Driving test secrets revealed -

Free information from Hockley, Essex driving school

www.drivingschoolhockley.co.uk

www.nrcd.telinco.co.uk

 

“Alan is a brilliant instructor, he makes the lesson fun and explains things really clearly and I would recommend him to all my friends.”   Natalie Bresnihan – Ashingdon

Insider secrets your driving instructor doesn’t know !

This site provides free information; some of which is considered as insider secrets by driving instructors. We also give you little known facts about the driving test itself. Some of this information will not be known by your driving instructor or driving school.

driving test secrets and top driving tips

full contents list

 

Special Offer: Two-hour trial lesson ONLY £19.

(limited period - phone today!)

01702 204674

Lessons priced from Only £17.95 per full hour

Book up to 6 months in advance to secure your place

One-hour, one-and-a-half-hour, and two-hour lessons

Intensive courses (from 1 to 4 weeks)

Accelerated courses - pass your test in 8 weeks

Bookings for evenings and weekends welcome

Available 7 days a week from 9am to 9pm.

Short notice tests possible

Tests taken in:- Southend; Clacton; Brentwood; Chelmsford; Tilbury; Hornchurch

Excellent first-time pass rate

Highly recommended

Established for 20 years

 

Hawkwell Driving School - Hockley

01702 204674

 

Hockley; Southend; Rochford; Rayleigh; Hullbridge; Basildon;

Westcliff ; Leigh; Hockley; Wickford; Hadleigh; Benfleet

 

This was originally developed as an information resource for the existing pupils of Hawkwell driving school, but due to a very positive response it is now available to all who are interested in improving their driving. You will find information within on reversing around a corner, parallel parking, bay parking, overtaking, dual carriageway driving, using roundabouts and roundabout lanes, and much more. There is also much specific information about Southend on Sea driving test centre and the associated driving test routes.

Specific information about Southend on Sea driving test routes

If you find this site helpful and you would like much more information tailored to suit your individual needs we are able to offer you personal one-to-one driving tuition with one of the most highly qualified driving instructors in Essex.

Hawkwell driving school

Hawkwell Driving School: (contents)

Hawkwell driving school is based in Hockley in Essex, not far from Rayleigh, Rochford and Southend on Sea. We have been an established drivcing school for over 20 years and we are owned by Alan and Wendy Barker. For your peace of mind and security we abide by the DSA Code of Practice for Approved Driving Instructors which means that we operate in a concientious and professional manner at all times. We are also members of the Driving Instructors Association which means that we have Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance. With Hawkwell Driving School Hockley all your learner driving lessons will be conducted in a dual controlled Ford KA. These vehicles have been chosen specifically because they are small and easy to manouvre and probably are the easiest car to learn to drive in..

We know that learning to drive is a big commitment and that you want to be sure that you get the right instructor. So to help you choose wisely we are pleased to be able to offer you a two-hour trial lesson for only £19.

This is a full two hours of one-to-one tuition with your instructor. There is no obligation to take further lessons afterwards, and if you do choose to continue we guarantee that you will always have the same instructor.

You will be taught using the most current methods and enhanced techniques to ensure that not only will you have the very best preparation to enable you to pass your driving test, but also to provide you with the resources and ability to be confident to drive anywhere after you have passed. We emphasise that learning to drive is not just about passing your driving test, but is also about being safe and confident on the road in all situations.

Alan has been a full-time professional driving instructor for almost twenty years, and has over 20,000 hours learner driver teaching experience. He also has a degree in education and combined sciences. As well as being a Driving Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) his further driving qualifications include passing the Cardington Special Driving Test for Approved Driving Instructors ,  the Driving Instructors Association DIAmond Advanced Test, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) Advanced Test, The Royal Society of Accidents ( RoSPA) Advanced Test, The Heavy Goods Vehicle Test, the Public Service Vehicle Test, and the Motorcycle Test. He was on the DSA Fleet Driver Trainer Register.

At Hawkwell driving school we are available for driving lessons from 9am to 9pm 7 days a week and we take pupils for driving test at Southend, Clacton, Brentwood, Chelmsford, and Tilbury.   We are also often able to take driving tests, or provide driving tuition, at short notice. If you reside in the Hockley, Rochford, Rayleigh, Hullbridge, Hadleigh, Leigh, Westcliff, Southend on Sea, Wickford or Benfleet areas just telephone or email (the details are below) and we will be pleased to discuss your requirements. Contact us

 

 

Hawkwell driving school

Courses: (contents)

Intensive courses; accelerated courses; one hour and two hour lessons.

Hourly lessons: Hourly lessons are the way most people will learn to drive. As a professional driving school we are able to teach you on single hour driving lessons, one-and-a-half-hour driving lessons, and two-hour driving lessons. To maximise your learning and reduce the overall number of hours driving you will need to pass your driving test we recommend that you try to take two hour driving lessons whenever possible.   On two hour driving lessons you are able to drive into a driving test area and drive on the type of roads that you will drive on on your driving test. Two hour driving lessons also have the advantage of improving your ability to concentrate. Two-hour driving lessons are essential leading up to your test so that you are able to do mock driving tests, and get used to driving test routes. All Hawkwell driving school hourly driving lessons include lots of practice on roundabouts, dual carriageways and driving test routes. We also emphasize the practising of reversing, parallel parking, bay parking emergency stop, and turn in the road manoeuvres. We also do mock tests so that you used to taking full responsibility for your driving without assistance, and so that you are totally prepared psychologically for your real driving test. This means that you will know exactly what is required of you so that you can pass first-time.

Intensive courses; accelerated courses; one hour and two hour lessons.

Accelerated Courses: Accelerated courses are an excellent way for you to pass your driving test if you have little or no driving experience already. A Hawkwell driving school accelerated course will enable you to learn quickly and effectively over a relatively short period to pass your test. Usually you will be driving for four or six hours per week. On an accelerated course it is quite possible for you as a complete beginner to pass your driving test within 8 weeks. Shorter Hawkwell driving school accelerated driving courses are also an excellent way to progress if you have been taking driving lessons already but want to pass your driving test very soon. All Hawkwell driving school accelerated driving courses include lots of practice on roundabouts, dual carriageways and driving test routes. We also emphasize the practising of reversing, parallel parking, bay parking, emergency stop, and turn in the road manoeuvres. We also do mock tests so that you used to taking full responsibility for your driving without assistance, and so that you are totally prepared psychologically for your real driving test. This means that you will know exactly what is required of you so that you can pass first-time.

Intensive courses; accelerated courses; one hour and two hour lessons.

Intensive courses: Intensive courses will normally take place over a week or two with driving periods of between two and four hours a day. Your driving test will usually be on the last day. Driving this much with the pressure of the test being so close can be very stressful, and because of this we only recommended a one week intensive course for you if you have considerable driving experience already. The Hawkwell driving school twelve hour intensive course is ideal for you if you have taken a test already and need some polishing in order to pass your driving test next time. Longer courses are normally arranged after an assessment of your driving ability. The length of Hawkwell driving school intensive course you will need to be able to pass your driving test, and your learning requirements, will then be discussed with you in detail. All our driving school intensive driving courses include lots of practice on roundabouts, dual carriageways and driving test routes. We also emphasize the practising of reversing, parallel parking, bay parking, emergency stop, and turn in the road manoeuvres. We also conduct with you a number of mock tests so that you used to taking full responsibility for your driving without assistance, and so that you are totally prepared psychologically for your real driving test. This means that you will know exactly what is required of you so that you can pass first-time.

