WHAT THE EXAMINER WILL LOOK FOR

The examiner will watch for certain actions as you go through the test. You should practice each of the test items to make sure you do them correctly.

This section explains what the examiner will be checking.

Left/Right Turns

·       As you approach each turn you

·       Check traffic. Look ahead, left, right, and to the rear using your mirrors.

·       Signal. Turn on the turn signal at least 100 feet before the turn.

·       Slow down: Slow smoothly and change gears as needed to keep power. Do not coast with your foot on the clutch.

·       Position your vehicle. Get into the correct lane and position your vehicle to make the turn. You should time your arrival so stopping isn’t necessary. If you must stop prior to the turn, the examiner will check if you:

·       Maintain gap. Stop far enough back so you can see the rear wheels of the vehicle in front.

·       Stop in correct place. Stop so your vehicle is not in the intersection, not over the stop line and not in the crosswalk.

·       Stop fully. You cannot coast; come to a full stop.

·       Keep wheels straight. You must keep your wheels straight ahead while stopped. While turning, the examiner will check if you:

·       Check traffic.

·       Keep both hands on the wheel.

·       Change gears. Don’t change gears during the turn. Gear changing is allowed to get started from the stop.

·       Maintain smooth speed. Make the turns smoothly without stops.

·       Turn correctly. Don’t turn too wide or short. Do not go over or touch the curb or cause other traffic to back up.

·       As you complete the turn, the examiner will check to see if you:

·       Check traffic.

·       Are in the correct lane. You must finish the turn in the correct lane. For a left turn use the left lane and the right turn use the right lane.

·       Cancel the signal after the rear of the vehicle has completed the turn.

·       For left turns accelerate and move right. Accelerate smoothly and move into the right lane when traffic is clear. Railroad Crossings When crossing railroad tracks the examiner will check that you:

·       Check traffic. You should look left and right, listen, and you may open door on buses.

·       Do not change gears while on the tracks.

·       Do not stop or brake on the tracks and do not make lane changes or pass on the tracks.

·       Keep to posted speed limits. Stop on Grades The examiner will have you stop and start on a grade. When stopping on a grade:

·       Check traffic prior to stopping, especially to your right.

·       Turn signals on.

·       Position the vehicle on the right side of the roadway.

·       Slow down smoothly, changing gears to keep power; do not coast.

·       Do not hit curb. Once stopped, the examiner will check that you:

·       Have positioned the vehicle parallel and within 12" from the curb or edge of the roadway.

·       Do not let the vehicle roll forward or backwards.

·       Cancel the turn signal and turn on 4-way flashers.

·       Put on the parking brake, put the gear shift in neutral or park, release the foot brake, and take foot off the clutch. Start On Grades

The examiner will tell you to continue and check that you:

·       Check traffic.

·       Turn 4-way flashers off and left turn signal on.

·       Release the parking brake, put vehicle in gear, and do not turn the steering wheel before the vehicle moves.

·       Do not stall engine when starting or roll backwards.

·       Continue to check traffic.

·       Accelerate smoothly and blend with traffic.

·       Cancel turn signal after the rear of the vehicle enters traffic lane.

Driving Up Grades

·       As you drive up a grade, the examiner will check that you:

·       Select the proper gear and change gears to maintain speed and do not lug the engine.

·       Stay in the right most lane.

·       Keep hands on the steering wheel.

·       Use 4-way flashers if too slow for traffic.

·       Check traffic especially to the left and rear (use both left and right mirrors at least every 10 seconds). Driving Down Grades As you drive down a grade the examiner will check that you:

·       Select proper gear (lower gear) before the grade. Only gentle to moderate braking should be needed to control speed and engine RPMs.

·       Do not ride the clutch.

·       Check brakes by applying them before the grade.

·       Use snub braking method to descend grade.

·       Stay in the right most lane and maintain correct following distance.

·       Check traffic especially to the left and rear using both left and right mirrors at least every 10 seconds. Intersections If you stop at an intersection, the examiner will check the same items as when you stop for a turn except for the actual turn itself. As you drive through intersections, the examiner will check that you:

·       Check for traffic before entering intersection.

·       Yield to pedestrians and other traffic as required.

