Famous DMV Crash

Even the month of November has come to an end, and to celebrate this event I'm bringing you the video of the old lady hitting the DMV. You got to admit that it's a good one.



Have a great holiday season!
Nadav

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The Importance of Visibility

A few days ago I was driving to a friend at night. He lives in a distant place with narrow, dark roads, so I turned on my headlights. However, the only thing I could see was the road. Nothing else was visible.

A car showed up in front of me and lighted something I didn't see: a person walking along the road. This man was wearing black clothes, so there was no way I could have seen him without this car. If I was still alone, I would have possibly hit him.

Please be visible when you walk near roads. Drivers use what they see and hear to drive, and if they don't see you, they won't take you into their path consideration.

Be careful!
Nadav

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Failure to Accelerate

Cars are built for speed. However, this speed should be use correctly, especially when achieving it using acceleration. Here is an article I wrote about this quite painful subject.

Acceleration as a Major Reason of Failure in the Driving Test

Acceleration is a big necessity for driving. Without it cars would not move and lose their meaning. There are several ways to accelerate a car, but only a few of them are correct and safe. Others can lead to an accident. During the driving test, improper acceleration can cause any driving student to fail. Some acceleration mistakes happen more often than others, and they all make the students very disappointed.

Too fast acceleration is one of the biggest driving mistakes in general. When the driver hits the gas pedal too fast, the car "jumps" and causes everyone in it to swing back and forth. This is a very bad demonstration of driving skills during the driving test. If the student hits another car because of swift acceleration, test failure is assured.

Slow acceleration can be as dangerous as fast one. Every driver is expected to drive as close to the speed limit as possible without posing a threat to others, and slow acceleration lengthens the time until that speed is reached. Slow acceleration shows driving nervousness and lack of confidence on the road. Showing these traits on the road test will not benefit any test applicant and can possible fail him.

Intersection acceleration is vital for driving and the driving test. After entering an intersection, drivers should leave it as quickly as possible. However, some driving students take their time when they go through intersections and don't mind their surroundings. Even if a fast car is approaching them, they will proceed at their low speed. This is very dangerous and a reason to fail a driving student on the test.

A huge mistake drivers make during their license test is not accelerating on lane changes. Sometimes a tiny speed increase is required to move to another lane. Many student drivers, especially on their driving test, fail to do so and wait forever until they change lanes. This is a serious, repeating issue in many driving tests, and it can mean a new test for the examinee.

Acceleration is a matter of practice. Without enough practice, no driver will be able to pass his driving test, especially not the acceleration part. Every driving student who plans to take the road test should get some good practice with a good guide.

You can find a good guide with an acceleration chapter on the Pass Your Driving Test area of my site. The website also includes a free course with more driving test mistakes and tips.

Accelerate carefully!
Nadav

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First Time Driving: Jenny

We had Jenni, we had Jenna, and now we have Jenny, another first time driver. Notice the phone call (a big no-no) at the beginning.



According to YouTube, this video was uploaded on July of this year, so Jenny still has a long way to go. Hopefully she'll do well, and if not, she can always use my driving test guide.

Good luck!
Nadav

nadavs

Family Drive From Hell: Part 2

The family drive continues, and Chelsea's dad continues to give hints about lanes and driving. Watch them and enjoy the background music.



Enjoy,
Nadav

nadavs

Ontario Restricts Teen Drivers

The Guardian reported a new law about to go in effect in Ontario, Canada. The law restricts the number of teenage passengers that teenage drivers can take with them to one. That means no more carpooling with three or more friends, and worse, not being able to take siblings.

This legislation has already acquired a big teenage opposition. They claim that this new law is hurting their freedom, that it's an age discrimination, and that they passed their test like everyone else and should not be different from other drivers.

Both sides of this argument have a valid point, and only the application of this law will show how necessary it is. However, I support the teenagers in their fight. Teenage driving is restricted enough, and taking the right to drive with friends is a big hit on drivers.

Good luck, Ontario teens,
Nadav

nadavs

Hypnotherapy for Driving

Nerves are a part of every driving test. Confidence is important when driving, but over-confidence can kill a test. If you are too nervous, you might want to read the following article by Shanat Kuphur.