 

Hockley; Southend; Rochford; Rayleigh; Hullbridge; Basildon;

Westcliff ; Leigh; Hockley; Wickford; Hadleigh; Benfleet

 

Other courses: Defensive driving: Training for qualified drivers who want to improve their awareness and safety on the road. This is achieved by increasing anticipation and observation skills and teaching drivers how to take control of a developing situation. Advanced driving: We prepare experienced drivers for the Institute of Advanced Drivers advanced driving test. A course of lessons would normally be about ten hours.

Driving Instructor (ADI) Part 2 Tests: Training for driving instructors to pass their second test in the qualifying process. Cardington Special Test: Specialised training for driving instructors to pass the hardest Driving Standards Agency test which is taken at the driving examiner training centre at Cardington, Bedfordshire. Examiner competition drive Test: Specialised training for potential driving examiners to pass the second part of their qualifying process.

 

Hawkwell driving school

Prices: (contents)

All our courses and hourly lessons are priced from a
very competitive £17.95 per hour.

This is per hour that you are in the driving seat. Unlike many driving schools we do not have another pupil in the back at any time, and we do not mislead by quoting driving hours that are shared between you and another pupil.

We offer you excellent driving tuition at a fair price.

 

 

 

Hawkwell driving school

Contact and coverage: (contents)

Hawkwell Driving School Hockley,

40 Victor Gardens Hockley, Essex SS5 4DS. Tel. 01702 204674

Covering: Hockley; Ashingdon, Southend; Rochford; Rayleigh; Hullbridge; Basildon;, Westcliff; Eastwood, Leigh; Hockley; Thundersley, Wickford; Hadleigh; Benfleet and surrounding areas

Email Us

We will be pleased to receive any constructive criticism of this site, driving test anecdotes, driving tips you may have, or any queries or enquiries regarding our services. Please feel free to email us (no spam) and we may be able to include on the site your input or contributions.

 

 

 

 

Hawkwell driving school

Contents:

• top of page.

• Hawkwell driving school - about us.

• courses - intensive, accelerated and hourly lessons.

• prices.

• contact and coverage.

• top driving tips - things you should know .  

• driving test secrets.

• your legal responsibility.

• stopping and starting.  

• using the mirrors.  

• tight turns - left and right.  

• one way streets - what's the difference.  

• traffic lights and junctions.  

• give way and emerging.  

• dangerous situations - warnings and reactions.  

• pedestrian crossings, bends, hills and parked Cars.

• dual carriageways - slip roads, overtaking and lane changing.

• roundabouts and mini roundabouts.  

• manoeuvres - reversing, parallel parking, bay parking, turn in road, emergency stop.  

• maintenance - questions and answers

• Links to other web sites.

• search google or ask.

 

 

 

 

Hawkwell driving school

Top driving tips: (contents)

• Someone flashing their lights may be flashing to their mate
• Do manoeuvres slowly and stop and start, use one of our methods. 
• Keep two seconds away from the car in front. three seconds when above 40 mph
• Know all the car controls and switches so that you are able to use them without thinking about it
• Always have the clutch down before turning the ignition key
• Use mirror, signal, position, speed, gear, accelerate. 
• Use handbrake, neutral, cancel, indicator
• Go onto the gas before lifting the clutch, when pulling away
• At junctions always look left (as well as right) before crossing the give way line. 
• If you’re in the wrong lane go with it, unless you can change lanes in plenty of time
• Drive over mini-roundabouts when it is impractical to go around them. 
• When overtaking parked vehicles be parallel to them before you get near them. 
• Emergency stops with ABS - just brake hard
• Bay parking - do it at 90 degrees, look down a line and it will go into the 3rd space back. 
• Emergency stops without ABS - release brake and re-apply if the car skids
• When reversing look out of the back window over your left shoulder at least half of the time
• Look 5 cars ahead
• Have a plan A and plan B
• You can overtake through a roundabout in the right-hand lane. 
• Give Way doesn’t mean “wait for” it means “don’t get in the way of”
• If someone pulls into the kerb in front of you - they will either pull away or open the door
• Steer the way you want the back of the car to go when reversing - to the kerb steer to the kerb
• Your car will drive itself along for miles without you touching the gas pedal in first or second gear
• Only use the right hand lane to overtake or turn right
• Indicate to tell people what you are going to do next - give them time to react. 
• Always approach a green traffic light as if it is a possible red light
• Indicate to do the unpredictable - not the predictable
• Don’t accelerate at what you’re trying to avoid
• When manoeuvring you can always shunt forwards if you are unhappy with it. 
• All roads are two way unless there are one-way signs. 
• Always point your wheels where you want to go before you accelerate
• Braking, steering and accelerating should always be smooth
• Always take a right turn into a side road as though a bus is pulling out of it
• Concentrate on your overall objective - where you are going, worry about the detail later
• You can overtake a cyclist on the zig-zags of a pedestrian crossing
• Meeting other traffic - only push through after you have seen them react to you
• Emerging through a queue - stop at the centre line and look for overtaking motorbikes. 
• Parallel parking - one turn left, full-lock right, stop with your wheels turned. 
• Two way streets have different road markings each side, one way both sides are the same. 
• At STOP junctions it is illegal not to stop completely. 
• Never be the third car into a traffic light junction when you are turning right
• When manoeuvring stop before the other driver is close enough to have to react to you
• Slip roads - use the whole length and check your blind spot. 
• Approaching traffic? First reaction is to slow down, before changing position
• Children come in pairs, the child you can’t see is the dangerous one.
• React to any HINT of danger - slow down
• Indicate for 4 flashes before changing lanes on a dual-carriageway. 
• Never drive in another vehicle's blindspot on a dual-carriageway 
• Never approach a roundabout with another vehicle next to you on your right-hand side, it will block your view. 
• A lane change should take about 5 seconds to complete - very gradually. 
• Accelerate in your lane to stay ahead of the vehicle behind before you move out - when changing lanes. 
• Do not pull out if another vehicle is moving fast enough or is close enough to hit you - they may not go where you think. 
• Approach a roundabout slowly enough to work out what’s going on before you get there. 
• Never pull out alongside another vehicle unless you can see clearly – it will not protect you. 
• The closer a car is behind you the further you need to be from the car in front, so that you don't have to brake suddenly
• Double check everything - one look is never enough
• If you can’t see both ways at a junction before emerging for at least 100 metres - STOP
• Once you begin to pull away push the clutch down a bit
• If the engine feels rough- push the clutch down
• You can bring the clutch up whilst braking if you are doing more than 15mph
• Bringing the clutch up quickly doesn’t make you pull away faster - you just jump up and down a lot
• To pull away fast use loads of gas and stay in the first gear as long as possible
• Use a 2-stage method of pulling out of junctions and mini roundabouts - one lane at a time. 
• Keep your backdoor closed - don’t open a gap to your side if you’re going to close it again
• At blind junctions use staggered stops. 
• Timing is everything - avoid reaching a mini-roundabout at the same time as an approaching car
• Use “slow in fast out” for bends
• Use the same gear on a downhill as you would going up the same hill
• If you expect something to happen you will react twice as quickly
• Enough room to pass ? - use their and your distance from the white line as a reference
• Look across bends
• Seeing a reflection (or lights) tells you something is coming, but not seeing a reflection (or lights) doesn’t mean that there is nothing coming
• Don’t look at cars as they overtake you - it might cause you to swerve towards them

