How To Drive Safely On Icy Roads In Winter

How To Drive Safely On Icy Roads In Winter

We all know that winter driving can be a challenge. But with a little practice, you can master the art of driving in the snow.

The most important thing is to drive slowly and deliberately. Try to avoid the temptation to speed up when driving in the snow, as this only makes matters worse and increases your risk of a crash. Instead, slow down and try to find a slower pace that allows you to keep a clear view of the road ahead of you.

This guide will teach you the basics of how to drive safely on snow for new and experienced drivers alike. It is important to note that this guide is not a substitute for a road test or defensive driving course, but rather a primer on how to drive in adverse conditions.

Tips To Help Drive Safely On Icy Roads

If you’ve had your license for a while or if you’re a new driver, you’ve probably heard the phrase “You can’t learn to drive in snow.” While that is technically true, there are several ways to safely drive in snow for new and experienced drivers alike. 

Having never driven on snow or ice before, can be a little nerve-wracking. After all, you’re used to the predictability of roads, and the idea of navigating a potentially unfamiliar route can be tough. 

But don’t worry! It’s entirely possible to drive safely on snow and ice with a little preparation and know-how.

The key to safe driving on icy roads is to slow down and pay attention. The ice may not be as visible or as obvious as rain or snow, but it still poses a hazard. The main causes of icy road accidents are rapid acceleration and braking.

The first thing to remember when driving on ice is that ice is slippery. The second thing to remember is that your car is much heavier than ice and will generate more friction, which will slow you down. 

There are several ways to slow down your car when it is spinning its wheels on ice, but the best way is to use your brakes. 

The third thing to remember is that your car will eventually stop, regardless of how hard you brake. 

So, if you are worried you might hit a corner, try to slow down from at least a few miles away if you are a new driver. This will give you enough time to slow the pace without losing total control of the wheel.  

Stay Calm And Collected

Most of us have been in a car when the weather turned bad. Maybe it was a snowstorm, freezing rain, or a combination of the two. 

The roads become slick, the visibility drops, and if you’re not paying attention you might find yourself in a situation you don’t know how to get out of. But the key to driving safely on such adverse streets is to be calm.

Also, it helps to plan your route in advance. Avoid roads that have large amounts of snow and ice. If you must go out, do so early in the morning or late at night when the ice is less visible.

In most cases, icy roads aren’t a big deal. But they can be tough to drive on, especially as a new driver. Such roads are challenging to navigate, and they don’t provide much feedback as to how much traction the car has. 

This makes driving on icy roads a test of concentration and patience more than anything else. But remember to always stay calm and patient, and you can find yourself out of the problem in a jiffy. 

Learning To Drive Will Take Courage And Patience – But It’s Not Impossible

Learning To Drive Will Take Courage And Patience – But It’s Not Impossible

If you’ve ever watched a kid learn to drive, you’ll know that the first few times they take their driving test, they’re a bit flustered. 

They fumble with the controls, don’t exactly know what they’re meant to be doing, and end up crashing into things or going in the wrong direction. But after a while, they get the hang of it, they start paying more attention, and they pass their test with a decent score. That’s the idea, at least.

It can be intimidating learning to drive a car for the first time. You might be driving on the other side of the road, or on a different day of the week. Your instructor might tell you to reverse direction, or to take your time. 

You might feel like you’re starting all over again every time you get in the driver’s seat. But let me tell you this – it is possible to master driving on your own through practice. 

Tips For Learning To Drive As A Complete Novice

Driving is a complicated skill that takes a lot of practice, no matter how much experience or how good you are at driving. It’s important to get your license right on the first attempt, and a lot depends on how well you are prepared. 

You need to make sure you have the right equipment, so you can learn to drive at the right speed, in the right place, and at the right time. If you’re just starting out, it can be a little overwhelming to think about how to get the most out of your driving lesson. 