Driving Test is a Necessity

You are planning to buy a car for your self and are surely interested in driving the same, but for this you require to get the license and to acquire the same you have to have the driving test. Though it is nothing but driving with confidence and follow all the rules with the driving inspector looking over you many times, you get nervous and then everything goes wrong. You may be the best driver but you are not able to clear a simple driving test. This is not because you lack the driving skills but just because the inspector is besides you and this seems as a threat. You get conscious and can't pull your act together.

Driving nerves may be caused because of various reasons such as over exertion of the body because of work, lack of confidence, or even the presence of an unknown person sitting besides you to judge your driving. This is a subconscious effect and is not known to many people. The mind becomes numb because of the same and what to do next is what runs in the mind. This may not only stop you from getting a driving license but also stop you from driving vehicles. To overcome this there are many ways like learning to drive with somebody you don't know well enough, but has passed the test and take feedback. Normally a learner tends to get scared as there are these tales stating that even if a single mistake is seen and observed the driving test result is negative.

This may be very frustrating and also agitating if you fail repeatedly in the same test again and again. To avoid this you may take the help of hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy for driving tests has shown many changes in the driving test result as people are more confident and they pass the test in the very next attempt that they get. This is a wrong idea that one may need to visit a psychiatrist for hypnotherapy. You may help your own self and resolve the issue of driving nerves and clear the test on your own. Today with the Internet growing faster and faster, there are many compact discs offered over the Internet so that one may help conquer a nerve wrecking experience of driving nerves. All you need to do is get the compact discs and utilize the knowledge after listening to the same and you would not require waiting for long to give the next attempt for a driving test.

Hypnotherapy helps you overcome all the hurdles and shall be very helpful to you in regards to the driving test results. Many people have seen success touching their feet with the use of such compact discs and when they appear for the driving test with the driving inspector sitting besides, is no longer a cause of worry. Hypnotherapy helps to cure such nerves and move faster and accurately without you even turning to a psychiatrist, you can now do it all on your own.

For more information on Driving test nerves and Driving test check the links.

Source: EzineArticles.com.

Another recommendation: get my driving test guide. It can be as helpful as a hypnosis session. Preparation is a great way to reduce anxiety.

Relax,
Nadav

nadavs

Sharing the Road with Bikes and Pedestrians

Bicycles and pedestrians are a part of traffic, although we often tend to forget this fact. Many drivers don't know how to handle these dangerous road users, but luckily, the California DMV has prepared a special video for that.



Hope you find it useful.

Yours,
Nadav

nadavs

Crazy Bus Drivers

Recent times have given me a chance to ride the bus many times, and I noticed some patterns of some drivers. The first kind is nice - not going over the speed limit, staying on the right lane, not passing when unnecessary. Although it's not the kind I like as a passenger (I want to arrive fast), I like it as a driver.

The other kind is the opposite: driving about 30 km/h (20 mph) over the speed limit, passing every driver who is too slow, and sticking to the left lane. This is the driver I like as a passenger and hate as a driver.

Which one do you prefer?

Nadav

nadavs

Cyclists on the Road

Bicycles and their riders can be a serious risk to car drivers. They require extreme caution when going near them, and they can be unpredictable. Although I warn about them in my driving test guide, I think you also need the following article for a complete understanding of the subject.

Scary Cyclists in the Road Test

Bicycles are one of the most efficient forms of transportation and energy use. With proper use, they can offer a much better alternative to walking, and sometimes also to driving a car. However, when the bicycles enter the road, they cause trouble. Cyclists have no protection, thus making them very vulnerable, even to tiny touches by cars. During the road test, some students make mistakes that make them fail the test. Some mistakes repeat much more often than others.

Bicycle lanes, even without bicycles, cause very much trouble to driving students. Some of them drive in the bicycle lane, others just don't notice it. When they turn right, they don't check for cyclists on that special lane. Even if the lane is empty, the examiner might write a minor error, and many minor errors accumulate to one major failure.

