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

Now that the summer is over, the dreaded dark nights are once again upon us. This means spending more time driving in the dark. The more experience you gain from driving at night, the more confident you will become; however, as a newly passed driver it is something that can be a little daunting. Fortunately, here in the UK we are blessed with many well-lit areas and our dual carriageways and motorways have cat’s eye reflective safety devices fitted in road markings to help drivers. Despite this there will be occasions when you find yourself driving on roads that are completely dark.

Check your lights

Before setting off on any journey at night or on dark early mornings, you should check that all lights on the car are working. Indicators, headlights, hazards, reverse light and full beam should all be checked to ensure that they are in full working order. The last thing you want to be doing is driving down a country lane with a front headlight out.

Full Beam headlights

You full beam headlights are extension of your standard headlights and provide you with brighter light that can help you see more clearly on dark roads. When your full beam is on, it will show itself as a blue icon on your dashboard. There are a few general rules about using the full beam as the light can blind other drivers. You should avoid the full beam when:

In residential areas

When there is another vehicle close in front

When a vehicle or bicycle is approaching from the opposite direction

When driving on a stretch of road with no other vehicles in site, you’re full beam will be fine to use.

Country lanes

Country lanes are often narrow and winding, this makes them a challenge when driving in daylight, never mind in the dark. You should be conservative with your speed on country lanes and never attempt an overtake unless it is completely safe to do so. While you do have the advantage of seeing oncoming traffic from a distance because of their lights, there is always a risk of wildlife, or maybe even people straying into the road. You should also maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front. It can be tempting when driving in the dark to switch on the interior light to find something or change the radio station; you should avoid doing this as the light can reflect on the windscreen and impair your vision. Experience Driving School will be able to provide you with much more information on how to drive safely during the dark winter mornings and nights.

More helpful hints and tips for after you have finished your Driving Lessons in Newcastle.

Following too close. Overtaking is easily and fairly straightforward on the motorway, simply allow yourself lots of space and time.

Start your overtake manoeuvre early and well back from the vehicle you wish to pass. the nearer you get, the harder it will be to pull out. This is because you won’t have the space in which to build up your speed.

If you follow this closely you will have no chance of a safe overtake and the driver of the truck won’t be able to see you in his mirrors …
If the view in the picture is your normal view before overtaking you are at least 50 metres too close!

Give your signal early and allow it to flash a few times before starting to move – this will warn drivers behind of your intentions (as opposed to the normal method adopted by many drivers of putting on the signal after they have started the manoeuvre!).

Check your mirrors and a quick glance in your blind-spot (over your right shoulder) before moving out.

After you have overtaken, and as soon as you can see the overtaken vehicle in your centre mirror, move back to your original lane. Depending upon your position a signal might be useful.

Cancel your signal! Make sure that your signal is cancelled after use because there won’t be enough steering action to self-cancel the signal during normal lane change manoeuvres on motorways. The signal check needs to be a positive act – because of road noise, or your favourite motorway driving CD you might not hear the indicators warning clicks – its also possible that you won’t be checking your speedo quite as much and so won’t notice the flashing light on the dash.

Signal or not?

My basic rule for motorway signals is: ‘If in doubt and give a signal’. If you are monitoring the traffic and leaving plenty of space a signal should not be needed as there will be plenty of time for others to see what you are doing – but as with joining the motorway there might be others that needs a ‘wake up call’ or those who are stupid enough to accelerate if they see a driver start to move without a signal – “You’re not pushing in front of me without signalling!”

PassingTrucks 

Keep space to the sides

For extra safety when overtaking never put yourself into a position where there is no ‘escape route’. For example if you are in lane three overtaking a lorry in lane-two, avoid getting stuck alongside it – make sure that there is plenty of room to pass on get ahead of it before starting to overtake.

In the example on the right, you would have to wait for the white van to move out of the way so that you have a clear space to drive into before you start to pass the truck.

Leaving the motorway

You will normally leave the motorway via an exit slip road. If you are planned your journey well your first task will be to look out for the exit number.

All motorway junctions are numbered and the exit number can be found in the bottom left-hand corner of the direction signs in a black square with white numbers. The first direction signs for your junction will have the road numbers and the junction number – but will not Exit signhave names of the destination. This sign is one mile from the exit. 

The second direction sign will be like the first but this time would include place names like the one shown on the right. This sign is positioned half a mile from the junction. By the time you reach this sign you should be thinking of moving back to the left-hand lane if you are not already there. Information is also given on gantry signs at some junctions.

Finally, you will see the countdown markers. These are placed 270, 180 and 90 metres respectively from the start of the deceleration lane.

