Driving Lessons Gloucester- How To Pass Your Test, Part 12. - Analysing The Driving Test Report (DL25)

In this post we will take a look at how your examiner will look at sections 23 and 24, which are  Positioning and Pedestrian Crossings.

Wherever you are driving, you must position your car correctly between the kerb and the centre of the road, or accurately within a marked lane.

Section 23, Positioning is laid out as follows:

23. Positioning
                        normal driving.
                        
                        lane discipline.

What will the examiner be checking? That you:

1. Keep well positioned to the left, about a metre from the kerb, where the road is wide enough.
2. Change your positioning to deal with hazards.
3. Do not excessively move in and out between parked cars .
4. Avoid excessive lane changes by early positioning.
5. Obey lane markings.
6. Use the right hand lanes of dual carriageways correctly, for overtaking or turning right.

Typical Faults Recorded on Positioning:
Normal Driving:

• Too near the kerb on the left.
• Too near the middle of the road.
• Moves in and out excessively between parked cars.

Lane Discipline:

• Wrong lane at traffic lights or roundabout.
• Drives normally on dual carriageway in overtaking lane. (Get back to the left!)
• Straddles lane markings.
• Drifts from lane to lane.

As you can see, positioning is a crucial part of driving, so make sure you have had sufficient time on the road before your test, so that you are not "taken by surprise" by any event and that you have enough driving skill to deal with positioning.

Let's take a look at:

Section 24.

Pedestrian Crossings.

There are a lot of different types of pedestrian crossings, so make sure you can recognise and understand them.

Your examiner will check that you:

1. Correctly use MSM.
2. Reduce speed on approach if there are clues that it may be used imminently by pedestrians.
3. Do not beckon people to cross over.
4. Slow down and give way to people already crossing.
5. Obey all light and zebra crossing rules.
6. Stop before the stop line.
7. Do not block crossing area in traffic queues.
8. Obey all amber and flashing amber light signals.

Things can go wrong on your test regarding positioning and crossings, so if you want some help, or want to start your driving career, why not come to John Lowe Driving.

Call Us On; 01452 614226.

Warm Regards,

John Lowe.

http://www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org

1. 
   

Driving faults recorded
24 Pedestrian crossings:

• Does not reduce speed on the approach when vision is restricted.
• Approaches at too high a speed with pedestrians on crossing.
• Overtaking on zigzag lines on approach.
• Not giving precedence to pedestrians on a crossing.
• Not stopping at give way or stop lines when necessary.
• Not acting in accordance with the traffic lights controlling the crossing.
• Harassing pedestrians.
• Waving pedestrians over a crossing.
• Moving away before pedestrians have crossed over in front of the car.
• Attempting to proceed when unsafe to do so.
• Stopping on the actual crossing.

Driving Lessons Gloucester- How To Pass Your Test, Part 11. - Analysing The Driving Test Report (DL25)

Section 22 on the Driving Test Report is entitled "Judgement." Sounds pretty serious, eh? Well, it's not the Day of Judgement, although it can probably feel like that, but a record of any faults you may commit on your test regarding overtaking, meeting and crossing other traffic. The section is constructed as follows:

22. Judgement.
                         overtaking.
                         meeting.
                         crossing.

All of these driving situations can occur on your test and you need to deal with them safely.

What will the examiner expect?

When you are overtaking, meeting, or crossing the path of other traffic, you must:

• Use Mirror - Signal - Manouevre on your approach.
• Hold back or proceed correctly.
• Complete the operation safely.

Let's look at these operations in more detail:

Overtaking. You should:

1. Overtake slower vehicles when a safe opportunity arises.
2. Always use the MSM routine at the proper time.
3. Overtake only where it is safe and not prohibited by signs or markings.
4. Only commence when there is clear road ahead and the speed of approaching vehicles has been judged.
5. Accelerate quickly past, to avoid taking too long.
6. Give proper clearance as you pass, and then return to your lane.
7. Horses, cyclists and pedestrians should be given as much clearance as a car.

