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Some Useful Tips & More Questions Answered.
WAYS TO OVERCOME YOUR TEST NERVES
Don't rush it Get as much practice as you can and only apply for your test when you feel confident that you are safe. If you're worried about the theory test, ask friends and family to test you to familiarise yourself with the questions and have a go at a mock theory test.
Don’t tell your friends the test date. If everyone knows you are going for the test, you create the additional stress of trying to live up to your friends expectations (pier pressure). It's OK to let your Mum and Dad know, I am sure they will give you all the support you need.
Don’t listen to horror stories. There are many stories about failed tests. Some may even be true. Just concentrate on your performance.
Get the timing right. Take the test at the right time. Try to book the test so it does not coincide with other stressful events (just prior to school exams or in the middle of wedding preparations, moving house etc.).
Go to the right test centre. No good going to a test centre were your friends have all failed. This will only lose you confidence. Go to the centre were they all pass!
In your last two lessons. Ask your instructor to concentrate on the manoeuvres you find most difficult.
Do a practice run. I use the term Mock Test The instructor should be very realistic and the student must take it reasonably serious.
Practice in your head It's been proven that you can improve your ability to perform co-ordinated tasks by imagining doing them.
Examiners are only human. Your test is one of possibly eight on the examiners sheet that day. Don’t try to please him/her too much.
You do not need to be perfect. Concentrate on the essentials. If you make a mistake, keep calm and concentrate on your driving. The mistake may not result in failure.
Don’t worry about silence in the car. It can be daunting sitting beside a stranger, who seems to just grunt: 'turn right, turn left'.
You will pass. Both instructor and pupil must be convinced that the result will be a pass. An attitude “lets have a go at it” may produce a pass, but is exhausting on the nerves.
Take a high energy drink just prior to your lesson before your test, it will kick in just at the right time.
Get a good night's sleep before the test.
HERE ARE A FEW TIPS FOR WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING ON MOTORWAYS
Plan before you go, make sure that your vehicle is road worthy, you will be travelling at much greater speeds, also have you enough petrol, services can be miles apart. Running out on the motorway can be dangerous and expensive if you have to be towed off. Make sure you plan your route carefully and know which junctions you will be using, these are numbered. Make sure you have more than enough time to allow for hold-ups, allow more if the weather is bad and listen to the traffic news of the roads ahead, it might save you time to avoid hold ups. I was once stuck in standing traffic for three hours.
Avoid fatigue, take a high energy drink plan to have lots of rest stops and stay involved with what is happening a long way ahead and behind. Traffic patterns change quickly on the motorway so by seeing the changes early you give yourself the most time and therefore the most options. Beware of traffic along side you especially in your blind spots. Try to create the most space and time around you so you have options if there is trouble, being able to stop is a must.
Try to keep at least one meter for every mile per hour of your speed from the vehicle in front. Use the two second rule. As the vehicle in front passes a static object like a sign, or goes under a bridge, count two seconds and if you have reached that object before you've finished counting then you're then you are two close. Remember that this time is doubled when then road is wet
LADIES A FEW TIPS WHEN DRIVING ALONE.
Many Women often drive alone and it is an unfortunate fact that they are more likely to draw unwelcome attention than a man alone. This need not be a problem providing you take precautions to avoid unpleasant situations and know how to deal with them if they should arise.
Journeys: -
Always plan your route and carry a map. Try and ensure you have enough fuel for the journey, if not try to fill up early.
Petrol Stations - please make sure you lock your car doors and remove bags, purses, phones or put out of sight - when paying for petrol. just think what would happen if someone jumped in and drove off in your car!
Let someone know your estimated time of arrival. It is wise to lock your car doors. Place your handbag under the front seat, so it's not visible when you stop the car at a junction or lights. Why not rent a Mobile phone. There are many available; some are relatively inexpensive with cheap rental. The calls may be expensive but the idea is to only use it in an emergency & NEVER WHILE DRIVING.