Not checking nearby lanes when turning can bring a much bigger issue: hitting a cyclist. When turning right and crossing a bicycle lane, there is a good chance that a cyclist is riding in that lane. If the driver turns without checking the lane, a cyclist might hit the turning car, or worse, the car might hit the cyclist. Both cases bring only one test result: failure.

Driving behind bicycles is another scary situation on the road and the door to many mistakes. Cyclists, even professional ones, are not immune to falling and slipping. Sometimes a cyclist hits a rock or pothole and falls off the bike. When this happens, the driver better drive very slowly or have an escape path to avoid hitting the cyclist. Driving too close to a cyclist may not fail the student, but if the cyclist falls and the student hits him, the test results cannot be changed.

Driving near bicycles can be practiced easily. Student drivers should go and drive on roads with bike lanes. However, not every practice is good practice. Only practice with a good guide is helpful to the driving test and driving in general.

You can find a good guide on the Pass Your Road Test area of my site.

Hope you found the article useful.

Yours,
Nadav

nadavs

First Time Driving: Onil

Boys are a rare resource in this part of the blog, but they do exist here. Today we got Onil, a boy which looks more 13 than 16, but apprently he can drive legally. Try to find out who's more scared - he, his mother, or the passengers in the back.



This video was uploaded on June of last year, so he probably has his license now. Hopefully his mother is more relaxed now.

Enjoy your license,
Nadav

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Family Drive From Hell: Part 1

Remember Chelsea? The girl that opened the Wednesday section on this blog with her driving test? She's back now for a second round - this time with a full car. Listen to the amazing arguments and driving comments. A truely educational experience.



There are three more parts to this, so hang on until next week.

Nadav

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Tighter Online Driving School Regulation

Driver's education is one step to complete before taking the practical driving test. However, many people don't like it, and they can't be blamed. Driving school can be boring. David Lazarus wrote about it to the Los Angeles Times.

There is a big problem with online driving schools, mainly because no one can verify the identity of the one taking the course. It can be the driver-to-be, his friend, his sister, his parents, or anyone else. Many drivers can finish this course while the only thing they did is click "Finish" at the end of the course.

Regulation can solve that, but there is no way to regulate this market besides a DNA check before every log in. I guess we'll have to trust teen drivers to take it seriously.

Nadav

nadavs

French Driver's License For Americans

Last week I talked here about getting a license in Georgia (the state, not the country). Today it's time to show Americans how they can get a license in France. Here is an article (long article) written by Jeff Steiner, an American living in France.

Obtaining a Driver's License in France (For Americans)

Your American license is exchangeable for a French license if it is from one of the following states: Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Pennsylvania and Kentucky (Please note this list can change at any time!). If you think I missed a state, then call your local Préfecture or sous Préfecture or French embassy/consulate. They will tell you if your license is exchangeable. If you do have a license from one of the states listed, you have one year from the date you entered France: the date stamped on your passport or Carte de Séjour, to make the exchange. If you wait more than a year, all is lost; you will have to obtain a French driving license 'from scratch', a difficult process. The process, starting from scratch is expensive and a nuisance. This is the process:

Find a driving school - Not an easy course in and of itself, because so many go out of business. I went with L'Ecole de Conduite Francaise(ECF)a chain, to obtain my license. It was fortunate that I did. The other independently owned school I looked at went out of business. There are some schools in Paris that teach classes in English. Classes taught in English are expensive. When you sign-up with your driving school you pay a flat fee for the written test, in my case about $220 US. Then you pay by the lesson, $35 US per lesson, for the practical.

Written test - The written test is made up of forty multiple choice questions. You have thirty seconds to answer each and must answer 35 or more correctly to pass. What I found the most difficult about the written test, was that more than one answer could be correct on some of the multiple choice questions. This along with the fact that some questions are in two parts makes the written test in reality more than forty questions.

Your driving school will give you a textbook for the written test that explains, if that is possible, the French driving code. All of your in class preparation for the written test consists of taking a practice test and then going over the test question by question, with the instructor. The practice tests have the same type questions, but more difficult, than the actual test. The time constrains are the same.

