Careless Cones

Traffic cones, as every person who watched Toy Story 2 knows, have a very strict meaning for drivers. But when they are set incorrectly, it can be a disaster.



May September be even better than August!
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First Time Driving: Crystal

Today's first time driver is Crystal, whose face we can't see. She drives really slowly, but you can't really expect anything else in a parking lot.



This video is five days old, so Crystal still has a very long time until she can get her license. If she does well on the road outside the parking lot, she'll probably do well.

Good luck!
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Top Gear - America's Best 4x4 Trucks: Part 3

Today is the third part of America's Best 4x4 Trucks. And yes, there's more coming.



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Extraterrestrial Driving Test

This blog usually discusses driving tests on earth, but sometimes a test must take place outside. For example, on Mars.

The NASA rover just passed its driving test on Mars, and is now ready to hit the road. Now it's ready to explore the red planet.

Hopefully it'll give us something interesting,
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Insurance Factor

The prices of insurance premiums are affected by many factors. Here is an article by Debbie Swinney about this topic.

Factors That Affect Auto Insurance Premiums

Although you might not be able to change your location, your age, or your past driving mishaps, you can make great choices in other areas. Your insurance agent can help you with these decisions so that you get the most coverage for the least premium.

Let's take a look at six key factors that affect your auto insurance premiums.

1. Coverage And Deductibles

You can choose your deductible and decide whether to add additional coverage that isn't required by the laws in your state. These choices in your coverage and deductibles play a major role in your monthly payment.

When you choose a higher deductible it usually translates to a lower monthly payment. Additional coverage may give you added financial protection, but will raise your premium depending on the amount you choose.

2. What You Drive

Some insurers increase premiums for autos that are more susceptible to damage, occupant injury, or theft based on statistical data gathered by the industry.

Before you buy your next auto it is a good idea to do some research. Knowing the statistics of autos you are considering can go a long way in keeping your rates low.

3. How Often You Drive and the Distance Driven

Autos used for business and long-distance commuting usually carry a higher premium. The more miles you drive in a year can mean higher the chances of an accident. Consider car pooling or using an older car for long distance driving.

4. Your Driving Record

As mentioned you may not be able to change your past accident claim history, but you can change it from this day forward. The longer you are accident free the lower your premiums will be. Driving extra careful has multiple benefits.

5. Bundle your coverage. The more polices you have with one company the more you save. Consider bundling your auto policies with your home owners or renters insurance polices, your life insurance, or your business insurance. All of these bundled will provide you with an even greater discount on your monthly premiums.

6. Auto alarm systems save money. If your auto did not come with a factory installed security alarm system, consider installing an after market system. Check with your insurance agent to see what kinds will save you in monthly premiums by getting an extra discount.

Simply by doing a little research and asking these questions you can possibly lower your premiums each month!

Debbie Swinney is able to help you with your Kansas auto insurance needs and answer any questions you may have regarding policy choices.

Thank you very much Debbie! That was very helpful!

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Change Stuck Oil Filters

Sometimes oil filters in cars get stuck. Here is a video showing how to replace them.



Hope it helps,
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Turnpikes

I am back in the United States. The French changed to English, kilometers turned into miles, and freeways turned into tollways. As it turns out, the Eastern United States is filled with turnpikes, which are basically toll roads.

In general, I don't find anything wrong with toll roads. I think they are a great way to control congestion and let people who need a fast route have access to one. My problem starts when they are maintained by the state, which makes them a double payment.

If toll roads are privately owned and not paid for by taxpayers, they are fantastic. However, as far as I know, the turnpikes are not private. For me, this is just a way to milk money.

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Prove Yourself During the Test

When you take your driving test, you are trying to prove to the examiner that you are good enough at driving to get a license. Here is an article about some ways to do it.

How to Prove Yourself As a Good Driver When Taking Your Road Exam

It's normal to feel nervous when you are taking your driving test. After all, the examiners can come off as intimidating, even if they don't mean to be. You need to understand that they are only doing their job, which is to make sure that only responsible drivers are allowed on the road. If you make some mistakes, then how can you expect them to believe that you are a responsible driver?

