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Everything you need to know about the government’s new Ready to Pass Campaign
A good driving instructor will let you know as soon as they feel you are ready to take your driving test. The new Ready To Pass initiative is aimed specifically at helping learner drivers to determine when they are confident and competent enough to prepare for their driving test.
Dealing with crossroads: a basic guide
One of the most daunting elements of learning to drive for many new learners is the junction – especially busy ones. There are several different types of junction (5, to be exact) and each one requires a different approach. Even some seasoned drivers still have trouble understanding and navigating junctions – especially in unfamiliar areas.
A guide to fog lights – when and how to use them
Fog lights are designed to enhance safety through improving visibility – but not employing your fog lights properly (either through not using them at all, or overusing them) could put you and other road users in danger.
Is in-car technology dangerous and distracting?
One of the unofficial yet key aspects of any new driver’s training is eliminating and dealing with distractions – concentration is key, so addressing the downsides of in-car technology is important, especially for younger students and those who have recently passed their test.
Driving basics: How to change lanes
In this handy guide, I’ll explain how to change lanes and offer up some simple and easy to remember tips to help you feel more confident and competent behind the wheel.
Driving basics: dealing with oncoming traffic
In this simple guide I’ll cover the basics of dealing with oncoming traffic to help you increase your confidence and drive safely and competently during your driving lessons and beyond.
How can mindfulness help you to pass your driving test?
Pre-driving test nerves and jitters are completely natural and normal. But sometimes, these can interfere with our ability to focus, think clearly and act in a timely manner, affecting driving test outcomes. The government’s recent Despatch (official guidance and advice published for instructors and pupils) covers the benefits of mindfulness in more detail when preparing for your upcoming test.
Government publishes advice on realistic mock driving tests
Chances are if you’re preparing for your test, you’ve been through a few mock driving tests with your instructor to prepare you for the big day. These mock tests usually involve travelling the main route for testing in your local area, practicing safety checks and manoeuvres or events in sequence as they may be presented during the real thing.
Traffic signs and what they mean
As drivers we use road signs almost subliminally every single day, enabling us to navigate the roads safely. Road signs are there to direct and instruct all road users, and each has a different meaning. There are around 100 different road signs to be aware of, many of which you’ll need to instantly understand in order to stay safe out on the road.
How to calm nerves before a driving test
As a driving instructor, this is a question I get asked a lot. Nerves are actually a good thing in some ways – being nervous shows us how much something matters to us, and when we approach them from the right perspective, we can use the energy in a positive way to focus and motivate ourselves.
How to save fuel
As petrol and diesel prices skyrocket, I’ve noticed more people recently asking about how they can drive in such a way that reduces their fuel consumption, saving precious pounds out on the road. Here are my five failsafe tips to help you reduce your fuel consumption.
How many people pass their driving test?
There are a few burning questions most of my students ask me when they first get behind the wheel. Number one – ‘When will I pass my driving test?’ or ‘How long will it take?’ And secondly, ‘Will I pass first time?’