Learning to Drive Manual

In most parts of the country, you will find that drivers' education classes focus on vehicles that have an automatic transmission. First of all, it is probably a good idea to just learn how to drive a stick-shift. Driving a vehicle with manual transmission is a fun thing to do, and eventually becomes something not unlike riding a bike. For example, driving a small car with manual transmission will be entirely different than driving a big pick-up truck. By knowing how to drive a stick shift, you will be a more well-rounded, well-prepared driver in the future. If you have the opportunity to do so, take advantage of the experience it will be to learn how to drive a stick-shift vehicle. 

When learning to drive a manual, you will receive a full, unrestricted driving license, which will allow you to drive any vehicle within the class of the license - regardless of whether it is a manual or automatic. For those taking their test driving an automatic car though, they will receive a license that only allows them to drive automatic cars, which can be a problem as the majority of cars on British roads are manuals.

In conclusion, there are always going to be people who want to learn to drive automatic cars, but those who pass in a manual have a massive advantage. 

Do you think that learning to drive a stick shift car is unnecessary? You might miss out on some incredible things in life if you do not know how to drive a stick shift.

How is it possible that not knowing how to drive a manual transmission car at any way affect your life? I looked down and noticed that it was a manual transmission car.

In my life, I have never rented a car that has a manual transmission. I didn't even know that this was a possibility because I thought that all cars in rental car agencies had automatic transmissions.

I did not know how to drive a stick shift. Driving a stick is like learning a new language: you need practice to iron out the wrinkles. 

This happened to me when I learned how to drive a stick shift. Little did she know of my conviction to get my driver's license, and a car, while they were out of town.

So, I had a goal of getting a car and a driver's license quickly. However, how do you get a car without a driver's license? Well, I called my friend Jenny who gratuitously offered to drive me to the car dealership. I had searched for the best new car incentives and picked out my car in the newspaper. Upon visiting the dealership, I quickly realized that the car in question had a manual transmission.

The car died. After about one hour of driving around in my neighborhood, I had basically learned how to drive this stick shift.

Driving tests: cancelled or stopped tests and bad weather

Sometimes the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) has to cancel or stop driving and riding tests because of things like bad weather or vehicle problems. Find out what happens if your test is cancelled or stopped, and what you need to do when there's bad weather.

More information at DirectGov: Driving tests: cancelled or stopped tests and bad weather

Changes To The Theory Test From 23rd January 2012

From 23rd January 2012 the multiple-choice questions used in the Theory Test will no longer be published.


Alternative questions to assist in learning and revision can be found in commercially available books, software and other Theory Test study materials.


The format of the Theory Test itself will not change.


See Changes to the theory test: the facts for more information.

Directional Change

Directional Change is somewhat the same as vertical parking. It's just a lot easier because the reversing lot is 1 metre wider than the vertical parking lot and if you haven't already notice, it's actually almost the same size as a handicap parking lot.
As the name suggests, we are changing the direction of our vehicle within a limited space.


Upon turning into the directional change course, position your car in the center of the lane and slowly move forward and stop once you see the front kerb below your right side mirror. (look out of your driver's side window to see the front kerb)







Immediately engage to reverse gear and signal right.
( Check to see if there's a vehicle in the reversing lot, if there is wait till the vehicle moves out of the lot before doing your safety checks.)
Do your safety checks, Front, Left and Back.
Check your blindspot on the right.



Once safe, reverse your vehicle and turn the steering wheel full lock to the right.
Check the right side mirror to ensure that the rear right wheel doesn't hit the kerb.
Check to your left to make sure it's safe to continue reversing to the right.

Continue to reverse slowly till the car is almost straighten (parallel with the left and right kerb), then turn the steering wheel 2 round to the left to straighten the wheels and vehicle.



Stop the vehicle after straightening the wheels, turn your head and look behind before reversing into the lot.
Reverse till your side mirrors covers the left and right kerbs then stop. (make sure you know the position of your vehicle in the lot as it determine how you going to turn out.)



Immediately engage to drive gear and signal left.
Check for safety left and right before turning out.

Blitz on drivers using mobile phones while driving

SINGAPORE : The Traffic Police went on a 3-hour blitz on Thursday to catch those who drive and use their mobile phones at the same time.

IT MAY be a convenient way of finding your way around - but using an iPhone app while driving could be a short cut to a fine or jail sentence.

Many motorists do not realise it, but keying in destinations or looking at a smartphone for directions while driving is illegal.

2,609 motorists have been caught so far this year for using their mobile phones while driving. 

That is just a slight 6.4 per cent dip over last year, when 2,788 drivers were caught for the offence.

It is a dangerous habit that the Traffic Police wants to see curtailed.

Thursday's operation covered areas such as Geylang, Bedok and Tampines.