 

Hockley; Southend; Rochford; Rayleigh; Hullbridge; Basildon;

Westcliff ; Leigh; Hockley; Wickford; Hadleigh; Benfleet

 

 

 

Hawkwell driving school

Driving test secrets: (contents)

Driving Test Faults: Faults are defined as follows: - Minor faults: these are driving faults that do not affect anyone else. A minor fault may be a missed mirror check, or a missed gear change. If the same fault is committed more than 3 times however it is seen to be repetitive and will fail you.

Serious faults: these are things you have done that could affect another road user if they had been there. Serious faults could be cutting a right hand corner or not looking behind when reversing. One of these on your test will fail you

Dangerous faults: These are faults that actually cause another road user to brake or swerve. One of these on your test will fail you

• Examiners are trained to watch you until you look in the mirror after giving a direction
• Your examiner has probably already made an assessment of your ability before you pull away by looking at the way you do the pre-start checks
• Examiners don't like surprises - keep your driving smooth, gentle and predictable
• At some point in the test when there is a quiet moment, such as waiting in a queue, your examiner will probably ask you "What would you be doing if you weren't here today?" This appears to be the standard 'bond with the test candidate' question.
• If there is an unexpected event, such as a blocked road, while you are on test you may be asked to "turn around by any means" and told that "this won't be counted on your test"
• As soon as you leave the test centre, before you reach your car, the examiner wiil normally ask you if he can call you by your first name.
• If you can't read a chosen numberplate by the third attempt, the examiner will go back in and get a tape measure to measure out the exact distance required. If you can't read it then you will fail your test. There is only one tape measure per test centre.
• Taking the wrong direction and going off route is not a fail
• All of the reversing manoeuvres now have an equal chance of being done on test
• You will only ever be asked to reverse into a parking bay at the driving test centre. If a test centre does not have its own car park then you will not do the bay park manoeuvre
• People who fail on emerging usually do so because they haven't looked left sufficiently before crossing the line
• The emergency stop is only performed on one in three tests - most people fail on the emergency stop because either they don't brake hard enough or they don't react quickly enough
• If you get stuck in a traffic jam you will still drive the whole test route - you will just have a longer test.
• Getting both maintenance questions wrong will not fail you - you will just get one minor fault.
• It is very difficult to fail on a manoeuvre if you have the confidence to stop, take your time and shunt forwards if necessary.
• Technically if you commit a dangerous fault the driving test should be terminated at that point, although it is seldom done except when the examiners are working to rule because of an industrial dispute.
• Stalling the car on test is usually only a minor fault unless it is somewhere dangerous.
• You can be on the lines on a bay park manoeuvre and still pass. You can finish at an angle as long as you are not over the line either side.
• Hitting the kerb lightly on a turn-in-the-road will not fail you, and the turn doesn't have to be done in 3 movements
• When reversing around a corner you can stop as often as you like.
• When a driving test is terminated the examiner will get out, tell you to stay with the vehicle, and he will walk back to the test centre.
• If you reach the end of a one way street and are supposed to turn right, and you suddenly realise you are in the left lane: You can salvage your test by changing your indiator to left, and turning left. This should only give you a minor fault for timing of indicator
• Four minor faults within the same category will normally fail you
• If you do not agree with the way your test was conducted you can make an appeal against the result. However if you win the appeal the result will not be changed, you will just get a retest.
• Examiners like confident drivers - show him/her that you know what you are doing
• You can fail for not using the windscreen wipers if they are needed
• The examiner's union is pressing for the banning of non dual-controlled cars on test
• Certain cars such as mini convertables are not allowed to be used on test.
• Mounting the kerb with your back wheel when turning left is usually only a minor fault
• If a manoeuvre is going wrong, or you don't like the way it is going, you can shunt forwards at least twice to alter it.
• Many examiners have never been instructors. They take a one month training course to qualify as an examiner.
• Test examiners have many more accidents than instructors - an examiners job is not to keep you safe but to examine.
• You can have a friend accompany you to sit in the back on your driving test.
• On the parallel parking manoeuvre you can finish with the wheels on full lock right. You don't have to straighten them.
• Your examiner will tell you which lane to get into at a roundabout by the direction he gives - “take the third exit right” means get in the right lane and indicate right
• If your examiner mentions a direction (left or right) then indicate that way
• Newly trained examiners should allow you to cross your hands on the steering wheel.
• You can change from 3rd gear directly to 5th gear when accelerating
• You can fail for not driving up to the speed limit ( eg.driving at 45mph in a 60mph limit)
• You can use your own car on the driving test
• Cars without dual controls tend to get easier test routes
• Steering whilst stationary (dry steering) is not a fault
• Driving test routes are published on the DSA website
• All the driving examiners at a test centre are required to have a test pass rate within 10% of each other. It is alleged that on Thursday night they decide how many they need to pass on the Friday.
• If the Highway Code enables you to use an unsafe method on a particular road layout then this will be taken off the test route.
• Driving examiners often don’t make up their mind as to which test route you are going on until after your test has started.
• In a potential accident situation the examiner will not intervene until the last possible moment, and that may be too late. This is because he is afraid of being accused of intervening unnecessarily
• Your instructor is assessed by the standard and ability of his pupils that he takes to the test centre.
• If a number of examiners have had near misses or accidents at a location on a test route, the route will be changed.

The information listed is provided in good faith and is correct to the best of our considerable knowledge, however the driving test is marked by a driving examiner, who like everyone else has personal preferences and opinions. Examiners are given considerable discretion when marking a test and are told to consider the overall drive when deciding whether or not a particular fault will cause a failure. Therefore something that fails one person in one situation may not fail someone else in a different situation. As always common sense should prevail.

 

Hockley; Southend; Rochford; Rayleigh; Hullbridge; Basildon;

Westcliff; Leigh; Hockley; Wickford; Hadleigh; Benfleet

 

 

 

Hawkwell driving school

Your legal responsibility: (contents)

When you drive you must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. One unit (half pint) takes one hour to get out of your system. So five pints will take ten hours. Even as a learner you can be prosecuted and fined for drunk driving. You are also responsible for your actions when driving – a learner driver can be prosecuted for careless driving even if they are incapable of controlling the vehicle. If you are caught breaking the speed limit it is you that will be prosecuted !

Drinking and driving: If you drink the night before you may still be over the limit the next morning. It takes about one hour for one unit of alcohol to get out of your system. One unit is a single glass of wine or half a pint of beer, so if you drink 5 pints (10 units) it will take ten hours from when you had your last drink before you are alcohol free

Disclaimer

All information given on this site is given in good faith and is to the best of our considerable knowledge. However we cannot be held liable for any event, accident or consequence of anyone using this information in any way.

