Taking your theory test
The multiple choice part is delivered using a touch screen computer and the hazard perception part records your responses through the use of a computer mouse button.
If you pass one part and fail the other you'll fail the whole test, and you'll need to take both parts again.
The questions in each multiple choice test vary according to the category of vehicle you're hoping to obtain a licence for, ie a motorcycle theory test will contain specific questions that don't appear in any other test.
For the hazard perception test there are no separate versions for different vehicles, each vehicle category takes the same test, however the pass mark is different for different categories of tests.
Part one - multiple choice
Before the test starts you'll be given instructions on how the test works.
You can also choose to go through a practice session of the multiple choice questions to get used to the layout of the test. At the end of the practice session the real test will begin.
A question and several answer options will appear onscreen and you have to select the correct answer to the question by touching the screen. Some questions may require more than one answer.
For cars and motorcycles you'll be asked 50 questions in 57 minutes and the pass mark is 43 out of 50.
For lorries and buses you'll be asked 60 questions in 70 minutes and the pass mark is 51 out of 60.
You can navigate between questions and 'flag' questions that you want to come back to later in the test. After the multiple choice part you can choose to have a break of up to three minutes before the hazard perception part starts.
Part two - hazard perception
After the break you'll then be shown a short tutorial video clip about how the hazard perception part works.
The hazard perception part is also delivered on a computer but you respond by clicking a button on the mouse. You'll be presented with a series of 14 video clips which feature every day road scenes. In each clip there'll be at least one developing hazard, but one of the clips will feature two developing hazards.
To achieve a high score you'll need to respond to the developing hazard during the early part of its development. The maximum you can score on each hazard is five.
You won't be able to review your answers to the hazard perception test; as on the road, you'll only have one chance to respond to the developing hazard.
The pass mark for the car and motorcycle hazard perception part of the theory test is 44 out of 75. For lorries and buses the pass mark is 50 out of 75.
At the end of the test
At the end of the hazard perception part of the theory test you'll be invited to answer a number of customer survey questions.
You don't have to answer the questions if you don't want to, and any information given is anonymous and confidential. The survey questions don't affect the result of the test.
When you have finished the test you may leave the examination room. Once you have left the room, you'll not be allowed to enter it again. You'll then be given your result by the test centre staff.
Preparing for the theory test
We strongly recommend that all candidates prepare thoroughly for the test. To help prepare we recommend The Highway Code, relevant books from our Essential Skills series and Know Your Traffic Signs. The official theory test books and CD-Roms contain the multiple choice questions. The CD-Roms show screens similar to those used in the multiple choice part of the test and information about hazard perception.
Being a safe driver with good hazard perception skills means being able to use speed correctly, keeping the correct distance between yourself and other road users, scanning the road effectively, anticipating and planning for potential hazards.
All these skills can be taught effectively. You should prepare with a 'Blue' professional instructor as part of a structured programme of on-road tuition, covering the recommended syllabus.
Your Blue School of Motoring Instructor will help you prepare for the the Theory Test, you can purchase any training material by phoning our office on: 0800 234 6823
Blue School of Motoring
Sunday, 8 June 2008
Driving Test Tips
Top tips for your Driving Test
With more and more people learning to drive, Blue School of Motoring presents a guide of Top Tips to help you with your driving test.
The biggest driving test tip is not to book a driving test unless you feel ready! If you don't feel confident, check with your driving instructor whether you are ready for your driving test.
It's natural to feel slightly nervous on the day of your driving test. Don't let this worry you too much. Stay calm and drive as you have been driving with your driving instructor, don’t drive any differently just because an examiner is sitting next to you.
Always check your mirrors and indicate before stopping or moving off during your driving test. Look carefully over your shoulder to check your blind spots. Failure to do the latter will most certainly get you a minor fault mark, and could be potentially hazardous to other road users.
Don't look down at the gear stick when you change gear during your driving test. You should always keep your eyes on the road, constantly scanning the far, middle and near distance.
Always indicate correctly and in good time, this helps other road to know your intentions.
Do not stop at every junction during your driving test unless it is necessary. For example, if you stop at a roundabout when it's obvious that you're clear to go, you may pick up marks for hesitancy. However, where the road sign tells you to "Stop", you must do so.
Don't get too close to stationary vehicles or obstructions. Always keep a look out for pedestrians stepping out onto the road.
If you have to overtake cyclists during your driving test, give them plenty of clearance (about the width of an average-sized car). Don't follow them too closely.When reversing, keep looking round for road users. Never continue reversing as another road user is passing.
Use your mirrors before you change speed (up or down), change gear, stop or move off and whenever you change direction in your driving test.