Typical faults that crop up with overtaking:

• Unsafe location.
• Unsafe traffic conditions.
• Takes too long.
• Not enough clearance given.
• Cuts back too soon.

Meeting. You Should:

1. Properly use the MSM routine.
2. Regulate your speed, to avoid stopping if possible.
3. Judge hold back, or proceed.
4. Position properly if you need to stop.
5. Obey signs and markings that give priority to approaching traffic.
6. Adjust speed and position to pass through narrow gaps.

Typical meeting faults:

• Makes approaching vehicles slow down or stop.
• Drives on when other vehicles have priority.

Crossing. You Should:

1. Use the MSM routine in good time.
2. Regulate your speed on approach to avoid stopping.
3. Judge hold back or proceed.
4. Position properly so traffic can move, if you need to stop.
5. Accelerate across to avoid taking too long.

Typical crossing faults:

• Cuts across other road users.

Having problems with any of these items? Our driving instructors can help, or if you want to start your driving lessons, call us on:

01452 614226.

Kind Regards,

John Lowe.

http://www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org

Driving Lessons Gloucester- How To Pass Your Test, Part 10 - Analysing The Driving Test Report (DL25)

We now find ourselves at section 21 of the Driving Test Report, where your examiner will record any faults committed at junctions. This will include all types of junctions including roundabouts.

I have sometimes thought that there should be a separate section for roundabouts alone as there are so many types which can create different problems, but roundabouts remain included with junctions.

Now junctions are a big subject, as they are literally everywhere, so make sure your driving is at a high enough standard to cope on the test, because if it is not, you will be found out! 
If you have been having professional lessons, your instructor will be satisfied you have the necessary skills and you will know it yourself.

Your judgement and observation including mirror use must be full on to avoid problems.
The Driving Test Report for this section is set out as follows:

21. Junctions
                      approach speed.
                      observation.
                      turning right.
                         turning left.
                      cutting corners.

There are about 10 skills the examiner will be looking for and checking:

1. That you use the Mirror - Signal - Manouevre routine in good time on approach.
2. Correct positoning.
3. Regulate the speed of your car to deal with the junction and select the correct gear.
4. Stop in a safe position and use your handbrake if needed.
5. Accurately follow any lane markings.
6. That you give way to pedestrians and cyclists.
7. Take effective observation on your approach, before emerging, or entering any new road.
8. Creep and peep if you can't see immediately.
9. Keep to your side of the road, if possible.
10. Keep moving where possible, avoid stopping if it is safe.

As mentioned earlier, a lot can go wrong, so here are the most common faults committed that will lead to disappointment.

Approach Speed.

• Speed too high. No time left to assess the situation.
• Speed too low. Following drivers get frustrated.

Observation.

• Only looks one way.
• Stops short of the line.
• Looks both ways too late. (After emerging.)
• Looks the wrong way when emerging.
• Does not see unmarked crossroads.
• Emerges when it is unsafe.

Turning Right.

• Crosses centre line.
• Incorrect position in a narrow road.
• Too far from centre line.
• Does not use protected centre lane.
• Stops short when giving way to approaching vehicles.
• Stays behind stop line at green light, with space ahead.

Turning Left.

• Too central on approach, away from the kerb.
• Swings to the right.
• Too near the kerb.
• Rear wheel hits the kerb.

Cutting Corners.

• Steers too early and cuts onto the wrong side of the road.

If you are learning to drive, or want to start your lessons and you want to get the better of junctions, our driving instructors are ready and waiting to help you.

Call us on 01452 614226.

Warm Regards,

John Lowe.

http:www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org

Driving Lessons Gloucester- Customer Review- Brandon Conway of Churchdown.

"Thanks, to my instructor, Jackie Kaur, who gave me great coaching to get my first time pass, it's brilliant to be on the road."