You can overcome your fears by ensuring that you get enough practice. Learning how to drive requires patience and practice. Learn all of the rules of safety. Know your vehicle inside and out.

If you want to prove to the examiner that you deserve your driver's license, just do the following:

• As you start, make sure that you can pull out safely. Look around to make sure that your way is clear.

• Always remember to signal properly when you are preparing to turn. When you are taking the test, you will have to make some turns, no matter where you are driving. Those turn signals are there for a reason - use them! You'll fail if you don't.

• When you are taking the test, know the speed limit at all times. Try to stay as close as the posted speed limit as possible. Also, come to a complete stop whenever you're at a STOP sign.

• You will be tested on parallel parking, whether you like it or not. As long as you practice well before hand, you should be able to do it. Take your time when doing it. If you don't think you'll be able to avoid the curb, pull out completely and start the process over again.

• Remember to check mirrors whenever you are changing lanes. You might also want to glance over your shoulder to make sure that there is nothing in your blind spot.

• Never, ever begin the test until both you and the examiner have your seat belts on. He or she might not put his/her seat belt on just to see if you will notice.

• A good, responsible driver is always observant of his/her surroundings. Anything could happen while you're on the road. Don't lose your focus. Pay attention to what is around you at all times. Keep an eye out for other cars, pedestrians, children playing, animals, etc.

• Whenever a light turns green, proceed carefully. Other drivers might not be paying attention. Just because the light turns green doesn't mean that you can go - you still need to make sure the road is clear.

Check out an online driving guide. It contains secrets that will help you pass the test. You can learn tips and tricks that will you become a better driver so that you pass the road exam!

Getting your driver's license is not that hard. If you would like to pass your driving test without trying so hard, you should get yourself this amazing driving test guide.

I hope this article helped you,
Nadav

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First Time Driving: Voni

Today, as far as I remember, we have our most hysteric first time driving reaction yet. Not by the driver, but the passener.



This video is from a week ago, so Voni still has a long way to go. Hopefully passengers will not be frightened so much anymore.

Good luck!
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Top Gear - America's Best 4x4 Trucks: Part 2

The hunt for America's best 4x4 truck continues this week as well. Enjoy!



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Traffic Laws Your Probably Didn't Know

After we get our license, most of us forget some traffic laws. However, some of us may be required to retake a written test, and this could be very hard for someone who hasn't practiced these laws in a long time.

The Melbourne Weekly reviews such laws, just in case you've forgotten.

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How to Find a Quality Insurer

Finding a quality auto insurance is not an easy task, but it's doable. Here is an article by Ujang Hermawan that explains it well.

Finding A Quality Auto Insurance Company

With so many different companies to choose from when the time comes to find auto insurance, it can be difficult to decide which company to go with. There are a few things that must be kept in mind when shopping for auto insurance. Use the guide below to find the company that will serve you best.

The big name insurance companies are not always in the consumer's best interest to go through. They tend to have many different kinds of policies to choose from making it hard to judge what is actually going to be covered. If you have the time, determination and knowledge to fully understand all of the fine print that is involved with their policies, you may end up with a great rate on a terrific policy.

Before making any decision about your insurance provider, be sure to do a search for consumer reviews. You need to look into how often the claims are rejected, the likelihood of policy termination and whether the provider is in good financial standing. You do not want to open a policy with a company that will dump you, deny your claim or go out of business when you need them most.

You have probably seen the many television commercials advertising insurance companies that promise coverage to anyone. When companies make these kinds of promises, you better take the time to look into their track record. Carefully scrutinize the policy that they are offering you to be sure that you are going to be covered in the case of an accident.

There are a growing number of online carriers these days. Some are of great quality, while others are just trying to make some money. Look into their business ratings through the Better Business Bureau before you make any agreement with them.

Do your best to learn what their current customers actually have to say about them. You can learn this best by searching through blogs that are online. Oftentimes, the reviews that the companies have listed on their site have been edited to make them look better than what they are. Use the Internet to learn as much about the feelings that current customers have about the company.

