IT’S SO EASY
- EVEN I CAN DO IT
The following syllabus is recommended by the DVSA
Some of the main points in the syllabus are as follows:
Eyesight & Licence Check
You need to be able to read a number plate at a minimum distance of 20.5 metres (approx 67 feet) and if you need to wear glasses or contact lenses to do this then you must also wear these at all times when you are driving.
Cockpit Drill
The cockpit drill is just a simple procedure that drivers need to do before starting the engine. Firstly all doors must be closed properly, now make any necessary adjustments to your seat to make sure you can reach and operate all the controls properly, next comes your mirrors by adjusting them so that you get the best possible view to the rear and down the sides of you vehicle, now put your seat belt on correctly. The order of mirrors before seat belt or seat belt before mirrors is not really an issue providing you make sure your doors and seat are actually done first.
Car Controls
The main controls in your car are controls that you operate with your hands such as, steering, gears, handbrake and indicators, and the ones you operate with your feet such as, the accelerator (gas pedal) the footbrake and the clutch pedal.
During your lessons you will be taught how to operate these controls safely and smoothly as well as other controls known as ancillary controls, these can be headlights, windscreen washers, demisters, air conditioning, cruise control etc
Other important checks before driving are on the dashboard such as checks on fuel gauge, warning lights, windscreen washers, lights, heater controls etc
Moving off / Stopping
Our instructor Dan will teach you how to move away safely from the side of a road, this will include flat roads, also how to move off uphill and downhill and even how to move away from a very tight space behind another car, this is known as an angle move off. He will also teach you how to move away quickly where necessary, this is often required if you are moving away into a gap on a fast moving road.
Road positioning
Road positioning plays a major part in safe driving. Usually slightly closer to the left on most roads and in the middle of your lane when in traffic lanes, however the correct position will also depend on other factors such as, the widths of roads, pedestrian activity, road markings, junctions and any parked vehicles.
Using your mirrors
Looking in your mirrors is definitely not enough, you must look early enough and then make any necessary moves in a safe way. You will certainly need to check them before approaching any type of hazard and this is particularly important if you need to slow down, speed up or change your direction. There are many examples as to when you need to check your mirrors, such as, before signalling, moving away, changing any direction, stopping your car, overtaking other vehicles and don’t forget before opening your door.
Your mirrors are similar to another set of eyes at the back of your head and this should mean that you never get caught by surprise.
Use of signalling
There are many ways that drivers communicate with each other, the main ones are obviously your indicator signal, however there are many other ways including, your road positioning, reversing lights, brake lights, arm signals and sometimes the horn.
An excellent driver will also consider whether an indicator signal is actually necessary, for example, if you are moving away or pulling over in an extremely quiet road then you should really ask yourself who would benefit from putting it on, this thought should also include pedestrians. Passing most stationary vehicles can often be dealt with by early road positioning, however there will also be many occasions when a signal may help others behind. Your responsibility is to work this out as you are driving along. You should also avoid using any type of misleading signals, an example of this could be waving to a pedestrian to leave the kerb and to walk across the road in front of you.
Awareness / Anticipation / Planning
Excellent drivers will always be prepared for anything. You need to have a built in defence mechanism that triggers very early to any potential dangers around you, eventually this will become second nature but in the early stages of learning to drive you will receive help with this very important skill.
Use of speed
Most accidents are usually connected to speed. Drivers need to be aware of their speed, even 10mph can be too fast at the wrong time. A good safe driver will always be driving within the speed limits and also at a speed where they could easily pull up safely within the distance they can see to be clear, this also includes driving in adverse conditions such as rain, snow, ice, fog and at night.
Junctions
At all types of road junctions you must use the Mirrors - Signals - Manoeuvre procedure. You also need to consider your road positioning, your approach speed take effective observations. There are many types of junctions, some are very basic and easy to deal with however some can be quite complex and will require a lot more care especially when dealing with crossing the path of oncoming vehicles or emerging onto major roads where your vision may be restricted by parked vehicles. You must be extra careful in poor light and adverse weather conditions especially looking out for vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
Pedestrian crossings
You need to be able to identify all types of pedestrian crossings and take the correct actions. You have to know and obey all the rules around pedestrian crossings and also pay attention to your approach speed so that you can stop smoothly and safely.
Rural roads
During your training you will be taught how to drive safely on country roads, this will include learning how to negotiate right and left hand bends correctly, various speed limits, hidden dangers, limited signage and road markings, hump back bridges, farm animals and machinery, pedestrians in the road, cyclists, motor cyclists, horses etc.
Fast roads and dual carriageways
All drivers need to be able to drive safely at speed especially on fast dual carriageways and motorways. You need to be able to judge correct speeds and keep safe distances when following other vehicles. You also need to be able to overtake safely, follow route directions from either signs or a satellite navigation.
Reverse manoeuvres
During your training you will be taught how to reverse safely. There are a number of reverse manoeuvres that you could be asked to perform on a driving test. On a basic learner test you will be asked to perform just one manoeuvre, this could be either, pulling up on the right hand side of the road and then reversing back a couple of car lengths, driving forward into a marked bay and then reversing out of the bay accurately and safely, revering into a marked bay either on the right or left, reversing around a stationary vehicle.
Controlled stop (emergency stop)
All drivers need to be able to stop their vehicle very quickly as if an emergency situation such as a child suddenly running into the road. This needs to be performed in a quick controlled way. Drivers should also need to know how to avoid and correct skidding and how ABS anti lock braking systems work.
Fuel efficient driving
This is all about driving in a fuel efficient style which can help to protect the environment, save wear and tear on your vehicle and also save you money at the fuel pumps. Drivers should be able to plan their driving by using the appropriate gears, avoiding heavy braking or over revving the cars engine and also making use of anything fitted to your car such as the stop start function and cruise control.
OUR PRICES FOR DRIVING LESSONS IN BOLTON
Manual Lessons - £30 per hour
Block Bookings in 10 hour payments - £290
CONTACT US
To book lessons just CALL or TEXT us on 07892 913302
When you call or text us we will require all of the following info please:
* Your name, address and postcode
* The days and times you are available
* If you have a driving test already arranged then we also need the date, time and at which test centre
