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Are you a learner driver or a full licence holder who needs help to pass the driving test. This learner driver blog is here to help you. Check out the posts and search for posts.
It is 80 years since driving tests became compulsory for all new drivers in Britain. But does it really matter where you take the dreaded exam?
Sweaty palms, a pounding heart? It is a seminal point in a person's life when they take their driving test.
Pass and you are rewarded with freedom, career prospects and new friends who need lifts. Get it wrong and you are left with the stigma of failure, a reliance on public transport and an overwhelming feeling of disappointment.
The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) says instructors are regularly assessed to ensure tests are consistent across the country. But does that mean the test location is irrelevant?
Advanced Driving Instructor Sandra Macdonald-Ames, who was the driving expert in the BBC documentary So You Think You Can Drive, said test centres with higher pass rates tend to be in rural areas............................
When you see a t-junction sign watch out for vehicles that might cut across or swerve into your path when leaving the main road. There may also be more pedestrian activity. www.drive-travis.co.uk
T-junction ahead
T-junction showing priority - the road indicated
by the broad line has priority.
You MUST stop at this sign
Give way to traffic on the road that you are entering - you may proceed without stopping
but must not force other drivers to change their speed or
direction - stop if you are in any doubt
This sign is places in advance of Give Way or Stop signs where the
junction is concealed or hazardous (the plate indicates the
distance and type of junction)
This sign tells you that you must turn left ahead
This sign is placed at the location of a 'left turn only' junction.
You must 'turn left now'
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.
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'
Check your centre and right mirrors 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 there headlights, decide
if it’s safe then move out.
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.
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
Customer reviews go a long way in making your choice on choosing which driving instructor. You always ask your friends who is teaching ...