·       Do not change lanes in the intersection.

·       Do not change gears in the intersection.

·       Do not lug or rev engine.

·       Smoothly drive through the intersection without disrupting traffic.

Straight Roads As you drive down a straight city or county road the examiner will check that you:

·       Regularly check traffic, watch for hazards and look far enough ahead (12 to 15 seconds).

·       Check both left and right mirrors at least every 10 seconds.

·       Select proper lane and stay to the center of the lane without wandering back and forth.

·       Maintain correct speed and avoid continual slowing up, stopping, and accelerating.

·       Maintain correct following distance. One second per 10 feet of vehicle length plus one additional second for speed over 40 mph. Changing Lanes When you must change lanes, the examiner will check that you:

·       Check traffic to front and rear especially the blind spot.

·       Signal the lane change.

·       Do not tailgate while waiting to change lanes.

·       Make a smooth lane change and maintain your speed and allow correct distance between all vehicles.

·       Cancel signal after rear of vehicle completes lane change. Curves In curves the examiner will check that you:

·       Reduce your speed before the curve.

·       Do not brake while in the curve.

·       Maintain your speed during the curve without a strong pull to the side.

·       Keep all vehicle wheels in your lane.

·       Continually check traffic and use your mirrors to watch the tracking of your vehicle. Warning/Information Signs As you go under an underpass or over a bridge the examiner may ask you:

·       The posted height of the underpass.

·       The weight limit of the bridge.

·       You may be asked about information on a specific sign that relates to a commercial vehicle.

Freeway Driving As you merge on to the freeway the examiner will check that you:

·       Check traffic front and rear, left and right.

·       Check the blind spot.

·       Signal soon enough so freeway traffic can see the signal.

·       Merge without stopping.

·       Use acceleration lane to accelerate to traffic flow.

·       Merge smoothly while maintaining following distance.

·       Move to center of driving lane and cancel signal. When changing lanes on the freeway the examiner will check that you:

·       Check traffic front and rear, especially blind spots.

·       Signal the lane change.

·       Do not tailgate while waiting to change lanes.

·       Make a smooth lane change, maintain your speed, and allow correct distance between all vehicles.

·       Cancel signal after rear of vehicle enters exit ramp. As you exit the freeway the examiner will check that you:

·       Check traffic front and rear, left and especially to the right and in blind spots.

·       Signal the exit.

·       Smoothly enter the exit lane at the start of the exit lane.

·       Slow down in the deceleration lane.

·       Do not exceed the ramp speed and have no noticeable pull to the side on the ramp curve.

·       Do not tailgate on the ramp.

·       Cancel signal. Backing During the test, you will be required to back up your vehicle. The examiner will check you as you back in a straight line and as you back to the left or right. Make sure you:

·       Check your backing area.

·       Sound your horn as a warning if your vehicle is not equipped with a backup warning device.

·       Turn on 4-way flashers. • Control your vehicle while backing. • Do not run over curbs or course markings.

·       Stop when directed by the examiner.

The examiner will check your general driving behaviors throughout the test. Make sure you:

·       Use your clutch to shift; double clutch if necessary. Don’t coast with clutch in, don’t ride the clutch, don’t snap the clutch and don’t lug or over rev the engine.

·       Use gears correctly. Select correct gear and don’t grind or clash gears.

·       Use brakes correctly. Brake smoothly with steady pressure. Don’t ride the brakes and don’t brake hard or fan air brakes.

·       Operate the vehicle safely. Keep both hands on the wheel, and don’t under or over control the steering. Wear your seat belt. Stay in your traffic lane. Do not stop beyond marked stop lines or in marked crosswalks or intersections. Do not run over curbs or sidewalks. Drive so you are never forced to take evasive action.

·       Obey all traffic signs and laws.

·       Obey all speed limits, including advisory and construction zone signs. Maintain speed at posted speed limit or at not less than 10 mph below posted limit when traffic conditions permit. Grounds for Immediate Disqualification

·       Accident, however slight. Contacts with pedestrians or running off the roadway. Contact with any fixed object is considered as an accident, same as a collision with another vehicle.

