Impossible Parking Geometry

It's the end of the month again, and for this special day I found a great parking video. Watch a not-so-talented mathematician (and driver) trying to park in a spot much too small for his car. Luckily for us, two Italian guys captured the entire parking attempt (four minutes!) on video. Watch and don't learn:



Any reasonable person would immediately see that the parking spot is too small. Even if someone did try to enter this parking, he would not try for four minutes, because after one or two tries it's clear that this parking is impossible. The Italian government should do something about the parking crisis.

Enjoy,
Nadav

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Britain Road Rage: Part 1

After videos of driving tests, driving schools, and mainly positive videos, it's time to show a battle. In this summer season, when roads are filled, it's time to see the war that's going on Britain's roads. See how cyclists, pedestrians and drivers fight over a piece of asphalt.



Drive safely!
Nadav

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Legal DUI

It's unbelievable, but the law can be pretty stupid sometimes. For example, in an undecided DUI case. Emily Vernon, a finance director at a sherrif's office, drove while she is drunk and after taking sleeping pills. She was not charged of anything. How? No witnesses.

According to the law, a person can be charged with DUI only if there are witnesses that saw him in the car. Emily Vernon was lucky. No one saw her driving her truck, and when the police caught her, she was outside. A lucky person indeed.

There is still an investigation going on in this case, but one thing can be said for sure: the law can be very foolish sometimes.

Don't drink and drive,
Nadav

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Ireland's Provisional Driving License

So far I've dealt with driving licenses in the UK and the United States. Today I'm going to deal with one more country: Ireland. Robin Piggott wrote an article for all Irish people and those who intend to live in Ireland about the Irish provisional license.



How to Get a Provisional Driving License in Ireland


The system of licensing learner Drivers is under scrutiny and may well change in Ireland in the coming year or so. In the meantime the procedure is very straightforward but takes a little organising.


(1) First you must study for, book and then pass the Driver Theory Test which was introduced in 2001. The theory test is a multi choice test done on computer and most major towns have a designated Theory Test Centre.


(2) The pass mark is 35 out of a total of 40 questions.


(3) Booking can be done by phone and usually you will get a Test appointment inside about ten days.


(4) You will get the result immediately.


(5) It is advisable to study for the Test via the official Book or preferably the C.D. Rom which enables you to replicate the test on your own computer.


(6) Recent revisions to the question bank have taken place as road regulations continue to evolve.


(7) This is an important stage in your Learning to drive so take it seriously and study.


The next phase of getting your Provisional License should have already been dealt with before you sit the Theory Test since after passing the Theory Test you can go straight to the Local Motor Tax Office and obtain your Provisional License.


Requirements are as follows:-


(1) Theory Test Pass Certificate.


(2) Provisional License Application Form.


(3) Provisional License Fee.


(4) Two Passport Photographs in Colour.


(5) Identification. Either Passport or Original Birth Certificate


(6) Eye Test Certificate from a registered Optician.


(7) Items 2 to 6 should be dealt with while you are waiting for your Theory Test.


Some additional important notes especially for Recent Immigrants:-


(1) You are not allowed to Drive without a Provisional License.


(2) You must be accompanied by a fully Licensed Driver when you start Driving.


(3) A Provisional License from any other Country cannot be exchanged for an Irish Provisional License.


(4) A Full Driving License from a Country outside the E.U will mostly not be eligible for exchange for a full Irish License. There are a few exceptions.


(5) A Full License from an Accepted Country or from an E.U. Country will need to be exchanged for a full Irish License if you intend to reside permanently in Ireland.


(6) You must display regulation L Plates at the front and rear of your vehicle until you have passed the Driving Test.


(7) Road Tax, Insurance and N.C.T Certificate (where required) must be displayed on your vehicle.


(8) Buying a car is or can be full of pitfalls for the unwary including quite an amount of paperwork. If you are unsure of your responsibilities check with a reputable Driving School who will often help you in your choice and answer questions.


