check the strength of the coolant at the start of the winter. How are your hoses? If your car is more than a couple of years old check for perished hoses and minor leaks.

www.drive-travis.co.uk

How much is a tyre?

How much is a tyre?

Tyre prices vary in size and make.  The bigger the tyre the you will pay( cost of all the rubber).

The markings on the tyre mean:
the 195 means how wide the tyre is
the 55 means the height as a percentage of the width
R means the tyre is a radial construction
16 means the tyre size in inch diameter
87 means the load capacity
V means the tyre speed indicator

The other thing to consider is the make of tyre which will also effect the cost.  So if you go into a tyre place like,
Kwik Fit https://www.kwik-fit.com/tyres?gclid=CKHPyoytgMkCFRJmGwodPwwM0Q
or
National Tyres http://www.tyre-shopper.co.uk/tyre_search?gclid=CISMzp-tgMkCFcGVGwodL-UHHA&gclsrc=aw.ds 
you can ask for a cheap budget tyre for about £40 to £50 which is ok.  But if you ask for a make like Dunlop or Michelin( this is just two brands of lots) then the price will be a bit more.  But the tyre will be of a better quality which could make the difference between getting 25000 miles out of your tyre to a cheeper one lasting about 15000 miles.  Also the safety side needs to be considered.  The better quality tyre tends to have better stopping distances when braking and will be less likely to deteriorate.
www.drive-travis.co.uk

A failed the driving test. Should I continue?

This is a question that pupils ask the instructor time after time. If they think they have failed, why continue with the driving test.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC94rkNhixyVA2N_UYTQyVeg
www.drive-travis.co.uk

It's time to check the wind screen wipers.

When is the best time to change them?

You need to use your common sense this time of year.  Winter is just starting and we will be getting lots of rain, dirt, mud, ice, frost and even snow.  

So you need to look at them and assess them in use.  Are they leaving streaks and smears or a scraping sound.  Can get away with a clean?  Was it just dirt?

The wiper blades should clear away the rain with ease and you should be able to see the road ahead with ease. A good set of wipers can set you back about £20 to £25 but should last you one year upwards(depending on use).  So don't wait till its till late and check them.

Safe driving in the rain

www.drive-travis.co.uk

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

Vauxhall recalls Zafira

Vauxhall recalls 220,000 Zafira B cars over fire worries

By Brian MilliganPersonal Finance reporter

• 6 hours ago
 
• From the section Business

Image copyrightSWNS

Image captionOne Zafira owner, a mother from Wiltshire, said smoke turned into flames within 30 seconds

Vauxhall has announced a recall of 220,000 Zafira B cars, following a series of fires.

Around 200 fires have been reported, which started behind the glove-box in the heating and ventilation system. 

Vauxhall's recall followed an investigation by the BBC's Watchdog programme.

The model affected is the Zafira B, built between 2005 and 2014. The cars are all right-hand drive, and have manual, or no air conditioning.

The company said faulty repairs to the heating and ventilation system were probably to blame. 

In a statement from chairman and managing director Rory Harvey, Vauxhall said its initial investigations had shown "improper repair of the blower motor resistor and its thermal fuse".

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Media captionVauxhall chairman and managing director Rory Harvey explains the recall directly to his customers

Among those whose Zafiras have burst into flames is Lisa Taperek, from Wiltshire.

She was outside her mother's house in Wooton Bassett on Tuesday this week when she noticed smoke coming from the engine of her Vauxhall Zafira.

Within 30 seconds of getting 10-month-old son Kinsley to safety the car became engulfed in flames, she said.

"When I play it back in my mind and think 'if I had run into a shop, or left him in the car', it makes me quite sick.

I am very lucky - he's very lucky," she said.

A Facebook group set up by Zafira owners to alert other drivers has attracted more than 12,000 members.

Vauxhall will now send out letters to 220,000 owners, advising them to get in touch with their local dealer.

They will be offered a free inspection and repairs.

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Media captionMechanic Brian Miller gives safety advice after Vauxhall Vafira-B cars burst into flames

Vauxhall said it had taken engineers some time to investigate the issue, as many of the vehicles they examined had been damaged "beyond investigation".

It also did not want to speculate too soon about the cause of the problem.

However, Mr Harvey said the company was investigating "very thoroughly and with the utmost urgency".

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-34743833

Customer reviews

Customer reviews when choosing your driving instructor

Customer reviews go a long way in making your choice on choosing which driving instructor.  You always ask your friends who is teaching them to drive and then you are looking up the instructor on either Facebook or on their website.  

This is mine  http://www.drive-travis.co.uk/apps/testimonials/

So its important for any driving instructor to display his/her customer reviews so you can see what their pupils are saying.  Which in turn reassures you that the choice you are making is the right one.   You will find that all good driving instructors will display with pride what their pupils have said.  

Good hunting when looking for your ideal instructor and remember you are the one choosing.

Safe driving

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

Winter survival car kit

This is a short video on the basic kit that I have in my boot over the winter period.  It is there to help you in the case of having to cope with an emergency like digging your car of of the snow.

www.drive-travis.co.uk

Show me tell me questions for the driving test on video

Part of the driving test involves the examiner asking you two questions before the driving test starts.

Driving in the winter sun

The winter sun is a hidden danger.  

Inexperienced drivers welcome the winter sun as a fresh change to the cold and wet, but behind the bright sunshine is danger.

You are in your car,  warm with the sun outside glaring in.  But, you can forget about the glare on the windscreen, so keep it clean inside and out.
Dust off them summer sunglasses and use them in the winter sun, but don't forget to take them off when the weather changes back to dull and wet weather.
www.drive-travis.co.uk

How to drive in Fog video

How to drive in fog

This is a short video on how to drive in fog 

How to drive in Fog

How to drive in Fog

You need to use your common sense when it comes driving in fog.  So slower speeds are needed and you need to put your fog lights on.  It would be a good idea to find out where they are today rather than wait till you need them.  If you are worried about dazzling other drivers then think it is better that they can see me.

Don't forget to use your dipped headlights and be aware of possible drivers who are silly enough not to use headlights when its foggy.

Only go at a speed that is safe and don't forget to keep a safe gap from the driver in front of you.  Do not be a silly driver and start tailgating, keep a safe gap.

If it is foggy where you cannot see a couple of feet in front.  Ask yourself, do I need to drive, or can I wait.

Be safe

www.drive-travis.co.uk