Theory test study tips

Sitting your theory test so you can become a driver is an important step in your life. Make sure you do everything possible to prepare for it as best you can. Here are a few theory test study tips to help you along the way:

1. Study for it as you would any other test

Don’t take it lightly just because it’s not part of your school work. If you want to pass then you’ll need to really apply yourself as there’s a lot to learn. In some ways much of it is common sense but there are plenty of tricky bits like the give way rules. It’s also important information that you will need to know and understand properly when you start driving.

2. Do a practice highway code test online

These can help you quickly run through a lot of different questions and test how you’re doing. You can also learn as you go. As well as the test on this website there are many more available online too.

3. Summarise and paraphrase

Reading the highway code book is an essential part of your theory test study, and we recommend you take notes as you go. Paraphrase the questions and answers into your own words making sure you retain the original meaning. To do this you have to really understand the meaning of the material, rather than just reciting it in parrot fashion. After all, the reason you’re studying is not just to pass the test, but ultimately it’s so that you know what you’re doing on the road. It’s your safety you’re studying for so it’s well worth the effort!

4. Create flash cards

As you work your way through the Highway Code book you can create flash cards of the things you find difficult to remember. Write these down on card and then you can flick through them on the bus or whenever you have a spare moment.

5. Break it up and reward yourself

Think about the great things that being able to drive will allow you to do as this can be a motivating force. But also set yourself smaller targets such as knowing all the road signs and then treat yourself once you’ve achieved that goal. Breaking things up into smaller chunks like this can make it seem less daunting and more manageable.

6. Get family and friends involved

Chances are some of your friends are looking to do the test at the same time as you. Meet up with them and practice together so you can help each other learn. Your family will want you to become a safe driver and you may have brothers or sisters who’ve just done the test. Get them to help you by asking you questions.

7. Set a date for your theory test

Even if you don’t officially book your test in until you’re ready, setting a provisional date can give you something to work towards and create some momentum for you to get your study underway.
Happy studying and good luck with your theory test study – if you still want more then this video is very good too…

10 Tips for Driving Safely in Storms

The UK weather seems to be getting more unpredictable every day. This means every driver should know about bad weather driving skills. This could save you from a serious accident and injury. Let’s look at the best stormy weather driving advice including what to do with lighting and hailstorms.

1: Stick to the Beaten Path

When road conditions get nasty, stay on the main roads. Here there is less chance of flooding. Also, when on the motorway, stay in the tracks of the vehicle in front of you as they clear water off the road. But don’t get too close. You may remember from taking your theory driving test that the stopping distance in wet weather is much longer.

2: Test Your Brakes

After you drive through a section of water, test your brakes. This also wipes water off of the brake discs to improve stopping power. Again, do this gently as sudden stopping can cause a slide.

3: If It Looks Like a Lake or a River

There are some areas of the UK which are more susceptible to flooding than others. If you approach an area that looks like deep water, stop and turn around. This is especially true for underpasses where the water can be quite deep. Not only is it dangerous, but if water gets into your exhaust system it could cause the car to stall. Water in the engine requires very expensive servicing to get the engine running again. Now, you can try to drive through slowly, but if you notice water approaching the level of your car door, stop and go back.
If water is running and you can’t see the road surface underneath, do not attempt to cross. Your car can actually be swept away by quickly running water.

4: Aquaplaning

This can be a terrifying experience as your car spins out of control. The best advice is to avoid this situation by driving slowly, taking curves cautiously and braking gradually. If your car starts to slide, take your foot off the gas right away. Try to feather the brakes if you need them, but if you start to slide apply firm pressure if you have ABS system. If your car does not have ABS, release and reapply (or “pump”) the brakes until you regain control.

5: See and Be Seen

When it starts to pour, your vision will be limited. Dull windshield wiper blades will make things worse, so make sure you change these when they get worn down.
Also, inspect all your lights: headlights, high beams, parking, turning and braking. Other drivers can see you better if your lights work well. Also, put on your lights during a storm even if it is daytime. At night, avoid using the high beams since the reflection from the rain actually makes visibility worse.

6: Stop

If the rain falls so heavily that you cannot see other cars or the side of the road, it is time to pull over. Put on your hazard lights and slowly make your way to the side of the road. Get as clear from the road as possible without running the risk of getting stuck. Leave the hazard lights on while you wait out the storm.

7: Keep Tyres Prepared

If you are caught in a storm and your tyres are bald, then it is too late to deal with a slick road surface. So keep your tyres in good shape so that they have maximum traction. You can do this best by:
* Replacing tires when tread is less than 4/32 of an inch deep.
* Keeping tire pressure adjusted properly.
* Rotating tires every 5,000 – 10,000 miles.
There’s also a minimum tread that tyres should legally have: 1.6 mm in a continuous band around the central three quarters of the tyre.

8: Fogged Windows

If condensation builds up on the inside of your windows, slow down first. Then crank up the defroster fan with the temperature setting on hot. If your car has air conditioning, then turn that on too, but maintain the temperature on the hot setting. A car dehumidifier will help to remove the damp air and stop your belongings from being damaged. Eventually the fog will dissipate.

9: Lighting Driving Safety

If you get caught in severe lighting stay in your car or get inside of a building. If you can, pull over and do not touch any metal parts of your car as you could receive a jolt of electricity. Don’t rest your hands on the steering wheel, don’t lean on the door, and don’t play with the radio either.

10: Hailstorms

It is smart to stay in your vehicle if the hailstones are small. It is even better if you can find shelter in a building. However, if you are out in the open and large hail starts to fall, you should stop and position yourself as best you can in the centre of your car. Large hail can break all the car’s windows and lead to serious injury. If the hail is very severe, you might even consider crawling under your car.

Feedback for Alan Callaghan

  Name: Toni Shacklock 

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Testimonial for Peter Anderson

    
 I Would just like to say a massive thank you to Peter my driving instructor. Prior to starting with Peter I had started my lessons a couple of years back but was never given the determination to succeed which i needed, and a couple of times gave up on myself.  Being a pretty nervous driver to start off with I was always put at ease by Peter and was made to feel very comfortable.

 
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