(9) You must be in full possession of all the Regulations before you take to the Road for the first time.


(10) Gardai (Police) have the power to impound vehicles that do not comply with the Law.


All the necessary forms can be found at your local Motor Tax Office.


Robin Piggott is a Driving Instructor in Ireland who brings four decades of experience to his Astral Driving School based in Limerick. His newly refurbed web site can be found at http://www.astraldrivingschool.ie/ Here you can find a treasure trove of everything for the Learner Driver and also pages for the visitor who is contemplating Touring Ireland by Car. Pick up a free seven part mini course "Passing the Driving Test First Time" and stack the cards in your favour.



Source: EzineArticles.com.



Good luck driving in Ireland,

Nadav



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Stay Awake While Driving

Driving is a skill that requires vision and awareness, the exact opposite of sleeping. Sometimes you must drive at night, when you're tired. This is highly dangerous. Here is a video about the subject that will show you how to stay awake while driving.



Remember: don't sleep and drive!

Drive safely!
Nadav

nadavs

Buses - Wide Test Killers

Last week I talked about how taxis can kill driving tests, and today it's the buses' turn. These wide, high capacity vehicles have a well known history of failing driving students on their test.

First, as said, buses are wide. When you drive in a narrow street and a bus stops, you have no way to pass or a very narrow way to pass. Some driving students are to afraid to pass other vehicles, and if the examiner feels there is a way to pass the bus and the student doesn't think that way, the student may fail.

Bus drivers don't always feel like signaling, and when they drive towards a station it becomes dangerous, since hitting a bus is not a pleasant experience. Do your best to stay away from them.

Drive safely.
Nadav

nadavs

Know your Vehicle - Pass your Test

In order to pass a driving test, you must be familiar with all controls of your vehicle. Still, many students don't know how to operate certain parts of their car. Here is an article I wrote about that issue.

Pass Your License Test - Know Your Vehicle

Being a good driver means proper control of your car. You need to know how to signal, wipe your windshield when it's raining, steer well, and just make sure your car is going the right direction without any threat to others. Some drivers, especially beginners, don't really know how to handle all these controls and switches - or even worse - come this way to the test.

Some students, when going for their driving test, rent a car especially for this day. There are not many things worse than that. When they come this way they often don't know how to turn on their headlights or use the parking brake. Since the car controls form a big part of the test, they often fail for not knowing their car. They may be excellent drivers normally, but not on the car they are being tested on.

Another symptom of the rent-for-test behavior is not knowing how much pressure to apply on the accelerator and brake pedals. This makes the car swing back and forth, and it gives the feeling of a first-time driver, even if the student practiced for a year.

A tiny yet very frustrating car control mistake some drivers make is not signaling. Very often this is regarded as a minor problem, and it only counts toward a certain number of errors you can make on the test. However, when a driver doesn't signal for the entire test, it becomes a serious issue and it often means one thing - another test.

Headlights can also become a major problem during the test. When it rains, somewhat dark, or required by law, you have to turn your headlights on. However, some examinees neglect that and drive with their headlights turned off. This is a serious hazard as other drivers can't see their car. When the examiner asks you to turn them on, the test is over.

Controlling the car well, like any other driving skill, requires your practice. You can read your car's manual, but for the road test you need a guide that will take you through every little switch you need to know to operate.

To see exactly which controls you need to know for your driving test, get my driving test guide.

Yours,
Nadav

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First Time Driving: Sara

First time driving videos have many voices. Some are screaming, some are crying. Others, like Sara, laugh uncontrollably. Luckily, Sara has a good sense of humor, and she puts titles along the video explaining her actions ("yeah I didn't know how to put the car in drive"). She has the gear lever on the side of the wheel. I don't like it, but that's what she has. Watch her driving, not bad if I may say.



According to YouTube, this video was uploaded on July 8 of this year. This means Sara still has a long way to go before she gets her license. She looks like a good driver from this video, so it shouldn't be a problem for her.

