A great week of driving test passes.

Over the last week I have had two test passes.  First one was a first time pass(well done Jasmine), the second one was a second time pass(well done Frank).  Safe driving to both of you.
I have put the pass photos on my website for everyone to view.
www.travis-drive.co.uk

Your free app for the theory test.

Standards Check Test. Your feedback

I am looking for some feedback from ADI's who have done the new standards check since April.

If you have had yours' could you leave some positive feedback.

Thank you
James

Top 10 reasons to fail the driving test.

Ten reasons for failing your driving test

 www.drive-travis.co.uk

1. Not acting correctly at road junctions 
Its essential that you use the Mirrors, Signal, Position, Speed and gears routine when you approach any kind of junction. Did you check that the new road was safe to drive into? That's essential when your turning either left or right. Was your speed on approach too high? If that was the case, then you might not have been able to stop if needed.

2. Reversing around a corner
Most learners fail on this with either their control of the car or lack of observation. When reversing around a corner, it’s important to keep the car moving as slow as possible. You then have time to decide when to steer at the correct time. It’s also important that you keep looking around for any other road users in the vicinity, and act appropriately.

3. Steering faults
Losing control of the steering, either in normal driving or during a manoeuvre. This can be because you have allowed the steering wheel to 'spin through your hands'

4. Reverse parking faults
Reverse parking can be one of the hardest of the manoeuvre's to do successfully. Like all of the other exercises, it needs very careful use of the controls to keep the car moving very slowly, so you have time to decide when to steer at the right time. You should also be aware of other road users and act appropriately if you see anyone else, while you're completing the task.

5. Making proper use of the gears
Its essential to use the correct gear for the speed and road conditions. For example, if your approaching or driving through a lot of hazards, then its important to drive in a low gear whereas, if there are few hazards, the examiner will be expecting you to be in the highest gear available. A common error is to stay in a low gear (and this will include third gear) needlessly.

Another area where people fail on gears, is forgetting to select 1st gear before moving off. It results in the car stalling. This could cause inconvenience to others, or have dangerous consequences.

6. Not using the mirrors correctly
Why do you need to check your mirrors? Its essential to know if there are other road user’s  following behind you before you start any manoeuvre. Roughly speaking, you should check them between 25 and 50% of your driving time glancing in the mirrors. If you spend any more time, you are not paying enough attention to the road.

An 'old wives' tale' says that you have to move your head when you make the checks. The examiner is trained to check your mirrors without you having to emphasize that your checking them,

7. Avoiding hesitation and driving too slowly Don't expect to pass if you stop somewhere unnecessarily. For example giving way to traffic where it’s safe to continue without stopping.

The examiner will be expecting you to keep up with the flow of other road users within the legal limit, providing the road conditions allow you to. Driving too slowly when its safe to drive at the legal limit, will cause inconvenience to others.

8. Acting correctly when turning right
As with anything that isn't driving in a straight line, remember your mirrors. Look at them before you do anything. Then indicate and move to the right of the lane you are in Wait for an appropriate gap in the oncoming traffic – you know how long it takes for you to turn right, the aim is not to hold other people up unnecessarily. If someone flashes you out, decide if it’s safe then move out.

9. Hesitation at junctions
Your driving examiner will be expecting you to be able to judge gaps and the speed and distance correctly when either pulling out, or turning right. You should not pull out, or turn if you cause the approaching traffic to slow down or make them swerve.

10. Moving away from stationary positions The most common reasons for failing on this, are; moving off in the wrong gear; forgetting to turn the indicator off if you've used it; rolling back if you're moving off on a hill; or not looking around to make sure its safe go.

 www.travis-drive.co.uk

How many hours to pass the driving test?

How long will it take me to learn?

Research has shown that, on average, people who take about 45 hours of professional instruction combined with about 22 hours of extra private practice, stand the best chance of passing the test. Some people need more lessons and practice than others. (Source "Driving for Life", DVSA)www.travis-drive.co.uk

The Theory Test in the UK.

The Theory Test

You must pass your theory test before you can apply for your practical driving test date. The official theory test consists of two parts. The first part is a computer based multiple choice question format of 50 questions. 43 or more of those questions must be answered correctly in order to pass this section. Please click on the driving and theory test link on the left of this page.

Following the question section comes the HPT or Hazard Perception Test. A series of video clips are shown on the computer monitor, these are scenes of actual driving, shot from within a moving vehicle. You will be required to correctly identify a number of moving or developing hazards, within a given time scale.

www.travis-drive.co.uk

Summer Driving

Summer driving.
Driving when it is hot and sunny with the CD player on and the window down is a great feeling. But consider a couple of common sense things:
1. Bring your sunglasses so you can see ahead and not get eye strain.
2. Bottle of cold water in the car.
3. Be prepared for more traffic on the roads. Everyone has the same idea as you to drive when it is sunny.
4. If you are going on a long drive, will your car cope with the extra strain.
5. When was the last time you done a routine check of your car. Oil, tyres, engine coolant etc.
6. Take a picnic and take a break and enjoy the sun.
www.travis-drive.co.uk
Safe driving
James

A real emergency stop.

A real emergency stop.
Well done Kobiihkaa Mahendran who reacted very quickly to another driver who pulled out in front of us, causing Kobiihkaa to do an emergency stop.
www.travis-drive.co.uk

Driving tip of the day

Tip of the day. 
The speed limit is there not to be broken.
www.travis-drive.co.uk

How to cope with your driving test day.

The day of your driving test.
Here are some tips to help you cope with the big day.

1. Get to bed early the night before, so you are not tired on your test.
2. Do eat and drink on the day of your test. Even if you feel like not.
3. Have a one hour lesson before your test to help prepare.
4. Don't think of it as a driving test. Think like it is another lesson and you are wanting to drive to your best standard.
5. If you make a mistake on the driving test. Don't worry about that, you cannot change what has happened. What is more important is that you just drive and do your best.
6. Don't forget to bring your driving shoes to your test. Now is not the time to show off your new shoes.
7. If you start to panic, don't worry. A lot of learners do. Try and take deep breaths and slow it down.
8. Don't be afraid to ask the examiner to repeat what they said. Sometimes the road noise outside makes it difficult to hear.
9. Finally, your driving instructor believes you can pass, otherwise they would not of let you take the test. 
www.travis-drive.co.uk
Good luck and safe driving.

Driving tip of the day.

Tip of the day
Check your tyre pressures every two weeks. It will save you money in fuel and prolong the life of your tyres. www.travis-drive.co.uk