Thursday, 31 December 2015

Show me tell me questions for the driving test.

Need help with the questions?

If you are looking for help with the questions that the examiner will ask you at the start of the driving test.  Then I have a quick video on it
I have also put a link to all the questions that could be asked.  Don't forget that the examiner will ask you one show me question and one tell me question at the start before the driving test begins.  You will be expected to know these.  If you get a question wrong you will be marked on the driving test sheet with a minor. 
for a full set of show me tell me question just follow the link. http://www.drive-travis.co.uk/show-me-tell-me-questions
Good luck with your driving test and if my video helps you, then like and share it.
Safe driving

Good luck in 2016

www.drive-travis.co.uk

Good luck with your driving lessons in 2016

Wednesday, 23 December 2015

Motorway driving lessons for learners



Motorway lessons proposed for learner drivers

  • 21 December 2015
  •  
  • From the section UK
Traffic on the M1 motorwayImage copyrightPA
Image captionFines for using handheld mobile phones would increase
Learner drivers in England and Wales would be given the chance to take lessons on motorways under government plans to improve road safety.
Lessons would be in a dual-control car with an approved instructor - currently drivers can only go on motorways once they have passed their practical exam.
Other plans include a crackdown on dangerous drivers, by providing police forces with more money for enforcement.
The proposals will be put out to consultation next year.
There will be a £2m research project into how to improve motoring education for learner and novice drivers.
As part of a wide-ranging strategy document - some of which applies to the whole of Britain and some to certain nations only - the Department for Transport also proposes:
  • Increasing penalty points for drivers who use a handheld phone at the wheel from three to four, with fines rising from £100 to £150 - a proposal announced by ministers on Sunday
  • Changes to laws to improve cycling safety and additional funding for cycle training in schools
  • Strengthening compulsory basic training for learner motorcyclists and encouraging greater post-test rider training
At present, fewer than half of learners pass their practical test first time - a statistic the government says it wants to improve.
"We will encourage a higher percentage of learner drivers to aim to pass their driving test the first time around, when they are truly ready for independent driving," the document states. 
"In doing so, we will consider whether more should be done to support and reward a broader range of driving experiences, such as night driving and motorways, ahead of candidates obtaining their driving licence and whether restructuring the costs of the driving test would incentivise learners to undertake more pre-test practice." 

'No time for parents'

Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, welcomed the announcement of motorway lessons.
He said: "Mile-for-mile, motorways are our safest roads but can be intimidating places for novice drivers.
"The important thing is the official seal of approval provided by the approved driving instructor who will accompany them down the slip-road.
"This is definitely not the time to have mum or dad in the passenger seat."
Neil Greig, director of policy and research at the Institute of Advanced Motorists, said: "Logistically, motorway driving can never be compulsory but for the many who live close to them, this offers a step change in their confidence and safety in our most important economic routes."
The strategy also sets out plans to give £750,000 to police forces in England and Wales to improve their ability to identify and prosecute drug-drivers.

'Hidden killer'

AA president Edmund King said drug driving was "the hidden killer" and extra efforts to tackle it were "welcome and overdue". 
Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said Britain's roads were some of the safest in the world, but more could be done to improve them. 
"We are delivering common-sense proposals that balance tougher penalties for dangerous drivers with practical steps to help youngsters and other more vulnerable groups stay safe on our roads."
Northern Ireland is responsible for its own road traffic legislation, including driver and vehicle testing, road safety policy and vehicle standards.

Parallel Parking with my pupil

A short video in Milton Keynes with my pupil.  We were working on his observations and control of the car with the Parallel parking for his driving test.  Hope you find it interesting.
My website
My Youtube channel
Feel free you check it out and subscribe

Saturday, 19 December 2015

Test passes 2015.

A short slideshow of some of my pupils who passed the diving test in 2015.
Safe driving around Milton Keynes to all of them.

Thursday, 17 December 2015

Left Reverse

As with any manoeuvre, you need good observations and good control of the car you are driving.  This short video is one of my pupils leaning the left reverse.
Hope it helps you to understand the left reverse manoeuvre.  Safe driving

Wednesday, 16 December 2015

Spiral roundabouts

Whenever I am helping learner drivers with roundabouts to understand how to approach and exit them correctly I always get asked about spiral roundabouts.  The sort of things they say are "they are confusing, too many white lines crossing over one another, worried about all the cars."
So I have done this video in Milton Keynes covering the spiral roundabout at the end of the A5 heading towards Aylesbury.  I hope you find it helpful.
Safe driving and if you are looking for driving lessons in the Milton Keynes area check out my website www.drive-travis.co.uk
Or check out my Youtube channel on all my videos https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC94rkNhixyVA2N_UYTQyVeg
Safe and happy driving lessons.

