AJ Driving School Welcome Pack www.ajdrivingschool.co.uk 1 P a g e
CONTENTS Show Me, Tell Me Questions And Answers... 5 Bay Parking... 9 Reverse Around the Corner... 12 On The Test... 14 Reverse Parking... 14 Emergency Stops... 16 Private Practice With Family/Friends... 17 Practice Hints... 19 Control... 20 Planning... 21 Tips For Eco-Safe Driving... 21 How To Use The LADA And MSPSL Routines... 22 MSPSL... 23 2 P a g e
HELLO AND WELCOME TO THE AJ DRIVING SCHOOL! Firstly I would like to say that I have no doubt you will succeed with your training and go on to enjoy the open road! We have a high pass rate for first timers, and have great success with more mature drivers, that perhaps are already license holders needing confidence building or refresher lessons. We monitor your learning, and provide a mock test service to prepare you properly for test day. We can advise on learning materials that will help you work through and pass the theory test, featuring multiplechoice questions and hazard perception. Then we'll make sure that you're ready to take the practical test, and you'll find lots of useful advice and practical information to help you pass. Lessons are offered on an hourly basis as standard however if you want longer lessons, then we can also offer a 1.5 hour lesson. Our prices are currently 24 per hour and there are discounts available for block bookings as follows: Book 10 hours of driving lessons at 220.00 and save 20.00 (based on our standard hourly rate) Book 20 hours of driving lessons at 380.00 and save 80.00 (based on our standard hourly rate) We also offer the recommend a friend scheme, which means if you recommend a friend to AJ Driving School, you get a free lesson! Mock tests are the hourly lesson rate plus 15 for the examiner on the day, mock test examiners are fully qualified ADI s. Driving tests are a 2 hour booking, 1 hour for the warm up drive and 1 hour for the test itself. I can sit in on the test with you if you would like the reassurance, or I can wait at the test centre for you to return! If you cancel your lesson within 24 hours of the lesson time you will be charged the full lesson rate. The next few pages include explanations on the manoeuvres you will need to learn during your training. I believe in providing you with this 3 P a g e
information so that those of you who can practice in your own or relative s car have the information at your fingertips! I have also included the full list of show me, tell me questions that you will asked on test day and some hints and tips for private practice with friends/family. I would like again to welcome you to The AJ Driving School if you have any questions please feel free to contact alan@ajdrivingschool.co.uk 4 P a g e
SHOW ME, TELL ME QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 1. Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check the engine has the correct level. Identify the coolant tank and check the min/max markings. If the coolant is below the min mark then more coolant will need to be added. To do this, unscrew the cap and pour in coolant until the max mark is reached. 2. Open the bonnet, identify where the brake fluid reservoir is and tell me how you would check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid. Identify the brake fluid reservoir and check the fluid level against the min/max levels. 3. Show me/explain how you would check that the power assisted steering is working before starting a journey. If the steering becomes heavy the steering may be faulty. Before starting a journey two simple checks can be made. 1) Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained whilst the engine is started, should result in slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. 2) Turning the steering wheel after just moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assisted steering is functioning correctly. 4. Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level. Identify the reservoir and explain how to check the level. 5. Open the bonnet identify, where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has enough oil. 5 P a g e
Identify the dipstick, pull it out and check the oil level against the min/max markings. 6. Show me how you would check that the horn is working (off road only). Press the horn and listen (turn on ignition if necessary). 7. Show me how you would check that the brake lights are working on this car. (I can assist you, if you need to switch the ignition on, please don't start the engine). Operate brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows, garage doors, etc, or ask someone to help. (may need to switch ignition on, prompt not to start engine). 8. Tell me how you would check that the brakes are working before starting a journey. As you move off check the brakes. They should not feel spongy and the car should not pull to one side. 9. Tell me how you would check that the headlights and tail lights are working. Turn on lights (turn ignition if necessary), walk around car and check that the lights are on. 10. Show me how you would check that the direction indicators are working correctly. Activate the indicators or hazard warning lights and walk around the car to see if all the indicators are working correctly. 11. Tell me where you would find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked. 6 P a g e
