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New Driver Defensive Driving
Is driving after you get your license really that much different? Are the skills, abilities and things you learned when practicing to get your license completely useless? The answer is NO. Listen to the podcast to find out why.
Pass Your Driving Test First Time Course Package: https://www.smartdrivetest.com/new-drivers/smarter-driver-course-package
Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist: https://www.smartdrivetest.com/driving-test-inspection-checklist
Smart Drive Test YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/smartdrivetest
Website: https://www.smartdrivetest.com
Focus on and continue to implement the fundamentals driving skills you learned when you were practicing for your driver’s test. Maintain a 3-4 second following distance in front of your vehicle. When stopped in traffic, stop back so that you can see the tires of the vehicle in front making clear contact with the pavement.
Signal every time you change direction of the vehicle; shoulder check every time you change direction of the vehicle. Apply the parking brake every time you park the vehicle.
Practice these skills so that these become habits. That way, when you get distracted…that way when you make mistakes, this “minimum safe distance” will compensate for your errors in driving.
Social Driving
Most of the time we get along with other traffic on the roadway. Yet, drivers follow too close to vehicles in front, fail to signal, and charge yellow lights. Consequently, they give up control of their vehicle. Most of the time, nothing happens. Most of the time, they are hoping on a “wing & a prayer” that they’ll be able to react in time to get the vehicle stopped if the vehicle in front slows down or brakes suddenly.
Driving above the posted speed limit; Not stopping at STOP signs; Not signaling; Drifting when turning on multi-lane roads; Following too close; Charging yellow lights.Signals are to tell other road users that you wish to move over, NOT that you are moving over!
It’s a victimless crime. Nobody got hurt, thus there’s nothing wrong with what we’re doing or nothing wrong with the way we’re driving. How many times have you heard drivers say: “I’ve been driving for 20 years and never had a crash.”
The actions of drivers are often retaliatory. Someone tailgates us, for example, and we slow down 10mph just to get back at the other driver; or we tailgate someone because they’re going too slow.
Left-Hand Turns & New Drivers
Left-hand turns are the highest risk areas for new drivers. Often new drivers misjudge the gap and get “T” boned in the intersection. “T” bone crashes are often fatal to vehicle occupants because there’s very little in the vehicle to protect them. The configuration of the crash causes all its energy to be concentrated in one area. And that area is right at the rib-cage of the occupant where the vital organs are located.
When waiting to make your left turn, wait with the front steer tires on the front crosswalk line. That way, you’re committed to the turn, “but you’re not in the intersection.” If something goes wrong in the intersection, you’re not going to be involved because you’re not there.
And when the gap presents itself on the other side, drive straight forward in the intersection to “meet the gap.”
Finally, if you’re not comfortable with the gap, DON’T GO! Don’t get pressured by others. If you succumb to the social pressure of driving, that’s often when mistakes happen.
Finally, if you get caught out on the yellow light, double and triple check that oncoming traffic is in fact coming to a stop.
DON’T panic if the light turns red and you’re still in the intersection.
Remember: you own the intersection and do not proceed on the turn until you are 120% sure that oncoming traffic is STOPPED.
Space Management
Focus on What You’re Doing
If you’re not near anything, it’s less likely that you’re going to hit something.
In the arena of social driving, most follow too close to other road users. But, how do you know?
If you're touching the brake pedal for anything other than:
coming to a stop; slowing to turn; controlling speed on a downhill; or unexpected events,you're most likely following too close.
You can always manage the space in front of your vehicle.
Yes, every now and again other vehicles are going to move into that space. The vehicle will be travelling faster than you, so they won’t be there long. After they move into your forward space, you can reclaim your buffer of space by simply adjusting your speed.
If you’re able, you can create more space around your vehicle by not driving beside other vehicles for more than a few moments.
If other vehicles tailgate you, increase your following distance even more. With more space in front you can avoid aggressive braking. This technique guards against the tailgater rear-ending you. If you’re in the left lane, move to the right. And if there’s a safe place to pull over, pull over and let the driver behind pass.