If you think you’re heading for the kerb when reversing round a corner, stay calm. Make all round observations first , then pull forward and correct yourself. This is a much better approach than carrying on and hitting the kerb!
If another vehicle approaches while you're performing a turn in the road during your driving test, don't panic. Make eye contact with the other driver first - if it's clear that he is waiting for you, continue calmly with your manoeuvre, but check all round first. Otherwise wait until he's driven past you before proceeding. In addition, while you should do your best to complete a turn in the road in three movements, you will not automatically fail your driving test if you take more then three. The important point is to look out for other road users and complete it at a reasonable pace.
Don't panic if you make a mistake during your driving test. The examiner will not automatically fail you. Remain calm and move on. The national pass rate for the practical test is 42%.
It is recommended that prior to taking your test you should have had 40 hours in-car tuition with a qualified driving instructor and then another 25-30 hours practice with friends or family.
These tips are provided in conjunction with Blue School of Motoring - a driving school that gets results for learner drivers in
Blue School of Motoring
0800 234 6823
Contact Us
With more and more people learning to drive, Blue School of Motoring presents a guide of Top Tips to help you with your driving test.
The biggest driving test tip is not to book a driving test unless you feel ready! If you don't feel confident, check with your driving instructor whether you are ready for your driving test.
It's natural to feel slightly nervous on the day of your driving test. Don't let this worry you too much. Stay calm and drive as you have been driving with your driving instructor, don’t drive any differently just because an examiner is sitting next to you.
Always check your mirrors and indicate before stopping or moving off during your driving test. Look carefully over your shoulder to check your blind spots. Failure to do the latter will most certainly get you a minor fault mark, and could be potentially hazardous to other road users.
Don't look down at the gear stick when you change gear during your driving test. You should always keep your eyes on the road, constantly scanning the far, middle and near distance.
Always indicate correctly and in good time, this helps other road to know your intentions.
Do not stop at every junction during your driving test unless it is necessary. For example, if you stop at a roundabout when it's obvious that you're clear to go, you may pick up marks for hesitancy. However, where the road sign tells you to "Stop", you must do so.
Don't get too close to stationary vehicles or obstructions. Always keep a look out for pedestrians stepping out onto the road.
If you have to overtake cyclists during your driving test, give them plenty of clearance (about the width of an average-sized car). Don't follow them too closely.When reversing, keep looking round for road users. Never continue reversing as another road user is passing.
Use your mirrors before you change speed (up or down), change gear, stop or move off and whenever you change direction in your driving test.
If you think you’re heading for the kerb when reversing round a corner, stay calm. Make all round observations first , then pull forward and correct yourself. This is a much better approach than carrying on and hitting the kerb!
If another vehicle approaches while you're performing a turn in the road during your driving test, don't panic. Make eye contact with the other driver first - if it's clear that he is waiting for you, continue calmly with your manoeuvre, but check all round first. Otherwise wait until he's driven past you before proceeding. In addition, while you should do your best to complete a turn in the road in three movements, you will not automatically fail your driving test if you take more then three. The important point is to look out for other road users and complete it at a reasonable pace.
Don't panic if you make a mistake during your driving test. The examiner will not automatically fail you. Remain calm and move on. The national pass rate for the practical test is 42%.
It is recommended that prior to taking your test you should have had 40 hours in-car tuition with a qualified driving instructor and then another 25-30 hours practice with friends or family.
These tips are provided in conjunction with Blue School of Motoring - a driving school that gets results for learner drivers in
Blue School of Motoring
0800 234 6823
Contact Us
Driving Lessons in Camberely
Blue School of Motoring in Camberley. Learn to Drive in Camberley.
Blue School of Motoring has been teaching students to learn to drive in Camberley for several years.
Learning to drive in the Camberley area is always a good experience with a Blue School of Motoring driving instructor. The local area roads can be a demanding experience for the novice driver, especially with so much work being carried out in the Camberley area. With new building work going on near the town centre, there are always plenty of road works to contend with, and especially how to deal with the Meadows Roundabout. Learn to drive in Camberley with the experts.
Your Camberley Driving Instructor will provide the complete driver training course that will help you to achieve the required standard to pass the Driving Standards Agency theory and driving tests. Learning to drive in Camberley with us, will give the learner driver a better understanding of how to cope with changes in the local area. We can provide driving lessons in Camberley in Manual cars or Automatic cars.
Learning to drive in Camberley with Blue School of Motoring can help get through some of the more challenging road systems around the town centre, like the Meadows Roundabout, which is on the Farnborough test route. There are plenty of complex junctions that one of our Camberley Driving Instructors can help you negotiate, especially along the A331. The town centre gets very busy and its always a god idea to know an alternative route, so that will make driving in Camberley that much easier.
