A-Z of learning to Drive

Part 2 E - H

Engine

Here is some basic advice on looking after your car engine, look after your engine and it will look after you!

It is important that you know how to do all these things as they may be asked on the Show Me, Tell Me part of your test.

The reservoirs for fluids are situated in the engine compartment, normally within easy reach. Check your owner’s handbook for the location of these containers, to make sure you don’t mix them up!

Oil

You should only check the oil when the engine is cold.

Oil is a fundamental element in your engine. Without it, the engine will grind to a stop and become useless. Make weekly checks on oil level. Locate the oil dipstick. This long thin rod reaches far down into the engine, to dip into the oil storage container. When the car is cold, the oil runs back down to the bottom of the engine where to dip stick can take a reading. First, pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean on a rag. There are two marks on the stick, about 2 inches apart. Maximum at the top, minimum at the bottom. Replace the dipstick into the hole it came from, and pull it out again. The oil will stick to this area somewhere between the maximum and minimum marks. If very low, you can top up oil (careful not to over do this as too much oil can cause problems as well as too little), by locating the oil fill cap – usually on the top of the engine block (refer to your owners handbook). You must use the correct kind of oil for your car – take advice from a mechanic or someone who knows about oil (your local car parts shop, for example).

Water

We wash the windscreen with a mixture of screen wash and water. The container for this is easy to find, but once again, if you are unsure, then check with the handbook. Fill up to capacity with water and screen wash.

Coolant

Coolant is what runs through the engine and the radiator, to keep the engine at working temperature, and not too hot. Without this fluid, the engine will over heat and break down. This also contains anti-freeze to prevent the water freezing in the winter. Check the maximum and minimum marks on the side of the container. The fluid level should be between these marks. If it is low, then top up with the correct fluid.

Brake Fluid

Once again, when you have located the container and filler cap, take a reading from the side, the fluid should be between the maximum and minimum markings. This fluid is hydraulic brake fluid and runs through the pipes, which go to operate your brakes.

Fluids, unlike gas and air, cannot be compressed, so it is used in the hydraulic systems. Should the level become low or there is a leak, then there is a danger the brakes will not work. Always test the pressure on your brake pedal before moving off, just to make sure all is well.

If you see any fluid under your car after it has been parked for a while, then check it out. You may have a leak or a faulty pipe. It’s worth checking before you have an accident, or a breakdown

Finding a safe, convenient and legal stopping place

After your first lesson with us we will teach you about finding a Safe, Convenient and Legal Place to stop. It is important that you know exactly how to identify where you can and where you can’t stop.

SCALP DRIVING ROUTINE

During a driving test there will be many occasions the examiner will ask you to park up on the left. This is to ensure you park up safely, legally and with good control. Finding a safe place to pull over on the driving test now also includes pulling up on the right. Pulling up on the right is manoeuvre that we cover in a separate tutorial. The SCALP routine can be applied for pulling up on either the left or the right-hand side of the road. When the examiner asks you to pull over, they will specify whether it is the left or right side of the road that they wish you to pull over, they may also refer to the SCALP driving routine by asking you to park up in a Safe, Convenient And Legal Position. Parking up may seem like a simple task although a great many driving tests are failed for this reason alone. During a driving test, examiners take the parking up process seriously. A good amount of forward planning and anticipation is needed to successfully complete this task as it is likely the examiner will request this procedure many times. A good braking technique such as progressive braking makes for safer driving, and once perfected, allows for easier parking.

Gears

Getting to grips with gear changes can be one of the toughest parts of learning to drive, but once you get the hang of it, being able to change gears smoothly will become second nature. Changing gears can be a difficult process as it requires operating the clutch, keeping control of the car and observations all at the same time.

Whilst learning to change gear, you will simply need to be gentle and guide the lever into the correct direction of the gear you are selecting, you do not need to push too hard. The more gentle you are the easier it is.

Before you start lessons with Roadstar, ask a friend or family member if you can practice gear changing in their car. Ensure they sit with you and that the car is turned off! Press the clutch down and start practicing, the more you practice will help you change gears without looking at the lever.

Hazard Perception

As part of your Theory Test you will have to take part in the Hazard Perception test. You can watch a short video before you start the test, showing you how the test works.

You’ll need to click the mouse or touch screen when you see a developing hazard (ie something that would need you, the driver, to take some action such as changing speed or direction): the sooner you spot the hazard, the more points you’ll score. You can score up to five points for each hazard. You’ll need to score at least 44 out of 75 points. Each film shows one hazard apart from one film, which has two.

If you click the mouse too much or if you click in a pattern, you’ll be given a warning message and you’ll score no points for that film.

Common potential hazards which may develop in the clips includes:

· Hidden Road Junctions and turns

· Vehicles changing/merging lanes

· Pedestrians exiting vehicles, crossing the road

· Pedestrians or cyclists crossing the road

· Weather Conditions

· Road surfaces

· Vehicles emerging from side roads, parking places or driveways

· Junctions and roundabouts

· Large vehicles moving over to your side of the road

· Horse riders

There are some great free Hazard Perception Apps available, check out what Roadstar recommends (see A for Apps!).