Driving lessons Dublin-Road signs on your driving test

Obtaining a driver’s license is a rite of passage for many, marking the transition into independence and adulthood. In Ireland, like in many other countries, passing the driving test is a crucial step in this journey. A vital aspect of the driving test that is often overlooked is the identification and understanding of road signs. In this blog, we will delve into the various road signs you may encounter on your driving test in Ireland, ensuring you’re well-prepared and ready to hit the road with confidence.

1. Regulatory Signs

These signs are imperative as they inform drivers of the laws and regulations they must follow. In Ireland, you might encounter:

– Speed Limit Signs: Displaying the maximum speed permitted in kilometres per hour.
– Stop and Yield Signs: Instructing drivers to come to a complete stop or yield to oncoming traffic.
– No Entry and One-Way Signs: Indicating areas where vehicles are prohibited or directing the flow of traffic.

Understanding these signs is crucial as failure to comply can result in immediate failure of your driving test.

2. Warning Signs

These signs serve to alert drivers of potential hazards ahead, allowing for adequate time to react and adjust driving behavior.

– Bend, Junction, and Roundabout Ahead: Warning of changes in the road layout.
– Pedestrian Crossing: Indicating areas where pedestrians may be crossing.
– Animals Crossing: Highlighting areas frequented by animals.

Being able to quickly and accurately respond to these signs is vital for your safety and the safety of others on the road.

3. Information Signs

Information signs provide valuable details about the road ahead, helping drivers make informed decisions.

– Directional Signs: Displaying distances and directions to nearby towns or landmarks.
– Parking and Services Signs: Indicating areas where you can park or access services.
– Bus and Cycle Lanes: Highlighting lanes designated for specific modes of transport.

Recognizing these signs can aid in navigation and ensure you are using the road correctly.

4. Temporary Road Signs

Temporary road signs are used to inform drivers of temporary conditions that may affect the normal use of the road.

– Road Works Ahead: Warning of construction or maintenance work.
– Temporary Speed Limit: Indicating a reduced speed limit due to road conditions.
– Traffic Control Signs: Used by road workers to manage traffic flow.

Being aware of these signs is crucial as they often indicate changes from the norm and require heightened attention and adherence.

5. Motorway Signs

If your driving test includes a segment on the motorway, you’ll need to be familiar with motorway-specific signs.

– Motorway Start and End: Indicating the beginning and end of a motorway.
– Exit Signs: Highlighting upcoming exits and the distances to them.
– Overhead Lane Control Signs: Displaying the status of specific lanes.

Understanding these signs is essential for safe and efficient motorway driving.

Conclusion

As you prepare for your driving test in Ireland, paying close attention to road signs and understanding their meanings is paramount. From regulatory and warning signs to informational and temporary road signs, each plays a crucial role in safe and lawful driving. Don’t let a lack of knowledge in this area be the reason you have to retake your driving test. Study diligently, practice recognizing and responding to road signs in real-world settings, and you’ll be well on your way to earning that coveted driver’s license. Remember, safe driving is informed driving, and road signs are a key component of that. Happy driving, and good luck!

Driving Lessons Dun Laoghaire- Dun Laoghaire Test Route

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**Driving Test in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin: A Comprehensive Guide**

Taking your driving test can be a nerve-wracking experience. You’re not only being judged on your ability to operate a machine but also on your understanding of road regulations, your capacity to make safe decisions, and your skills in handling unexpected scenarios. For those in Dublin, specifically in Dun Laoghaire, this guide sheds light on what to expect and how to prepare for your big day.

**Location Insights**

Dun Laoghaire, while primarily known for its rich maritime history, also serves as one of the centres for driving tests in Dublin. The test centre in Dun Laoghaire is strategically located, providing testers a mix of urban roads, residential streets, and slightly busier town centre routes. This means you get to showcase your adaptability and versatility as a driver.