·       Dangerous action. These are driving situations caused by you that are not specific violations of the law; i.e., if an accident is prevented by the expert driving on the part of another, dodging by a pedestrian, or the examiner assuming physical or verbal control of the vehicle.

·       Violation of a traffic law. An act for which you could be arrested. Violations usually are speeding, failure to stop for a stop sign or signal, and driving on the wrong side of the road or wrong way on a one-way street, etc.

·       Fails to perform. - If you refused to try a maneuver or state you cannot perform the required action. - If you offer a bribe or gratuity you will be disqualified. - During any portion of the pre-trip or road test, you are unable to comprehend or respond satisfactorily to given instructions.

 

 

 

Driving Tips

Moving Off

Signal if necessary - signals should be given to help other road users, to tell them of your intent. When moving off, if you see oncoming traffic or pedestrians, you must signal.

 

On your driving test, when moving off, the examiner will expect you to:

Move off safely and under control on a level road, from behind a parked vehicle and on a gradient, use the MSM routine, check your blindspot for traffic and pedestrians, make balanced use of the accelerator, clutch, brakes and steering, use the appropriate gear.

STALLING: If you stall the car try and keep calm. This isn't usually considered a serious fault. However, if you panic, restart the engine and drive off without checking your mirrors and blindspot, it will be.

COCKPIT DRILL: On your test remember to carry out the cockpit drill before you move off. This involves the following checks, to be done before you turn the key in the ignition.

·       Check that the boot and doors are correctly closed.

·       Adjust your seat and steering wheel to give you the correct driving position.

·       Check that your head restraint is in the correct position.

·       Put on your seatbelt.

·       Check your mirrors are properly adjusted.

·       Check the handbrake is on.

·       Ensure the gear lever is in neutral.

 

sitemap

Moving off. How to move off. Hints, tips and information for UK learner drivers. Moving off is part of the practical driving test. To move off correctly, push the clutch pedal down, engage first gear, press the accelerator pedal gently until the engine revs up, gently release the clutch pedal until you feel the biting point, release the handbrake, bring the clutch pedal smoothly upwards while gradually increasing the pressure on the accelerator pedal. If you're a uk learner driver then watch our moving off video tutorial for hints, tips and information for uk learner drivers. Move off, moving off on the level. Moving off in a car.

Changing Gears

On your test, when changing gears, the examiner will expect you to:

·       Use the controls smoothly and correctly

·       Balance the accelerator and clutch to move away smoothly

·       Accelerate evenly

·       Avoid stalling the car

·       Choose the right gear and change in good time before a hazard

·       Brake gently and in good time

·       Know how and when to apply the hand brake

Steering

On your driving test the examiner will expect you to:

Hold the steering wheel at either the ten-to-two or quarter-to-three position. Steer smoothly and at the correct time, avoid crossing your hands over one another when turning, avoid letting the wheel spin back through your hands when straightening up, avoid weaving in and out between parked cars, obey lane markings.

 

Dry Steering.

Turning the steering wheel when the car isn't moving is called dry steering. This is something you should try and avoid as it points undue strain on the steering mechanism and causes premature wear to the front tyres. If carrying out a low speed manoeuvre, such as turning in the road, you should get the car moving before you start to steer.

 

Steering Lock.

When you turn the steering wheel as far as it will go it is at full lock. This is the maximum angle the front wheels will reach, and

Right Turn

On your driving test, when performing a basic right turn, the examiner will expect you to:

Use the MSM routine in good time, brake gently and in good time, position your vehicle correctly - choose the correct lane where there are lane markings and in a one-way street, look for obstructions, traffic and pedestrians.

The examiner will also be looking to see that you:

Read Stop signs, give Way signs, etc, accurately, assess the speed of traffic.

REMEMBER - When performing any right turn watch out for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians as they are not always easy to see. If pedestrians are crossing a road into which you are turning then you must give way to them if they are already on the road.

circle is at its smallest.

