If you’re thinking of becoming an HGV driver, there are a few essentials you need to know. We’ve outlined the 5 essential aspects you need to be aware of to give yourself the best chance for success in your HGV training.

Recognised Training

First and foremost, it’s important to receive training from a recognised HGV training centre. At such a centre, you’ll learn everything there is to know about being an HGV driver – from maneuvering in tight spaces to handling hazardous materials. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the five key things you need to know before embarking on your HGV driving career!

Understanding HGV Licenses

Second, you need to be aware of the different types of HGV licenses. There are three main types of HGV license – Class C, Class CE, and Class C+E. Each one allows you to drive a different type of vehicle, so it’s important to know which one you need before you start your training.

Weight Restrictions

Third, you need to be aware of the different HGV weight restrictions. In the UK, there are three main types of HGV weight restriction – gross vehicle weight (GVW), unladen weight (UWL), and maximum authorised mass (MAM). It’s important to know which one applies to the type of vehicle you’ll be driving, as exceeding the weight limit can result in a fine.

Don’t Forget a Driving License

Fourth, and its an obvious one, you need to have a valid UK driving license. If you don’t have a UK driving license, you’ll need to obtain one before you can start your HGV training.

Testing Requirements

Finally, you need to be aware of the different HGV testing requirements. In the UK, there are two main types of HGV test – the theory test and the practical test. The theory test is a written exam that covers all aspects of HGV driving, while the practical test is an on-road assessment of your skills.

If you’re thinking of becoming an HGV driver, make sure you have all of the essentials sorted before you start your training. With the right preparation, you’ll be on the road to a successful career in no time!

The post 5 Essentials When Training As An HGV Driver appeared first on All About Horse Power.

The day you take your driving test can be one of the most nerve-wracking days of your life, and it is straightforward to get overwhelmed. When you drive, you may find yourself worried that you may fail, wanting to give up, and concerned about your and others’ overall safety. However, it is good to remember that you won’t be asked to do anything you haven’t already done dozens of times before in your lessons during your test. And the examiner will always have their brakes and can take control of the car if you do not feel safe. Nevertheless, here are a few tips and tricks to help you prepare for the day. 

Make Sure You Have Taken Enough Lessons

This may seem self-explanatory, but the essential way to prepare for the driving test is to make sure you have taken enough lessons. There is no point going to the test centre if you feel like you are not ready. Do not worry or compare yourself to other people who may also be learning. Everyone is different, and driving is no easy feat. So, take your time and discuss this with your instructor. 

Before taking your test, get an expert opinion and ask your instructor if they think you are ready. If your instructor thinks you need a few more hours of lessons to polish up on some key areas and correct any mistakes, we urge you to listen to them. After all, they’ve probably worked with enough learners to know who is likely to pass and who isn’t. Plus, it’s in your instructor’s best interest that you pass the first time—so you can trust their judgment!

Know What to Expect 

Nothing is scarier than the unknown, so make sure you have an idea about what to expect on the day of your driving test. Your instructor should also have covered this with you. 

The Night Before Your Test

Get plenty of sleep if you can. This will help you focus during the test. If you are tired, you risk your reactions being slower than usual, so it is crucial to get those snores in. You may even find it easier not to tell your friends and family about the test as it might keep some pressure off. 

The Morning Of Your Test 

Most instructors recommend that you take a lesson just before your test. This usually lasts an hour and is a chance to warm up. Shake off your pre test nerves, and this is a chance to make mistakes so you don’t repeat them in the test. 

It is also a good idea to go to the test centre 15 minutes before the test is about to begin. That way, you have a chance to have a sit-down, a drink of water and a toilet break, and a chance to calm yourself down. 

Calm Your Nerves

No matter how prepared you are for your driving test, it is likely you are going to feel nervous on the big day. Even the most confident drivers can be thrown off by an examiner, which makes sense because driving with a complete stranger can put you off! Even so, try to focus on the road and not what the examiner is writing. Treat the practical test as a regular drive as focusing on high stakes will only add to the pressure and increase your nerves. 

If you find yourself struggling to stay calm, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. 