Practice the Fundamentals
Slow-speed maneuvers are 1/8 of the driver’s test, but it’s this small part of the test that give drivers the most grief. Improve your backing into a parking space, your parallel parking and your 3-point turns, and you will improve your overall driving. It’s the biggest return of investment when learning to drive. It’s 20% in and 80% out. If you can do slow-speed maneuvers well, you will be a better driver overall.
You can use a backup camera to reverse…but use your other observation tools too: 360° scan around the vehicle, mirrors, and looking out the back window.
Positioning the vehicle correctly for right and left turns. You must have correct speed and space management when changing lanes or moving the vehicle sideways.
And of course, shoulder checking and signaling every time you change direction of the vehicle.
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Driving Cultures
Is It More Difficult to Drive in Other Places?
Many drivers feel that their city is the worse for drivers and driving culture. There’s road rage, people cut you off, and of course they don’t signal.
Pass Your Driving Test First Time Course Package: https://www.smartdrivetest.com/new-drivers/smarter-driver-course-package
Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist: https://www.smartdrivetest.com/driving-test-inspection-checklist
Smart Drive Test YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/smartdrivetest
Website: https://www.smartdrivetest.com
In a Smart Drive Test poll done on 10 June 2022, less than 20% of drivers have driven in other countries. And from that information, it’s posited that most have a limited view of driving. But the question remains, is it more difficult to drive in other places. And yes, places like India and China, that don’t have well established traffic management systems, are going to be more challenging. But the differences between Europe and North America are minimal.
Roundabouts
A number of Americans and Canadians don’t like roundabouts. One could surmise that it’s due to the fact that these were introduced without any education about how to use these. Roundabouts are better than conventional intersections.
These types of intersections:
Move more traffic per hours; Have less points of conflict, thus fewer crashes; Reduce urban noise pollution.And yes, the first few times you drive through a roundabout can be intimidating. If the way is clear in the roundabout, you don’t have to stop and can simply proceed. Or the unvitiated, you have to be both prepared to stop and proceed when approaching the roundabout.
There are some multi-lane roundabouts in North America, but for the most part these are not yet widely accepted. If you do encounter a multi-lane roundabout, stay in your lane when entering the roundabout, and when exiting. Be sure to scan and signal when exiting to reduce the chances of other traffic crashing into you. When the round about in congested, go slow and hold your course.
Driving on the Left Side
Smarter Driver Redmesa29 commented:
Years ago I was a transit bus mechanic near Vail Colorado. We would have Aussie & Kiwi seasonal drivers come in for the winter. I asked a driver how they were able to drive here considering they drive on the opposite side of the road there. He said, just remember in the US & Down Under the driver sits towards the center of the road.
And he is absolutely correct. Relatively speaking you are still sitting in the same position on the roadway. And the pedals on a right-hand drive are the same as in a left-hand drive. Depending on the brand of vehicle you’re driving, the only thing that might be a bit different, is that the signals and wipers are on the opposite sides of the steering wheel. And of course, if you’re driving a manual transmission, you’ll be shifting the transmission with your left hand – which isn’t has tough as you might think.
For those coming from countries where they drive on the right, you’re more in danger as a pedestrian, and cyclist or a motorcycle rider. And because of this danger, the streets of London, England have “Look Right” painted on the roadway at intersections to ensure that pedestrians look the correct way before stepping out into the roadway.
Freeways & Motorways
Motorways and freeways are the same the world over. In their truest form, freeways are called “limited access highways.” There are only certain points where you can get on and off the freeway. And these on- and off-ramps lanes are separated by continuity lines. In other words, there aren’t any conventional intersections.
Only motorized vehicles travelling at the posted speed limit are allowed. There aren’t farm tractors, industrial equipment, cyclists or pedestrians along these roadways.
