Independant Driving

There is a new part of the practical test due to start in August called Independent Driving.

The idea is that the examiner will give the pupil some directions or tell them to follow signs towards a destination. In this time, the pupil will drive for about 10 minutes without instruction from the examiner. The pupil will be able to ask questions to confirm the direction they are able to go.

It is estimated that this new initiative MAY have a detrimental effect on the pass rate. This can be OVERCOME through sufficient practice before the test.

More information will be forthcoming in the next few months. In the mean time, I will proceed to assist all my pupils to be able to complete this new task.

For more help, please call 07906 302910 or contact GT Driving School on http://www.gtdrivingschool.net

Virtual Driving

I have had a few interesting (read challenging) pupils recently that seem not to appreciate that they need to THINK whilst they are driving - particularly when they have been around the same route - not just at another occasion - but THAT DAY !!!
With this in mind, I have gone around a supposedly familiar route (with the inevitable issues of where to bake, mirrors and being in the wrong gear). After explaining AGAIN, what the issues were, I have tried to get the pupil to imagine where the have been and the issued that may arise and the problems they have had.
Once they have 'imagined' themselves around the route, we have gone round it in reality again and it seems that they have finally got the idea. I have then set them a bit of homework, where I have asked them to think about a route we can do on our next lesson. Once they have explained where they would like to go, I have asked them about the issues that are on that route and then we have driven it - with much improved results !!!

I am hoping that I may be able to develop the idea and use it more often with more of my 'challenging' pupils.

For more information, go to http://www.gtdrivingschool.net or call me on 07906 302910

Views from the back seat...

Since the rules have changed about examiners asking pupils if they wish their instructor to sit in the back of the car for their test back in April this year, I have only had to do it twice. On both occasions, the experience seems to have created more questions than answered them...!

The first experience was in Maidstone. the pupil was more than capable of passing the test, but had made a number of silly mistakes in the hour before her test, so I was hoping she could keep herself together long enough for the test. Her examiner was one of the better ones at Maidstone and he immediately put her at ease. However, this did not stop her from hitting the curb when asked to stop early on in her test. She also moved away leaving the right indicator on and stalled a couple of times after waiting for ever at a couple of junctions. Next she was asked to do a 'Turn in the Road'. The place the examiner wanted her to take it was crowded with cars on both sides. He asked her to stop on the left and she moved into the space rather diagonally and close to the car in front. The examiner asked her to reverse back and straighten the car up. She managed to do so after a couple of attempts and then did her 'Turn in the Road'. The way the examiner almost had to man-handle her himself to get into position, I was sure, was going to be a dead certainty to fail...

By the time we got back to the test centre, I was sure she had failed at least a couple more times. I waited for the inevitable 'I'm afraid you were unsuccessful in passing the driving test on this occasion' when he said, 'Well done Christina, you passed'!!!

HOW ON EARTH WAS THIS ALLOWED TO HAVE HAPPENED?
Everything was telling me she had failed!!!

I just had another experience this week, this time in Tunbridge Wells. The pupil make a complete hash of the Left Reverse and Parallel Parking, that I thought she certainly had failed. What was more ridiculous was the fact she did indeed fail but for a slight misdemeanour at a roundabout, where she jumped in front of a car, who decided to do a U-turn around this mini roundabout! and action no-one could have foreseen. For her two terrible manoeuvres, she earned herself driver faults for observation AND control for both of them.

The only reason I can see why one person passed and the other failed, was that the problems with the manoeuvres did not involve other road users, but the roundabout issue did - so therefore a fail.

I'm going to have to sit in on a couple of other tests to see if my theory is correct...

For more information, please go to http://www.gtdrivingschool.net or call 07906 302910

Are You Experienced?

Its interesting how learners differ. The most extreme cases are when you meet an 'experienced' learner for the first time.