Good luck!
Nadav

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The Best Driving Road: Part 4

Today, in the final video of The Best Driving Road, which country will win? Switzerland or Italy? And finally, who will look very ridiculous in his car? Here it is, the last part of The Best Driving Road.



I really hope you enjoyed the series as I did.
Nadav

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The Irrational Connecticut DMV

The Norwich Bulletin, a local newspaper of a Connecticut, posted an opinion column of a driver's education instructor. The instructor said that the DMV policy of letting people take their written test before driver's education is ridiculous, because the student has no interest to listen in driver's education, since he already passed the written test.

This instructor is right. The point of driver's education is to teach driving students about the hazards of the road and how to prepare for their written test. A student who already passed his test won't listen in driver's education, he'll go only for the certificate at the end.

The Connecticut DMV must change this awkward policy. If it saves one person's life, it's worth it.

Drive safely!
Nadav

nadavs

Driving Instructor Legality

When choosing a professional driving instructor, which is required even in places where parents teach their children, it's important to check that the instructor is legal and qualified. Here is an article written by Richard M Jenkins about this subject.

Make Sure Your UK Driving Instructor Is Legal

When choosing a UK driving instructor it is of great important that you make sure your instructor is legal.

Teaching someone to pass the UK driving test may seem easy but it is not. It is a skilled job that is best left to qualified professionals. In fact it is illegal for unapproved instructors to receive payment for driving tuition.

Money motivates most crime. This is certainly true of bogus driving instructors who can earn up to £25 per an hour for their deceptions.

By UK law, all correctly licensed driving instructors have to display an appropriate licence clearly in the windscreens of their instruction car or the pupil's own car if using it for lessons. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to £1000.

The license will be either a green octagon or a pink triangle. The green octagon indicates the the driving instructor is fully qualified. The pink triangle indicates that the instructor is still a trainee however is legally permitted to instruct. Each license will show a photo of the instructor, his name and number.

You can check that your driving instructor is on the Driving Standards Agency register by calling 0115 901 2618 or emailing them at adireg@dsa.gsi.gov.uk

Some driving schools do employ trainee instructors so should you only use a fully qualified driving instructor?

In order to get a pink badge the trainee instructor has to pass parts 1 & 2 (a driving theory test, multiple choice test plus hazard perception video test and an advanced ADI driving test which is of a much higher standard than the test you will take) of the DSA Driving Instructor examination and have done at least 40 hours ADI training as well. Then they must do a further 20 hours training shortly after the badge is issued. Part 3 of the exam is a practical test that tests the trainee's instructional ability. These are the facts. The choice is yours.

You should also make sure that your driving instructor has the legal amount of insurance. All instructors require specialized instructor insurance - Class C hire and reward. If an instructor does not have this level of insurance then in the event of accident or injury, you the learner driver will not be covered.

Richard Jenkins owns and runs the online driving schools site http://www.driving-test-success.com/

Source: EzineArticles.com.

Although Richard writes specifically for the UK, this article applies everywhere. Don't hire a professional, especially in the field of driving, without any qualifications.

Yours,
Nadav

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Hypermiling - Change your Driving, Save Gas

You have probably heard the term "hypermiling". It means extracting a better mileage out of your car without any mechanical change. It only requires a good driving skill and the ability to ignore angry drivers. Here is a video explaining some of the basics of hypermiling:



I personally can't do some of the suggestions, especially the ones regarding speed. However, coasting is great. I have some hills on my way to the nearest big city, and leaving the gas pedal causes no change in speed and vehicle control.

Please remember: DO NOT use hypermiling techniques on your driving test. The examiners don't care about your mileage, they focus on your performance. Annoying them with coasting (which is easily felt) and driving slower than required will cause you to fail. Use hypermiling techniques only when you're experienced enough. Also, don't use the dangerous techniques. Ever. They already causesd countless accidents.