Don’t Worry If You Fail

A lot of avid drivers worry that they are going to fail their driving test, but it is essential to try your best and stay safe. No matter how much you want to get out on the road by yourself, there’s no point in taking your test until you are ready. Rushing to pass will only leave you lacking the experience you really need to be on the road independently. 

Bonus Tip! Listen At The End!

You will be given some of the best driving advice you ever get whether or not you have passed or failed at the end of your exam. If you have failed, the examiner will clearly explain why and what you can do better next time. Even if you have passed, the feedback the examiner gives you will be invaluable as there is always room to improve your driving. 

What Happens if You Pass?

If you pass your test then it’s time to celebrate! However, it is also time to be sensible. If you feel too excited, it may not be a good idea to drive your car as you still need to be focused and safe. Furthermore, you need to sort out your insurance if you own a car. So, get on the phone to the insurance company and discuss what insurance you may need as a learner driver. It’s a good idea to go the whole hog and that includes incorporating an auto collision death lawyer as it is better to be safe than sorry. 

The post Tips and Tricks on Preparing For Your Driving Test appeared first on All About Horse Power.

When you are searching for car insurance, you might find that some quotes are much higher than others – you might even discover that some insurers won’t offer you a policy at all. This will usually be because you are seen as a ‘high risk driver’. This is why you’ll have to pay more for your insurance, assuming you can get insurance at all. Because you’re seen as more likely to be involved in an accident, the insurer will charge you more. What is it that makes you a high risk driver? Read on to find out what some of the reasons might be. 

Image from Pixabay

You’re A New Driver 

The longer you have been driving, the more experience you’ll have of adverse weather conditions, other road users, and the process of driving a car itself. When you’re a new driver, you won’t have gained this experience, and you won’t have the knowledge that will tell you when you’re in a bad situation or what to do when you find yourself there. Because of this, you will be considered a high risk driver as you’re more likely to have an accident. 

Your Age 

Some insurers take age into account, and if you are under the age of 25 and over 70, you may have to pay more. This is because of studies that have shown those under 25 are more likely to have an accident (possibly due to lack of experience, as mentioned above). Those studies have also shown that drivers over 70, although they are less likely to be involved in an accident, when they are, it is usually more serious. Either way, it could be costly for the insurance company, which means it becomes expensive for you. 

You Have a DUI 

According to the experts at thefloridatriallawyer.com/dui/, if you have a DUI (driving under the influence) conviction, intentionally or unintentionally, you’ve made a significant error. Not only were you not thinking of your own safety, but you put other road users at risk. Insurers don’t look kindly on a DUI or a DWI (driving while intoxicated) ruling, and they may choose not to insure you at all. If they are willing to insure you, you can be sure that you’ll be treated as a high risk driver, and you’ll have to pay more because of that. Hiring a good DUI lawyer can help, however. You will still have the conviction, but it might be removed from your record sooner, giving you a chance to obtain better insurance rates. 

You Have A Certain Type Of Vehicle 

Some cars will automatically make you a high risk driver, no matter what your age, your experience, or your driving record. A sports car, for example, will often have higher insurance rates attached to it because you can drive it fast, and there is more chance that it will be stolen; both of these problems are issues for insurers. 

The post What Makes You A High Risk Driver? appeared first on All About Horse Power.

Pixabay CCO License

Volkswagen Golf 

Our first pick for your first car is certainly the Volkswagen Golf. This has been one of the most popular cars in the UK for years and it’s not hard to understand why. The vehicle has a sleek, minimal design that hasn’t been altered much for a while. It’s also packed in with some fun tech if you buy one of the latest models on the market today. The body of the car hugs the ground which makes it feel a little more sleek than most smaller vehicles and it can be great fun in the corners. If you’re looking for a first car with some bite, we recommend speaking to a Volkswagen specialist about taking a spin in one of these. 

Ford Fiesta

Cheap and cheerful, this is the perfect first car if you’re on a tight budget. It’s easily one of the cheapest to ensure and if you’re buying one preowned you can expect to grab one on the market for under a thousand. That’s great value but the Fiesta is also a lot of fun to drive. It even tends to come out on top in terms of safety ratings. The latest models also come with a state of the art entertainment system, making them a pleasure to take on longer journeys. 

