Only use your car if your journey is unavoidable, try to use alternative methods such as public transport or walking. If you don’t have a choice then follow these simple steps to help you on your way.

Take suitable precautions

Before setting off make sure you have suitable equipment with you for if you get stuck, this should include a shovel, warm clothing, food, drink and a fully charged mobile phone. If you get stuck put on your hazard warning lights to make you more noticeable to other drivers.

Plan your route

Plan your route before you set off, if you are familiar with the area plan your route to avoid side roads and really steep hills, stick to main roads wherever possible. If you do need to use side roads, try to stick to bus routes as they are more likely to have been gritted.

Use a high gear

Try to set off in as high a gear as possible (second or third usually), this will reduce the risk of your wheels spinning and give you more grip to the road surface. Try not to use too much acceleration as this will also cause your wheels to spin.

Increase your distance

When you are driving leave a big gap between you and the car in front, it will take you a lot longer than usual for you to stop. If another car pulls in front of you increase your gap again, do not follow anybody too closely. Also look into junctions and roundabouts early as other people may not be able to stop where they should.

Pay attention to road signs

Remember although you may not be able to see the road markings, the Give Way and Stop signs are still recognisable by their unique shape, even when covered in snow. Give Way signs are the only signs shaped as an upside down triangle, while Stop signs are octagonal.

Brake gently

Look well ahead at all times, if you have to stop, start the process quite far back, don’t leave your braking until the last minute. Start by first coming off the accelerator and letting the car slow itself down, then use your brake very slowly and gently. Any sudden braking will cause the wheels to lock up and the car to skid, usually sideways!

Dealing with hills

When dealing with a downhill, select a low gear before you start the decline, try not to brake too much and don’t put the clutch down until absolutely necessary. If you are going uphill, try not to stop on the hill, it is very difficult to get started again after stopping on an uphill. It is a good idea to wait at the bottom of the hill until it is clear for you to reach the top, then gain momentum and try not to stop.

Controlling a skid

If you skid, come off the accelerator immediatly and steer into the skid (steer the same way as the back of the car is going), if you steer away from the skid you can cause your car to spin.

Be patient

Some cars are more suitable to driving in snow than others. If you become stuck behind a car that is moving slowly, or is having trouble finding grip, be patient and give the person space.

Driver assists

Most modern cars have aids such as traction control. While these aids can greatly help you control your car in the snow, if you are stuck remember to try turning off the assists as sometimes your own clutch control and judgement may be better for that situation.

Remember, the best way to avoid accidents in the snow is to postpone your journey until the conditions improve. Not only is car control made much more difficult, but road markings are usually made invisible, making junctions especially dangerous. However, if you journey is really necessary, these tips will help create a safer experience.

A closer look at women’s car insurance

Several car insurance providers now offer women’s car insurance, with some brands such as Sheila’s Wheels, Ladybird and Diamond, marketing almost exclusively to females.

Specialist women’s car insurance providers like to promote unique incentives to attract female business. Unique cover options range from mobile phone locators and ‘female friendly’ repairers to handbag cover and priority roadside assistance. However, to find a women’s car insurance policy that’s right for you it’s important to understand all of the technical terms in insurance documents to ensure you’re not caught out.

Why are there separate car insurance providers for women?

Simply put, women have a better driving record than men. According to Home Office statistics released in 2004, men are responsible for nine times as many motoring offences as women. Indeed men are guilty of a staggering 975 of dangerous driving offences and 94% of accidents causing death or bodily harm.

Admittedly, statistics are skewed in favour of women in that men drive more miles on average and more men drive overall – meaning there are more opportunities to be involved in an accident.

Nevertheless, the statistics are overwhelming – men tend to drive more powerful cars and take more risks behind the wheel. Consequently they are a bigger risk to insurers and as such a number of female only car insurance providers have emerged which state they can offer savings to women due to the lower risk they present and the fewer number of claims they have to pay out on.

How to choose the right car insurer

Do not fall into the trap of assuming that specialist providers are always the cheapest. Even though their incentives are appealing, they do not necessarily offer the most value for money.

The key is to shop around using a comparison website to compare car insurance quotes and policies from multiple companies. Think about which policy options are important to you. It could be that one of the specialist providers is the cheapest – but if not, you may be willing to pay more to secure the female-focused incentives they offer.

How to make a car insurance claim

If you are involved in an accident you should inform your insurer straight away – most have a dedicated 24hr claims helpline. Ask what evidence it requires to support your claim as it may be necessary to take photographs of the damage or provide witness contact details. You should always hold on to any receipts or correspondence relating to the claim. Remember that cheap women’s car insurance may not always be adequate – it’s best to find a policy that provides the right level of cover for your needs, even if it does cost a little more.

1 – Windscreen Washer Reservoir

Q: Identify where the windscreen washer reservoir is and tell me how you would check the windscreen washer level.