Brandon Conway, Churchdown.
http://www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org

Driving Lessons Gloucester- Driving Test Pass- Brandon Conway of Churchdown, September 23rd 2016

Congratulations to Brandon Conway of Churchdown, who passed his test first time at Gloucester on September 23rd 2016, with driving instructor Jackie Kaur.
Jackie said before his test that Brandon had really got it together and that she expected him to do well, as he had put a lot into it. It's a good time to pass and get mobile, with winter not far away, so well done Brandon, and Jackie, who has just achieved her 16th consecutive first time pass, an impressive record.
Enjoy your driving, Brandon, best wishes from us all at John Lowe Driving, welcome to the first time pass club and thanks for using our driving school.
Warm Regards, John Lowe.
http://johnrlowe.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/driving-lessons-gloucester-driving-test_27.html
http://www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org

Driving Lessons Gloucester- How To Pass Your Test, Part 9- Analysing The Driving Test Report (DL25)

In this post we will look at 3 sections on the Driving Test Report that are concerned with speed and following distance. They are:

Section 18. Use of speed.
Section 19. Following Distance.
Section 20. Progress.

Let's look at them individually and how they are laid out on the examiners form.

18. Use of speed. That's it. It's all he's got in front of him! But he will record all speed related faults in this section, nearly always faults due to excessive speed. It does not always apply that you have exceeded the speed limit, but your speed may be considered to be too high for a particular situation.

You obviously must not exceed the speed limit on your driving test, so that must be your first aim. Make sure you know the limit on each road you are driving on, as the limits can change frequently in areas around Gloucester, for example. 
Remember what you have learnt about street lights and how they designate a 30 mph zone unless signs tell you differently. Look for signs and clues! It's all there! 
Make sure that you understand the sign for the national speed limit and how the national speed limit changes depending on the type of road you are on.
When you are doing any sort of driving, always use a speed that enables you to stop within the distance you can see to be clear in front of you. This can vary tremendously, depending on the type of road and the conditions. Always have your overall stopping distance in mind and remember that weather conditions can greatly affect the stopping distance, doubling in the wet and times ten on icy or snowy roads.

So what is the examiner checking?

1. Your approach to junctions and hazards at the correct speed. (Speed on approach.)
2. Your proper use of speed to maintain a safe gap between you and other road users.
3. That you always drive at a speed that enables you to stop within the distance you can see to be clear.

Typical faults recorded in Use Of Speed.

• Exceeds the speed limit.
• Speed too high for the road, traffic or weather conditions.
• Too fast approaching hazards.
• Too fast on approaching junctions.

19. Following distance. Again, that's it! It's all he's got to record the faults.
This aspect of driving has its own honoured section itemised on the Driving Test Report, because getting too close and not following other vehicles at a safe distance is a common cause of accidents, in particular rear end shunts. Ask any driving instructor how long the back of their car stays intact to see why it is a constant problem!

You will be expected to:

Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front in slow moving traffic, equivalent to your thinking distance, about a car length for every 10 mph.

Keep enough distance from larger vehicles so that you get a clear view of the road ahead.

Use the 2 second rule to calculate your following distance in good conditions and to at least double the distance in poor conditions.

Remember and use the "tyres on the tarmac" rule in waiting traffic, so that if the car in front breaks down, you have enough room to manoueuvre around it.

Typical Faults Recorded Under Following Distance.

• Drives too close to vehicles ahead.
• Two-second rule not used.
• Thinking distance rule not used in heavy traffic.
• Too close to car in front in traffic queue.

20. Progress. This section is broken into two subsections on the Driving Test Report:

1. Appropriate speed.
2. Undue hesitation.

These sections contribute to a lot of avoidable test failure.Some students who have not been properly coached think that by driving slowly and cautiously on their test all the time will be a good idea. NO!
Driving well under the speed limit can be just as dangerous as going too fast. It can cause rage and frustration from other drivers who may try some crazy overtaking to get past.

If you are approaching hazards, or waiting for a safe chance to emerge at a junction, you should proceed as quickly as is safe, blending with the other traffic. If you are too hesitant, it will lead to problems for you and other drivers, as you will not be behaving in a normal driving way. You may unexpectedly stop, unnecessarily slow down, or not move away when expected, especially if someone has given way to you. It leads to confusion and will be marked down on your test.

