Driving Tips
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GT Driving School Driving Test Prompt Sheets
Prompt Sheet 1: Moving off & Stopping
Prompt Sheet 2: Turning Left & Right
Prompt Sheet 3: Roundabouts
Prompt Sheet 4: Turn-in-the-Road / Left Reverse
Prompt Sheet 5: Bay Parking / Reverse Parking
Prompt Sheet 6: Test Preparation
Theory Test Tips
There are no two ways about it, you will have to read and digest the NEW HIGHWAY CODE. The Code has just been updated and can be found as a book but there are also other ways of learning the information, such as CD or DVD. The discs (and some books) have hundreds of test qustions. Take as many mock tests as you can before taking the Teory Test.
The Hazard Perception test is taken at the same time as your Theory Test. It is well worth practising as many examples as possible to fully understnad what is required. There a re many CDs or DVDs available for this section. You are looking for DEVELOPING HAZARDS. These are hazards that escalate in to potential problems. When you see a hazard, you should CLICK your mouse. If the hazard DEVELOPS (gets more serious), CLICK IT AGAIN.
E.G.
A car approaching a junction on your left is a HAZARD (CLICK THIS). If it pulls out in front of you, this is a DEVELOPING HAZARD (CLICK IT AGAIN). You should click the mouse the MOMENT the car moves in to your road, any later and your score will be reduced.
Look Well Ahead - Look out for anything that may cause a change of SPEED or DIRECTION.
Move Your Eyes - Look out for the CHANGING PICTURE. Regularly LOOK BEHIND in your MAIN and SIDE MIRRORS
Spot Problems - Look out for anything that will effect your SPACE or VISABILITY on the road
Keep Space - Keeping away from the car in front gives you TIME to REACT. KEEP UP with traffic but leave a 2 SECOND SPACE. Also be aware of the ROAD CONDITIONS.
Be Seen - Make sure other road users can see you by using your LIGTS and INDICATORS properly, Your ROAD POSITION, HORN (only when necessary). KEEP TO THE SPEED LIMIT.
Motorway driving is not taught as part of the curriculum for the Practical Test. You will find out how to safely drive on Motorways if you take the PASS PLUS course.
Who can use a Motorway? - You should not go on to a Motorway if you are a PEDESTRIAN, CYCLIST, RIDING A HORSE, PROVISIONAL LICENCE HOLDER, DRIVING AN INVALID CARRIDGE or RIDING A MOTORBIKE THAT IS UNDER 50cc.
How do I Join a Motorway? - You should be indicating right to merge onto the Motorway by the time the white chevrons (white stripy lines) appear on your right-hand side. Get up to speed, do not join the Motorway at 30 mph, you should be a 60 mph at least, or the same speed as the cars on the motorway itself. DO NOT BARGE IN, look for a gap before you move on to the Motorway. KEEP TO YOUR LEFT, do not move straight over to the next lane on your right. Check your mirrors before moving to another lane.
How about other people joining a Motorway? - Be aware of any slip road merging from your left. LOOK OUT FOR TRAFFIC. If there is a large stream of cars coming from the sliproad, check to see if it is possible to move to your right, if it is not possible, slow down gradually and early, DO NOT BRAKE SUDDENLY. Allow the cars to merge in to your lane and KEEP YOUR DISTANCE.
Which Lane should I be in? - The LEFT LANE should be your normal driving lane. The other lanes are for OVERTAKING ONLY. Dont move lanes unless you have to. Keep stedy in the middle of your lane, dont drive near or on the white lines. DO NOT WANDER over to other lanes. Do not use the HARD SHOULDER unless you have an emergency.
How do I keep safe on the Motorway? - Keep your distance. Use the TWO SECOND RULE. Keep looking in front and behind you. Look as far as you can down the road. React to brake lights and Motorway signs sooner, rather than later.
How do I leave a Motorway? - Look out for signs for the junction you want. Be aware of which junction you need. Indicate when you see the first countdown marker (THREE STRIPES). Do not slow down until you are on the slip road. Get in lane for the junction at the end of the sliproad.
Be prepared - listen to/read weather forcasts if you are going on a long trip. gather information that will allow you to take items that may be useful, such as blankets, food or a shovel.
Windscreen Washers - Make sure you have winsdreen cleaner in your resevoir. This helps to clean the windscreen but also to prevent it from freezing up.
Headlights and Foglights - If the conditions become dull or there is water spray from the road surface, it is advisable to put on first your side lights, then headlights. If the weather conditions persist, put on your fog lights. REMEMBER to turn off your fog lights when the weather conditions improve, otherwise you may dazzle drivers approaching or following you. Do not put FULL BEAM on if you are travelling in Fog as they can reflect the fog and actually make it more difficult to see where you are going.
Skidding - If you have ABS fitted to your car, this WILL NOT prevent you from skidding. ABS only improves your chances of steering whilst in a skid.
If you shold find yourself in a skid - lift off the breaks and re-apply them steadily. Do not steer away from the skid - steer into the skid
Headlights - make sure they are clean and working. Do not use your FULL BEAM in lit-up areas.
Speed - KEEP TO THE SPEED LIMIT. If you are out at 3am, there is a good chance that someone else is as well. Their reactions will not be as good as yours, due to tiredness and/or alcohol. Keep safe and keep clear.
Full Beam - Always dip your headlights whenever you come into a lit area, when another vehicle is approaching or when a pedestrian is seen.