**Preparation Tips**

1. **Know Your Vehicle:** Spend time familiarising yourself with the vehicle you’ll be using. Understand the controls, mirrors, and how it responds. Remember, confidence in your vehicle translates to confidence on the road.

2. **Revisit the Rules:** Dun Laoghaire has a variety of road types, each with their own set of rules and etiquettes. Brush up on the rules of the road, speed limits, and any other pertinent information.

3. **Practice Locally:** If possible, practice driving around Dun Laoghaire. Familiarise yourself with local intersections, road signs, and potential tricky spots.

4. **Mock Tests:** Consider taking a mock test with a local instructor. They can provide insights into what examiners look for and common mistakes to avoid.

**On the Day**

– **Arrival:** Arrive at the test centre a bit early. This gives you time to calm your nerves, take a few deep breaths, and get accustomed to the environment.

– **Documentation:** Ensure you have all necessary documentation – your learner permit, confirmation of your driving test appointment, and any other required papers.

– **Vehicle Check:** Before the test starts, you might be asked to perform basic vehicle checks, such as demonstrating the use of indicators or checking oil levels. It’s a straightforward process, but make sure you’re familiar with these tasks.

– **During the Test:** Stay calm and focused. Remember, the examiner is there to assess your driving skills and not to catch you out. Be attentive, follow the rules, and trust your training.

**Common Challenges in Dun Laoghaire**

Given its diverse road types, there are a few challenges unique to Dun Laoghaire:

– **Roundabouts:** There are several roundabouts, both big and small. Understand the rules, be aware of other road users, and signal your intentions clearly.

– **Narrow Streets:** Some residential areas in Dun Laoghaire have narrower streets which require care, especially when dealing with oncoming traffic or parked cars.

– **Hill Starts:** Due to its terrain, you might be asked to perform a hill start. Practice this in advance to ensure smooth and controlled execution.

**Conclusion**

Passing your driving test in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, is an achievement that takes preparation and confidence. With its diverse driving environment, it provides an excellent ground to prove your competence. Remember, every driver was once where you are now – nervous, hopeful, and on the brink of a new chapter. Drive safely, trust your training, and you’ll do great!

Driving Lessons Kilester- Kilester Test Route

**Taking the Driving Test in Killester, Dublin: A Personal Journey**

When one thinks of Dublin, images of the River Liffey, the historic Trinity College, and bustling Grafton Street come to mind. But tucked away in the northeast corner of this vibrant city lies Killester, a suburb known for its quaint residential streets, lush parks, and – for many – the nail-biting experience of taking the driving test.

As someone who undertook this rite of passage in Killester, I’m here to share my experience, and hopefully, shed some light on what to expect for those preparing for their own driving test.

**1. Setting the Scene: The Killester Test Centre**

Nestled amidst local shops and cafes, the Killester Test Centre is not as intimidating as one might think. In fact, the local vibe of the area can make you feel more at ease, as if you’re just going for a regular drive. But don’t let that fool you. The examiners here, like everywhere, expect nothing short of excellence.

**2. Familiarise Yourself with Local Roads**

Killester and its surrounding areas, like Raheny and Clontarf, have a mix of busy main roads, quiet residential streets, and roundabouts. Before your test, it’s beneficial to familiarise yourself with potential test routes. Be particularly mindful of the local speed limits and zones where unexpected hazards, like children or cyclists, might appear.

**3. Roundabouts: The Unofficial Nemesis**

If there’s one thing that can be a tad challenging in Killester, it’s the roundabouts. The area has a few tricky ones, and your examiner will likely ensure you navigate them. Remember the basics: signal your intentions clearly, yield to traffic already on the roundabout, and maintain a steady, controlled speed.

**4. Parking: Practice Makes Perfect**

Parallel parking or reverse parking into a bay might be a part of your test. The suburbs around Killester provide ample opportunity to practice. I personally found that practicing on quiet evenings or early mornings gave me the confidence I needed without the pressure of many onlookers.