Fiat 500

This is perhaps one of the most stylish cars that you can buy. It looks great and that’s not surprising when you consider which brand is responsible for the design. It’s a particularly popular choice for young female drivers too. Despite the aesthetic of the car which makes it look compact the vehicle also has a lot of space on the inside. It’s even a comfortable choice for a daily commute and has a lot of room in the trunk too. 

Pexels CCO License

We hope these choices help you pick out a fantastic first vehicle for you. Or, ensure that you know what type of cars you should be looking at when buying a car for your teen. Do be aware that an estimated one third of new drivers crash within their first year on the road. As such, safety features should be a top priority. 

The post Are These The Best First Cars? appeared first on All About Horse Power.

https://images.pexels.com/photos/1386649/pexels-photo-1386649.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&dpr=2&h=650&w=940

Getting ready to see your teen driving a car can be a terrifying and overwhelming experience for all parents. Indeed, for how much you trust your teen, it can still be scary to see them drive and handle a vehicle by themselves. While every parent goes through a similar experience, you can prepare yourself and your teen for the first day of driving. Start with the tips below!

Buy a Safe Vehicle

Buying a car for your teen can represent a considerable expense. Additionally, it is possible that the exterior of that car will become a little scratched and start showing the signs of wear and tear – especially if this is their first car! Nonetheless, once they have gotten their driving license, buying a car is the next logical step for every family! In this case, you might need to consider whether you will opt for a new or used vehicle. 

A new vehicle might be much safer and more responsive, which are characteristics that can enhance the driving experience. However, your teen is likely to scratch your car over time, so buying a used one can help you limit your losses. If opting for this second alternative, it is crucial what cars are best for teens and what safety level you should expect from them.

Keep the Contact Details of Professionals at Hand

While it might never happen, sometimes your teens might find themselves in an uncomfortable situation. It might be because they have damaged a curbside or scratched another car. Of course, this, as well as accidents and more serious eventualities, are not likely to happen. However, it is always crucial to keep the details of an auto accident lawyer who you can trust at hand. This strategy will help you be ready for any eventuality and find an efficient solution in minutes!

Invest in Insurance

Of course, your teens will need insurance to be legally driving on the road. However, it is recommendable that you go through this process together. Indeed, not all insurance policies are the same or suitable for the type of driving they will be doing. Therefore, shopping around for the best insurance and committing to the most suitable one can help you prevent uncomfortable situations. 

Teach Them About Maintenance

Car and vehicle maintenance are not among the most important aspects that a teen will take into consideration when trying to pass their tests. Nonetheless, these are crucial aspects that can help them resolve a situation quickly. Indeed, it is possible to damage a tire or have problems with the oil or battery. Teaching them about maintenance and basic repair can help them find a quick solution if something happens to the car when they are farther from home. 

Spend Time with Them

Learning how to drive is not a quick process or a skill to acquire suddenly. It requires a lot of practice and commitment to drive confidently and skillfully. However, you and your partner are likely to be the people to have the greatest influence in this process. Make sure you set aside enough time to spend enough time together, driving around before you hand over the keys!

The post Getting Ready to See Your Teen Behind the Wheel: 5 Top Tips for Parents appeared first on All About Horse Power.

Driving has become a normal part of life. It’s amazing that we have evolved to a point where large chunks of metal move us around at crazy speeds at any given moment in time, but that’s how this wild world has transpired. Pretty much every single household will have at least one car in this day and age, so it has become a completely normal and natural thing it seems! It’s great, huh? 

There are people out there who still worry about getting behind the wheel, though, and you probably know one of them. They’ve probably pondered things like vehicle safety and the thought of having lots of responsibilities on their shoulders. It’s totally fine to worry about things that we aren’t knowledgeable about, so nobody should put them down for having reservations. 

