PRACTICAL DRIVER TRAINING.
Everybody who learns to drive with me can now take advantage of the 'DriverActive' online training system for a nominal fee*.
The 'DriverActive' course will lead you through your driver training. It will show you how to deal with, junctions, crossroads, roundabouts and many more aspects of today's roads.
At the end of each lesson, we will discuss what we intend to cover next time. You can then use the 'DriverActive' online system to read up about the new topic, or revise what we have previously covered.
I will also supply you with a folder and notes centred on the lesson, these are yours to keep they will further prepare you for the lessons to come.
Advance study like this will enable you to have a head-start at the next lesson, so we spend less time talking and you spend more time driving. (I might even set you a little 'homework' to make sure you understand the most important bits!)
An example of the sort of information you can get from 'DriverActive' is shown at the bottom of this page.
FREE TRIAL -To see exactly what is included in the 'DriverActive' system, click here. You can activate a FREE one day trial of the training system. Don't sign up for the paid version yet though, it is cheaper if you wait until you have booked lessons with me.
THEORY TRAINING
You probably already know that you will need to pass your theory test as well.
You MUST pass your theory BEFORE you are able to even book your practical test. Generally the sooner you pass it the better. Once passed it is valid for two years.
The theory test consists of two parts.
1. A multiple choice set of questions. there are 50 questions, the pass mark is 43.
2. The hazard perception test. Here you will see 14 video clips, you need to identify 15 'developing' hazards from them. There are a total of 75 marks available, the pass mark is 44. (I will explain in more detail how to get the best scores when we have lessons.)
You must pass BOTH tests at the same time.
To help you with your theory test, I can offer you access to possibly the best on-line teaching system there is - 'Theory Test Pro'. This will provide you with both theory and hazard perception training. Again I provide this as a service for a nominal fee**.
For a FREE TRIAL of Theory Test Pro click here.
Again, don't pay anything, it will be cheaper once you have booked lessons with me.
*DriverActive access is normally £6.99 for 90 days. Customers of Quikpass pay £3 for unlimited access.
**For Quikpass customers Access to Theory Test Pro is just £2.
DriverActive Extract;
Approaching roundabouts
The routine for approaching roundabouts is the same as for any other junction. However, because many roundabouts have an open view, you can make an early decision about whether to stop or go.
It's important to keep your eyes moving as you approach in order to scan the road for a safe gap and to make sure that you stay in the correct position on the road - as with other junctions the key to being able to do this is to get your speed right on the approach.
Your first warning of a roundabout on busier roads will often be a direction sign similar to those shown on the previous page.
On quieter roads there might not be a direction sign, but there will often be a roundabout warning sign.
After checking your mirrors and giving a signal (if required) you need to ensure that you are in the correct lane (as explained later). There will sometimes be advance warning signs telling you which lane to select.
When you are in the roundabout you need to be aware of what other people are doing; long vehicles or vehicles towing trailers might have to take an unusual course around the roundabout, cyclists and pedestrians are also vulnerable because the traffic is often travelling faster at roundabouts than at other types of junction.
The red car shown in the roundabout illustrated on the right is heading for a potentially dangerous situation; as the lorry goes around the roundabout the trailer will cut across its path - this is why you must always be sure to leave plenty of space.
The lorry driver also has a problem. Because his mirrors are attached to the cab, all he can see is his own trailer.
Most lorry drivers are alert and aware and will look back over their shoulders in this situation, but remember it's easier for you to see the lorry than it is for the lorry driver to see you.
Looking for your gap
It's important to start looking for your gap early. If the driver behind you spots a gap and you don't, he might not be expecting you to stop!
The easiest way to spot your gap is to concentrate on the vehicle coming around the roundabout that you wish to follow - that way you will be ready to go as soon as it is safe to do so.
Another important point is that you need to be making your decision to go or stop at least four car lengths before you arrive - further back still on faster roads.
The early decision is necessary so that you can adjust your speed if you intend to 'go' or give plenty of warning to following traffic if you intend to stop.
The safety rule applies: If you don't know ... Don't go!