Automatic Car Rental Raheny/Kilester-Turning Left

Great news folks! We have started our Learner Driver Classroom Series on YouTube. I got myself a whiteboard and I am going to be breaking down all the thing you should be learning on your driving lessons. I will be starting with the basics on turning left and right using MSPSL, emerging from T junctions, roundabouts, mini-roundabouts and so much more. I have so much content in my head that I want to cover so this classroom should be running for the next few months and the best thing about it is that is FREEEEEE!!! I will be launching a video every Tuesday and Thursday for the foreseeable future. The only thing I ask in return is if you like the videos hit a thumbs up and subscribe to my channel. Even if you have already passed your test, that would be so kind.

So lets get into it. Todays video we will be talking about turning left from a major to a minor road. We will be breaking down the steps you need to take when turning. We will be talking about MSPSL on approach, correct position when turning and correct observation as we drive around the turn.

First things first, we will talk about MSPSL. This is what you should be learning in EDT3-Changing Direction 1. I also mention in the video MSMM and I will explain that next. So for MSPSL each letter stand for a different step. M-Mirror, S-Signal, P-Position, S-Speed/Slow and L-Look. Once you hear the direction from your instructor or the tester you apply these steps. MSMM stand for something similar. It is M-Mirror, S-Signal, M-Mirror, M-Manoeuvre. ( Manoeuvre breaks down to position, slow, look)

So now we know the steps, its all about execution. Its very important that once you hear the direction, its showtime. If you are slow to get the routine started, or you start well and are too late to slow and change gear, it will be too rushed at the turn and it could look a little messy. Always follow the steps.

For turning left, we check inside mirror then left mirror. Once we do that, left signal. After our signal, that’s when we bring our position in slightly but very importantly, STRAIGHT up to the turn. This is so important. If you drift back out and take it wide it could result in a Grade 2. Also if you come in at an angle it will be too tight at the corner and you could hit the kerb. Once we are in position, SLOOOOOOW with the break first. If we are coming in at 50kmph or even 60kmph, don’t be shy, press the brake and keep pressure on the break. When you are going slow enough, that’s when we clutch in, into second, OFF the clutch. It is ok to go from 4th to 2nd gear, we call that block changing. It just means slowing a lot with the break first. When we are in position, slowly in 2nd then L for look. Quick look in the left mirror, then off the break and steer. See my half finished video on steering below. (Started last winter and still not finished, shame on me ha)

What I generally say to people is get your position in first, and then eyes up. Always looking where you are going. That is the trick behind correct observation when when we are turning. If you have done your test before and you were marked for observation it either meant you looked right when turning left or you were looking left but didn’t actually see hazards on the new road.

I hope you enjoy the Classroom. On Tuesday we will be talking about turning right. Best of luck to you all

Automatic Driving Lessons Raheny and Kilester- Dash Cam

Unfortunately, in life, some people are out to make a quick buck by doing dishonest activities. It doesn’t matter where you go in the world, this is just a sad fact. These people generally prey on more vulnerable people to make their money.

Unfortunately, when you are learning how to drive, you fall under this “vulnerable” label. When these people see that big shiny L plate or even N plate in the window, you could possibly become a target. Especially in the beginner stages, your control over the car would be very basic and your anticipation and reaction to hazards would be slow.

Have a look at the video below. This is where anticipation comes in. As we drive along we are always scanning the road ahead for potential hazards. Weather it be children playing, a jogger about to cross the road in front of you without looking or weather it is unusual activity ahead.

If, on a lesson, we were driving along and we seen someone at the side of the road looking like he was going to run out in front of us, we would ease off the accelerator on approach, and when he stepped out onto the road, we would be on the brake. Its a much smoother stop when we ease off the accelerator in anticipation of a stop rather then being on the accelerator and braking hard at the last second. We use this approach anytime we drive up the road and we think something or someone will walk out in front of us.

Luckily, in this scenario, the driver was quick to react to this “moving hazard” and also the driver had his dashcam in place. When the guy seen the dashcam he realized he was caught and it would be pointless to take any further action.

In the next video, we have another attempt of someone trying to make a quick buck from an honest taxi driver. The driver was clearly stopped at a junction on a Dublin City street and the young guy tried to claim he was knocked down. Luckily again, the driver had his dashcam in place. Look at the video below. If you are sensitive to bad language turn the volume down but you need to see what could happen on city streets.

