How To Achieve A Perfect Forward Bay Park If you are asked to do a forward bay park as your manoeuvre during your driving test then you would be directed to a public car park (Reverse bays would take place at the test centre car park if it has one). At which point you would be asked to choose a space on the left or the right and park your car safely forwards into a bay. To do this safely and correctly - at 4front Driving School , we advise our students to keep the car positioned to the left if you are choosing a space on the right. And vice versa keep the car positioned to the right if you are choosing a space on the left. Depending on how busy the car park is will probably affect the decision you make regarding choice of space. You may also need to indicate early if the car park is busy so that you don't build up a backlog of drivers getting frustrated with you stopping. However, the more confident and competent you become with this manoeuvre, the quicker, s...

Have you ever considered different senarios that you may face when you are out on the road. Here is a common one to consider. Senario - So we’ve just had a downpour of rain and the sun has started to come out which is rather low in the sky. What do you need to consider or be aware of? The glare off the sun on the road As the the sun reflects the water on the road it causes a glare that affects the drivers visibility and makes the road markings more difficult to see. How could you deal with this situation to make the driving condition easier to contend with? At 4front Driving School we encourage our students to, 1) Use your sunglasses, (and bring them with you to each lesson so that you are prepared) 2) Use the sun visor to reduce the glare, 3) Slow down if your visibility is reduced to give yourself more time to make decisions and direct the car more safely and efficiently. 4) Remember to still check your mirrors as you will still be able to see how accurately you are positioned ...

Its important for a driver to input safety margins to take control of the car that compensate for human error, minor lapses in concentration and the mistakes made by other road users. By having this system in place should help you maintain control of your vehicle in a coordinated comfortable way. A smooth and controlled Driving approach can reduce fuel consumption up to 10%. Keeping revs below 2000 and taking your foot of the accelerator going down hill can reduce fuel consumption up to 30%. Avoiding driving with car windows and sunroof open reduces drag and saves fuel. It's more efficient to use the aircon than keep windows open on long journeys. Use cruise control or a speed limiter when you can as this can also help reduce fuel consumption. If you are interested in learning to drive then please visit our website at www.4frontdrivingschool.co.uk  Or email us at 4frontdrivingschool@gmail.com  Or call Simon on 07905657229 Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4frontdriving...

Speed Limits At 4front Driving School we encourage our students to be observant towards speed limit signs and look out for the change of speed which is more likely to be placed at the junction to a new road, but can also appear at points on a long carriageway too. National Speed Limit This sign indicates that the national speed limit applies, which is for cars 60mph on a single carriageway or 70mph on a dual carriageway or motorway. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the road is safe to do 60mph or 70mph all the times – there may be sharp bends and other challenging sections, especially on a single carriageway road. Therefore you as a driver have a responsibility to judge the safest speed to suit the road and the driving conditions.  To begin with when learning to drive we say to our learners to drive at a speed they feel comfortable with. Once you have built up your confidence you can aim towards achieving a safe speed to drive at. Remember it can also be dangerous driving to s...

My personal progress log Why not create a personal log that you can update each driving lesson that reflects on what went well, what didn't go so well and what you may need to work on. This can help you progress and achieve your goals and give you personal targets to work towards. What went well? Praise yourself for what you have achieved that lesson and how far you have come. Look back on what you have learnt so far and what new challenges and situations you have faced. Have you achieved your goal from last lesson? What didn't go so well? What didnt go so well that you may need to work on. Why didn't it go to plan and what would you do differently if you were to face that same situation again? What do you need to work on next time? Give yourself a goal for next lesson. Make it your target and remember to reflect back on it before your lesson. If you are interested in learning to drive then please call Simon at  4front Driving School  on 07905657229 Or visit our website o...

We now have a Podcast which is underway. It is to coincide with our blog to support our Learner Drivers and achieve our aims of achieving student centred learning. You can subscribe to our Podcast which is available in different formats such as Google Podcasts, Spotify and Anchor https://open.spotify.com/show/78qFVbeVyL2rMWwvXSx6wZ?si=YAvOzopEQNqHx3-jVVEJWQ https://anchor.fm/4frontdrivingschool

Learn Your Road Signs This is a free PDF download to help you understand and recognise your road / traffic signs.   Its not just used to pass your theory, you need to recognise them everyday when out on the road, learning to drive and after passing your practical driving test. Click on the image or link below to open the resource. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/519129/know-your-traffic-signs.pdf If you are interested in learning to drive then please call Simon at 4front Driving School on 07905657229 Or visit our website on  http://www.4frontdrivingschool.co.uk You can email 4frontdrivingschool@gmail.com Or visit our Facebook Page at  http://www.facebook.com/4frontdrivingschool

Sat Nav In Your Driving Test This part of the test is your independent driving part and it’ll last around 20 minutes - roughly half of the test. Following directions from a sat nav During the independent driving part of the test, most candidates will be asked to follow directions from a sat nav. The examiner will provide the sat nav (a TomTom Start 52) and set it up. You won’t need to set the route - the examiner will do this for you. So, it doesn’t matter what make or model of sat nav you practise with. You can’t follow directions from your own sat nav during the test - you have to use the one supplied by the examiner. You’ll be able to ask the examiner for confirmation of where you’re going if you’re not sure. It won’t matter if you go the wrong way unless you nake a fault while doing it. One in 5 driving tests won’t use a sat nav. You’ll need to follow traffic signs instead. If you are interested in learning to drive then please call Simon at 4front Driving School on 0790565722...