Information will be found using the car manufacturer's manual. Check the tyre pressures by using a reliable pressure gauge when the tyres are cold. Don't forget the spare and remember to refit the valve caps. 12. Tell me how you would check the tyres to show that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road. A safe tyre will have no cuts or bulges. The tread depth should be at least 1.6mm across the central 3/4s of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire outer circumference. 13. Show me how you would check the parking brake for excessive wear. Apply the parking brake. When it is fully applied it should secure itself. 14. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash. The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. N.B. Some restraints might not be adjustable. 15. Show me how you would clean the windscreen using the windscreen washer and wipers. Operate control to wash and wipe windscreen (turn ignition on if necessary. 16. Show me how you would set the demister controls to clear all the windows effectively, this should include both front and rear screens. 7 P a g e
Set all relevant controls including; fan, temperature, air direction / source and heated screen to clear windscreen and windows. Engine does not have to be started for this demonstration. 17. Tell me how you would know if there was a problem with your anti lock braking system. Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the antilock braking system. 18. Show me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you would know the main beam is on whilst inside the car. Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light. 19. Show me how you would switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you would use it/them. (No need to exit vehicle). Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use. Note: Failure on any of the show me tell me questions will result in one minor fault. 8 P a g e
BAY PARKING If you are asked to reverse into a parking bay, you can usually choose whether to reverse from the right or the left. Reverse parking into a bay must be carried out at the test centre at the start or the end of the test, when there is a car park at the test centre. The examiner on the driving test will expect you to do your bay parking: Safely Smoothly Under control Making proper use of the accelerator, clutch, brakes and steering Without crossing the white bay marking. The examiner will also be looking to see that you: Are aware of other road users Keep looking all around throughout the manoeuvre This is what you should be going if you are asked to do these manoeuvres on your test: Look at the layout markings and the size of the space available Use your mirrors and signal if necessary Check your position and keep your speed down Use effective all-round observation Look out for pedestrians Reverse and park as neatly as possible, with your wheels straight Make sure that your vehicle is neatly parked between the markings of the bay. When doing these manoeuvres, take your time, reverse under full 9 P a g e
control, safely and steadily. Always use good, effective all-round observation and show consideration to other road users. You should be aware that if any "shunting" (moving forwards then back again) is needed to correct your ultimate position between the lines, then it must be done BEFORE your car enters the bay. Beware: they are really picky on this one! I've seen people fail for having just half of one tyre over a bay line. Critics say that if the Examiner has to open the door and lean out to check the line, how is an inexperienced driver supposed to be able to judge! Can you adjust your left side mirror to do this manoeuvre? It is OK for you to move a mirror before starting the manoeuvre, but this could cause a problem especially if you become too reliant on the mirror and forget to use all round observations. When doing this manoeuvre you have to reverse using all round observations and occasional quick glances at the side mirror for checking your position. If lots of practice and encouragement fails to get you confidently into a bay then sometimes we would suggest moving the mirror, but keep checking all round and it is important that the mirror is returned to its usual setting before driving off. Turn in the road This is a useful turn in cul-de-sacs and roads where there is no side turning or opening to reverse into. The examiner on the driving test will expect you to turn your car around in the road: Safely Smoothly Under control Making proper use of the accelerator, clutch, brakes and steering Without touching or mounting the curb. The examiner will also be looking to see that you: 10 P a g e
