Leaving a Parking the Hard Way

Leaving a parking lot is not always easy. It takes coordination, driving skill, and the ability to steer well. Today, for the end of March, here is a video of someone who just couldn't combine all these requirements.



Yes, this is real.

See you in April!
Nadav

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The Dangerous Bike Maneuver

In Britain, in order to obtain a driver's license for a motorcycle, the driver-to-be must show that he or she knows how to swerve and stop safely. This simple exercise nearly cost a student driver her life.

The teenager, who is 18, attempted this drill and then, like many others, she crashed. However, the crash was nearly deadly - she stopped breathing after this accident.

Her instructor, who knew what to do, saved her life. He got her breathing again and made sure she gets to a hospital. Without him, she would've probably died.

Be careful!
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Learning From Professional Driving Schools

Driving schools have their advantages. They are professional and they know what the examiner is looking for. Here is an article by Robert Yates, who has many articles here, about this topic.

Working With a Professional Driving School

When you are preparing for your UK driving test, the easiest way to do it is to combine lessons from a professional driving school with tuition from friends or family.

This will give you the experience you need on the road, as well as being the most cost-effective solution.
While learning from relatives can be cheaper, it can mean that you can pick up any bad habits they have developed through years of driving. It can also put a bit of strain on any relationships.

An instructor from a professional driving school is trained to recognise any weaknesses you may have in your driving. They are also experienced in coaching people to pass their test. In fact, as well as practical tips, a driving instructor will be able to offer advice for your theory and hazard perception tests.

Many professional driving schools offer a discount if you book blocks of lessons upfront. Simply put, the more lessons you book at once, the less it costs per lesson.

Further discounts are available for students preparing for their UK driving test.

Of course, before you take any driving lessons, you have to apply for your provisional driving licence.
You can do this by completing the D1 form, which is available from the DVLA or the local post office. You can also fill in the form online.

Once you have a valid provisional driving licence, you can sit the theory and hazard perception elements of the UK driving test, as well as book lessons from a professional driving school.

Whatever stage you are at, whether you are about to sit your driving test or you are a complete novice, you can get more advice that will help your driving.

Robert Yates is a highly experienced writer and motorist. He has written a wide range of articles about driving, answering many questions about professional driving schools.

Source: EzineArticles.com.

Of course, you can always learn by yourself with a driving test guide. Much cheaper and teaches the exact same techniques.

Happy Passover!
Nadav

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Check Your Car's Starter

Your car's starter is the part which makes your engine start working. Without it, the engine will remain still regardless of your attempts for starting. Here is a video that shows how to check the starter.



Hope you learned something valuable,
Nadav

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Once Again, Rain Driving

March is almost gone, but apparently the rain isn't. And when it rains after a long period of no rain, people are caught surprised, the roads become slippery, and driving becomes a nightmare.

Driving in the rain was even more difficult this time because of the sun. Yes, the combination of rain and sun created a beautiful rainbow, but it also created a reflection from the road which made it impossible to drive to the west in the afternoon. Luckily, when I drove back home, it was already dark.

Hopefully this rain won't continue too much. April is coming, and we're not used to rain in April here.

Have a great weekend!
Nadav

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Another Friday Full of Tips

It's Friday, and like every Friday, it's time for an article full of driving tips. Here is the article for today.

List of Driving Tips to Help You Become a Better Driver and Pass Your Test!

Are you trying to prepare for your driver's road test? If so, then you need to practice and study every single day. You need to get the hang of driving and feel comfortable behind the wheel. You should practice driving with somebody who will teach you correct driving techniques. Since the DMV guide doesn't provide all the information you need to know, you may want to consider taking an online driving course. There are plenty of resources and tips online that will help you learn.

Here are a few tips that will help you get started.

· Always do a safety check before getting behind the wheel. Check the inside and out to make sure everything is working correctly.

· Before taking off, adjust the mirrors and seats. Sit in the driver's seat correctly and put your seatbelt on. It's your job to make sure your passenger's all have their seat belts on as well.

· Before proceeding, always turn your head to scan every direction. Start looking toward your left, then right, straight ahead, and then to the left again.

