A-Z of Learning to Drive

Part 4 M-P

MSPSL

To keep yourself and others safe on the road you must make the MSPSL routine an integral part of your driving. MSPSL must be used each time you approach a junction to turn or emerge, on approach to roundabouts, traffic lights and other hazards.

Mirrors Use in pairs If you are to move to the left, check centre mirror then left mirror If you are to move to the right, check centre mirror then right mirror Look for motorcycles and cycles when turning at junctions Check the speed and position of vehicles behind you and act sensibly upon what you see

Signal Left or right, as appropriate, and in good time Do not to confuse other road users or pedestrians by signalling too early or too late

Manoeuvre

Position Correctly and in good time - 1m from kerb if left Position early so other road users know your intensions

Speed/Gear Adjust speed as necessary Select the correct gear As a general rule closed junctions usually require 1st gear - open junctions may be OK in 2nd.

Look Look early on approach Assess the situation Decide to wait or go Act upon your decision (must not cause vehicles to Slow down, Swerve or Stop)

With practice MSPSL will become a natural part of your driving.

Nerves

How to deal with driving test nerves. Nerves are something that we all suffer with from time to time, but unfortunately they affect some people much more than others. Below you’ll find some really helpful advice on how to make sure that your driving test nerves don’t destroy your chances of achieving a first time pass!

In order to combat the driving test nerves, it’s essential that you feel confident BEFORE you put in for your test. You have to believe that you can do it, and just remember we wouldn’t have recommended you apply if we didn’t think you were good enough! Here are some Hints and Tips to help banish those driving test nerves...

• Think of all the good times that you’re going to have when you pass your test

• Chill out with friends before your test to help relax

• Chewing on chewing gum

• Have a positive attitude – “I will try my best but if I fail then at least I’ve tried”

• Don’t have a big meal before your test – it will make you feel sluggish and tired

• Ask your instructor to sit in on your test – a familiar face in the car can make you feel more at ease

• Don’t tell everybody when your test is!

• Eat a bowl of porridge or a banana before your test

• Listen to music before your test

Official Highway Code

The Highway Code is essential reading for all Learner Drivers. The Official Highway Code contains the very latest rules of the road. Many of these rules are legal requirements and must be adhered to in order to avoid penalty - fines, penalty points, disqualification or even prison.

All road users need to be aware of the new rules. The rules also include a reference to the legislation that creates the offence. The Official Highway Code reflects the most up-to-date legislation that road-users must adhere to, advice on road safety, and best practice. The Official Highway Code can be found online www.gov.uk/browse/driving/highway-code

Practical Test

The practical test makes sure you can drive confidently and safely in different road and traffic conditions, and that you know The Highway Code (and can show this by the way you drive). It lasts about 40 minutes.

Before you begin the driving part of the test, the examiner will do an eyesight check and ask you two questions about safety checks on your car (Show me, Tell me).

You’ll drive in various road and traffic conditions, but not on motorways. The examiner will give you directions that you should follow.

Pulling over at the side of the road

You’ll be asked to pull over and pull away during your test, including:

· normal stops at the side of the road

· pulling out from behind a parked vehicle

· a hill start

· You might also be asked to carry out an emergency stop.

·

Reversing your vehicle

· The examiner will ask you to do one of the following exercises:

· parallel park at the side of the road

· park in a parking bay - either by driving in and reversing out, or reversing in and driving out (the examiner will tell you which you have to do)

· pull up on the right-hand side of the road, reverse for around 2 car lengths, and rejoin the traffic

Independent driving

· You’ll have to drive for about 20 minutes by following either:

· directions from a sat nav

· traffic signs

· The examiner will tell you which you have to follow.

· They’ll set the sat nav up for you. You can’t use your own sat nav.

You’re allowed to take your instructor with you on your test, or anyone who’s over 16. It’s useful to have your instructor or the person who trained you to drive with you, they can help you work on any problems the examiner notices, either to help you pass next time or if you want to keep learning after you pass your test. Having someone you know with you can also help you to stay calm during the test.