Two drivers were caught red-handed.

The officers trailed the suspects' cars for at least 10 seconds before approaching them.

Their phones were confiscated, but their SIM cards were returned to them.

The mobile phones can only be retrieved after about two weeks to a month, when the fines are settled.

A first-time offender can incur 12 demerit points on top of a S$200 fine for using a mobile phone while driving.





- CNA/al

Changes To Theory Test: DSA to stop publishing questions used in theory tests

The Driving Standards Agency is to stop publishing the multiple choice questions and answers used in theory tests. This will help to ensure that new drivers learn the principles behind driving theory rather than just learning answers. 

Road Safety Minister Mike Penning said:

"The driving theory test should help to prepare drivers for real life on the road - good driving is not just about vehicle-handling skills, but also about having the knowledge and understanding of safe driving theory.

"No longer publishing these questions and answers will mean that successful candidates will have to understand the theory rather than simply memorising answers.

"I believe that this - along with the other changes we are making to the driving test regime - will lead to better drivers and safer roads."

In September 2011 DSA will change the format of books and other learning materials available to help people prepare for theory tests. This will take place at the same time as more challenging case studies are introduced to car and motorcycle theory tests.

Then, from 1 January 2012, DSA will create theory tests using questions which will not be published.

Practice questions and answers, not used in theory tests, will still be available to help candidates with revision.

Other companies which publish products containing DSA theory test questions will also no longer have access to the questions used in the tests.

Source: http://dsa.gov.uk/News.asp?id=SX728C-A78385E5

Don't leave the engine on

Motorists get a message: Don't leave the engine on 
More complaints, but few fined for infringing this little-known law 
By Christopher Tan, Senior Correspondent 

THE number of complaints against motorists who leave the engines of stationary vehicles running has been rising. 

Last year, the National Environment Agency (NEA) received more than 2,700 complaints from the public, up from about 1,600 in 2008 and just over 1,000 in 2007. In the first seven months of this year, it received more than 1,300 complaints, most of which are from people in residential estates and passers-by, annoyed by the noise and fumes. 

But even as the number of complaints goes up, just a handful of motorists have been taken to task. Only four have been fined $70 each since last year, and about 600 issued warning letters. 

The NEA, which could not provide infringement figures for earlier years, has enforced the law with a light touch because it understands that motorists want to keep their engines - and air-conditioners - running in this hot and humid climate. 

As part of an 'education' process, however, it has issued 'advisories' to some 6,400 motorists who have been reported by the public in the last three years. Discussion threads in online motoring forums indicate that not many drivers know it is illegal to leave their vehicle engines running while stationary, say, when they are waiting for someone to turn up. 

Going by the Environmental Protection and Management (Vehicular Emissions) Regulations, which date back to 1999, the only time it is all right to do so is when a vehicle is in traffic. The law provides for offenders to be charged in court and dealt fines of up to $2,000 for first-time infringements and $5,000 for repeat cases. 

'Leaving an engine running while stationary is inconsiderate,' an NEA spokesman said, as it creates unnecessary noise and air pollution. 

Observers say more can be done. 

Singapore Environment Council executive director Howard Shaw described switching off the engine while waiting as 'a minor inconvenience', hot and humid as it is here.'We don't have 40-degree temperatures, and we have plenty of shade,' he said. 'It's a matter of winding down the windows or getting out of the car.' (getting out of car? also can fine for unattended vehicle) 

Idling engines are a problem when taxis wait in line for passengers, like at the airport, or when coaches wait by the roadside while tourists shop, he noted. 'They contribute significantly to CO2 emissions,' he said. 

Retiree Lee Chiu San, 64, said: 'If I'm alone in the car, I wind down the windows and kill the engine as a matter of principle. 'But with passengers, there can be serious disagreement.' 

'I think it is a great law that now needs to be enforced here, CO2 emissions being the biggest reason, of course.' 

Meanwhile, European car manufacturers from Fiat to BMW are incorporating stop-start mechanisms in their cars. These cut off the engine when the car comes to a stop at the lights, and restart it when the accelerator is depressed. 

The technology is beginning to appear in cars imported into Singapore. Volkswagen's Polo BlueMotion 1.2TDI is one such model. 

But the issue of leaving engines running even when the motorist is not in traffic remains. Some cabbies here have two sets of ignition keys - one to keep the engine and air-conditioning running and the other to lock the vehicle with while they have their breaks. 

Cabby Tony Pang, 60, said: 'This is so passengers don't complain of the heat. 

'It used to be a common practice, but not so now, since diesel is so expensive. But I know some older drivers still do it. It's a matter of choice.'

What's Happening To The Driving Test In October 2010?

The UK driving test is changing from 4th October 2010!

