Friday, February 17, 2012

Using mobile phone while driving is a growing problem

Driving a motor vehicle on public road could be challenging task. Irresponsible driving can be a dangerous activity for most of the people. Careless driving can harm road users and driver as well.

It is illegal to drive a car or ride a motorbike and make use mobile phone or similar device. It is also illegal to supervise a learner and use mobile phone. A mobile phone can distract a driver in various ways. Even a small phone ring can create an accident. With better technology, people can now use mobile phones without touching it - but nobody can resist listening and talking on the phone while driving. But please always note such distractions while driving can always turn fetal.

Since 1st of December 2003 it became an offence to use a mobile phone while driving. The fixed penalty was a £30 or up to £1,000 on conviction in court (£2,500 for drivers of goods vehicles, buses or coaches). Since 27th of February 2007 the penalty is now 3 points on your license or a minimum fine of £60. The new regulations are now applied to the drivers of motor vehicles on the road, including cars, motorcycles, goods vehicles, buses, coaches and taxis.

Research has found that telephone conversation distracts from the mental concentration and divides attention while driving. Normally it is expected that if a pedestrian starts crossing the road suddenly, a driver will try to react and stop the car. But if the driver is using a mobile phone, then there will be a risk that the driver will not be able to respond in time and ultimately create an accident

Consequences of driving with no lack of attention while driving could be fetal.

1. Drivers are less aware:
Drivers are less aware of what's happening on the road around them. They don't pay full attention towards their driving, accidents can happen.

2. Fail to maintain proper lane position:
Sometimes when drivers are busy with their phones they fail to maintain their lane position and speed.

3. Fail to see road signs:
When drivers are busy with their phones while driving forget to notice the road signs and drive in wrong lane. They can create a problem for road users.

4. React slowly and take longer to brake:
It takes longer for them to notice potential hazards and take necessary action.

5. More likely to enter unsafe gaps in traffic:
Bike riders and car drivers are sometimes don't maintain safe distance to stop their vehicles in traffic. Bike riders always try to move further from the big vehicles and forget their safety on the road.

6. Parking vehicles in no parking areas:
As the drivers are less aware about the surrounding, they park their vehicles in prohibited areas e.g. space reserved for handicapped people.

Safety measures can be taken:

1. Set up an answering Service:
Instead of answering a phone call while driving, you can use answering service so you won't miss that important call

2. Switch off:
You can switch off your mobile phone while driving. This will help you to concentrate on the road. Or you can also keep the mobile phone in silent mode so you can receive emergency calls and messages later.

3. Dial sensibly and assess the traffic:
If you want to make an important call, find a suitable and safe place to stop and use your mobile phone.

4. Avoid conversations during hazardous driving conditions.
As a driver, your first responsibility is to pay attention to the road. Let the person you are talking should know that you are driving. If necessary, reject the call in heavy traffic or hazardous weather conditions. Rain, sleet, snow and ice can be hazardous but heavy traffic can be just as dangerous.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Learner car drivers - some tips to avoid crashes with motorcyclists

Motorcyclists are 57 times more likely to be injured in serious or fatal crashes than car drivers.

Some tips to avoid crashes with motorcyclists:

Keep your distance. Driving too close can intimidate a less experienced motorcyclist.
Check for bikes when changing lanes. A motorcyclist may be in the space you want to move into, or moving into it fast. Remember your blind spot. For learner drivers its too mendatory to drive slow and turn vehicle safely. Visit here to pass online driving course .

Check for bikes when turning. Parked cars or large vehicles can obstruct your view of a motorcyclist.

Motorcyclists might pass you on either side, so double-check, whether you're turning left or right.

Check for motorcycles at junctions. Remember to look carefully for bikes, as it is often difficult to see them when they are coming out of junctions. Always look out for them before you emerge from a junction because they could be approaching faster than you think.

Park safely. Check for motorcyclists before opening a car door and ensure that your passengers do the same. When you pull away remember that motorcyclists are narrower than cars, which can make them harder to see.

DSA driving theory test for car driving learner and practical test online-
Before you can start driving on the road, you need to pass your car theory and motorbike practical test. You can access entire official driving free daily mock theory test, hazard perception test clips, scoring mechanism, lots of tips, hints and online driving courses .
Know exactly what to expect in DSA exam so there are no surprises!

Be a safe and responsible driver; take care of vulnerable road users.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Driving theory test center: Important documents required with you

DSA has been working closely with the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) so we can accept UK Identity Cards issued by IPS as an alternative means by which candidates may confirm their identity for all types of driving tests and Driver CPC periodic training.

Minimum cost of DSA driving theory test online  itself is £31.00. And on top of it, if you just don't carry required documents, you might loose your driving test fees. So why take a chance.