· Move your eyes around and keep an eye on everything that is happening on both sides of the road, behind you, and in front of you at all times.

· Always expect the other drivers on the road to make mistakes. Think about what you would have to do if any driver around you does make a mistake. Always be cautious.

· When driving behind other vehicles, you should be four seconds behind them at all times.

· Never get in a hurry. If you speed, you will only increase your chances of getting pulled over or in an accident. Even if you're late, you should still drive at a proper speed. You won't arrive to your destination at all if you drive too quickly and end up injured or pulled over!

Prepare yourself as best you can before taking the test. Remember all of these tips whenever you drive, so that you will become more confident behind the wheel. If you do all of these things, you will increase your chances of passing.

Learn more about online driving courses, guides, and tips to increase your chances of passing. You need to educate yourself as much as possible so that you can become a better driver. You can also learn driving test secrets that you can use to impress the examiner!

Hope this tips helped you,
Nadav

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First Time Driving: Steph

One of the worst months to learn how to drive is March. It's rainy, it's cold, and it's just uncomfortable. However, it didn't stop Steph from trying. Watch her freezing in her place when trying to reverse while her mother freaks out.



This video was taken on March 12, so Steph still has a long way to go until she gets her license. By then she'll be much better.

Good luck!
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Top Gear Mum Run Challenge: Part 1

Apparently, the rear wheel drive challenge has been removed from YouTube, so here's another challenge, this time for the Top Gear guy's mothers. Watch them checking out some small cars to see which one is the best.



Enjoy!
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When You Let a Criminal Go

Being a police officer isn't easy. There are some very binding rules to this job, and you can't break them, or you'll be fired. That's what happened to an Indiana policeman who let a suspected drunk driver get away after being stopped.

This patrolman was fired after a video showed him stopping a driver for a sobriety test, which the driver failed, and then let the driver go away. This is against Indiana law, and the policeman was fired.

Hopefully such occasions won't happen again. Killer drivers should never drive.

Nadav

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Pass Your CDL Test

A CDL test is harder than a regular driving test for a very simple reason: it's meant for professional drivers, ones who dedicate their lives for driving. As such, they need to be much more experienced than ordinary drivers. To help you pass that test, Shane Goines wrote a long article full of tips.

How to Pass the CDL Test


Why Is the Test Stressful and What Can You Do To Make It Easier?
Taking the CDL test can be very stressful. You ask yourself, "What's the worst that can happen? If anything I'll fail and try again" but that doesn't seem to help. What it seems to be is the fact you are taking a test. Taking the time out and being inspected for an hour and a half with someone you don't know can be rough. So what can you do to make the test less stressful than it has to be? In this article we will consider some tips and suggestions for the Pre-Trip Inspection, Skills, and Road Test. Many people have applied these suggestions and it really has helped them not only relax, but pass the test the first time.

Pre-Trip Inspection
The most important thing you can do is study the CDL study guide issued by the state. There are instructional DVD programs that show a pre-trip inspection being done. These are beneficial because not only do you hear what you need to say but you can see what you need to inspect. Remember that it is better to say too much than too little. What you see, say something about. Your chances of missing something will be less and you are more likely to get a better score. There are a few key phrases to remember that can be applied to almost everything on the vehicle. Please review the points mentioned below:

If anything is attached to the vehicle, make sure to say that it is "securely mounted".

If anything has bolts, say that there are no bolts missing and that they have no "rust or metal shavings".

For anything that has liquid or air in it, make sure to say that there are no leaks.

If there are parts such as wipers, lights, etc. say that they are "working properly".

If you have any questions feel free to ask the examiner for further clarification.

Take your time on the test. There is no rush.