Blue School of Motoring instructors have a high success rate, with most of our students for the driving school coming from recommendations, like the one below:
Jo (Camberley)
I passed my driving test with Blue School of Motoring, I only got just a few minors, and did bay park did it first time no faults and have already driven to work on my own. I have recommended all of my friends to use them for their driving lessons, their great.
Your Camberley based Blue School of Motoring Driving Instructor will advise you where to do your theory test, and also your practical driving test. So for driving lessons in Camberley use Blue. The below are some of the local centres where you can apply to take your tests:
Theory Test
Aldershot
Basingstoke
Reading
Staines
Practical Driving Test
Basingstoke
Chertsey
Farnborough
Reading
Please be advised it’s always best to talk to your Camberley Driving Instructor before booking your theory or driving test.
All our Camberley driving instructors are patient and calm, with a friendly and professional approach. The Blue goal is to provide a structured and professional training programme to all our students, who learn to drive in Camberley, which will cover all aspects of the driving syllabus, this will enable you to develop as a safer driver for the rest of your life.
Blue School of Motoring is expanding all the time, so if you don't see your area listed here please contact us as we may be able to help you, or call us for a driving lesson in Camberley at the driving school on 01276 805227.
If you'd like to book lessons or pay for lessons with Blue School of Motoring you can do this online via this website by filling in the form on our book lessons page.
All our Camberley Driving Instructors follow our driving instructor code of conduct. Please click on the link to read it.
Blue School of Motoring has been teaching students to learn to drive in Camberley for several years.
Learning to drive in the Camberley area is always a good experience with a Blue School of Motoring driving instructor. The local area roads can be a demanding experience for the novice driver, especially with so much work being carried out in the Camberley area. With new building work going on near the town centre, there are always plenty of road works to contend with, and especially how to deal with the Meadows Roundabout. Learn to drive in Camberley with the experts.
Your Camberley Driving Instructor will provide the complete driver training course that will help you to achieve the required standard to pass the Driving Standards Agency theory and driving tests. Learning to drive in Camberley with us, will give the learner driver a better understanding of how to cope with changes in the local area. We can provide driving lessons in Camberley in Manual cars or Automatic cars.
Learning to drive in Camberley with Blue School of Motoring can help get through some of the more challenging road systems around the town centre, like the Meadows Roundabout, which is on the Farnborough test route. There are plenty of complex junctions that one of our Camberley Driving Instructors can help you negotiate, especially along the A331. The town centre gets very busy and its always a god idea to know an alternative route, so that will make driving in Camberley that much easier.
Blue School of Motoring instructors have a high success rate, with most of our students for the driving school coming from recommendations, like the one below:
Jo (Camberley)
I passed my driving test with Blue School of Motoring, I only got just a few minors, and did bay park did it first time no faults and have already driven to work on my own. I have recommended all of my friends to use them for their driving lessons, their great.
Your Camberley based Blue School of Motoring Driving Instructor will advise you where to do your theory test, and also your practical driving test. So for driving lessons in Camberley use Blue. The below are some of the local centres where you can apply to take your tests:
Theory Test
Aldershot
Basingstoke
Reading
Staines
Practical Driving Test
Basingstoke
Chertsey
Farnborough
Reading
Please be advised it’s always best to talk to your Camberley Driving Instructor before booking your theory or driving test.
All our Camberley driving instructors are patient and calm, with a friendly and professional approach. The Blue goal is to provide a structured and professional training programme to all our students, who learn to drive in Camberley, which will cover all aspects of the driving syllabus, this will enable you to develop as a safer driver for the rest of your life.
Blue School of Motoring is expanding all the time, so if you don't see your area listed here please contact us as we may be able to help you, or call us for a driving lesson in Camberley at the driving school on 01276 805227.
If you'd like to book lessons or pay for lessons with Blue School of Motoring you can do this online via this website by filling in the form on our book lessons page.
All our Camberley Driving Instructors follow our driving instructor code of conduct. Please click on the link to read it.
Driving Lessons in Bracknell
Blue School of Motoring in Bracknell. Learn to Drive in Bracknell
Blue School of Motoring has been teaching students to learn to drive in Bracknell for many years now. We have a very high pass rate.
Learning to drive in the Bracknell area is a great experience with a Blue School of Motoring instructor. The local area roads can be a demanding experience for the novice driver, especially with so much work being carried out on the roads in the Bracknell area. With new building work going on near the town centre, there are always plenty of road works to contend with. Learn to drive in Bracknell with the experts.
Your Bracknell Driving Instructor will provide the complete training course that will help you to achieve the required standard to pass the Driving Standards Agency theory and driving tests. Learning to drive in Bracknell with us, will give you the learner driver a better understanding of how to cope with changes in the local area. We can provide driving lessons in Bracknell in Manual cars or Automatic cars.