 

Hockley; Southend; Rochford; Rayleigh; Hullbridge; Basildon;

Westcliff; Leigh; Hockley; Wickford; Hadleigh; Benfleet

 

 

 

Hawkwell driving school

Stopping and starting: (contents)

Pulling away: Get ready to go, check the internal and door mirrors, indicate, and the last thing you do before you move is check your right shoulder blind-spot. Uphill use the biting point against the handbrake: Downhill apply footbrake, release the handbrake, then release the foot-brake to move.

Stopping: Try to pull up close to the kerb (within 30 cm) and pull in over a distance. The more suddenly you pull in the more difficult it is. Try not to wiggle the steering to make last minute adjustments -   it doesn’t work. The best way to line up parallel to the kerb is to look at a parked car in front of you and try to be centrally behind it.

 

Hockley; Southend; Rochford; Rayleigh; Hullbridge; Basildon;

Westcliff; Leigh; Hockley; Wickford; Hadleigh; Benfleet

 

 

 

Hawkwell driving school

Using the mirrors: (contents)

You MUST use your internal mirror before you slow down, before indicating, and before pulling in or out. As a reminder use it every 5 seconds, every time you change gear, and every time you see a hazard ahead. Before you move to the left or right you also need to use your side door mirror, also before you turn left or right. On test check your mirror twice every time the examiner gives you an instruction.   Do not use the two mirrors consecutively as it takes your eyes off the road for too long. Separating their use gives you time to look back at the road ahead and also serves as a means of observing people around you after they have had people time to react to your indicator

The simplified sequence is:   

Mirror (internal) ;   Signal;   Mirror (side);   Manoeuvre

The importance of using the mirrors correctly cannot be stressed enough. With practice you should be able to use the mirror frequently, before every change of position, speed or direction

Check your mirror before you do anything at all, and then frequently as you do it, and then after you have done it. Just remember to check the interior mirror before doing anything at all, then check the door mirror before moving to the side or turning.

 

Hockley; Southend; Rochford; Rayleigh; Hullbridge; Basildon;

Westcliff; Leigh; Hockley; Wickford; Hadleigh; Benfleet

 

 

 

Hawkwell driving school

Tight turns: (contents)

Tight left turns; If the turn can be taken at or above the minimum gear speed then control the approach speed by bringing the clutch up to the biting point whilst still braking. OR:

The best method for very tight left turns is to nearly stop just before you get to the turn, if the corner needs to be taken at less than the minimum gear speed. Dip the clutch and change gear before the turn (make sure you lose all your momentum) – then use the gas and biting point as you turn. Although you shouldn't have the clutch fully down when you go around a corner you can control the car on the clutch at the biting point

Don’t keep the clutch down fully when you are turning   -   Use the biting point. Point the wheels where you want to go before increasing the speed of the car. Minimum gear speed for 1st gear = 4mph, for 2nd gear = 8mph. Go onto the gas before lifting the clutch to the biting point.

Tight right turns: You should be next to the centre line of the road you are in, and parallel to it, this is to put people off from overtaking you on the right .. Your stop / turn point is when the front of your car is level with the centre line of the road you are turning into. DON’T cut the corner – turn in as if a car was emerging to turn right from the side road. The same applies when turning right from a left-hand bend – stay next to, and parallel to the line.

 

Hockley; Southend; Rochford; Rayleigh; Hullbridge; Basildon;

Westcliff; Leigh; Hockley; Wickford; Hadleigh; Benfleet

 

 

 

Hawkwell driving school

One way streets: (contents)

One Way Streets: Make sure that you know when you are in a one-way street, and when you turn right that you are on the right hand side of the road. This applies at the end, and in the middle, of a one-way street. MANY PEOPLE FAIL BECAUSE THEY DON’T DO THIS. At the end of a one-way all visible road markings will be duplicated on BOTH sides of the road. Most people fail their driving tests because they get in the wrong lane, often this is at the end of one-way streets.

If you get in the wrong lane for where your examiner wants you to go on your test, slow down – hold back and try to get into the correct lane. If you can’t then it is usually best to continue in the lane that you are in and go with it in the wrong direction. The examiner can get you back on course later on – you should not fail for taking the wrong direction. - Remember that all roads are two-way unless there are signs telling you differently. Make sure you know which lane you should be in and know your road markings.

Stop junctions have solid white lines - if the solid line is all the way across you are in a one-way, if it’s only half way across then you are in a two-way. Give-way junctions have double broken white lines - if the double broken line is all the way across you are in a one-way, if it’s only half way across then you are in a two-way. A single broken line shows the entrance to a road.   However there are exceptions, sometimes the council try to keep you guessing. Make sure you are confident with one way and two-way streets: Try to work out which of these roads are: one-way or two-way 

 

Hockley; Southend; Rochford; Rayleigh; Hullbridge; Basildon;

Westcliff; Leigh; Hockley; Wickford; Hadleigh; Benfleet

 

 

 

 

Hawkwell driving school

Traffic lights and junctions: (contents)

Traffic light junctions: Traffic lights give priority to the road you are on if you see green, or the road crossing it if they show red to you. The lights control the stop line, so when you approach, if they change to amber stop if you can, but if you can’t stop behind the line - keep going. You can go through legally on amber. Always approach traffic lights at less then 30mph, you only get 2 seconds on amber when they change to red. Check the mirror on the approach to see if anyone is close behind – if they are don’t stop suddenly. Ease your speed down on the approach and cover the brake until you are one car length away from the line.

Specific information about Southend test routes

Right Turns at traffic lights: If the opposing right turn lanes are opposite each other (Bournemouth Park Road turning into Southchurch Road) (Kent Elms junction turning from Bridgewater Drive onto the A127) then the cars usually turn right in front of each other. If the lanes are offset to the right ( eg. turning into Prittlewell Chase from Hobleythick Lane) then the cars pass each other and turn behind, if this is the case keep straight and next to the white line. Beware of cars on your left. Never be the third car into a junction (unless it is a very large one – Kent Elms) – you might get stuck in the middle.

Junction of Hobleythick Lane and Prittlewell Chase. This is a common right turn on test and many people fail here. You must pull into the middle to give way to oncoming traffic before you turn and Keep close to, and on the left side of the centre line. You must also not swerve to the left to avoid cars approaching you unless you have checked on your left side for passing traffic first

Junction of Victoria Avenue and Fairfax Drive. If you enter this junction to turn right from Victoria Avenue you must try to keep as much to the right as possible without getting in the way of oncoming traffic (as far right as the centre bollard edge). Otherwise you are in danger of being hit from the rear by cars trying to get past from behind.

Fairfax Drive junction with Prittlewell Chase. When you exit Southend test centre you will come to this junction. The main thing to remember is that you can stop on the box if you need to when turning right as long as Fairfax Drive to the right is not blocked (extremely unusual). You must not stop on the box if you are queuing to the traffic lights when turning left. This is a fail and ILLEGAL.