Country Roads As you drive along a country road you will discover that the road ahead is windy with hedgroads un unfamiliar situations. You need to become aware a plan for the unexpected. At 4front Driving School  we encourage our students to question themselves - What you can see? Do you have a clear view of the road ahead?  Country roads are often narrow too and as we progress down the windy you will come across blind bends. You need to think about what might be just out of sight. Can you cope if you need to stop suddenly? You may not be familiar with the route so those tight corners and blind bends could well come as a surprise to you, therefore look out for the obvious warning signs and disappearing bends ahead. How far a head can you see? What’s the weather like? Wet weather, the mulch from leaves and mud from farm vehicles all make a difference to tyre grip. How much traffic is there and what kind of traffic is it? Don’t let beautiful scenery and se...

Cats Eyes and Reflective Studs The reflective studs that you see on some roads otherwise known as cats eyes reflect light from your headlights lighting up the road ahead of you when driving at night. Cats eyes come in different colours to represent different parts of the road. It is important to understand what they represent.  White - lane separation or the middle of the road / carriageway. Red- The left hand side edge of the road. Yellow - Central reservation of a dual carriageway or motorway, Green studs - The edge of the main carriageway at lay-bys and slip roads Green / Yellow - temporary adjustments to roadworks. If you are interested in learning to drive then please call Simon at 4front Driving School on 07905657229 Or visit our website on  http://www.4frontdrivingschool.co.uk You can email 4frontdrivingschool@gmail.com Or visit our Facebook Page at  http://www.facebook.com/4frontdrivingschool

One Way Streets. As part of your learner driver training program with 4front Driving School we will cover areas such as one way streets and one way systems and expect you to become independent when it comes to awareness and compitentcy in one way streets too. One way streets and one-way systems  are likely be a part of the driving test route, although this depends on what types of roads exist where the test centre is located. You will also face them in everyday driving and will need to be on the look out for them in new areas that you have not driven in before. One-way streets Rules Traffic  MUST  travel in the direction indicated by signs. Buses and/or cycles may have a contraflow lane . Choose the correct lane for your exit as soon as you can. Do not change lanes suddenly, always follow the MSPSL routine when you need to change lanes. Unless road signs or markings indicate otherwise, you should use the left-hand lane when going left the right-hand lane when going right...

One Way Systems One-way systems can present a confusing challenge to not only learner drivers, but experienced drivers alike.  Therefore at 4front Driving School we encourage our students to familiarize themselves with the one way Systems around towns they learn in which in turn will help them to adapt their understanding of how they work with new systems they come across in the future. They can often involve multiple lanes. During a driving test, the examiner will either tell you which lane they would like you to take, or ask you to ‘follow the signs for’ – leaving it for you to decide which lane is appropriate. Look out for signs, road markings or follow the basic rule left hand lane for left and right hand lane for right. Left hand lane for straight on unless lane markings say otherwise or there are more than 2 lanes. Many driving tests are failed on one-way systems due to learner drivers using the incorrect lane, realising they are in the incorrect lane and accessing the correc...

‘Tell me’ questions 1. Tell me how you’d check that the brakes are working before starting a journey. Brakes should not feel spongy or slack. Brakes should be tested as you set off. Vehicle should not pull to one side. 2. Tell me where you’d find the information for the recommended tyre pressures for this car and how tyre pressures should be checked. Manufacturer’s guide, use a reliable pressure gauge, check and adjust pressures when tyres are cold, don’t forget spare tyre, remember to refit valve caps. 3. Tell me how you make sure your head restraint is correctly adjusted so it provides the best protection in the event of a crash. The head restraint should be adjusted so the rigid part of the head restraint is at least as high as the eye or top of the ears, and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable. Note: Some restraints might not be adjustable. 4. Tell me how you’d check the tyres to ensure that they have sufficient tread depth and that their general condi...

Contraflow system What is a contraflow system? In a contraflow system, the traffic permitted to use a contraflow lane travels in the opposite direction to traffic in the other lanes on the road. They can be permanent, as in the case of contraflow bus lanes, or temporary, as in the case of road works. When approaching a contraflow system, reduce your speed in plenty of time and obey all speed limits. When driving in a contraflow system, you’ll be travelling close to oncoming traffic and sometimes in narrow lanes. You may be driving in a lane with no permanent barrier between you and the oncoming traffic. You need to also be aware that the hard shoulder may be used for traffic and that the road ahead could be obstructed by slow-moving or broken-down vehicles. Contra-flow bus lanes This sign shows that there is a contra-flow bus lane. The upward arrows indicate the number of traffic lanes available. Contra-flow bus and cycle lanes This sign indicates there is a contra-flow bus and pedal c...