You will be expected to:

1. Reach the speed limit if the road and traffic conditions allow, or at a realistic speed if conditions are tricky.
2. Approach hazards at a sensible speed, without being overcautious and spoiling the progress of others.
3. Emerge promptly from junctions without stopping at Give Way lines if it is safe, or emerge at the first safe chance.                                                                                       

Typical faults recorded on Progress.   

Appropriate speed.     

• Drives much too slowly on clear roads.  
• Never reaches maximum speed for the road when safe.
• Slows down excessively when not necessary.
• Makes slow progress when increasing speed in normal driving.     

Undue hesitancy.   

• Stops unnecessarily at junctions and other hazards.
• Waits unnecessarily when it is safe to go.
• Waits for green light at pedestrian crossings, when it is clear on flashing amber.     
• Waits for other drivers who are clearly giving way.  

The problems that a lot of learner drivers face, described above, are all curable with the correct coaching, so if you would like some help, or want to start your lessons, we are here.

Call us on 01452 614226.

          http://www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org      

      

Best Regards, John Lowe.          

                                

Driving Lessons Gloucester- How To Pass Your Test, Part 8.- Analysing The Driving Test Report (DL25)

Section 17 on the Driving Test Report is used to mark your response to signs and signals on the road and those given by traffic controllers (police, traffic wardens, school crossing patrols, etc.) and other road users.

The section is laid out as follows:

17. Response to signs/signals.

traffic signs.

road markings.

traffic lights.

traffic controllers.

other road users.

There is a lot going on here, so a lot can go wrong. Remember, on your driving test, you will be effectively alone, even though the examiner is with you in the car, he is only there to record your driving actions, so will not offer you any help, unless it is to avoid serious danger.

OK, we've got that out of the way, so how do we cope with this mass of information that will be all around you?

Firstly, as always, make sure you are ready to take your test. Make sure you understand the structure of the different road signs, circular signs giving orders, triangular signs which warn, rectangular signs which inform and direct. Understand also road markings (painted on the road) which can do any of these things. Get to know the sequence of traffic lights, which will enable you to make better decisions.

If you have been having regular driving lessons and your instructor has said you're ready, then you will be at the right standard, but you have to keep your eyes open and your wits about you, especially in busy, congested, or unfamiliar areas.

At the test centre, after you have completed the show me / tell me exercise, the driving part of your test will begin. Your examiner will ask you to follow the road ahead, unless directed otherwise by road markings, or traffic signs. You must also respond to traffic lights and traffic controllers and act properly on signals given by other road users. These skills are absolutely vital in the independent driving phase of your test, as well as the directed phase.

What will the examiner expect?
He will expect you to be able to understand, in good time, and to be able to act upon information given by:

Road signs.

Road markings.

Traffic signals.

Signals from traffic controllers.

Signals from other road users.

Driving faults will be recorded if the response to any of these situations is below standard.

What is the examiner looking for regarding road signs? He will expect you to:

• Obey any signs giving orders (circular shape.)
• Drive properly after seeing signs giving warnings (triangular shape), directions or information, (rectangular shape.)

Typical faults that are recorded and can lead to a bad day regarding road signs:

• Does not act upon information given by road signs.
• Disregards mandatory signs. (Stop, no entry, etc.)
• Ignores warning signs.
• Ignores prohibiting signs. (eg no motor vehicles.)
• Ignores priority signs. (Often at traffic calming areas.)

Faults that can ruin your day regarding road markings if you don't act properly with:

• Lines and lane markings.
• Stop or give way lines.
• Box Junctions. ( Very important! Make sure you know how they work, especially positioning to turn right!)
• Bus tram and cycle lanes.
• Traffic calming markings.
• Parking and waiting markings.

Typical faults recorded:

• Does not obey lane direction arrows.
• Crosses solid white lines.
• Uses bus lane when prohibited.
• Ignores yellow lines when parking.
• Incorrect action at box junctions.
• Stops on worded markings.(eg Keep Clear.)
• Parks on zigzag lines. (Schools, pedestrian crossings.)

Traffic Lights. We all know about traffic lights. Don't we? Things still go wrong on numerous driving tests.

Stopping at traffic lights.

