More helpful hints and tips for after you have passed your Driving Test in Newcastle.

Do you have any bad driving habits?

Most people will tell you that they are good drivers.  In fact, some sources suggest that up to 90% of drivers think they are a ‘good’ driver.

Regardless of how you imagine your own driving ability, it is very easy to spot bad driving habits in others.  This is not about blatant law-breaking activity (drink driving, texting while driving, barrelling through a school zone at 150mph, etc.), but rather the everyday driving habits people seem to develop, either consciously or unconsciously.  Although they may seem harmless, most of them do break the law at some point, and can lead to a dangerous situation on the road.

Bad Driving Habits #5:  Speed up, slow down, speed up, slow down

If you use cruise control when you drive, this habit is very easy to spot in others.  How many times have you passed someone on a motorway, only to have them come flying past you again a few minutes later?

This bad driving habit is also easily found in taxi drivers around the world.  For some reason, every minicab driver seems to think that driving consists of slamming his accelerator flat to the floor, only ever taking his foot off to jam it on the brakes.  As well as dramatically increasing fuel consumption and brake wear, it can be dangerous if you are leaving no margin for error by having to always brake heavily at the last minute.  And let’s not even get started on the generally woeful driving habits and standards of minicab drivers…

Bad Driving Habits #4:  Pushing in

Driving in London can be frustrating, as millions of cars try to all make their way around and across the city.  But some drivers seem to think that they have the right to simply pull out into traffic and make everyone else brake for them.  This applies to junctions, exits and motorway lane changing.

I like to think that I’m generally a courteous driver.  If I see someone waiting to pull out at a T-junction or indicating that they want to move into my lane, I will slow and allow them in (obviously checking my mirrors first, to make sure I’m not about to cause an accident).

Bad Driving Habits No. 3:  The last-minute lane change

Last-minute lane changers usually fall into two groups: the “Arrgh, this is my turn-off RIGHT HERE!”; and the arrogant idiots who simply try and push into a queue at the last possible minute to gain themselves a 13-second advantage by not waiting in line.  The first group are usually new to the area and a portable satnav stuck to the windscreen is usually a giveaway, and given how slow some nav units are at giving directions, it’s not surprising that drivers don’t get enough warning of their turn-offs.  The second group (again, often minicab drivers) are simply very rude people who think they’re being clever when actually they’re showing a complete lack of respect for their fellow road users.

Last-minute lane changers are especially dangerous for cyclists, as the driver may have a quick check of the mirror in the millisecond before they swing across traffic, but the chances of them seeing a bike or scooter are non-existent.

Bad Driving Habits No. 2:  Failing to Give Way to Pedestrians

It amazes me that so few drivers in the UK respect the right of way for pedestrians crossing roads at intersections.  The Highway Code states that cars must give way to pedestrians who have already started to cross a road.  This applies to cars turning both left and right into a junction.  Yet it is rare to see cars stopping for pedestrians, especially cars turning right at an intersection.  As a car driver, it delays your journey by about 3 seconds to slow or stop for a pedestrian.  There is no excuse for not giving way to pedestrians at all times, even when not strictly required to by law – especially if it’s cold and raining outside while you’re snug and warm in your car.  The same applies to cars, buses and taxis blocking pedestrian crossings when stopped in traffic – there’s just no need, and it forces pedestrians out of the crossing zone into potential danger.

Bad Driving Habits No. 1:  Failing to Keep Left Unless Overtaking

This is probably the most annoying of all bad driving habits on the road.  Widespread failure to keep left effectively turns many three-lane motorways into two-lane roads, slowing vast volumes of traffic and increasing accident risk for large numbers of cars.

The UK Highway Code states that drivers should “always drive in the left-hand lane when the road ahead is clear. If you are overtaking a number of slower-moving vehicles, you should return to the left-hand lane as soon as you are safely past.”

It’s not complicated.  Drive in the left-hand lane, move out to overtake, move back to the left-hand lane.

Driving in the middle or right-hand lane (either deliberately or through inattention) backs up traffic and contributes to tailgating.  Whilst tailgating is reckless and dangerous behaviour, slow drivers in the outside lane contribute to the problem by forcing cars behind to slow down.  It also contributes to undertaking, which is equally dangerous.

So, what are your thoughts?

