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A.B.S. - what is it?    Top
A.B.S. stands for Anti-lock Braking System.

If the brakes are applied hard in a car without A.B.S., the wheels may lock up, and the tyres skid along the road. This can increase the distance needed to stop.

To correct this kind of skid, the driver will have to release and re-apply the brake quickly. This momentary release will allow the wheels to turn again, then the brakes will slow the car.

A.B.S. senses if the wheels are about to lock up, and will release and re-apply the brake very quickly. This can happen many times every second. The driver does not have to release the footbrake.

A.B.S. does not necessarily stop the car quicker. On a very slippery surface, braking distances can increase. The big advantage is that the car can be steered under heavy braking. In a car without A.B.S. this would increase the chances of skidding.
Age - when is the minimum age for driving changing to 18?    Top
It isn't. At least, there are no plans at the moment, and I don't think there will be any. If the minimum age does change, there will be huge publicity.
Cats eyes (reflective road studs) - where on the motorway?    Top
Different coloured reflective studs are used to help drivers at night, or when visibility is reduced.

On the motorway you will see cats eyes in four (O.K. Al - five) places:
  • Red - along the hard shoulder (can't cross)
  • Green - where the slip road joins and leaves the motorway (can cross)
  • White - separating the lanes
  • Amber - (orange) on the extreme right where the crash barrier is (central reservation).
  • (Thanks to Iain, who informs me that blue cats eyes denote the hard standing for emergency vehicles on the motorway.)
The colours don't vary, so you always know where you are if visibility is very bad.

Diesel - what if I put this in a petrol engine?    Top
Whether you would damage the engine long term depends on how long you drove the car but you certainly won't improve it. Petrol in a diesel engine is usually worse, as it will damage the seals in the fuel injection system (very expensive).

Either way, don't drive the car, call the breakdown service and get the fuel tank drained as soon as possible.
Flashing - is it O.K to go if someone flashes their lights at me on my test ? (thanks to Colin)    Top
Flashing your headlights should be a warning to other drivers of your presence, but as you probably know, most drivers use it as an invitation for you to go in front of them.

IF you have looked all round for other dangers, and IF it is safe, you should go, even on your test.

You could get faulted for being hesitant if you do not go. Remember, examiners are human, and they may see the situation differently from you. There are no absolute certanties when driving. So if there was a pedestrian, or another driver, that you had not seen, it would be wrong to go.
Gears - can I go straight from a high gear to a low one?    Top
Short answer: - Yes.

Long answer: - It is now correct to use "block" gear changes, and not go down through the gears. This was not so years ago, which is why many parents question their children's driving. Changing down through the gears helps the car to slow down, and years ago, when brakes were not so efficient, this was useful. In todays modern cars, it is much better to use the brakes (cheap to replace), rather than wear out the clutch and gearbox.

It is very important to slow down before changing to a lower gear. Selecting first at 55 m.p.h. is not a good idea, especially from your driving instructor's point of view. The phrase "Brakes Before Gears" should be kept in mind.

There are times when it is good practice to use the gears to help the car slow down. For example, when descending a long steep hill, if the brake is applied hard for a long time, the brakes will overheat, and not work so well (brake fade). Selecting a lower gear can help in this situation.

Licence - Help, I've lost it!    Top
This page from the D.V.L.A. has all the information you need. You can even get a new licence over the phone now.
Motorway - which lane should I use?    Top
Keep to the left unless overtaking. There is no "fast" or "slow" lane on the motorway. The rules of the road are the same whatever the road:

Keep to the left unless:
  • turning right
  • overtaking
  • road signs or markings direct you otherwise
On the other hand, don't swerve in and out of the left lane if constantly overtaking slower traffic. Use your judgement and watch your mirrors.
Motorway - what if I break down?    Top
If possible, leave the motorway while your car is still running. If not possible, try to get on to the hard shoulder.

(If your car stops on the lanes of the motorway, turn on your hazard lights. Do not attempt to place a warning triangle or similar - you are in danger. Leave your car only when you can safely get clear of the lanes.)

Once on the hard shoulder, pull over as far as possible to the left, leave your wheels turned to the left and turn on your hazard lights. Try to stop near an emergency phone. Get everyone out of the car by the LEFT doors (traffic doing 70 m.p.h. on the right!) but leave animals in the car.

While you or your passengers are waiting try to stand on the embankment away from the hard shoulder and the motorway. There is a serious risk of you or your vehicle being hit, so do not attempt even minor repairs.

It is best to phone for help using the free emergency phones, situated every mile along the hard shoulder. These are connected directly to the police. Marker posts every 100 yards point to the nearest one. If you use the emergency phone, the police will know exactly where you are. If for some reason you use your mobile phone, look at the nearest marker post, and note the number on it - this will help the police pinpoint your location.

While waiting for the breakdown sevice, keep well away from the hard shoulder and motorway. If you do feel at risk from another person, get back in the car using the left hand door, and lock all doors until safe.

If you car is repaired, build up speed on the hard shoulder before re-joining the motorway.

Parallel Park - how?    Top
Take a look at a step by step parking tutorial.

Penalty points - will I lose my licence?    Top
If you commit an offence (e.g. speeding) you will get penalty points on your licence. Typically, minor speeding and traffic light offences will get you a minimum of three points. Insurance infringements get a minimum six points.

In the first two years after passing your driving test, you will lose your licence if you get six points. "Lose your licence" means having to apply for a provisional licence, and taking the theory and practical tests again.

