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Learn to drive advice, help, tips and best practices
Oct 8th
You cannot start to learn to drive a car until your provisional driving licence has been accepted and is in your possession. Generally you won’t be able to learn to drive until you are 17, but if you are in receipt of the higher rate of disability allowence you can start to learn how to drive when you reach your 16th birthday. You are allowed to apply for your licence up to 2 months before your licence is due to start. But you are not allowed to drive on the road until your licence has arrived and not until you have turned 17 (or 16 if that applies to you.) To apply you will need to fill in an application form, which you can get from most post offices – it is a D1 form.
Finding an instructor and booking a lesson:
When you are looking for an instructor it might be worth asking around friends and family first to see if they can suggests anyone. Whilst there are many very good instructors out there, like with everything, there will be ones who just want the money off you and don’t give you what you need/want. If there aren’t any that people can recommend then there will be lots in the phone book. Ring up plenty of driving schools. You will probably want to know what car they use (manual or automatic), what length of lessons they do, when do they do them (evenings and weekends?)The cost for a normal lesson and then do they do any student discount, discount for multiple bookings etc. Check how they charge for the test day (do they charge for 2 hours or however long you are out for, or are there special test fees?) Do they do any theory tuition? There will be some schools that you like the sound of more than others. Book one lesson with one of them and see how it goes. Don’t get talked into block booking lessons with them to start with, whilst you do save in the long term paying for 10 lessons in one go – or whatever their offer is, if you decide you want to swap after a couple of lessons with them, you wont have saved anything! Some people will be fine with the first instructor they go with, and others won’t. It is your money though, and you are paying them, so if you aren’t happy with them you can swap after as many or as few lessons as you want.
EDIT: Just adding a point in here. There are alot of questions from people about if the AA/BSM etc are better than other driving schools. There is going to be mixed opinon on this one! AA and BSM, along with other driving schools and individual instructors have to pass the various parts needed to come an instructor. I think the AA only use fully qualified instructors (with a green badge) some places use partly qualified instructors (with a pink badge.) This doesn’t mean that a pink badge instructor won’t be good, just that they aren’t full qualified yet. You can always request that you have a green badge instructor if you want anyway. But, going to the AA/BSM is no guarantee of quality. There will be good instructors and bad instructors anywhere you go. Most places will give discount for block booking, student discount etc. I’m not trying to tell anyone to go/or not to go to the big companies, just don’t assume they will be the best and don’t try ringing any others. Personally I woudn’t have gone with them on principle, as I didn’t see why they should charge more for different postcodes and why they had to charge me about £6 more per hour than any other company.
Book your first lesson for a time when you are happy with it. It might be best having it from and to home to start with, people often have them to/from school, college etc, but it means that you won’t have friends watching.
Instructors will have dual controls (clutch and brake) and they can use the gear stick and handbrake from their side of the car, and will even turn the wheel if it is needed, so really they can do most things to control the car – except accelerate. Instructors should be calm etc during lessons, and take everything at the individuals pace – but like teachers at school, some will be better at it than others. You shouldn’t stay with an instructor if you don’t feel comfortable with them, don’t like their teaching style etc.
The First Lesson:
Generally, although I know this can vary, the first lesson will be spent on quiet roads learning the basics of the car. If you already know this then tell them, but a lot of people won’t, so they will explain how the car works – the brake, clutch, accelerator, how to change gear. The handbrake, indicators, lights etc. They will show you how to start the car and move off, most people will then have a drive around quiet roads just learning how the car feels when it is moving etc.
Learning to drive:
I think the DSA quote that it takes about 30 hours on average for people to learn to drive. Don’t worry if you take longer than this! Everybody is different and will learn at different paces. You will get there in the end if you stick at it! If you are only have 1 hour a week, you will obviously take alot longer to learn than someone having a 2 hour lessons &/or driving with parents at home.