Have a great week,
Nadav

nadavs

Taxis: A True Hazard

There are many types of drivers. Some are calm, some are annoying, and some are dangerous. The other type is a taxi driver. Those drivers have one special thing about them: they never heard about traffic laws.

Driving behind a taxi, especially in a city, is a big no-no. They have a special habit of stopping just in front of a crosswalk, and this makes the driver stop as well, because you never know whether he's stopping for a pedestrian or for a passenger (you do stop in these cases, right?).

In general, the annoying habit of taxi drivers to stop everywhere can be pretty annoying, but they do much more. First, they don't signal. Signaling is just a hassle for them, and they rather skip it, regardless of the consequences. Other taxi drivers ignore other traffic laws, such as arrows on the road. They turn left from a "go straight" lane and go straight from a left turn lane. Simply a distraction.

Do your best to avoid taxis when you drive, and pay extra attention to taxis on your driving test. They are big test killers.

Yours,
Nadav

nadavs

Perpendicular Parking - A Driving Test Fear

Perpendicular parking is very common, you can find it in many parking lots, and it is a very convenient and space efficient parking method. As comfortable as it is, driving students have many problems with this type of parking. Here is an article I wrote about this issue.

Perpendicular Parking Mistakes On the Road Test

Perpendicular parking seems to be the second hardest driving maneuver for driving students, with parallel parking just above it. Student drivers just can't understand what is perpendicular parking all about. This type of parking is somewhat rare on driving tests, but it's very common on every day parking, especially on big parking lots. When perpendicular parking does appear on the test, student drivers make the same mistakes over and over.

One common mistake on perpendicular parking is not looking back when backing up into or out of a parking spot. Perpendicular parking requires backing up, and when the student driver doesn't look back, there is a risk of hitting something or someone. Even if it doesn't happen, it is often a failure on the test.

Hitting a person when backing up is possible when the driver doesn't look back or doesn't look to both sides when backing up. This is not only a driving test mistake, it is also highly illegal. If that happens, the examiner marks a critical error and the student can forget about the driver's license for a few weeks.

Hitting a car is much more common in perpendicular parking than any other kind of parking. When doing perpendicular parking, the driver is usually required to enter a very tight spot. If it is not done correctly, the driver can hit a car. This mistake also happens when getting out of the parking and turning the wheel to steer away. It's a critical error and a sure test failure.

The curb is a big cause of failure in the parking world, and perpendicular parking is not an exception. Some parking lots have a "parking road block" at the end of the parking spot to mark the end of the spot. During the driving test, some drivers hit that block. This is a critical error and an immediate fail.

Diagonal parking is not a critical error most of the times, but it is one of the most annoying parking forms. Some drivers don't perform good perpendicular parking and enter the parking spot diagonally. This way of parking takes up two parking spaces and really annoys other drivers.

Perpendicular parking, like parallel parking, requires many hours of practice. A good guide is essential in this practice, so driving students will practice only the best way to perform a perpendicular parking.

You can find a guide that explains the two ways to perform perpendicular parking at Pass Your Driving Test.

Good luck with your parking,
Nadav

nadavs

First Time Driving: Jenni

Today's first time driver is Jenni. The video is short and not really special, but it shows you a very good first-timer.



According to YouTube, this video was uploaded a week ago. If Jenni is driving so good now, she'll be ready for her test in no-time.

Good luck!
Nadav

nadavs

The Best Driving Road: Part 3

On today's part, the three men continue their journey to find the best driving road in the world. Today they're going to Switzerland and Liechtenstein to find this road, but they're up for a little surprise.



Next week is the fourth and final part of the best driving road. Will this road be found? You'll have to wait one more week.

Enjoy,
Nadav

nadavs

UK Examiners Strike

Attention all UK examinees: DSA examiners may be going on strike tomorrow (Wednesday, July 16). They ask examinees to come to take their test, and maybe they will. If there is no examiner, the examinees who arrive to the DSA office will be given a new test date and their money back.