Being followed: -
Hopefully you will never be followed but if you are this is what you should do. Slow down, but DO- NOT stop. DO-NOT drive home unless you know someone is there, but drive to a well-lit PUBLIC place and sound your horn and flash your lights. This should get rid of the pest, but if not, drive on to a police station or find a police officer. A Service Station is always a good place to go. Many have phones so you can ring the police for help, or ask the attendant to do it for you. The pest may even be caught by CCTV.
If you are forced to stop. Lock all doors and close all windows. DO-NOT get out of the car. SOUND YOU HORN, DO-NOT try and ram the other car, this may prevent your escape. Stop with the wheels turned outwards ready to drive off. Try and remain calm and confident and drive away as soon as you can.
Breakdowns: -
If you breakdown, walk to the phone. DO-NOT accept a lift. Tell the operator you are a woman alone. When you return to your car either, wait outside the car with the door unlocked and slightly open or sit in the passenger seat, you will look as if you're accompanied. If you are approached when on the phone, tell the operator, describe the person, or give the registration number of the vehicle. A genuine helper will understand your fears and will not be offended. When help arrives, always check their identification before you leave the car. If you are unsure, stay in the car and say you are waiting for the police.
Breakdowns on Motorways:-
When broken down on a motorway and waiting on the embankment away from the hard shoulder you should lock all the car doors except the passenger door. If someone suspicious stops you can quickly jump in the open passenger door and lock it. They can then deal with the person by opening the window a little until they are sure the person is genuine. If possible try to stop near an EMERGENCY TELEPHONE.
Parking: -
When parking don't leave items on view. Always park in a well lit busy area. If parking in a car park, park close to the exits or near to the attendant. Reverse into the parking space so you can get away quickly. Always lock your doors and find a landmark so you can find your car when you come back. If possible return to your car with others. Approach your car with your keys ready in your hand. Check your car for intruders. Once in your car lock the doors before you drive away.
Just take a few simple precautions and your driving should be trouble free and enjoyable.
Footwear:-
Proper shoes for driving play a BIG part in driving safety. Yet there are a lot of people who drive with thick-soled shoes, high heels or sandals or no shoes at all !
Using footwear not suitable for driving may cause accidents on the road.
Common Questions
Q. How old must I be to drive a motor car on the public highway?
A. You must be at least 17 years old.
Q. Can I drive on the road before I receive my provisional licence?
A. No. You must have a provisional licence before you start to drive on the public highway.
Q. How do I apply for a provisional licence ?
A. You need form D1 which is available at most post offices.
Q. Do I have to pass my theory test before I can drive.?
A. No, but you cannot apply for a practical test until you have passed your theory test.
Q. How long is the theory test pass valid for ?
A. You must take and pass your practical test within two years of passing your theory test.
Q. Who can accompany me when I learn to drive ?
A. The person who accompanies you must be at least 21 years old and had a full British car licence for at least 3 years.
Q. Do I have to have lessons with an Approved Driving Instructor ?
A. No , but it is unlikely that anyone except an ADI will have the skill and knowledge to teach you properly.
Q. How do I choose an Approved Driving Instructor ?
A. Ask friends and relatives for recommendations. Choose an instructor:
A· Who has a good reputation
A· Is reliable and reasonably punctual
A· Whose car suits you.
Remember only an ADI displaying a green ADI Licence or a pink trainee licence on the windscreen is allowed to charge for tuition.
Q. Is it a good idea to practice with relatives and friends ?
A. Yes, but only practice what your instructor has taught you. Be careful not to pick up someone else's bad habits. Always ensure that the vehicle you practice in is correctly insured. Driving while not insured is a very serious offence.
Q. How will I know when I am ready to take my test ?
A. Ask your instructor. He will advise you.
Q. If I take a wrong turning on my test will I fail ?
A. No. Provided that you made the turn correctly the examiner will just take another route.
Q. Is it true that the examiners are only allowed to pass a certain number of candidates each week ?
A. No. Whether you pass or fail depends entirely on how you drive.
Q. Can anyone else accompany me on my test ?
A. Yes. Your instructor or any person can accompany you, but cannot assist you in any way.
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