Are aware of other road users Keep looking all around throughout the manoeuvre. A Choose a safe place where there is good visibility, no obstruction in the road or on the pavement (watch for lamp posts, telephone poles or even post boxes), and where you have plenty of room. Stop on the left. Check the indicators have cancelled. Make sure the way is clear in front and behind, check the blind spot over your right shoulder B Go slowly forward in first gear using clutch control, turning your steering wheel briskly to the right. Aim at getting the car at right-angles across the road. C When the front of the car is about one meter from the curb and still moving very slowly, change the lock by turning the steering wheel briskly to the left. As the front wheels get near to the curb, put the clutch right down and use your foot-brake to stop. Apply your handbrake. Select reverse gear. Find the biting point. Make sure the way is clear. Check in all directions. If clear release your hand-brake. Back slowly across the road; turn the steering wheel as far to the left as it will go. D As the back of the car nears the curb (you will see this over your right shoulder), turn the wheel briskly to the right so that when you stop you will be nearly on the right-hand lock ready to drive forward again. Stop the car before you hit the curb. Put on the hand-brake. Select first gear. Again make sure the road is clear and drive forward, turning the wheel to the right. E You should now be able to straighten up on the left of the road. 11 P a g e
REVERSE AROUND THE CORNER Using reverse gear is difficult for new drivers. The car steers differently, the front wheels become, in effect, the rear ones. When you drive forward you can see the car turning when you steer. In reverse, you have to wait for the steering to take effect. The examiner on the test will expect you to reverse: Safely Correctly Smoothly Under control Keeping reasonably close to the curb Without mounting or hitting the curb Without swinging out too wide. The examiner will also be looking to see that you:- Check traffic and road conditions Look out for traffic and pedestrians Stop in a safe position. A On the approach, draw up to the curb on the left. Cancel your indicator. Note any obstructions and the type of corner. (The corner shown is a sharp left angle turn - some corners are wide with very long turns, semi-sharp). Move off following the MSM procedure; remember to look over your right shoulder! Do you need to indicate? B Draw up about 0.5 meters from the curb and about 2 car lengths past the junction. If you used your indicators make sure they have cancelled. You are allowed to take your seat belt off at this point if you find it makes it easier for you to turn around to see out of the rear 12 P a g e
window. Carry out a visual check all round. If clear, engage reverse gear and move off very slowly. DO NOT use any signals. C Looking in the rear window by looking over your left shoulder, you will see the curb appear through the rear quarter light window. At this point turn the steering wheel 1 turn to the left. The front of the car will swing out, so check for traffic both ways and for pedestrians behind, continue very slowly if clear. If a vehicle comes down the road you are reversing round, STOP. If the vehicle continues with its journey than wait until they pass and you can then carry on. If the vehicle stops behind you, then you are causing an obstruction so you will have to engage first gear and move back to the start where you can start the process again. 13 P a g e
ON THE TEST If someone comes right up close behind you after you have turned the corner, but before the examiner has indicated it is finished, wait a moment, this is to give the examiner a chance to say it is far enough, if he judges it is nearly finished. If he says nothing, then pull forward round the corner and start again, without saying a word. D Manipulate the steering wheel keeping the car no more than 12 from the curb, keeping effective observations at all times. Remember you are reversing, so your head angle should be looking behind. Use the reference points of the door handle and the rear window I gave you. Straighten up when looking out of your rear window and checking that the car is running parallel to the curb. Watch in front as well, if someone comes around that corner and you do not notice, you will certainly fail your test. If someone is coming STOP. Continue when they have passed by. Keep a clearance of a few centimeters from the curb. Stop on the examiner's instruction. E Engage your handbrake and neutral. Put your seat belt back on. Wait for the examiners next instruction. Remember, perfection is not expected. Do not assume that you have failed if you think it is not perfect. What you regard as an error may actually be extremely trivial, and not marked at all. REVERSE PARKING This takes advantage of a car's maneuverability when driving in reverse gear. When doing this you will be something of an obstacle, so use of the mirror-signal-manoeuvre routine is important. It is also vital to keep a look-out for passing traffic. The examiner on the driving test will expect you to: Reverse into a space of about two car lengths 14 P a g e