And traffic is travelling in the same direction, which significantly reduces the severity of car crashes.On freeways and motorways, manage space well. Have a following distance of 4-6 seconds. And if there are more than 2 lanes, travel in the middle lane, or first lane left of the right-most lane for your best defensive posturing.
Right-of-Way is Never Taken
You can be right, or you can be dead-right. The right-of-way is never taken, it’s always given. No matter where you go, no matter what you do, always give others the right of way if they’re intersecting with your path of travel.
When moving through crowded intersections or roundabouts, and another driver or rider wants over, let off the gas and allow the other vehicle to move sideways. Is a few seconds of your time worth risking a crash.Not to mention the time, energy and money that goes into the post-crash clean up. And that’s if you’re lucky enough to escape the collision without any injuries or hospital time. In the post-crash world, there will most likely be a time where you’re without your vehicle. Without your vehicle you’ll have to arrange alternative forms of transportation.
And of course, shoulder checking and signaling every time you change direction of the vehicle.
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Distracted driving is the practice of driving a motor vehicle while engaged in another activity, typically one that involves the use of a mobile phone or other electronic device. And the use of cell phones and other electronic devices while driving has received the bulk of the distracted driving campaigns attention.
The laundry list of activities that account for distracted driving is exhaustive.
Eating Driving Reaching for something in the car Tuning the radio Shaving Putting on makeup Billboards along the roadway Actions of other road users And so on, and so on"The Automobile Association of America (AAA) now says that distracted driving accounts for 25 to 50 percent of all accident. The discrepancy in that statistic is alarming. It could be ¼ of all crashes, or it could be ½ of all crashes that are caused by distractions.
In the overall marketing campaign, it’s more finger pointing. The campaigns simply move to blame drivers. And blaming drivers is NOT going to reduce the incidences of distracted driving.
As traffic safety authorities we must give drivers skills and abilities to effectively deal safely with the task of driving when they’re distracted.
Because human beings are simply not designed to focus 100% on the task of driving when behind the wheel of a car. Not only has social media and other sources created ingenious ways to get our attention, but as human beings we can only concentrate on a task for no more than 20 minutes before needing a break.
If you’re going to search for a new radio station, you’re looking for another podcast, or you’re reaching for the bottle of water in the back seat, make sure that you have lots of space around your vehicle. Be sure that you’re the only vehicle on the roadway. Have situational awareness for other cars, vehicles and road users before you allow your attention to wane from the task of driving.
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No matter at what stage of your learning, these tips, strategies and skills will ensure you pass first time.
Learn your job, the driving examiner's job, and what are the best practices for test day?
You must take away the driving examiner's right to fail you...nothing less, nothing more.
GDLWhether it feels like or not, every one is entered into a Graduated Driver's License program.
Learner's PermitFor the Graduated Driver's license, you will hold your learner's permit for a required time.
In most places that varies from 180 days to a full year before you are eligible to take your on-road test.
Probationary Driver's LicenseAfter you pass your on-road test, you will be a probationary stage of your license
For some places, you have to simply hold your probationary license for a period of time and then it rolls over to a full license.
In other places, you need to take another on-road driver's test to earn your full license.
Check your state's driver's handbook and website for the specific details.
Knowledge Test to Earn Learner's PermitThere is a knowledge test of 50 multiple choice questions.
You must get 40 of the 50 questions correct to pass the theory test.
These questions cover everything in Driver's Handbook.
However, do NOT read the driver's handbook cover-to-cover.
That is of course unless you're suffering from insomnia.
See these tips and strategies to study for your learner's permit test.
Practice As Much as PossibleMost students wait until the immediate days and weeks before their on-road driver's test before starting to practice.
Many pass, but this isn't your best strategy.
In the time that you have your learner's permit take every opportunity you can to drive.
Get in as many different vehicles, with as many different people as you can.
If your Mom's going to the the story to grab a jug of milk, drive to the shop.
These short practice sessions will make you a better driver and reduce your chances of crashing.