How to perform a basic right turn. Part of the UK driving test. The basic right turn manoeuvre is always going to be part of the practical driving test. If ever you need to turn right then this is the manoeuvre for you. When performing a basic right turn always follow a safe routine - mirrors, signal, position, speed, look. These video tutorials have many hints, tips and information for uk learner drivers. That's many tips, information and hints for uk learner drivers. The ultimate form of driving preparation and driving direction, other than driving-test-success.com is...Road safety is always an issue. Performing a basic right turn is always potentially dangerous so remember good observational driving skills are essential. Online driving test sites can save the average learn to drive candidate time and money. Good luck with your practical driving tests from this on

PUFFIN CROSSINGS have automatic sensors which detect when pedestrians wish to cross and delay the green light until they have safely reached the other side. The light sequence is the same as a normal traffic light with no flashing amber stage.

TOUCAN CROSSINGS are also used by cyclists who are allowed to ride across them. Again there is no flashing amber stage. They use a normal traffic light sequence.

 

At pedestrian crossings, the examiner on your driving test will expect you to:

Demonstrate consideration and courtesy for pedestrians- Stop at Pelican, Puffin, Toucan and Pegasus Crossings if the lights are red- Stop when a school crossing patrol officer steps into the road- Give way to pedestrians at Pelican Crossings if the lights are flashing amber, Slow down and stop at Zebra Crossings if anyone is crossing or waiting to cross.

The examiner will also be looking to see that you:-

·       Control your speed on approach to Pedestrian Crossings, move off, after looking carefully to ensure it is safe.

·      line driving test site.

Box Junction

On your driving test, when dealing with a box junction the examiner will expect you to:

Use the MSM routine in good time, not to enter a box junction unless your exit road is clear, slow down and stop before the box junction if your exit road is not clear.

The examiner will also be looking to see that you:

Control your speed on approach to box junctions. Move off, after looking carefully to ensure it is safe.

Box junctions are designed to stop the junction becoming blocked by queuing traffic. It is illegal to enter the area of yellow crisscross lines marked on the road at a box junction unless your exit road is clear. The one exception to this rule is: you can enter a box junction when you want to to turn right but are prevented from proceeding by oncoming traffic or right turning vehicles.

Keep traffic flowing freely. Don't enter a box junction illegally.

Basic Left Turn

On your driving test, when performing a basic left turn, the examiner will expect you to:

Use the MSM routine in good time, brake gently and in good time, position your vehicle correctly - choose the correct lane where there are lane markings and in a one-way street, look for obstructions, traffic and pedestrians.

The examiner will also be looking to see that you:

Read Stop signs, give Way signs, etc, accurately, assess the speed of traffic.

REMEMBER - When performing a basic left turn watch out for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians as they are not always easy to see. If pedestrians are crossing a road into which you are turning then you must give way to them if they are already on the road

Basic Right Turn

Use the MSM routine in good time, brake gently and in good time, position your vehicle correctly - choose the correct lane where there are lane markings and in a one-way street, look for obstructions, traffic and pedestrians.

The examiner will also be looking to see that you:

Read Stop signs, give Way signs, etc, accurately, assess the speed of traffic.

REMEMBER - When performing any right turn watch out for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians as they are not always easy to see. If pedestrians are crossing a road into which you are turning then you must give way to them if they are already on the road.

Dual Carriage Ways

The speed limit on a dual carriageway is 70 mph unless otherwise signed.

The Joining clip deals with using a slip road to join a dual carriageway. Another way is to join a dual carriageway at a normal stop or give way junction. Here normal rules apply but remember to take into account the higher speed of vehicles on the dual carriageway before moving out.

Right Turns.

Unlike on a motorway on a dual carriageway it is possible to turn right. When carrying out a right turn on a dual carriageway you need to consider the high speed of the traffic and start planning your turn at an early stage. Check your mirrors carefully, signal well in advance and consider a gentle press on the brakes at an early stage to signal to following traffic that you are slowing. Position your vehicle accurately inside the turning bay in the central reservation, and take care to check that the road you are turning on to is clear before pulling out.

For How to overtake on a dual carriageway, see our overtaking tutorial.

Roundabouts

TURNING LEFT

·       Approach in the left-hand lane.

·       Signal left as you approach

·       Once on the roundabout keep to the left

• Countinue to signal until you have left the roundabout

 

GOING STRAIGHT AHEAD

·       Approach in the left-hand lane.

·       Do not signal.

·       Once on the roundabout keep to the left.