You want to do everything right, so you can learn how to drive safely, but you’re also a little nervous about making mistakes. Your driving instructor has probably told you to do lots of practice, but it’s hard to know where to start.

If you’re a new driver, you’ll need to learn how to control your vehicle at slow speeds and in tricky situations. It’s best to get your license in a car, so you can practice getting used to the controls and maneuvering in the real world. 

You can also take a driving course, which will teach you the basics of road safety and the rules of the road, and help you get used to the driving environment and build your confidence behind the wheel.

Don’t Settle For Online Lessons – Try To Physically Attend A Driving School 

When you’re just learning to drive, it can be tempting to skip the online classroom and try to learn on the road. This is a bad idea if you want to learn to drive well. Instead, you should take driving lessons physically as soon as you can. 

This gives you the opportunity to learn from a professional, who can help you avoid making the same mistakes again and again, and give you advice on how to improve your driving technique.

What Mistakes To Avoid Making When Driving As A Beginner

As a beginner, you may be nervous about driving. It’s a big responsibility! And even if you’ve driven a long time, there are certain rookie mistakes you should avoid doing when you’re starting out. 

Firstly, never over-accelerate. It is totally fine to get pulled over for driving below the average speed limit (you can always explain to the officer why you’re slow). But speeding excessively as someone who doesn’t know how to control a car, it can get fatal. 

Next, don’t text while driving. Your focus should be on the road in front of you, with both your hands on the steering wheel. Texting your friends can wait for when you’re out of the car! 

Lastly, always pay attention to the rearview mirror and side mirrors. Changing lanes is one of the most daunting tasks for any new driver. But knowing how to read the mirrors and change lanes can be a huge feat. 

Professional Driving Lessons Can Make A World Of Difference!

Professional Driving Lessons Can Make A World Of Difference!

Have you ever wanted to learn to drive, but the thought of sitting behind the wheel makes you break out in a cold sweat? Have you ever wanted to learn to drive, but the thought of spending hours behind the wheel scares you? 

Maybe you’ve been on a long trip and you’re craving some fresh air, or maybe you’re just not ready to learn to drive yet. Or, maybe you’re already a driver who’s ready to improve their skills or brush up on old ones.

You can always go the self-taught route and read books, watch videos, and ask other people for help. However, both of these approaches have their own set of benefits and drawbacks.

That’s why it’s important to learn from a professional who specializes in teaching drivers of all skill levels. Professional driving schools are designed to give students the knowledge and skill needed to pass their driving test the first time.

The Benefits Of Professional Driving Lessons

If you’re hoping to get your license, the most important thing you can do is take a series of professional driving lessons from an actual center (No self-learning!). 

A driving lesson is an opportunity to learn from an experienced driver—a professional who has passed the driving test thousands of times—and will know exactly what to do in any given situation. 

In a series of driving lessons, you’ll build on what you’ve learned, identify areas for improvement, and build the skills necessary to pass your test on the first try. 

That way, you can start building your driving record as soon as possible, which will make getting a car insurance quote, securing a job, or getting into college much easier.

How Driving Lessons Can Build Your Confidence

Getting behind the wheel of a car can be a scary and stressful experience, even for the most seasoned drivers. It doesn’t matter if you’re just learning to parallel park or are gearing up to take your driver’s test; learning to drive can be a bumpy ride. 

And while some people are okay with taking the wheel once or twice and then handing the keys over to a professional driver, others need more than that. 

There are a lot of factors that go into making someone a safe and confident driver, but one of the most important is having safe, reliable access to a driver’s vehicle.

Professional driving lessons help you build the driving skills and confidence you need to pass your road test the first time. With expert instruction, you’ll build the necessary skills to pass your road test on the first try. And with a proven track record, you can trust that your instructor will provide you with the best road training possible.

This also gives you the opportunity to ask questions directly, and receive feedback from your driving instructor on your driving, rather than just giving you instructions on how to drive. 