Learning how long a company takes to process a claim is very important. Some companies will process a claim and have you driving a new car in as little as a week, while others can keep you waiting for months. As you are reading the reviews about the company, make sure that you are aware that this is an issue that could make a huge difference in the quality of service that you get.

Finding an insurance provider for your car is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. Just because a policy is the most expensive, it may not be the best. Look into all of your options prior to going with any company to be sure that they will really be there in your time of need.

Source: EzineArticles.com.

Thank you Ujang! That was very helpful.

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About Hydraulic Brakes

If you want to learn something about your car's brakes, here is a great video to start with.



I hope you learned something,
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East Side Story

This week I learned something very important: don't drive tired. Ever. I know I've said it here plenty of times, but I still fall for this.

I flew from Los Angeles to New York at night, which means I hardly got any sleep. Then I took the new car (Honda Civic, if you must ask) which has no GPS. I tried to get out of New York City on my own, but it just didn't work.

Luckily, I found some internet connection and found instructions using Google Maps. This was a six hour drive, but I was really tired. I had to pull over in one of the rest areas and get some sleep before I could keep going.

Finally, I arrived to Canada, which made everything more complicated, since all road signs are in French. Luckily, my instructions were still in English.

Next week: Maine and Boston.

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Seven Bad Mistakes

They've been here once, and they'll be here again. Those mistakes make driving students' lives miserable for no reason. Here is an article with them and how to deal with them.

7 Huge Mistakes That Will Cause You to Fail Your Driver's Test

Are you planning to take your driving test soon? One of the best ways to ensure that you will do a good job is to know which mistakes to avoid. Find out why other people fair their tests and make sure you don't make the same mistakes they did. If you have already taken the test, and failed, you hopefully have some idea of how to improve your driving skills so that you pass next time.

What are the most common mistakes, anyway? Here are a few:

1. Failing to start properly. You need to familiarize yourself with the starting procedure. Don't move off too quickly. Make sure you use the right gear when starting. Check traffic, and use the correct signal.

2. Not using controls properly, or forgetting to use them. Many beginner drivers mistake controls. Learn what every single control does and when to use it. Familiarize yourself with the layout of the vehicle you will be driving during the test.

3. Not slowing down or stopping appropriate times. You should always be going the speed limit unless you have to prepare for a stop. When you see a yellow light, slow down and prepare to stop. When coming to a STOP sign, slow down and come to a complete stop.

4. Not steering properly. Your hands should be on the correct position on the wheel. Don't ever do any unnecessary steering with one hand. Don't make erratic movements, such as jerking the wheel. You don't have to let it self-center itself.

5. Making dangerous lane changes. Always check over your shoulders and use the right signal. Only change lanes when it is safe and clear to do so.

6. Being TOO cautious. While it's essential to be cautious, you don't want to be so cautious that you start going too slowly. Keep an eye on other drivers, but don't become so focused on them that you stop paying attention to what you are doing. Likewise, don't become so cautious when your own driving that you forget about other drivers.

7. Not yielding. Failing to yield properly to other traffic won't just cause you to fail - it may also cause you to become injured. You can cause an accident if you try to go at a red light. Sometimes the road might not be clear - even if you have a green arrow.

Now that you know the common mistakes, you can prepare for your driver's test. You will also become a safe and responsible driver. Good luck!

There are tons of informative driving guides online. If you want to pass your test, be sure to check out an online driving course. You can print out a checklist of items to help you with your practice driving. There are also practice tests, videos, testing route maps, etc.

Getting your driver's license is not that hard. If you would like to pass your driving test without trying so hard, you should get yourself this amazing driving test guide.

I hope this article helped you,
Nadav

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First Time Driving: Shelby

It's time for another first time driver, this time it's Shelby, a 15-year-old in a parking lot.



This video is from August 7, so Shelby still has a very, very long way to go until she can get her license. She feels like a driver already, so it's a good sign.

Good luck!
Nadav

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Top Gear - America's Best 4x4 Truck: Part 1

This week, the Top Gear guys try to find America's best truck.