A: Point out the windscreen washer reservoir and explain that you would look for the level on the container (it is a coloured liquid which is visible through the container).

2 – Engine Oil Dipstick

Q: Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine oil level and tell me how you would check that the engine has sufficient oil.

A: Point out the dipstick, explain that you must clean the dipstick then dip it back in, the oil level should be between the minimum and maximum markers.

3 – Header Tank

Q: Open the bonnet, identify where you would check the engine coolant level and tell me how you would check that the engine has the correct level.

A: Point out the header tank and explain that the level must be between the minimum and maximum markers.

4 – Brake Fluid Reservoir

Q: 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.

A: Point out the brake fluid reservoir and explain that the level must be between the minimum and maximum markers.

This summary highlights the engine based questions, don’t forget to revise the other Show Me Tell Me topics such as tyres, windscreen wipers, demister, lights and brakes!

Official DSA Practise Questions

2Pass Mock Theory Test Questions

Learnerstuff Mock Driving Theory Exam

Driving Test Success Theory Test Practice

TheoryTest.co.uk Online Theory Test Practice

The are a number of pumps available for testing and inflating your tyres, some can be purchased and used at home such as those that require pumping a foot leaver, others are electrical based and use a compressor to generate air flow whilst larger machines are also available at most petrol and service stations.

In this example we’ll be using a standard single piston foot pump, which is available from most motor spares stores.
Remember to only check your tyres when they are cold, checking the pressures after a journey will give inaccurate results due to the heat in the tyres.

Step One – Find out the correct pressure levels

Every car has recommended pressure levels for its own tyres and weight, this can usually be found near the passenger door frame but may vary between cars. This information is also available in your cars handbook. Remember to check these figures when setting off on a long journey, extra passengers and baggage may require higher tyre pressures.

Step Two – Locate the valve

Every tyre has a valve for inserting and expelling air, locate the valve on the first wheel and remove the dust cap by twisting anti-clockwise. Keep the cap in a safe place.

Step Three – Attach the air pump

Press the attachment onto the valve and lock into position with the lever. The attachment on each pump may vary, consult the instructions for advice on how to correctly fix the pump.

Step Four – Check the pressure reading

Read the gauge on the air pump to determine the current air pressure in the tyre, on this gauge the black arrow is the current reading, while the red arrow is an adjustable indicator.
Add air to the tyre as necessary to match the air pressure to the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Step Five – Repeat the process

Once the tyre pressure check is complete, repeat the process on the remaining three wheels.
While testing your tyre pressures it is also worth visually checking the tyres for splits, gashes and foreign artifacts. Run your hand around the tyre to feel for nails or other sharp objects penetrating the tyre.

The LearnerTalk forum is open to learner drivers and driving instructors alike, with a range of sections available for posts and discussion including areas for the Theory Test, Show Me/Tell Me, Pass Plus and a Driving Instructor Directory.

LearnerTalk currently only has a small number of core members, which means there is all the more reason for new learner drivers and driving instructors to sign up and start chatting!

Head over to www.LearnerTalk.co.uk to register and complete your personal profile!

See you there!

5 Initial Points to Consider

Before you set off on your refueling journey consider these five points to save time and potential embarrassment at the petrol station:

1) What fuel type does your car take?
The majority of cars run on either Petrol(eum) or Diesel, find out which fuel type your car takes as your cars engine will be damaged by running the wrong fuel. If you are not sure which type of fuel you need, consult your cars handbook.

2) Which side is the fuel cap on?
Before pulling up to a pump think about which side of your car the fuel cap is placed, otherwise you may find that entering fuel into the tank has just become slightly trickier!

3) How do you open the fuel cap?
Some fuel caps are opened using the car key, whilst others have a lever from within the car. Spend a moment to discover how your cap opens to avoid queues of impatient motorists!

4) Do you have any money?
You might find yourself in a tricky situation if you fuel up your car then realize you don’t have any money about your person, check for your wallet/purse before using the pump.

5) Where is the nearest petrol station?
If you are in your home town use a website such as PetrolPrices.com to find your local petrol stations, if however you are on a journey, keep an eye on the fuel gauge and consider how long it may be until you pass the next station. On the motorway petrol stations can be found in the signposted service centres spread across the country. Petrol stations are also often listed on Satellite Navigation systems.

The Refuelling Process

When you have found your local station and ready to fill up simply proceed with the following steps:
Step One
Enter the petrol station and pull up at the side of a petrol pump, remember your check on which side your fuel cap is situated!

Step Two
Turn off your cars engine and open the fuel cap.

Step Three
Choose the appropriate pump, remember to choose the fuel type to compliment your cars engine. Diesel pumps are usually coloured black, while Petrol is coloured green, with the label of Unleaded. Also check the name on the pump as some petrol stations sell more expensive fuels that are stated to be more environmentally friendly and performance enhancing.

