Monthly Archives: March 2024

March 22, 2024
Driving Test Common Fails

The Silent Killer: Forgetting to Signal

Picture this: you’re cruising through your driving test with confidence when suddenly, the examiner scribbles something down on their clipboard. The reason? Failing to signal when changing lanes or turning. It may seem like a minor slip-up, but it can be the difference between a pass and a fail.

The Subtle Art of Parking

Parallel parking can be a daunting task for many new drivers, and it’s no surprise that it’s a common stumbling block during driving tests. Misjudging the distance between your car and the curb or forgetting to check your blind spots can result in a minor fail that leaves you kicking yourself.

The Dreaded Three-Point Turn

Ah, the infamous three-point turn. While it may seem like a straightforward maneuver, many drivers find themselves struggling to execute it smoothly during their test. Failing to check for oncoming traffic or misjudging the distance can lead to a minor fail that puts a dent in your driving test performance.

Roundabouts can be tricky to navigate, especially for new drivers. Failing to yield to oncoming traffic, entering the roundabout in the wrong lane, or signaling incorrectly are all common mistakes that can result in a minor fail on your driving test.

Lack of Observation

One common driving test fail is a lack of observation. Remember, mirrors are your best friends on the road. Failing to check them frequently can lead to missed hazards and potential accidents. Stay alert and scan your surroundings constantly.

Speeding

Speeding is a surefire way to fail your driving test. Follow the speed limits posted and adjust your speed accordingly. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Nervous Driving

Last but not least, nervous driving can be your ultimate downfall. While it’s normal to feel anxious during the test, try to stay calm and focused. Take deep breaths, concentrate on the task at hand, and trust in your abilities.

Conclusion

When it comes to passing your driving test , it’s the little things that can trip you up. From forgetting to signal to struggling with parallel parking, minor fails can add up quickly and leave you empty-handed. By practicing and honing your skills, you can avoid these common pitfalls and increase your chances of passing with flying colors.Good luck on the road ahead!

 

 

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March 18, 2024
Show Me Tell Me

With the backlog on tests slowly wilting away, many pupils may now be looking at booking a practical Driving Test soon.

With that in mind, this weeks article will be based around the ‘show me, tell me’ part of the test.

You will be asked 2 vehicle safety questions during your driving test.

The examiner will ask you one:

  • ‘tell me’ question (where you explain how you’d carry out a safety task) at the start of your test, before you start driving
  • ‘show me’ question (where you show how you’d carry out a safety task) while you’re driving

You’ll get one driving fault (sometimes called a ‘minor’) if you get one or both questions wrong.

1. Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey.

Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side. One way to demonstrate this is to pump the foot break with the engine off, it should feel hard to push.

Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps.

3. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash.

The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable.

4. Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condition is safe to use on the road.

No cuts and bulges, 1.6mm of tread depth across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre, and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre. One way to check this is just take a 20p coin and insert it into the tread grooves on the tyre. If you can’t see the outer band on the coin, your tyres are above the legal limit. However, if you can see the band and that section of the coin is still visible, your tyres could be unsafe and require professional inspection by a mechanic.

5. Tell me how you’d check that the headlights and tail lights are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).

6. Tell me how you’d know if there was a problem with your anti-lock braking system.

Warning light should illuminate if there is a fault with the anti-lock braking system.

7. Tell me how you’d check the direction indicators are working. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Explain you’d operate the switch (turn on ignition if necessary), and then walk round vehicle (as this is a ‘tell me’ question, you don’t need to physically check the lights).

8. Tell me how you’d check the brake lights are working on this car.

Explain you’d operate the brake pedal, make use of reflections in windows or doors, or ask someone to help.

9. Tell me how you’d check the power-assisted steering is working before starting a journey.

If the steering becomes heavy, the system may not be working properly. Before starting a journey, 2 simple checks can be made.

Gentle pressure on the steering wheel, maintained while the engine is started, should result in a slight but noticeable movement as the system begins to operate. Alternatively turning the steering wheel just after moving off will give an immediate indication that the power assistance is functioning.

10. Tell me how you’d switch on the rear fog light(s) and explain when you’d use it/them. You don’t need to exit the vehicle.

Operate switch (turn on dipped headlights and ignition if necessary). Check warning light is on. Explain use.

11. Tell me how you switch your headlight from dipped to main beam and explain how you’d know the main beam is on.

Operate switch (with ignition or engine on if necessary), check with main beam warning light.

12. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient oil.

Identify dipstick/oil level indicator, describe check of oil level against the minimum and maximum markers.

13. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that the engine has sufficient engine coolant.

Identify high and low level markings on header tank where fitted or radiator filler cap, and describe how to top up to correct level.

14. Open the bonnet and tell me how you’d check that you have a safe level of hydraulic brake fluid.

Identify reservoir, check level against high and low markings.

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