So you think it is time you had a go at learning to drive. Whether you are eighteen or eighty it does not matter; but it can still be very enjoyable, interesting and rewarding when you achieve your goal of passing the test. I think we realise that the younger we are the less lessons will be required.

When you  have decided to have a go, don’t be thinking  i will pass the test in about 10 hours . It is not impossible, but is very unlikely to be the case, unless you are getting plenty of practice in between your lessons.

How do you decide which instructor to choose? If you are new to the area, it may just have to be the ITP driving school. Keep assessing the situation, take a look at yourself, and ask am i expecting too much too quickly? If you have had 50 plus hours and you feel that you are not moving on very much, once again think of having a change of instructor. This is not necessarily anyone’s fault; the instructor may feel the same way as you do, and a new one may bring back the spark that had started to wane.

Many parents have a lot of knowledge about driving and the ability to pass it on . We hear it said many times that you should not go out practising with your parents; i know it can sometimes end in a bitter row. There is no doubt this will happen from time to time because you are not always campatible but in many instances this does not have to be the case. Get your act together, respect each other and it may work out well for you both, you may even enjoy it and remember it can mean a great saving at the end of it.

How To Get Start?

In the early stages of learning to drive, getting control of the clutch is the thing that will give you a vast amount of confidence in controlling the car. This can be done in different ways. The hill start is a good way to learn about clutch control.

Set your revs; lift your clutch up to biting point that is when the revs die down very slightly, keep your feet still and release the hand brake very slowly. If the car remains still that is excellent, if the car starts to roll back lift your clutch  very slightly, keeping your right foot steady on the accelerator. Apart from being very gentle and smooth with your left foot, another very important point is the release of the hand brake. If you release the hand brake quickly the car will probably move backwards or forwards quickly and this will most likely make you panic ; and you won not have had time to take the proper observations before moving off. Remember, release the hand brake, very slowly, give yourself time to react to the situation and then do everything gently and smoothly.

Another way to learn clutch control in the early stages is as soon as the car starts to move when you are setting off, hold your clutch still. Now you have got the car moving very slowly forwards, press your accelerator gently to increase the engine revs. If the clutch is at biting point the car will not increase speed, and it does not matter how hard you press the accelerator. This shows you how much control the clutch has over the car when used correctly at very low speeds.

TAKING THE TEST

It can be false economy taking your test too early. There’s the cost of another test; also if you are nowhere near ready for it, the experience can be quite shattering and put you off for a long time and in some cases years. Do not be pressured into taking the test too soon, either by your instructor or your lack of funds.

The following scenario will act as a measure of if you are ready to take the test:-

Imagine you are having a driving lesson and you are at the other side of town to where you live. Your instructor asks you if he got out of the car would you feel comfortable driving back home on your own ‘. Would you crumple into a heap on the floor of the car, or think yes, i could do that. Be honest with yourself ; if your answer is yes, then go for it, otherwise you require more practice. You will have a good idea when you are ready for the test. You will feel reasonably comfortable with the controls, with driving in heavy traffic and be consistent with your manoeuvres. At this stage, go for it! Even if you are unsuccessful you will have had the experience of being sat next to someone other than your instructor, and going through the test procedure. This can then be an invaluable experience for when you are ready to take another test. If you are one of those people who pass first time then great ! A whole new world can open up for you, with a new found freedom and the open road beckoning.

HOW TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE ?

Be familiar with your instrument panel / symbols. To control the car – ‘gently does it’. Ensure that the gear selected matches your speed and prevailing conditions. Remember to carry out your manoeuvres, under control, with reasonable accuracy and proper observation.

ROAD PROCEDURE

Don’t emerge at junctions without taking proper observations. Don’t approach or emerge at the junction travelling too fast; you weren’t allowed to during your lessons, and if you did it on your test it’s not surprising that you failed.Use your mirrors well before you have pulled up at the side of the road, or before changing lanes and before signaling. Get your speed correct on approach to hazards and give yourself time to think. Read the road ahead, concentrate, anticipate and think defensive.