·       After passing the exit before the one you want signal left.

TURNING RIGHT

·       Approach in the right-hand lane.

·       Signal right as you approach.

·       Once on the roundabout keep to the right.

·       Signal left after passing the exit before the one you want.                  

Roundabouts allow traffic to merge smoothly together and in doing so keep the overall traffic stream flowing smoothly.

Remember - at a roundabout you must give way to traffic approaching from your right, unless told otherwise by road signs, road markings or traffic lights. Vehicles already on the roundabout may fail to signal correctly. If in doubt, hold back! Look out for vehicles:

Turning right without indicating- Indicating right but going straight on- Using the right hand to go straight ahead- Making a U-turn.

At all stages use Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre (MSN).

Mini-Roundabouts: approach these as you would a normal roundabout but remember there is less space and you will have less time to signal. You must pass around the centre markings.

When taking your practical driving test your examiner will expect you to-

Use the MSM routine- Position your car correctly and use the correct speed- Choose the correct lane where there are road markings- Watch out for motorcycles, pedestrians and cyclists- Take effective observations- Assess the speed of the traffic.

Bay parking

On your driving test the examiner will expect you to do your bay parking:

Safely, smoothly, under control, making proper use of the accelerator, clutch, brakes and steering, without crossing the white bay marking.

The examiner will also be looking to see that you:-

Are aware of other road users, keep looking all around throughout the manoeuvre.

Why Reverse park - As a rule most car parks have parking bays marked out with white lines. Reversing into these bays is normally the best option as it is easier to manoeuvre a car in reverse. It is also safer to drive out forwards.

On your test you will only be asked to perform the bay parking manoeuvre if the test centre has a car park with marked bays. You cannot perform the bay parking manoeuvre elsewhere.

The Visual Guide To Passing Your Practical Driving Test has comprehensive chapter on bay parking than the above tutorial.

How to bay park, bay parking. Tips and information for learn to drive students. Bay parking is part of the UK practical driving test. The bay parking manoeuvre, how to bay park. Watch the online practical driving test bay parking video tutorial for information on bay parking. Bay parking is a reverse parking manoeuvre.

Reversing into the side road

On your test the examiner will expect you to reverse into a side road:

Safely, correctly, smoothly, under control, keeping reasonably close to the kerb, without mounting or hitting the kerb, without swinging out too wide.

The examiner will also be looking to see that you:

Check traffic and road conditions, look out for traffic and pedestrians, stop in a safe position.

Reversing into a side road can be the safest and most convenient way to turn round. However, great caution is needed when performing this manoeuvre. Remember when reversing into a side road not only are you reversing against traffic emerging from the junction, but as you reverse into the side road the front of your car will swing out into the road. Because of this you must continually observe the enviroment - what's happening to the front, back and sides

Parallel Parking

Learning how to parallel park is one of the hardest skills for new drivers to learn. From experience, I know that this is true. I hope this page will help. If you have any tips of your own, please send them in. --Ryan Buckholtz

Dave from the Freedom Driving School suggests the following:

The S method

·       Signal and pull up approx. 3 feet away from the car you want to park behind, aligning your rear tires with the other car's rear bumper.

·       Put car into REVERSE, and turn wheels ALL THE WAY to the RIGHT.

·       Slowly back-up until you are at a 45 degree angle. STOP.

·       Turn the wheels ALL THE WAY to the LEFT. (Walter from a driver's school in Canada from yd.com recommends that you roll very slowly while you turn the wheels to avoid putting damaging stress on the tire sidewalls and steering components.)

·       Slowly back-up until you are parallel with the curb.

If done correctly you should be less then 12 inches from the curb. Practice will improve your judgment.

The Drive Right book offers these tips:

·        Select a space that is at least six feet longer than your car.

·       Flash your brake lights and put on your turn signal before you pull in.

·       Always look back to check traffic.

·       Take it slow and ease into the spot.

Exiting a parallel parking space

·       Back-up straight as far as you can go without touching the car behind.

·       Turn your wheels all the way to the left (in the U.S.) Then make sure that you put your car in drive. (When I took the driver's test, the person before me parallel parked their car fine, but forgot this important step when pulling out of the space--and failed their test.)