Box junctions: When you are in a queue you must not stop on a box junction. To make sure that you don’t always ensure that there is a whole car length clear the other side of the box, before you move across. Do not try to anticipate enough room the other side because you may get it wrong! You can stop on the box if you are turning right. You must not enter the box unless your exit road is clear, unless you are turning right and only prevented from doing so by oncoming traffic.

Gaps in the central reservation: If you are asked to do a 'U' turn in a central reservation gap the main thing to remember is that the gap will be two way, so you must keep to the left. All roads are two way unless they are signed or marked one way.

 

Hockley; Southend; Rochford; Rayleigh; Hullbridge; Basildon;

Westcliff; Leigh; Hockley; Wickford; Hadleigh; Benfleet

 

 

 

 

Hawkwell driving school

Give way and emerging: (contents)

Give Way priorities : The three to remember are: 1. At a junction give way to the left and to the right (there may be a car overtaking from the left and on your side of the road). 2. At roundabouts give way to the right. 3. When turning right if you are on the major road give way to oncoming traffic on the major road from directly ahead.

See the crossroads on the below to see how it works in practice

The car entering from the bottom is at the junction and wants to go straight ahead. He has to give way to the major road in both directions. The car entering from the top is at the junction and wants to turn right:   He has to give way to the major road in both directions and; he also has to give way to the car facing him because he is turning right across it

Emerging at junctions : At junctions you must give way to the major road in BOTH directions, you need to look both ways before crossing the line. So it is best to stop at nearly every junction (unless the visibility is exceptional in both directions) and change into 1st gear as you look both ways. If you can’t see - STOP and then edge out.  In extreme circumstances use staggered stops - edge out then stop, edge out then stop, edge out then stop, etc. This is until you can see adequately (probably at least 100 metres in each direction). At stop junctions you must stop (normally you would also apply the handbrake). It is a fail and ILLEGAL if you do not stop completely still (wheels not turning).

Specific information about Southend test routes

Emerging through a queue: If you are turning right, or emerging into a dual carriageway right-hand lane (Mendip Crescent to Kent Elms right turn at the traffic lights) through a queue it is imperative that you stop with your front of your car at the centre line before proceeding any further; this gives anyone overtaking the queue a chance to see you and react to you before you pull out and hit them. When emerging through a queue of traffic, either to cross lanes or to turn right you must: Stop behind the give way line. When someone lets you out - Stop at the centre line. Stopping at the centre line is essential so that anyone overtaking the queue has time to see you and react to you before you pull out in front of them

 

 

Hockley; Southend; Rochford; Rayleigh; Hullbridge; Basildon;

Westcliff; Leigh; Hockley; Wickford; Hadleigh; Benfleet

 

 

 

Hawkwell driving school

Dangerous situations: (contents)

Danger on back roads: One of the biggest dangers on back roads is crashing into someone who has pulled out of a side turning towards you without looking your way. Most drivers when turning left at a junction look right, then look left as they emerge. If you are overtaking a parked (or moving) vehicle when this happens you will hit them. To safeguard yourself watch out for this happening and if someone is moving in a side turn and not looking towards you - USE YOUR HORN - to make them look at you. If they see you they can stop. Also make sure you don’t make the same mistake at junctions - LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE YOU CROSS THE LINE

Giving warnings: Use the horn in any situation where you think someone may not have seen you, perhaps someone reversing towards you, or if they are pulling out of a junction and looking the other way. Expect this to happen and cover the horn with your thumb in advance, otherwise you won't react quickly enough. Use headlights carefully as a warning as they can be thought of as an invitation to pull out. Never use a headlight flash as a warning unless you are driving a police car.   If someone flashes their headlights you cannot be sure what their intention is. If you think they are letting you out you can take the opportunity as long as you have made sure that it is safe from all directions   - including from behind the car that has flashed. Remember - they may be flashing to their mate coming the other way - NOT you

Looking ahead: Try to look at least 20 seconds ahead if visibility allows so that you can work out what is going to happen before you get there. Have an action plan about 8 seconds away, ready to implement as you get closer. Look 5 cars ahead at least in traffic. On fast roads scan ahead as far as you can see.

Reaction to danger: Some hazards are immediate, some not, be able to prioritise them in order of impor­tance. Generally slow down as your first reaction, which gives more time to work out what’s happening. If you have to swerve at speed the car will be most stable if you keep a steady speed. Do not swerve and brake hard at the same time - it may cause you to spin (even with ABS). Always try to maximise your safety margins - keep away from potential danger. Do not accelerate or change up a gear when approaching an awkward situation - HOLD BACK

 

Hockley; Southend; Rochford; Rayleigh; Hullbridge; Basildon;

Westcliff; Leigh; Hockley; Wickford; Hadleigh; Benfleet

 

 

 

Hawkwell driving school

Pedestrian crossings, bends, hills and parked cars: (contents)

Pedestrian Crossings : Be very careful at night near crossings and be very sure that there is no-one about to cross if you are overtaking a traffic queue on a two lane approach to a crossing. If there is a traffic queue on the other side of the road and you are approaching a crossing you may need to stop anyway just to make sure that there isn't a child beginning to cross between the queue of cars. Zebras have stripes. Check them out well ahead and be prepared to stop if there is a hint of anyone crossing. Puffins have steady amber. Pelicans have flashing amber (you can go if clear). Toucans are for pedestrians and cyclists (two can go together). Light controlled crossings can change as soon as the button is pressed - So Beware

For those that want to know about the law: There is a big difference between what the Highway Code and the Road Traffic Act say about how to deal with pedestrian crossings. For example: The Highway Code (Rule 167) says: “You must not park on a crossing or in the area covered by the zig zag lines. You must not overtake the moving vehicle nearest the crossing or the vehicle nearest the crossing which has stopped to give way to pedestrians.”

However Hughes Guide to Traffic Law states (reg. 24 Zebra, Pelican and Puffin Pedestrian Crossings Regulations 1997. Reg. 28 Traffic Signs Regulations 2002: “The driver of any motor vehicle, while it or any part of it is in the controlled area of a crossing and is proceeding towards the crossing, shall not cause the vehicle or any part of it to:- pass ahead of the foremost part of another moving motor vehicle proceeding in the same direction which is the nearest vehicle to the crossing, or pass ahead of the foremost part of a stationary vehicle which is the nearest vehicle to the crossing which has stopped at a red light or to accord precedence to a pedestrian at an amber light or zebra crossing.

Analysing the difference between the Highway Code and the RTA (law). Firstly the law states “motor vehicle” which means that you can overtake a cyclist when approaching a crossing. Secondly the Law says that overtaking restrictions only apply in the controlled area where the Highway Code omits this. Thirdly the Law regulates overtaking on the approach to the crossing but the Highway Code does not specify the approach and hence implies either side.

So to summarise: On the approach to a pedstrian crossing you can overtake a cyclist but you must not overtake the lead moving motor vehicle. Or any vehicle (cyclist or otherwise) who has stopped to give way to pedestrians.

Bends: Use the racing adage “Slow-in; Fast-out” for safety and stability. Brake and gear change before the bend usually remaining on the brake until the clutch is back up after the gear change), then steady speed through the bend and accelerate out as you see the bend open up.