I spent a little over a month getting ready for the written test. I was not working and went to my school almost every day. The school had self-teaching CD ROMs available during the day and classes at night. Some schools have classes through out the day with no CD ROMs.

I was not able to take the written test when I wanted to. First there was a problem getting back my paperwork from the Préfecture. I was told it would take a month, but because I was outside the norm, a foreigner, it took longer. Then when I finally received the test date, the test was canceled because there was the smell of gas in the examination center. In France, unlike the states, you cannot choose the test location. Your school is given exam dates that it then gives to the students. Sometimes if demand is great, schools only have dates every few weeks.

If you get frustrated at times with studying for the written test, just remember that the actual test is easier than the practice tests. A friend of mine, the day before she took the written test, missed fourteen on a practice test, yet she passed when it counted.

After writing all the above it is possible to study on your own for the written test. No one I know has; but my local Préfecture said I could. There are plenty of CD-ROMs that teach the written test.

Driving test - If this is the part you think will be the easiest, think again. It took me nine one hour lessons before I was "ready" for my driving test. That was with already driving for fifteen years! French driving schools make most of their money from driving lessons, they run about $35 apiece, and so in no time you will have spent a few hundred dollars.

The test lasts twenty minutes: you may be asked to parallel park, go through a few intersections that are yield right, drive on the highway, just about anything that you might do driving. Like the written, the driving test is not as difficult as your instructor will make it out to be. My instructors were very strict; you had to do everything exactly as asked. For example when you change lanes, you need to look in your mirror, look over your shoulder, then look in the mirror again. Also you need to be constantly looking in your mirrors, about every ten seconds, so you know what's behind you, your instructor will nitpick like crazy and it will not be nice. One major frustration: I was told to forget a lot of what I learned in studying for the written test. Another frustration and most French will attest to this, no one drives like they are taught in France.

You are going to spend a few months, my case three, to obtain a French driver's license. Then you will see on a daily basis drivers running red lights, driving way over the speed limit and other infractions.

Enjoy!

For more information see =>http://www.americansinfrance.net/driving_study_guide

Jeff Steiner - http://www.jeffsteiner.com/I'm an American living in France, Reignier (near Geneva) at the moment. Over the last ten years I have learned a lot about living and traveling in France. Which is why I created http://www.americansinfrance.net I'm originally from Los Angeles and have lived outside the United States before - Nicaragua in the early 1990's.

Source: EzineArticles.com.

Hope you find it useful.

Yours,
Nadav

nadavs

The Importance of Headlights

Headlights are your car's eyes. Without them, you can't see at night, and worse, others cannot see you. Visibility is key, and without it you are doomed to have an accident. Here is a video from the California DMV about it.



Drive safely!

Nadav

nadavs

The PWD and Unsynchronized Traffic Lights

Driving on highways can be fun, even when there are traffic lights on the way. However, it can also easily turn into a nightmare. It happens when traffic lights are not synchronized.

Synchronizing traffic lights is very important on major roads. It ensures traffic flow and makes drivers more calm and relaxed, which lowers their chance to be involved in an accident. When the PWD (Public Works Department, the ones responsible here to synchronize traffic lights) don't do their job, it gets annoying.

For example, night driving can be a pleasure when all lights are green, and most of them are at this time of the day. However, there are two traffic lights which are synchronized with each other, but not traffic. This causes red lights even when not necessary.

Hopefully it will be fixed soon.

Have a great weekend,
Nadav

nadavs

Avenue of Failure

Driving in avenues can be fun. They are wide, they have traffic lights, and usually those traffic lights are synchronized to give you a green wave. However, during a driving test, very stupid mistakes can happen. In my driving test guide there is a full page about avenue mistakes. Here is an article I wrote about it.

Pass Your Driving Test - Avoid Deadly Avenue Mistakes

Avenues are a wider variation of streets. They have two or more lanes going in each direction, and they are usually separated by a barrier, which makes driving easier for drivers and walking easier for pedestrians. Avenues have a high speed limit, and with their high capacity they make the second most efficient road type after freeways. However, avenues bring some difficulties with them, and during driving tests they cause students to make horrible mistakes.