In this way, you can learn the skills necessary to become a safe and responsible driver, and have a great experience while doing it.

Go The Professional Route Instead Of Self-Learning 

Professional driving instructors can help you build your confidence behind the wheel and provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to pass your road test on your first try. 

Certified instructors go above and beyond to ensure that you receive the best instruction and have the most fun learning to drive, which helps you build a stronger relationship with the road and the driving process.

Simply learning something as crucial as driving through tutorials and books can’t teach you the practical life skills and tidbits instructors can share with you in real-time. 

The Benefits of Getting Professional Driving Lessons 

The Benefits of Getting Professional Driving Lessons 

Driving is a skill that we all need to learn at some point in our lives. For some people, this happens when they are teenagers when their parents take them out in the family car to teach them the basics. 

For others, it happens later in life, perhaps when they have to get a job or when they have children of their own and need to be able to drive to the other side of town to pick them up from school. But in order to be a safe and confident driver, you need to learn the skills and knowledge required to operate a vehicle.

The prospect of sitting behind the wheel of a car, with the responsibility of getting from A to B, can be intimidating. But getting professional driving lessons can help reduce your nerves and improve your skills, which will make you feel more confident behind the wheel.

How Can Professional Driving Lessons Help You?

In professional driving schools, students will learn the rules of the road, as well as be taught to drive safely and to be mindful of passengers. 

This will help to make the experience more pleasant and help them to drive like a pro in no time. Students will also learn about their instructors and how to ask for help when they need it.

Driving schools offer drivers a safe place to receive the necessary driving training to help them achieve the confidence and experience they need to be great drivers. 

With a driving school, drivers have the opportunity to learn about other people, the roads, and the laws of the road. They also have the opportunity to practice their driving techniques in a controlled environment and receive feedback from instructors so they can gain experience in different situations.

What Tasks Are Taught In Driving Schools?

Tasks like parallel parking, passing, and changing lanes can be difficult for even those who have been driving for a long time. However, driving classes will help you become better at such tasks with ease. 

You will learn how to maintain a safe distance when approaching another car, how to stop quickly, and how to change lanes efficiently. It will also teach you how to handle a variety of traffic situations, including those involving other cars, bicycles, and pedestrians.

How To Know Which Driving School Is The Best For Lessons?

Between the fear of crashing your car, the stress of getting to work on time, and the pressure of knowing other people’s lives are depending on you, learning to drive can be a big step. 

If you’re looking to take your driving to the next level, you need to be careful about which school you choose to attend. There are many inexperienced drivers out there, but not all of them are ready to teach. You need to know what you’re getting yourself into before you make the jump.

A good driving school will have a number of resources available to help new drivers learn how to avoid accidents and become comfortable behind the wheel. There are a number of things to consider when choosing a school, including location, accreditation, and price.

The slightest error in judgment can have serious consequences, not just for yourself but for other drivers on the road too. This is why it’s important to learn as much as you can about driving before you get your license. The best way to do this is to find a driving school that you trust. Ideally, you want to find a school that has a good reputation in your area.

How Many Driving Lessons Do You Need to Become a Pro?

How Many Driving Lessons Do You Need to Become a Pro?

How many driving lessons do you need to become a professional driver? This question has been asked for many years. The answer is quite simple: It depends on which kind of driving you want to learn, and on your age. The basic rule of thumb is: “How old are you?” If you are above the age of 18+ (16+ in some countries), getting driving lessons should be a pretty big deal.

According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), driving lessons are a must for every learner, but does that mean they come at a price? 

The NICE website reports that the average cost of a driving lesson is  £40, and those lessons are spread over a number of years to ensure the learner is fully proficient by the time they’ve completed their test. 

This is not the only expense though – a car will need to be taken to the driving center too, and the learner will need to pay for petrol and maintenance too, all of which adds up, and if the learner doesn’t drive to the center on a regular basis, they will be less likely to practice behind the wheel in actuality.