DSA has been working closely with the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) so we can accept UK Identity Cards issued by IPS as an alternative means by which candidates may confirm their identity for all types of driving tests and Driver CPC periodic training.

Candidates for driving tests and periodic training need to produce evidence of their entitlement to drive the relevant vehicle and prove their identity before the test or training can commence.

Candidates may currently do this by way of a driving license. Where the license does not contain a photograph a valid passport is also required.

Candidates will still need to confirm their driving entitlement by producing their driving license for driving test but, with effect from 27 April, candidates who do not have a photo card license will be able to use a valid UK ID Card issued by IPS as an alternative to their passport.

Any candidate who is unable to satisfy the examiner of their driving entitlement or identity will have their driving test cancelled and may lose their fee.

Things to note down:

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the test time shown above to allow DSA to check you in.

Must-have documents from driving test-
• A valid signed UK photocard licence
• An old style valid signed UK paper driving licence and a valid passport.

Accepted photographic ID -

Photographic identification acceptable for both driving theory and driving practical tests are as follows:
1. A valid signed UK (or Northern Ireland) photocard licence
2. An old style valid signed UK (or Northern Ireland) paper driving licence and a valid passport.

If you now have two or more tests booked that you have not yet taken, please check that there is at least 2 hours between your appointments. Failure to do so could cause you to miss a test and lose your fee. If you haven't already, you can also book appointment online.

Remember: if you do not bring your driving licence and acceptable proof of identity when you arrive for your test you will not be allowed to take it and you will lose your test fee.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Learner drivers - Few things to keep in mind while using satellite navigation systems

Satellite Navigation (satnav) systems are popular with many drivers and provide a safe option for directions for drivers in unfamiliar areas. Correctly used satnav systems have the potential to ease congestion, reduce fuel consumption and improve road safety. Listening to satnav instructions is likely to be less distracting for a driver than stopping every few minutes to check a paper map or worse, trying to use a paper map in motion.


Satellite navigation systems are perhaps one of the most futile driving aids. With their improved functions like voice commands and blue-tooth technology, these systems are making traveling fun and easy. Still, it is necessary to use them wisely while driving without putting yourself in danger.


The Think Road safety has given few useful tips on how you should keep in mind while using Satellite Navigation (satnav) systems:
  • choose a satnav system that is suitable for you.
  • the controls are simple to understand and operate;
  • you can read and understand the graphics;
  • the system includes all the information you need (e.g. height restrictions in the case of a tall vehicle);
  • the map information is current and can be updated in the future.

Driving on the road should be paid full attention on your vehicle otherwise you could be in big trouble, like collides with another vehicle or having cross the road dividers or may be others.


While using Satellite Navigation (satnav) systems you keep in mind that this is help to you for finding out the location or some specified place. It should be used very carefully or you have to travel some more distance unwanted.

Many drivers on the road do not follow the guidelines well and pay healthy money for avoiding traffic signals. On the other hand if you are well passed theory test it will be easy to you drive a vehicle on the road. So, this leads to be important factor which is known as "hazard perception test". It is passed during your theory test examination.


If you are not passed your UK Driving test then there is one great opportunity for you. There you will be more pleased to learn driving because there is confidential tradition for learner drivers.

Monday, January 30, 2012

Driving theory test: Simple way to your crack driving test


If you are preparing yourself for driving theory test, it is important that you study all the latest official theory test questions published by DSA.


Practice all official DSA car and motorcycle theory test question bank from which actual exam questions are chosen.


You need to make sure, your driving test learning material includes-


Theory test (multiple choice questions) features -


1. Latest 2011/12 DSA official driving theory test questions and answers for car and bike.

2. Access complete official latest DSA driving theory test questions bank from which actual exam questions are chosen. Know exactly what to expect in exam so no surprises!

3. Latest 2011/12 DSA official driving theory test questions and answers for car and bike.

4. Includes new case study style questions for car and bike.

5. Solve unlimited random mock tests with different questions every time.

6. Get ready for your big day!

7. Progress monitor, review complex questions.


Hazard perception features -


1. Over 72 hazard perception practice clips including official DSA practice clips.

2. Interactive practice sessions.

3. Access clips in test, practice, review modes this helps you to understand the scoring in each clip.

4. Know more about examination process.

5. Scoring mechanism tips and hints.

6. Demonstration graphics


Bonus Features -


1. Driving practical test - Show me tell me questions.

2. Interactive driving test manoeuvres.

3. Detailed advice on how to pass your DSA practical test.

4. Eager to drive on the road?

5. What you need to know about driving on the road.


Ways to prepare for theory test -


Option A - Download driving theory test questions straight on to your computer


1. Receive the download link immediately by email. Click on the link to download the free trial version with more than 140 questions to practice, hazard perception test clips, tips and information on how to pass your test in first attempt.