You will be expected to stop before the white line at traffic lights.

When the light is red.

When it is safe to stop on amber.

Proceeding.

You will be expected to move away when the lights become green, provided it is safe.

Always remember, green means go, only if it is safe. 

Typical driving faults recorded at traffic lights:

• Continues to drive on when the lights are red.
• Fails to stop at amber light when it is safe and possible.
• Drives away on red and amber.
• Moves away on green when it is unsafe.

Traffic controllers. 

These individuals include police, school crossing patrols, traffic wardens, and those in charge of roadworks with stop/go signs. All signals given by these people must be obeyed.

Signals ignored, or not noticed, will be recorded as a driving fault, resulting in a dismal experience.

Other Road Users.

The examiner will expect you to act properly on signals given by other road users, provided it is safe to do so. This can be confusing. Take your time (not too long) when other drivers are flashing their lights and gesticulating. Make sure it concerns you, and only proceed when you are certain it is the correct action and that it is perfectly safe.

Wow! This is a hefty section and we hope that it can help with the way you deal with signs and signals. If you need any help with this subject, or want to start your driving lessons, please call us on:

01452 614226.

Warm Regards, John Lowe.

http://www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org

Driving Lessons Gloucester- Driving Test Pass- Harry Clapton, September 14th 2016

Congratulations to Harry Clapton, who passed his driving test at Gloucester on September 14th 2016, with driving instructor Jackie Kaur. Harry's test was quite early in the morning, so he probably missed the thunderstorms that were doing the rounds that day, the torrential rain not helping anyone. 

Jackie was delighted with Harry's success and said that he had prepared really well and will make a very nice driver. 

All of us at John Lowe Driving wish Harry all the best for the future and thank him for using our driving school.

Warm Regards,
John Lowe.
http://www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org
http://johnrlowe.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/driving-lessons-gloucester-driving-test_14.html

Driving Lessons Gloucester- How To Pass Your Test, Part 7.- Analysing The Driving Test Report (DL25)

This post will give us a chance to look at section 16 on the Driving Test Report.

16. Clearance/obstructions.
This is a small section, but still important. In the past, it was described as "adequate clearance," which sums up the aims quite well. It basically means that you should avoid driving too close to obstructions or parked cars if there is no need to. If there is sufficient room in the road and it is safe in every respect, you should allow about a metre clearance from the thing in your way.

You must keep this clearance where possible to the rear, the side and the front of parked car, or obstruction that you are passing. A lot of driving tests come to grief on this aspect of driving, as some roads are incredibly congested and most test routes will use these roads for a period. 

If, for example you are in a narrow road, with vehicles parked both sides, it may be impossible to keep a metre clearance, so if you have to be closer, then keep your speed lower. The examiner will see what you are doing and will know that you have to be close, and will expect you to slow right down.

Be careful when emerging from behind a parked car, perhaps after a parallel park, that apart from full observation, you leave a metre clearance from the offside rear of the parked car, keep the distance from the cars side, and don't cut in sharply, as you pass the car.

Make things easy for yourself on your test, by giving way where necessary (let the other driver do the work) and positioning your car where it is easy to continue when things clear up.

Typical Faults Recorded In This Section.

• Drives too close to the rear of stationary vehicles before pulling out.
• Drives too close to the side of stationary vehicles while driving past.
• Cuts back to the left too soon after passing stationary vehicles.

Avoiding these faults is not too difficult with practise in the right areas and our instructors are ready to help you overcome them.

Give us a call on 01452 614226 to arrange your lesson.

http://www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org

Warm Regards,

John Lowe.

Driving Lessons Gloucester- How To Pass Your Test, Part 6 - Analysing The Driving Test Report (DL25)

In this post, we will look at the use of mirrors on your driving test and figure out why using your mirrors correctly is vital for test success. You must make the use of your mirrors part of a basic Mirrors- Signal- Manoueuvre (MSM) routine, as you have been practising on your lessons to have any chance of passing. Again we can sum it up with a short expression- "No mirrors, no pass." It's as true today as it's always been and that expression captures the absolute requirement for proper mirror use on your test.
You must always know how your driving is likely to affect following traffic, and to keep up to date with what is happening behind you at all times.