One mistake is not noticing pedestrians. Avenues are wide roads, and they usually have barriers. As a result, pedestrians often have to cross the two parts separately. When they stand on the middle, the barrier sometimes hide them, and the driver can't notice that the pedestrians are starting to cross. If that happens during a driving test, the student driver will fail for not yielding to pedestrians.

Avenues with no barriers are bigger trouble for driving students. Since there is no barrier, the pedestrian has to cross a very long crosswalk. If the pedestrian is on the far end of the road, a student driver is unlikely to notice the pedestrian. If the examiner notices that the student did not stop for a pedestrian, the student can say goodbye to his driver's license for a while.

Left turns are very difficult for some people when done on avenues. Avenues are wide, so a driver making a left turn has to yield to cars in several lanes, sometimes over three. Some driving students, especially during driving tests, are too nervous, and they wait until the road ahead of them is completely empty. Usually, avenues have a high traffic volume and the road is never empty. This will cause those student drivers to get marked as diffident and sometimes fail.

Turning left, without a traffic light, into an avenue is extremely difficult for many drivers, and some driving students rather drive a few blocks just to make their turn on a traffic light. When turning left into an avenue, drivers must watch for traffic on both sides. However, the turn can rarely be done at once, and must be made in two parts: first advancing quickly to the middle of the avenue, and then merging with traffic. Many driving students don't know how to do that, and if it occurs to them on a driving test, they fail.

The only way to drive well enough for the driving test and safely enough for other avenue users is getting a guide. Not every driving test guide is good enough. Only a driving test guide that shows exactly what to do for the driving test can do the job well.

You can get such a guide at the Pass your Driving Test area of my site.

It's quite long, I hope you made it so far.

Enjoy,
Nadav

nadavs

First Time Driving: Miranda

Noise and distractions are never a good thing to have when driving, but apparently Miranda and her parents never heard about it. Watch her driving nervously while her parents scream and the radio keeps playing a loud song (which her father eventually stopped).



According to YouTube, this video was uploaded on June 17 of this year, so Miranda can be very close to her license by now.

Good luck!
Nadav

nadavs

Nevada Teen Driving: Part 2

Today is the second and final part of the Nevada Teen Driving series. Once again, the woman with the annoying voice will appear, but important information will be revealed. Watch even if you are not from Nevada, this video has important information.



Buckle up!
Nadav

nadavs

The Wrong Way to Arrest

Sometimes it is possible to get out of DUI charges. You just have to avoid being caught. However, Thomas Charles Dulaney didn't know that and he was caught. Why? Because he was driving east on the westbound lane of Nutt Road, according to The Phoenix.

Now look what he was charged with: drunk driving, driving on the wrong side of the road, careless driving, not yielding to an emergency vehicle. That is a serious list of crimes.

The only thing he had to do to avoid this situation is drive on the right side of the road. And not drive while he is drunk, but he will probably learn that now, the hard way.

Don't drink and drive!
Nadav

nadavs

Georgia Teen Driving Laws

Many state laws have been covered in this blog, but Georgia has not received a single mention yet. Today is the day. Here is an article by Mike Lawell which will explain everything. Warning: it's long. Very long.

Georgia Driving Laws and Teen Drivers Education

TADRA

The Teenage & Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TADRA) was established in Georgia by a collaborative effort of highway safety advocates, legislators, law enforcement officials, educators, businesses and media in the wake of a high number of fatal vehicle crashes involving young, inexperienced drivers. TADRA involves an intense, three-step education process that allows the young driver to gain more experience behind the wheel. Additionally, it also requires that prior to the issuance of a Class D license you must have completed a cumulative total of at least forty (40) hours of other supervised driving experience, including at least six (6) hours at night.