Let me explain what I mean...
An experienced learner is someone who has been driving for a while - in some cases, years!!! They may have been 'learning' all this time, others have been 'driving', such is the need to get on and get work that some have just learnt on the job!
It is often these drivers that are the hardest work. The first category, the 'Learners' can often be incredibly timid or self conscious about their driving and it takes some time to get it out of their heads that they CAN drive and drive well.
The second category, the 'Drivers' may already have bad habits such as speeding or not looking in mirrors or other road signs. It is these people I find the most challenging. The main thing I find is trying to convince them that they do NOT already know everything and that what I am saying to them may be of some use if they want to pass the test. I often try to explain that they are actually 'good' drivers (to a certain extent), but the test does not look to pass good drivers. The test is designed for NEW drivers, and they need to try to remember how they were when they first started driving.

My most extreme case was a chap, who was in his 50s, who had decided that now he was effectively retired, he would finally get his driving licence. He had been driving for work for over 30 years and had definitely got into LOTS of bad habits. It took a long time and some serious talks about what was required to get him up to test standard. I remember that we only did 1 hour lessons, basically because he found it such a strain to remember what he needed to do. I am very happy to report that he passed his test first time and was chuffed to bits at what he was able to achieve.

To find out more about how to pass your test, whether you are a new learner or an experienced 'driver', please go to the GT Driving School website at http://www.gtdrivingschool.net or call 07906 302910

Pass Predictions

I have had one of my most unpredictable passes today!

Over the last four weeks I have had the dubious pleasure of teaching a chap in Tunbridge Wells. We have had 4-6 hours of lessons each week, with this week culminating in a 3-hour lesson on Wednesday and 2 hours before his test today.

On Wednesday, we had a Mock Test to see what he could remember and then to polish up on the one or two things that may be a little under par. Well, within the first 10 minutes of the 'test', I had recorded about 5 reasons why he would fail. By the time we finished, I had written down over 12 different major problems with his driving!!!

Afterwards, I pulled him over and asked him if he thought he had done a good job and he thought he had! I talked to him, saying that the test was a disaster and we should seriously consider not wasting each other's time and not turn up for the test as I didn't want his confidence knocked or my own humiliation of having to face the examiner afterwards.
He promised me that he would seriously consider everything I had told him overnight and would let me know the following day what he had decided.

We met again today for the two hours before the test to hear what his decision was. He had decided that he would go for it but I said that I would still not take him to the test if I did not see any improvement in his driving in the next two hours. In those preceding hours, I saw a little improvement and decided that I would agree to his taking of the test in my car. I did consider going with him, if for no other reason other than when the examiner had decided that he could cope with no more poor driving and was going to walk back to the centre, I would be there to take my pupil home. My pupil decided that he did not want me to come with him saying that he would be more nervous with me in the back of the car.

Needless to say, the 40 minutes of the test was one of the most agonising I have had to endure, wondering if my car would come back in one piece at the very least.
When the car came back, I hovered nervously around the rear of the car, waiting for the inevitable beckoning of the examiner to come and listen to the list of disasters that he had had to endure. Instead, my pupil appeared to reach to the rear seat of the car to give his provisional licence to the examiner - he has PASSED !!!!!!!

I think he was as amazed as I was at the result and all he wanted to do was cheer and jump in the air. He had passed with 10 driver faults (6 more and he would have failed). He had indicated incorrectly at a roundabout, stopped badly before conducting a left reverse manoeuvre and had not checked his mirrors correctly! It appears that the examiner had taken pity on my pupil and decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.

As a result, I cannot now say that I know who is likely to pass and who is likely to fail - it is entirely in the lap of the gods (and the benevolence of the examiner).
I'll make sure to have a box of chocolates and a bottle of wine for the examiner next time I have a questionable pupil taking the test!

For more information, please go to http://www/gtdrivingschool.net

Dance Pupils and their Ability to Learn

I met a new pupil last week for her first lesson and was very impressed as to how well she took to learning to drive and it made me think about different types of pupils and their initial ability to pick things up quickly.

