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
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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

106

Tips to drive in wet weather

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-drivin

www.drive-travis.co.uk