Learning to drive in Bracknell offers a great choice of different road systems to learn on, from the busy congested streets of Priestwood, Harmans Water & Bullbrook, where there are lots of parked vehicles, to the complex junctions at Twin Bridges and the Sainsbury’s roundabouts There are a great deal of dual carriageways, that link in and out of Bracknell, and these can become like a car park at times, so the more local knowledge you get about learning to drive in Bracknell from a Blue School of Motoring Driving Instructor the easier your commuting life will be.
Blue School of Motoring Driving instructors have a high success rate, with most of our students for the driving school coming from recommendations from other students that have successfully passed their practical driving tests with us, like the one below:
Penny (Bracknell)
I passed my driving test first time with Blue School of Motoring, I only got a few minor faults and have already driven on the motorway after doing a pass plus course. I have recommended all of my friends to use them for their driving lessons, their great.
Your Bracknell based Blue School of Motoring Driving Instructor will advise you where to do your theory test, and also your practical driving test. So for driving lessons in Bracknell use Blue. The below are some of the local centres where you can apply to take your tests:
Theory Test
Aldershot
Staines
Slough
Reading
Practical Driving Test
Slough
Reading
Farnborough
Chertsey
Please be advised it’s always best to talk to your Bracknell Driving Instructor before booking your theory or practical driving test.
All our Bracknell driving instructors are patient and calm, with a friendly and professional approach. The Blue goal is to provide a structured and professional training programme to all our students, who learn to drive in Bracknell, which will cover all aspects of the driving syllabus, this will enable you to develop as a safer driver for the rest of your life.
Blue School of Motoring is expanding all the time, so if you don't see your area listed here please contact us as we may be able to help you, or call us for a driving lesson in Bracknell at the driving school on 01344 307616.
If you'd like to book lessons or pay for lessons with Blue School of Motoring you can do this online via this website by filling in the form on our book lessons page.
All our Bracknell Driving Instructors follow our driving instructor code of conduct. Please click on the link to read it.
Blue School of Motoring has been teaching students to learn to drive in Bracknell for many years now. We have a very high pass rate.
Learning to drive in the Bracknell area is a great experience with a Blue School of Motoring instructor. The local area roads can be a demanding experience for the novice driver, especially with so much work being carried out on the roads in the Bracknell area. With new building work going on near the town centre, there are always plenty of road works to contend with. Learn to drive in Bracknell with the experts.
Your Bracknell Driving Instructor will provide the complete training course that will help you to achieve the required standard to pass the Driving Standards Agency theory and driving tests. Learning to drive in Bracknell with us, will give you the learner driver a better understanding of how to cope with changes in the local area. We can provide driving lessons in Bracknell in Manual cars or Automatic cars.
Learning to drive in Bracknell offers a great choice of different road systems to learn on, from the busy congested streets of Priestwood, Harmans Water & Bullbrook, where there are lots of parked vehicles, to the complex junctions at Twin Bridges and the Sainsbury’s roundabouts There are a great deal of dual carriageways, that link in and out of Bracknell, and these can become like a car park at times, so the more local knowledge you get about learning to drive in Bracknell from a Blue School of Motoring Driving Instructor the easier your commuting life will be.
Blue School of Motoring Driving instructors have a high success rate, with most of our students for the driving school coming from recommendations from other students that have successfully passed their practical driving tests with us, like the one below:
Penny (Bracknell)
I passed my driving test first time with Blue School of Motoring, I only got a few minor faults and have already driven on the motorway after doing a pass plus course. I have recommended all of my friends to use them for their driving lessons, their great.
Your Bracknell based Blue School of Motoring Driving Instructor will advise you where to do your theory test, and also your practical driving test. So for driving lessons in Bracknell use Blue. The below are some of the local centres where you can apply to take your tests:
Theory Test
Aldershot
Staines
Slough
Reading
Practical Driving Test
Slough
Reading
Farnborough
Chertsey
Please be advised it’s always best to talk to your Bracknell Driving Instructor before booking your theory or practical driving test.
All our Bracknell driving instructors are patient and calm, with a friendly and professional approach. The Blue goal is to provide a structured and professional training programme to all our students, who learn to drive in Bracknell, which will cover all aspects of the driving syllabus, this will enable you to develop as a safer driver for the rest of your life.
Blue School of Motoring is expanding all the time, so if you don't see your area listed here please contact us as we may be able to help you, or call us for a driving lesson in Bracknell at the driving school on 01344 307616.
If you'd like to book lessons or pay for lessons with Blue School of Motoring you can do this online via this website by filling in the form on our book lessons page.