Skills Test
The skills test may vary from state to state, but most include the following listed maneuvers: straight back, offset back, parallel park, alley dock and serpentine back. What can you do to make your confidence build and pass the skills test? Please consider the following listed points:

Practice, Practice, Practice! If you have the vehicle you will be taking the test with, practice backing straight and all of the other moves mentioned above. Make sure to practice using your mirrors. If you do not have the vehicle you will be taking the test with, take a smaller vehicle with a trailer and practice with it. Remember, some practice is better than none at all

Go slow. When you are backing up, by going slower you can watch and see where your trailer is going and be able to make the needed corrections before you go too far and hit a boundary or cone.
Make sure you know what the examiner expects you to do. Again, if you have any questions feel free to ask them.

Always wear your seatbelt. It does not matter how many times you will be getting in and out or how slow you will be going. Wearing your seatbelt each time is not only safe but it will make sure you will not get points taken off needlessly.

Use the three points of contact when getting in and out of the vehicle. You do this by grasping the truck handles with both hands while stepping in and out of the vehicle.

Road Test
When you are taking the road test you should relax, the worst is behind you. Consider the road test this way: You are going on a small drive through town to show the examiner that you can be safe when driving your vehicle. As long as you take it easy you will be fine. Follow these listed tips and suggestions below to ensure you pass your Road test:

Wear your seatbelt the entire time.
Consistently check your mirrors while driving.
Read road signs aloud, especially bridge clearance and weight limit signs.
Keep both hands on the wheel.
You are in no rush. Do not hit your brakes at the last moment, be smooth.
Keep up with traffic but do not break the speed limit.
Force yourself to relax and focus on driving in as safe a manner as possible.

Success!

If you incorporate these tips and suggestions when you take the test, you will certainly be helping yourself out. Do the best you can and more than likely you will pass. It is very important to get as much rest as possible the night before your test. If you are nervous, let the examiner know how you feel before you take the test.
The state examiners realize that it is stressful having to take the test. Remember these points, practice driving your vehicle, and study well before you take the test. If you do these things, you can be confident that you will pass your CDL test.

Shane Goines helps people receive their CDL in one day. He also produces instructional DVD programs that help people pass their CDL tests the first time.

If you would be interested in the services that Shane provides feel free to contact him at http://www.getacdlnow.com/.

Source: EzineArticles.com.

Hope you learned something valuable today.
Nadav

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Empty RV Shower Water

This blog is not only about driving and driving tests, it's also about getting tips and hints for driving in general. Today I want to show you a video explaining how to empty your RV's shower water. It's important to know that in order to avoid clogs.



Hope you learned something valuable,
Nadav

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Perfection in Parallel Parking

From all driving maneuvers, one of the hardest is definitely parallel parking. Many people struggle with it, but last week I found out that I passed the stage of struggling.

I don't have many opportunities to parallel park, since I don't live in a city. However, last week I drove to a friend's house, and I had no choice: it's either parallel parking or standing in the middle of the street. I pulled up a perfect parallel parking. It was beautiful.

The lesson is clear: practice, practice, and more practice. If you don't want to be embarrassed when parking with friends (like I was), make sure you can parallel park with no problem.

Have a great weekend,
Nadav

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Ten More Driving Tips

Do you know what hasn't been on this blog for a long time? Right. Tips. To compensate for that, here's an article with 10 driving tips in it. Enjoy!

10 Tips For Learning How to Drive and Passing the Road Test!

Taking your driver's test can be very stressful. You probably feel worried and nervous about your upcoming test, so you need to look at online tips and guides to make sure you know everything. It's important to have an idea of what to expect so that you will be confident and focused. You need to understand that you don't have to learn everything overnight. You should take learning how to drive one day at a time.

You can also look over these tips to get an idea of what will be required of you as a driver.

1. Take your time when parking. If you have trouble with parallel parking or hill parking, don't feel nervous or try to rush. Stay calm and take it one step at a time.

2. Whenever you see an approaching stop sign or red light, prepare to break gently. Slow down and stop smoothly, and you will do well on your test.

3. Whenever you park on a hill, do so in Neutral. Steer to the left when going up the hill or curb, and to the right when leaving.

4. When lane changing, check the rearview mirror and your blind stops as you signal. Switch lanes carefully if there are no vehicles.

5. If you are parked on the side of the road, check your mirror, begin signaling, and keep an eye on the blind spots. Make sure there is no vehicle, person, animal, or any other obstruction in the way when pulling out.

