A-Z of learning to drive

Part 5 U-Z

U

Used Car Buying Guide

There are a few easy steps in buying your first car. Make sure you go to view the car with someone that has some knowledge of cars and ensure you check out the cars history and documents before you proceed with a sale. There is some great online advice for buying a used car, check it out before you go to look at a car.

· Set yourself a budget

· Find a car

· Arrange a visit

· Ask questions

· Check the car’s history and documents

· Don’t be afraid to haggle

V

Vulnerable Road Users

There are different types of vulnerable road users, and it’s important to remember to be courteous and patient around them. The most vulnerable road users are pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders. It is particularly important to be aware of children, older and disabled people, and learner and inexperienced drivers and riders

Pedestrians

Always remember that pedestrians are vulnerable road users and should be treated with respect. Always be patient and wait for pedestrians to cross the road when they are in front of you.

Horses and horse riders

Horses and horse riders are vulnerable road users. Always slow down and pass a horse when there is plenty of room to give it a wide berth — roughly the same as you’d give to a car.

Cyclists

Always give a cyclist plenty of room and never follow them too closely. Always leave enough room between your vehicle and the curb at junctions, because often thin cycle lanes are painted next to the curb to guide a cyclist into a bike box. Remember that cyclists never cycle in a straight line and can be affected by a strong wind.

Children

The general rule is to slow down and proceed with caution whenever there are children present.

In quiet residential roads children might play games in the street or run out from between parked cars. Toys such as balls or Frisbees might also fly into the road from a front garden, and this might tempt a child to fetch it.

Motorcyclists

Motorcyclists, although faster than other vulnerable road users, could still be badly injured if they collide with your vehicle. You should also look out for them before turning into a side road – always check your mirrors.

For more information visit

www.gov.uk/road-users-requiring-extra-care-204-to-225/overview-204

W

Windscreens

Obviously a very important part of the car! Here are the basics!

Windscreen wipers and washers...

On the opposite stalk to the indicators you will find the windscreen wipers and washers control. Operate this stalk with your fingertips, just like you do the indicator stalk.

Move the stalk downward to operate the wipers.

One click will bring on the intermittent wipe;

Two clicks will operate the normal speed wipers;

The third click will operate the double speed wipers.

To wash the windscreen, move the stalk towards you. There is also a control for the rear wiper and washer.

Demisters and heaters... All cars are fitted with demisters, these will help to keep your windows clear at all times. Make sure the heat and fan are turned up and the air is directed onto the windscreen. Most cars have a heated rear windscreen, some cars also have a heated front windscreen

Y

YouTube

A fabulous resource for learners which we highly recommend. It includes videos on each aspect of passing your tests from your Theory through to your Practical.

Why not check it out...

www.youtube.com/user/dvsagovuk/videos

Z

Zebra Crossings

A zebra crossing is a type of pedestrian crossing used in many places around the world. Its distinguishing feature is alternating dark and light stripes on the road surface, from which it derives its name. The most famous Zebra crossing is in London, made famous by the Beatles on the cover of the Abbey Road LP (and for those of you too young to know what an LP is it’s what us oldies had before CDs!).

Approaching a zebra crossing...

· look out for pedestrians waiting to cross and be ready to slow down or stop to let them cross

· you MUST give way when a pedestrian has moved onto a crossing

· allow more time for stopping on wet or icy roads

· do not wave or use your horn to invite pedestrians across; this could be dangerous if another vehicle is approaching

· be aware of pedestrians approaching from the side of the crossing.

There are other types of pedestrian crossing which you will learn about, these include Pelican, Toucan and Equestrian.