When it comes to false claims, the next video is the oldest trick in the book. This is called a rear-end collision. This is why we always keep our safe distance from the car in front. If you remember from your Theory Test in dry weather we use the 2 second rule. Another thing to mention here is when you see brake lights, you immediately do the same. This is something I teach my students in our very first EDT when we talk about the primary controls and how to use them. “When we see brake lights ahead, we do the same.”

Luckily enough for the driver in the car behind, he has solid proof of negligent driving. This is why it is so important to have a dashcam in place. It covers you from anything that may happen ahead and also you can get rear ones fitted too, so if anyone does go into the back of you, you are covered.

If you think you may need a dashcam to keep you covered at all times, why not click the link below to see what dashcams amazon have in stock. Before you click, just a quick disclaimer that I am an Amazon Affiliate and if you do click the link, Amazon do pay me a royalty. Feel under no pressure to buy I just felt it was an interesting blog and some interesting videos.

<a target=”_blank” href=”https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=dash+cam&amp;crid=QB4GYVJT4H2B&amp;sprefix=dash%252Caps%252C364&amp;ref=nb_sb_ss_pltr-ranker-retrain-acsession-acceptance_1_4&_encoding=UTF8&tag=safedriving1-21&linkCode=ur2&linkId=3c3dab342eeca4a4ca73894340c228b7&camp=1634&creative=6738″>Dash Cam</a>

Best of luck 

Anthony

Automatic Driving Lessons Raheny/Kilester- Marking Sheet 

When you sit your driving test, you are basically telling the world that you have the skills and knowledge to drive unaccompanied and without instruction from your sponsor or your driving instructor. You will be asked to demonstrate these skills in front of an RSA Official. (Tester) The tester will asses your rules of the road knowledge first, then ask you some technical checks about the car and some hand signals, and then it’s all down to you in the driving part of the test.

The driving test lasts, on average, 50 minutes. On the day of your test, you are asked to arrive 10 minutes before your start time. When your time comes, the tester will call your mobile phone (be sure to have your phone on loud until you answer the call and then turn your phone off) and ask you if are you, feeling well with any signs of COVID. When you answer the questions you will walk to the test centre. As soon as you start this call, you are on a test. Be polite and answer the questions. As you walk to the test centre, be safe and use any pedestrian crossings they might have. When you see the tester, greet them with a lovely good morning/afternoon, nice to meet you.

The first thing you will be asked to do is show them your Learner Permit. Have this ready in a separate pocket; you don’t want to be looking through wallets or purses in front of them. Once all this is done, you will be straight into your road signs and questions. After you complete this section, you walk to where your car is parked. Here you will complete under the bonnet, check your lights are working, secondary controls and hand signals. To see my free pretest videos, click here

The tester will be marking your progress as you go along. The marking sheet is broken down into 18 different sections. Section 1 is Rules/Checks up to section 18 Parking. See the video below to see section 1-3 explained

In the video above, I speak about position and observation. People generally loose a lot of marks in these sections because of there failure to drive in a straight line and basically look where they are driving. These are things I drill into my students from EDT 2. 

In the next video, we talk about anticipation and reaction to hazards. Also mirrors, clearance and signals. Reaction to hazards is another part of the driving test where people lose a lot of marks. This is covered in EDT 6 and it is very important. See the video below to see the next video.

In the final video we explain the remaining 10 sections. The video starts at section 9 Courtesy and goes all the way to section 18 Parking. I tried to get it all into 1 video but after listening back, its too long and I might redo the video and break it down into sections. Let me know what you think.

I will be putting out a lot more content over the next few months and I will be running YouTube Classrooms in the coming months, so if you would like to be a part of the FREE action, all you have to do is subscribe to my channel and throw in a few likes. Best of luck guys

Automatic Driving Lessons Raheny Kilester- Trees for Passes

We are on such a successful run the last few months. It makes me so happy to see all my students passing their test. I really am so lucky to have the best bunch of students.

Although nothing beats that feeling of getting a student over the line, another thing that gives me great satisfaction is the charity we help with each pass. For every student that passes their driving test with me, I donate 10E to a charity named CRANN. 

Crann is Ireland’s leading voluntary tree organisation dedicated to the promotion and protection of our trees, hedgerows and woodlands. 