Hills: When going up a hill you will use a lower gear to increase the engine speed and give you more power; On a steep uphill gradient you may need to hold a low gear such as 2nd for quite a while, because if you change to 3rd the car may stop. When going down a hill use a lower gear to increase the braking effect of the engine and hence enable you to use the brakes less. Brakes can overheat and hence not work on long downhill stretches so use engine braking when you can. On a steep downhill using a lower gear will hold the speed down and reduce brake fade. Generally at 30mph drive in 4th gear but drop into 3rd gear for uphill and downhill. Use the same gear going down a hill as you would going up it.

Parking on hills (Highway Code Rule 226): If you park on a hill you should :- “Park close to the kerb and apply the handbrake firmly. Select a forward gear and turn your steering wheel away from the kerb when facing   uphill. Select reverse gear and turn your steering wheel towards the kerb when facing downhill.”

Most of this advice is fine except “select a forward gear” which implies either 1st, 2nd, 3rd ,4th or 5th gear will suffice: It will not. Only first gear will hold the car (or reverse) on a steep hill.   Try this by parking on a steep hill, turning off the engine, and letting the handbrake off after putting it in gear. In first gear it will hold still, in 5th gear it will move fairly quickly down the hill.

Overtaking parked vehicles: Any overtaking move should be a smooth and gentle change of road position, be straight and parallel as you go past the vehicle with a door’s width clearance. The door’s width clearance is important – it doesn’t matter if you go over the white centre line. Generally do not indicate, unless there is a specific reason (such as someone trying to overtake you). Indicate to do the unexpected, overtaking the parked car is the expected. If there are approaching vehicles look for their reaction to your moving out, if they don’t react- hold back until they do. If you can’t get through because of oncoming traffic hold back next to the white line at a 2 car length distance so that when you can go you don’t have to steer violently. Buses – if you see one parked or pulling up in front of you try to overtake it as soon as you can – unless it gives you any reason to think it may move off imminently

 

Hockley; Southend; Rochford; Rayleigh; Hullbridge; Basildon;

Westcliff; Leigh; Hockley; Wickford; Hadleigh; Benfleet

 

 

 

Hawkwell driving school

Dual carriageways: (contents)

Following Distance: You should normally stay about 3 seconds behind the car in front, further if you have someone close behind you, or if the road is wet. Above 40mph you are too close if you can read the number plate of the car in front. The biggest cause of accidents is driving too close to the car in front. Drivers do this all the time not realising how dangerous it is. The Highway Code and advanced driving institutions advocate keeping two seconds away from the car in front (in dry conditions - double in the wet): Only a fool breaks the 2 second rule. However as far as we are concerned this is only adequate at speeds below 40mph, above 40mph it should be at least 3 seconds (to put this into practice wait until the car in front passes a marker, such as a signpost, then it should be 3 seconds before you get to the same marker). On a dual carriageway or motorway there are small blue and yellow posts every one hundred metres - this is your overall stopping distance at 70 mph.

Parked vehicles: Overtake a single car on the same path as you would on a single carriageway (a smooth and gentle change of road position, be straight and parallel as you go past the vehicle with a door’s width clearance) - but indicate if there is following traffic. If there is a row of parked cars then change lane completely   - Generally indicate to move out to the right but don’t indicate to come back in afterwards, as long as you keep the gap closed (back door) on your left side by starting to move back in as you pass the last parked car. “Keep your back door closed”

Overtaking moving vehicles: When overtaking look for vehicles closing up gaps between them, this shows that they are going to pull out. Try never to drive in another’s blind-spot as they may change lanes without seeing you. On three lane sections never pull into someone’s blind-spot. Always glance sideways before changing lanes – the blind-spot on 3 lane sections is very large and could hide a bus. If someone moves towards you, or might, use your horn to warn them. Never change 2 lanes at once – always do them one at a time. If someone is moving at well under the speed limit in front of you - overtake it as soon as possible. If you hesitate it will be more difficult. If the vehicle is slow and just exiting a roundabout try to overtake if possible while it is accelerating. You can overtake through a roundabout if you have to. On dual carriageways be confident driving at 70 mph when the road is clear.

Specific information about Southend test routes

Slip roads: Entering the main road check that there is nothing parked at the end of the slip road, then accelerate to match your speed with the main road traffic. Keep with the kerb and use the whole length of the slip road to minimise the angle of approach to the main road and hence minimise your blindspot. Check your blind spot 3 times (don’t twist your shoulders). When leaving the main dual-carriageway you may need to be careful when you indicate because of other turnings. An example is when turning off from Queensway ( Southend- when heading away from the TOTS roundabout). A few metres before the beginning of the slip road there is a small side turning. If you indicate too early you may cause someone emerging from that turning to pull-out in front of you, because they think that you are turning into it. In this situation you still need to indicate, but do it late so that your indication is not misinterpreted. On this slip road it is appropriate to indicate just as you get alongside the speed camera.

Lane changing: Should be done smoothly and gradually with 4 flashes of the indicator before you start the move. Use the door mirror and a sideways glance to check alongside before moving. The move across lanes should take about 5 seconds to complete and is usually achieved by using acceleration. In light traffic indicate when there is a gap and try to keep ahead of any vehicle already in the lane you want. In heavy traffic check the mirror and indicate even if there is not a gap, then wait for a reaction from the following vehicle. If you are doubtful as the whether the car behind on your right is going to let you across - Accelerate in your lane to change position relative to the following vehicle. If you can distance yourself from him then you know it is safe to move across.

 

Hockley; Southend; Rochford; Rayleigh; Hullbridge; Basildon;

Westcliff; Leigh; Hockley; Wickford; Hadleigh; Benfleet

 

 

 

Hawkwell driving school

Roundabouts: (contents)

mini roundabouts

Try to work out what is happening as you approach, the likely traffic flow and where you are going. For a general simple approach method you can approach all roundabouts in second gear (changing down at 20mph before you get to the final approach curve) and either continue in that gear if the roundabout is clear - or stop and put it into first gear.  

Also if you are not in the right-hand lane yourself then try not to be alongside another vehicle that is in the right-hand lane. This is because the car (or more usually a 4-wheel drive or white van man) next to you on your right will block your view of the roundabout. Try to stay either just ahead of them so that you can see ,   or just behind them. Always make sure that you can see fully and never pull out next to someone that is partially blocking your view - a truck coming from your right that you cannot see may miss the van (etc) next to you and flatten you instead.

Look at the whole roundabout - traffic coming from the left will affect the traffic on the right, and may give you the opportunity to pull-out. Keep in lane (imagine there is a truck next to you) and exit in the left lane if possible. If you are turning right and in the right-hand lane: Be prepared to exit in the right lane if there is something alongside you (especially at Tesco). Always double-check your decision before & after pulling out. Do not pull out if another vehicle is moving fast enough and close enough to hit you – they may not go where you think they will. Never pull out alongside another vehicle unless you can see clearly – it will not protect you.  