Beginning January 1, 2007, all 16 year olds applying for a Class D driver's license must complete an approved driver education course and complete a total of 40 hours of supervised driving, 6 hours of which must be at night, with a parent or guardian's sworn verification that these requirements have been met. Any Georgia resident who has not completed an approved driver education course must be at least 17 years old to be eligible for a Class D driver's license and he or she must have completed a total of at least 40 hours of supervised driving, including at least 6 hours at night. The same verification in writing by a parent or guardian is required. This manual is designed to help you achieve the required driving experience to qualify for a Class D driver's license.

Cars do not crash; people crash them. In 2005, 136 Young Drivers (Ages 15-20) were killed and an additional 193 others killed as a result of a crash involving a driver (Ages 15-20) in Georgia. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death of 15 to 20-year olds (based on 2003 figures, which are the latest mortality data currently available from the National Center for Health Statistics). In 2005, 3,467 15- to 20-year old drivers were killed and additional 281,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes nationally.

The Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TADRA) was enacted on July 1st, 1997. TADRA established a graduated driver's license program for young drivers ages 15 to 18 in Georgia. This act directly addresses the leading killer of our young people - traffic crashes. The law significantly changes the way young motorist earn and maintain the privilege of driving by providing a controlled means for new drivers to gain experience, and by reducing high-risk driving situations. While the law does focus on young drivers, it also contains important provisions that affect drivers over 21, particularly in the area of DUI prevention and enforcement.

Step One - Instructional Permit (Class CP)

• You must be at least 15 years of age in order to apply.


• An original birth certificate, certified copy of the birth certificate (with embossed state seal), certificate of birth registration, certified copy of court records (adoption, name changes), certified naturalization records, immigration card or a Valid Passport needs to be presented at the time of application.


• You must know your social security number. The number is required to issue the permit.You will be required to pass an eye and knowledge test. A parent or legal guardian with a Georgia License or ID Card will have to go with you to the Customer Service Center in order to sign for you to be tested. The legal guardian must have a certified guardianship paper from the court or adoption paper with embossed court seal.


• A Georgia DDS Certificate of Attendance form must be signed and notarized from your School. It is valid for 30 days. All applicants under the age of 18 not enrolled in school must provide a GED diploma, high school diploma, or an attendance form from your local Board of Education if you are enrolled in an approved home school program.


• Any Out of State Learner's permit or ID Card must be surrendered to issue a Georgia Permit.


• When driving, there must be a licensed driver at least 21-years-old in the front seat with you at all times.


• The permit is valid for 24 months

Step Two - Provisional License (Class D)

In order to apply for a Provisional License (Class D) all applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. A valid learner's permit must be held for one year and one day from its issuance.


2. Appointments for on-the-road test are mandatory and should be made up to 90 days in advance. Reservation numbers are: (678) 413-8500 select option 3 or Toll-Free (866) 754-3687 when dialing from an area code outside of the Metro-Atlanta area.


3. You must know your Social Security number.


4. A parent, legal guardian, or authorized driving instructor must go to the Customer Service Center with you in order for you to be tested. The legal guardian must have a certified guardianship paper from the court or adoption papers with an embossed court seal. The driving instructor must have a notarized document, signed by the parent or legal guardian, authorizing that individual to act as their agent in the application process.


5. A Georgia DDS Certificate of Attendance form must be signed and notarized from your School. It is valid for 30 days. All applicants under the age of 18 not enrolled in school must provide a GED diploma, high school diploma, or an attendance form from you local Board of Education if you are enrolled in an approved home school program.


6. A parent, legal guardian, or authorized driving instructor must sign an affidavit at the time of examination that the applicant has at least 40 hours of on-the-road driver training either privately or 20 hours of on-the-road training in conjunction with a driver's education class. After January 1, 2007, the 20 hours in conjunction with a driver's education program is no longer applicable.


7. You must have taken and present the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program (ADAP) certificate. If you have not taken the ADAP class Add-On Classes are offered monthly throughout the state.


8. You must pass an eye and driving test.


9. Effective January 1st, 2007 all those 16 years-of-age must be in compliance with Joshua's Law in order to apply for a Class D driver's license. You must show proof that you comply with Joshua's Law by having completed one of the following methods of Driver Education.





