How to drive over a level crossing

Level Crossings - How To Drive Over A Level Crossing

A level crossing is where a railway line crosses a road.Trains pass over level crossings at high speed, which means when accident occurs at a level crossing the accident is more often than not a serious one. Always approach a level crossing with caution. Never take risks. Never think you can jump the barriers and make it safely to the other side. You should only ever drive onto a level crossing if the exit on the other side is clear. They are several different types of level crossing some of which require different approached. Controlled Level Crossings Most level crossings utilize traffic light signals with a steady amber light, twin flashing red stoplights and a sound alarm for pedestrians. Some will have full barriers - a barrier on each side of the crossing that extend over both lanes. Some will have half barriers - barriers on each side of the crossing that extend over only one lane. And some will have no barriers.When a train approaches the level crossing the amber light will show followed by the flashing red stoplights. If the amber light shows after you have passed the stop line then you should continue forward. If you haven't past the stop line then you must stop and wait for the lights to go off and the barriers to rise. Since you could be waiting for a few minutes turn your engine off. If a train passes and the lights continue to flash or the alarm sounds a different tone then another train is approaching so you must continue to wait. Some level crossings have no warning lights. If you approach such a crossing and the barriers begin to close then you should stop and wait. User Operated Level Crossings These have stop signs and small red and green lights. You must only cross if the green light is on. If the red light shows you must stop and wait.To cross you need to exit your car and open the gates or barriers on both sides of the crossing. Before driving over check to make sure the green light is still on. Once over the crossing you should exit your car and close the gates or barriers.

Level Crossing Warning Lights Full Barrier Level Crossing Half Barrier Level Crossing

Open Level Crossings These have no barriers, gates, lights or attendant. There will be a give way sign however. Approach with extra caution, stop, look both ways, listen and make sure no train is approaching.If ever you break down or have an accident on a level crossing then the first thing to do is to get everyone out of your car and clear of the crossing. Some level crossings will have a railway telephone present if you see one then use it to inform the operator of what's happened. They will give you instructions, which you should follow. If a train isn't due for a fair amount of time then try and push your car clear. If no railway phone is present then use a mobile to call the police. http://www.driving-test-success.com/driving-articles/level-crossings.htm

Light signals ahead	Level crossing without barrier or gate	Level crossing with barrier or gate	Level crossing without barrier

Speed Limits

UK Speed Limits - A Guide To Driving At The Correct Speed

You should always keep your speed below the maximum speed limit for the road you are driving on. Although you are not legally obliged to drive at the maximum speed limit, if it is safe to do, you should try and drive at a speed that at least approaches it, for instance, in a 40mph zone your speed should be between 35 and 40mph.
Driving too slowly can be as dangerous as driving too fast. The driver who toddles along a 60mph road at 40mph causes tailbacks and frustration. This can lead to dangerous overtaking manoeuvres and other road safety issues.
Speed in itself is not that dangerous, inappropriate speed is. Always take into account the weather and road conditions. Driving at 60mph, even though you are legally entitled to do so, when there is ice on the road is dangerous and inappropriate, as is driving at 40mph on a dual carriageway when the weather is fine.

The general speed limit rules for cars are:

• For built-up urban roads with street lighting the speed limit is 30 mph.
  
• For single carriageway roads the national speed limit is 60mph.
  
• For dual carriageways and motorways the speed limit is 70mph.

These speed limits apply at all times, whether during the rush hour or the dead of night and are overridden only if a road sign indicates a different speed limit for instance it is not uncommon to have a speed limit of 40mph on a road with street lighting.

Minimum Speed Limits

You won't often encounter a minimum speed limit however they are sometimes put in place where it is important to keep traffic moving smoothly.The table below shows the national speed limits for different vehicles on different types of road.

The Correct Gears You Should Use

Different gears are used to reach and maintain different speeds. The general guideline is as follows:

• 1st gear - for speeds between 0 and 10mph
  
• 2nd gear - for speeds between 10 and 20mph
  
• 3rd gear - for speeds between 20 and 30mph
  
• 4th gear - for speeds between 30 and 40mph
  
• 5th gear - for speeds over 40mph

Stopping Distances

The distance, over which you can bring a car to a stop, the stopping distance, depends on four factors.