All our Bracknell Driving Instructors follow our driving instructor code of conduct. Please click on the link to read it.
Driving Lessons in Reading
Blue School of Motoring in Reading. Learn to Drive in Reading
Blue School of Motoring has been teaching students to learn to drive in Reading for several years.
Learning to drive in the Reading area is a great experience with a Blue School of Motoring instructor. The local area roads can be a demanding experience for the novice driver, especially with so much work being carried out in the Reading area. With new building work going on near the town centre, there are always plenty of road works to contend with, especially the Black Boy Roundabout, which is on the Reading practical test route. Learn to drive in Reading with the experts.
There are some challenging driving conditions in Reading, but if you have had some professional guidance from one of our Reading Driving Instructors you won’t have any trouble. The Black Boy roundabout is very straightforward if approached in the correct lane, and there are various other routes to take if there is a game playing at the Madejski Stadium. The roads around Whitley can become very congested, and as this is a favourite place to be taken for your practical driving test, our Reading Driving Instructors can show you the most common routes, and also cover you’re manoeuvres at the same time. The town centre driving is also covered, dealing with the Oracle, and if you like how to do some bay parking, and of course dual carriageway driving around the IDR(Inner Distribution Road). So learning to drive in Reading is so much easier with a Blue Driving Instructor.
Your Reading Driving Instructor will provide the complete training course that will help you to achieve the required standard to pass the Driving Standards Agency theory and driving tests. Learning to drive in Reading with us, will give the learner driver a better understanding of how to cope with changes in the local area. We can provide driving lessons in Reading in Manual cars or Automatic cars.
Blue School of Motoring instructors have a high success rate, with most of our students for the driving school coming from recommendations, like the one below:
Tom (Reading)
Cant believe I passed my driving test, I thought I had failed but my driving instructor told me never to give up, and I got my worst manoeuvre reverse round the corner, and I did it first go, I find driving around the Oracle not a problem. I would highly recommend Blue School of Motoring
Your Reading based Blue School of Motoring Driving Instructor will advise you where to do your theory test, and also your practical driving test. So for driving lessons in Reading use Blue. The below are some of the local centres where you can apply to take your tests:
Theory Test
Aldershot
Reading
Staines
Slough
Practical Driving Test
Chertsey
Farnborough
Reading
Slough
Please be advised it’s always best to talk to your Reading Driving Instructor before booking your theory or driving test.
All our Reading driving instructors are patient and calm, with a friendly and professional approach. The Blue goal is to provide a structured and professional training programme to all our students, who learn to drive in Reading, which will cover all aspects of the driving syllabus, this will enable you to develop as a safer driver for the rest of your life.
Blue School of Motoring is expanding all the time, so if you don't see your area listed here please contact us as we may be able to help you, or call us for a driving lesson in Reading at the driving school on 0118 963 9560.
If you'd like to book lessons or pay for lessons with Blue School of Motoring you can do this online via this website by filling in the form on our book lessons page.
All our Reading Driving Instructors follow our driving instructor code of conduct. Please click on the link to read it.
Blue School of Motoring has been teaching students to learn to drive in Reading for several years.
Learning to drive in the Reading area is a great experience with a Blue School of Motoring instructor. The local area roads can be a demanding experience for the novice driver, especially with so much work being carried out in the Reading area. With new building work going on near the town centre, there are always plenty of road works to contend with, especially the Black Boy Roundabout, which is on the Reading practical test route. Learn to drive in Reading with the experts.
There are some challenging driving conditions in Reading, but if you have had some professional guidance from one of our Reading Driving Instructors you won’t have any trouble. The Black Boy roundabout is very straightforward if approached in the correct lane, and there are various other routes to take if there is a game playing at the Madejski Stadium. The roads around Whitley can become very congested, and as this is a favourite place to be taken for your practical driving test, our Reading Driving Instructors can show you the most common routes, and also cover you’re manoeuvres at the same time. The town centre driving is also covered, dealing with the Oracle, and if you like how to do some bay parking, and of course dual carriageway driving around the IDR(Inner Distribution Road). So learning to drive in Reading is so much easier with a Blue Driving Instructor.
Your Reading Driving Instructor will provide the complete training course that will help you to achieve the required standard to pass the Driving Standards Agency theory and driving tests. Learning to drive in Reading with us, will give the learner driver a better understanding of how to cope with changes in the local area. We can provide driving lessons in Reading in Manual cars or Automatic cars.