Enjoy!
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Another Proof That It's Never Too Late

If you're desperately trying to get your driver's license as soon as possible, remember that for some people patience is a virtue.

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Auto Insurance Comparison

Comparing auto insurance quotes has become very easy these days, but some people still have trouble with it. Here is an article by Jhon Liza that explains it well.

A Convenient Way to Compare Auto Insurance Quotes

In the current market, there are hundreds of auto insurance companies. Every company terms its services and policies to be reliable and cheap. Amidst all this, choosing the right company out of the whole lot often becomes a very messy task.

Many people take the help of agents and brokers to compare and choose automobile insurance policies for them but the method is very tedious and time consuming. Agents and brokers often have connections with insurance companies and suggest you their insurance policies without even comparing other policies of other companies. So you, as an insurance applicant, are always in confusion about the different ways to compare and choose the best policy amidst the various policies for your automobile meeting all your needs. Stop worrying further as the solution of all your problems is within a click away!

The one stop answer to all your questions, confusions and worries is the free online auto insurance quotes. The quotes available over the internet are reliable, easy to use and save you a lot of money and time.

Policy quotes of different car insurance companies are made available to you within minutes by the free online car insurance quotes, thus it becomes hassle-free to compare auto insurance policies and choose the correct one matching all your needs as there is no need to visit any insurance agents or companies personally.

You just have to spend a few minutes to provide the required information which will then be processed and you will be provided with quotes according to your needs within a few moments saving your precious time and energy. For people who are always busy with different jobs and occupations, it becomes impossible to search for the best insurance policy for their automobile and in such cases online insurance quotes come handy as they can provide information when needed by the person as per his/her convenience, even in the mid of the night!

If you use online car insurance quotes, you won't have to make calls to insurance companies and agents to get the rates and terms of a range of policies available. The insurance quotes present over the internet help you in getting policy quotes of different insurance companies along with the comprehensive description of all the plans and their associated provisions and conditions. All this process makes it very easy and convenient to compare car insurance policies, which would have been difficult if you went to agents and companies.

Insurance agents are very cunning in nature and they are very convincing. They will always convince you to buy the plans which will let them make huge profits. But online policy quotes will provide you unbiased opinions about different policy plans and all promising policy plans available to you as per your needs.

Waste no more time and apply for a free online car insurance quote for your car now. The quotes give you the freedom of comparing auto insurance policies and choosing the best one for your vehicle.

Source: EzineArticles.com.

Thank you, Jhon! That was helpful.

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Wheel Noises

If you are driving for more than one year, you have probably encountered some weird wheel noises in some cars, especially when turning. Here is a video about this.



I hope this video helped you understand the issue,
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Mileage

After almost two months, the western part of my trip is now over. After replacing two cars and adding their mileage, the total adds up to over 8,000 miles driven.

It may not sound too much for some people, but after one year with my own car back home I could get the odometer to a little over 8,000 miles, meaning I drove my yearly distance in under two months.

I wonder which distance cost more, the American one with cheap gas and high rental price or my own car with very expensive gas and a relatively small licensing fee.

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Tips For Teens' Parents

When you learn to drive, you are not the only one in need of advice. Your parents need it as well. To help them, here is an article with advice for teens' parents.

Helpful Tips for Parents Who Want to Help Their Teen Prepare for the Driving Test

Are you a parent of a teen who is learning how to drive? There are many things that you can do to help him or her prepare for the driving test. You can have your teen watch you as you drive. You can go along with him/her and offer constructive criticism. Always be a good role model when you are behind the wheel.

Here are some things you can do to help your child get his/her driver's license:

• If you want to go along with your teen during practice, try to be patient. Don't get angry or nervous, as this will only make things harder on everybody. Think of it as a family bonding opportunity. If he/she makes a mistake, point it at via constructive criticism - never yell or scream.

• Begin the lessons on an old road or in an empty parking lot. The fewer vehicles around, the better. Let the student driver get comfortable behind the wheel. Explain what each and every instrument is for. Remain in low-risk environments and move on to busier roads.