The new student had had no previous experience other than 'helping' to change gear whilst in the front passenger seat with her Dad. We found a quiet, straight part of road to start off in and I went through the usual 'Cockpit Drill' routine and then talked about Moving Off and Stopping.

She was able to understand almost immediately what I was trying to say and then complete the actions in the way required. As a result, we were driving through Maidstone, checking mirrors and changing gears in the correct way at the correct time. She was then able to drive to school and amaze all her friends as to how much she had been able to achieve.

This has not been the first pupil to be able to do this but there does seem to be a common denominator, namely, she was a dance student. Other girls in her position I have taught have also been dancers or involved in drama in some way. It seems that their ability to quickly understand and interpret new instructions and routines is something they need to do in class on a regular basis.

This observation should not discourage other existing or potential pupils as this is not a sure-fire way of learning and passing their test in a record time. I also recall that these same pupils often dip when it comes to practising and perfecting their driving skills. They may be good at picking up the basics, but perfecting their skills is another matter. This is where other 'normal' pupils often score better.

It will be interesting if my current 'dance student' will fall into the same category.

For more information, call GT Driving School on 07906 302910 or go to http://www.gtdrivingschool.net.

Pot Holes are making me POTTY

"Now they now how many holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall..."

So do I.

Its about as many pot holes as there are in Maidstone at the moment!
The roads are a DISGRACE!!!
Just on my road in Downswood (Derringwood Drive to be precise), there are two quite wide and VERY deep holes that appear to be growing. It will soon not be possible to negotiate around them without hitting the pedestrian islands that they both seem to be near. Very soon, they will be too big and will cause an accident - particularly at the speed some people go down the road.
'Good' you say, 'They shouldn't be going excessively fast', and you would be quite right.

The problem is that if a car was to hit these holes at speed, they may cause the tyre to burst. If the tyre bursts, you now have an unstable vehicle going at speed - possibly up the curb or into oncoming traffic, more likely, into a resident's garden.

There has been no sign of any work done on the roads since the snow in January. Many of these holes started to appear with the thaw of the snow in late December. As it is now the beginning of March, that is nearly 2 1/2 months! Instead of fixing these hole, the road people have been busy blocking up the main roads in town with their removal and subsequent erecting of street lights on the Bishops Way. Have you been caught up in the road chaos? What was wrong with the old street lights anyway?

The two holes in question are only the two near where I live and on a piece of road I have to drive down every day. As a driving instructor, I have got to know the standard of the roads pretty well and I can certainly say the Downswood has got off light to some other parts of town. Shepway is awash with holes and cracks and loose chippings. Deane Street is a disaster waiting to happen.

GET THESE HOLES FIXED!!!

The Highways guys have also been busy in the heart of town in all the back streets around Union Street. First the road was closed for umpteen days and nights - which is understandable, but why then block other roads off with the road-making machines? Now that they have done their work, have you seen it? Have you seen where it is coming up and holes are appearing? I would certainly say it is an improvement on the old surface but it won't be too long before it needs to be done again!

I hope KCC are ready with their cheque book when I put in my claim for damage to my car and subsequent loss of earnings. The only problem is is that they will just hike up the council tax next year to cover their shoddy work!

I wish there was some constructive advice I could give about driving in Pot Holed roads, but all I can think of is slow down, look ahead and if you do have to swerve onto the other side of the road, make sure there isn't any oncoming traffic.

Other good advice can be found on my website http://www.gtdrivingschool.net, email me at gt_drivingschool@yahoo.co.uk or call me on 07906 302910

Pass Plus or not Pass Plus

I suppose I should first explain what Pass Plus is...

Pass Plus is an additional course that new drivers who have passed their Practical Driving Test can participate in. It is supposed to fill in some of the gaps that can occur in a new drivers skill set and helps them to adjust to different ways of driving.