**5. Embrace the Unexpected**

Dublin’s weather is, well, unpredictable. Whether it’s a sudden downpour or a glaring sun causing reflections on the wet road, be prepared for any scenario. Embrace it as part of the experience and remember, it’s not just about driving in ideal conditions, but proving you can handle the unexpected.

**6. The Final Stretch: Navigating the Nerves**

As you round the corner back to the test centre, a flurry of emotions might hit. Did I make a major fault? Was my speed consistent? Did I forget to check a mirror? My advice: breathe. At this point, the test is almost over. Focus on parking smoothly and ending on a high.

**7. After the Test**

Regardless of the outcome, remember that the driving test is as much about learning as it is about passing. If you pass, celebrate responsibly. If not, take the feedback on board and use it as a stepping stone for your next attempt.

In conclusion, taking the driving test in Killester, Dublin, was a journey of self-discovery for me. It taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of preparation. For those about to take the leap, remember, it’s not just about that piece of paper at the end, but the skills and experiences you gain along the way. Safe driving!

Driving lessons Finglas-Finglas test route

**Driving Test in Finglas, Dublin: Pitfalls to Watch Out For**

Taking your driving test can be a nerve-wracking experience, no matter where you are. But for those planning to tackle the challenge in Finglas, Dublin, there are specific pitfalls that every learner driver should be aware of. Being prepared for these challenges can significantly increase your chances of passing on the first try.

**1. The Busy Roads:**
Finglas is a bustling area with a mix of residential streets, commercial areas, and main roads. Depending on the time of day, you might find yourself stuck in heavy traffic or dealing with aggressive drivers. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the flow of traffic in Finglas and practice defensive driving techniques to handle unexpected situations.

**2. Roundabouts:**
Roundabouts can be a primary source of confusion for many learner drivers. Finglas boasts a fair share of them. Understanding right of way, lane choice, and signalling is essential. Practice navigating different types of roundabouts in the area to build confidence. Remember, hesitation can be just as dangerous as recklessness.

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**3. School Zones:**
Finglas is home to numerous schools, which means during certain times of the day, you’ll need to be extra vigilant for children crossing, school buses, and reduced speed zones. It’s essential to be aware of the signs indicating a school zone and to adjust your speed and attention accordingly.

**4. Narrow Residential Streets:**
Some of the roads in Finglas can be quite narrow, especially in residential areas. Parked cars, tight corners, and oncoming traffic can test your skills and nerves. Practice manoeuvring in these tight spots, ensuring you maintain a safe distance from parked cars and are prepared to give way when necessary.

**5. Unpredictable Weather:**
Dublin’s weather can be fickle. From sudden rain showers to glaring sunshine, the weather can change quickly, impacting visibility and road conditions. Familiarize yourself with using the car’s controls efficiently, such as the windshield wipers, demister, and headlights. Also, always adjust your driving speed to match the current weather conditions.

**6. Complex Junctions:**
Finglas has several complex junctions where multiple roads converge. Navigating these can be tricky, especially if you’re unsure of where you’re going. Use road signs and lane markings as your guide, and make sure you’re in the correct lane well in advance. If unsure, it’s better to take a wrong turn safely than to make a last-minute, potentially dangerous move.

**7. Distracted Pedestrians and Cyclists:**
Just as drivers can be distracted, so can pedestrians and cyclists. Always be on the lookout for people stepping into the road without looking or cyclists making unexpected moves. As the driver, it’s your responsibility to be vigilant and react accordingly.

**8. Nervousness:**
While not exclusive to Finglas, one of the most significant pitfalls is letting your nerves get the best of you. Being nervous can lead to hesitation, overthinking, and mistakes. Take deep breaths, maintain a positive mindset, and remember that preparation is key.

**Conclusion:**
Passing your driving test in Finglas, Dublin, like anywhere else, requires a mix of skill, knowledge, and confidence. By being aware of the potential pitfalls and practicing regularly in the area, you can approach your test with a greater sense of preparedness. Remember, every driver was once in your shoes. With focus and determination, you’ll be well on your way to earning that much-coveted driver’s license. Safe driving!