Blue School of Motoring instructors have a high success rate, with most of our students for the driving school coming from recommendations, like the one below:
Tom (Reading)
Cant believe I passed my driving test, I thought I had failed but my driving instructor told me never to give up, and I got my worst manoeuvre reverse round the corner, and I did it first go, I find driving around the Oracle not a problem. I would highly recommend Blue School of Motoring
Your Reading based Blue School of Motoring Driving Instructor will advise you where to do your theory test, and also your practical driving test. So for driving lessons in Reading use Blue. The below are some of the local centres where you can apply to take your tests:
Theory Test
Aldershot
Reading
Staines
Slough
Practical Driving Test
Chertsey
Farnborough
Reading
Slough
Please be advised it’s always best to talk to your Reading Driving Instructor before booking your theory or driving test.
All our Reading driving instructors are patient and calm, with a friendly and professional approach. The Blue goal is to provide a structured and professional training programme to all our students, who learn to drive in Reading, which will cover all aspects of the driving syllabus, this will enable you to develop as a safer driver for the rest of your life.
Blue School of Motoring is expanding all the time, so if you don't see your area listed here please contact us as we may be able to help you, or call us for a driving lesson in Reading at the driving school on 0118 963 9560.
If you'd like to book lessons or pay for lessons with Blue School of Motoring you can do this online via this website by filling in the form on our book lessons page.
All our Reading Driving Instructors follow our driving instructor code of conduct. Please click on the link to read it.
Eco Driving
Eco Driving Tips
Today’s fuel prices are a good indicator of our need to reduce fuel consumption, and of course the ever present problem of global warming is a great driving factor that we all can’t ignore. I’m sure were all sick and tired of being told to clean up our act at home by using less energy, not wasting food, recycling more, it can be tiresome, driving is no different. For any body who is required to drive to work or has to drive for work, then a few simple changes to the way you drive can save you money and if we all do it, then it can greatly reduce the harmful effect our vehicles have on
Today’s fuel prices are a good indicator of our need to reduce fuel consumption, and of course the ever present problem of global warming is a great driving factor that we all can’t ignore. I’m sure were all sick and tired of being told to clean up our act at home by using less energy, not wasting food, recycling more, it can be tiresome, driving is no different. For any body who is required to drive to work or has to drive for work, then a few simple changes to the way you drive can save you money and if we all do it, then it can greatly reduce the harmful effect our vehicles have on
the environment. If you own a fleet of vehicles then the savings could be great.
Taking a short journey in your car can use more fuel, so the obvious answer is not to use the car, if only life could be that simple. If you have to use your car there are a range of simple driving techniques you can use to reduce your fuel bill.
Anticipation and planning is what we do all day long, even when we are not driving. Here are a few tips on driving more economically. Don’t leave your braking so late, this increases wear and tear on your car and accelerating away at junctions will also increase fuel consumption.
Look well ahead use the far horizon as your starting point, then drop your view to the middle distance, keep a good gap from the vehicle in front remember the two second rule, then check your lane positioning, just over your bonnet. By constantly changing your view you can react in plenty of time to vehicles in front braking too late, so that you can have time to check your mirrors and then apply your brakes progressively.
30% of all accidents are caused by drivers anticipating too late and colliding with the vehicle in front, the two second rule works by using the vehicle in front, as they pass a fixed point, like a speed sign or a tree, you count off “only a fool breaks the 2 second rule” you should have finished counting by the time you reach that fixed point. It’s something we all have been taught, but sometimes we forget.
Stick to the speed limit, don’t exceed the limit it kills people. The excessive use of speed will also reduce your fuel efficiency, and cost you money on a higher fuel bill. Accelerating from 10 miles to 30 in the shortest distance possible is pointless, you run the risk of not seeing developing hazards in time and then having to break harshly, remember plan well ahead.
Speed is an important factor, too many people accelerate because of late decisions at junctions or change up to higher gear way too late, if you can hear your engine screaming or see your rev counter near the red mark, then your wasting fuel. Anticipate the speed you will be at sooner, check your rev counter and make certain it does not exceed 2000 revs for petrol cars or 2500 for diesel ones, before changing gears.
Tyre pressures are important always check your tyres in the manufactures guide, either in the handbook or on the side of the tyre, this reduces costs and environmentally harmful emissions from lower fuel consumption. Correct tyre pressure provides better overall safety through greater driving stability and longer tyre durability.
These all common sense tips and most of all being a driver you can influence others with you, especially if you’re a parent, don’t forget your children watch you drive and could pick up bad habits for life, drive sensibly and point out bad drivers.
Damien Burke
Driving Instructor
Blue School of Motoring
Taking a short journey in your car can use more fuel, so the obvious answer is not to use the car, if only life could be that simple. If you have to use your car there are a range of simple driving techniques you can use to reduce your fuel bill.
Anticipation and planning is what we do all day long, even when we are not driving. Here are a few tips on driving more economically. Don’t leave your braking so late, this increases wear and tear on your car and accelerating away at junctions will also increase fuel consumption.