• The speed at which you are traveling
  
• The thinking distance - the time it takes you to think about stopping and hit the brakes
  
• The braking distance - the time it takes for the car to come to a stop after you have applied the brakes. As a general rule, on a good dry road, you can work out the braking distance by using this formula - take your speed, multiply it by the first digit then divide by two. The answer is the braking distance in feet. For example, you are driving at 70mph, so 70 x 7 equals 490 then 490 divided by 2, which equals a braking distance is 245 feet.
  
• The weather conditions - dry roads mean shorter braking distances, wet and icy mean longer braking distances

The following diagram shows overall stopping distances at a variety of speeds when the road surface is dry. If the road were wet the stopping distance would be twice the distance, on icy roads the stopping distance would be ten times as great.
The stopping distances above are the minimum possible for an alert driver on a level road withgood brakes and tyres. Your overall stopping distance will be affected by:

• your health and concentration (thinking distance)
  
• the condition of your vehicle (brakes, steering and suspention)
  
• tyres (condition, type and pressure)
  
• the size and weight of your vehicle and the load it is carrying
  
• the gradient of the road, as it will take longer to stop when driving downhill
  
• the type and eveness of the road surface
  
• The weather conditions. 

Maximum speed limit (could also show 20, 30 or 50mph)	National speed limit - 60mph or 70mph on dual carriageways/motorways	Minimum speed limit	End of minimum speed limit

http://www.driving-test-success.com/driving-articles/speed-limits.htm

Theory test pass rates

Theory Test pass rates.
The theory test pass rate in Milton Keynes for 2011 to 2012.
Multiple choice test questions 76%
Hazard perception test 84%

How to pass your driving test

Part One: Prepare for the Written Test

1. 1
   Pick up the driver's guide for your state. Every state has them, and that's where you'll find everything that will be on both the written and the actual driving test.
   
   
   • You'll learn the basic rules of the road, when to pull over for emergency vehicles (always a favorite on driving exams), speed limits in various zones (another favorite), how to handle accidents, and more.
   • Read it chapter by chapter, make notes if that helps you remember, and have somebody quiz you after each chapter. If you can answer 80% of the questions, move on to the next chapter.
   • At the end of the booklet, ask to be quizzed on the whole manual. Any chapters you don't do well on, revisit. If you go through the book three times in three weeks, your chances of passing—even acing—your test are very high.

Part Two: Prepare for the Practical Test

1. 1
   Practice driving. Most states have regulations regarding how much experience you have behind the wheel. Some states make allowances for taking accredited driving courses, either through school or professional instruction.
   
   
   • Some states also make allowances for top students. While it won't directly help you pass your driving test, being a good student will often make it easier to meet the requirements.
   • Student drivers must have a licensed driver with them at all times. In some states, having a license is all your passenger needs. In some states there are age restrictions, or restrictions based on how long the person has been licensed. You will learn these rules and restrictions in the driver's manual that you're going to study.
2. 2
   Practice driving on the test routes. Find out in advance where you will be taking the practical test (the actual driving part). While it may be illegal in your state (read the manual), unless you're following specific routes, there should be no problem driving in the general neighborhood.
   • That's not generally necessary, unless you are such a weak driver that you need an advantage. If that's the case, you're better off not rushing into getting a license.
   • Practicing all the basic maneuvers—stopping, starting, signaling, backing up, parking, obeying the speed limit and all traffic control signs and signals are all good things to practice.
   • One of the biggest things the examiner will look for is whether or not you have full command of your vehicle. If you are intimidated by the car, make jerky starts and stops, and generally show a lack of confidence in your driving, that will count against you.
   • If you speed, run a light or a stop sign, or make other egregious errors, you can pretty much count on retaking the test.
3. 3
   Be familiar with signage. Knowing street signs, hand gestures, when to pass, how and when to pull over for emergency vehicles will count. Read that manual! Know the rules and you'll be fine.
4. 4
   Go for a drive with your parent. The morning before your test, ask them to watch you, and make sure that you check all your mirrors correctly and do all your maneuvers correctly. This will help you gain some confidence.
   