·       Put on your turn signal.

·       Check traffic, including your blind spot.

·       Make sure your right fender has enough room to clear the car in front of you.

·       Turn wheels slowly to the right when you are half-way out of the parking space.

Stopping

During the practical driving test the examiner will ask you to pull up and stop at a convenient place on the left side of the road. You will not be expected to this immediately. You will be required to use your judgment and pull up in a place where you will not be endangering, inconveniencing or obstructing anyone.

Don't stop or park:

 

·       Where you would prevent emergency access.

·       Near a school entrance.

·       In front of an entrance to a property.

·       On a bend.

·       Where you would force other traffic to enter a tram lane.

·       Where the curb has been lowered for wheelchair access.

·       Opposite another parked vehicle if it would cause an construction.

·       Near the brow of a hill or hump bridge.

·       At or near a bus stop or taxi rank.

·       On the approach to a level crossing.

·       Opposite a traffic island.

·       Opposite or within ten metres of a junction.

 

 

The examiner will watch for certain actions as you go through the test.

 

 

 

 

Winter Driving 

 

What makes the difference between an ordinary driver and a good one?

• An ordinary driver reacts to the road situations.
• A good driver anticipates crises and avoids them.

How should you prepare a vehicle for driving under winter conditions?

Driving in winter weather -- snow, ice, wet and cold -- creates a great challenge for vehicles and drivers. Keeping your vehicle in good technical repair reduces your overall chances for any mishap or disaster while driving -- particularly in winter weather. To prepare your vehicle for winter driving give it a complete checkup. Look for the following:

Electrical system

• Battery -- recharge or replace if the battery is weak. Also have the charging system checked.
• Ignition -- check for damaged ignition wires and cracks in the distributor cap.
• Lights -- check all lights (headlights, side lights, emergency flashers, directional lights, taillights, brake lights and parking lights) for proper functioning.

Brakes

• Check brakes and adjust to ensure equal braking.

Tires

The traction between tires and roadway determines how well a vehicle rides, turns and stops, and is crucial for safe driving in winter. Proper tire selection is very important.

• Use all-season radial tires only in areas that receive only light snowfall.
• Use snow tires, at least on the drive wheels, in areas that receive heavy snowfall.
• Use chains on all four wheels when you expect severe snow and icy roads. Check with your local Department or Ministry of Transportation office to see if the use of tire chains is legal in the region through which you are planning to drive.
• Check tire pressure and if necessary restore it to levels recommended by the tire manufacturer. The pressure drops about 1 psi for every 5°C (9°F) drop in temperature.
• Do not mix radial tires with other types.
• Check tire balance and correct if necessary.
• Check wheel alignment and correct if necessary.

Exhaust system

• Check the exhaust system for leaks. A properly sealed exhaust system reduces the risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Keep the window in your vehicle slightly open when you're stuck in snow, and run the engine and heater to keep warm.
• Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow. A blocked pipe can force carbon monoxide back into the car interior.

Heating/cooling system

• Check the radiator and hoses for leaks.
• Ensure that your vehicle always has a sufficient amount of antifreeze rated for the coldest weather.
• Check the defrosters (front and back) to make sure they are working efficiently.

Windshield wipers

• Ensure that windshield wipers function efficiently. Replace them if they are old or worn.
• Fill the washer container with an antifreeze fluid and top it up frequently.

Fuel

• Fill up the fuel tank before you leave on your trip.
• Do not let the fuel level get too low - the driving time to the next gas station may take much longer than you ever expected, and if you get stuck, the car engine will be your only source of heat.

What should I include in a winter driving kit?

A well-stocked winter driving kit helps to handle any emergency. It should include:

• Properly fitting tire chains
• Bag of sand or salt (or kitty litter)
• Traction mats
• Snow shovel
• Snow brush
• Ice scraper
• Booster cables
• Warning devices such as flares or emergency lights
• Fuel line de-icer (methanol, also called methyl alcohol or methyl hydrate)
• Extra windshield wiper fluid appropriate for sub-freezing temperatures
• Roll of paper towels
• Flashlight and a portable flashing light (and extra batteries)
• Blanket
• Extra clothing, including hat and wind-proof pants, and warm footwear
• First aid kit
• Snack bars or other "emergency" food and water
• Matches and emergency candles - only use with a window opened to prevent build-up of carbon monoxide.
• Road maps.
• "Call Police" or other help signs or brightly coloured banners.