Driving lessons North Dublin- dangers of coasting while driving

The Dangers of Coasting While Driving

In the realm of driving habits, there are practices that, while they may seem harmless on the surface, can pose significant dangers both to the driver and to others on the road. One such habit is ‘coasting’, which refers to driving a vehicle either in neutral or with the clutch depressed. Although some drivers coast to save fuel or to feel a sense of glide while moving downhill, this technique can be perilous. This blog aims to shed light on why coasting can be risky and why it’s a habit best avoided.

1. Loss of Control: The most significant danger of coasting is the potential loss of control over the vehicle. When a car is in gear, the driver can use the engine’s braking (often called “engine braking”) to help control speed, especially downhill. Coasting robs the driver of this control mechanism. In situations where rapid deceleration is required, having the car in gear can be a lifesaver.
2. Inefficient Braking: Coasting may require the driver to brake more frequently or more heavily to maintain a safe speed, especially when going downhill. This can wear out the brakes faster and in extreme cases can lead to brake failure due to overheating.
3. Reduced Reaction Time: When a car is coasting, especially in neutral, the driver must first select a gear before accelerating again, which can significantly delay reaction time. In situations where a quick response is needed, such as when merging onto a motorway or avoiding an obstacle, this delay can be dangerous.
4. False Economy: One of the primary reasons drivers coast is the belief that it saves fuel. While it’s true that fuel consumption might decrease while coasting downhill, the overall savings during a trip are negligible. More importantly, the safety risks associated with coasting far outweigh any minor fuel savings.
5. Possible Strain on Transmission: Shifting into and out of neutral while moving can put additional strain on the vehicle’s transmission. Over time, this can lead to increased wear and potential damage. It’s best to keep the vehicle in gear, allowing the transmission to do its job as designed.
6. Reduced Power Steering and Braking: Some vehicles rely on the engine to provide power for both steering and braking. Coasting can reduce the effectiveness of these systems, leading to steering that feels heavier and brakes that aren’t as responsive.
7. Legal Implications: Believe it or not, in some jurisdictions, coasting is illegal. The reasons vary, but the laws often center around the reduced control the driver has over the vehicle when it’s not in gear. Being caught coasting can result in penalties, including fines.
8. Unpredictable Movement: Other drivers expect vehicles to behave in predictable ways. When a driver is coasting, their speed might not decrease as expected, especially downhill, leading to potential misjudgments by other road users.
9. Increased Wear on Clutch: For those driving manual transmissions and coasting by depressing the clutch, prolonged coasting can lead to unnecessary wear on the clutch. Constantly having the clutch disengaged can reduce its lifespan and lead to more frequent repairs.
10. Environmental Concerns: While coasting might seem like an eco-friendly choice due to perceived fuel savings, the reality is different. Frequent braking due to coasting can release more brake dust into the environment. Moreover, when drivers re-engage gears and accelerate, they may use more fuel than if they had maintained a consistent speed.

In conclusion, while coasting may seem like a harmless or even beneficial act, it’s fraught with dangers and downsides that can compromise road safety. As responsible drivers, it’s essential to prioritize control, predictability, and safety over fleeting moments of perceived economy or thrill. Let’s make our roads safer by avoiding coasting and driving with vigilance and care.

Driving lessons in Dublin

Turning right at a green traffic light might seem straightforward for those accustomed to driving, but for individuals new to driving or navigating the roads of a particular country, understanding the traffic rules is crucial. In Ireland, the driving system might pose a unique experience for those unfamiliar with its road network and traffic regulations, especially for those from countries that drive on the right side of the road since, in Ireland, driving is on the left.

Understanding Basic Traffic Light Phases

Before delving into the specifics of making a right turn, it’s crucial to understand the basic phases of traffic lights in Ireland:
– **Red**: Stop and wait behind the stop line.
– **Green**: Proceed if the way is clear.
– **Amber**: Stop unless you are too close to stop safely.

