Passed the driving test in Milton Keynes.

A very good driving test pass by Ellie Fox http://www.travis-drive.co.uk/apps/photos/

4x4 driving tips

 

How to become a good nighttime driver and why you should be extra alert when driving in the city?

1. Routinely check your tyres.

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 tire 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, aquaplaning and blowouts.

2. Slow down.

Going too slow can be hazardous, but whenever you find yourself in difficult conditions like fog, rain, snow or glare, reduce your speed. Don't rush or lose patience.

3. Become a good night time driver.

Night driving can be a pleasure if you are aware of the special alertness demanded by low visibility. A few fundamentals: Keep your headlights and tail lights on for the entire period between sunset and sunrise. Put your headlights on low-beam when another vehicle is within 200 metres, also when driving behind another vehicle. If your car breaks down at night, make sure other drivers can see your car and stop in time. Turn on the hazard warning lights. If possible, pull off the road. Avoid stopping just over a hill or just around a curve. Take good notice of roadside reflectors and any other helpful visual signals to stay on the road at night.

4. Be aware of your physical condition.

You need good vision and good hearing, and you must be alert and responsive. Never drive when:

• You have been drinking alcohol
• You have taken any prescription or over-the-counter medicine that can cause drowsiness
• You are under the influence of any drug that may affect your performance or perception
• You are very tired
• You are emotionally upset – this can cause you to become careless.

5. Pay attention to the special requirements of different seasons.

You must prepare your car and tyres well in advance for Winter, but also for the other seasons. Fog, excessive rainfall, snow and ice, and glare and heat all bring specific kinds of adjustments and maintenance. Look at our Winter driving tips and the 'Maintaining a tyre' section here in the site for more information. And consult your Goodyear dealer, too.

6. Be extra alert when driving in the city.

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.

http://www.goodyear.eu/uk_en/tire-advice/safe-driving/driving-tips/4x4-driving-tips.jsp

City driving tips

 

How to improve your city driving skills.

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

Performance driving tips

 

High performance isn't only required from racing drivers. Are you ready for the road?

1. Don't become an aggressive driver.

Yelling, honking the horn, slamming on the brakes in front of a tailgater, passing on the road shoulder, speeding, improper gestures... All of these can quickly create a dangerous situation. Be aware of the real danger, and keep your temper in check. Don't drive when angry, over-tired or upset. Avoid conflict, even if you are right. Allow extra time and avoid congestion whenever possible.

2. In addition to using the mirrors, look over your shoulder.

If a driver is acting aggressively toward you, do not retaliate or engage him or her. Get out of the way. Don't make eye contact. Keep your doors locked and your windows up. Don't underestimate the potential of the other driver for aggression.

3. Stay alert

Be rested, calm and not under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Avoid distracting activities like eating or engaging in conversations with passengers.

4. Avoid highway hypnosis.

Highway hypnosis – extreme drowsiness caused by a combination of repetitive visual stimuli and fatigue – is one of the greatest driving hazards. When driving long distances, make frequent stops, during which you might take short naps or exercise. Exercise your eyes by reading road signs or shifting the focus of your eyes to different parts of the roadway. Make sure you are properly rested. If you notice yourself nodding and losing concentration - STOP! Get the rest you need, and then continue.

5. Drive defensively.

Use your imagination. Always be ready to react to the other drivers, in case they don't do what they should – or what you think they should. If you cannot avoid a crash, try to choose the least dangerous option. For example, you often have more chance of surviving running off the road than hitting another vehicle head-on.

http://www.goodyear.eu/uk_en/tire-advice/safe-driving/driving-tips/performance-drive.jsp

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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-driving.jsp

Hazard Perception

Hazard Perception

In this section, you will be shown a number of video clips which depict at least one hazard. The objective is to click whenever you see the hazard developing. A hazard is something which would typically cause you to change your speed or direction while driving e.g. a parked car, wet roads, children running across the street and so on.