   

Part Three: Passing the Practical Test

1. 1
   Make sure your car is ready for the test. Your registration and insurance should be easily accessible. Tires should be inflated properly and in good condition, lights will all need to be working, windshield wipers functional, with the washer reservoir filled, all instruments—especially the speedometer—working and accurate, and turn the radio off when you get there.
   
   
   • There should be no cracks in the windshield.
   • Make sure your car isn't belching smoke. If the examiner feels like your car might be unsafe, they can turn you away.
   • Adjust the seat to fit your body height and style. You should sit at least 10 inches (25cm) from the steering wheel and your hands should be bent at approximately 45 degrees, holding the steering wheel at 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock. (The old rule was 10 and 2, but airbags have changed that rule).
   • Make sure your feet reach the pedals properly, so you're not stretching to reach them, or bunched up in your seat.
2. 2
   Arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your appointment. Bring your completed and signed Driver's Log, Drivers Ed certificate, driving time with an instructor certificate, your learners permit, and any other papers or certificates required, including your Social Security card and birth certificate for identification purposes.
3. 3
   Get in the car with the driving examiner. Relax, and be friendly. You won't lose points for being unpleasant—necessarily—but if your examiner needs to make a judgement call about your driving at some point, ask yourself: would you be easier on a nice person, or a jerk?
   
   
   • Ask any questions that you have prior to the test and in the test if you are confused. The driving examiner will be glad to answer them.
4. 4
   At all times drive at a safe speed. Note that this does not necessarily mean the speed limit—conditions may warrant a slower speed. Under no circumstances exceed the speed limit.
5. 5
   Practice situational awareness. Check your mirrors regularly. Make this a little more exaggerated than normal, just so it is clear that you are doing it.
   • Keep your head moving, looking out the windows for other traffic, pedestrians, kids, little old ladies, etc.
   • Keep your eyes on the road, not on that good-looking guy or hot girl walking down the sidewalk. Your examiner will see them too, and check to see what has your attention: the road, or the hotness. If you want to pass, the answer needs to be "the road."
   • When you change lanes or turn, turn your head to look behind you. Your rear-view mirrors are useful, but they're not foolproof. A combination of eyes and mirrors are the best.
6. 6
   Obey all signs. Come to a full stop at stop signs. Look all ways before continuing. If there are other people at the stop sign, make sure you yield right of way properly—and take your turn when it's time.
   • Don't forget to signal all turns, lane changes, and any time your intent is to change direction.
7. 7
   Park confidently. Practice with your driving instructor or parent before taking the test so that you can do a clean, confident job of parallel parking, backing up straight, and three- or four-point turns.
   • Parallel park as best as you can. Make sure you turn on your indicators, as not doing so will likely ensure a failure. Try not to bump the curb; go slowly and carefully, looking to the back and sides as you do so.
   • Remember, it's OK to slightly bump the curb, just not jump it. You will lose some points, but that's better than failing the test altogether.
8. 8
   Thank the examiner. When you return to the motor vehicle departement, listen to what the examiner has to say. Most likely they will mention what you did wrong, and a little of what you did right.
   • Then they'll tell you if you passed or failed. Whichever it is, thank them politely. If you passed, you'll be pleased, and it's always nice to be polite. If you failed, you'll have to come back—and you might get the same examiner the next time. If you fly off the handle and call the examiner a "nailbiting old crank who needs new glasses," it will probably go a lot harder on you next time!
9. 9
   Congratulations, you passed! If you read this tutorial, and studied the manual, you will almost certainly pass your driver's exam. Be safe out there!
   
   

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Using Your Own Car To Take The Practical Driving Test

If you use your own car to take the practical driving test then you and your car must fulfil certain requirements. If any of these requirements are left unfilled on the day of the test then the driving test will be cancelled without any money being refunded.

The requirements are as follows:

Your car must be insured for purpose. The driving test examiner will need you to sign a declaration stating that your car insurance is in order. If you are unable or unwilling to sign this form then the driving test will not go ahead.