6. Always expect anything to happen at any time. Be ready at all times for other drivers to make a mistake. Be alert at all times.

7. Don't take your driver's test until you know what everything in the vehicle is for. Know it inside and out before taking your exam.

8. Practice driving every day with an experienced adult driver who truly wants to help you learn. This individual should want to help you learn not just so that you will pass your test, but because you need to become a good driver.

9. Take online practice tests and watch how-to videos. Take the knowledge and techniques you learn and apply them to your driving so that you can become a better driver.

If you still end up failing, don't be too upset or disappointed. Go to your instructor and inform him or her of your mistakes. Your instructor will help you learn from those mistakes so that you will be better prepared for the next test.

While there are certainly more tips and this, these are the basics of what you need to learn. This guide should just be used as a starting point for your driver's education.

Increase your self-confidence by reading a comprehensive, online driving guide. There are also driver's courses online that you can take that will instill you with the knowledge and skills necessary for passing and becoming a better driver. Read some more driving test tips online before taking your test!

Hope you learned something valuable today.

Nadav

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First Time Driving: Annie

Once a year, a special day comes. It's called a "birthday", and it means you're one year older. Today, March 18, is my day. Since it's Thursday, we have a first time driving video. Today's lucky winner is Annie.

Annie's instructor (her mother?) seems very patient and calm. The best part comes at the very beginning, with "the other right". Watch and enjoy.



This video was uploaded March 6, so Annie still has a very long way to go until she gets her license. Hopefully by then she'll be able to understand the difference between right and left.

Good luck!
Nadav

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Top Gear Rear Wheel Drive Challenge: Part 1

Today's Top Gear series focuses on rear wheel drive cars. Once again, the team is given challenges, and once again, it's funny to watch. Enjoy!



Next week - the next part!
Nadav

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Don't Drink and Drive Children

Usually we expect professional drivers, such as truck drivers or bus drivers, to know the rules of the road better than everyone else. However, sometimes even they break them. But when they're caught, it's much more painful.

For example, Betty Burden, a school bus driver, was caught with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.226 - way beyond the legal limit. She was sent to a payless suspension.

The sad part about this story is the school district's inability to remove her from driving tasks. The rules say that the district must have proof that she is drinking, and believing that she's drinking is not enough to fire her.

Now, after she's caught, there is one less drunk bus driver on the road. It still doesn't make the roads safe.

Don't drink and drive!
Nadav

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Don't Hesitate on the Test

On a driving test, one of the worst things to do is hesitate. It shows the examiner you have no idea what you're doing, and even worse, it slows down your reactions and you may run into a dangerous situation. Here is an article about it written by Phill Godridge.

On the UK Driving Test - He Who Hesitates is Lost!

Make progress by avoiding undue hesitancy.

The issue of hesitancy very often causes confusion and problems for learner drivers; 59331 problems for learner drivers during a UK driving test last year to be exact. So exactly where is the dividing line between caution and hesitancy?

The driving test report explains: "You should approach all hazards at a safe, controlled speed, without being over cautious or interfering with the progress of other traffic. Always be ready to move away from junctions as soon as it is safe and correct to do so."
So what does this mean?

I had one pupil who failed two consecutive tests on the same roundabout. First time, he pulled out onto the roundabout whilst another car was coming towards him. The examiner thought he should have waited. Whereas, on the second attempt he waited for a larger gap. The examiner thought he waited too long and should have taken an earlier gap. Clearly he went from one extreme to the other.

A basic rule which you can apply to roundabouts and other junctions, such as pulling out of a side road or turning right into a side road, which I suggest to my pupils is that they think like a pedestrian!

Ask yourself if you would have enough time to walk across the road. If you think you would, then you should have enough time to drive across. In real terms, this means that you need a gap of about 5 seconds between oncoming cars; on a roundabout you should have a clear space past the entrance to your right.

If any vehicles are within this safety zone, then you should wait. But the question is - For how long?