Pass Plus covers:

• Town Driving
• Country Driving
• Bad Weather Driving
• Night Driving
• Duel Carriageways
• Motorways

The last two of these seem the most appealing to my pupils, and I would have to agree that they are the most significant additions as the pupil is very likely to have experienced the other things whilst taking lessons. Many pupils who take Pass Plus cite the need to understand Motorways as their key motivation for taking the course.

There is another key reason: A reduction in insurance fees. Some insurance companies have understood that a driver who has undertaken the course is less likely to be involved in an accident and will adjust their premiums accordingly. However, the amount of reduction has been going down as has the number of insurers who have agreed to take part in the scheme. This means the Pass Plus has begun to be seen as an expensive (£120-150) luxury.

I would suggest a different, more practical approach is needed based around how we use our roads and motor vehicles. Below are some ideas of how I would change the Pass Plus scheme.

• Motorways are undoubtedly an essential part of everyday life for many commuters, so an understanding of how they work and how we use them is imperative.
• An understanding of using route maps and Sat Navs is also required. What they do, how to get the best out of them and what are their weaknesses!
• How to get from home to school/work/shops! There is a simple but inevitable need to be able to do this.
• Basic maintenance: How to fill the car with the CORRECT fuel for instance. A practical guide to keeping your car on the road (touched on through the Show Me / Tell Me questions).
• How to use car parks! Do I pick up a ticket & pay now or when I get back? An understanding of how every car park's flow is different!
• How to buy a new/used car. What to look for etc.

The above ideas are just a selection of far more practical things that a new driver should know and often will have to encounter through costly trial and error.

What do you think?

Maybe you have other suggestions. Please let me know by contacting me on 07906 302910 or by email gt_drivingschool@yahoo.co.uk or visit my website at http://www.gtdrivingschool.net

See it, Say it, Sort it!

One way I have found that can help a pupil around a test route is for them to do a form of commentary driving.

What I mean by this is; talking to yourself!

The reason why this is a good idea is that if puts structure into what the pupil is seeing. It also gets the pupil to spot the issues earlier than they may have done, as they have to get the words out before they get to the obstruction. I find that as the pupil is saying these things, they are often taking the action they need to avoid the obstacle. Also, needing time to say what you see needs time, so pupils often inadvertently slow down, which also helps...

The next stage is to stop looking like a gibbering lunatic and to keep the words in your head but still say them and act upon them. There is no problem mumbling under your breath as you drive along the road. In fact, a pupil of mine was saved by her mumbles as the examiner could hear what she was thinking, and was able to understand her logic when she made a mistake. Had she not been talking to herself and had he not heard her, he would have failed her.

So at the risk of sounding like you should be locked up, try it next time you are in the car, you will find you drive slower and safer.

For more advice and ideas, please go to my website at http://www.gtdrivingschool.net.

Snow, snow & MORE snow!

Its been VERY snowy lately and has majorly disrupted my driving lessons.

I thought I would take time out to mention the crazy drivers I have seen trying to manoeuvre around the stranded cars out in the road. They are using far too much gas and clutch to be effective. I understand that the snow and ice can be fun but it is also important to be able to get out of trouble...

The main rule for driving in this weather is 'do everything SLOWLY'.

• When moving off, use only a little gas and gently find the biting point.
• Make sure you have plenty of room before trying to move off.
• Ride the biting point until you are up to speed.
• Change into 2nd gear earlier than you would normally but keep the revs and speed low.
• Steer the car gently, looking up far ahead for obstacles.
• Start to brake gently, keeping the clutch up for as long as possible, then changing down gears using only the clutch and as little brake as possible.
• Brake to a stop gently. You may need to keep the car in gear as well as using the handbrake.

I know this is all very boring but it must be better keeping out of trouble, rather than knocking out someones wing mirror or skidding into a main road!

For other suggestions for safe driving, please go to http://www.gtdrivingschool.net