Helping to pass your Driving Test in Newcastle.

Contents

Introduction

Rules for pedestrians (1 to 35)

Rules for users of powered wheelchairs and powered mobility scooters (36 to 46)

Rules about animals (47 to 58)

Rules for cyclists (59 to 82)

Rules for motorcyclists (83 to 88)

Rules for drivers and motorcyclists (89 to 102)

General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (103 to 158)

Using the road (159 to 203)

Road users requiring extra care (204 to 225)

Driving in adverse weather conditions (226 to 237)

Waiting and parking (238 to 252)

Motorways (253 to 273)

Breakdowns and incidents (274 to 287)

Road works (288 to 307)

Level crossings (291 to 299)

Tramways (300 to 307)

Direction signs on roads and motorways

Information signs

Light signals controlling traffic

Road markings

Road signs giving orders

Road works signs

Signals by authorised persons

Signals to other road users

Traffic signs

Vehicle markings

Warning signs

More helpful hints and tips for after you have passed your Driving Test in Newcastle.

5 Tips for Safe Summer Driving

According to recent news reports, Britain is set to roast in a three-month heat wave that could well be the hottest summer ever (driving lessons newcastle upon tyne do suggest taking this news with a large pinch of salt though).

For all you drivers that have recently passed, or are approaching, your driving test at our driving school in Newcastle upon Tyne  great weather will mean a first ever road trip to the beach or some other place where it’s possible to lap up the sun.

While heading out in the car during the summer months is inherently better than driving during the dull, dark days of winter, the high temperatures and busy seaside routes are not without dangers to both car and driver. To help make sure you stay safe in a heat wave, here are five essential tips.

1. Check Your Tyres

High temperatures can be very damaging to tyres and it is important that you don’t drive with tread below the legal limit. Heat on the roads will only add to existing rubber damage, so make sure that you check the integrity of your tyres before setting off on a journey. Also, check that tyres are properly inflated – under-inflation increases friction and intensifies heat, resulting in increased damage and potential blowouts.

2. Beware of the Glare

Sun glare, particularly at dusk and dawn, presents a significant danger to drivers and results in a large number of accidents every year. To ensure you are unaffected, make sure that you clean your windscreen (inside and out) to improve vision and remove smears. New wiper blades will help greatly in doing this.

A clean, unscratched pair of sunglasses will also prove very useful.

3. Keep Fresh

The sun beaming down on a hot car will make you tired much quicker and fatigue can be a killer. Stay fresh by taking a 15-20 minute break every two hours on long journeys. Regular short stops are better than one long stop for combatting tiredness, so make sure that you factor them in to your time schedule. During your breaks, drink two cups of coffee or take a 15-minute nap.

If you feel tired while driving, open a window and turn the radio up until you reach the nearest services.

4. Keep the Car Cool

On long journey’s, cooling systems may become problematic. You should always check that your coolant reservoir is topped up as well as checking coolant hoses to make sure there are no signs of wetness or white staining – these could indicate a leak. Perform a check on the fan by idling the car for 5 minutes at normal temperature – if the fan does not kick in then there may be a problem.

5. Share the Road

The warm weather brings different types of road users and bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians become more common. Each of these road users is vulnerable and does not have the protection of a car in the event of a collision.

Always expect to see cyclists and pedestrians, this way you will be more likely to detect them. Remember, at nighttime pedestrians may be hard to see so you must always keep a lookout. Be especially attentive in built-up areas and around schools. For further information or advice contact Experience Driving School.

More helpful hints and tips for after you have passed your Driving Test in Newcastle.

5 Unwritten Rules of Driving

At the Experience Driving School, we go to great lengths to teach our students the rules of driving, encouraging them to begin learning them from the get go so that they can pass their theory test and gain more confidence when out on the roads. Here are a few rules that rely upon common sense and courtesy to make our roads a happier place that may not be published in the Highway Code.

1. Park with Respect

When parking your car you should always make every effort to park evenly, within the white lines. Just one person not doing this causes disruption for everyone else and increases the risk of dings and scratches when opening doors.

2. Keep it Moving at the Pump

If you are going to get fuel then make sure that you do so in as orderly a fashion as possible. You don’t have to try to achieve Formula 1 levels of efficiency, but do not use a petrol pump to talk on the phone, make checks on your car, or do your weekly shop, especially when someone is waiting behind you. Get your fuel, pay for your fuel, and pull away from the pump.