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, and deal with big junctions. Learn how to do roundabouts, dual carriageways, country roads, busier roads (near schools, shops etc.) You will also learn the manoeuvres needed for your test, these will be turn in the road, parallel park, reverse round the corner, emergency stop (and maybe the bay park – depending on which test centre you will be using – they don’t all require this one.) See the links and info below about the manoeuvres.
Driving with Parents (or friends):
Alot of people will want to drive other than just lessons, alot of this is personal preference. Generally it is probably a good idea to have some lessons with an instructor, just to check that what parents etc are saying is right, things could have changed alot since they passed. Your parents may well be good drivers, but not know how you should do the manoeuvres for them to be test standard etc. Although, having said that – its up to the individual. If you are driving another car, you will need to be insured on it, have L plates showing on the car, and can only go out with another driver who has held a full licence for 3 or more years.
Personally, I couldn’t afford insurance long term, but had a week before I took a test, but I found that I struggled to get used to my mums car and it really knocked my confidence. If you can, it might be worth picking an instructor with the same car as your parents.
Theroy Test:
You can take your theroy test as any point after you are 17 (and when you have your provisional licence.) Although it is only valid for 2 years so there is no point taking it if you aren’t planning on learning to drive fairly soon afterwards. Also, it can be easier if you have some lessons before you do it, then you will already be aware of some of the signs, roads markings etc and will have started to develop some sense of hazard awareness.
It is currently £21.50 for the theory test.
There are two parts to the theroy test, the set of MCQs (pass mark 30/35) and the hazard perception (pass mark 44/75) …..
The hazard perception part
With the hazard perception, you need to click whenever there is a hazard developing, something which could cause the driver to have to slow down, change direction etc. Without seeing the clip you mean, I’m not sure what it was, but the driver may have been slowing down as they came up behind the bike – meaning that you needed to. Were you coming towards the it? You might have needed to move road position to let the cother car have enough room to go round.
You want to avoid clicking too much, or in a pattern. Click when you see a hazard coming up and then when you get closer to it. For example, you are coming up to a parked car – click – the car may move away, someone open the door, you need to move around it, etc. When you get closer to it (they may then start to open a door etc) click again! I found that otherwise I was often clicking too early – before the hazards had developed enough. You want to try and ‘look ahead’ down the road so that you can see what is coming towards you – like you would when you are driving, so that you see things as they are developing rather than just when you are on top of them. There will be one clip on the test that has two hazards rather than one, so dont worry about clicking for more than one thing – just dont get to clicker happy!
It is worth getting a CD to practice on, alot of it is just getting the knack right for what they actually want you to click on – just practice loads on the disc and look at the feedback they give you as to what you should have clicked on. I found the actual thing easier than the practice disc that I had been using.
MCQ Questions:
There is a huge bank of questions from which the questions for the theroy part are taken – this means that you could end up with a range of questions – and they will be different for each person and each time that they take it. There can be questions on road signs, (there will be a picture of a sign and options for what it means.) Questions about braking distances (best thing with these is just to learn them!) Questions about first end things (only basic though), for example there is a motorcyclists on the road after an accident, what is the priority,? Talking to witnesses, maintaining his airway, trying to pull his helmet of etc… Questions about pedestrian crossings.
The best thing is to get a copy of the highway code and know your road signs and read through them. You can get practice CDs and books with all the questions in.
How to find a good experienced driving instructor in Newcastle Sunderland Gateshead Durham & the North East
Oct 8th
Now we have the new Theory test, most driving instructors (ADI’s) will be able to offer you combined and integrated tuition providing both theoretical and practical training. It makes good sense to make use of a professional ADI because they are an acknowledged expert in driver education and will know better than anyone how to prepare you for the tests.
Code of Practice for Approved Driving Instructors The DSA has introduced a Code of Practice for Approved Driving Instructors. The code leaflet can be obtained from any theory test and driving test centres. Your Driving Instructor should be able to obtain a leaflet for you. It is hoped that ALL Driving Instructors will formally agree to adhere to the terms of the Code.
