Archive 31st July 2012

Tips that may assist you to pass the UK Driving Test first time

It is really common for men and women to genuinely feel nervous as their driving test gets closer.  The last thing anyone wants to do is fail, especially as this will have the added pain of having to pay for a retest.  Therefore, many will keep an eye out for almost any guidance or points that could aid them to pass.

  • You must unquestionably arrive early at the examination centre on the day of your test. This doesn’t only assure you don’t miss out on your booked timeslot, it will give the time to prepare yourself.
  • A good deal of individuals believe that the driving instructor wants them to fail.  The tester genuinely is in search of every opportunity to pass you and award a driving license. You will perform better when you have got this mindset.
  • Visualise yourself taking and passing your driving test.  This is a technique that has worked for many top sportsmen (and woman).
  • If want to feel fresh and alert at the time of your test then you will need to make sure that you get a good night’s sleep.  Go to bed early, don’t watch TV or any other activity that stimpulates the mind.  A hot drink like milk can also help get to sleep.
  • Do everything you can to feel as calm as possible. Have a couple of deep breaths prior to the test to unwind.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask the examiner to repeat instructions in the event you didn’t hear it accurately.

Taking and passing the UK driving test is most likely one of the most satisfying experiences you will have.  So consider the tips above as they may help prepare you that little bit more for your test.  You may find thatit helps place you in the right frame of mind to actually enjoy the practical test, pass, obtain your licence and then enjoy a the independence of being qualified to drive.

If you would like more information on the practical driving test, click here to visit our website.

Tips for Getting Your Car Ready For Your Summer Holiday

Summer is the time when we get to escape work for a couple of weeks and enjoy a fun holiday with friends or family. If the weather is at its best then we also make the most of the sunshine at weekends and for those with children there is the thought of how to keep them amused for six weeks off school! If what we choose involves travelling there by car then we need to ensure that both we and our vehicle are ready for whatever we decide to do.

  • Even though you may service your car often, it would be sensible to check certain items such as oil and water level, tyres treads and wiper blades amongst others to ensure that they are functioning effectively, especially if you intend going on a long journey. You won’t want to find yourself broken down on the roadside with the family whilst you wait for a recovery truck all thanks to something which could have taken just a minute to check and been fixed before travelling.

It’s a certainty that you will enjoy what you had planned far much more than playing “Yellow Car, Green Car” with an angry spouse and bored kids, whilst sat on a grass verge waiting for hours on end!

  • On that note, you should however be prepared for the unexpected which may leave you stationary for a while. Plan for your trip a few days in advance and ensure those all important games consoles for children or such like as well as snacks, drinks, map books, warning notices etc… are packed.
  • If you are going abroad you need to consider so much more. Along with your passport you will be required by law to carry your driving license, insurance details, MOT and the required warning sign and reflective body wear. You may also want to take the time to research possible other laws of driving relating to the country you are visiting.

For example; in parts of Spain you are not allowed to carry your supermarket shopping on the back seat of the car – it MUST be in the boot.  Failure to adhere to this and any other misdemeanour will result in an on the spot two hundred euro fine and it’s no use saying “you don’t carry that kind of money on you” – the Guardia will either escort you to the nearest cash point or charge your credit card (I kid you not!) or in worse case scenarios’ impound your car!

Whatever your choice of holiday or day out, the safety of you, your family and other road users is of the utmost importance, so think before you travel – make sure your car is maintained to the highest standard before you leave and that you are ready for every eventuality. This will all help to have a successful trip.