Sunday, 13 December 2015

Tips for winter driving

Preparing your vehicle for winter driving

Keeping your vehicle well maintained is important all year round, but doubly so in winter. For example, worn tyres won't hold the road in wet conditions as well as those with with a good, deep tread.
Make sure all exterior lights are working correctly and that windscreen wiper blades are in good condition. Check the oil, coolant and washer fluid levels. And, don't leave home on that long trip over lonely country roads without enough fuel for the journey.
The following checks will help ensure your vehicle is ready for winter:
Note: Before carrying out these checks, make sure your vehicle is cold and parked on a flat, level surface.
  1. Car Battery - the RAC attends more call-outs for batteries than any other problem. During February 2012 we went to more than 50,000 battery-related call-outs. Remember, if your car has not been used for a period of time, the battery may need charging before you come to use it. The RAC Shop stocks a range of battery chargers and battery testing devices.
  2. Coolant - ensure that coolant is between the minimum and maximum markers. It is also important that there is sufficient anti-freeze in the coolant. If you're uncertain, have a look at your handbook or get a local garage to check the strength. Anti-freeze is cheap but damage from a frozen engine can be very expensive to put right.

    Find out how to check your engine coolant with our useful "Know-how" video
  3. Tyres - check tyre condition to see if there is adequate tread. Look for damage such as splits or bulges and check the pressure. If you live in an area particulary at risk of snow consider purchasing winter tyres or snow socks which give you greater traction and control.

    If you need to refresh yourself on how to check your tyre tread we have a simple video you can watch.
     
  4. Screenwash - make sure you have enough screenwash and that the concentration is suitable for cold conditions. Not all screenwash is the same so look for the temperature it protects down to. You should be looking for protection down to down to -10 degrees C and if you live in areas subject to the greatest extremes of weather, down to -20 degrees C. If you don't use a good quality screenwash there is a danger your washer pump could freeze which might lead to the fuse blowing and your wipers not working because they are often on the same fuse.

    Find out how to check your screenwash with our simple video.
     
  5. Wiper blades - check wiper blades for damage and replace if necessary. When wiper blades become frozen to glass it is very easy to damage them when freeing them up.

    Our "Know-how" video on how to check windscreen wipers will help you spot any damage.

Sunday, 6 December 2015

Show me questions on a Hyundai i20

Show me questions for the driving test. Hyundai i20.

Hope this short video helps you to understand where and how to answer the questions on the Show me tell me part of the driving test.  The car is the Hyundai i20 2014.

Check out my Youtube channel for more videos on driving

Thursday, 3 December 2015

Which is best 1 hour or 2?

I get asked by my pupils, what is better.  A one hour lesson or a two hour lesson.  I will say the two hour lesson has more benifits.  Let me explain.
One hour lesson   Cost £25
It takes about 10 minutes from the start of the lesson to get back to where you left off from your last lesson.  This is down to being a bit rusty and still trying to learn the task from the last lesson. 
If we work on hill starts we could end up driving to a suitable place that could be 5 to 10 minutes away. Then we work on hill starts we could end up spending 20 minues practicing this, which then leaves you only 20 minutes left of your lesson which does not include driving back to your home. So you will not get the time to drive to different areas unless we miss somthing out.

Two hour lesson   Cost £45
It takes about 10 minutes from the start of the lesson to get back to where you left off from your last lesson.  This is down to being a bit rusty and still trying to learn the task from the last lesson. 
If we work on hill starts we could end up driving to a suitable place that could be 5 to 10 minutes away. Then we work on hill starts we could end up spending 20 minues practicing this, which then leaves you about 1 hour and 20 minutes left of your lesson to work on learning more skills.  It also gives more time to drive to differant areas to gain more experience and pratice. Then leave about 10 to 15 minutes to get back home.