If you pick a school out, ask the following questions before you book. It may help you to see if this driving school is for YOU. How long have you been a driving Instructor?
Do you have male or female instructors?
Can I have the same instructor for all my lessons?
Do you cater for disabilities and disabled learner drivers?
What type of cars do you use?
Are the cars dual controlled?
Is your driving lesson car full insured?
How old are the cars?
DO I have the same car for every lesson?
Do you have an individual pick up service?
Do you work weekends?
Can you pick me up after school, work or college?
How much are your lessons?
Do you have discounts for block booking?
Which Test centre do you use?
What’s your pass rate?
How long is each lesson?
If you know of a relative or friend who has had or is having driving lessons ask them about the Driving School they use.
Are they reliable?
Are they friendly and patient?
Does the instructor smoke?
Is the car clean?
Does the instructor do their shopping or visit the betting shop on your lessons?
The best driving school can be the one that has been recommended to you by a friend or relative.
( A good instructor seldom has to advertise )
Please Remember:- A driving instructor must have their name entered on the Register held by the Driving Standards Agency. They must display a green ADI identification certificate like the one below (or a red one if the instructor is a trainee).
A driving instructor must pass a searching three-part examination to qualify, and they have to reach and maintain the high standards required by the Driving Standards Agency
The standard of instruction of all ADIs is regularly checked by DSA. This is done by a DSA Supervising Examiner sitting in on a live lesson. The instructor is then graded:
grade 4 is competent
grade 5 is good
grade 6 is a very high standard.
Ask any potential instructor for their grade before embarking on a course of lessons.
In 2009, there were over 45,000 people on the Register of Approved Driving Instructors.
Ask the Instructor if they are adhering to the terms of the Code of Practice for Approved Driving Instructors
Are they working in your area?
Pass with us driving school offers the highest quality driving lessons in Newcastle Gateshead Sunderland Durham & the whole North East for affordable cheap driving lesson prices by approved experienced driving instructors.
Article Source (with minor changes): http://www.2pass.co.uk/high-tec.htm
Useful Tips on inspecting and checking a used car before buying. Mechanical, Interior, Exterior and paperwork Car checks
Sep 16th
Very useful article from Auto-Trader that we thought we should share it with our Pass with us driving school learner drivers before going ahead and buying a used car. Please make sure you take advice from your Pass with us driving instructor before or after your driving lesson prior to purchasing a car.
Giving a used car a thorough check can seem daunting, but many faults are easy to spot. We take you through the must-do checks when inspecting a used car.
Car checks
You don’t need to be a mechanic to check the car for mechanical problems or damage from a crash.
Exterior checks
• Check the bodywork for a consistent paint finish – the paint should be the same shade all over the car; if not, it’s probably had some damage and a respray
• Make sure the gaps between the panels are the same width – if not, the car could have been crashed and repaired
• Check the doors and the boot open and close smoothly, and examine the rubber seals for paint – it could point to a respray
• Press down carefully on the car at each corner and release; the car should return smoothly to its normal height – if it bounces before settling the suspension could need work
• Bubbling paintwork indicates rust and is most common around the wheel arches, bumpers and window frames – check everywhere, particularly areas regularly in contact with water
• Check the car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for signs of tampering. The VIN is recorded on a metal strip found in a window at the base of the windscreen in modern cars, above the grille under the bonnet and is often stamped into the chassis under the carpet beside the driver’s seat
• Check the tyres and the spare wheel with a tread depth gauge, which are available from car accessory shops. The minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm across the width of the tyre, but more is better
• Make sure the tyres have even wear – more wear on one side of the tyre than the other indicates the suspension or tracking alignment needs adjusting – it could also point to crash damage
• If the car is a convertible, make sure the roof moves up and down smoothly and locks fully into place, check the material for tears, and make sure the rear window is free from cracks and discolouration
Under the bonnet
• Check the car’s VIN is the same as recorded in the logbook
• Check for oil, water or other fluid leaks around the engine and other mechanical components, as well as on the ground underneath