Road Test Components Social DrivingSocial driving is based on the premise that “I’m a good driver.”
Unfortunately, in the arena of social driving too many drivers fail to manage space well.
Consequently, their driving actions are reactionary.
In other words, they hope on a “wing & a prayer” that they’re going to get their vehicle stopped in time if the other driver does something goofy.
Manage space--especially in front of your vehicle--and you WON'T be a reactionary driver.
For many, driving too is retaliatory.
If another driver tailgates, for example, the driver being tailgated will slow down 10mph to get back at the other driver.
This action tells the other driver that s/he did something wrong.
Manage space well around your vehicle—especially in front—and you’ll be a safer, smarter driver.
Space Management If you're not near anything, it's less likely that you're going to hit something.Maintain a 3-4 second following distance behind other traffic.
Stop in traffic so that you can see the tires of the vehicle in front making clear contact with the pavement.
Speed ManagementFor the purposes of your driving test, you will drive the posted speed limit or the flow of traffic - whichever is less.
ObservationFor your driving test, you must have a forward scanning pattern that includes far down the road, centre mirror, instrument panel and wing mirrors.
For reversing, you must look out the back window.
You can check your mirrors and backup cameras, but your main line of sight must be out the rear window.
Every time you change direction of the vehicle you must shoulder check and signal.
Communication• The position of the vehicle communicates intent.
• Lights and signals.
• Horn - use it sparingly because it's seen as a sign of aggression.
• Eye Contact.
• Hand Gestures.
Learn to Drive Faster... And no...NOT going 100mphSlow-speed maneuvers are 1/8th of the road test, but are the small portion that give new drivers the most grief.
If you can park well and do the other maneuvers required for a driver's test, you will learn to drive faster.
And the ability to do these slow-speed maneuverswill improve your overall driving.
Practice the following every session:
• Parallel Park
• Reverse Stall Parking
• 3-Point Turn
• 2-Point Reverse Turn
Road Test Skills• Holding the Vehicle in the lane
• Observing & Shoulder Checking
• Responding to changing driving conditions
• When in doubt “STOP”
• Emergency Vehicles & other unexpected events
• 2 hands on steering wheel for the duration of the test
• Stopping in Line of Traffic
• Stopping at correct position - controlled intersections
• Yellow Traffic lights
• Controlled & Uncontrolled Intersection
The Right-of-Way is always given, it is never taken! Driving Lessons Whole classYou can book 10 sessions when booking or taking driving lessons.
Individual lessonsYou can take one or two driving lessons.
The prices will vary, but most driving lessons now--including instructor and car--are approximately $100/hour.
Mock Road TestYou can take a 90 minute lesson that will determine your readiness for the driver's test.
If you're NOT taking driving lessons, a mock driver's test with a driving instructor is recommended.
The Good, the Bad & the Ugly of Road TestsSome times drivers that should pass the driver's test fail, and drivers that should fail the driver's test pass the test.
If you fail the driver's test, simply take it again after you've practiced the skills and abilities that the examiner told you needed work.
Take some time and be mad about failing, but set a time limit.
When that time's up, get back to work and pass your driver's test with these tips & strategies.
Practice Road TestPractice in and around the test center where you will be taking your test.
You can't go into the test center during business hours, but you can go in and practice your parking when the office is closed - nights and weekends.
Practice your driving at the time you will be taking your test.
If you're taking your test on Thursday at 10am, practice in and around the test center during the weekdays at 10am in the morning.
If you're working toward your first license, check out the smarter driver course package.
Guaranteed to pass your driver's test first time.
https://www.smartdrivetest.com/new-drivers/smarter-driver-course-package
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Pass Your Driver’s Test Course Package: https://www.smartdrivetest.com/new-drivers/smarter-driver-course-package
Correct Procedure When Pulled Over by Police
If a police vehicle pulls up behind you with just the lights flashing, you can drive to a safe location to stop. Often that’s just around the corner on the next side street.