The Best Ways To Practise Driving To Become A Professional At It

For the aspiring pro to get to the top of their game, they would need to practice their driving skills and work on improving their reaction time, vision, concentration, and concentration. 

These are just some of the benefits that come with driving lessons. Driving lessons are designed to help drivers improve their skills while also preparing drivers for the roadways by practicing various driving techniques. 

Driving lessons will help drivers in honing their senses to adapt to different types of driving conditions, such as during a stormy night, or a very window morning. 

How You Can Hone Your Driving Skills As A Beginner

When a driver is a beginner, it can be difficult for them to learn how to drive a car. There are multiple things that they need to learn: how to steer, keep their speed steady, and use the gas and brake pedals.  

These things are all very important in order for a driver to learn how to navigate the road. The first thing a person needs to do is to learn how to steer a car with all their focus. 

Since driving a car is a new skill, it is easier to focus on the road instead of focusing on other distractions. It makes a big difference when a driver is paying attention to the road and other road conditions instead of other passengers or what time it is.  

Having distractions such as music on and being outside can make beginner drivers feel like they are going to get into an accident. 

What To Avoid Doing When Driving 

The most common mistake is driving on the left-hand side, which requires your eyes to read left to right. This is different from driving on the right-hand side, which requires your eyes to read right to left. 

Driving on the right, however, requires you to focus on things moving from right to left. To help ensure you can successfully learn how to drive on the right, be sure to learn the following tips: 1) Use a mirror or a reflective road sign to keep your eyes on the road moving in the opposite direction of what you are looking.

Other very obvious things you should avoid doing when driving are – driving while distracted – always be aware of your surroundings! Avoid talking on the phone, looking at your phone, or eating, smoking, drinking, and applying makeup while driving!

Changes to Driver Theory Test for 2017

Changes to Driver Theory Test for 2017

– By ANewDriver


What you need to know about the Changes to the Driver Theory Test for 2017

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) announced last October 2016 some changes to the Driver Theory Test. Questions on drinking and driving will be added to the Driver Theory Test for the Motorcycle, Car and Works Vehicles Driver Theory Test. This is in direct response to a report issued by the RSA earlier this year which showed that drink-driving is still a significant road safety issue, particularly among some young people.

The main Driver Theory Test Question Bank will have 17 new questions on alcohol and driving. Two of these questions will be presented in the tests. The overall format of the test will not change. Learning material on the new questions is available at www.theorytest.ie .

The RSA Pre-Crash Report on Alcohol showed that between 2008 and 2012, alcohol was a factor in 38% of fatal collisions, claiming the lives of 286 people. 43% of drivers killed who had consumed alcohol were between 16 and 24 years old and 57% of motorcyclists killed who had consumed alcohol were between 25 and 34 years old.

Candidates are advised to use the current versions of the supporting learning materials – The Official Driver Theory Test, Book and CD, 5th or 6th Edition –  in addition to the PDF with information on the new section related to drink-driving. The PDF is available on www.theorytest.ie  and www.rsa.ie. Those wishing to book a Driver Theory Test are reminded that the official booking website is www.theorytest.ie .See the list of additional questions here .


 

AnewDriver’s Success Stories 2016


AnewDriver’s Success Stories 2016: We would like to thank everyone who chose to learn with us in 2016!

Here are some of ANewDriver’s successful stories this year: Come and become part of another one in 2017! Book Now!


Alexandru Lacobescu – 29th July 2016

Congratulations to Alexandru Iacobescu who passed his test yesterday in Finglas with only 2 grade 2 faults.
Alexandru completed his 12 EDT lessons with A New Driver and had no problem passing his driving test.


Emma Everan – 18th August 2016

Congratulations to Emma Everan for passing her test in Finglas test centre.


Ann Marie Lawlor – 25th November 2016

Congratulation to Ann Marie Lawlor for passing her driving test first time in Finglas.
Ann Marie did a course of 10 lessons to brush up on her driving and passed the test with only a few faults.