### Guidelines for Turning Right at a Green Light in Ireland
#### 1. Approach and Positioning:
When approaching a green traffic light and intending to turn right in Ireland, it’s pivotal to be in the correct lane. Ensure you are in the rightmost lane (or a dedicated right-turn lane if available) and signal your intention to turn by using your right indicator. Your car should be positioned to the left of the middle of the lane (remembering that you are driving on the left side of the road), but angle it slightly towards the right to indicate your direction of travel.

#### 2. Yielding to Oncoming Traffic:
At a green light, you are permitted to proceed, but you must yield to oncoming traffic when making a right turn. Oncoming vehicles going straight or turning left have the right of way. Therefore, even though the light is green, you must wait until the oncoming traffic clears before completing your turn.

#### 3. Pedestrian Consideration:
Always be mindful of pedestrians crossing the road that you are turning into. Though they should wait for a pedestrian light if one is present, sometimes pedestrians might cross on a green light. Safety should be your top priority, so always check and double-check.

#### 4. Completing the Turn:
Once the way is clear, and it is safe to turn, smoothly and decisively make your right turn. Ensure you turn into the leftmost lane (closest to the curb) of the road you are joining. Always use your mirrors and check your blind spot during this manoeuvre to avoid any potential conflicts with other road users.

#### 5. Reacting to Changing Lights:
If the light turns amber or red while you are waiting to turn right, rules dictate you should not proceed unless your vehicle has crossed the stop line or is so close to it that stopping might cause a collision. If you are in the junction and the light turns red, complete your turn when safe, ensuring you do not impede oncoming traffic or pedestrians.

### Special Considerations:
– **Box Junctions**: If the intersection (junction) is marked with a yellow box, known as a box junction, you should only enter it if your exit is clear, even when turning right.
– **Advanced Stop Lines (ASL)**: Sometimes, there may be an advanced stop line for cyclists ahead of the regular stop line. Always respect this area and avoid encroaching into the cyclists’ space.
– **Bus Lanes**: Be wary of bus lanes; in certain situations and times, you might not be allowed to drive in them. Ensure you adhere to the posted times on road signs.

### Final Thoughts
Turning right at a green light in Ireland involves vigilance, adherence to traffic rules, and understanding the rights of way. Being cautious, patient, and respectful towards other road users will ensure safe and efficient navigation through Irish roads. Particularly for those who are used to driving on the right, remember that the overall orientation is flipped, and take extra care when conducting these seemingly simple manoeuvres. Every safe turn contributes to smoother traffic flow and enhanced road safety for everyone involved.

It’s noteworthy that driving habits, rules, and conventions can change, and local conditions or regulations might have particular variations or temporary changes. Always be sure to check for the most recent and applicable driving guidelines when travelling.

Safe driving!

Kilester Test Route 1

I finally managed to edit the footage and put together the most popular test route in Kilester. As this was my first time recording a test route, nearly every single thing that could of went wrong, did go wrong. The first lap around the track, it never recorded on the dash cam, so I went and bought a new camera, I think it was broken. On the second trip to Kilester Test Centre, when I turned the camera on, the memory card was full. The third attempt, I forgot what I was doing and drove home haha.

Then came the fourth attempt. After getting chased out of the car park by the groundskeeper, I finally got it finished.

Then the real work began. I had to learn how to edit video. I have never been so confused in my whole life. I watched countless hours of YouTube tutorials to learn how to use the software and after a week of this, Kilester Test Route 1 is finished

I decided to record this video at 2pm on a Friday. I know a lot of people fear this time but as you can see there is nothing to worry about. It can be a little tricky around schools but apart from that, its grand.

As you can see from the video, the driving test is the same thing over and over again. All you have to remember is GOSHO every time the tester stops you at the side of the road and MSPSL when you are giving a direction. As long as you can drive in a straight line and in good position and look where you are going with good reaction to hazards and progress the test will seem easier.