If the lights and sirens are activated, stop immediately.
When and if you're pulled over by police, you don't have to stop right away. Pull onto a secondary road or into a parking lot to keep both yourself and the police officer safe.
Pulling over on the side of a busy road or highway is unsafe. Even with the emergency vehicle lights flashing there’s a lot of danger on the highway. Due to the long periods of time driving at speed, some drivers can “tune out” - even when approaching an emergency vehicle on the side of the road. This lack of attention poses a threat to vehicles parked on the side of the road.
If you do pull over to the side of the road, move as far away from the roadway as possible.
Do NOT get out of the car. Do NOT reach for anything.
Roll down your window and put your hands on the steering wheel. If it’s dark, turn on the interior lights so the officer can see inside the vehicle.
When the officer approaches the vehicle, only answer her questions.
Do NOT deny what you did or ask, “Is there a problem officer?”
The officer will tell you why she pulled you over.
If the officer asks for your documents (license, vehicle registration and insurance) tell her where these are located.
Before moving to retrieve the documents, tell the officer that you’re going to reach for the document requested.
If you have a weapon in the vehicle, tell the officer that information.
Tell the officer where the weapon is located and it’s a gun; tell them you have a permit to carry the weapon.
If you are respectful and answer the officer’s questions, almost all the time the situation will go well.
If you are adversarial and are questioning the officer’s authority to pull you over, it can be guaranteed that IT IS NOT GOING TO GO WELL for you.
If you believe that the officer is wrong, pulled over on the side of the road is NOT the time to address that issue.
Courts provide a forum for you to dispute the charge. Here you can plead the case before the court.
Not just in the United States, but in the world a few police officers have skewed our perception of police. You have every right to be wary. In no way are we denying that some have abused their power. But most of the time, most of the police officers doing traffic stop are good people.
I have been pulled over many times in New York state and city, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Missouri and Kentucky. Every time the officers were professional.
Yes, some gave me a ticket, but they were always professional.
And remember, pick the best answer, not necessarily the right answer.
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Car Crashes
If you took all the car crashes that happened in one country and put those in one place on the same day, you’d have a national emergency. But that’s not the way we deal with traffic crashes. And even though most refer to these as accidents, most collisions can be explained. And crashes that can be explained are NOT accidents.
Traffic carnage is everywhere in our society. The biggest reasons for crashes are drivers failing to yield and following too close. Simply speaking, drivers are failing to manage speed and space.
Like disease, no one is immune from traffic crashes. Princess Diana, James Dean, and Paul Walker are just a few of the famous people that have died in car accidents. Every day in the United States there are thousands of crashes, injuries and deaths as a result of the automobile.
Seat belt use, increased automotive and road engineering, in combination with grass roots drink driving campaigns (MADD) reduced the number of traffic deaths over the past decades. Unfortunately, almost a half-century of policy and legal changes have not impacted the number of drivers that drive drunk.
GDL (Graduated Driver’s License) programs moved to reduce the number of crashes amongst young drivers. However, fewer crashes amongst young drivers has not been the result. The GDL programs in combination with people living in cities has postponed young people getting their license.
When they do get their driver’s license, they’re facing the “4 Ds” of life:
1. Distractions (Screens with an overwhelm of information);
2. Dating;
3. Driving;
4. Drinking.And with none of these life events do they have any experience. This inexperience erodes their driving focus and often carries a dire consequence.
It’s not driver behavior that’s reduced traffic deaths. Rather it’s advances in automotive and road engineering features. In combination with better cars and roads, medical science has further reduced traffic deaths. Yet we’re still crashing and injuring the same number of people as we did in previous decades.
Finally, in the podcast, we answer smart drivers’ questions.’
Brake failure on modern vehicles in unlikely. Brake systems are divided into two independent sub-systems. If the front brakes fail, the rear brakes will continue to work, and vise-versa. And if the brakes do in fact fail completely, you can use the parking brake as an emergency brake. If all that fails, simply put the transmission into neutral, and let the car roll to a stop. If something happens, be sure to activate your 4-Way Flashers to alert other traffic that something’s wrong.