1. Public/Private School (30 hours) classroom (virtual or instructor) and (6 hours) private behind the wheel training (students also need and additional 40 hours of supervised driving experience).
   

2. Public/Private School (30 hours) classroom (virtual or instructor) and parent taught behind the wheel (Completing this booklet will meet this requirement).




3. Virtual (30 hours) classroom and (6 hours) private behind the wheel training (students will also need an additional 40 hours of supervised driving experience).




4. Virtual (30 hours) classroom and (40 hour) parent taught behind the wheel (Completing this booklet will meet this requirement).




5. All students must have 6 hours of supervised driving at night.

Find a drivers education school today at http://www.dredfos.com/

Mike Lawell has been in the IT industry for 15 years.

His professional website can be found at http://www.lawelltech.com/

Source: EzineArticles.com.

Hope you found it useful.

Yours,
Nadav

nadavs

The Importance of Scanning

When you learn to drive, everyone keeps telling you to scan and look ahead. This is crucial in city driving and fast speeds. Remember that scanning and planning are a huge part of the driving test, so plan ahead. Here is a video by the California DMV about the subject.



Drive safely!

Nadav

nadavs

Lane Cutters

Driving around is really fun, especially after long periods of no driving. However, seeing what happens on the roads is frustrating. Some people just don't know how to drive. Lane cutters, that's the name.

Lane cutters are drivers who need to get to their destination as fast as possible, so they cut lanes, or swerve in front of other cars at very high speeds. This is often done without any warning or signal.

This is a really dangerous habit that should be eliminated. Too sad that mentality cannot be changed that fast.

Have a great weekend,
Nadav

nadavs

Road Courtesy and You

Courtesy is a major issue on the road. People cut each other, don't let others in, and generally avoid any sign of giving to others. This is not a good habit. Here is an article I wrote about this painful subject.

Driving Courtesy Issues That Bring Nothing But Trouble

Courtesy is what keeps the roads safe. Without it, driving will be nearly impossible and very dangerous. During a driving test, it's important that driving students will be courteous in order to show the examiner that they are professional drivers that mind their surroundings. However, some drivers don't do that. This can cause a real danger to other drivers, and also to their driver's license.

One common courtesy issue can be seen on lane changes. When a driver signals, other drivers should let him enter the lane if it's safe. However, some driving students don't let others enter their lane, and when they see a signaling car they accelerate to pass it. This is not illegal, but if it becomes a danger to others, the examiner might fail the student.

Pedestrians are also victims of lack of courtesy. When trying to cross a road at a crosswalk, pedestrians expect cars to stop for them. However, most drivers ignore the pedestrians and just keep going. Not stopping for pedestrians isn't illegal, but if a pedestrian starts crossing, cars must stop for him. Not stopping in that situation is illegal, and if it's done during a driving test, it will cause a failure.

Congested traffic also brings out discourtesy. On intersections, some drivers try to merge into crawling traffic. However, there are times that other drivers don't let them get in. In worse situations, drivers even block intersections and not let others in. Also, lane changes during rush hour traffic can be done only with courtesy, otherwise drivers will hit each other. During a driving test, blocking an intersection or hitting a car are automatic failures.

However, not all courtesy is good. Being over-courteous be bring as much trouble as not being courteous at all. Drivers who make sudden brakes in order to let others merge into their lane or stop surprisingly for pedestrians who did not start crossing the road have caused many accidents. These situations are very dangerous, and during a road test they can put an end to the test.

Courtesy should be a habit of every driver. Every driving student should be courteous when practicing, but should also know when to be a little more aggressive. A good guide can help drivers on these situations and guide them even through their driving test.

You can find a free course about driving test mistakes and a good guide for courtesy on the Pass Your Driver's License Test area of my site.

Hope you found this article useful. Drive well!

Nadav

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First Time Driving: Dena

The friend technique is always a great way to get distractions when driving. It goes this way: you drive for the first time and put a friend at the back seat, usually a friend that has a loud voice. Dena, today's first time driver, did exactly this. Watch how she talks about reversing, looks back, and drives forward.



