Driving Test Coming Up?

Here is a letter with names changed written today to a Pupil with a Driving Test in one week. The comments are relevant to every Driver awaiting their Test.

 Read and digest. The points at issue are common faults that are to be found with almost every learner driver who has not taken Lessons and even those who have but have not practiced enough!

Hi Gerry,

Here are the things that you need to practice:-

(1) Position on the Road

In normal driving you must be close to the left and not hogging the centre of the road.

Obviously there are many obstructions on the left to deal within some cases if you can by-pass the obstruction without venturing over the centre white line you can overtake without giving a signal but you need to watch out for the driver door opening as you pass. Most of the time you will be going over the centre white line which will require you to signal.

As a general rule you should get into your overtaking position just inside the centre  white line, in very good time and then you can make your decision as to whether it is safe to proceed. Any oncoming traffic will require you to give way and wait until the road is clear before proceeding .

(2) Gears:-

Get into fourth gear as soon as you can; even at 50kph which is the speed limit for the greater Part of your Test.

Second gear is the approach gear for Roundabouts. Approach carefully and do not stop if the road is clear of traffic. You will have to assess whether or not you are going to be stopped for ten seconds or more. If it is more... then use the Hand Brake...if less... it is acceptable to hold the car for a few seconds on the footbrake.

Never change gear in the middle of a manoeuvre particularly when navigating a Roundabout...choose your appropriate gear before the manoeuvre and only change up when you have straightened the wheel.

(3) Traffic Lights:-

There have been many changes to Traffic Light sequences in the last year or so. When you are turning right at a major Traffic Light Junction using the green filter remember that usually only four or five cars will get through before the lights change again. You must be alert to where you are in the queue and work out whether you will make the turn or not. Do not follow other cars you have to work it out for yourself.

Remember if you are stopped over the stop line you will receive one grade two fault. Be alert to the timing sequence and be ready to go before the lights go from Red to Green.

(4) Turnabout:-

No turning the steering wheel when the car is stationary.

Use the handbrake in between stage one and two and in between stage two and stage three.

Use opposite lock (turning the steering Wheel in the opposite direction to the one you have just been using) as you get ready to stop at end of stage one and also at the end of stage two.

When completing the manoeuvre and getting ready to move off (or move away) you MUST check over your shoulder to ensure the blind spot is clear...the mirror is NOT ENOUGH!

Driving Test Imminent page 2 ->>>