To prevent crashes, manage space well and know that driving is a social activity. Sometimes you just have to let off the accelerator to stay safe.
Happy motoring smarter drivers.
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What kind of a driver are you? Are you the kind of driver that meticulously maintains her vehicle? At the exact mile, you’re taking it in for its oil change? Or are you the kind of person that drives your vehicle with bald tires and the muffler falling off?
If you’re the former, this podcast is for you. Learn and know what regular maintenance you need to do to your vehicle and when to do it. The proverbial saying: “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!” Meaning that if you don’t do a little here and there, you’re going to do “A LOT” all at once.
Oil changes and tire rotations are going to be the most frequent maintenance items you do to your vehicle. If you have an older vehicle, you’re going to change the engine oil every 3,000 miles (5,000km). If it’s a newer vehicle and it uses synthetic oil, you’re going to change the oil at the 5-to-8,000-mile (8-to-12,000km) mark. Tire rotations should be done every 6,000 miles (10,000km) for the longest life, and to validate the warranty.
Checking the fluid levels and the lights should be done every month. Ensure that the hi/lo beam headlights work, the parking lights, hazards and brake lights. At the same time, check the radiator, brake, power steering, washer, and transmission fluid levels. If you have a hydraulic clutch, check that too.
Depending on the brand of your vehicle and the manufacturers recommendations, you should change the fuel and engine air filters every 30-to-75,000 miles (40-to-80,000km). The air cabin filter should be changed every couple of years.
Brakes, tires, and spark plugs will depend on the use of your vehicle and the manufacturer’s recommendations. Tires can be checked monthly during your inspection. If the tread depth is down to the wear bars or there’s irregular wear these will need to be replaced. Brakes can be inspected by an automotive technician. Spark plugs, rotors and caps will be between 50-to-100,000 miles (75-to-120,000km) depending on manufacturer’s recommendations and the needs of your vehicle.
Timing belts replacement and automatic transmission flush and filter will be done around the 100,000-mile (160,000km) mark. Not all vehicles have timing belts. Check either your owner’s manual or with your automotive technician.
If maintained, most vehicles should go 200,000 miles (320,000km) without costing you a lot of money. As with life though, stuff happens and not all vehicles are created the same.
Happy motoring smart drivers.
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Smart Drive Test is about empowerment and helps you achieve your success. We can have a discussion around issues of driving. And with these discussions, we all learn and grow.
First impressions – you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. In readiness for your driver’s test, be sure that you take a shower and put on nice clothes. These don’t have to be your Sunday best, but jeans that aren’t ripped and a good shirt. And in these post-COVID days, be sure that you wash your car, get out all the garbage and give it a vacuum.
Consistency – develop habits, skills and techniques that will keep you safe when you get tired or you make mistakes. Shoulder (head) checking is something that you must do every time you change direction of the vehicle. The same with signaling. Every time you change directions, in both forward and reverse, signal to communicate your intentions to other road users. And use your turn signals in parking lots.
Here you find a lot of vulnerable road users. Driving is a social activity. Apply the parking brake every time you park the vehicle.
#8 – Primary Controls – You’re abrupt or rough on the brake, accelerator, or steering wheel. Your turns are too wide. You simply don’t have mastery of the vehicle’s primary controls.
#7 – Lane Positioning – on a driver’s test you must move back to the right lane after turning left on multi-lane roads. “Slower traffic move right” is a regulatory sign in all states and provinces. And no, it’s not a suggestion or recommendations.
#6 – Too Cautious – Get the vehicle up to the posted speed limit as quickly as possible. If there is a sufficient gap, you must go. And no, going slow is NOT being cautious. Going too slow on a driver’s test indicated to the driving examiner that you haven’t had enough driving experience.