Do not pull out if another vehicle is moving fast enough or is close enough to hit you - they may not go where you think

Specific information about Southend test routes

Approaching Cuckoo Corner roundabout from Southend: To go straight ahead you must go firstly into the right-hand lane then into the middle lane as you get to the roundabout. It is well signposted and the lanes are marked.

 

Generally try to think of the roundabout as a clock face, you will approach from the 6 O’ Clock direction: any exit before 11 O’ Clock will be a left turn, any exit between 11’ O’ Clock and 1 O’ Clock will be straight ahead ,  any exit after 1 O’ Clock will be a right turn

On your driving test however you won’t have to work this out the examiner will tell you in his direction command, and it is the same format on lessons too, so that you are used to the general method.

Roundabouts will be described in the following ways:

At the roundabout: Take the exit leading off to the left / right / straight - this tells you which general direction you are heading. That is the   1st / 2nd / 3rd / 4th exit -This tells you which exit as you go around the roundabout.

If you were asked to take the third exit leading off to the right: You would check on the right side to find your exit - you would know that it is past the 1 O’ Clock position. You would indicate right - because you know it is a right turn. You would position in the right lane - because you know it is a right turn. As you go around you would count the exits, and as you pass the second exit indicate left to go into the third exit.

Remember the golden rule: Keep left unless you are turning right (or overtaking)

Exceptions to the golden rule: Where there is a 3 lane entrance to the roundabout and the left lane is left turn only. This may be defined by road markings, but may not. If there are no road markings look at the roundabout itself. If there are three lanes on the approach and there are only two lanes in the roundabout, then the left lane must be left turn only. If there are three lanes on the approach and there are three lanes in the roundabout, then you should be able to use the left lane to straight ahead.

Specific information about Southend test routes

The only roundabout in Southend with a three lane approach is Sutton Rd North roundabout junction with Eastern Ave (near the Fire Station - entering the roundabout from Sutton Rd North). For this one you should use the middle lane to go straight ahead

Where road markings tell you differently: eg. East St roundabout junction with Sutton Rd - from East street going straight ahead and also from Sutton Rd Matalan end going straight ahead; eg. Old Vienna Roundabout heading towards Belfairs Golf Course from Prittlewell Chase and Driving Test Centre). Both these roundabouts have road markings telling you to use the right-hand lane to go straight ahead.

 

 

Mini-roundabouts : “Go around mini-roundabouts unless you have moved out to the right-hand lane to turn right, or you just can’t get around them.” At a mini roundabout GIVE WAY to your RIGHT.   This means anything that if it turns would hit your car in the driver’s door. So it includes a vehicle entering from the road to your right, a vehicle from straight ahead that is turning to its right, and even a vehicle from the left that is doing a U-turn. Anything that is in the roundabout before you, and on your right-hand side, you must give way to.Remember also that give way does not mean “wait for”, it means “Don’t get in the way of”, which is completely different. back to roundabouts

When to pull out ? The best time to pull out on a busy roundabout is when the car that you have to give way to (on your right) hesitates because he has to give way to someone on his right. Look at the roundabout as a whole and try to predict when cars coming from straight ahead will cause the cars on your right to stop. The best time to go is usually as soon as the car on your right hesitates - if you wait too long then the crossing vehicle will have gone and the car on the right will move rapidly out behind it. When you approach a mini roundabout do so at a speed that will enable you to deal with any situation that arises - maybe a car from the left that should give way but doesn’t, or a car from the right that isn’t indicating to turn but does anyway. If possible time your approach so that you don’t arrive at the roundabout at the same time as another vehicle that you may have to give way to.

When entering a busy mini roundabout you may have to be assertive to proceed. If you have to push your way in then use a two-stage technique. First of all move yourself carefully across the lane you have to give way to (your right) so that you are in the middle of the roundabout; then before proceeding any further make sure that traffic that has to give way to you (your left) is stopping for you. The law regarding mini-roundabouts is often mis-understood the following should clarify the situation for you: The Highway code says: “Mini-roundabouts- Approach these in the same way as normal roundabouts. All vehicles MUST pass around the central markings except large vehicles which are physically incapable of doing so.”

The Road Traffic Act (from Hughes Guide to Road Traffic Law) says: “Mini-Roundabout - Vehicular traffic entering the junction must give priority to vehicles from the right at the give-way line, or, if that is not clearly visible, at the road junction AND proceed past the marking at the centre in the direction shown by the arrows unless the size of the vehicle or the layout of the junction makes it impractical to do so” As you can see the Highway Code mis-states the Road Traffic Law and doesn’t make sense - because sometimes you have to go over a mini-roundabout, and you are not driving a large vehicle.

Specific information about Southend test routes

The RTA takes precedence so: The simplified   rule is:    “go around mini-roundabouts unless the size of the vehicle or the layout of the junction makes it impractical to do so.” and to simplify it further and put it into practical terms:-  “go around mini-roundabouts unless you have moved out to the right-hand lane to turn right or you just can’t get around them ( eg. Spa roundabout in Hockley)” This is because once you have moved out to the right-hand lane other traffic will overtake you on your left. If you then try to move back to the left to go around the roundabout markings you will hit the vehicle on the left. This applies particularly to two mini-roundabouts in Rochford, both are on test routes. These are the roundabout by the fire station as you turn into the town, and the roundabout by the railway bridge when you turn towards Ashingdon from the town. For both of these you will move out to the right-hand lane to turn right - you must then drive over the roundabout.

 

Hockley; Southend; Rochford; Rayleigh; Hullbridge; Basildon;

Westcliff; Leigh; Hockley; Wickford; Hadleigh; Benfleet

 

 

 

 

Hawkwell driving school

Manoeuvres: (contents)

Manoeuvres: For all the manoeuvres you have three things to consider:

Control: In the following pages (see links) tips and techniques are given for each manoeuvre individually. The common theme is that you can stop when you like, take your time, move very slowly and shunt forwards if you need to. If you think that it is going wrong, don’t carry on: STOP, and pull it forwards to correct it. You do not have to rush.

Observation: Again for all manoeuvres when reversing look over your left shoulder out of the back window for at least half of the time, preferably more. At numerous times also STOP and look forwards, over your right shoulder and all around as well.

Dealing with others: In all circumstances except one if another car approaches STOP. Stop before the other driver is close enough to have to react to you. If you stop when he is very close he may hit you because at that point he is expecting you to continue. If they then go past - continue. If they want to wait, let them, and carry on with your manoeuvre. The exception to this is on the reverse around the corner where if someone drives up behind you from the side road you are reversing into. STOP, but then if they decide to wait you should not continue but pull forward and start the manoeuvre again when they are gone.

Reversing: Do it in stages, take your time and stop frequently to check your position and do the necessary observation. Tight corners - use the back of the car at the end of the wall as the turn point and stop, Important - Look all around before you turn, look in the top-left-hand mirror (an additional mirror in our cars) as you go around the corner. Stop when you are parallel to the kerb of the side road, then straighten the wheels, you can do this whilst stationary. Then to keep the car straight use the centre point of the rear screen (green triangle) centered on the parked car behind. (Note: we have a green triangle marker in the centre of our rear screens). Large corners - use left-hand door mirror for the turn and then the green triangle when straightening. Take all round observation at all stop points. Remember to keep looking over your left shoulder. You can shunt forwards at least twice to correct or re-align if you are unsure. If you do it in stages you can always go back to the point where it was last correct. You should be looking over your shoulder – out of the rear window at least half of the time when reversing.  

