I-drivesafe Blog
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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?’
How might proposed changes to the driving test affect you?
The DVSA recently announced planned changes to the driving test process, in a renewed effort to modernise and increase safety surrounding new drivers on the roads. So what changes are being considered? Find out at i-drivesafe...
Are you aware of significant chances to the Highway Code made this month?
In January 2021 the Highway Code underwent its most radical revamp yet, with the addition of the ‘Hierarchy of Road Users’ clause. Most people I speak to are completely unaware of these changes – and a recent survey by the AA backed this up, revealing that a massive 70% of motorists with an AA membership also had no idea that the rules have changed.
10 tips to help you drive safely this winter
Darker days and unfavourable weather conditions can make winter driving troublesome and anxiety-inducing for some. But whilst winter is undoubtedly a more perilous time to get behind the wheel, with the right tools and tricks you can stay safe during colder months. My ten top tips will help keep you safe out on the roads - even on the frostiest, foggiest, darkest days.
Can menopausal anxiety impact on driving confidence?
For too long a taboo topic, the impact of the menopause is now being more openly discussed. But one recent article highlighted a lesser-known potential side effect of the menopause – anxiety when driving.
DVLA to introduce digital driving licences
After the introduction of digital tax monitoring in 2014 (scrapping the old-fashioned paper discs in favour of ANPR recognition), the DVLA is now planning to part ways with physical driving licences as part of their initiative for a ‘fairer, greener and more efficient’ UK transport network. Here are three key things driving instructors and learner drivers need to know about the roll out.