• Remove the engine oil dipstick, wipe it with a cloth and replace it. Remove it again and check the oil is on or around the ‘max’ level; the oil should be golden and free from debris – if not, the oil will need changing and could indicate neglect
• Check the top of the engine (you may need to unclip the plastic engine cover first) and underneath the engine oil cap for a white, mayonnaise-like substance which could indicate a damaged engine head gasket and often-irreparable engine damage
• Check the fluid levels for the engine coolant (large, often round tank with a screw cap filled with pink fluid) and brake fluid (small bottle, often attached at the rear of the engine bay) are at the correct indicated level when the engine is cool
• Check the battery terminals and connectors on top of the battery are rust-free and in good condition
Inside the car
• The mileage on the odometer inside the speedometer should be consistent with the advert and car’s documents
• Check wear on the seats and steering wheel are consistent with the car’s mileage – high mileage cars will often show wear on the side bolsters and the steering wheel may have a shiny appearance
• Check the VIN for signs of tampering. The VIN is recorded on a metal strip found in a window at the base of the windscreen in modern cars, and above the grille under the bonnet and is often stamped into the chassis under the carpet beside the driver’s seat
• Make sure everything works, including the air conditioning, all electric windows, sunroof, adjustable seats and even the fuel-filler and bonnet release
• Look for damage to the steering column and ignition – damage could indicate the car has been stolen at some point
• Check the seatbelts, the passenger side of the dashboard and the steering wheel cover – frayed seatbelts could indicate they’ve been activated in a crash and damage to the dashboard and steering wheel could mean the car’s airbags have been activated in a crash
Paperwork checks
• Always visit private sellers at their home address and check it is the same as the one listed in the car’s logbook
• Check the car’s logbook, service history, previous MOT certificates and any old bills and receipts to establish if the car has been cared for, identify recurring faults and checking the car’s mileage is genuine
• Look at each MOT certificate and servicing stamp – the car’s total mileage should increase at a steady rate at each MOT and service interval
• Only accept original paperwork, and check for forgeries – the logbook should have a watermark, and you can call the garage the last MOT was carried out at and the previous owner to check the car’s past
Source: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/advice/2010/07/buying/inspecting-a-used-car
Driving Test Changes From October 2010: independent driving and less manoeuvres
Sep 14th
Driving Test Changes From October 2010: independent driving and less manoeuvres
What’s happening to the driving test from October 2010?
There will be two important changes to the driving test commencing 4th October 2010:
1) a new section on independent driving,
2) a reduction in the number of reversing manoeuvres candidates will need to do.
Driving Test October 2010 Changes
The UK Practical Driving Test is changing in October 2010! There will be two important changes to the driving test from 4th October 2010: 1) independent driving, 2) a reduction in the number of reversing manoeuvres
The new independent driving section of the driving test will test how you make your own decisions when driving. The examiner will ask test candidates to drive independently for around 10 minutes by either following traffic signs, a series of directions, or a combination of both. If you’re asked to follow a series of verbal directions, you’ll be shown a diagram to help you.
The length of the driving test will not be extended, so in order to allow time for the independent driving section, from 4th October 2010 candidates will only need to perform one reversing manoeuvre instead of two as in the current driving test.
Here’s what the Driving Standards Agency have said about the new independent driving section of the driving test:
“From 4 October the Driving Standards Agency is introducing changes to the practical driving test. This involves all vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, buses and lorries.
During your test, you’ll be asked to drive for around ten minutes by following either traffic signs, verbal directions or a combination of both. The examiner can also show you simple diagrams.
The aim is to show that you can handle road and traffic conditions safely, while following a series of traffic signs or verbal directions. It doesn’t matter if you don’t remember every direction, or if you go the wrong way – this can happen to the most experienced drivers.
If you ask for a reminder of the directions, the examiner will be happy to confirm them to you. If you go off the independent driving route, nothing will be marked unless you commit a driving fault.