Park your car at the curb safely, smoothly and under control. The examiner will also be looking to see that you: Take all-round observation Do not get too close to the parked car Do not mount the curb Stop reasonably close to the curb A Drive forward and stop parallel to and not more than one meter away from the car. You need to about ½ a car length past it. Select reverse gear. Look to check it's O.K. to move off. Drive back very slowly and watch for the ends of the cars to be level. Check blind spot. B Turn the wheel to the left one full turn. Check the road ahead and the road behind over your right shoulder. If it's safe, continue reversing until the car is at a 45 degree angle. Turn the wheel one full turn to the right. The car will begin to travel in towards the curb at a 45 degree angle. Checking your passenger door mirror wait for the handle to be hanging over the curb and at that point full lock right. C Check your distance from the curb and when your car feels straight straighten the wheels with 2 swift movements to the left. Keep your car within two car lengths from the car. D Here you should be close to the curb. If you need to correct your position you are allowed to move forward and backwards to get it right. But too much will be frowned upon by the Examiner. You need to be within 12 of the curb and no more than 2 car lengths (including your own car) from the car in front. 15 P a g e
EMERGENCY STOPS Throughout your driving test your aim will be to slow down in good time and pull up gently, except in the emergency stop exercise, which will show your competence in taking immediate and effective action. The examiner on the driving test will expect you to: Stop the car promptly Keep the car under control without locking the wheels Stop the car in the shortest possible distance Stop the car without endangering other road users The Examiner will ask you to stop at various places during the driving test. Whenever you stop, you should do so in a safe place. The Examiner will not trap you by asking you to stop in an illegal place, but you have to select a safe position for normal stops. It's during one of these 'stops' that the Examiner will say to you that, very shortly he will ask you to stop the vehicle as in an emergency. The signal he will give you as he says 'Stop' will be shown to you. Examiners will hold up their right hand and say 'Stop'. This is the one occasion in the test when you don't follow the mirrorssignal-manoeuvre routine. Before giving you the signal to 'Stop' the Examiner himself would have checked the road behind with a look over his right shoulder. He won't ask you to stop if there could be a danger to you from following traffic. When you get the signal, release the accelerator pedal and slide your right foot across to the brake pedal, easy. Apply firm pressure, trying to judge pedal movement so that the brakes are on the point of locking. Hold the pedal still then, as the car slows to a standstill, gradually release the pressure. During braking, keep two hands on the steering wheel and hold the car in a straight line and be alert for the first signs of the wheels locking up. If a skid has actually started, ease the pedal but don't release it completely, and then re-apply the pressure. Your instinct will tell you that as you brake you should apply the clutch. However try to avoid depressing the clutch until just before you stop. This will give the car extra braking from the engine. With the car safely 16 P a g e
at a standstill, and the clutch and brake pedals still depressed, apply the handbrake and move the gear lever into neutral. Breathe! Remember, you will probably have held your breathe since you were warned you were going to do this part of the test, so re oxygenate your brain!!! Move on again when told to do so by the Examiner, not forgetting the Mirrors-signal- manoeuvre routine. Sometimes you may stop in the middle of the road. So don't forget to look over your left shoulder as well. Something could be on the left of the road. GUIDE FOR PRIVATE PRACTICE WITH FAMILY/FRIENDS Practice makes perfect, so when your driving instructor thinks you are ready, why not get more practice with family or a friend. Note: Learners driving a car must hold a valid provisional license. They must be supervised by someone at least 21 years old who holds a full license and has held one for at least three years. You will need insurance to drive a vehicle. Car insurance, much like navel fluff, is dull but unavoidable. Don't be a 'blithering idiot', don't leave home without it. Below are some tips and hints for family and friends helping a person to learn to drive. A wise parent or friend will seek the help of reliable professionals in preparing a person for the complex world of the car and traffic. It's not enough for today's family/friends to learn as their parents did. The driving world they enter is far too intense to tackle without serious preparation. Learning to drive a car safely and efficiently in modern traffic involves much more than training to pass a government road test and get a license. However, this is a necessary first stage. Government driver examiners want to ensure that the new driver has adequate control over the vehicle, knows the rules of the road and the correct procedures for managing a vehicle in traffic, and can make safe decisions. The professional instructor is skilled in teaching these basics. 17 P a g e