Visham Sumputh – 1st December 2016

Congratulation to Visham Sumputh who passed his test in Finglas.


 

Driving during Cold Weather

Driving during Cold Weather

– By ANewDriver via RSA


Driving during Cold Weather – Taking a number of simple precautions can ensure safety on Irish roads during winter. Don’t get caught out if severe weather hits, make the necessary checks on your vehicle now.

There are a number of simple precautions the RSA advises for driving over the winter months:
1.Check your tyres…they are your only contact with the road.
Tyres should be at least the minimum legal thread depth of 1.6mm but need to be changed before they get this worn. Tyres need to be to the correct tyre pressure to give the motorist the best chance in extreme conditions.
2.Use your lights.
As we come into the winter months, motorists are advised to use dipped head lights during the day so you are easily seen. Headlights and taillights should be in working order.
3. Understand your brakes.
Check your car manual and find out if your vehicle has safety assist technology such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or Anti – Lock Braking System (ABS). Learn how these technologies can assist your driving in harsh weather conditions.
4.Safe Distance.
It takes longer to stop a car during the winter weather so slow down and allow extra distance between you and the car in front.
5. Make sure you can clearly see.
All too often motorists do not de-fog or de-ice windows and mirrors which can compromise visibility. This winter ensure windows and mirrors are clear, and carry a de-icer and screen scraper. Do not use boiling water as this can crack the windscreen.
6.Beware of “Black Ice”.
Black Ice is one of winter’s biggest hazards as it is difficult to see. Watch out for sheltered/ shaded areas on roads, under trees and near high walls.
7.Be prepared.
During these winter months it is advised that motorists carry a number of essentials in the boot of their car:
  • High visibility vest
  • Spare fuel
  • Appropriate footwear in case you need to leave your vehicle e.g. boots
  • A hazard warning triangle
  • Spare wheel – (Check that your spare wheel is in good condition and is fully inflated. Some cars may have an inflation repair kit instead of a spare wheel. Make sure that you know how to use it.)
  • Tow Rope
  • A shovel
  • De-icing equipment (for glass and door locks)
  • Spare bulbs
  • First aid kit
  • A fire extinguisher
  • A working torch
  • A car blanket, additional clothing & some food and water
8. In the event of a breakdown.
Drivers need to ensure their vehicle is well in off the road so as not to obstruct other vehicles. The driver should also put on their hazard warning lights. If the vehicle breaks down on the motorway pull in as far as you can, alerting traffic behind you with hazard lights. The driver should leave their vehicle, get behind the barrier (on the embankment) and call the Gardaí, on their mobile phone or roadside telephone.
9. Keep up to date.
Listen to local weather and traffic reports. Pay heed to the weather warnings alerting drivers of unsafe and dangerous driving conditions.

10. Check out the RSA’s publication ‘Severe Weather Advice for Road Users’ for more detailed advice on what to do if severe weather strikes.


Questions and Answers to know before your Driving Test

Questions and Answers to know before your Driving Test

Here are some Questions and Answers that are commonly asked on your Driving Test. Click on the Question and find out the Answer.

What shape and colour is a warning sign?

Diamond Shape – Yellow and Black

When should you not drive?

While under the influence of alcohol, drugs (prescribed or otherwise), or when tired or drowsy.

What should always be kept clean on your vehicle?

Lights – Reflectors – Windows – Mirrors – Registration plate.

What is the rule about passing animals on the road?

Slow down, give plenty of room, do not sound your horn or rev your engine. Have patience.

Can you reverse from a minor road on to a major road?

No. (You should only reverse from a major road to a minor road).

What shape is the sign that regulates?

Regulatory signs are round with red on white background with the exception of two: Stop and Yield.

When should you use your hazard lights?

When your car is broken down, being towed, or at the scene of an accident.