In a situation where you have come to a complete stop, you need to get yourself ready in first gear and be prepared to release the handbrake and move forwards. Don't look at the approaching cars! Instead, look at the space behind them. Try to assess whether that space would be big enough to use. If so, get your car moving as soon as the passing vehicle is clear of your position. Follow it out.

It is always safer to follow someone out than to pull out in front of them. Just so long as you don't leave it too late.

Another major cause of failure due to hesitation is the 'false start'. This is where the candidate almost goes but then decides to pull back. This may seem like the safe option if cars are approaching a little faster than you first thought. However, the vehicle behind you will have seen your initial movement and might naturally think you have pulled away.

The next thing you know the car behind crashes into your rear bumper. Possibly their own fault, but did you give out the wrong signals? Besides, if your observation was better, you wouldn't have tried to pull out in the first place.

Final thoughts. Do not try to second guess what the examiner might want to see. Make your own mind up using your own experience and good judgement. Be decisive. Once you have made your decision, do not change your mind except in an emergency. Be positive. But remember, waiting is just as positive as going - If it is the right thing to do!

Phill is an experienced driving instructor who's been running his own driving school for 14 years. But it's not all work. He enjoys using his underwater digital camera in its underwater camera housing most weekends.

Source: EzineArticles.com.

Hope you learned something,
Nadav

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Avoiding Tailgaters

Tailgating is the dangerous situation of someone following you closely behind. There is no way to avoid the situation in the first place, but there are some actions you can take to end this dangerous situation. Here is a video that explains it.



Hope you learned something,
Nadav

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Super Slowness

If there is something I can't stand, it's people who drive below the speed limit for no reason when I'm unable to pass. It just drives me insane when this happens, and then even the calmest music in the radio won't help.

I really don't know why people do this. I can understand it if there's a hill and the car is old, but I can't understand it on a perfectly flat road with a car from the last couple of years.

Whenever this happens, I wait anxiously for the broken line in the middle of the road. It's my signal to pass or prepare to pass. I just can't go 60 km/h when the law allows 80.

Hopefully next week, my birthday week, driver's won't be so annoying.

Have a great weekend!
Nadav

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A Short Guide for the Driving Test

Before taking the driving test, it's important to have a good driving test guide. However, some people don't want to invest in such a guide, and take only tips from articles they find. Especially for them, I have an article that is a short guide for the day of the test.

A Guide to Preparing and Practicing For Your Driving Test - How to Pass on the First Try!

Did you know that approximately 50% of people fail the first time they take their driver's road test? Failure is always due to either lack of practice or knowledge. Some people do have a lot of knowledge but don't get enough practice, and vice versa. If you want to pass your first time, you need to know how to study properly so that you can get enough knowledge AND practice both!

This can be done by getting a good guide with driving tips and techniques. There are some great resources online you can check out that will provide you with tons of information. What you need to do is take that information, study it, learn it, and base your practice upon it. Apply the knowledge to your driving skills while you practice. You will be surprised at how much more comfortable you will feel behind the will Further still, you will develop more confidence in yourself.

Whatever you do, though, don't become TOO confident. It's important to still maintain focus and caution. Don't become so confident that you overlook everything. You need to have a balanced amount of confidence and caution in order to pass your driver's exam. Always scan the road and traffic around you while you drive. Use the mirrors appropriately. Always anticipate other drivers making errors and know how to react if they do make them.

If you're not sure that you can do this without feeling overly nervous, you can also take advantage of tools online such as how-to videos and games. Learning how to drive and gaining the information you need for being a good driver can be fun! While you should take driving seriously, it's okay to enjoy yourself somewhat while practicing. These online driving apps are presented in really creative ways.

It's also important to know what to expect on the day of your test. What will your examiner be watching for? What should you do to get good points? What should you avoid doing to lose points? These answers are all available online. You can find a list of things on which the examiner will test you. Take this list with you as you practice driving. While you're at it, practice in testing areas.

You might even be able to find a map of the routes that student drivers in your area take! When practicing, pay close attention to speed limits, check mirrors regularly, observe the road around you as well as ahead of you, and know who is around you at all times. Doing all of this will help you become a better driver.