Look well ahead use the far horizon as your starting point, then drop your view to the middle distance, keep a good gap from the vehicle in front remember the two second rule, then check your lane positioning, just over your bonnet. By constantly changing your view you can react in plenty of time to vehicles in front braking too late, so that you can have time to check your mirrors and then apply your brakes progressively.
30% of all accidents are caused by drivers anticipating too late and colliding with the vehicle in front, the two second rule works by using the vehicle in front, as they pass a fixed point, like a speed sign or a tree, you count off “only a fool breaks the 2 second rule” you should have finished counting by the time you reach that fixed point. It’s something we all have been taught, but sometimes we forget.
Stick to the speed limit, don’t exceed the limit it kills people. The excessive use of speed will also reduce your fuel efficiency, and cost you money on a higher fuel bill. Accelerating from 10 miles to 30 in the shortest distance possible is pointless, you run the risk of not seeing developing hazards in time and then having to break harshly, remember plan well ahead.
Speed is an important factor, too many people accelerate because of late decisions at junctions or change up to higher gear way too late, if you can hear your engine screaming or see your rev counter near the red mark, then your wasting fuel. Anticipate the speed you will be at sooner, check your rev counter and make certain it does not exceed 2000 revs for petrol cars or 2500 for diesel ones, before changing gears.
Tyre pressures are important always check your tyres in the manufactures guide, either in the handbook or on the side of the tyre, this reduces costs and environmentally harmful emissions from lower fuel consumption. Correct tyre pressure provides better overall safety through greater driving stability and longer tyre durability.
These all common sense tips and most of all being a driver you can influence others with you, especially if you’re a parent, don’t forget your children watch you drive and could pick up bad habits for life, drive sensibly and point out bad drivers.
Damien Burke
Driving Instructor
Blue School of Motoring
Driving Lessons
The Intensive Course The Facts
The fast track route, intensive driving courses are designed for people who are after the quickest and most cost effective way of learning to drive in the shortest time possible. You may have a deadline to meet, or your employer has requested you change roles within your company, maybe a promotion with company car. Whatever the reason, the intensive course can be designed to meet your requirements.
The course does provide a safe preparation for driving on today's roads. Intensive driving courses have many advantages over the conventional method of learning to drive. The normal route is to take a one or two hour driving lesson once a week over several months, this can, to some people prove to be mundane and boring, and some learner drivers tend to drop off and give up altogether, even after several months of learning.
Your instructor will use the latest up to date teaching methods and record all training sessions in writing, keeping a constant track of your ability and will discuss your progress during the course. The Drivers Record of Progress is used to record your driving lessons and it gives you the opportunity to study and discuss your own driving ability at the end of each lesson, with your Driving Instructor. Communication is the key to completing the course successfully, and you need to work as a team.
The intensive course is more demanding and will certainly keep you on your toes for the entire duration, with one hurdle after another to deal with. If you have already driven a car before you start the course, then you may need less hours than a beginner, this depends on when you last drove a vehicle. The key to driving at a good and consistent standard, will only be maintained if you are doing it on a regular basis.
For instance if you have failed a driving test several months or maybe even years ago, it will take you a little bit longer to remember the basics of MSPSL(Mirror Signal Position Speed Look), but once that routine has been re-introduced, you will soon be progressing.
If you are a beginner and are just starting on your road to becoming a driver, then you will need to cover the basics of how to use the controls of the car, then to move off and stop, after that how to turn left and right into a side road then you should progress onto emerging at junctions from minor to major. These are the very basics and should be covered within the first few hours.
After several more days you should now be at the partly trained stage. You will have covered all the basics of car control and you should now be progressing onto slightly more demanding road systems and junctions, such as roundabouts main roads and gradually moving off the beginner nursery routes into busier area’s. Your intensive driving instructor should now be ramping up the pace and also introducing you to the reverse manoeuvres, such as turn in the road, reverse parking, reverse into a side roads. You could potentially be asked to carry out two of these four manoeuvres for you practical driving test, as well as an emergency stop, the latter if time permits.
After several more days of your intensive course your driving standard should now be at an independent stage. You should have reached this stage just before your practical test, a good time to peak. The road systems you should dealing with now are dual carriageways and complex junctions, higher speeds up to the national speed limit, which on these roads is potentially 70mph. You will be performing all types of driving independently such as route planning to and from different locations and dealing with all types of traffic conditions without the assistance of your instructor.
A mock test should have been arranged by your instructor, prior to you taking the official practical test and this should have shown any weaknesses in your overall driving standard. If you’re mock test has not gone well or you have not reached an independent stage in your driving, then your instructor should suggest two options:
One: if time permits, plan for more training in order to concentrate on the areas that you are weak in.