Crann is now probably best known for its high quality Crann magazine and for the Crann ‘Tidy Towns Assist Programme’ and the numerous school visits we provide through the Crann ‘Bring a Tree to School’ Programme.

I really enjoy donating to this charity because it is backed by our president Micheal D Higgins. Micheal D Higgins is our Patron. See the image below

So far this this year I am delighted to report a massive 310E donated to Crann. That is 31 trees planted somewhere in Ireland. That really makes me happy to know we are making a difference.

That is what I am trying to do here. Make a difference in peoples life while trying to make the country a greener place. It might be only 31 trees now in Ireland and with enough students and enough passes we can replant the rain forest. Always dream big.

Would you like to have that winning feeling of passing your driving test in Raheny or Kilester? Would you also like to know that you are helping the planet by first of all, driving an electric car and also having a tree planted for you somewhere in Ireland? 

If this is something you like the sound of, reach out to me and I will see if we can make it work. Best of luck to you all

Automatic Driving Lessons In North Dublin- Servicing Your Car

Servicing your car annually is essential in keeping your car in good condition. Usually, servicing your car is once a year but if you do a lot of driving, the RSA recommend you do it every 15000 kilometres. Failure to service regularly results in increased wear and tear of your engine, increased fuel consumption and the possibility of engine failure. If you do not service your engine, you will not know if your car needs oil or coolant and if these fluids get too low you are in for a lot of trouble. If your engine has no oil, your engine will cease and if you have no coolant your engine will overheat and could go on fire while you drive.

When you bring your car to a garage and ask for a standard service, you will usually get an oil change, replacement of the spark plugs, top up your coolant and brake fluid levels and they also might fill your windscreen washer fluid level. All of these are essential in engine health.

When you check your oil levels and you see that your oil is dark black, you know you need to replace the oil. Oil, when it is fresh, is usually transparent and you can nearly see through it. After time, when the oil is being churned around the engine, the oil picks up carbon molecules inside the engine turning the oil jet black. When you see this have your oil replaced. You will notice you’re engine sounds much smoother when you do an oil change.

Usually, as the oil is draining out of the tank, the mechanic will change your spark plugs. Usually, you would replace the spark plugs every 60000 kilometres. This is only a guideline and always follow the manufacturer’s specification. Spark plugs are essential in creating the spark which starts your engine.

“Your spark plugs are what supply the spark that ignites the air/fuel mixture, creating the explosion which makes your engine produce power. … Your spark plugs, along with the electrical and timing equipment which powers them, are part of what’s known as your ignition system.” May 21, 2019- Google

During your service, your coolant level will be topped up. Normally your mechanic will not need to drain and replace all the fluid and normally they will fill the tank to the top. Your mechanic will be looking for dirt and grim and if they see this inside your tank there may be another issue that could need addressing. Always keep an eye of coolant levels in between servicing as driving a car with low or no coolant could result in an engine fire at the side of the road.

Your mechanic will also check your brake fluid level. This fluid is not used as much as oil or coolant and sometimes it does not need any fluid. Always check your level before you bring the car to the garage and check the level when you bring the car home. You will know if you need brake fluid when your brakes feel soft and spongy when you press them. If ever you feel this, check your brake fluid levels at once.

Hopefully, you are not driving around with no water in your windscreen washer tank. Keeping this topped up is essential to being able to see out of your windscreen. Your mechanic will top this up for you but you need to keep on top of this yourself. There is nothing worse than a dirty truck driving past and spraying mud onto your windscreen and not being able to clear it.

Always look after your car’s health. It can save you expensive repair jobs and more importantly, it will keep you and other road users safe.

The RSA has a downloadable booklet and it is a great help in looking after your engine. Click here for RSA BOOKLET

Automatic Driving Lessons In North Dublin- Driving In The Rain

When you are driving in the rain, visibility is always poor. To make matters worse, if you have not got your window demisters on, your windows will fog up and you won’t be able to see a thing. Before you start a journey, always make sure your windows are clear and you can see out all of your windows. Always keep a cloth in your car so you can wipe the inside of the windows before you drive. Do not wipe your windows when your car is moving.