A.   1 x 2 hour lesson, you take 10 minutes to get back to where you were from previous lesson.
2 x 1 hour lessons will take 10 minues  x 2  ( 20 minutes)to get back to where you were from your previous lesson.
B.  The DVSA states it takes an average of 48 hours training with a driving instructor plus 20 hours private lessons with your mum and dad.  So if you were having 1 hour a week with no gaps then it will take you about 11 months  to take your driving test.
If you were taking 2 hours a week then you could be taking your driving test by 4 to 5 months.

Wednesday, 2 December 2015

New Sat Nav Driving Test

The new driving test being tested includes using the sat nav.  Hope this short video helps to explain

Includes driving into a parking bay and reversing out and parking on the right side of the road.  Part of the driving test will include using a sat nav for 20 minutes of the driving test.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC94rkNhixyVA2N_UYTQyVeg
The turn in the road manoeuvre and left reverse are being dropped.

Sunday, 29 November 2015

Turn in the road

Observations needed to complete.

Hope the short video helps to show and explain the observations needed to complete the turn in the road manoeuvre.  

Wednesday, 25 November 2015

Examiner strike

Driving examiner strike action: December 2015

Some driving examiners are planning to take strike action at various times from Tuesday 1 December until Friday 4 December 2015.
Some driving examiners who are members of the Public and Commercial Service (PCS) union are planning to take strike action.
PCS has planned action at various times from Tuesday 1 December until Friday 4 December 2015.
DVSA is doing all it can to make sure that tests go ahead as planned. Not all examiners are union members, and many test centres are expected to be operating as normal.
You can read further information on GOV.UK
www.drive-travis.co.uk

Wednesday, 18 November 2015

Examiner strike

Driving examiner strike: candidates advised to attend tests 

Driving examiners and vehicle examiners are planning to take strike action at various times on Thursday 19 and Friday 20 November 2015.
Some driving examiners who are members of the Public and Commercial Service union (PCS) are planning to take strike action on Thursday 19 and Friday 20 November 2015.
Candidates advised to attend tests
DVSA is doing all it can to make sure that driving tests go ahead as planned and recommends all candidates come for their test as usual
If your pupil’s test is cancelled because of strike action, they won’t have to contact DVSA to rebook their appointment. DVSA will contact them with a new test appointment within 5 to 10 working days.
Out-of-pocket expenses
Your pupil can claim out-of-pocket expenses if their test is cancelled, but they must have turned up for their test in order to make this claim. If they don’t turn up, they’ll have to rebook their own test and they won’t be able to claim expenses.
Find out how to claim out-of-pocket expenses
Theory tests
Theory tests aren’t affected by the strike action and will be taking place as planned.
 www.drive-travis.co.uk

Tuesday, 17 November 2015

Choosing the right driving instructor

There are different ways to choosing your driving instructor, from recommendations to finding them on Google or YouTube.  The short video will help you to spot if you are being taught by a qualified driving instructor.

www.drive-travis.co.uk
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC94rkNhixyVA2N_UYTQyVeg

Friday, 13 November 2015

Common faults on your driving test

Common mistakes on your driving video, test part 2.

This is a follow up from the first successful video.  Covering mistakes that learners tend to do on driving tests.  Hope these videos help you to improve your driving skills.

Safe driving


Thursday, 12 November 2015

Common reasons to fail your driving test.

No 1

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.

Tuesday, 10 November 2015

Why are the driving test waiting times so long?

A short video to explain the waiting times for driving tests.

I hope the video helps to answer the question.  Check out my youtube channel for more helpful videos. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC94rkNhixyVA2N_UYTQyVeg


Monday, 9 November 2015

Common mistakes on the driving test

Mistakes on the driving test. Part 1.

Hi a short video covering some of the most common mistakes that pupils make on the driving test.
Hope it helps you to become a better and safer driving.  If you find the video helpful, feel free to share and subscribe to my channel on youtube.


Sunday, 8 November 2015

Why should I continue my driving test if I think I failed?

I have done a short video talking about why you need to continue driving on your driving test, even if you think you have failed in the first few minutes.  Hope it helps.
If you like the video then check out my youtube channel with lots more help full videos and don't forget to share and like.  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC94rkNhixyVA2N_UYTQyVeg

Safe driving.

Friday, 6 November 2015

Customer reviews when choosing your driving instructor


Customer reviews go a long way in making your choice on choosing which driving instructor.  You always ask your friends who is teaching them to drive and then you are looking up the instructor on either Facebook or on their website.  