Two: is to re-book your practical driving test for a later time, thus enabling more of option one.
The key to completing the course is to find a specialist organisation that can deliver an intensive course to you in the timescale that you need. Any good driving school would recommend an assessment lesson prior to commencing any course, which requires a large investment of money in a short period of time. They should also have clear and easy to understand terms and conditions along with written code of conduct, if they don’t have either of these then go elsewhere.
How should I choose between? First of all it might be helpful for you to know what is generally meant by these terms:
Normal - This is usually around 2 hours per week, in one lesson. The course usually lasting 2-4 months.
Semi-intensive - This means around 4-8 hours per week, with a course being completed in approximately 1-2 months.
Intensive - This is around 10-24 hours per week, with a course being completed in 1-3 weeks.
I hope this insight into the intensive driving course has been of assistance, and gives you a better idea of what you are heading into
Damien Burke
0800 234 6823
Blue School of Motoring
The fast track route, intensive driving courses are designed for people who are after the quickest and most cost effective way of learning to drive in the shortest time possible. You may have a deadline to meet, or your employer has requested you change roles within your company, maybe a promotion with company car. Whatever the reason, the intensive course can be designed to meet your requirements.
The course does provide a safe preparation for driving on today's roads. Intensive driving courses have many advantages over the conventional method of learning to drive. The normal route is to take a one or two hour driving lesson once a week over several months, this can, to some people prove to be mundane and boring, and some learner drivers tend to drop off and give up altogether, even after several months of learning.
Your instructor will use the latest up to date teaching methods and record all training sessions in writing, keeping a constant track of your ability and will discuss your progress during the course. The Drivers Record of Progress is used to record your driving lessons and it gives you the opportunity to study and discuss your own driving ability at the end of each lesson, with your Driving Instructor. Communication is the key to completing the course successfully, and you need to work as a team.
The intensive course is more demanding and will certainly keep you on your toes for the entire duration, with one hurdle after another to deal with. If you have already driven a car before you start the course, then you may need less hours than a beginner, this depends on when you last drove a vehicle. The key to driving at a good and consistent standard, will only be maintained if you are doing it on a regular basis.
For instance if you have failed a driving test several months or maybe even years ago, it will take you a little bit longer to remember the basics of MSPSL(Mirror Signal Position Speed Look), but once that routine has been re-introduced, you will soon be progressing.
If you are a beginner and are just starting on your road to becoming a driver, then you will need to cover the basics of how to use the controls of the car, then to move off and stop, after that how to turn left and right into a side road then you should progress onto emerging at junctions from minor to major. These are the very basics and should be covered within the first few hours.
After several more days you should now be at the partly trained stage. You will have covered all the basics of car control and you should now be progressing onto slightly more demanding road systems and junctions, such as roundabouts main roads and gradually moving off the beginner nursery routes into busier area’s. Your intensive driving instructor should now be ramping up the pace and also introducing you to the reverse manoeuvres, such as turn in the road, reverse parking, reverse into a side roads. You could potentially be asked to carry out two of these four manoeuvres for you practical driving test, as well as an emergency stop, the latter if time permits.
After several more days of your intensive course your driving standard should now be at an independent stage. You should have reached this stage just before your practical test, a good time to peak. The road systems you should dealing with now are dual carriageways and complex junctions, higher speeds up to the national speed limit, which on these roads is potentially 70mph. You will be performing all types of driving independently such as route planning to and from different locations and dealing with all types of traffic conditions without the assistance of your instructor.
A mock test should have been arranged by your instructor, prior to you taking the official practical test and this should have shown any weaknesses in your overall driving standard. If you’re mock test has not gone well or you have not reached an independent stage in your driving, then your instructor should suggest two options:
One: if time permits, plan for more training in order to concentrate on the areas that you are weak in.
Two: is to re-book your practical driving test for a later time, thus enabling more of option one.
The key to completing the course is to find a specialist organisation that can deliver an intensive course to you in the timescale that you need. Any good driving school would recommend an assessment lesson prior to commencing any course, which requires a large investment of money in a short period of time. They should also have clear and easy to understand terms and conditions along with written code of conduct, if they don’t have either of these then go elsewhere.
How should I choose between? First of all it might be helpful for you to know what is generally meant by these terms:
Normal - This is usually around 2 hours per week, in one lesson. The course usually lasting 2-4 months.
Semi-intensive - This means around 4-8 hours per week, with a course being completed in approximately 1-2 months.
Intensive - This is around 10-24 hours per week, with a course being completed in 1-3 weeks.
I hope this insight into the intensive driving course has been of assistance, and gives you a better idea of what you are heading into
Damien Burke
0800 234 6823
Blue School of Motoring
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