7 Golden Rules For A 1st Time Pass.

Golden Rule No. 1. Have Regular Driving Lessons

Everybody would naturally like to pass their driving test at the first attempt and it is possible to increase your chances dramatically by following some sensible guidelines. Make sure you have at least one lesson each week and if you can manage a double lesson, or two single lessons a week, that is better still. But don’t worry if you can’t manage the extra lessons, as thousands of people have passed before, who have only ever had one driving lesson a week. (Me included!) If you are lucky enough to be offered private practice, go for it, as the more time spent driving will only be a benefit, and your driving instructor will be able to help you with the best approach to each topic, reducing the time before you are ready for your driving test. Remember, practise makes perfect. Golden Rule No.2. Be Prepared For Your Lesson. When the time for your driving lesson comes around again, make sure you are ready for it. Keep a note on your phone to remind you, as “surprise” lessons never really go that well. Your instructor may not be at his best either, if he’s had to wait for you to get ready! To get in the right frame of mind, think a little about your previous lesson and consider what topic you want to tackle on the next lesson, bearing in mind the previous lesson summary. Try to avoid late nights and partying the night before your lesson, as this usually leads to a poor learning experience, one that you will regret paying for. Look after yourself and you will get full value. Golden Rule No.3. Talk To Your Instructor. The driving instructors at John Lowe Driving will begin each lesson with a recap of what you covered last time, as part of the Client Centred Learning system that they will be using. The discussion will be interactive and you can discuss the topics to be covered in the session. Do join in with this as it can really assist the instructor in his approach to the lesson. Tell him if you are a little unwell, if you are dreading any possible part of the drive, or anything else that could have a bearing on the success of the session. Your instructor will be asking questions to establish your understanding of the last lesson and to test your knowledge of the agreed subject of the current lesson. This brief two way conversation is very important to ensure that you receive a top quality lesson and full value for money. Golden Rule No.4. Have An Objective. Each driving lesson must have an objective – “What are we going to achieve today?” This will be agreed with your instructor at the beginning of the session, having had a recap of the previous lesson, and a plan of the lesson will develop between the two of you for the topic to be covered and how it will move you towards your final goal. This most important and will considerably reduce your learning time. Your progress will be evaluated on a regular basis during the lesson, with adjustments made where necessary and you will quickly see how this system will transform your driving. Remember, it is a two way system, so keep asking questions and going over it as much as you need until you feel you have reached the objective. Golden Rule No.5. Your Lesson Should Be Structured. Your driving lesson will follow a structure as it progresses, being easy to start with and then increasing in difficulty as things progress. Your instructor will be asking you questions throughout, to check your confidence and understanding. The aim of the instructor is to gradually transfer the responsibility of the task to you. Your instructor will normally start each new topic with a talk through to ensure you are meeting the objectives correctly. The next stage of the lesson will be prompted questions, where you will be asked about your actions before you do it, so that it can be corrected if necessary. At this stage, you have started to take responsibility for the control. The final stage will be independent practice where you will drive unaided with the instructor keeping quiet. But don’t worry, your instructor will still be alert and ready to step in verbally or with dual controls if things don’t go to plan! These building blocks can reduce a difficult task into something quite manageable very rapidly and you will feel that you have had a quality lesson, having been fully involved from the start. Golden Rule No.6. Talk It Through At The End. You will have gained new skills, knowledge and understanding during your driving lesson and to help emphasise the vital points and to enable you to retain as much as possible from the lesson, your instructor will summarise your progress. Do join in with this chat and you will see the progress that has been made. Your instructor will take you back to the objective and you can agree together how your driving has advanced. If your objective has not been achieved in full, don’t worry, this sometimes happens, but after this chat you will know why and it can lay a basis for the next lesson, where you will have a chance to crack the problem, and you will! Golden Rule No.7. Self Evaluate, Be Ready and Listen. Unfortunately, it’s no good turning up for your driving test with your fingers crossed, hoping for the best. This approach will only lead to an unhappy conclusion to a lot of effort. Have you been honest with yourself? Are you still making mistakes on your lessons? Are the mistakes clustered around the same subjects? Are there any serious errors occurring? If so, you are not ready for your test. It is far better for you to wait until these faults are a thing of the past (it will happen!), and you will be able to tackle your test with confidence. Take a look at our test passes to see the number of first time passes we achieve at John Lowe Driving. There is no reason at all for you to not be one of them. Finally, listen to the advice of your instructor. Driving Instructors are highly trained and experienced at assessing when you are ready for your driving test, you are paying for professional advice, so it would be wise to listen to it. You will know if you are still making mistakes and so will your instructor who will be reluctant to take you to test on that basis. He/she will have been working with you and building a rapport over a period of time and the last thing your instructor or you want is a test fail. Your driving instructor will have a massive incentive to get you a 1st time pass as his/her reputation depends on a high pass rate and the drive home from a failed test is the worst feeling in the world. We wish you every success and remember, there is no reason why you should not achieve a first time pass, if you follow the seven golden rules. Warm Regards, John Lowe. http://www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org

Driving Lessons Gloucester- How To Pass Your Test, Part 13. - Analysing The Driving Test Report (DL25)

The end is in sight of our detailed look at the Driving Test Report. There are three sections remaining, that concern the car test and in another post we will look at Eco Safe Driving, which is dealt with on the Driving Test Report, but will not necessarily have a bearing on the test result. 
The remaining sections are: 25, Position/normal stops, 26, Awareness/planning, and 27, Ancillary controls.

Let's look at the sections in order.

25. Position/normal stops.

You will be asked to stop the car at various times on your test and you will be expected to take in all of the road features and conditions, before deciding on a suitable place each time, having properly used the MSM routine.

What can go wrong? Lots of things if you let your guard down.

Typical faults recorded:

• Pulling up in an unsafe place.
• Blocking a driveway or other entrance.
• Obstructing other drivers.
• Stopping too far from the kerb.
• Hitting or mounting the pavement when stopping.

26. Awareness/planning.

This section is concerned with you looking ahead and anticipating what might happen and your ability to plan your actions to minimise hazards.

Typical faults recorded:

• Not anticipating that pedestrians are about to cross the road at any time.
• Not giving way to pedestrians at junctions or pedestrian crossings.
• Not anticipating that cyclists may be passing on the left or right.
• Not anticipating that cyclists are about to make a change of direction.
• Not anticipating or showing awareness of direction signals given by other drivers.
• Not anticipating or showing awareness of vehicles displaying hazard flashers.
• Not anticipating or showing awareness of vehicles reversing lights.
• Not anticipating or showing awareness of brake lights on other vehicles.
• Not anticipating the actions of other drivers changing speed or direction.

27. Ancillary Controls.

What are ancillary controls?

They are:

1. Lights
2. Indicators
3. Windscreen wipers
4. De-misters
5. Heated rear windscreen
6. Heater/air conditioning
7. Horn
8. Hazard warning lights

You will be expected to know when and how to use any of these controls and to understand and deal with any warning lights on the dashboard that may come on.

Well, this concludes the series on How To Pass Your Test and the Driving Test Report. Thanks for reading this far, and we hope it has been helpful, but why not take it further and book some driving lessons, we'd love to see you!

Call Us On: 01452 614226.

Warm Regards,

John Lowe

http://www.drivinglessonsgloucester.org

                                        

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- 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