So its important for any driving instructor to display his/her customer reviews so you can see what their pupils are saying.  Which in turn reassures you that the choice you are making is the right one.   You will find that all good driving instructors will display with pride what their pupils have said.  

Good hunting when looking for your ideal instructor and remember you are the one choosing.



Wednesday, 4 November 2015

Show me tell me video for Hyundai i20 for driving test

A short video on the show me tell me questions for the driving test.  The car is the Hyundai i20.

Tuesday, 3 November 2015

Show me tell me questions for the driving test

Part of your test includes a Show me, Tell Me' section. This is when your examiner will ask you one 'Show me' and one 'Tell me' question about general maintenance and safety checks on your car.

Tell Me Questions
Q1.Tell me how you would check the brakes are working before starting a journey
A1.Brakes should be tested as you set off by applying gentle pressure at slow speed. Brakes should not feel spongy or slack and the vehicle should not pull to one side.
Q2.Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked
A2.In the manufacturerʼs guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, donʼt forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.
Q3.Tell me how you would check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road
A3.No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central 3⁄4 of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference.
Q4.Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash
A4.Adjust the rigid part of the restraint so that it is close to the back of your head and level with your eyes or top of your ears
Q5.Tell me how you would check that the headlights & tail lights are working? (no need to exit the vehicle)
A5.Operate switch (turn on ignition if necessary), get somebody to walk round vehicle.
Q6.Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system
A6.The ABS warning light would become illuminated on the instrument panel if there is a fault
Q7.Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil
A7.Identify dipstick / oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum/ maximum markers.

Q8.Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid
A8.Identify reservoir, check level against high/low markings.
Q9.Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level
A9.Identify high/low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.
Q10.Open the bonnet, identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level
A10.Identify reservoir and explain how the washer fluid should be filled to a level between the min and max markers on the side of the reservoir or where there is no min/max marker to keep it topped up regularly.
Show Me Questions
Q11.Show me / explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey
A11.If the steering becomes heavy the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.
Q12.Show me how you would check the parking brake (handbrake) for excessive wear, make sure you keep control of the vehicle
A12.Apply footbrake firmly, Demonstrate by applying parking brake so that when it is fully applied it secures itself, and is not at the end of the working travel.
Q13.Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only)
A13.Check is carried out by pressing gently on the control (turn on ignition if necessary)
Q14.Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working
A14.Applying the indicators or hazard warning switch and check functioning of all indicators.
Q15.Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please donʼt start the engine)
A15.Switch ignition on, operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors etc, ask someone to help.
Q16.Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washers and wipers
A16.Operate windscreen washer control button and then activate the windscreen wipers (turn on ignition if necessary).
Q17.Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens
A17.Set all relevant controls including air vents at both sides to point towards the side windows, use the control switch to direct hot air onto the windscreen then operate the fan, press the heated rear screen switch to clear the rear window
Q18.Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it /them (no need to exit the vehicle)
A18.Operate the rear fog switch after switching on dipped headlights check switch is illuminated and explain that they should only be used when visibility is reduced to 100 metres or less
Q19.Show me how you would switch on your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car
A19.Move the stalk attached to the steering column forwards which will illuminate a blue warning light on the instrument panel

Driving licence checker

You can use this service to:
  • view your driving record, eg vehicles you can drive
  • check any penalty points or disqualifications you have 
  • create a licence ‘check code’ to share your driving record with someone, eg a car hire company
The ‘check code’ will be valid for 21 days. 
You can’t use this service:
  • if your licence was issued outside of England, Wales or Scotland
  • to check the progress of a licence application
  • to check historical information, eg expired penalty points

Sunday, 1 November 2015

The last 10 driving test manoeuvres.

These are the manoeuvre that my pupils got on the last ten driving tests.
1 Turn in the road
2 Bay park + emergency stop
3 Turn in the road
4 Left Reverse + emergency stop
5 Bay park + emergency stop
6 Reverse park
7 Reverse park
8 Reverse park
9 Bay park + emergency stop
10 Left Reverse
www.drive-travis.co.uk

Friday, 30 October 2015

Learning clutch control

Are you looking for  quick tips on learning clutch control?
If the answer is yes then checkout my latest video.
Safe driving and don't forget to subscribe to my youtube channel.

Driving lessons in Milton Keynes

Driving lessons

If you are looking to start driving and cannot make your mind up then have a look at this short video on some of my driving test passes in the milton Keynes area.