So to stop your windows fogging up while you are driving, turn on your demisters. All cars are different and their demisters will be different in the way you use them but the principle is always the same. The windscreen demister is simply directing the car’s temperature controls to the windscreen. To activate this look on your dash for the symbol that looks like the picture below.

In some cars, there is a button and in other cars, you would turn a dial and point the dial at this symbol. Either way, you are activating the windscreen demister. Once activated, this will blow air onto your windscreen and also out your side vents. Always make sure that your side vents are directed at the side windows and not closed or pointing into the car. If the windows are really foggy, turn the air up full and turn your heat on full. Do this until all fog has cleared.

When the windows have cleared, dial down the power of the air and dial down the heat. The air doesn’t have to be really hot once the windows are cleared. Always drive with this setting on and your windows will never fog up again.

When you have this setting on, always make sure you have fresh air coming into the car. The button below shows the air circulation. It usually looks something like this:

When this setting is on it means you are using the same air over and over again. Only use this setting when driving in heavy traffic or you are driving through an area with really bad smells or smoke. Always bring fresh air in through the car by making sure the setting is off.

To demist your back window, select the setting below:

This button will be in every make and model of car and it always demists the rear window. When it is cold or damp outside, always keep this on as your rear window can fog up very quickly.

If you are doing your driving test and the conditions outside are cold and wet, always drive with your demisters on. If you go to do a manoeuvre like reversing around a corner and your rear window is foggy, you will fail your exam for not using the cars secondary controls properly. The tester wants to see you are ready for all aspects of the test and use of secondary controls when needed goes a long way.

https://www.facebook.com/anto.doran.7/videos/3174736152586672/ 

Automatic Driving Lessons In North Dublin-Cockpit Drill

What is the cockpit drill?

The cockpit drill is a sequence of checks which you should carry out whenever you get into your vehicle and intend to drive. The ‘cockpit drill’ includes various safety and comfort checks which are done before turning the vehicle on, these include fastening your seatbelt and adjusting your mirrors. During your driving test, you should perform the cockpit drill at the beginning of your test to ensure you are safe and comfortably positioned to begin your drive.

Why do I have to do the cockpit drill?

The simple answer is that it will help make sure your drive is problem-free. You don’t want to drive off and then remember you aren’t wearing your seatbelt, you also don’t want to get onto the main road only to realise your mirrors aren’t correctly positioned. You should make sure your cockpit drill has been done on the lesson before your practical driving test so you can jump straight into your car and not have performed all of your checks again. Your examiner will realise that you had already been sitting in the vehicle and therefore adjusting the seat/mirrors will not be necessary again.

What do I have to check?

1) Doors – Check your door is shut and that your passengers doors are shut

The reason for this is obvious as you don’t want you or your passengers door to fly open when you take a turn. Check your door by pulling the door handle (not the opening lever) towards you, also ask all your passengers to check their doors.

2) Seat & steering – Adjust your seat according to your size to a safe driving position

You need to be able to reach your foot pedals without stretching, use your left foot to depress the clutch and make sure it goes all the way down to the floor of the car without you feeling you are too close or too far. If you need to adjust your seat, a bar is normally directly under your knees which you should pull up, you should use one hand to hold on to the steering wheel to pull you closer and prevent your seat from flying back. You will also find a recline adjustment in the form of a round dial (usually on the right side of the driver’s seat), you should adjust it so that you aren’t leaned back too far and are generally comfortable with your seat position. You shouldn’t be too close/too far from the steering wheel because this will make steering very tricky. Finally, you need to adjust your head restraint so that the top of your head is level with the top of your head restraint, figure 1 below shows the optimum driving position.

3) Mirrors – Adjust your doors mirrors and your rearview mirror

Your wing-mirrors should give you the best possible view of the situation behind you and from your rearview, you should be able to see out all the back window and being able to see the outline of the interior of your car.

4) Neutral and handbrake.

Once your car’s mirrors are in order, simply check that your car is in neutral and that your handbrake is up.

5) Seatbelt

Now that you know the vehicle is safe, put your seatbelt on, making sure the belt is straight and not twisted. Also, make sure the seatbelt goes over your right shoulder and across your chest. Do not go under your armpit.

Turn the ignition and you are ready to drive.

Automatic Driving Lessons In North Dublin- Parallel Parking

What is parallel parking?

Parallel parking is a means of parking your vehicle parallel to the road, usually in a line of other vehicles.