• Look for driving route maps online. Keep in mind that it's against the law in some areas to post the maps to driving routes online. If it's illegal in your area, you can still look at maps of the roads in the area near the DMV. Have your teen practice driving on them.

• You can help your teen steer with your left hand. Do this in busy traffic whenever he/she gets nervous. However, as time goes on, you need to do this less and less. Hopefully, he/she will become comfortable behind the wheel.

• Whenever you're behind the wheel yourself, explain every move you make. Whenever you have to signal, explain why. Whenever you make a turn, go through the process. This process is called "driving out loud", and it can be very helpful.

• Read over the driver's handbook yourself. Refresh your knowledge of the rules of the road. You might be making mistakes yourself without even realizing it. If you have any bad habits, you don't want your child to pick up on them.

• The first few times you go out with your teen should be in daylight and in good weather. Let the student driver learn the basics of maneuvering the car before driving under more difficult conditions. Eventually, the two of you can move on to driving in rain or even snow.

As long as you keep these pointers in mind, you should be able to help your son or daughter prepare for his/her road test.

There are plenty of other online resources you and your teen can check out. An online driving guide will help him/her prepare for both the written and road tests. You can find resources for parents as well.

Getting your driver's license is not that hard. If you would like to pass your driving test without trying so hard, you should get yourself this amazing driving test guide.

I hope this article helped you (or your parents).

Nadav

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First Time Driving: Kamila

Today's first time driver is Kamila, whose language I don't understand (Spanish). However, driving is driving regardless of language, and that I can easily understand.



This video is from July 28, which means Kamila still has a long way to go until she can get her license. She's doing pretty well, so it won't be a big issue.

Good luck!
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Top Gear Break for the German Border: Part 2

The Top Gear guys continue their race to the German border.



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GEICO Reaches for Teens

August is the hot teen driving month, and GEICO tries to ride the wave with a new teen driving website.

If you are learning to drive, it pays to visit there and read some important safety rules. As an insurance company, GEICO has a major interest in your safety.

Also, it also pays to get my driving test guide which will assist you on both technical, test, and safety issues.

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Finding the Best Insurance

Car insurance advice is always tricky. It's a very important service we purchase, so people look for advice all the time. However, it is a very personal service, so it's hard to find the "best" for a large group of people. It didn't stop Louie Dale from trying.

How To Find The Best Car Insurance

Auto insurance is among the most significant investments that you can make in your daily life. Auto insurance is actually right up there with health insurance and life insurance in importance. There are many reasons why excellent car insurance is so important; for one thing we spend quite a bit of our time in our cars or vehicles. We drive ourselves to work every single day, take our children to school and fetch them every single day, go on holidays in our cars and all sorts of other things. Our cars are a crucial part of our everyday lives.

If you have ever looked for good car insurance you probably know that it can be an overwhelming as well as confusing experience. There are literally hundreds of car insurance companies operating out in the world. It seems actually that it's almost impossible to find the best car insurance for your exact requirements. What if you get it wrong and get trapped in a lifelong commitment to an unfair insurance contract? There are many additional factors that you need to take into consideration as well as think about cautiously before you make any decisions about auto insurance.

Among the first things that you have to think about is what exactly your requirements are. How much insurance is sufficient? Just how much insurance is too much? These are essential concerns that you'll want to answer so that you have a much better concept of what it is that you'll need before even investigating different auto insurance providers. You need to evaluate your needs as well as your month-to-month budget and also be as practical as possible. Perhaps you do not need all of the bells and whistles which some auto insurance providers will try to sell you. For many of those car insurance providers it is all about getting in just as much cash as possible, they don't necessarily care about what your needs may be.

How many cars do you presently own? If it is just one car are you the only driver? If the answer is no then you'll also need to place any other drivers on your insurance coverage just in case they are driving when something happens. In some locations auto insurance is mandatory and it is illegal to drive a car with out adequate and up to date car insurance. You also have to think about additional clauses ion your vehicle insurance coverage like individual liability cover, 3rd party insurance coverage, damage to property and a few other as well. These are designed to cover all the bases just in case something should happen to someone else's property or person that turns out to be your fault.