As you pass the first countdown marker signal your intention to leave the motorway but maintain your speed – you can slow down in the deceleration lane and on the slip road.
Deceptive speed

As soon as you enter the slip road, check your speedometer; you might be travelling much faster than you think (50mph can feel like 30mph after a long fast journey).

Some slip roads have sharp curves that can take drivers by surprise if they are travelling to fast – beware!

More helpful hints and tips for after you have finished your Driving Lessons in Newcastle.

Motorway.

The normal rule is to use the left-hand lane unless you are overtaking, but keep a look out for road signs and markings; sometimes (especially in places where motorways merge) the left-hand lane might lead away from your intended destination.

Allow plenty of time for your actions on the motorway. Consider every move carefully making the fullest use of your mirrors and giving other drivers plenty of time to see your signals before starting any manoeuvre.

‘Allow plenty of time for your actions’ means managing the speed and space around your vehicle. One of the best ways to do this is to use the ‘two second rule’.

The Two Second Rule 

Applying this rule is easy.

First, watch the vehicle ahead pass a static marker point. A tree, a phone box, a lamp-post, a motorway bridge or any other fixed reference point.

StopwatchAs the vehicle passes the fixed point, recite the following phrase at a normal speaking rate:

‘Only a fool breaks the two-second rule’

This should take approximately two seconds to say.

You should have finished the phrase as, or before, you reach the fixed reference point.

If you pass the point before you finish speaking, you are too close to the vehicle in front; pull back and try again.

In poor weather conditions your gap should be at least double.

As the vehicle passes the fixed point, recite the following phrase at a normal speaking rate:

‘Only a fool breaks the two-second rule – and more time in the wet’ This should take approximately four seconds to say.

Again, you should have finished the phrase as, or before, you reach the fixed reference point.

Initially the gap might seem to you to be very large – if this is the case, it’s indicative of the fact that up to now, you have been driving dangerously close and trusting ‘good luck’ to keep you alive.

Some motorways have road markings to help you determine a safe following distance. Sometimes, two chevrons distance seems very long – but whether you believe it or not, that’s the kind of distance you need to stop in a sudden emergency.

Lanes

As mentioned above, the basic rule for lane use is ‘drive in the left-hand lane unless you are overtaking’. It’s amazing that such as simple rule seems to be misunderstood by so many drivers! Can it be so difficult?

They could be various reasons for people not sticking to the rules:

Maybe it’s that they are just lazy and it’s just too much trouble to look in the mirror and move the
steering wheel a quarter of an inch
Or it could be that there just too damn scared – “I’m in this lane and I’m in a straight line and
I’m staying here!”
Perhaps. The speed limit is 70 and so no one can pass me anyway – I’m being a good citizen
by holding up other drivers.
Whatever the reasons others have for driving dangerously, it makes good sense to adopt good lane discipline. By sticking to the rules you will help the traffic flow and reduced accident risks by lowering frustration levels.

Just because you think 70mph is fast enough for anyone, it doesn’t mean that the driver of the sports car behind will think the same thing… just let him go – at least that way you won’t be involved in his accident!

Keep your Distance 

Another reason for good lane discipline is to help truck drivers. When you are sitting in the middle lane at 45mph going up a slight incline it’s hardly surprising that the truck driver behind gets frustrated.

Trucks take much longer to build up their speed and need to maintain the momentum to climb even the slightest inclines; they’re not allowed to use the right-hand lane (lane-three) and so cannot overtake you. Added to this, they’re probably working to some impossible deadline!

Bus drivers and vehicle towing trailers (that includes your boat trailer or camping trailer!) are also prohibited from using lane-three. Be aware however, that there are some very large vans that fall just under the weight limit. These vans are permitted to use lane three and could pull out in front of you unexpectedly’.

More helpful hints and tips for after you have finished your Driving Lessons in Newcastle.

Motorway slip road

On most occasions you will join the motorway via a slip-road and an acceleration lane, at other times you might join from a roundabout or simply from the extension of the dual carriageway.

When joining the motorway via a slip road, it’s important to remember that you are the ‘odd one out’ – the one who has to fit in with the flow.

Build up your speed on the slip road so that it matches the traffic on the motorway. Doing this is important, otherwise you will become a hazard to both yourself and other drivers.

As you’re building up your speed on the slip road, check your mirrors and signal ‘right’ to show that you intend to join the motorway.

A lot of people will argue that it shouldn’t be necessary to signal – after all where else are you going to go when you are heading down a one-way road at 60mph?

But… Your signal is important and fulfils the following functions …

Warns drivers behind that you are about to move out and that they should not try to overtake.
Alert drivers who might be daydreaming and therefore not notice your arrival.
Satisfies the ‘idiot expert’ drivers who believe that “If you don’t drive properly and give a signal you’ve no right to push in front of me”.

