Learning to Drive
NIGELS SCHOOL OF MOTORING
Learning to drive takes a great deal of time and effort and involves a
structured approach to prepare you for your driving career, not just to pass your
test. Driving is an acquired skill and better driver behaviour makes an enormous
difference in reducing the number of road casualties.
How many lessons will you need? When I started teaching driving it was
possible to learn in approximately 15 lessons. However with the new test being
more involved and with the introduction of more reverse manoeuvres, coupled with
the fact tests are now conducted on National speed limits as well as in
town,the number of lessons has increased. Your friends have probably told you that
they only took 12 lessons before passing their test, which is possible with
private practise, but is more than likely a slight exaggeration. The DSA states
the average number of lessons for a pupil to reach test standard is 40 hours.
Of course I understand the issue of cost and that you may be relying on a
family to foot the bill. I will endeavour to get you mobile as soon as possible,
but I need to insure that learners presented for test are at, if not above,
test standard and that they acquire a safe driving practise for life!
As from 1st January 1997 car driving test candidates must pass a separate
theory test, as well as the practical test, before qualifying for a full driving
licence. As from 14 Nov. 2002 candidates will also sit a Hazard Perception
Test.
Part One: The Theory Test Cost £31.00
Booking Telephone Line Number. 0300 200 1122
Or Book on line at www.direct.gov.uk
Taken at the St. Nicholas Street Centre. Make sure you are well prepared
before you attempt the test. The Highway Code is essential reading. At present you must answer
43 questions correctly out of 50 in 57 minutes and achieve 44 out of 75 marks
on the HP test to be successful. You must pass the theory test before you can
apply for the practical test.
Part Two: The Practical Test Cost £62.00
Booking Telephone Line Number. 0300 200 1122
Or Book on line at www.direct.gov.uk
Taken at the Cayton Low Road Centre. The test is to see if you are competent
to drive.
Can handle your vehicle safely and show courtesy and consideration to other
road users.
When learning you will go on as many different types of road as possible and
practice all the test exercises.
Plans to improve the practical driving test were introduced on the 4th May
1999. These will included about seven minutes longer, making the test about 45
minutes. Driving on higher speed dual carriageways and rural single carriage
roads. The reverse parking manoeuvre will sometimes be switched to the start
or end of the test, and could take place off road at the centre. This may now
be in the form of reversing into a parking bay, between two parallel white
lines. Candidate will fail if he or she commits more than 15 minor driving
faults. A new driving test was introduced in Sept. 2003, to include vehicle safety
checks before you drive.
STARTING TO DRIVE
BEFORE YOU START TO DRIVE ALWAYS FOLLOW THE COCKPIT DRILL.
Make these checks for the safety of yourself, your passengers and other road
users.
Every time you get into your vehicle, check that
1 All doors are properly closed.
2 The driving seat is in the best position, and you can
- see clearly in all directions.
- reach ALL the controls comfortably.
3 The mirrors are clean and correctly adjusted.
4 You and your passengers have your seat-belts on.
5 You have enough fuel for the journey.
STARTING THE ENGINE.
After you have made the preliminary checks and you are settled comfortably in
the driving seat, begin the drill for starting the engine.
1 Check the handbrake is on by trying to pull it on slightly further.
2 Check that the gear lever is in neutral. You should be able to move it easily from side to side and when you let go of it, it should sit between 3rd and 4th gear.
3 Switch on the ignition by turning the key. If it will not turn, then the steering lock is on. To remove the lock, lift the steering wheel slightly and turn the key at the same time.
4 On the second turn of the key, the ignition,the handbrake and the oil
warning lights will come on. As this is a diesel engine, in winter
a yellow glow plug lamp will also come on. The starter should only be
operated when the indicator light goes out, allowing time for the
pre-heating device to operate.
5 Operate the starter by turning the key a little further.
6 Release the starter key as soon as the engine begins running, otherwise the starter could be damaged. Avoid operating the starter if the engine is already running.
WHEN THE ENGINE STARTS.
1 Press the accelerator slightly to help the engine keep running.
2 As soon as the engine is running smoothly, take your foot off the accelerator. The engine is now idling or ticking over.
YOU ARE NOW READY TO MOVE OFF.
You now have to decide whether you are on the flat, uphill or downhill.
MOVING OFF UP HILL.
1. With your left foot, press the clutch pedal fully down and hold it down.
2. Move gear lever from neutral into first gear. (move it left then
forward). If it wont engage,
-Move gear lever back to neutral
-Let out the clutch and press it down again
-Repeat steps 1 and 2
3. With your right foot, press the accelerator slightly and hold it
steady. The engine should now give a lively, even hum.
4. Slowly and smoothly, let up the clutch pedal until you hear the engine
noise change slightly. This change means the clutch is at the BITING
point. With experience, you will be able to feel the biting point.
- The biting point is when the clutch plates engage.
YOU MUST BE ABLE TO FIND IT WHEN YOU BRING UP THE CLUTCH PEDAL
5. Hold the clutch pedal steady in this position.
6. Make your final safety check:
- Use your mirrors.
- Look over your right shoulder to check the blind spot.
7. Decide if a signal is necessary. The timing of any signal is crucial.
8. If it is safe to move off, be ready to release the handbrake.
9. Look round again if necessary and keep an eye on your mirrors.
10. When you are sure it is safe to move off:
- Release the handbrake and hold the vehicle still.
- Then let the clutch pedal come up a little more. The vehicle will begin to move.
11. Gradually, press the accelerator for more speed and at the same time, let
the clutch come up, still smoothly, then take your left foot off the clutch pedal.
CLUTCH CONTROL. Essential to good driving.
CONGRATULATIONS YOU HAVE JUST DRIVEN YOUR FIRST FEW METRES.