The good thing is that it’s not really much of a pain in the backside. It’s actually something of a positive experience, as you probably know yourself if you drive. If you know somebody who is nervous about driving is absolutely convinced that it’s a bad idea, tell them these things: 

Your Life Will Improve Massively

When you learn to drive and when you get your first car, you receive a sense of freedom like nothing you’ve ever been blessed with before. You’re no longer shackled to the lack of options and can literally go wherever you want. You won’t have to rely on public transport or a good pair of shoes anymore.

It’s Really Not That Difficult To Do

Driving isn’t that hard – it sounds like quite a sweeping and brash statement, but it’s true. You learn how to do a few things, and then you practice them over and over again. The most difficult thing is navigating through new areas, but if you have the basic skills locked down, you should be good to go. Once you get the hang of the fundamentals, you’re set for life. It’s like riding a bike!

Your Confidence Overall Will Get A Boost

You become a more competent person overall when you become a driver. Passing your test and handling a large machine such as a car both feel good. When you feel good, you tend to feel better in most areas of life. There’s something about driving and exploring new things that makes us feel a lot more confident in life. We no longer feel like kids and, instead, feel like the grown-ups we actually are. 

You’ll Become A Lot More Knowledgeable In Many Areas Of Life

It’s not just the world of cars that you’ll be more knowledgeable about. You’ll discover so much more about life due to the opportunities that will be presented to you. You’ll get to learn about Platinum Wheel Repairs and the kinds of customizations you can add to your car, but you’ll also potentially hit new heights with regard to your job and your passions in life.

You’ll Appear A Lot More Attractive

This might not be something we should care too much about, but there’s something attractive about the maturity with which people drive. Also, bearing the responsibility of a car is an attractive feature, too. If you want to impress the person you admire, then a car wouldn’t be a terrible investment!

The post Tell This To Anyone Worrying About Learning To Drive appeared first on All About Horse Power.

Learning to drive later on in life is possible for just about anybody. It’s never too late to learn something new, and a simple change in mindset is often all it takes to begin. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about learning to drive later in life. 

It May Take You Longer – But You’ll Get There 

You might be worried that you simply won’t be able to learn how to drive, but this is not the case at all. It may take longer for you to reach your goal, but you will get there – no matter how difficult it seems right now, It takes around 30 hours for a younger driver to learn to drive, while it can take up to 50 for somebody in their 40s or older. It might not take you this long, or it might take you a bit longer. It will depend on many factors. 

However, the reason it takes longer isn’t usually because the driver is a slow learner – it’s because they have more commitments, and need to fit in their lessons around them. You actually might be at a better advantage, as those who have spent many years as a passenger will have a good idea of hazards and be very perceptive to the road around them. Don’t focus too much on how long this is going to take you. If this is something you know you want to do, just try to enjoy the process and track your progress. Feeling like you’re not progressing fast enough will almost certainly slow you down. 

Intensive Lessons Could Help

You don’t want to schedule infrequent lessons as by the time you get back behind the wheel you may have forgotten what you learned in your last lesson. Driving comes naturally to people who learned a long time ago, as it’s all about muscle memory. That being said, you need to work harder to build the skills in the beginning before they will stick. 

Having intensive lessons on your days off work could be a good way to really hone your skills and get your license faster. For example, rather than an hour long lesson, you could get a double lesson. An intensive driving course may also be a good idea if you’re worried about the process taking a long time. However you decide to do this, the frequency of your lessons is very important. You should go for a minimum of one lesson a week for the best results, but in an ideal world, 2 lessons a week is best. You need to do what feels right to you and what you can afford, but the more frequent your lessons, the faster you will pick up the skill. 

You’ll Need An Instructor You Get Along With 

Don’t pick your instructor on a whim. Read third party reviews online, check out social media pages, and ask friends and family. Even ask your social media contacts for recommendations. This is an important decision, and you’re going to need somebody you trust and can chat to. You don’t need a therapist or somebody to spill all of your deepest, darkest secrets to, but you do need to have a rapport with them so you can build a good working relationship.