• The car must have a current MOT certificate, be fully and properly taxed and be legally road worth in all other respects.
  
• The front passenger seatbelt must be working correctly.
  
• L-plates must be placed at the front and rear of the car.
  
• An unobstructed view to the rear other than by the exterior mirrors must be seen.
  
• An interior mirror for the examiner's use must be fitted.
  
• A head restraint fitted to the front passenger seat must be fitted.
  
• An additional interior rear-view mirror suitable for use by the driving test examiner must be fitted.
  
• Specially adapted cars may be exempt from these requirements.

www.travis-drive.co.uk

Driving test eye test. What will happen.

Driving test eye test Upon arrival to the driving test centre, you will have a short wait before your examiner comes to call your name and introduce themselves. After the formalities of signing the declaration form stating that you are who you say you are and that you are legally entitled to drive the car for the test, you will be asked to show the examiner where your car is. On the way to your car, the examiner will briefly stop you to conduct a simple eye test. Although the driving test eye test is simple, your driving test can easily be terminated if you fail the eye test. Explained is the driving test eyesight test and what's involved.

The driving test eye test is a simple procedure involving the driving examinerasking you to stand a certain distance from a vehicle. This distance is: 20 metres for a car number plate made after 1 September 2001 20.5 metres for car number plates made before 1 September 2001 If your need to wear glasses or contact lenses to read the number plate, you must also wear these during your practical driving test.

UK car number plate explanation for vehicles 2001 onwards

Essentially, you will be offered three chances at correctly reading the number plate during the eyesight test. If you failed the first attempt, the examiner will request that you try an alternative number plate on a different vehicle. If on the second attempt you failed, the examiner will measure the distance to ensure accuracy and you will be offered a third and final attempt. Failure on the third attempt will result in the driving test being terminated and as a result, your driving test fee will be lost.

It is a requirement that examiners terminate the driving test on the failure of the third attempt at the driving test eye test as it is a legal requirement that all drivers must be able to read a number plate from the distances specified.

It is the driving test candidates responsibility that they ensure they take precautions to ensure their eyesight will meet the legal requirements and that they take appropriate eyesight correction wear if applicable to the driving test.

Driving eyesight requirements Learner drivers and qualified drivers must by law be able to read a UK number plate from the distances specified above regardless of age and experience. Driving with bad eyesight can potentially result in a fine and penalty points. Police officers may stop your vehicle and test your eyesight by using the driving examiners method if they feel that it may have been the result of them stopping you. If you are unable to satisfy them that your eyesight is safe for driving, it may result in 3 penalty points on your driving licence and anything up to a £1000 fine.

For more information www.travis-drive.co.uk

Another driving test pass

Congratulations to Nikki Choong on passing the driving test today.
Check out my website to see the driving test pass photos
www.travis-drive.co.uk
Safe driving around Milton Keynes

Driving Test Examiners

Driving Examiner When it comes to taking the driving test, many learner drivers fear the driving examiner. Generally it is a misconception that driving examiners are rude or mean to the learner. Part of the training process for examiners set out by the DSA is to deal with the public and driving test candidates in an appropriate manner - being polite, clear and professional at all times. You will of course find rude individuals within all industry sectors, driving examiners being no exception. We'll take a look at the role of the examiner, are examiners friendly and do they actually deliberately fail you.

Role of the driving test examiner A full time examiner will work from 8.30am to 4.30pm five days a week. Certain examiner may work Saturdays if the work is available and in the summer months, they may finish later if they wish. A typical day will consist of 7 driving tests. each lasting an average of 40 minutes. A driving examiner is trained to assess a learners ability to drive safely in a variety of conditions and the results of which are marked on thedriving test report. A typical driving test will involve the examiner:

• introducing themselves to the learner and asking them to sign the car insurance declaration from
• conducting an eye test
• choosing a combination of the Show Me Tell Me questions to ask the learner
• assess the learners ability at independent driving
• requesting a manoeuvre
• possibly requesting an emergency stop (every one in three tests conducted)
• assessing the learners ability to drive safely, keep good control and take effective observation within a wide variety of road types, systems and conditions

Although an examiner has a general set of rules they must abide by for passing or failing a driving test, they can use their discretion in certain situations. Driving through a red light for example during a test is a failure and nothing can be done to change the outcome. Although if for example a learner was to hit the curb whilst parking up, a good examiner will request that the learner parks up a little more than usual to establish if hitting the curb is a frequent mistake or a one-off.