Notice how the examiners try to look nice in this situation. They say they may or may not show up. This is an unacceptable behavior. If there are no tests, examinees who don't show up will need to pay for another test and book a new test on their own. The examiners think that the examinees' time is not valuable and can be played with.

If you have a theory test, it will not be cancelled. At least one thing is working right in there.

Nadav

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Wheel Freezing

The driving test is not a pleasant situation. You sit near an examiner who records every move and maneuver you make. At the end, this examiner decides whether or not to give you your driver's license. This situation causes people to freeze on the wheel, doing nothing. Here is an article by Mark Goodworthy about the subject.

Do You Freeze At The Wheel During A Driving Test?

The driving test is one of the most important things that you have to go through in getting to drive your own car. While there are many people who think that learning how to drive is difficult, there are also so many others who think that the driving test is the hardest thing that they have to go through when it comes to learning driving.

There are quite a number of people who are unable to get their driver's licenses because they simply froze at the wheel every time they take the driving test. They end up living the rest of their lives, taking the bus or riding a taxi every time they want to go somewhere.

Most of these people, who freeze at the wheel during a driving test, are afraid of making mistakes in front of the driving instructor. In other cases, they are also afraid that something might happen while they are at the wheel, like maybe they will back into a post, a dog or worst, a person.

Most of these people who fail miserably during a driving test are those who are prone to having anxiety attacks. They are quite unable to control their emotions when their overactive imagination comes into play. If you are one of these persons, then you have to learn to take control of your emotions, so you could pass your driving test with flying colors.

You might think that this is easier said than done. But, you can actually do it if you put your mind to it and get rid of all the anxious thoughts that are crowding in your head. To calm yourself down before a driving test, you could think of positive thoughts like how you would want to drive a convertible along the sandy beaches of Florida, with the wind whistling through your hair. You could even think of having a nice sundae treat once you get your driver's license. Think of any good thing that you want, as long as it get you to pass that driving test.

However, if you really think you couldn't pass your driving test by just willing yourself to think nice thoughts, then you might want to try hypnotherapy. There are many hypnotherapists now who could guarantee you that after several sessions, you are already able to grab at that steering wheel and get through your driving test without a single feeling of trepidation.

Through the application of hypnosis, these therapists will delve into your subconscious mind and open those barriers that are giving you all those anxious thoughts that have prevented you from passing your driving test. Once these blocks are eliminated, you are already free to think of all those wonderful thoughts that will ease your worries. Soon you will have your driver's license in your hand.

Imagine passing your driving test with no driving test nerves in your way.

Article source: EzineArticles.com.

Have a great week!
Nadav

nadavs

Drive a Stick Shift

When I first learned how to drive, it was in California, a state well-known for its love of the automatic transmission. When I moved, I had to learn to drive a stick shift. At first I pretty much ruined the instructor's car, I understood the mechanics of a manual transmission and started driving well.

After the California DMV and Expert Village, I finally found a good source of videos, Howcast, which are available on YouTube. Here is their video of driving a stick shift:



Soon my driving test guide will include a special bonus: the stickshift guide. Needless to say, everyone who gets the guide before I upload the new guide will get it as soon as it's available for everyone.

Good luck driving a stick shift,
Nadav

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Motorcycles - A Reason to Fear

There are many reasons to fear the roads, like trucks and crazy drivers. But the truth is, the scaries vehicles on the road are motorcycles. They don't threaten, they are not big enough to do anything to you, but they are unprotected. This lack of protection is everything.

When a car hits a motorcycle, there is one extremely likely outcome: the biker is hurt or dies. Almost nothing else. This is the what scares me about them. Accidents are a nasty business. A lethal accident can put anyone in jail for a long time.

Bikers don't drive with so much care, and their negligence leads to fatal accidents sometimes. Furthermore, sometimes it happens without any intervention by the car driver. The only thing car drivers can do is watch out and stay away from motorcycles.

Drive safely!
Nadav

nadavs

Wide Turns - A Widely Known Problem

Turns are a common problem for driving students. They cause many problems, and one of them is making them too wide. Here is an article I wrote about that issue.