You don’t want somebody who is easily frustrated, or will chastise you for making mistakes. You also don’t want somebody who will purposely hold you back. They need to challenge you without making you never want to get behind the wheel again – this is how you will improve and grow. Make sure you ask questions to people you know so you can shortlist a few and then call them up and ask anything you need to know to ease your mind. Not all instructors are created equal, but many will agree that somebody who will challenge you, along with a calm demeanor is best.  

credit

Consider Learning In An Automatic

If you’re worried about the length of time it may take for you to learn and how difficult it’s going to be, learning in an automatic car will be a fair bit easier and give you less to worry about. Just bear in mind that passing a manual isn’t that much more difficult, and you will be able to drive any car once you have passed. Also, only learning in an automatic means you will be limited to the models you can drive. You won’t be able to look at buying the Nissan Silvia S16 and similar manual cars if you decide to go automatic. It’s only advisable you learn in an automatic if you need to get your license in the shortest amount of time. If you can help it, learn in a manual so you have more choice. 

Remember, Confidence Is Key

Your confidence is key to your success and how quickly you progress behind the wheel. It’s normal to be a little nervous, but you can still keep a positive mindset and a can-do attitude. You will make mistakes and get confused, but that doesn’t mean you should start thinking that you’re attempting to achieve the impossible. Below are a few ways you can improve your confidence.

• Have a good chat with your instructor beforehand so you’re comfortable with them before you get in the car.
• If you have some big worries, explain them to your instructor and they will likely put you at ease. 
• Practice visualization and see and feel yourself driving a car. Do this each day, especially before lessons. Many athletes and successful people swear by this technique! 
• Practice good posture.
• Breathe deeply. 
• Swipe negative thoughts away like you’re closing apps on your phone. 
• Make sure you’ve had plenty of sleep. You should never drive while tired! 
• Don’t drink the night before a lesson. You want to feel refreshed. 
• Book your lesson at a time you feel your best, whether that’s morning or afternoon.

Remember, it can also be helpful to book lessons for different times of day if possible, so you can get used to the road in various conditions. This can be scary, but you want to be as prepared as possible before getting behind the wheel of a car alone. 

The Odds Are In Your Favor 

There’s some good news if you look at the stats: even in your 40s and 50s, you still stand a 1 in 3 chance of passing first time. Those are really good odds, so if you have it in your head that there’s no way you can pass because you’re ‘too old’, you can stop thinking that now. You don’t get in the car with an automatic fail. Many people think that they have a fail and they have to try to turn it into a pass, but the opposite is true. You get in the car with a pass and you simply have to keep it that way. Remembering this as you go about your lessons could help you! 

See If You Can Gain Further Experience From Family Or Friends 

Only having lessons in one kind of car may not be the best way for you to improve. Why not see if you can gain further experience from family or friends? You will need to have somebody experienced in the car with you, and you may need insurance. If somebody isn’t a qualified instructor, you need to make sure you trust them enough to take you out in the car. There’s nothing more stressful than driving alongside somebody who is a poor teacher and gets stressed out easily! Make sure you keep this in mind as you attempt to gather extra skills. 

Credit

Your Biggest Obstacle

Get it into your head that Your own beliefs and attitude towards learning to drive are your biggest obstacles. You can learn to drive as an older person, no two ways about it. You simply need to make sure you schedule in regular lessons, work hard, and keep that positive mindset. Getting into the right headspace before a lesson is also a big help, which is why looking after your health is important. 

It may also help you to know that learning to drive may not always be a linear process. For example, you may have a few great lessons, and then bomb on your next lesson. It’s more like a rollercoaster than a straight line. You can get home feeling dejected after a bad lesson and like you should give up. Don’t! Everybody has days and lessons like this, and eventually, you will have a breakthrough. 

Are you going to learn to drive later in life? Leave your own thoughts below!

The post Everything You Need To Know About Learning To Drive Later In Life appeared first on All About Horse Power.