A new independent driving section will be introduced to test how you make your own decisions when driving. The examiner will ask you to drive independently for around 10 minutes by either following traffic signs, a series of directions, or a combination of both. If you're asked to follow a series of verbal directions, you'll be shown a diagram to help you.

The Driving Standards Agency say:
"The aim is to show that you can handle road and traffic conditions safely, while following a series of traffic signs or verbal directions. It doesn't matter if you don't remember every direction, or if you go the wrong way - this can happen to the most experienced drivers. If you ask for a reminder of the directions, the examiner will be happy to confirm them to you. If you go off the independent driving route, nothing will be marked unless you commit a driving fault."

The driving test will NOT get longer (driving tests last for approximately 40 minutes) so in order to allow time for the independant driving section, test candidates will only have to do one reversing manouevre instead of two as they do at present (the examiner will still choose from turn in the road, parallel park, bay park or reverse around a corner). As at present, one in three test candidates will also be asked to do an emergency stop.

The cost of taking a driving test will NOT increase from October 2010.

For more details on the new driving test and the latest news and updates from the Driving Standards Agency, please see:
Driving Test October 2010 Changes

Changes To The Driving Test In October 2010 - Independent Driving

There will be two important changes to the UK driving test commencing on 4th October 2010:

1) a new section on independent driving,

2) a reduction in the number of reversing manoeuvres candidates will need to do
 
For more information about the changes to the driving test and how this will affect test candidates please see:
 
Driving Test October 2010 Changes

UK Road Signs Quiz - Prepare For Your Theory Test!

How well do YOU know your road signs?

How good are you at identifying road signs?

Can you tell the difference between the "ahead only" sign and the sign for "one-way traffic"? Do you get the signs for "no stopping" and "no waiting" mixed up? Even drivers with many years experience get confused by unfamiliar road signs!

When you take your Theory Test you'll be expected to be able to identify several UK traffic signs during the test and when you're driving, a thorough knowledge of traffic signs and road markings will make you a much safer driver!

Test your knowledge of UK road signs with this free 20 question traffic signs quiz:
Know Your Traffic Signs Quiz

Parallel Parking

1. Position the car more to the left (the left side kerb should be inline with your own point on the wiper) and ahead of the parking lot. *Remember to straighten the car (left side of the car parallel with the left kerb) and steering wheel.

2. Change to reverse gear, check rearview mirror and signal left.

3. Check safety on the right, front and look through the rear windscreen.

4. Look over your left shoulder through the left rear door window and reverse the car slowly.

5. Reverse the car slowly till it reaches your turning point, then turn the steering wheel one round to the left and continue to reverse.

*Note: the picture above is just a general guide and it might not reflect your turning point because everyone has their own turning point. 

*You can adjust the left side mirror to view whether your rear left wheel will hit the kerb or not at this point as the picture above and once you confirm the left side won't hit the kerb you can now shift your attention to the right side.

6. While reversing, look at your right side mirror - when you see the right side of your car reaches the black color kerb, turn the steering wheel one round to the right.

7. Adjust your right side mirror till you can see your rear right wheel and continue to reverse.

8. When the rear right wheel sits on the yellow line, turn the steering wheel full-lock to the right and continue to reverse slowly.

*Note: Turning the steering wheel before the rear left wheel sits on the yellow line will cause the front left wheel to hit the front kerb and also resulting in the car being parked outside the lot. Turning the steering wheel after the rear left wheel crosses the line will result in your rear left wheel hitting the left kerb or resulting in your car being park too near to the left kerb.

9. Reverse and stop before the rear wheel hits the kerb behind then change to D gear and using the forward motion to straighten the car and steering wheel.

10. Position the car in the center of the parking lot, engage gear to P and apply handbrake,  then raise your hand to let the tester know that you are done with the parking.

Moving out of the parking lot


1.  Select R and release the handbrake.

2.  Turn the steering wheel one round to the left while reversing slowly.

3. Stop before hitting the rear kerb.

4. Adjust back the side mirrors.

5. Change to D , check mirrors, signal right, check your blindspot, if safe, turn the steering wheel full-lock to the right very quickly while moving forward. (remember the car needs to move very slowly at this point and the steering wheel needs to be turn fast.)

6. When the left corner of the front windscreen is inline with the left kerb as the picture above, check blindspot again then turn the steering wheel to the left as the car moves forward.


*Do NOT turn the steering wheel faster then the car this time or the rear wheel will hit the left kerb, just turn the steering wheel to match the speed of the car as you move out*

Recommended Books & DVD's For Learner Drivers

Pass Your Driving Test With The Help Of Recommended Books & DVD's For Learner Drivers!

There are so many study aids for learners on the market - so how do you know which are the best?