During your Driving test you will be asked to find a safe and suitable place to pull in on the left. The examiner is looking for your Observation following the MSPSL rountine,  Not hitting the kerb, The distance that you leave between the car and the kerb (this should be half a car door width / a drain cover width. That you pull in safely,  That you don't pull in on unauthorised road markings, bus stops, junctions or driveways, That you apply the parking brake and put the car into neutral. The examiner will thank you and ask you when you are ready to pull away and follow the road ahead. At this point the examiner is looking for Your blind spot checks, Your MSPSL routine, That you pull away safely. Unfortunately if the examiner sees a fault he may ask you to pull in again. If this becomes a repeated fault then it could result in a fail. This does not mean that the examiner won't ask you to pull in on the left more than once even if you do it perfectly. They are just making su...

MSPSL DRIVING ROUTINE MSPSL routine is an abbreviation of Mirror, Signal, Position, Speed, Look. At 4front Driving School we encourage our students to use this process to become safe and competent drivers.  MSPSL is an extension of the old school familiar process MSM (Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre). You are expected to follow this process throughout your driving test and beyond. During the process of learning to drive, the MSPSL routine will have been explained to you from day one of your driving lessons at 4front Driving School. MSPSL should be applied on approaching any junction type and applied to other driving situations such as changing lanes and overtaking as well as dealing with traffic lights, crossings and completing manoeuvres.  During a driving test, the examiner will be expecting you to demonstrate proficiency of the MSPSL routine in a safe, appropriately timed and courteous manner. Mirror You should be checking your rear view mirror and side mirrors throughout yo...

Our Aims & Objectives @ 4front Driving School At 4front Driving School we understand that each individual will learn in their own individual way and at their own speed. You may be someone who likes to be given time to reflect on your learning, so we provide opportunities and resources to help you achieve this such as our blog , teaching style and focus on client centred learning. We do not want you to feel pressured to move on to the next step if you do not feel ready. We want to create agreed targets with you that we set with you each lesson so that you progress at your own pace.  Every individual has their own learning style and therefore we will always try and adapt our teaching approach to suit your requirements, for example you may be someone who likes to read up on the activity before hand so that you come to your lessons prepared. Or you may be the kinesthetic type who likes to try out different methods to find the technique to suit the task that works for you. O...

Manoeuvres in your Driving Test As part of your driving test you’ll be asked to do one of 4 possible manoeuvres: A parallel park at the side of the road, A forward bay park in a bay in a public car park, A reverse bay park at the test centre car park A pull up on the right -hand side of the road, reverse for 2 car lengths and rejoin the traffic. The emergency stop is not classed as a manoeuvre but is an additional task that could take place in one in 3 tests.   If you are interested in learning to drive then please call Simon at  4front Driving School   on 07905657229 Or visit our website on  http://www.4frontdrivingschool.co.uk You can email 4frontdrivingschool@gmail.com Or visit our Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/4frontdrivingschool

Push, Pull Steering Technique At 4front Driving School we teach the Push Pull Steering Technique as it is the is the expected and safest method of steering when learning to drive, reducing the risk of loosing control and avoids crossing arms. This technique allows you - the driver to sit in a better posture position. It helps you achieve a more controlled grip of the steering wheel and helps you perform smoother turn of the wheel. Therefore it is recognised as the safe practice when it comes to steering than other techniques. However when you pass your test it is up to you to decide what technique you adapt into your own Driving style or technique. https://youtu.be/fVxAa4BGXaM The Technique Explained Position your hands at 10 O'clock and 2 O’clock on the steering wheel as if you were driving in a straight line.  When you want to turn left, the left hand and right hand slide to 12 O'clock The left hand pulls the steerin...

The cost of getting on the road Learning to drive, buying a car, tax and insurance are part of prepping a young driver for life as a motorist. But how much does it really cost? This guide  by Go Compare not only gives you comparison of car insurance quotes, but can offer short-term learner driver insurance for drivers aged 17-65, starting from seven days to 24 weeks - with the ability to select cover type. https://www.gocompare.com/car-insurance/guide/the-cost-of-getting-on-the-road/ Sorry, you do not have iframe working. Click here to go to the article. The cost of getting on the road Learning to drive, buying a car, tax and insurance are part of prepping a young driver for life as a motorist. But how much does it really cost? This guide by Go Compare not only gives you comparison of car insurance quotes, but can offer short-term learner driver insurance for drivers aged 17-65, starting from seven days to 24 weeks - with the ability to select co...