 

Parallel parking: Pull up alongside your target car, one metre away and with your steering wheels level. When it is clear all around, turn-in one turn, stop when the kerb behind you disappears in the right hand corner of the rear window (when looking in the interior mirror) (or the point on the nearside bumper on the KA): Then turn full-lock right. Remember to keep looking over your left shoulder. Stop when you are about two thirds of the way in to check how close to the kerb you are. At this point it is very easy to make a correction. If necessary you can shunt forwards at least twice to correct it, or re-align it, if you are unsure. If you do shunt forwards make sure that it is enough to be useful. You should be looking over your shoulder – out of the rear window at least half of the time when reversing. Take all round observation at all STOP points. Remember to keep looking over your left shoulder. If asked to do this between cars it will normally be a minimum of three car lengths, and you should normally finish within 30cm from the kerb.) You can finish with your wheels turned fully to the right. This also makes it easier to pull away afterwards.

Parking in a Car park bay: Straight - Use the centre point of the rear screen (green triangle in our cars) to line up, when you get close - stop & ensure that you have a white line each side.

At 90 degrees - Line-up so that you can look along the length of the 3rd line forwards of the space, check your right side for hazards – use full lock as soon as you move; use the top-left-side mirror (our cars only) to make sure you are the correct side of the line. It is better to be tight to the line on the left side when you come in as it is easy to correct by straightening slightly. Remember you can shunt forwards at least twice to correct or re-align if you are unsure. If you do shunt make sure you go far enough forwards to make a difference. You should be looking over your shoulder – out of the rear window at least half of the time when reversing. Take all round observation at all stop points. You can be on the line but not the other side of it.

Turn-in-the-road: 3 point turn to us normal people, doesn’t have to done in 3, but needs to be reasonable for the road width. You can touch the kerb and still pass. Remember to use the hand-brake at each point and look behind you over your left shoulder and out of the back window before and during reversing. Also remember to keep looking over your left shoulder.

Emergency stop: Most people fail the emergency stop on test because they either don't brake hard enough or don't react quickly enough. Remember it is supposed to be an emergency. Keep you heel under the brake pedal and pivot your foot onto the gas while driving normally. If you need to react quickly you just pivot back to the brake pedal. If you have to lift your heel to re-position your foot you will take too long to react. Be quick and firm, concentrate on the brake, and only push the clutch down just before you stop if you have time.   It doesn’t matter if you stall. If you skid by braking too hard come off’ the brake and brake again, but not so hard. If your vehicle has ABS - brake firmly and stay on it, you may feel it pumping or hear a noise if the ABS works. Don’t worry, stay on the brake and it will stop without skidding. Also note that if you have ABS you will not skid out of control when braking, and you will be able to steer: In many conditions your car will not stop more quickly with ABS than without.

 

Hockley; Southend; Rochford; Rayleigh; Hullbridge; Basildon;

Westcliff; Leigh; Hockley; Wickford; Hadleigh; Benfleet

 

 

 

Hawkwell driving school

Maintenance: (contents)

Under the KA Bonnet

Here is what it looks like under the bonnet of the 2005 Ford KA Duratec.   The marked items are the ones you need to know:

• A = power steering reservoir;
• B = engine coolant;
• C = engine oil dipstick;
• D = engine oil filler;
• E = brake fluid reservoir;
• F = windscreen washer bottle

All the levels should be between “min” and “max”, except the windscreen washer bottle which is just filled up to the top. Everything you can touch under the bonnet is yellow, but don’t, just point – it will be HOT. Before turning on the ignition check the handbrake is and the gear lever is in NEUTRAL

To open the bonnet: Pull the catch under the steering column downwards, then lift the bonnet with your right hand and push the catch (just left of centre) sideways to the left. Then lift the bonnet, unclip the rod and locate it in the slot to hold the bonnet up. To close the bonnet – lower it gently down and then drop it for the last 20 cms. ALWAYS try to lift the bonnet again after closing it to be sure that it is locked in place. NOT DOING THIS COULD KILL YOU. It may fly up whilst you are driving along

 

Maintenance questions: These are the type of questions which are used on the driving test:

Show me how you would check the engine oil level

With the bonnet open - show the examiner where the dipstick is and tell him that you would “pull it out and wipe it, then put it back in, then pull it out again and check that the oil level is   between the two marks.”

Tell me how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

Show the examiner that you can test it by applying pressure to the steering wheel whilst starting the engine – the steering should feel lighter if the power assistance is working. You could also drive the car slowly along, check that it was safe behind and turn the steering from side to side, it should feel normal.

How would you would check the engine coolant level

With the bonnet open – show the examiner where the engine coolant reservoir is and tell him that the level should be between the “max.” and “min“. Marks

Tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.

With the bonnet open – show the examiner where the windscreen washer fluid reservoir is and tell him that it needs to be filled up to the top to see the level.

Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only).

Press it!   It is only legal to do this while stationary if you are off-road. On the road you should get moving first.

Tell me how you would check the brake fluid level.  

With the bonnet open – show the examiner where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell him that the level should be between the “max.”   and “min“. marks.

Tell me how you would check that the brake lights are working.

Tell the examiner that you would turn on the ignition and press the brake pedal to make them work then, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help.

Show me how you would check the parking brake is not worn.

Pull on the handbrake without pressing in the button, it should come up no more than 8 clicks, any more than this and it needs adjusting. It should also lock firmly when the button is released.

Tell me how you would check that your brakes are working before commencing a journey.

Put heavy pressure on the brake pedal and HOLD for 10 seconds. It should feel normal and firm. If it doesn’t or sinks downwards then there is a fault.

Tell the examiner that you would move the car slowly along, check that it was safe behind, depress the clutch then apply the foot-brake firmly – the car should stop in a straight line without pulling sideways.

Tell me where you would find the information for the tyre pressures for this car and how to check them

Tyre pressures for the car are found in the handbook and are 26 pounds per square inch for the back and 32 for the front for the Ford KA 1.3) Check when the   tyres are cold using the tyre pressure gauge. Remove the dust cap on the tyre valve and press the gauge on until the end shoots out – read off the pressure. don’t forget to mention the spare tyre.

Show me how you would check that your indicators are working.

Turn on the ignition, switch on the left indicator and get out to check they work front and back, do the same for the right indicator .

Show me how you would check that the headlights & rear lights are working.

Turn on the ignition, switch on the headlights and get out to check they work, turn on main beam and get out again.

Tell me how you would check the tyre condition.

Tell the examiner that you “use the tyre tread gauge, place it on the tread and push it in, then read off the depth” (minimum legal depth is 1.6mm over the whole circumference and over the central 3/4 of the width). Look around the side-wall of the tyre and say “there must not be any cuts or   bulges.”.

Tell me how you would check the power steering fluid level.

With the bonnet open – show the examiner where the power steering fluid reservoir is and tell him that the level should be between the   “max.” and “min“. marks.

 

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