Drivers with licences more than two years old must avoid getting twelve points in any three year period. If they do accumulate twelve points, they will receive a minimum six months ban.
Roundabouts - which lane?    Top
The same rules apply at roundabouts as on any road:
Keep to the left unless:
  • turning right
  • overtaking
  • road signs or markings direct you otherwise
Read a more detailed explanation here.

Signal - when I move off?    Top
New drivers are often confused about whether to signal when moving off, (or pulling up to park or going round parked cars). Many experienced drivers seem to have the same problem.

In these situations, signalling every time is not good practice, as each situation is unique; however, a signal should be given if another road user will benefit from it.

To give a specific example: if you move off with a good view of the road ahead and behind, and there are no other road users to be seen, a signal is unnecessary. If on the same road, there were pedestrians, and oncoming traffic, a signal should be given.

A common mistake is to signal to move off when there are cars approaching behind you. Unless you really intend to move off before they pass you, your signal could confuse the other driver. Wait until they pass, then decide whether to signal.

Speed limits - how do I tell?    Top
Look here.
Stopping distances - how can I remember them?    Top

These are the shortest distances a car can stop in with good brakes and tyres, good road conditions, and an alert driver.

M.P.H. Car Lengths Metres Feet
20 m.p.h. 3 12 40
30 m.p.h. 6 23 75
40 m.p.h. 9 36 120
50 m.p.h. 13 53 175
60 m.p.h. 18 73 240
70 m.p.h. 24 96 315

I memorise the stopping distances in car lengths:

3 • 6 • 9 • 13 • 18 • 24

3, 6, 9 is the three times table
13 - unlucky for some
18 - old enough to vote - and other things
24 - think of something yourself - a friends house number?

Now remind yourself that you need to know stopping distances at 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 & 70 m.p.h.

20 mph - 3 car lengths to stop
30 mph - 6 car lengths to stop
etc....

Wet weather? double the stopping distance.
Icy weather? up to ten times the stopping distance.

Need to know the distance in metres? The average car is 4 metres long, so times the car lengths by four (this is one metre out in some cases, but near enough).

Try estimating distance out on the road. It's OK knowing the stopping distances, but you have to be able to visualise them.

The distances here are the overall stopping distances, made up of a thinking distance, and a braking distance (refer to your Highway Code).

Test - how many faults can I make on my driving test?    Top
15 less serious faults - but no serious or dangerous ones.

Less serious driving errors won't fail you unless there are 16 or more. One serious or dangerous mistake and that's it.
Test - what if the examiner doesn't tell me which way to go?    Top
The examiner will expect you to follow the road ahead, if (s)he doesnt't direct you.

At a crossroads, a mini roundabout, or traffic lights, just follow the road ahead, unless they tell you different.

If the road signs or markings tell you to turn, the examiner won't speak, it's up to you to follow the directions. Coming on to a one way street from a minor road is a good example of this.
Test - what if I take a wrong turn on my test?    Top
You will not fail if you take a wrong turn, so long as you signalled correctly, and were in the correct position. It's a test of your driving, not your ability to follow directions.

On the other hand, if you keep taking wrong turns, you may find the examiner's patience wearing thin :)
Theory test - which study aids?    Top
Get a Highway Code and a current theory test CD or book. Your driving instructor will be able to help and advise, and supply you with mock tests.
There are also web sites with mock tests, try the sample theory tests one or two at this site, or see the links page. I have found the Focus Multimedia CDRom excellent and the latest version has a hazard perception test too. You can buy this CD and all your other theory study aids online right now.
Two second rule?    Top
You must leave enough room between you and any car you are following. If you get too close, you may hit them if they stop suddenly. The safe rule is to never get closer than the stopping distance for the speed you are doing.

On fast roads, estimating distance can be difficult. It is easier to estimate a timed gap. Two second is generally accepted as the minimum safe gap.

When the car you are following passes a stationary point (e.g. a sign), count two seconds. If you have finished counting before you get to that point, you are at least two seconds away. If not, back off.

I count two seconds by saying the phrase: "Only a fool breaks the two second rule."

On wet roads, double up (four seconds), and leave much more room on icy roads.

Tyres - what should I know?    Top
The grooves (tread) in the tyre are designed to displace water. A new tyre starts with about 8 mm of tread (about the thickness of a pencil). The legal minimum depth of tread is 1.6 mm (about the thickness of a match).

The tyres need to have the correct amount of air in them to sit correctly on the road. Too little air and the tyres bulge out, causing poor handling, and overheating (as the bulge flexes when the tyre rotates - this can cause blowouts). Too much air and the tyre will be too hard, affecting comfort and handling. Incorrect tyre pressure also increase tyre wear - costing money.

Check the tyre pressures once a week, when the tyres are cold. Checking the tyre when hot gives a false reading, so check before you drive. The correct tyre pressure varies from car to car, read the handbook. Check the depth of tread at the same time, and look for cuts and bulges in the tyre walls. Don't forget the spare!
Waving to thank other drivers - is this o.k?    Top
There are still some grey areas in driving - this is one of them. Neither the Highway Code or "Driving - the Essential Skills" give any advice on this. The Highway Code does tell us only to use signals found within it.

I find that a brief wave or a nod to a driver who has waited for me does seem to make driving a little less stressful, and advise the learners I teach to do the same - even on their driving test. I haven't had anyone fail for doing this yet.........

However, "moderation in all things" would seem to be a good guide here. Don't take your hands off the wheel to say thank you to someone if you are busy steering, a smile or nod would be better.

Comments and feedback are welcome.
© Richard Fosh 2004