Even if you are doing your driving test in a different test center, watch the video and think about what I do when turning right and approaching mini roundabouts. People generally loose marks in these sections for observation. You need to look where you are going.

So I hope you enjoy the video. All I ask from you is that you like the video and subscribe to my channel. I will be covering lots of routes around Dublin so maybe I could do your test center too.

Best of luck

Automatic Driving Lessons In Raheny-Reaction To Hazards

To follow up on my last reaction to hazard blog, I have put together 3 small videos to help explain the reasons why you could be getting marked for reaction to hazards. This is a very important topic when it comes to learning how to drive and I usually cover this in EDT 6 and EDT 7 Sharing The Road.

First of all, what is a hazard? A hazard is something that makes you change speed, change course or change direction and there is also 3 types of hazard, a stationary hazard, a moving hazard and an environmental hazard. 

A stationary hazard that would make you change speed would be a speed bump, a red traffic light or even a zebra crossing. That would be something that doesn’t move but would make you slow or stop. A moving hazard that would make you slow would be a pedestrian crossing the road in front of you, a car pulling out in front of you or anything that is moving in front of you. See my reaction to hazard video below to learn more about this.

Next we will take about a stationary hazard that would make you change course. This could be a parked car on the left, roadworks at the side of the road or overtaking a cyclist or bus. There is a lot of confusion when it comes to signalling around parked cars and there is no exact way of doing this. Some instructors say signal around every car but I think that is a bit much. I usually tell students that if you feel the need to signal around a parked car just do it but more importantly, move out. The trick is reaction now rather than later. Please see my video below where I explain this in more detail.

Another common mistake I see students make is when approaching the broken speed bumps and they are not sure which bump to take. What I generally tell people is that to try take the bump that takes the least amount of steering. We want to avoid swinging in and out to straddle these bumps. Straddle means to drive over the bump with your wheels on each side of the bump. When we straddle the bump, there is no really need to slow down too much. If we go really slowly over these bumps and then we are slow back on the accelerator we could be marked for reaction to hazards and then also progress on the straight. Please see my video below on which speed bump to take.

The third type of hazard I mentioned was environmental. This would be driving in snow or ice, dense fog, heavy rain etc. all these conditions would make you slow down. Imagine driving on a motorway at 120kmph and the road was icy. You could imagine how scary that would be if you were to spin out of control. In bad weather we always want to match our speed to the road conditions. That is a video for another day.

So I hope you like this mini series of reaction to hazards. I make these videos to help as many people as I can. All I ask is that you watch my videos and if you like them, please hit the thumbs up and subscribe. If you have any videos you might like to see, please comment on the youtube page. Thank you

Automatic Driving Lessons Raheny-Reverse Around The Corner

Hey guys and welcome back to our classroom. Today we are going to be talking about the most difficult part of the driving test, the reverse around the corner. When you first try the reverse around the corner, it can be very tricky and you will think that you will never get it, but after a few attempts at it, it will all make sense. Have a look at our whiteboard video below and if you like the content, please like and subscribe and watch until the end.

During your test, the tester will ask you to pull in and stop on the left. They will usually give you all the information that you will be moving off from a parked position, driving past the turn and pulling in and stopping. Then you will reverse backwards around the corner. The tester used to get out of the car for this during COVID times but they might stay in the car now, especially with winter on the way. You will be expected the reverse back in a straight line, keeping reasonably close to the footpath and keep reversing back until they say stop.

Step one is to move off from a parked position using GOSHO, then drive past the turn and left mirror, left signal and pull in on the left. Then handbrake up, into neutral and cancel your signal.  Always try to park straight and reasonably close to the path.

Step two is then to move off from a parked position but this one is a little different. We go into reverse gear, do our big look around, this time we don’t use our indicator because our reverse lights are on. This is our indication to everyone that we are going backwards. Then we take our handbrake down, one more look over our right shoulder and reverse slowly backwards. We don’t need to be on the accelerator at this point. On the clutch is fast enough. If you feel that you are going to fast, dip (press) the clutch in to take the speed out of it. As we reverse back in a straight line, we need to look out our back window, at our left mirror and also ahead and into the right mirror. The trick here is to make sure that you are straight in your left mirror first before you look around. Reverse back to where your back wheels meets where the kerb starts to bend and stop.