Wide Turns - Wild Driving Test Disturbance

Turns are one of the most important parts of driving. Without it, cars will not be able to move around and will be forced to move in a straight line. When turning, it is important to make the turn as accurate as possible. However, many drivers, mainly driving students, make their turns too wide. These wide turns cause many problems, especially on driving tests. Examiners often mark off students just for these wide turns, and those wrong turns can easily be eliminated.

Right turns are greatly affected by wide turns. Wide right turns often enter the second lane, which could be the lane of opposing traffic. In such case, an accident could happen. Also, when turning right, it's important to enter the right lane on the new road unless there are multiple turn lanes. If a right turn is not made into the right lane, the examiner may mark that as an error, an error that can easily lead to failure.

Left turns are also affected by wide turns. Some places are tolerant for lane usage after a left turn, but most areas and examiners expect examinees to enter the left lane after they turn, unless there are multiple left turn lanes. A wide turn can make a car end in the wrong lane, or worse, hit the curb. In this case, this is a new test for sure.

Another, somewhat rare, turn affected by too wide turns is a U-turn. Because U-turns are risky, they need to be made as quickly as possible. Wide U-turns only make them longer, thus increasing the time the driver spends in an intersection. On a worse case, a wide turn in a narrow intersection can make the student driver hit the curb, something that is a critical error in most places in the world. This is definitely something to watch out for.

To make the best possible turns, you can go to the Pass your Driving Test area of my site to find the perfect solution to this problematic situation.

Have a great weekend,
Nadav

nadavs

First Time Driving: Kayla

Hysteria is very common for first time drivers, everyone was surprised when the car started moving the first time. Even I was a little scared on my first driving lesson. Kayla is a perfect example of such hysterical student: she can hardly move her foot off the brake pedal. Watch her and the effects of hysteria.



You heard it, right? "What is parallel?". Well, this video was uploaded four months ago. Hopefully Kayla can now drive well. She might even be getting ready for her driving test soon.

Good luck Kayla!
Nadav

nadavs

The Best Driving Road: Part 2

On today's part: the three men continue their journey to find the best road in the world. Today's location is Italy. See how the roads are in there.



Enjoy,
Nadav

nadavs

250% Speed Increase

About a week ago, a student gave a new definition to the term "fast driving". According to the police, he was driving about 170 km/h (105 mph) in a 50 km/h zone (30 mph). Purely incredible.

Amazingly, this 20 year old student managed to survive this fast driving. He didn't die and didn't kill others. Although what he did is illegal, he definitely seems like one who can control a car very well. Amazing.

What's more amazing is the fact that he did not go to jail for that. According to the British law, such offence can put a driver up to 6 months in jail. However, the student was given only a 2 months ban. That's it. He can't drive until September, and that's it. He also got 120 hours of community service, but this cannot be compared to 6 months in prison.

Watch out for these people when you drive.
Nadav

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Fives Steps for a Driver's License

Getting your driver's license is a long process, filled with many important decisions. Here is an article by David P, the owner of a driving school, about the subject. David made a big ad at the end of his article, but the rest is very good.

DMV Driving Test - A Guide For Teen Drivers, From Learners Permit To Drivers License In 5 Steps

The DMV driving test does not have to be a stressful experience. If you follow our simple steps...it should actually be one of the most memorable and positive times of your life!
5 steps to passing your test:

1. Choose a reputable driving school

Driving schools really vary in price. But the phrase "You get what you pay for" has never been more true.

Bad schools normally save on costs by cutting corners. They may carry multiple passengers, use older or less safe vehicles, spend less on training of instructors, or even cut lessons short.

Good schools will work with you and your parents to be sure you get the most out of every minute of every lesson.Just ask around, and be sure you choose a driving school with a good reputation for quality and value...not just low prices. Is this really the time for "cutting corners?"