What is the examiner looking for?

Section 14 on the Driving Test Report is laid out as follows:

Use of mirrors (before)

• Signalling.
• Change direction.
• Change speed.

Before signalling. This is part of the MSM routine which you should be fully aware of and able to operate easily at all times. The word "before" is important, perhaps it should be "well before."

Change direction. This covers proper mirror use before junctions, changing lanes and overtaking. Note the word "before" again.

Change speed. Either before slowing down, stopping, or speeding up.

Your mirror use will also be checked before you open any car door, or move away.
The examiner will check that you are using the mirrors in good time, in the proper order and that you act properly on what is happening.
You must also use your mirrors frequently, depending on the road and traffic conditions occuring.

Typical mirror faults.

Signalling.

• Signals before checking mirrors.
• Mirrors and signals at the same time.
• Acts wrongly on information from the mirrors.
• Signals unnecessarily.

Change direction.

• Fails to check mirrors before turning left or right.
• Fails to check mirrors before changing lanes.
• Fails to check mirrors before and after overtaking.
• Fails to check mirrors after entering a new road.

Change speed.

• Fails to check mirrors before increasing speed.
• Fails to check mirrors before reducing speed.
• Fails to check mirrors before stopping.

We hope this post can help to clarify any mirror doubts you may have, as it's unfortunately pointless going for your test until you've got all aspects of mirror use sewn up.

As always, our instructors are here to help you, so if you are having mirror problems, we have some priceless, easy to remember systems that can help you conquer any glitches.

Give us a call on 01452 614226 to book a session.

Don't forget- Let's be careful out there!

Warm Regards,

John Lowe.

http://www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org

Driving Lessons Gloucester- Driving Test Pass- Louisa Godley of Abbeydale, September 2nd 2016.

Congratulations to Louisa Godley of Abbeydale, Gloucester, who passed her driving test at the first attempt with only one minor driving fault in Gloucester. Wow, Louisa, that's a brilliant performance! Louisas' driving instructor was Martyn Brewer, who is delighted with her success, as she has a lot coming up, going off to university in September. Martyn has said that she coped really well with that pressure and the hard work really paid off. 
Martyn also taught Louisas' sister a few years ago and she passed first time as well, so well done all round. All of us at John Lowe Driving send our best wishes, welcome Louisa to the first time pass club and thank her for using our driving school.

Warm Regards,
John Lowe.
http://www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org
http://johnrlowe.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/driving-lessons-gloucester-driving-test_7.html

Driving Lessons Gloucester- How To Pass Your Test, Part 5. Analysing the Driving Test Report. (DL25)

In this post, we will look at section 13, Move off. This subject doesn't look particularly daunting, but can cause a lot of problems on your driving test if you have not prepared properly.

On your test, you will obviously have to move away several times, but it's how you do it that counts. By this stage, moving away correctly should be second nature, but sometimes things go wrong. You will be asked to move away on the flat, from behind a parked car and uphill, all done safely and under control. Easy, eh? What can go wrong? Plenty!
What is the examiner looking for? There are 6 main requirements needed to move away safely and we'll look at them one by one.

1. Using your mirrors correctly.  You must check your interior and door mirrors to assess the road conditions before you move away. Look for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians behind and around you and act upon what you see. They have priority, so wait until things clear up.

2. As well as proper mirror use, you must observe all traffic and other road users (pedestrians, cyclists etc.) and act upon what you see. There is an old expression that is sometimes used by driving instructors- "They look, but they don't see." In other words, you can look at everything around you, but if you don't act upon what is there, it will end in tears.

3. Signalling when necessary. Do we have to signal before moving off? Not usually. A signal is used to warn others of your intentions (tell them what you're doing.) So, if there were vehicles approaching from behind, just wait for them to pass and then move off. No signal needed to an empty road. If there were pedestrians milling around, but the road behind was clear, give a signal to tell the pedestrians. Unusual situations like Christmas shopping week when some roads are nose to tail, a signal may help you out into the flow, as another driver might let you in, but do not use your signal as a "battering ram."
In general, just wait for the road behind you to clear, and then move off without a signal.