Buying Your First Vehicle

Pexels CCO License

The first step is probably going to be getting that first of wheels. Now, there are two options here. You can either buy brand new straight out of the factory. Or, you can opt for a second-hand vehicle. Both have their advantages and disadvantages but the main point is this. A new car is always going to cost more so if you’re on a tight budget, you might be pushed in the other direction. The good news is that by purchasing second hand you can also punch a little higher than your weight. This means that you will be able to get a car with more power or that is a little more aesthetically pleasing. Rather than opting for a 1-liter engine, you can think about a 2 or even a 2.5 when you’re shopping for cars. 

However, if you are buying second hand, you do need to make sure that you are taking care of this decision. If you rush in then you could end up with a banger that will cost more in the long term and that’s probably the last thing that you want. There are telltale signs here. For instance, if the pedals have been replaced there’s a strong chance that the car has seen a lot of wear and tear. 

It can be worth taking an expert to check the car out for you. If they don’t let you check the car out, then this is a major red flag that there are serious issues with the vehicle. 

Will You Crash?

Pexels CCO License

You might feel quite confident behind the wheel of a car which is absolutely fantastic. However, research does suggest that somewhere around two-thirds of new drivers will crash in their first year. The good news is that these often are not serious collisions and may just be little bumps. But it’s worth thinking about why this is. You might immediately assume it’s because the test is too easy. Perhaps people are getting on the road when they’re not really ready. While this is a possibility, it’s probably more to do with some other variables. 

For instance, it may be that while there are great drivers, those who have just got behind the wheel struggle with basic checks. For instance, you might forget to check your tire pressure and this is important. If you aren’t watching the pressure on your tires then you could suffer a blowout on the road. This can lead to a devastating collision, particularly if you don’t manage to get the car to the side of the road and that’s not easy to do. 

Alternatively, it might simply be that the car you’re driving is a little too powerful. This is why even though you might be able to get a car with a high horsepower it could still be a mistake to do so. It could leave you in a situation where you are left with a car that is difficult to control, even at low speeds and this can be dangerous. 

Similarly, you might also want to think about the safety options that you can opt for when selecting your first car. This is a big bonus of buying new. You will be able to access vehicles with all of the latest tech safety features and that could prove to be very useful indeed. 

Hidden Lessons 

Pexels Source CCO License

There are certain things that you need to know before you get on the road that they won’t teach you in your driving lessons. You might think that if a police car is telling you to pull over, you need to do so immediately. However, this isn’t the case and it’s not always advised. Instead, you can think about waiting until you reach a point that is populated. This can be the safest option if you are unsure of whether the person waving you over is actually an office of the law. Hijackings can occur where criminals masquerade as police officers and that’s a danger that you need to be aware of. 

Similarly, you might also want to consider the issue of fuel economy. Generally, you should not be braking hard when driving. Braking hard uses more fuel and therefore will make your journeys far more expensive than they perhaps need to be. The good news is that you can avoid this by braking lightly instead. If you are constantly braking firmly, then there’s a strong chance it’s because you’re not paying enough attention to hazards on the road. 

Knowing When Not To Drive

Pexels Source CCO License

Finally, it’s true to say that every driver is different. Some drivers just don’t feel comfortable in different road conditions and that’s okay. You need to make sure that you understand your limitations. It’s important for instance, that you don’t drive in a rainstorm if you are unsure of how to regulate your speed for this type of weather condition. It can be worth holding off on a trip until the weather improves and you’d probably be surprised how many people aren’t comfortable driving in conditions like this. 

We hope this helps you understand some of the key decisions and choices that you will need to make when you are getting on the road for the first time. Remember, you need to consider more than just whether your car looks cool. It’s important to think about safety too and ensure that you are prepared for the hazards on the road. 

The post First Time On The Road? Here’s Your Complete Guide appeared first on All About Horse Power.

But, driving a van might not be as daunting as you think. Using van hire can be a great way to move furniture or other large items, and can save you money. It’s certainly worthwhile if you can get over your anxieties. So, here’s a look at everything that you need to know about driving a van, especially if it’s the first time. 

Make Sure You Can Legally Drive It and You Are Insured to Do So 

CC0 Licence https://pixabay.com/photos/morocco-africa-desert-marroc-sand-123982/

If you’ve got a full driving licence with no restrictions, you should be able to drive a van without worrying. But, if you are unsure, check first. If you are hiring your van, the hire agreement will include details of insurance terms, so read this before committing. If you are borrowing a van, make sure you are covered with the vans insurance, or your own. Ring your insurer if you’ve got any worries.