Are driving examiners friendly

Many years ago the role of the driving test examiner was often filled by retired policemen. Along with this came the rather stern and cold attitude that many of the police seem to have. Things however have changed and anyone that has held a UK or EU driving licence continuously for a minimum of four years and has no more than three penalty points can apply to be a driving test examiner.

Part of the four week driving examiner training course set out by the DSA is customer focus. The majority of test candidates are going to be nervous and during the test may be come stressed and unpredictable. At the end of the test, if they have failed candidates on occasions get angry. An examiner has to be able to deal with these situations in a professional manner and to calm the situation. We do of course hear of many complaining that the examiner was rude or mean to them or generally being cold or impolite. A driving examiners job may become monotonous and perhaps boring after a time which for some, may lead to a less than friendly approach. Many examiners also try to remain impartial to a candidate rather than strike up too much of a friendship as this will be easier if there's bad new at the end of the test. The role of an examiner can of course be stressful too. Being subjected to lethal driving of learners who are in no way up to test standard, combined with no law making it mandatory for candidates having to take a driving test in a vehicle fitted with dual controls. It would I'm sure make sense for such a law to exist and also that a certain amount of professional driving lessons should be taken before sitting the driving test. Although it must all too easy to become impatient with a learner driver who appears to have no idea what they are doing, there is a fine line between being rude and overly stern Do driving examiners have a quota There are around 380 driving test centres spread throughout major towns and cities in the UK. From over 2000 driving test examiners, the number allocated to each test centre depends on how many driving tests are conducted each year at a particular centre. Each driving test centre has its own pass rates which are generally related to the area the test centre is located in. An area featuring complex roads and traffic systems along with a high density of traffic will generally have poorer driving test pass rates than a test centre located in a rural area. Although the DSA state that they do not have a set quota for each test centre, they do measure pass rate statistics for each driving examiner and compare those statistics to examiners who are assigned to the same test centre. Each examiner must stay within 10% of the overall test centre pass rate or the DSA may investigate the examiner who deviates outside of this 10%. This may force examiners to fail a driving test that they may normally pass, or worse still in terms of road safety, pass a candidate even though they should have failed so as to keep within this 10% threshold. Many driving instructors get asked 'Do driving examiners deliberately fail you?' The answer may well be yes so as to keep them flying under the DSA investigation radar. They may of course deliberately pass you too. Driving test appeal The majority of driving test examiners are polite and conduct driving tests in a appropriate manner expected by the DSA and by test candidates. If you feel that your driving test was conducted inappropriately, you may make a complaint against the driving examiner to the DSA and appeal the driving test results. The first stage of a driving test appeal is to contact the DSA on 0300 200 1122. Ensure you have at hand your driving licence number, practical test booking reference number and if applicable, your theory test pass certificate number. The DSA will also like to know the type of test you have taken, the date, time, place and the reason for complaint. It is highly unlikely the DSA will overturn the decision of the examiner. Essentially, it is your word against the examiners. To help minimise the risk of inappropriate behaviour of a driving examiner, consider taking along your driving instructor, friend or family member on your driving test. Driving examiner strikes In the event of any striking action taking by DSA examiners, there is still a possibility that your driving test may go ahead as the DSA often draught in extra examiners and not all examiners are striking. If you do have concerns about your test taking place, ensure you cancel or reschedule the driving test by providing a minimum of 3 working days’ notice. (Saturdays included as a working day but not public holidays). By doing so, you will retain your test booking fee. If you turn up for your driving test and the test centre is unable to conduct your test, the DSA will reschedule the test for you and you may also be able to claim out-of-pocket expenses. See here for further details. www.travis-drive.co.uk

Inside the Honda Jazz show me questions for the driving test.

Inside the Honda Jazz show me questions for the driving test.
Click on the link to watch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbje9TYk0j8