driving test

ktj

Hi, Advice needed re. what to buy to prepare our son for learning to drive ready for when he turns 17 in a couple of months.


We have already bought the " Official Highway Code" but there also seems to be other books and dvds that you need.


Just wondered if anyone who has recently been learning to drive could advise as to what combination of resources they used 'cos I don't want to spend a fortune on stuff that is not necessary.


Also any recommendations on resources for help and advice for the actual practical driving test not only for my son, but also for me 'cos I will be taking him out to practice his driving.


Thanks in advance for any advice that you can give. kje

lister

The only essential reading I would recommend is "Driving - The Essential Skills". For both of you. This will tell you what is required to drive to a suitable standard for a test.

In terms of taking him out for practice, let him get at least 15-20 hours experience with an ADI first. He needs to be at a point where the ADI doesn't have to intervene much if at all and he is confident he can control the car in all situations. Also get a 2nd internal mirror, and fit it at the same level as the primary interior mirror and as close as possible to it while still maintaining a full backwards view.

Beyond that, just remember when you are with him you can steer and you can apply the handbrake if required, but your primary mechanism for control will be verbal, so you really have to be on top of what he is getting up to.

forgotmyname

Plenty of DVD's that ask questions on the highway code and have video's of the hazard perception test.

Do you know what the test entails these days? Since i passed my test things have changed quite a bit.
The procedure when you stall is now totally different.

If i taught someone the same way i was taught they would probably fail.

You maybe teaching them bad habits.

StrongWork

I believe you can buy a book/DVD that has the questions/answers for the theory test as well as practice for the hazard perception test.

As lister says, some formal tuition is important. I know it sound cynical, but one is learning to pass the test rather than 'drive' (at this v early stage). Bad habits from parents are easy to pick up but difficult to drop.

Iceweasel

Get a copy of 'Know Your Traffic Signs' as well as the Highway Code.

There are also plenty of practise questions, on-line quizzes etc. to be found.

Fun for all the family - especially if you passed a test a few years ago.

saluja123

For the moment, please forget about the test. Yes, get Driving, the Essential Skills, H Code and KYTS book and the DVDs but put them to one side for a moment. A few sobering facts: - new, young male drivers are a very high risk. They crash more than most other groups. Their crashes are much more serious, involving more fatalities and serious injuries than most, if not all, other groups. Their crashes are more likely to be a result of showing off, peer pressure, bravado, testosterone, inexperience, distractions, aggression. Passing the test with flying colours won't in itself help them a great deal, given that most drivers who crash have actually passed a test. OK. Attitude plays a very important role. The right attitude leads to desire to do better, to appreciate new drivers are a high risk group. So, what sort of example have you shown your son over the past few years? Good? Bad? He's already learned from you the basics, ie - how dad treats other road users, does dad switch off the phone whilst driving, does dad have a drink - then drive, where does dad choose to park, does dad ensure windows are clear of condensation, ice snow etc.,,,, and so on. If you want your son to have the best chance of staying in one piece and not hurting others, and you intend to take him out in your car.... then have your own driving assessed, take him with you to a decent ADI, or contact Institute of Advanced Motorists or RoSPA to help get your driving up to scratch. Then you'll be giving him correct guidance. Put a stick on mirror in your car so, whilst you're driving, you can ask him about what's behind and around as well as ahead. You can ask him about road situations and explain how and why you're doing things. RoSPA produce a 'contract' for new drivers which sets out rules for parents and new drivers to stick to. Find an ADI with a grade 5 or 6 Check Test result or Grad A 'Standards Check'. The ADI should promote post-test training - Pass Plus or something similar. Encourage advanced training sooner rather than later. Later might be too late, of course. If they merely 'get learners through the test' then don't touch them with a barge pole. They're training young people to pass a test rather than how to drive safely. Post-test training enables an ADI to take your son, the new driver farther afield, into unfamiliar road situations and in particular, motorways. If you think motorways are 'just like dual carriageways' then you need to go on a refresher course! Night time, rural, bad weather driving also need more work post-test. So get the right ADI. If your son doesn't get on with the ADI then move to another, but use the same criteria as before. Sit in on some driving lessons. Ask questions. If the ADI normally sits in on Tests then that's good. They can see how the learner drives on their own and can offer relevant post-test advice. If the ADI is having a coffee break instead then ask why?? Please get involved in your son's training. Help encourage the right attitude, get the right ADI and don't expect the cheapest ADI to be good enough to keep your son safe. After all, what is there to lose??

mgdavid

saluja123 wrote: »

........He's already learned from you the basics, ie - how dad treats other road users, does dad switch off the phone whilst driving, does dad have a drink - then drive, where does dad choose to park, does dad ensure windows are clear of condensation, ice snow etc.,,,, and so on........

extremely bad case of gender stereotyping leading to loss of credibility.

saluja123

mgdavid wrote: »

extremely bad case of gender stereotyping leading to loss of credibility.

Sorry. No gender stereotype - I thought I'd read original or other post from the father, so please read mum or dad rather than just 'dad'. Apologies. I'm sure / hope this doesn't detract from points I've raised.

Car_54

saluja123 wrote: »

Sorry. No gender stereotype - I thought I'd read original or other post from the father, so please read mum or dad rather than just 'dad'. Apologies. I'm sure / hope this doesn't detract from points I've raised.

Please ignore the comment about gender steorotyping, but instead concentrate on breaking your text into paragraphs.:)

ktj

Hi, Many thanks for advice especially from Lister.


Will def. get the essential skills book just in case anything has changed since I passed my test in the early 70s :eek:


With regard to the theory test there seems to be free stuff on line to practise for the various elements, but if anyone can recommend specific web sites they have found especially good it would be much appreciated.


Thanks again. kje.

topdaddy_2

Car_54 wrote: »

Please ignore the comment about gender steorotyping, but instead concentrate on breaking your text into paragraphs.:)

Ignore this^