Step Four
Lift the pump handle and insert the nozzle into the fuel cap, pull the lever until the fuel begins to flow. Keep an eye on the counter display which will increase as the fuel enters your vehicle in both price and volume.
Choose to either stop at a certain price or continue until your fuel tank is full, when the petrol pump automatically stops this is an indication that your fuel tank is now full.

Step Five
Take note of the number of the petrol pump you have used, lock your car and proceed to the checkout. Depending on the time of day or night, the checkout may be within the station building or payable from outside for security. Inform the assistant of your pump number and proceed with payment.

Important Safety Points to Remember

Always turn off your engine when refueling your car.
Never use a mobile phone in or within close proximity to a petrol station.
Always inform the assistant of any accidents or spillages.
Always lock your car when proceeding to payment.

You have now successfully completed an issue free refuel! See, it’s easy – go ahead and repeat the process hundreds of times throughout your motoring life!

What is the Multiple Choice Theory Test?

The first section of the overall theory test is the multiple choice questions. The test is presented on a computer with a touch screen monitor and mouse, a total of 50 questions are asked which may include an associated image or road sign.
Each question will have multiple choices for the answer, however some questions may require more than one selection, make sure you read each question thoroughly.

Before the test starts you will be given instructions on how the test works and have the option of a practice session to get to grips with the system. You can also navigate between the questions if you are unsure about a particular answer.

What is the Hazard Perception Test?

The second part of the theory test is the hazard perception test, which will begin shortly after the completion of the multiple choice questions.

The hazard perception test aims to test your competence and ability to recognize and respond to developing hazards that appear during everyday motoring by presenting 14 video clips to which you must click or touch the screen to identify a developing hazard.

Each video clip features every day road scenes from a drivers point of view looking through the front windscreen, in each clip will be at least one hazard to which you must click at the earliest moment to gain the highest score, remember only the timing of the click or touch is recorded, the position on screen is not relevant.

The maximum score per hazard is 5, with the score reducing to 1 as the hazard develops further and then a score of zero if the hazard develops thoroughly before it is identified. A total of 44 points out of a maximum of 75 must be scored to gain a pass, unlike the multiple choice questions you cannot review or skip your clips, you only have one choice per section.

Common questions on hazard perception test:
When should I click?
You should click the mouse or touch the screen whenever you see a potential hazard developing.

Do I lose a point if I click when there isn’t a hazard?
You do not lose any points for clicking when the hazard has not appeared. You might assume a certain scenario in the clip is a hazard but this may not be the section you are being tested on so remember to stay alert and click whenever you feel a hazard is developing.

Can I just keep clicking all the time in order to gain a high score on the hazard?
Too many clicks or an identified pattern of clicks in any clip will result in a zero score with a notification message at the end of the video. As long as you click meaningfully, your selections will appear as natural.

How to revise for the Theory Test

The theory test is aimed at testing your knowledge of the UK road system, rules and regulations. Everything that the multiple choice test includes is covered in the Highway Code, this is the best place to start your revision, purchase the latest edition of the Highway Code and read through its content. When you feel confident in your knowledge, have a friend make up questions based upon the books content and put names to the road signs.

Interactive DVD systems are also available, which can help give an insight into how the questions are presented in their multiple choice formats. Constantly test yourself with individual questions as well as sitting mock tests of 50 questions to ensure you can achieve the necessary pass rate of 43/50.
The DSA has a great resource for theory test practice at http://www.theory-tests.co.uk/home/

Due to the nature of the hazard perception test, revision is not particularly relevant, however plenty of practice using interactive DVD ROMS will help gain an understanding of how the hazard perception video clips work and the types of hazards that may appear.

Theory Test Advice

A number of facilities are available for candidates with special needs such as reading or hearing difficulties as well as voiceovers in a range of languages. Contact the theory test booking customer services for more information on available assistance.

In order to pass the complete theory test you must gain pass grades on both the multiple choice and hazard perception tests, even if you only fail one you will still have to take them both again on your next attempt. Therefore only apply for your theory test when you are fully confident in both areas.

Swap the poster in your room of your favourite band for a list of road signs, not only will this make you look cool in front of your friends, but also help with the identification of the different road sign types and their meanings.

Keep your concentration throughout the hazard perception clips, remember some clips have two hazards or you may think that you have identified a hazard but the actual tested scenario is still to come.

Whilst being driven as a passenger, pay attention to the road signs, markings and any potential hazards in the distance to gain a natural ability to recognize them.

Applying for your Theory Test

When you are confident in your ability and knowledge you can book a test at your local theory test center by either applying online at https://pt.dsa.gov.uk/tests/tests_E/tt/index.asp?test=tt, phoning the theory test booking line on 0300 200 1133 or applying by post by requesting a form from the DSA.