We've put together a selection of tried and tested learner driver books and DVDs which will reinforce what you learn during your driving lessons and help you to learn and maintain the safe driving skills which you'll need for your driving test - and beyond!

For more information, check out:
Best Books For Learner Drivers

Best DVDs For Learner Drivers

Test fees.

Length of tests and test prices won't change when independent #driving is introduced.

Independent driving from October 2010.

Independent driving will be included in the driving test from October 2010.

Candidates will be asked to drive for a period of about ten minutes by following direction signs and road markings without instruction from the examiner.

Please use the link on the main web site to view the DSA official video.

http://www.kelvinwhitedrivingschool.co.uk/view/6

The passes keep coming.

The passes keep coming with 12 passes in just 9 days.

Special praise for STAR driver Scott Webber who passed at the first attempt with a FAUTLESS drive.

You can all enjoy the joys of independent driving and the June sunshine for cruising.

Congratulations to all concerned.

Great Gifts & Perfect Presents For Learner Drivers!

Learning to drive isn't cheap...so if you know someone who is learning to drive or who wants to start driving lessons, get them off to a good start with a really useful gift!

Gift Ideas For Learner Drivers has a wide selection of learner driver gift packs, driving test software, books and DVDs and lots of other learning to drive essentials, all of which make great birthday gifts and Christmas presents for learner drivers!

For more information, check out:
Gifts For Learner Drivers

Test booking site's

Beware of unnoficial test booking site's.

The cost of the theory test is £31.00

The cost of the practical test is £62.00

DO NOT PAY ANYMORE THAN THIS.

Use the official DSA test booking site at http://bit.ly/DSA-bookings
OR use the link on our test booking page.

Grade six trainer.

Last week 11th May was our bi annual O.R.D.I.T. assessment and pleased to announce that during the check test of ability to provde driving instructor training a maximum score of 14 sixes were recorded.This is the highest score that can be recorded and it's great to know that the service we supply to the general public is of the highest standard.

8 Practical Passes in just Five days.

Lots of hard work has paid off for eight of our student's.We are delighted that we have produced eight new full licence holder's in the last 5 days.What a great time to pass your driving test with a spell of hot summer weather it's time to go cruising.

Congratulations to the following:

Emily Elson
Aaron Carter
Colin Mathews
Abi George
Ollie Biddulph
Liam Bowden
Daniel Case

STAR DRIVER Mark Wardle Passed with NO FAULTS.

Thinking "What If"

What is - 'What If'.......??

When learning to drive one of the major problems for everyone is a lack of road-experience.

Most drivers who have been driving for some time will have built up an internal data base of 'Where things went wrong before'. They will have encountered problems that will have ranged from a mild 'Mmm, I didn't expect that to happen' to possibly the very more serious and potentially lethal incidents that will have been a huge shock to them. All these events will have been automatically catalogued and stored in the subconscious part of the brain. As these memories are reinforced by further incidents the subconscious brain, along with the conscious part of the brain, will be warning the driver about problems that may arise as they navigate their way down the road.

Unfortunately a learner or new driver doesn't have this data to rely on (yet). This means that the learner and new driver will have to make a deliberate effort to consciously think about all the possible problems that may lay ahead.

Think' What if?' Imagine that you are driving down a road and you intend to turn either left, right, blind junction*, or through a filter lane.

• What if there is a lorry coming towards me on the wrong side of the road ? Will I be able to stop in a position that is safe and not causing any problems?
  
  
• What if there are cars parked on my side of the road just around the corner? Will I be travelling at a speed that allows me to react and stop in a position that is out of the way of any approaching vehicles?
  
  
• What if there is a pedestrian just stepping off the pavement just around the corner?
  
  
• Etc. Etc.

This What if.......? should be applied to all driving, especially when you are approaching situations where there is not enough information!

When thinking 'What if?', think about the situations that will really cause you problems. For example, if you are thinking that there may be a vehicle approaching, don't just think of an average car - think about the so called boy-racers. (You know the ones I mean? The ones who are causing your car insurance to be in excess of one thousand dollars because they are making a habit of writing off cars and in the process injuring and killing themselves and others!!) These drivers can go fast but the problem is that they don't have the skill, the experience and probably the wit to take care of things when things go wrong. They may be coming towards you on the wrong side of the road, as you go around that blind corner!

You  should not only be going at a speed that allows you stop in time but be going slow enough to allow the other driver (who is approaching you far too quickly) not only to see you but also allow them their panicky 'freeze-on-the-controls' moment before they actually start using the brakes.

* Blind Junction - A junction where the driver cannot gain much information on the approach due to sharp corners, houses, parked vehicles, hedges etc.

Thinking ' What if.......?'  will help you drive defensively and keep out of trouble.