Your role as parent/co-driver is to reinforce what the instructor teaches and provide practice time. Attitude determines how knowledge and skills will be used. It determines whether a driver will be cooperative or competitive in traffic. So your biggest contribution to your family/friends safety and effectiveness behind the wheel will be your example. Patience, courtesy, and a willingness to improve will be your best assets. Now is the time to review your own driving habits and offer your family/friend the example of courtesy and consideration for other road users. This may do more than anything else to ensure your family/friend driving safety. Random driving around during practice sessions can be dangerous. It's all too easy for the novice driver to get into trouble, particularly in the early stages. Before getting into traffic be sure that your family/friend has good coordination with hands and feet. Until the novice is sure of the pedals, the danger of hitting the wrong pedal in a panic situation is always present. It's important to plan practice sessions. Decide where to go and what you are going to do before setting out. Take some care in selecting a suitable area. A large deserted car park is ideal for the initial sessions because it allows the beginner to concentrate fully on the feel of the controls and the response of the car. For the initial road sessions find the quietest roads possible. Your family/friend will learn the correct road and traffic procedures from the professional instructor. Your job will be to provide good feedback while he practices these procedures. Accurate lane driving and positioning for turns, good signal timing, and good road sense are the basic ingredients for passing the government road test. These will be learned more effectively by driving around the block with somebody who provides good feedback than by hours of random driving on highway or streets. On the other hand, a co-driver who allows the novice driver to get away with faults or who provides poor feedback may hold back the learning process considerably. 18 P a g e
PRACTICE HINTS Don't carry passengers. There is no law to stop you having a passenger in the back of the car. It is not normally a good idea to carry extra passengers, because it can affect your concentration. If you do then sit them where they will not restrict your view in the mirror. Stay alert. Some beginners may give the impression of being confident and in control but may be totally unprepared to deal with any sudden change in conditions and very reliant on you, the co-driver, for guidance and even assistance in control. Anticipate problems and always be ready to react. Communicate clearly. Give directions well in advance and try to always use the same terms (don't say accelerator one time and gas pedal the next, for example). Don't hit the beginner with everything at once. A simple right turn, for example, involves several steps checking mirrors, signaling, checking blind areas, braking, positioning, checking for traffic before the turn and steering. To expect a beginner to follow all of these correctly during the early sessions is asking too much. Don't get excited during practice sessions. This communicates itself quickly to the driver and can make performance difficult. Don't overload. A big part of being an instructor or co-driver is reminding the driver to check traffic and to signal and to bring attention to potential hazards. But once again, remember that everything you say is also a distraction for the driver. Be sparing in your comments and, above all, try to avoid letting the beginner get into situations he or she can't handle. Stop and discuss. When your family/friend makes a mistake, he or she may not be clear as to what went wrong. Explaining and discussing while on the move is not very effective. The beginner is too busy driving! Stop as soon as you can, while the mistake is still fresh in the memory, and sort out the problem. Don't jump on every mistake, however, and make a big thing of it. This will affect the beginner's confidence and concentration on the driving task. 19 P a g e
Don't clash with what the professional driving instructor teaches. If your teen is doing something that you think is incorrect and maintains that the driving instructor teaches this way talk to the driving instructor. Student drivers often wrongly interpret their instructor's directions. Learning to drive must not be a nightmare. Whilst a 17-year-old often avoids to be seen with a parent, when it comes to driving, they are always willing to go out. Make it an enjoyable time for both of you. Eco-safe driving as part of the practical driving test From 10 September 2008, if you're sitting a driving test, you ll also be assessed on your ability to drive or ride in a way that shows eco-safe driving techniques. This assessment is not part of the existing assessment criteria for the practical test and you will not fail your test because you don t demonstrate eco-safe driving techniques. The driving examiner will assess control and planning, and at the end of the test will give you feedback, as guidance, on how efficiently you re driving. CONTROL Always try to use the vehicle controls as smoothly as possible, with particular attention to: starting and moving away accelerating using gears driving at an appropriate speed This reduces wear and tear on your vehicle and will help in reducing CO2. 20 P a g e