One – Apply Early For Your Provisional Licence

It takes approximately three weeks for your provisional licence application to be processed by the DVLA and your licence delivered, however you can actually apply for your licence up to two months before your 17th birthday. By sending off your application early you can be ready to start your driving lessons soon after your birthday, with no wasted time waiting for the much needed licence!

Two – Learn Your Theory

As well as applying for your provisional licence early, you can also begin learning the highway code in preparation for the Theory test. This means you will have a full understanding of road procedures, signs and markings when you come to start your driving lessons, this is advantageous in that you can then concentrate on the practical side of learning to drive rather than being tied up with the theory as well. Passing your Theory and Hazard Perception tests early in your learning process means you will be set for booking your practical test as soon as you are ready, without the delay of the Theory and HPT late on in your training

Three – Multiple Hour Lessons

Driving lessons are traditionally taken as one hour sessions, however it is considered more beneficial to designate two hours of training per lesson. Extending this to a couple of 2-hour lessons per week will drastically reduce the overall learning time scale, by allowing time to learn and practice a routine so you can move on to the next topic in the following session.
The disadvantage of single hour lessons is that there isn’t quite enough time to fully learn a particular subject and thoroughly practice it, therefore the subject tends to span across numerous sessions.

Four – Practice, Practice, Practice

Having a car insured for your use as a learner will allow you to practice the subjects and routines learnt in your driving lessons, this will enable you to progress more swiftly by avoiding repetitive sessions. Manoeuvres in particular are exercises that tend to require plenty of practice to perfect.
Remember you must be accompanied by a full licence holder over the age of 21 with at least three years driving experience, and display L plates at the front and rear of the vehicle.

Five – Practical Test Waiting Times

When your instructor feels you are almost up to test standard, it is advised to consult your local test center to discover the current waiting times for practical test bookings. Sometimes delays can be weeks or even months, meaning this additional time can considerably lengthen the time taken to pass your test. Discussing a suitable booking time with your instructor can allow for wise use of the waiting period to finish off your training.

By taking into consideration these five points you will be set for passing your driving test in a much shorter period of time, what are you waiting for?!

For more information on learning to drive with Revolution Driving Tuition get in touch to develop a training schedule around your personal agenda.

What is a Provisional Drivers Licence?
The provisional drivers licence gives you the permission to drive on the UK roads (excluding motorways) whilst under the supervision of your driving instructor or another driver over the age of 21 who has held a full drivers licence for a minimum of three years.
The licence will be required when taking your theory, hazard perception and practical driving test and will also be needed on your first driving lesson.

Step 1

In order to apply for your provisional licence you must be a resident of Great Britain and at least 16 years and 10 months of age (meaning you can apply for your licence two months before your 17th birthday). You must also have sufficient eyesight to be able to read a standard number plate from 20.5 metres (67ft).

Step 2

Before you start your application you will need the following items:

• Means of identification.
  Ideally this is in the form of a UK digital passport, meaning you only need to supply the nine digit code for the DVLA to confirm your identity. Otherwise there are many other forms of documentation that you could supply, these however will need sending along with your licence application: A non-digital Passport, EU Identity Card or UK certificate of naturalization. You may also send your birth certificate, although further proof of identity must be supplied alongside it, such as your National Insurance Card, P45, P60 or Pay Slip.
• Passport sized photograph.
  This must be a full colour, 45mm x 35mm photograph showing the full head. The criteria continue with a plain, evenly lit background with no hats, helmets or sunglasses obscuring the face. You can quickly generate a suitable photograph by using the photographic booths found in shopping and leisure areas. Remember you must also have your photograph signed by someone who has known you for at least two years (non-relative).
• A Black Pen.
  Unless you choose to fill out your application online, you must write your details on the application in full capitals with black ink.
• Money.
  The provisional licence has a current cost of £50, payable by cheque or postal order.

Step 3

Once you have collected the necessary items required for your submission, you must now decide which of the three application methods you will use. These are:
Online – Complete the secure online form at Direct.Gov.Uk
In Person or By Post – Both of these methods require the D1 application form, which is available from the DVLA or your local Post Office.

Read the information supplied with each of the application methods and accurately complete the relevant sections. Once finished, send your application to the DVLA along with the necessary documentation.

Once your licence is received by the DVLA it usually takes approximately three weeks for it to be created and delivered, therefore it could be advised to send off your application early if you wish to start learning to drive straight after your 17th birthday.

You now are the holder of a provisional drivers licence, remember to take your licence with you when setting out on your first driving lesson or when taking any of the driving tests. Once you have passed your driving test, your licence will be exchanged for a full drivers licence free of charge.

For more information on driver licensing, see the Motoring section of the Government’s Direct.Gov.Uk website or speak to the DVLA directly on 0870 240 0009

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