Now it is time for steering. When your back wheels are where the kerb starts to bend that’s when I usually do a half a steering wheel to the left. This usually gives you really nice position for the first part of the turn. If your position looks like it is reasonably close to the footpath the best thing to do is hold the steering wheel in that position. If your position looks good in your left mirror, then we can check our blind spot. We need to check this 3 or 4 times as we reverse around the corner. Also trying to look out our back window occasionally too. 

As you look in your left mirror, if you feel the kerb is getting away from, stop, take another small steer to the left. It would be the same thing as if you were you driving forward around the turn. The trick here is action now. If you feel are a getting further from the path, steer to the left straight away. The longer you leave it the wider you will go.

As you come around and we can see the kerb straighten up in our left mirror, that’s when we need to start undoing our steering. What I usually tell my students is to keep the left steer on and when we are parallel with the kerb, stop, straighten the wheel and reverse back in a straight line. The tester will usually bring you back 3 car lengths.

So that’s it. The reverse around the corner. Really hard to explain by text but I hope you understand the concept a little bit more. If you like the content please hit that like button and subscribe and watch the video until the end. Thanks  

Automatic Driving Lessons Raheny-Reaction To Hazards

I hope you are enjoying the Learner Driver Classroom and you are benefitting from the videos. In our next video we will be talking about reaction to hazards. This is something I cover in EDT 6 and it is a very important lesson. During your EDTs, if your instructor doesn’t talk about this in detail, I find people pick up a lot of marks for this. Only after I explain reaction to hazards to my students, does it make sense when you are driving. See my video below

First of all, I have to define what a hazard is. A hazard is anything that makes you change speed, change course or change direction and there are 3 different types of hazard.

1. Stationary (doesn’t move)
2. Moving
3. Environmental

A stationary hazard that would make you change speed would be a speed bump, a traffic light or even a narrow gap. A moving hazard that would make you change speed would be a pedestrian crossing the road in front of you or a vehicle turning in front of you. An environmental hazard that would make you change speed would be dense fog, snow or ice, rain or even darkness.

A stationary hazard that would make you change course would be a car parked on the left or any type of object that would make you move around it. A moving hazard that would make you change course would be a cyclist or bus pulling in/out.

A stationary hazard that would make you change direction would be a turn, roundabout or a mini roundabout. 

The trick with reaction to hazards is that it’s better to act now rather than later. How we do this is by scanning the road ahead and looking out for potential hazards. If you know there is a speed bump ahead, we mustn’t race up to the bump, brake harshly when we get to the bump and make it a rough drive. This is your driving test, everything has to be smooth.

It is the same when we see a car parked on the left. We don’t want to race up to a car parked on the left, instead, we want to see the parked car ahead, mirror, signal and move early, provided it is safe to do so. I will be posting a video about when to signal around parked cars another day so stay tuned for that one.

It is the same with an environmental hazard. Imagine driving on a national road and the speed limit being 100kmph and it was icy outside, that would not be very safe. Although, you wouldn’t do your driving test in icy conditions, you could do it in heavy rain and the tester would expect you to ease off a slightly. Remember it is double the following distance when driving in wet weather compared to driving in dry weather and a much greater stopping distance.

Watch the video above for a detailed description on reaction to hazards and also how to deal with certain hazards. You have to be thinking in advance when driving. I see it so often that students go into a trance while driving. Its all about staying alert and anticipating what is happening ahead. 

If you are enjoying the content so far, please hit the like button and also subscribe to my channel. There is so much content on my channel and there is so much to come. Also, try to get your sponsor to watch the videos too. This will help you during your lessons as you will be on the safe page. Best of luck to you