There are many trustworthy auto insurance firms that you will be happy with, the trick is actually finding them. The web is among the best research tools that we have at our disposal today; it's a great idea to make use of the web as well as research different auto insurance companies on the internet.

If you would like more information on best car insurance, please go to the site http://www.payasyoudrive.co.za

Source: EzineArticles.com.

Thank you Louie! That was definitely very helpful.

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Fix Tire Bump Sounds

If your tires make bump sounds on sharp turns, you may need to take a look at this video to find out how to fix this problem.



Hope it helps,
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Back in California

After a long turn, I am finally back in California. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the roads are bad, and gas prices are super-high. There is a reason it's called the Golden State - gasoline is priced like gold.

In two days I'll be back in Los Angeles, ready to fly to the East Coast and start my trip in there. I hope the eastern states have good roads and normal gas prices like I had in the western states (besides California).

See you in Canada!
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Another Set of Common Mistakes

Driving mistakes happen to everyone, but during a test too many can lead to failure. Here is a list of common ones that you should avoid.

From Inappropriate Stopping to Steering Trouble - A Guide to Common Driving Exam Mistakes

You are going to have to pass a written test and a road exam if you want to get your driver's license. While the written test is fairly easy, many drivers have difficulty with the road exam. It can be challenging and intimidating. You need to know what to do, and what not to do.

If you know which mistakes to avoid, you can increase your chances of passing. Learn from the mistakes made by others. If you've tried taking the test already and failed, then you should already have some idea of the common mistakes.

Inappropriate Stopping or Yielding

Many student drivers make the mistake of getting in the way of oncoming traffic. Know when to turn, and where. Know when to stop and when to go. It sounds simple, yet failing to stop or go at the right times is a common reason why a lot of people fail.

You also need to remember to come to a complete stop whenever you're at a red light or a STOP sign. Slow down and prepare to stop when you see a yellow light.

Not Operating the Vehicle Properly

You shouldn't even begin driving until you know how to operate all of the control. Failing to turn on the proper signals or adjusting the mirrors will cause you to fail the test. You should also know how to turn the windshield wipers and hazard lights on.

Making Mistakes When Turning

Some drivers either make their turns too tight or too wide. Making a tight turn may cause you to hit the curb. Making a wide turn can cause you to either hit the curb or enter the wrong lane. You don't want to signal wrong, either, or you could end up causing a collision.

Not Observing Surroundings

You don't want to put too much focus on your own driving that you neglect other drivers. Be aware of what's going on around you at all times. In addition to other drivers, you should also keep an eye out for obstructions on the road and pedestrians. Don't forget to check your mirrors while driving.

Steering Problems

You'll be surprised at the number of student drivers who clutch the steering wheel too tightly. Sometimes they even jerk it instead of driving smoothly. At the same time, you don't want to be so confident in your driving abilities that you drive with one hand.

Now that you know the mistakes many people make when taking their driver's exam, you can avoid making them yourself. Hopefully, you have some idea of how to drive responsibly and safely.

Knowing which mistakes to avoid is only the beginning. There is a lot more you need to learn if you want to pass your road exam. Check out some online driving guides. They offer step-by-step videos, interactive tools, practice tests, and more.

Getting your driver's license is not that hard. If you would like to pass your driving test without trying so hard, you should get yourself this amazing driving test guide.

I hope this list helped you,
Nadav

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First Time Driving: Becky

Today we have Becky as our first time driver, trying her luck around the WalMart parking lot and almost hitting a car towards the end. Eventually, she does well.



This video was uploaded on July 24, so Becky still has a long way to go until she can get her license. If she won't hit other cars, there will be no problems.

Good luck!
Nadav

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Top Gear Break for the German Border: Part 1

This week, the Top Gear guys each try to drive from Colditz to the German border using only 13.5 liters of gasoline, each with a different car. Who will make it? Watch and find out.



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