Look for a gap

You now need to start looking for the gap in the traffic.

A useful tip here is to decide which vehicle you want to follow rather than which vehicle you intend to drive in front of. This will help to keep your attention on the road ahead and will help you to maintain a positive speed.

As you approach the main carriageway you will enter an ‘acceleration lane’. This lane is provided for you to make final adjustments to your speed as you prepared to merge with the traffic in lane-one (the lane that runs next to the hard shoulder).

Make sure that you check all of your mirrors – a quick glance in the left mirror to look for idiots overtaking on the left; a glance in the centre mirror to find out who is following and a couple of glances in the right door mirror to check that your gap is still available. 

At this point you might want to have a quick glance over your right shoulder to double check that all is well.

Look back?

Some experts disagree with the idea of a final shoulder check saying that it can distract you from the road ahead. If you’re travelling at about 70mph and your glance takes around half a second, you will be distracted from the road ahead for a distance of about 20 metres … However given that you should be leaving the gap of at least 70 metres between your vehicle and the vehicle in front, the should not be a problem. Take my advice … Have a quick glance back!

If you don’t drive regularly on motorways, or have been driving in a slow urban environment for the last half-an-hour or so, it’s a good idea to stay in lane-one for a while to get used to the higher traffic speeds.

In the same way as on dual-carriageways, the higher speeds on motorways can cause things to happen very quickly. In order to cope with varying traffic conditions or emergencies you must stay alert and look well ahead (at times you might spot brake lights as far as a mile or more ahead!).

More helpful hints and tips for after you have finished your Driving Lessons in Newcastle.

Opening the M1Faster, tougher, safer!  

Motorways are designed to help you get your destination as quickly and safely as possible.

However, that speed and safety comes with a price attached. Long journeys on motorways can zap your concentration and subject your vehicle to more wear and tear than the average ‘Sunday afternoon drive’.

Motorways are probably our safest roads, but when accidents happen they are usually quite severe due to the higher speeds involved. Motorway accidents often involve loss of life but this risk can be greatly minimised by following the advice given below.

This section contains general advice for motorway driving.

In addition to the main info, there is an Article ‘Motorway Madness’, first published in 2003 (Driving Magazine), which covers much of the general advice, but has some additional information about weather, speed and other matters.

The beginning

Britain’s first motorway, the Preston Bypass, was opened on December 5th 1958 by the then Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan; four hours after the opening ceremony, Harold Bradshaw earned a place in UK motoring history when he became the first recorded motorway casualty after falling from a bridge above the road.

Hot on the heels of the Preston Bypass came the M1, the first section, just over 61 miles long was opened in 1959 – this was the start of the ‘backbone’ that would bridge the great North/South divide; unintentionally, it also provided a test track for high-performance sports cars!

Motorways and you

There are few things that you need to know before setting off on a motorway journey. The first is whether or not you are actually allowed on the motorway.

Not allowed:

MI signIf you plan a Sunday afternoon walk, or a horse ride on the motorway, I’m afraid you’re out of luck… Nor will you be able to ride your motor scooter (or bike) if it engine is less than 50 cc, or go for a spree on your tractor!

Learner drivers (cars and motorcycles) are also prohibited from motorways and with motorways becoming ever more complex all new drivers should take training with a professional instructor to learn about motorway driving.

You and your car:

It’s commonsense to have a vehicle that is fit for the road; however, this becomes even more important when you are contemplating a motorway journey. Driving at higher speeds over long distances is sure to test the weakest components of your vehicle. You can guarantee that if your car is about to break down it will do so miles from anywhere on a windy wet stretch of motorway – at night!

In the same way that your car needs to be in good condition, you also need to be fit and alert. The higher speeds on motorways mean that things can happen very quickly – a moment’s lapse of concentration could have dire consequences.

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

The main difference between an automatic and a manual is that you have less direct control of the car through the accelerator. In a manual car releasing the accelerator will almost always have a slowing effect on the car unless you are going downhill. This is because of an effect called ‘engine braking’ (the compression of the engine helps to hold the car back).

In an automatic, releasing the accelerator can often cause the car to shift up a gear, this removes the familiar engine braking effect and can make the car feel as if it is running away. Because of this you need to develop a habit of adjusting your speed early by ‘progressive’ braking and then using gentle acceleration to drive through the hazard situation (in this context a hazard means anything that causes you to slow down).

Controlled use of the accelerator is important whatever car you drive, manual or auto. In an automatic this is especially important. Harsh pressure on the gas pedal can cause the car to surge forward (or backward).
The one time that positive heavy acceleration can be useful is when getting away from a bank robbery – if you don’t rob banks it’s useful for overtaking.