4. Checking your blind spots. However well you check your mirrors before moving away, you must check your blind spots, which are areas behind and to your side, which will not show up in the mirrors. You must physically look over your shoulders to be certain of safety.

5. Proper co-ordination of the accelerator, clutch, handbrake and steering. In a nutshell, you must always move away safely and under control. 
It will go in this order to move off safely:
A. Check your gears are in neutral and the handbrake is on. Switch on engine.
B. Press the clutch down to the floor and select 1st gear.
C. Set your gas. You need some power to move away, so gently press the gas pedal to achieve some gentle revs.
D. Ease the clutch pedal up to biting point, and then keep your feet still.
E. Check your mirrors and blind spots, and if it's safe, release your handbrake to move away. Gently ease the clutch up more as you add more gas.
F. Steer accurately to a safe line, about 1 meter from the kerb, if the road allows and check your mirrors again.

6. Select the correct gear to move away. Some driving tests come to grief because of the wrong gear selection on moving away. You should choose 1st gear, as a higher gear will cause the car to stall. Very occasionally, if you are facing downhill on a steep slope,you may choose second gear to move off.

Typical driving faults that can be recorded in this section:

Move off safely:
No attempt to look around.
Lack of observation ahead and to the rear.
Moves away when unsafe.

Move off under control:
Stalls the engine.
Moves off with too much speed.
Rolls back.

So, there's quite a lot to deal with in this section 13 on the DL25, which is appears as a very small section on the Driving Test Report, but there's plenty that can spoil your day. 
If you have had, or are having problems with any aspects of moving off our instructors at John Lowe Driving will be able to solve the problem very quickly.

Give us a call on 01452 614226, or email john@john092.orangehome.co.uk

As always, let's be careful out there!

Warm Regards, John Lowe.

http://www.drivinlessonsgloucester.org

Driving Lessons Gloucester- Driving Test Pass- Nicola Yip, August 30th 2016.

Congratulations to Nicola Yip, who passed her driving test at Gloucester, at the first attempt on August 30th 2016. A great effort to achieve a first time pass and the much desired full driving licence. You now have access to the worlds roads, Nicola, so passing your test is one of the best achievements to be had! Nicolas' driving instructor was Jackie Kaur, who was delighted with another first time pass, but was most pleased for the opportunities that will now open up for Nicola. All of us at John Lowe Driving send our best wishes, welcome Nicola to the first time pass club and thank her for using our driving school.

Warm Regards, John Lowe.
http://johnrlowe.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/driving-lessons-gloucester-driving-test_5.html
http://www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org

Driving Lessons Gloucester- What's It Like To Drive In Gloucester?

In this post, we will try to give you the “flavour” of what it is like to drive and the conditions that you might experience taking a driving test in Gloucester. As you know, Gloucester is an expanding city, becoming busier every year. New “villages” are being constructed, for example Coopers Edge and Kingsway, so the roads are becoming ever busier, and so driving skills need to be kept at their highest levels to avoid costly accidents and damage.


Gloucester Driving Test Centre is situated in Quedgeley and was the first Multi Purpose Driving Test Centre in the country. It is purpose built and modern. There are numerous test routes incorporating every type of road except motorways. These include dual carriageways at national speed limit (70mph), Country lanes (60mph), rural roads, speeds between 30-60mph,and city driving (20-40mph), which can include very congested areas. The test centre deals with cars, motorcycles and lorries. The car test will only use the test centre at the beginning and end of the test, the remainder of the test is all on normal public roads. The lorries and motorcycle tests will use the very large fenced area for parts of their tests.


There is every type of road junction and roundabouts ranging from numerous mini-roundabouts,to very large spiral roundabouts. Of course you will not experience these on every route, and nobody can know which route you might go on, so you must be prepared!


Keep up your driving lessons with John Lowe Driving, and before you know it your instructor will tell you that you are ready for your test. By then you will be confident enough to handle it all.


Warm Regards, John Lowe.