Typically, you’ll drive your vehicle alongside the one in front of the available space, before reversing it in.

It’s generally considered one of the trickier skills for new drivers to learn, but becomes second nature with practice and can be essential when hunting for a parking space in a busy street after you’ve passed your test.

When do I need to parallel park?

Parallel parking allows you to park in a smaller space than would be possible if you were driving forward into it.

Driving forward into a roadside space is usually only do-able if two spaces in a row are unoccupied.

By reversing in, a driver can take advantage of a single empty space, not too much longer than the car.

Most residential roads accommodate roadside parking as standard, and in town and city centres where space is a premium, parallel parking might be the only option to get a space.

These instructions assume you’re parking on the left-hand side of the road (i.e. with the flow of traffic).

If parking on the right-hand side, the directions are reversed.

This is a general guide and while the principles will remain the same, your driving instructor might have their own preferred methods and reference points for teaching. First things first:

• Make sure the space you are aiming to park in is big enough.
• Indicate, then pull up alongside the space and check there’s a minimum of two feet either end.
• Edge forward slowly, until the centre of your passenger side front window is roughly lined up with the front of the car in front of your space – if it’s facing the same way as you. (If it’s parked facing the opposite way, line up your passenger window with its back bumper).
• Check your mirrors, and turn to check your blind spot.
• Once you are happy it is safe, slowly begin reversing, looking behind you over your left shoulder and through the rear windscreen.
• Slowly reversing now, roughly line up your back tyres with the back bumper of the the car in front of your space.
• Now apply your handbrake and check your blindspot again, as when you turn to reverse into the space, the front of your car will swing out into the road slightly – so you will need to ensure nothing is coming.
• If it is safe to do so, turn the steering wheel one complete turn to the left. Keep things nice and steady, concentrating on achieving a full turn.
• Start slowly reversing, using the nearside mirror to check the position of the kerb, and the rear view mirror to see the vehicle behind you.
• Once you can see the kerb in your nearside mirror and you’re clear of the car in front, it’s time to stop the car and starting turning the steering wheel to the right.
• This time, use full lock, bringing the front of your car in towards the kerb. The trick here is fast steering but slow reversing – so quick hands, but steady feet.
• Straighten up your position on the road, by again turning the steering wheel to the left so the car is reversing back straight.

Driving Lessons In North Dublin- Applying For Your Learner Permit

When you decide you want to learn how to drive, it is not as easy as jumping behind the wheel of a car. There are steps involved that you must take in order to get your driving license. The first step in applying for your license is picking up a copy of The Official Driver Theory Test Questions and Answers book or app. After taking time to study the material, you are now ready to book The Theory Test. You can book the test by calling 1980 606 106 or online www.theorytest.ie When booking your test, have your credit card details and your PPS number. When you are booking you will be asked what category license you wish to hold. A car licence is a B License.

Once you pass The Theory Test, you will receive a pass certificate. Keep this pass certificate safe as you will need it to apply for your Learners Permit. To apply for your Learner Permit, go to www.ndls.ie

When you book an appointment with the NDLS, you will need a lot of different documents.

• Fully completed application form for a learner permit D201
• Original driver theory test pass certificate (dated within two years)
• Photographic I.D.
• Proof of your personal public services number (PPSN)
• Evidence of address dated within the last six months is required if your current address is not recorded on your permit and it differs from that provided to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) if and when you applied for a PSC
• Evidence of residency entitlement, (if you hold a public services card and your place of birth or nationality are within the European Union/European Economic Area, it is adequate to present the PSC)
• Fully completed NDLS eyesight report form, dated within three months
• Fully completed NDLS medical report form, dated within three months, if required in your case
• Application fee of €35.00

Having all the paperwork in order is essential in applying for your Learner Permit. It can be frustrating at times trying to get it all organized but the rewards are worth it in the end. You need to hold your Learner Permit for 6 months before you can apply for your Full Licence.

Once you have your Learner Permit you are allowed to learn how to drive. Chose an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) from your local area. It is always best to choose local instructors as they will know the roads and the test centre where you will be doing your test. Study the Rules Of The Road Ebook. This book is a step by step guide in learning how to drive and is a great tool for learner drivers.

Choose a sponsor who you think is a safe driver and work with them and help each other along the way. Be patient and document your progress and learning will become fun.