Sandra Dodson, Driving Standards Agency: “A lot of people worry what will happen if they go wrong.
“First of all, they can ask the examiner, just as they can now: ‘Which way was it you wanted me to go at the end of the road? Am I still following the signs for Edinburgh?’
“That’s just the same as they could do now. There’s no problem with that and the examiner will respond accordingly.
“If they do go wrong, again, that happens today in the present test. It doesn’t matter – there’s no fault, unless of course a fault has occurred whilst going wrong. The examiner will simply get them back on route.
“If the route, in the independent section, is actually obscured at some point by trees, a building or even a large parked vehicle, the examiner knows that and they will say: ‘The sign’s obscured but you need to take the next left.’ They’ll let them continue to drive independently after that point.”
The new driving test is designed to focus less on manoeuvres and more on the kind of realistic driving experience that you might encounter day to day.
New drivers will need to navigate and make decisions, so the new test gives you the chance to show that you can drive safely in any conditions, preparing you for the first time you drive on your own.”
What happens if the candidate gets it wrong when they’re driving independently…
The DSA say:
“If the candidate goes off-route during the independent driving section, the examiner will get the candidate back on route and continue with the independent driving section wherever possible. The test won’t be terminated.
If the candidate looks like taking a wrong turning, the examiner will control the situation as they do now and preferably step in before the candidate goes off route. If that’s not possible, the examiner will help the candidate get back on route as soon as possible by guiding them with normal directions.
Independent driving is not a test of the candidate’s orientation skills. If the candidate goes off route, but does not commit a fault, there’s nothing to assess. Any faults that did occur would be assessed under the circumstances at the time – as usual. There is no change to assessment.
There will be times when, due to poor or obscured signage, the examiner may have to intervene. If this happens the examiner would say, ‘There are no signs here. Just continue ahead please’ and then, ‘Now, carry on following the signs to ………….’
If the candidate asks for a reminder of the directions, the examiner will be happy to confirm them. Driving independently means making your own decisions and, just like when driving with friends, this includes deciding when it’s safe and appropriate to ask for confirmation on where you’re going. ”
Can satellite navigation be used during the independent driving section of the new driving test?
No, you will not be allowed to use a sat nav during the independent driving section of the driving test.
The DSA state:
“A sat nav gives directions in much the same way as the driver trainer, or the examiner, so it’s not appropriate to use for independent driving.”
“You can’t use a sat nav for independent driving as it gives you turn-by-turn prompts. Independent driving tests how you make your own decisions.”
Source and Further details: http://www.squidoo.com/driving-test-october-2010-changes
Theory Test Centres in the North East of England United Kingdom (UK)
Sep 6th
Tyne and Wear DSA Theory Test Centres:
- Newcastle upon Tyne Theory Test Centre:
Collingwood House (1st Flr) 3 Collingwood Street Newcastle upon Tyne Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1JW
- Sunderland Theory Test Centre:
Havelock Buildings (2nd flr) 6 Fawcett Street Sunderland Tyne and Wear SR1 1SJ
Durham DSA Theory Test Centres:
- Durham Theory Test Centre:
Suite 1 Abbeywoods Business Park Abbey Road Durham Durham DH1 5TH
Northumberland DSA Theory Test Centres:
- Morpeth Theory Test Centre:
Unit 7 Telford Court Loansdean Morpeth Northumberland NE61 2DB
- Berwick Theory Test Centre:
Shop Unit 3 Border Court Woolmarket Berwick upon Tweed Berwick Berwick TD15 1DP
Pass with US
The premier driving School offering driving lessons in Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Durham, Sunderland, South shields, Washington, Morpeth, Teeside, Stanley, Hexham, North Tyneside, Cramlington, Ashington, Blyth, Tynedale, Corbridge, Haltwhistle, Haydon Bridge, Carlisle, Consett and the whole North East. Pass with us also specialises in providing driving instructor training courses.