You should avoid clicking too much, or in a pattern as this can cause you to fail. Click when you see a hazard ahead and then again when you get closer to it. For example, you are coming up to a parked car, click. Now, a number of different situations can develop e.g. the car may move away or someone could open the door etc. When you get closer to it, click again to signify you have recognised these situations.

The Theory Test.

Theory Test

You can take your theory test if you are aged 17+ and possess a valid provisional licence. If you pass the test, your certificate will only be valid for 2 years, so it's best to take it as you are learning to drive or will be starting fairly soon afterwards. The test is often easier if you have had some driving lessons prior to taking it as you will already be aware of basic rules of the road, signage and road markings and will have begun to develop some sense of hazard awareness.

The theory test currently costs £31, which is usually paid by debit card.

There are two parts to the test, a set of multiple choice questions (pass mark 43/50) and a hazard perception test (pass mark 44/75).

Multiple Choice Questions

You will be asked 50 out of a possible 1000 questions in this part of the theory test. This means the range of questions will be different for each person and each time that they take it. Although the test will not be split, the general categories they fall into include:

• Alertness
  • Testing your observational skills and road safety
• Attitude
  • Testing your consideration and courtesy towards other drivers
• Safety and your vehicle
  • Testing your knowledge of a vehicle and how to detect faults/defects
• Safety margins
  • Testing your understanding of road surfaces and weather conditions
• Hazard awareness
  • Testing your ability to anticipate and plan for a hazard in the road
• Vulnerable road users
  • Testing your attitude towards vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, children, motorcyclists etc.
• Other types of vehicle
  • Testing your safety and courtesy towards a range of alternative vehicles such as lorries and motorcycles
• Vehicle handling
  • Testing your knowledge of how external factors e.g. the weather affect handling of a vehicle
• Motorway rules
  • Testing your understanding of the differences between motorways and normal roads
• Rules of the road
  • Testing your knowledge of speed limits, lane discipline, parking etc.
• Road and traffic signs
  • Testing your recognition of road and traffic signs
• Documents
  • Testing your knowledge of the variety of documents road users must possess e.g. license, insurance, MOT certificate
• Accidents
  • Testing your knowledge of basic first aid and how to deal with road accidents
• Vehicle loading
  • Testing your understanding of how loading a vehicle e.g. towing affects driving

The best practice for this section is to buy practice CDs and/or books and work through them. It would also be helpful to get a copy of The Highway Code, which outlines in detail the rules of the road and a selection of road signs and markings.

Driving with parents

Driving with parents

A lot of people will want to drive outside of lessons, but be aware that things will have changed a lot since your parents passed and they may inadvertently teach you their bad driving habits. If you want to drive your parents car on public roads, you will need to be insured to drive it, display L plates on the car and can only drive with an over 21 who has held a full licence for 3 or more years.

www.travis-drive.co.uk

Learning to drive

Learning to drive

The DSA quote that it takes about 40 hours on average for people to learn to drive, but some people take less time and some people take more. 40 lessons can be quite expensive, so if you can get practice in private, do so. However long you take, you will get there in the end if you stick at it!

During the lessons you will learn all the things that you need to pass your test. You will learn how to turn left and right, deal with big junctions, learn how to tackle roundabouts, dual carriageways, country roads, busier roads etc. You will also learn the maneuvers needed for your test, which are:

• Turn in the road, commonly known as three-point turn
• Parallel or reverse park
• Reverse around a corner
• Emergency stop

A less common maneuver you may be taught is the bay park, which depends on the test centre you will be using - they don't all require it. See the links and info below about the maneuvers.

The first driving lesson.

The First Lesson

Generally, the first lesson will be spent on quiet roads learning the basics of the car. If you already know how to do this then tell your instructor, but if you don't, they will explain how various part of the car work e.g. brake, clutch, accelerator, gearstick, handbrake, indicators, lights. They will show you how to start the car, move off and drive around quiet roads learning how to handle the vehicle.

Great driving in Milton Keynes.

Well done to Well Bench on a very good driving lesson.