2. Spread out your lessons

If you want to pass the driving test, it is essential that you pace yourself. You have to build a solid base of basic driving skills before you can move on to more complicated things. Some parents might want to give you a "crash course" and throw you right out there into the busy stuff as soon as you get the learners permit, but if you do too much too soon, a "crash" course might be just exactly what you get. You will also get a lot more out of upcoming lessons if you have mastered the material from the previous lesson first.

3. Practice a lot with your parents

This one is HUGE! You need 50-100 hours of supervised practice time with your learners permit before you should even think about taking the driving test. Whatever it takes, make sure your parents are on board on this one. Make it as pleasant for them as possible to practice with you by taking their advice and being polite with any questions or disagreements.

Remember, if you make it unpleasant for them to practice with you, it is you who suffers. You won't get enough practice time with your permit, and ultimately you won't be ready for the DMV driving test.

4. Practice the right things

Don't just "be the driver" on all of your family errands. You need a lot more practice than that, and you need more variety. If you are only practicing on the way to school, to the store, and to the post office, you are really only practicing a very limited number of driving scenarios, over and over again.

The end result will be a limited set of driving skills because of a lack of variety of experience while driving with your learners permit. Ask your parents to take special trips to practice certain skills. Whatever you, your parents, or your driving instructor think you need to work on. Just keep practicing until you get it right every time. That is exactly what your learner's permit is for!

5. Take a DMV practice test

Most driving schools will offer a DMV practice test as a part of their program. The practice tests will help you to understand what will be asked of you on the real thing, and hopefully show you that you are ready so you can be confident at the DMV. Just be sure to ask the driving school ahead of time what the routine is, and if you need to add a special lesson for the practice test, do it. It is well worth the time and money.

At our school we do a full 90 minutes just focusing on DMV driving test issues. The driving school should put you through a formal practice driving test or two, following the same routine you will be asked to go through on test day.

See our site for a lot more helpful tips on the process and on safe driving. http://foothilldriving.com

If it is the written driving test you are trying to prepare for, MyPracticePermitTest is where we get all of the practice permit tests offered in our classes. They are thorough and updated with all new laws every year. They are at http://www.mypracticepermittest.com/pages/dmv-practice-test.html

Source: EzineArticles.com.

David doesn't explain what are the "right things" in step number four, but Pass your Driving Test, the driving test guide, shows exactly what are those "right things" the examiners are looking for.

Good luck,
Nadav

nadavs

Know the Right of Way Rules

The right of way rules govern traffic when there are no signs telling what to do. For example, there are no signs telling you to stop for pedestrians, but that's obvious from the right of way rules. Here is a great video from the Calfironia DMV about the right of way rules and how to handle certain situations.



I hope you found it useful.
Nadav

nadavs

Don't Sleep and Drive

When you drive, you must be aware of your surroundings. Conditions change rapidly, especially on freeways, and your response time is critical in high speeds. To guarantee your survival on the road, you have to be alert and aware.

Most car accidents require two drivers: one who breaks the law and one who doesn't notice. For example, when someone is running a red light, other drivers should spot him and avoid hitting him. When drivers don't notice, an accident happens.

Driving while you are tired is one of the most dangerous things you can do. When you are tired you are not alert, you response time is high, and at high speeds, every second counts (at 90 km/h, about 56 mph, you drive 25 meters, about 25-26 yards, in one second!). Being tired has one bigger risk: falling asleep.

I've never felt asleep while I was driving, but I've seen some cars controlled by sleeping drivers. This is a scary view. The car swerves from one lane to another without clear direction. A smart driver would avoid the potential accident with this car. A tired driver is much more likely to hit the sleeping driver and cause an accident. Needless to say, such accidents are not a pleasant view.

Drive safely,
Nadav

nadavs

Steering Control - Your First Priority

Steering is one of the crucial skills for a driver. Without it, you will hit a wall very quickly. Here is an article I wrote about the subject of steering mistakes during the driving test.