PLANNING Reduce harmful emissions by anticipating road traffic conditions and acting in good time, rather than reacting to them at the last moment, especially: showing hazard awareness and planning making use of engine braking stopping the engine when appropriate TIPS FOR ECO-SAFE DRIVING Follow these tips as a guide to safe driving for economy: check your tires regularly and keep at recommended pressure don t carry unnecessary weight remove roof-rack or luggage boxes when not needed to reduce air resistance don t exceed speed limits, accelerate gently consider using cruise control where it would be appropriate turn off your engine if you re likely to have a prolonged wait use air conditioning only when you need to plan your route to avoid known congestion points try to travel during off-peak times 21 P a g e
HOW TO USE THE LADA AND MSPSL ROUTINES LADA Look: Look well ahead, scan the whole road, other road users and signs etc. Assess: Ask the question: Is there anything ahead which could cause me to change speed or direction - even easing off the gas, or shifting road position to go past a parked car becomes a yes under this question. Decide: If you answer yes, you then need to decide what to do. Act: Act upon the information you have seen. 22 P a g e
MSPSL Mirrors: Rear View: Work out who is behind you, and how your actions may affect them. Wing Mirror: If moving left, then check for anyone on your inside, who may not be in your rear view (e.g.: cyclists). If moving right, check for anyone overtaking you (e.g.: mopeds). If there is anyone close, slow early and smoothly so that they have a chance to react. Signal?: If there is anyone close, work out what they will see. If you need to slow, then slight pressure early on the brake will signal your intentions to slow. Consider an indicator if it will help anyone, though be careful not to confuse them. This is where things get interesting (hence the question mark on this one!). Imagine you are following a car down a road. He has to pass a parked car, near a road on the right. If he starts to signal right, you are left wondering what he will do? Is he signaling to pass the car? Is he turning right? What does the guy coming towards him in the other lane think? Now consider the same situation when the car in front doesn t signal - you can be reasonably safe in the assumption that he is going to continue past the parked car - no signal is necessary. However, if you are changing roads, or lanes, or moving off where your actions might affect someone, you will usually need a signal. Always ask Could it help? / Could it confuse? Position: Once you know who is around, and have told everyone what you are doing, start to position yourself for the manoeuvre or junction. Remember that people will read your position like a signal, so make sure it fits in with what they expect of you. Make your life easy by positioning early, but try to keep out of everyone else s way. When turning left, follow the curb, but keep your door s width if possible. When turning right, follow the centre lines, and don t encroach into oncoming traffic. When overtaking, give at least a door s width where possible, with cyclists this is a minimum, try to give 2 door s width to them, as they are less steady. Imagine yourself on the bike - how much room would you want to be given? Speed/Gear: Most manoeuvres need a speed reduction. You now know who is around, and have started to take your position for the manoeuvre or junction. Planning early will allow you to slow smoothly, 23 P a g e
braking first (or easing off the gas if that is all that is necessary), then changing into the gear you feel you will need to use through the problem. Be aware that when changing down to a lower gear, you often need to stay on the brake until your clutch is up in the new gear. You won t stall unless you need to stop, and you can always put the clutch back down again. Bringing the clutch up in a lower gear will regulate your speed, especially if you are traveling down hill, and give you more control. When choosing gears, don t change through every intermediate gear. In modern cars this is unnecessary, and making 3 gear changes (say from 5th to 4th to 3rd to 2nd) takes your mind off the road conditions when 1 change will suffice (5th to 2nd). Look: Is this sounding familiar? This brings us back to the start again. This is the point where you look into the new road or at the approaching traffic or situation, which you will then.. Assess, Decide and Act upon. I wish you the very best of luck! Alan Jones 24 P a g e
NOTES Copyright: AJ Driving School 2014 Brochure Design: www.seoprofessor.co.uk 25 P a g e