Check out some guides, videos, and tools to help you pass your driving test. Also, by knowing what the DMV examiner will be watching for ahead of time, you will be able to prepare yourself fully. With the right knowledge and good practice routine, you should be able to pass your driver's road exam and get your driver's license on your first try!

Good luck on the test!
Nadav

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First Time Driving: Brandon

It doesn't happen much, but sometimes we have boys in the first time driving videos. Today is Brandon's turn, a really slow one. Unlike other first time drivers, Brandon seems careful with his speed and turns. Watch and enjoy.



This video was uploaded on March 2, so Brandon still has a long way to go until he gets his license. Hopefully by then he'll pick up some speed and be a great driver.

Good luck!
Nadav

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Top Gear - Cheap Coupes That Aren't Porsches: Part 3

Today is the third and final part of the Top Gear series of cheap coupes that aren't porsches. Watch and enjoy.



Next week - something totally new!
Nadav

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What Kind of Driver Are You?

Yes, you may say congratulations. This is the 730th post, and by quick math you can easily see that this is this blog's second anniversary. To celebrate this event, here is a video that will show you what kind of driver you are. Enjoy!



May the third year be even better!
Nadav

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The Truth About Driving Tests

The process of getting a driver's license is known to anyone who is 16 years old, regardless of his or her country. However, the real truth about driving is not revealed until you actually drive for a few years. Gareth Mailer wants you to know this secret before.

Taking Driving Lessons and Passing Your Driving Test

Taking a driving test can be a truly daunting experience, and perhaps one of the most anxiety-provoking experiences a person can face in their life. The majority of people who take a driving test fail at their first attempt and in order to learn to drive and take the minimal number of driving lessons possible, it's imperative to first secure a proficient driving instructor and feel as confident as possible in your ability to drive on the day of the test.

Very few people who go to take their driving test actually "know" how to drive. The process of learning to drive happens over a number of years and not over the space of forty-odd driving lessons. The test examiner will be aware of this fact. It is not possible within the time frame of forty-odd driving lessons to turn a new driver into an experienced and safe driver; that is not the purpose of driving lessons. The purpose of driving lessons is to provide the learner with the necessary a basic set of practical skills. After passing their driving test, the learner can then work on improving their experience behind the wheel of a car.

Most people without prior driving experience are usually ready to take their test after forty practical lessons. Quite how long it will take a learner to get to the stage of being able to take the practical driving test varies between drivers; however the average learner spends over £1000 on driving lessons in their lifetime.

In the UK, the driving test takes 40 minutes, and the learner will be given a set number of exercises to perform. The test is designed to give the learner the opportunity to demonstrate that he or she can drive safely. It is possible for the learner to pass the test while accruing no more than 15 minor faults. If the learner makes more than 15 faults then he or she will fail the test. If the learner makes what is classified as a major fault then he or she will fail the test. The DSA can provide driving tests at centres across the UK including Leeds, Manchester, London and any other major city or town. The test can be taken Monday to Friday and between the hours of 0730 and 1527.

The test begins with an eyesight check. This consists of the learner reading a number plate from distance. If the learner fails the element then he or she will not be permitted to continue with the rest of the test. The learner will then be asked to make two safety checks on the vehicle and once complete, he or she will then begin the practical element of the test.

The series of tests consist of a selection from a wide range of practical skills that any proficient driver should possess from being taught by a good driving instructor. The learner will be tested on his or her ability to reverse the car; this may involve reverse parking or reversing around a corner. The test examiner will then expose the learner to a variety of traffic conditions to test the extent of driver's skills base. If at any time the examiner perceives the learner to be a hazard to other road-users then the examiner will stop the test.

If you pass the test then your details will be sent to the DSA and you will receive your new driver's license within four weeks. If you fail the test then the test examiner will provide you feedback and any areas where he or she believes you need to improve in. This will be important feedback for your next driving test so make sure you listen, take it all in and return the next time to pass with flying colours.

Visit Driving Lessons Leeds for more information on how to find a good driving instructor and pass your driving test as quickly as humanly possible with minimal financial outlay!