Packing Evenly is Important

Packing carefully is more important than you might think. Pack your load evenly, distributing the weight across both sides of the van, and strap everything down. This will keep the vehicle balanced and your possessions safe. 

Driving an Empty Van Isn’t The Same As Driving a Full Van

When you drive a full car, it can feel a little heavy, and you’ll especially notice the difference when pulling off or driving uphill. In a full van, this difference is much greater, so be prepared. Drive slowly, be careful with gear changes and give yourself plenty of time and space. 

Your Blind Spots Will Be Bigger

Blind spots in a van can be much bigger than a car. Adjust your mirrors carefully to improve visibility as much as possible and be mindful of your blindspots all the time you are driving. 

Braking is Slower

Your van will take longer to come to a complete stop than your car will. Driving slowly, leaving more space, and being aware of what is happening in front of you will help you to compensate. 

Parking Might be Tricky

One of the hardest parts of driving a van is parking, especially at first. Look for big spaces, and don’t take any risks. 

You’ll Have a Great View of the Road

When you sit in the cabin of a van, you are much higher up than in a car. Your blind spots might be bigger, but you’ll have a much better view of the road stretching out in front of you, and so more warning of what is coming up. 

It’s Actually A Lot Like Driving A Car

Most drivers actually adjust very quickly to driving a van, finding that it’s fairly similar to a car once they’ve gotten used to it. You’ll be fine. 

The post Everything You Need to Know About Driving a Van appeared first on All About Horse Power.

The feeling you get when passing your test is unreal! You’re wildly excited to drive anywhere, in any car, even if it means picking up your mom something from the shop for the umpteenth time! Your first few drives without your driving instructor watching you like a hawk can make you feel a mixed bag of both vulnerable and free. And now your relationship with your driving instructor is done, these are the things they didn’t tell you about your driving and the roads in general. 

Road Rage Is Real 

Of course you may have experienced a tiny bit of this while out on the roads, but with so much to concentrate on as you’re learning, you probably didn’t have the time to take into account the scope of people who get incredibly aggressive and annoyed. There’s a good reason for being wary of these people, it’s called road rage for a reason, and so, someone cutting their car up, not keeping up with speed or taking too long to take off at the lights begins to grind on these people who have seemingly forgotten that they are not perfect drivers themselves. And so what does this mean for you? It means if you feel someone creeping up behind your car, and they’re a little too close for comfort, or someone honking uncontrollably at you, as much as you might want to drive annoyingly slow to aggravate them more, in all circumstances don’t make a classic motoring mistake and rise to their level by reacting. Pullover to let them past, or simply ignore them and carry on driving safely.

Don’t Trust Other Drivers

Whether you’re new at driving or have years under your belt, never assume you know what a person or car will do next on the road. For instance, if you see someone chatting by the pedestrian crossing and it looks like they’re not going to cross, slow down regardless, they may whizz around and head into the road at a moments notice which could cause a nasty accident and the need for you to call a car accident lawyer. Or if a car is indicating that they are heading off the island, don’t trust their signals, wait until you know for sure they are exiting before you head on to the roundabout yourself. The point to make here is be skeptical of other peoples driving people as this could save yours and someone else’s life on the road.

Holding Onto Their Seats

For newbie drivers especially, when your relatives get into your car, they’re likely cautious about your driving. This can cause tension and anxiety, so it’s best for all involved for you to put your responsible driving hat on and put your passengers safety first. It’s not fun for others if you’re racing around putting their lives at risk, and it’s especially not amusing if you actually get into an accident and you or your family get hurt.

Your prime job as a new driver is to keep you, other drivers, and pedestrians as safe as possible. Which means being conscious of other drivers anger issues on the road, being careful not to put your trust in other drivers, and be thoughtful about the way you drive when your relatives are in the car with you.

The post What Your Driving Instructor Didn’t Tell You appeared first on All About Horse Power.