Most automatics have a system called ‘Kick down’ for this purpose. When the accelerator is pressed to the floor the car will change down and hold a lower gear for power acceleration.

‘Park’ or ‘neutral’?

HandbrakeFrom time to time you will stop in traffic. On these occasions you need to make sure that the car is secure.

Whether driving a manual or automatic, it’s a good idea to use the handbrake to secure the car when you stop for more than a moment. This helps to prevent the car from being shunted forward if hit from behind.

In an automatic it’s even more important to use the handbrake than in a manual car; if you are hit from behind the car will try to take off! Stay in drive so that you are ready to move and apply the handbrake firmly. The footbrake is not an effective means of securing your car.

This is because your foot will lift off the brake if you are hit from behind. Using the footbrake is also anti-social and can be dangerous because brake lights can dazzle the driver behind, especially at night and in poor weather conditions.
If waiting a long time, apply the handbrake and then select neutral. This removes the chance of ‘creep’ if the handbrake is not securely applied (nobody’s perfect!). When parking use the ‘Park’ position as soon as you stop. This locks the transmission.

When to override the car’s choices

There are time when you might need to have more control over your car. Here are some examples:

driving on bendy country lanes (especially in sporty automatics)
keeping to low speed limits
descending hills
getting ready to overtake and avoiding the kick-down surge
When you choose one of the ‘manual’ gear positions you will prevent the car from changing to a gear higher than the one selected.

If you are a ‘petrolhead’, as you get to know your car, manual changes will become intuitive. If you simply use your car as a car – that is to get from A to B (now there’s a novel idea!) you might never feel the need to override the automatic changes.

Just do whatever gives you a sense of control for the type of driving you do – and if you are unsure, get some training from Experience Driving or by visiting driving lessons newcastle upon tyne.

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

If you pass a UK driving test in a car with manual gears you can drive all of the types here. If your pass in one of these automatic cars you cannot drive a manual car – you need to take a separate test.

There are several different types of ‘automatic’ transmission.

‘Full’ automatics: These are what we have been talking about in this section; they have a gearbox and torque converter to transmit the power to the driving wheels.

Semi-automatics: These have a gear lever but no clutch, so you change gear as normal but the car does the clutch bit for you.

Pre-selector systems allow a gear to be selected in advance and then activated when needed by pressing a pedal.

‘Tiptronic’ (Porsche) or ‘Sensonic’ (Saab) systems allow electronic sequential gear changing through + and – buttons or lever, usually built into the steering wheel (like in racing cars!). These cars have a clutch, but it’s operated by an electronic motor rather than directly by the driver.

Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT): This old system was pioneered by DAF amongst others and came back to life in the early 90’s; it’s now often found in small ‘automatics’. Rather than ‘stepped’ gears, this type of drive is infinitely variable and is controlled by accelerator pressure and speed. CVT usually has fewer selector choices than full automatics, typically: Park; Reverse; Neutral; Drive; and Low.

Electric cars: Generally have no gearing at all – the motor (or motors) drive the wheels directly.

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

The first thing you notice when getting into a car with automatic transmission is that there are only two pedals – it has no clutch. Hence the term ‘automatic’ – the car changes gear automatically without your direct intervention.

The term automatic simply refers to the gears and should not be confused with other features the car might have, such as traction control, electronic stability control, cruise control and so on – these features are also available in manual cars.

Most automatic transmission has something called a ‘torque converter’. This is complicated thing that you don’t need to know about unless you are thinking about becoming a vehicle technician – it transmits engine power to the gearbox and on to the driving wheels.

Most automatics still have gears, typically 3 or 4; some modern cars have different settings, operated by engine management wizardry. These settings allow you to choose different driving modes depending on the traffic conditions and your mood (for example, you might have a ‘sport’ setting).

Whatever automatic system the car is fitted with, all the driver has to do is stay awake, steer, brake and accelerate.

One foot or two?

Generally it’s best to use your right foot (only) when driving an automatic in normal conditions. The reasoning behind this is that it is unlikely that you will to need to brake and accelerate at the same time. Using one foot will encourage early planning through earlier release of the accelerator. This makes your passengers more comfortable – and safer.

In some automatics you might need two feet for slow speed manoeuvres; the accelerator to coax the car to move and the brake to check that movement quickly and effectively in a confined space. If you have never driven an auto before, practice two-foot low speed manoeuvring in a clear area, for example, a quiet car park, before trying to reverse into your garage, contact Experience Driving for more information or visit driving lessons newcastle upon tyne.