How should you prepare yourself for winter driving?

• Plan your driving in advance.
• Avoid driving when fatigued.
• Contact your provincial "Road Reports" to get updates regarding road conditions in the region to which you are going.
• Check weather conditions for your travel route (and time) before you begin driving.
• Plan your arrival time at a destination by taking into account any delays due to slower traffic, reduced visibility, roadblocks, abandoned automobiles, collisions, etc.
• Inform someone of your route and planned arrival time.
• Choose warm and comfortable clothing. If you need to remove outdoor clothing later while driving, STOP the vehicle in a safe spot.
• Warm up your vehicle BEFORE driving off. It reduces moisture condensing on the inside of the windows.
• NEVER warm up your vehicle in a closed garage.
• Remove snow and ice from your vehicle. It helps to see and, equally important, to be seen.
• Wear sunglasses on bright sunny days.
• Bring a cell phone if you have one but do not leave it in the car as the battery will freeze.

How should you drive in winter weather?

• Buckle up before you start driving. Keep your seat belt buckled at all times.
• SLOW DOWN! - posted speed limits are for ideal travel conditions. Driving at reduced speeds is the best precautionary measure against any misfortune while driving on slippery roads. "Black ice" is invisible.
• Be alert. Black ice will make a road look like shiney new asphalt. Pavement should look grey-white in winter.
• Do not use cruise control. Winter driving requires you to be in full control at all times.
• Reduce your speed while approaching intersections covered with ice or snow.
• Allow for extra travelling time or even consider delaying a trip if the weather is inclement.
• Drive with low-beam headlights on. Not only are they brighter than daytime running lights but turning them on also activates the tail lights. This makes your vehicle more visible.
• Lengthen your following distance behind the vehicle ahead of you. Stopping distance on an icy road is double that of stopping on a dry one. For example, from around 45 meters (140 ft) at the speed of 60 km/h, to 80 meters (over 260 ft) on an icy road surface.
• Stay in the right-hand lane except when passing and use turn signals when changing lanes.
• Steer with smooth and precise movements. Changing lanes too quickly and jerky steering while braking or accelerating can cause skidding.
• Be aware and slow down when you see a sign warning that you are approaching a bridge. Steel and concrete bridges are likely to be icy even when there is no ice on the asphalt surface, (because bridges over open air cool down faster than roads which tend to be insulated somewhat by solid ground.)
• Consider getting off the road before getting stranded if the weather is worsening.
• Be patient and pass other cars only when it is safe to do so.

 

 

What should you do if you start to skid?

• Above all DO NOT PANIC!
• Look where you want your vehicle to go and steer in this direction.
• DO NOT BRAKE!
• DO NOT ACCELERATE!
• Disconnect the driving force on the drive wheels by doing either of the following
• If you're using automatic transmission, shift to neutral. However, if you cannot do that immediately, do not touch the transmission gear.

If you're using manual transmission, declutch.

 

How should you brake on a slippery road?

If the emergency does not require slamming the brakes as hard as possible, squeeze braking (also known as threshold braking) along with declutching (manual shift) or shifting to neutral (automatic transmission) will do the job most efficiently.

Braking without anti-lock brakes

• Use the heel-and-toe method. Keep your heel on the floor and use your toes to press the brake pedal firmly just short of locking up the wheels.
• Release the pressure on the pedal, and press again in the same way.
• Repeat this until you come to a full stop.

Braking with anti-lock brakes

Also use heel-and-toe method, but do not remove your foot from the brake pedal until the vehicle comes to a complete stop.

 

What should you do if you get stuck or stranded in the snow?

