Tuesday 14 August 2012

top 8 mistakes that make you fail in your driving test

I have been accompanying quite a few of my students to their driving test and to the subsequent examiner de-briefs (East London area), and decided to compile a top 8 common mistakes list that make even the best driving students fail their driving test;

1. Lack of observation when moving off - remember you are supposed to check all mirrors, AND all blind spots, signal, and move off safely - sometimes it is about the examiner really seeing you doing it, which means you really need to move your head around and make an effort

2. Rolling backwards (poor clutch control) - remember to use your clutch the way you did when taking your driving lessons and make sure you don't roll backwards off the hill, it can be considered a major fault if you put someone at risk when it happens

3. Incorrect road positioning - most often when you are trying to turn into a side/main street. For example, many students position themselves to the left or in the centre when planning to turn right on a one-way street

4. Undue hesitation - not a major fault, but repeat occurrences do add up! I do realise that it is difficult to find the right balance between performing a manoeuvre in a safe way that makes you feel comfortable and that your best intentions are sometimes interpreted as hesitation by an examiner, yet your hesitation shows to the examiner that you are not a confident driver in general, and that you may cause traffic frustration and possibly accidents within this particular context

5. Touching the curb - in a number of situations, for example, when asked to stop in a safe place, when parking, when moving off. Keep in mind that you can park/stop as far as 15cm from the curb, and therefore there is no need to come too close - relax, take your time, and mind that curb!

6. Engine stalling (mechanic transmissions) - especially when moving off, or at various traffic lights. This is not a problem in itself, of course, but should you be unlucky enough to stall ten times during your exam, it will make you fail in conjunction with other minor faults you will accumulate over the course of your test. Also, the examiner will reasonably assume that you lack sufficient experience to manage you car and will present a hazard on the road. If you can't manage it, may be try driving a car equipped with an automatic transmission (I hate to admit it, that's what my wife decided to do).

7. Forgetting about the MSM routing (mirror - signal - manoeuvre) - especially when accelerating as this is not perceived by many as a "manoeuvre". Before you do ANYTHING new - a turn, slowing down, speeding up, changing you position, ANYTHING - check the mirror. Never signal before checking your mirrors first

8. Harsh braking - obviously, harsh braking will physically not be enjoyed by your examiner LOL, but beyond that, it poses a risk on the road, especially to those cars following you, as well as to yourself. Harsh braking signals to the examiner your lack of planning ahead and lack of anticipating emerging hazards etc, even through it may just be your natural preference to brake like The Fast and The Furious. If you are so found of it, wait until you get your full licence, but keep in mind it may get you into hospital one day!

I wish you the best of luck with your test! Email me should you have any questions, I am always happy to help!

www.borntodriveschool.com

Kirill

Wednesday 8 August 2012

Independent driving explained



Since 4 October 2010 your practical driving test includes a section of ‘independent driving’. In the independent driving section of your test, you will drive for about 10 minutes without step-by-step direction from your examiner.
   

During the independent driving section of the test, the examiner will ask you to drive by either following a series of directions, following traffic signs, or a combination of both.
To help you understand where you’re going, the examiner may show you a diagram. It doesn't matter if you don't remember every direction, or if you go the wrong way - that can happen to the most experienced drivers. Independent driving is not a test of your orientation and navigation skills.

If you ask for a reminder of the directions, the examiner will confirm them to you.

If you go off the independent driving route it won’t affect the result of your test unless you commit a driving fault. If you go off the route or take a wrong turning, the examiner will help you to get back on the route and continue with the independent driving.

If there are poor or obscured traffic signs, the examiner will give you directions until you can see the next traffic sign - you won’t need to have a detailed knowledge of the area.
 
You can’t use a satnav for independent driving as it gives you turn-by-turn prompt.
  
The Driving Standards Agency has published a short video on YouTube explaining more about independent driving.


www.borntodriveschool.com
 

Friday 3 August 2012

the new driving licences from January 2013

Many of my students are stressed about the new driving licences that DVLA just announced will come into effect from 19 January 2013. From that date, all driving licences issued by the DVLA will be in a new format. However, no panic - all old format licences will still be valid and you will not be asked to replace your current licence, - they will be updated gradually as they are renewed and replaced.

The new driving licence card will look different to the current licence. It will show all the entitlements to drive (meaning, which types of vehicle you are entitled to drive), on the back of the card. For each category of vehicle you are eligible to drive, the card will show valid from and valid to dates. Categories the holder cannot drive will be crossed out. For more information please take a look at the official DVLA website.

Thus, no reason for panic! Keep smiling and driving!

www.borntodriveschool.com