Monday, 19 October 2015

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.

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
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Friday, 16 October 2015

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

Tuesday, 13 October 2015

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!

Friday, 9 October 2015

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

Wednesday, 7 October 2015

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

Stop Sign - stop and give way.
Give Way Road Markings
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.


Saturday, 3 October 2015

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


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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