• Don't panic!
• Avoid over-exertion and over-exposure to the cold. Cold weather can put extra stress on the heart and contribute to the hazards of over-exertion. Sweaty clothes next to the skin are not good insulators against the cold.
• Stay in the car if you cannot shovel your car out of the snow.
• Stay in the car in blizzard conditions - Do not leave the car for assistance unless help is visible within about 90 metres or 100 yards.
• Turn on flashing lights or set up flares. A brightly coloured cloth on the radio antenna may make your vehicle more visible in daylight.
• Run the car engine occasionally (about 10 minutes every hour) to provide heat (and to conserve fuel). Ensure that the tail exhaust pipe is free of snow and keep the window opened slightly (on the side shielded from the wind) to prevent the build up of carbon monoxide when the engine is running.
• Bundle up in a blanket. If there is more than one person in the car, share - two people sharing blankets will be warmer than either person alone in a blanket.
• Wear a hat and scarf - the head and neck are major sources of heat loss from the body.
• Monitor for any signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
• Do not fall asleep. If there is more than one person in the car, take turns sleeping.
• Do not stay in one position too long. Do some exercises to help the circulation - move arms and legs, clap your hands, etc.
• Watch for traffic or rescuers.

Safety Driving Tips for Towing a Trailer

Take time to practice before driving on main roads and never allow anyone to ride in or on the trailer. Before you leave, remember to check routes and restrictions on bridges and tunnels.

General Handling

·       Use the driving gear that the manufacturer recommends for towing.

·       Drive at moderate speeds. This will place less strain on your tow vehicle and trailer. Trailer instability (sway) is more likely to occur as speed increases.

·       Avoid sudden stops and starts that can cause skidding, sliding, or jackknifing.

·       Avoid sudden steering maneuvers that might create sway or undue side force on the trailer.

·       Slow down when traveling over bumpy roads, railroad crossings, and ditches.

·       Make wider turns at curves and corners. Because your trailer’s wheels are closer to the inside of a turn than the wheels of your tow vehicle, they are more likely to hit or ride up over curbs.

·       To control swaying caused by air pressure changes and wind buffeting when larger vehicles pass from either direction, release the accelerator pedal to slow down and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.

Braking

·       Allow considerably more distance for stopping.

·       If you have an electric trailer brake controller and excessive sway occurs, activate the trailer brake controller by hand. Do not attempt to control trailer sway by applying the tow vehicle brakes; this will generally make the sway worse.

·       Always anticipate the need to slow down. To reduce speed, shift to a lower gear and press the brakes lightly.

Acceleration and Passing

·       When passing a slower vehicle or changing lanes, signal well in advance and make sure you allow extra distance to clear the vehicle before you pull back into the lane.

·       Pass on level terrain with plenty of clearance. Avoid passing on steep upgrades or downgrades.

·       If necessary, downshift for improved acceleration or speed maintenance.

·       When passing on narrow roads, be careful not to go onto a soft shoulder. This could cause your trailer to jackknife or go out of control.

Downgrades and Upgrades

·       Downshift to assist with braking on downgrades and to add power for climbing hills.

·       On long downgrades, apply brakes at intervals to keep speed in check. Never leave brakes on for extended periods of time or they may overheat.

·       Some tow vehicles have specifically calibrated transmission tow-modes. Be sure to use the tow-mode recommended by the manufacturer.

Backing Up

·       Put your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. To turn left, move your hand left. To turn right, move your hand right. Back up slowly. Because mirrors cannot provide all of the visibility you may need when backing up, have someone outside at the rear of the trailer to guide you, whenever possible.

·       Use slight movements of the steering wheel to adjust direction. Exaggerated movements will cause greater movement of the trailer. If you have difficulty, pull forward and realign the tow vehicle and trailer and start again.

Parking

·       Try to avoid parking on grades. If possible, have someone outside to guide you as you park. Once stopped, but before shifting into Park, have someone place blocks on the downhill side of the trailer wheels. Apply the parking brake, shift into Park, and then remove your foot from the brake pedal. Following this parking sequence is important to make sure your vehicle does not become locked in Park because of extra load on the transmission. For manual transmissions, apply the parking brake and then turn the vehicle off in either first or reverse gear.

·       When uncoupling a trailer, place blocks at the front and rear of the trailer tires to ensure that the trailer does not roll away when the coupling is released.

·       An unbalanced load may cause the tongue to suddenly rotate upward; therefore, before un-coupling, place jack stands under the rear of the trailer to prevent injury.