3. Never Jump the Queue

No queue jumping is an unwritten rule of life and applies to driving in the same way that it does to lining up at a supermarket checkout. If you are required to merge into traffic due to a lane closure or when approaching a toll, do not try to steal a march on the other drivers that are waiting patiently.

4. Always Use Your Manners

Driving is a much happier experience when everyone is being nice to each other, so if someone has taken the time to let you pass or has flashed you out at a junction, give them a little thank-you wave to let them know their gesture is appreciated. Even at ‘Give Way’ points when you have right of way, there is no harm in a simple nod of the head to signal your thanks.

5. Drive at the Speed of Traffic

Driving at the speed of traffic keeps things flowing along nicely, eases congestion, and reduces risk of collision. We are not saying that you should speed and we are not saying drive slow, just stick to the speed limit wherever possible, and keep within a 5-10 mph range of traffic.

Driving lessons Newcastle upon Tyne encourages all of their clients, friends and acquaintances to drive safely and courteously.

More helpful hints and tips for after you have passed your Driving Test in Newcastle.

Dangerous Driving

Road safety charity Brake has renewed its call for tougher charges and penalties for divers who kill and injure after Government figures showed a large proportion of drivers were being let off with relatively low penalties.

According to the criminal justice figures for 2013, 438 drivers were convicted of causing death or bodily harm. Just over half (55%) were given immediate prison sentences, up slightly from 54% in 2012 [2]. Only one in seven (14%) were given more than five years in prison, a small increase from one in ten (10%) in 2012.

The figures also showed that show of 125 convicted of causing death by dangerous driving (which has a maximum penalty of 14 years), almost all (96%) given immediate prison sentences but only one third (33%) given more than five years.

In addition. 215 were convicted of causing death by careless driving (which has a maximum penalty of five years), with only one in three (30%) given immediate prison sentences, while 31 were convicted of the new charge of causing injury by dangerous driving (which has a maximum penalty of five years), with half (52%) given immediate prison sentences.

The average fine for driving offences remained unchanged in real terms, at £214 in 2009 prices. By comparison, the fine for not having a TV licence is £1,000.

Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive, Brake, said: “While the slight increase in higher-level sentences is encouraging, it does not go nearly far enough. We still see drivers who have killed through their risky actions being inappropriately charged with causing death by ‘careless driving’ and receiving low sentences as a result – one of the key issues that must be addressed in the forthcoming government review.”

More helpful hints and tips for after you have passed your Driving Test in Newcastle.

Young drivers cause nearly one in eight of casualties on the road, according to a survey from motoring charity the RAC Foundation.

The study found that 11.9% of road casualties, that are hurt or killed in collision, involved a car driver aged 17-19, despite only making up 1.5% of licensed drivers.

Geographically, the proportion of casualties is highest in Dyfed Powys at 18.2% followed by Gwent at 17%, Cumbria and North Wales at 15.8% and Northern and Grampian at 15.7%. London had the smallest proportion at 5.6%.

The study, carried out by the Transport Research Laboratory for the RAC Foundation, also claimed that if a graduated driver licensing system was introduced, around 4,5000 fewer people would be hurt in an average year – including about 430 people would otherwise been killed or seriously injured.

Currently one in five young drivers will have an accident within six months of passing their test, which the foundation pointed out was due to both their lack of experience, and the biological and behavioural characteristics of youth.

RAC Foundation director Stephen Glaister said that young drivers posed a significant and disproportionate risk to themselves and to others.

He added: “The government has repeatedly delayed announcing its strategy to help reduce young driver accidents but here is yet another piece of evidence which shows graduated licensing can significantly cut death and injury.”

More helpful hints and tips for after you have passed your Driving Test in Newcastle.

It is important not to under estimate the seriousness of this charge and IMMEDIATE legal advice should be sort preferably at the police station when first arrested.

This charge will always be dealt with at the Crown Court and is considered by many as the most serious road traffic offence and can carry a maximum sentence of 14 YEARS IMPRISONMENT and a minimum sentence of 2 YEARS DISQUALIFICATION and a compulsory re-test.

This type of offence requires the expertise of criminal as well as motoring defence experts.

Causing death by dangerous driving penalties