Steering Errors to Steer Away from on the Driving Test

Steering is a critical component of driving. Without it, cars won't be able to make turns and will be forced to go in a straight line, which is not a very effective form of transportation. During the driving test, examiners expect to see how well the students can steer their car on the road. However, some students make mistakes that keep them away from the desired license. Some of these mistakes repeat more often than others.

One mistake is not going in a straight line. Some driving students can't keep their steering wheel stable and wander around their lane. This not only shows a complete lack of car control, but it is also highly dangerous. When the student starts showing signs of "lane swing", the examiner is likely to end the test as fast as possible.

Parking lot steering is another mistake commonly made on driving tests. Parking lots are usually filled with cars and have narrow roads. Some driving students can't find their way around in these parking lots and sometimes hit other cars when their attention is diverted. This is a critical error and an immediate end of the test.

Turns are also a steering issue many drivers face. When making turns, there are two main factors to watch out for: how tight or wide the turn is, and what lane it is on. Student drivers with steering problems don't consider these factors and make turning mistakes that can be very dangerous. Some of them fail on-the-spot, others only get a warning.

Back up steering is fairly easy: the back of the car turns where the wheel turns. Some drivers fail to realize that and steer the wrong direction. This mistake has caused many small accidents, like hitting cars, and bigger accidents, like hitting a person. During the driving test, wrong steering while backing up can be marked as an error.

Steering is all about practice. Student drivers who plan to take their driving test should get many hours of practice with a good guide that will show them the correct way to steer their car to safety and passing the test.

You can find a good guide for steering and the driving test at the Pass Your Driving Test area of my site. There is also a free course offered there with more driving mistakes and tips.

I hope you found this article useful. Steer away from trouble when you drive!

Happy 4th of July!
Nadav

nadavs

First Time Driving: Punkin

Welcome to the first time driving season! July is here, and all everyone who is not in summer school is driving. Statistics never fails, and some of these first time drivers upload thier first time driving experience to YouTube. If they are lucky, they are chosen and uploaded here, on this blog.

Today's winning first driver is Punkin (is it just me, or those names are becoming rarer by the week?), who, according to the passengers in the car, was driving at an astonishing speed of 3 miles per hour. See if you can spot Punkin's mistake (it's something she says).



Found the mistake? She said she isn't fearful, she's cautious. I know she's only a beginner, but she should acknowledge that she's fearful. Being cautious is checking the mirror more than twice. Driving at 3 miles per hour is being fearful.

However, this video was uploaded six days ago, so Punkin has still a lot to go. Press the gas pedal!

Nadav

nadavs

The Best Driving Road: Part 1

After we've seen driving tests in the United States, driving tests in the UK, and seven weeks of whining serial failers, it's time for some professional drivers. Top Gear, the famous automotive show, dedicated a part of their show to find the best driving road in the world. Watch the first part: where this road is, what is the perfect road, and what cars can find it.



I hope I don't need to say this - don't drive like them if you're not experienced. The combination of momentum and gravity can be deadly.

Enjoy,
Nadav

nadavs

Don't Speak and Drive

After yesterday's humorous video about the California cell phone law, it's time to take it seriously. As you know, the new cell phone law in California is in effect from today, July 1. The new law forbids drivers from using their cell phone when driving without a proper hand-free device.

Drivers under the age of 18 are completely prohibited from using a cell phone or any mobile device while driving. If they use a hand-free device, a police officer can fine them only if they are pulled over for another violation. If they use a handheld device, a police officer can pull them over just for this (the same applies for adult drivers).

All I can say is this: finally. When I first came to California, I was amazed from the fact that people drive while holding their cell phones. It's illegal where I live. I've tried it only once, in California, and it's very distracting. Californians may find it annoying, I find it important.

The law allows text-messaging, but it should also prohibit that. Writing a text-message is an extremely distracting activity that shouldn't be allowed during driving. Many accidents happened because of that.

Good luck to you Californians. Just remember that this law is really here to protect you.
Nadav

nadavs