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