I hope you like it and if you need more information on driving lessons in the Milton Keynes area then just follow the link below to find of my lesson prices and offers and also read my customer reviews.


Safe and happy driving
James Travis

Black box insurance

Black box insurance

After you pass your driving test and get buy your first car you will no doubt be offered a black box in your car from the insurance company.  http://www.drive-travis.co.uk/black-box-in-cars All you need to know about it.

Wednesday, 28 October 2015

Driving test, turn in the road video

Observations needed for an effective turn in the road.

The short video shows how to use effective observations on the turn in the road manoeuvre for the driving test.

Tuesday, 27 October 2015

Driving test. Show me/ tell me in the car video

Hi, the short video covers the questions that the examiner will ask you at the start of the driving test.  The video covers inside the car.

Driving test. Show me/tell me video

At the start of your driving test your examiner will ask you one show me question and one tell me question. The short video covers under the bonnet of the car.

Monday, 26 October 2015

Driving tips for driving on snow

A few tips on driving on snow.

This is a video on the sort of problems you will encounter when the snow comes and you are forced to drive to work or back home.  Hope some of these tips and advise help you.

Driving tips for autumn driving.

A quick video on how to drive in autumn.

Friday, 23 October 2015

Meeting and Anticipation while learning to drive.

While on your driving test you will be expected to  anticipate other road users and give way when needed.



Wednesday, 21 October 2015

Tips to help with a Sat Nav

Whatever your age it's important that you understand the limitations of a sat nav system so that you can get the best out of it without getting into trouble.
  1. You're driving, not the sat nav 
    You can't blame the sat nav if you commit an offence or have an accident. It's your fault.
  2. Trust your eyes not the sat nav
    People have been marooned in fords, driven into rivers and down railways because their sat nav told them to. If the road looks wrong, don't take it. 
  3. You know what you're driving, the sat nav probably doesn't 
    If you have a large vehicle or a caravan, you can't be sure that a road is suitable just because the sat nav tells you to go down it. Watch for signs. 
  4. Watch the road not the sat nav 
    A sat nav can give all sorts of information about where you are going, much of which you don't need.
  5. Don't block your view of the road
    The sat nav should be in your line of sight. You don't want to have to look down or turn your head a long way, but it should not block your view of the road. Put it where it won't injure anyone in an accident. 
  6. Don't try to programme the sat nav while driving 
    Programming on the move will take one hand from the wheel, two eyes from the road and a brain from driving. Always pull over before adjusting settings.
  7. Use all of the features
    On a complicated, busy roundabout, it is unwise to take your eyes off the road to look at the sat nav, and much better to receive spoken instructions. 
  8. Check the route is practical before you go 
    Is the sat nav taking you to the right Farnborough? Hampshire, Warwickshire or Kent? If you put in the wrong destination, it will take you to the wrong destination. Does the route look right? 
  9. Update the sat nav regularly
    It needs to know about new roads, new traffic systems and generally keep itself up to date.
  10. Thieves like sat navs too 
    If it's detachable, always take it out when you leave the car. Mounts or suction cap marks also attract thieves as they know that drivers who remove the sat nav from the window tend to leave it in the car.

How are your driving lessons going?

As a pupil do you ask your driving instructor questions or do you just nod your head and agree?
If you nod then you need to ask yourself what do you want to get out of your driving lessons.  Yes we all know that you want to pass your driving test and drive off into the sunset.  But if you don't ask your instructor questions they you will not get the best out of your driving lesson.
Questions like:
Why do I keep stalling the car?
What do you mean when you say...?
How do I improve my gear changing?
The list can go. But if you ask any decent driving instructor they will be only to happy to answer any of your questions.  After all, if you are improving faster then everyone is happy and you will save money.
Good luck with your driving lessons.
www.drive-travis.co.uk

Tuesday, 20 October 2015

The new driving test.

Being tested.

At moment the DVSA are trailing the new style driving test with the help of driving instructors and pupils.  The results are looking promising, but there is no roll out date as such, YET.  What I will do is put up some posts about this.  Keep watching and if you have any questions just ask.

FREE theory test app for you

www.drive-travis.co.uk

Wednesday, 3 June 2015

Featured post

Steering Faults

Steering faults on the driving test 
 Losing control of the steering, either in normal driving or during a manoeuvre. This can be becaus...