Source: EzineArticles.com.

Did you see that sentence? "The process of learning to drive happens over a number of years and not over the space of forty-odd driving lessons". This is probably one of the most important sentences to ever appear in this blog. Thank you, Gareth Mailer.

Nadav

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Disabling Your Car's Alarm

Sometimes, for some reasons, you need to disconnect your car's alarm. There are some ways to do it, but the smartest way is shown in the following video:



Hope you learned something valuable,
Nadav

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Crazy Rain

The rain is back, big time. The last weeks have been beautiful sunny days, perfect for driving. Last weekend, something changed. Suddenly, the one in charge of the rain found out that February should be a rainy day.

Of course, everyone slows down, the roads are slippery, and driving is a nightmare. But hey, at least we don't need to water the garden.

Have a great weekend!
Nadav

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Your Skill Checklist for the Driving Test

When taking the driving test, there are some skills you must know, otherwise you're doomed to fail. Here is an article I wrote about this issue, with some vital skills for your driving test.

How to Pass a Driver's Test - A Checklist of Skills You Need to Learn

If you are preparing for your driver's test, the most important thing you need to do is get enough practice. Some student drivers need more practice than others, so there's no set standard on how often you should prepare. However, your state might have a set limit on the minimum number of hours, so be sure to get at least that amount of practice in. The more driving experience you get, the better. Have a responsible adult go with you as you drive. Ask him or her to point out your mistakes and what you can do to improve your skills.

Here is a checklist of some of the important skills you need to learn in order to pass the road test:

· Always steer smoothly and never jerk the wheel.
· Always stop the vehicle slowly. Brake ahead of time and know exactly where and when to stop.
· Accelerate smoothly, yet don't let the engine stall.
· Follow the vehicle ahead of you at a safe distance by using the three-second rule.
· Know what every single traffic signal means and never neglect to obey them.
· Obey the speed limits, unless you need to adjust for weather or road conditions.
· Don't forget to signal for every single turn and lane change.
· Never begin driving until everyone, including yourself and the passengers, is wearing a seatbelt.
· Make sure the car is in the correct gear when driving.
· Always scan for potential hazards on the roads, and anticipate other drivers' movements.
· Always know when and to whom you should yield, and what you should do at a four way stop.
· Know how to work the following: wipers, heater, defroster, brakes, headlights, parking lights, high beams, and all the other instruments in your vehicle.

Follow all of these tips and you will great improve your chances of passing the driver's test! You can also download a good study guide on the internet. There are online programs designed to help student drivers. They provide more information than the regular DMV guidebooks. Furthermore, the information is presented in an interested manner, which you will find to be easy to follow and understand.

Follow a good online driver's guidebook to learn everything you need to know for passing your road test. If you are feeling nervous, you can reduce your apprehension and stress by learning driving test secrets!

Hopefully you are now more prepare for the driving test. Of course, a good driving test guide will be more detailed and give you better advice.

Good luck!
Nadav

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First Time Driving: Abby

Once in a while, the first time driving video shows us a real mistake to avoid. Something that will critically affect our driving. Today Abby shows us how not to adjust our seat. She has a straight back, but she also needs the seat to support it.



This video was uploaded last month, so Abby still has a very long way to go until she gets her license. Hopefully she'll be able to adjust her seat properly by then.

Good luck!
Nadav

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Top Gear - Cheap Coupes That Aren't Porsches: Part 2

Today the journey to find cheap coupes that aren't Porsches continues. Watch and enjoy.



Nadav

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The Police Guilt

No one is above the law, not even the police. When a police officer is caught driving drunk, his job does not matter to anyone. He faces a court.

The 47 year old police officer, Senior Constable Peter Gray, is accused of drunk driving and failing to comply with police officers' direction. Definitely not something a law abiding cop will do.

Well, not every lawman is an example.

Nadav

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Junction Observation - A Major Fault

A new month begins today, and there is no better way to start a month besides fresh tips and statistics. Today it's Phill Godridge's turn to teach us something new.