A to Z Advise on how to pass your driving test
Aug 31st
Article source: http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/discussion/advice-on-passing-practical-driving-test/1066864/
The Driving test – what to expect on the day:
So you’ve been learning to drive for a while now and your instructor says you are ready for your test. But what does this involve?
You will need to book a double lesson with your instructor, the first of which will be a lesson; the second will be the test with an examiner.
When you arrive at the test centre you will sit in the waiting area until the examiner comes out and calls your name. When they do, you will have to sign a green form to say that the vehicle you will be driving is insured and that you are a permanent resident of the UK.
You will then have to read a number plate from a car a short distance away to check that your eyesight is ok. Once you have done this, you will show the instructor where the car is and the instructor will ask you two maintenance questions before you start the car. The test lasts between 35 and 40 minutes, and you will drive in a variety of road conditions.
*When I did my test last December (2006) the practical driving test cost £48.50 on a weekday or £58.00 on weekday evenings and weekends. Plus the cost of a double lesson with your driving instructor.*
~A~
ASK if you are unsure about anything before your test. At times I think my driving instructor thought I was a little strange as I was asking lots of questions about things that I already knew the answer to, just to confirm it in my head. He was really nice about it though and answered them all for me. Also on the day of your test you can ask the examiner questions if you are unsure of the instructions they give you (although they are usually quite clear).
Tips and Notes on the Highway Code
Aug 26th
Do you know that you can view the full contents of the Highway Code online at www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/index.htm. Please note, however, that only the Department of Transport’s current printed version should be relied upon in any civil or criminal proceedings.
The Official Highway Code is produced by the Department of Transport, currently in its 2007 edition and comes in various formats. You can purchase these from The Stationery Office (TSO) at www.tsoshop.co.uk following the links to Driving Standards Agency (DSA) > Car Drivers > Highway Codes and Other Essentials. Formats include:
The Official Highway Code 2007 Interactive CD-Rom
The Official Highway Code 2007 (Book)
Highway Code Extra – The Official Rules and Signs (with The Official Highway Code 2007 and Know Your Traffic Signs)
Book versions for Welsh speakers and for drivers in Northern Ireland
The Highway Code applies to England, Scotland and Wales and is essential reading for every road user – this applies to pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders as well as drivers. Many of the rules of the Code are legal requirements and you may be fined, given points on your licence or disqualified if you don’t obey them. In serious cases you could also be sent to prison. See www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_069869 for more details on the Road Use and the Law.
Essentially, knowing and adhering to the rules of the Highway Code could significantly reduce road casualties. This is a responsibility we all share.
What has changed?
The last major revision of the Highway Code was in 1999 – more than 10 years ago. The 2007 edition of the Highway Code is particularly tailored towards those who are deemed vulnerable – newly qualified drivers and those driving in adverse weather conditions. It has increased in content by about 50% and includes 29 more rules – the existing body of the book has also been rewritten to provide better clarity on what drivers should do in certain conditions. Changes and additions include:
A new section on rules for users of powered wheelchairs and powered scooters
A Safety Code for New Drivers, giving advice to help newly-qualified drivers get through the first twelve months after passing the test, when they are at their most vulnerable, as safely as possible
New legislation that has been introduced on subjects such as vehicle emissions, smoking in vehicles that are workplaces, mobile phone usage, seat belts and child restraints
New stopping/directing powers that have been given to VOSA Officers and Highways Agency Traffic Officers
New road initiatives of which people might not be aware (High occupancy vehicle lanes, Home Zones and Quiet Lanes, Active Traffic Management Schemes)
More emphasis on courtesy, attitude, awareness, and consideration of other road users, particularly those more vulnerable users
The Highway Code is necessary reading for all drivers and should hopefully help prevent more accidents and injuries on the road. It also has a section on breakdowns and incidents including what to do if your car develops a problem, breaks down or if you are involved in an incident or crash or anything that obstructs your driving.
Article source: http://www.directline.com/motor/highway-code.htm
Pass with US @ Learn2Drive
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