This video was uploaded on October 6, so Dena still has a long way to go until she gets her license. Hopefully she will be able to put her car in reverse by then. Maybe my driving test guide will be able to help her.

Good luck!
Nadav

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Nevada Teen Driving: Part 1

Applying for a driver's license is an exciting process for any teenager. Fortunately, the Nevada DMV created a series of videos that explain the process. Try to ignore the annoying voice of the woman.



Good luck getting that license,
Nadav

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Who Will Solve Teen Accidents?

It's election day in the United States. McCain and Obama debated over the economy, health insurance, and many other hot issues, but it seems like driving, especially teen driving, was neglected. DailyPress.com reported that in one week, from October 18 to October 25, five teenagers were killed on the roads of Virginia.

Last year, 92 teenagers (aged 15-18) died in car accidents across Virginia. This year, as of October 25, 72 teenagers died on the roads of the state. These are terrible numbers.

Many teenagers don't realize the dangers of their new responsibility. Let's hope the new president will be able to fight teenage accidents as well as the credit crisis.

Nadav

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Driving and Your Son

Teaching your son or daughter to drive can be a wonderful experience for both parents and their teens. To show us that, Morgan Hamilton wrote a great article. Here it is.

The Thrills and Chills of Getting a Driver's License

My son is getting his drivers license, so family expenses are about to increase. He completed his classroom training and passed his permit test. When I went to pick him after the test my son wanted to drive home but I didn't let him. Our state allows driving with a permit if there is an adult having a driving license in the vehicle. However, there was much traffic and as my son had never operated the car before, I didn’t let him drive. He was very disappointed but respectfully didn’t argue with me.

When we were three miles from home and there was no heavy traffic I pulled over and told my son to get behind the wheel. He was really happy, he gave me a hug and we exchanged seats. As my son is taller than me, we first adjusted the seat, then we checked the positioning of the rearview and the side mirrors. Then I advised him to signal and check for traffic. He did that and immediately stepped on the accelerator but we stayed in place. What he had forgotten was to put the transmission into drive. After he did that we started moving but suddenly heard a horn honking. We had forgotten to check if there was any car coming. My son got confused and nervous after this and suggested he should wait to drive until he has completed his wheel training.

As I didn't want him to be afraid of driving, thus I reassured him he could do it and so we gave it another try. After signaling and checking for traffic, we pulled out. We soon approached the turn for our street and I expected him to take it while he passed it off. I told my son we should get home with the groceries I had bought and he answered he was driving straight home. I told him that we had missed the turn. He was so busy steering, watching traffic and driving that he didn't notice where we were. Eventually he did turn into our driveway and we got home. After that he explained to me that he had not expected it would be so difficult as there is so much to think about when driving and he hoped he would take his drivers license.

Having said that, I thought about how little I paid attention when I was behind the wheel. I have had my drivers license for more than 20 years, so fundamentals like steering, signaling and observing the traffic have become second nature to me. I believe that my driving habits might be improved if I keep on helping my son get his drivers license. When I informed my insurance agent that my son was to get a drivers license, he told me that our insurance would be significantly increased with a young male driver in home.

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning kids and teen. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting Drivers License.

Source: EzineArticles.com.

Hope it got you motivated. To really help your kids, you can get my driving test guide and guide them towards getting their license.

Yours,
Nadav

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Be Safe With your Vehicle

Safety comes before everything, and vehicle safety is not different. Any time you go for a drive there are certain things you must check, like your mirrors, seat belts, and lights. Here is a video by the California DMV explaining this issue. You can also find more information in my driving test guide.



Hope you learned something new.

Yours,
Nadav

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Long Time Without Driving

Driving is a skill that must be practiced. Without practice, you begin to forget how to drive well and lose your confidence. This is not something I made up, it's something I notice every week on myself.



Due to some situation, I was not able to drive for three weeks. Three. That is 21 days without sitting behind the wheel. When I returned to the driver seat, I was once again unsure about my driving. I drove slower than usual, more scared to make my moves.



Drive as much as you can. Always practice. Never stop driving, and you will become a master driver some day.



Have a great weekend!

Nadav



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