How to Pass the UK Driving Test - Observation at Junctions

Act properly at road junctions with regard to observation

Last a total of 155,805 UK driving tests were failed simply due to lack of observation at junctions. To put it another way 14.27% of all candidates failed because of this fault. That is a staggering 1 in 7!

So what happened?

The driving test explanation report states: "You should be able to judge the correct speed of approach so that you can enter a junction safely and stop if necessary. Position your vehicle correctly. Use the correct lane. If you are turning right, keep as near to the centre of the road as is safe. Avoid cutting the corner when turning right. If turning left, keep over to the left and do not swing out. Watch out for cyclists and motorcyclists coming up on your left and pedestrians who are crossing. You must take effective observation before moving into a junction and make sure it is safe before proceeding."

The above statement is of course true, and any candidate driving correctly throughout the test will have passed. But this report is concerned with what can and does go wrong all too often.

The main reason why candidates fail due to an observation fault can be summed up in just one word - Familiarity. This can mean either lack of familiarity with a particular junction or more commonly, over-familiarity. If you get used to a junction being clear, you may find that you don't check as often as you should. You can almost guarantee there will be a car approaching when you didn't look. By the time you do see it, it's too late and the fault is already committed.

Another very common situation can be found where cars are parked near to the junction. As you approach the junction you can't see, but all too often the thought is 'I can't see any cars coming, so I'll go'. Ask yourself this: If there was a car coming, would you be able to see it anyway? If you can't see a clear road, you can't go yet.

To correct this fault and remain safe, you must be able to see a clear road to drive into before proceeding. No guesswork. No assumptions. Just facts. If you can't see from where you are, edge forwards slowly until you can see. Wait until you are sure it is safe to proceed, then you can go.

In more unusual cases the road layout may be a bit confusing. One of the roads in my local area fits this description. As you look down the road it appears to head toward a set of traffic lights, but on closer inspection, there is a give way line some sixty metres before the lights as the through road curves in from the right and up to the lights. You are in fact in the side-street and need to yield. Although I deliberately take all of my pupils to this junction for the experience, a couple of them have still been caught out due to bad weather conditions or lack of concentration.

For example, as one pupil headed toward these lights waiting for a direction to be given, the examiner had to apply the brakes in time to stop before the give way line. The result is a failure due to lack of observation, in that case the candidate had not even seen the junction, let alone checked to see if it was clear to proceed. That particular pupil even told me he thought it was unfair to fail him for that, as it was raining and a puddle had covered the road markings! Needless to say, that argument didn't get him very far.

There was a road sign on the left that was not covered by a puddle warning of a give way junction ahead and the basic result could have been very dangerous if the examiner hadn't applied the brakes. There was after all a junction there, he just hadn't seen it. I pointed out that in real life, in his own car, he may have crashed. He got my point.

The only method I know to avoid this kind of error is to take each road in hundred metre stretches. Look down the length of the road and assess the possible hazards. Look at, and take notice of all the road signs, they are there to help. And if in doubt about what lies ahead, ease off your speed and have a better look. I don't know of any failure due to 'excessive' observation at junctions.

The third main cause of this fault is simply bad judgement. To be able to join a roundabout safely without stopping every time takes more than just the knowledge of how a roundabout works. It takes experience and good judgement of the speed and distance of other vehicles. This comes with time and practice. There is no quick fix here.

In simple terms, if you are having trouble assessing spaces on roundabouts; stopping when the junction is clear, or being stopped by your instructor because the approaching car was too close, then you are not ready for a driving test. But the problem is that too many candidates fail the driving test because they are not ready to take it yet. They apply too early without spending enough time practicing and gaining the experience.

I am sure there will be a lot of people who think I'm only saying this to get more money out of the pupil for the extra lessons. But 155805 candidates failed for this fault last year. Were they ready? There is no substitute for actual driving experience. With experience comes judgement, and a higher chance of passing.

Aside from running his driving school in Coventry for the last 14 years, Phill also has a lot of fun with his underwater digital camera. Everyone needs a hobby.

Source: EzineArticles.com.

Hope you learned something valuable.

Have a great March!
Nadav

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