Driving test cancelled because of bad weather?

Test cancellations because of bad weather
A new appointment date will usually be sent to candidates within 3 working days if their test is cancelled due to bad weather.
This could takeup to 7 days when the bad weather goes on for longer. Candidates won’t be able to claim for any out-of-pocket expenses.
Further information can be found on GOV.UK (http://bit.ly/DSA-30).

The car practical driving test - GOV.UK

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Part 10:Cancelled or stopped tests and bad weatherSometimes the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has to cancel or stop driving tests because of bad weather, vehicle problems or other reasons.Your test will usually be automatically rebooked for you at no further cost if it’s cancelled by DSA.Bad weathe...

Be prepared for winter driving

Be prepared’ for winter
Highways Agency has launched its ‘Make Time for Winter’ website (http://bit.ly/DSA-23), to help drivers be properly prepared for winter. It features useful advice on preparing your vehicle for winter driving and where to find out about weather and road conditions.

Make time for Winter - Highways Agency

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Be prepared - is your vehicle ready for winter? Be informed - have you checked the latest traffic and weather?

Independent Driving on the Driving Test.

The driving test consists of 10 minutes of Independent driving. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXd6npRMyFI
The Video from the DSA shows you what is expected.  Don't worry about it for your driving instructor will teach you all you need to know to cope with independent driving.

The Driving Theory Test.

The Theory Test
The first part of the Theory Test consists of 50 multiple choice questions. Each question has 4 possible answers of which only 1 is correct.

You are allowed 57 minutes to complete the test in which you must correctly answer 43 questions out of 50 to pass.

The Hazard Perception section of the test is made up of 14 hazard video clips.

You have 15 hazards to spot. Once you have found each hazard you must click on the mouse. You will need to score 44 or more out of 75 to pass.

You will need to pass both the theory questions and the hazard perception section of the test at the same sitting to pass.

You CANNOT book your Practical driving test UNTIL you have passed the theory test and hazard perception test.

You can try out some FREE theory test to see if you are ready. Follow the link pagewww.travis-drive.co.uk

Rudolph Car

Turn your car into your very own Rudolph

As much as we’d all love our very own sleigh to cruise around in this winter, we can’t all be as cool as Santa. Luckily for you, though, we’ve found the next best thing: reindeer antlers and a nose for your car! That’s right, you can create your very own rudolph with a couple of simple accessories. Just make sure you take them off after Christmas, because that could get really embarrassing.
Image via ï£¿koroshiya@Flickr

Visiting the driving test centre.

Was at the driving test centre this afternoon in Bletchley. Not taking the driving test, but showing one of my pupils the test centre who has the test in February. It is good to know what the test centre is like, the size of the car park. Also seeing other people taking the test. It is what you have been working for all these months so it makes sense to visit it first.
If we have not talked about you visiting the test centre then ask me next time I see you.
www.travis-drive.co.uk

Driving at Christmas

Christmas week driving.
If this is your first Christmas as a driver then a couple things you need to take into account.
1. The traffic leading up to Christmas Eve will get busy, like Saturday at rush hour, so be careful.
2. The car parks will get full, so be prepared to drive around slowly and watch out for more children running out in between cars.
3. More white vans on the road cutting in. 

Keep your distance.
4. More traffic accidents on the roads, so give yourself plenty of time to get from A to B.
5. Watch out for Santa. Yes you will see one, but everyone else will slow down so the kids in the car can see. Watch you don't drive into the back of the car in front.
Hope these tips help you to drive safe at Christmas.

www.travis-drive.co.uk

Do you understand traffic signs?

Understanding Traffic Signs and Their Meanings...

If you are you confused by the many different traffic signs in the UK, this is the website for you. Even for experienced drivers, getting your head around all of the traffic signs, traffic signals and road markings, and what exactly they are instructing you to do can be bewildering.
http://www.trafficsignsandmeanings.co.uk/

Driving Test Manoeuvres.

I always get asked by my pupils will I get the Bay park or left reverse on my driving test. The answer is I don't know. All I can is prepare you to pass all four. I have listed the last ten driving tests and the manoeuvres that my pupil got.
1. Left Reverse.
2. Turn in the road.
3. Left Reverse.
4. Reverse Parking.
5. Bay parking.
6. Left Reverse.
7. Bay Parking.
8. Bay Parking.
9. Turn in the

 road.
10. Reverse Parking.

As with all manoeuvres you should have good observations before and during. Keep the speed slow and have good control of the car.

www.travis-drive.co.uk

Driving in 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

Driving up hills in 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