#5 – Observation – Shoulder (Head) Checks – seeing and being seen is one of the cornerstones of driving. You must look and look again to keep yourself and others on the roadway safe. Not shoulder checking is to driving what NOT checking to see if a weapon is loaded is to gun safety.
#4 – Road Signs – Action contrary to a sign – signs are to traffic what instructions are to an Ikea cabinet. Most drivers are NOT reading and gleaning information from traffic signs. Know the road signs categories. And definitely know the difference between 2- and 4-Way STOP signed intersections. And often traffic signs work in concert with traffic lights and road markings.
#3 – Strike a fixed object – strike a fixed object. You hit a cone when parallel parking or the Ohio Maneuverability Test. If you back the tires up over the curb when parallel parking, that is an automatic fail on the driver’s test.
#2 – Dangerous Action – you move into an intersection you can’t clear. In other words, you’re in “the Box” of the intersection and the traffic light turns red. Another driver has to take evasive action due to something that you do. You make a right turn on a multi-lane and drift over to the left lane.
#1 – Don’t Know what’s on the test – the parallel parking at your DMV is done with cones, and you’re unaware of this maneuver. You don’t know where the school zones are located and whether school is in session or not. Take driving lessons with a local driving instructor if you’re not already taking lessons.
Move-over-laws -slow down to 40mph (60kph) when emergency vehicles or service vehicles are on the side of the vehicle.
Speed control of the vehicle is tied to your forward scanning pattern. In other words, speed control and observation dovetail. You need to adjust your speed every 10-15 seconds.
Space management Speed management Observation Communication
The 4 Pillars to Passing Your Driver’s Test
Also, we'll give you information about passing your driver's license, and being a safer, smarter driver.
If you're working toward your first license, check out the smarter driver course package. Guaranteed to pass your driver's test first time.https://www.smartdrivetest.com/new-drivers/smarter-driver-course-package
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Traveling for the Easter, Memorial Day or Thanksgiving. These tips and strategies will help you to both be comfortable and in control for the long drive.
Learn defensive driving strategies that will keep you safe.
Know what to do in the event that your vehicle breaks down on the trips.
Have your vehicle checked over before heading out. Check all the fluid levels in the engine compartment. Ensure that your tires have adequate tread. Check the windshield wipers if you’ve been ignoring those. If you’re not sure, get a qualified automotive technician to check over your vehicle to prevent breakdowns.
An investment in roadside assistance is recommended if you're not handy and can't change a tire.
Pack prescription medications, games for the children and a charging cable for your phone. Have food and drinks accessible in the vehicle. And implement a rule, that when you get out of the car to use the restrooms or whatnot, take the garbage with you so it’s not cluttering up the vehicle.
Assign jobs. The adult in the passenger seat can navigate, and the children can help look for landmarks.
Have pillows and blankets in the car for those that want to sleep.
Take off bulky coats and sweaters to be comfortable when driving.
Use cruise control to reduce distractions. And listen to audio books or podcasts to keep your mind active when driving.
Spend some time with Maps if you don’t know where you’re going. Plan breaks and stop every couple of hours to get out of the vehicle and stretch your legs. Rest areas along the interstate are great for breaks. Avoid large heavy meals at restaurants. Eat smaller meals more often to prevent feeling lethargic. Budget this time into the time for the trip.
And if you’re tired, stop and get some sleep. It’s the only cure for fatigue.
Never, ever pull off the side of the road for anything but an emergency. Always get off the freeway and onto a side street or into a parking lot to keep you and your family safe.
If you're unlucky enough to be pulled over by police, stop as soon as you can safely; don't get out of the car; don't reach for anything; and keep your hands in sight.
Answer the officer's questions and be pleasant.
Also, we'll give you information about passing your driver's license, and being a safer, smarter driver.
If you're working toward your first license, check out the smarter driver course package. Guaranteed to pass your driver's test first time. https://www.smartdrivetest.com/new-drivers/smarter-driver-course-package