2. Start accessing all official DSA car and motorcycle theory test question bank from which actual exam questions are chosen. You can start accessing all official DSA 1200+ questions in less than 5 minutes!

Option B -Driving theory test PC-CD ROM

All above features are included in driving theory test PC-CD ROM


Pass at first attempt and pass with confidence.

Driving Licence Could Fine You £1000

There are 1.6 million riders who might be at risk for a driving license criminal offense and being fined £1,000 because they usually aren't even aware of? Are you one of them?

In fact, 1.6 million have left out the deadline, and another 2.9 million are at risk.

Most of us don't have any idea's that the photo card attached to our paper license has an termination date, and that if we fail to renew our driving license by the due date we might be liable for a huge penalty.

Law:

UK riders are needed to manage their photo on their photo card driving license in every 10 year's period (According to the DVLA), and British law requires drivers to renew their driving license whether or not they are active drivers.

Sainsbury's automobile insurance found that 1.6 million drivers' photographs have expired on their driving license and a further 2.9 million needs to be renewed by the ending of 2012. They submitted a Freedom of Information request to check how many cards had expired undetected. In fact, over the next five years 13 million of us will need to renew our photo cards.

The inspections found that just one in three had no idea that their license had expired, that result was shocking. Further 10 million people don't even know when their driving licence expires and 14% of expired photo card licenses have been out of due date since 2009 or ahead prior to the notice period.

Consequences:

It appears like an insignificant bit management, but generally might be immense. There might be Penalty implemented by the cops, having run out photograph on your driving license carries a £1,000 fine penalty (Section 99 (5) of the Road Traffic Act 1988).

Sainsbury's research discovered that around 29 % of riders know about the fine. Almost (41 %) of bike drivers are not being aware of the consequences of an expired photograph on their driving license.

Drivers need to remember that their photo card license serves as more than just a driving license. We need to prefer to use it as a form of identification for other things such as hiring a car or an internal flight, such as, having an out of date photograph could cause troubles or waits.

The photo card driving license was introduced in 1998. Many people may not remember that they need to update their photograph. We would therefore encourage all drivers to check when their photo card was issued and ensure that they arrange to update their photo when required to avoid risking a £1,000 fine.

Source: aol.co.uk

Saturday, January 21, 2012

How to practice your driving theory test and practical test

Getting your driving license is an important achievement; it can help you for getting a job. But preparing for your driving test can seem difficult because of the pattern of the theory and practical theory test.

If you are a learner driver and it is very important that you should take guidance from professional driving instructor.
You can always discuss your strength, weakness areas in driving with your friend and family members. But ideally should not be totally dependent upon their help, as many professional drivers have bad driving habits, you are likely to pick up those.

An expert driving instructor should be able to teach you how to become safe & responsible driver on the road because he/she should know the safe driving rules.

Many drivers do not pass their driving test theory in first attempt, so if unfortunately you fail in your test, don't be nervous.
It is not the end of the world and just takes another chance with better preparation and pass your test.

Theory test practice with multiple choice questions and hazard perception test is the first part of the test. Solve all the questions at least once. Note the questions/sections where you are failing e.g many learner feel stopping distances questions/answers are difficult to remember. Effective study is more important, many people fail through lack of preparation. Most important is understand the theory behind each question.

In general, 80% questions fall in easy category. Rest 20% you will have to re-attempt till you feel confident. Then take few random mock theory test so you know how you are scoring. Then when you are ready, sit for your free online theory test .

For the preparation of driving practical test, rely on approved driving instructor. It is extremely important to ensure that you choose your driving instructor that has a lot of experience, driving skills and better training records and practice thoroughly with him.

Some tips for learner drivers -

Drive to suit the conditions of the road In some road conditions, even driving at the speed limit could be too fast. Factors that affect road conditions include fog, rain and traffic flow. The national speed limit is not a target speed. Focus on your driving and don't worry about shifting controls.

Driving too close to the car in front, undertaking and failing to signal are widely accepted as examples of bad driving. However, some drivers fail to accept that driving too fast is also poor driving despite the fact that this is a contributory factor in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries every year.

Consider the consequences of causing an accident due to driving at excessive speed
If you cause an accident you will have to live with the emotional consequences of deaths or injuries caused to others.

Don't assume it's safe to break the speed limit on rural roads because there is less traffic or an open road ahead
Be aware that there may be unexpected hazards, such as blind bends, vehicles coming out of junctions and animals on the road.

We wish you all the best for your DSA test.