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...

The Emergency Stop As part of your practical driving test you may be asked to complete an Emergency Stop .  This is not a manoeuvre , it is an additional task and you have a one in 3 chances of getting it in your test. At 4front Driving School we describe a situation to our students that delivers a senario. Imagine a child had stepped out in-front of your moving vehicle. You would need to react almost instantly to avoid harming the child, bringing the vehicle to an abrupt but safe stop. To represent an emergency situation the examiner will say they will raise his/her hand and call out STOP! At which point you need to react. To do this you are expected to hit the brake pedal as quickly and firmly as possible to bringing the vehicle to a stop as quickly and as safely as possible. Don't be afraid to hit the pedal hard, it is designed to deal with this kind of abuse. You are expected to apply the clutch after the brake pedal and not before to stop the engine stalling or...

LEARNING CLUTCH CONTROL Clutch control is important to avoid stalling, being able to pull away smoothly, control the speed of the pull away and to be able to pull away efficiently on a hill. Manoeuvres also require a high level of clutch control by keeping the car at an incredibly slow steady speed so that you are in control.  To work the clutch - Depress the clutch fully and select first gear. Provide the engine with a little extra power if necessary by very gently pressing the accelerator so that the rev counter reads around 1500 rpm. Ensure before your car moves that it is safe to do so and now very slowly, raise the clutch. When the clutch plates just start to meet, this is called the biting point. You will know it’s the at the bite point when the car will slowly start to move. The bite point will always be in the same place for that particular car. The key here is with plenty of practice is to remember where the bite point is. You may wish to practice finding the bite with t...

Are you ready to start learning to drive with 4front Driving School? Do you have a valid provisional licence? Before you can start your driving lessons you must hold a valid provisional driving licence that is in date with an up to date address on it. If you don’t already have a provisional licence then you will need to apply for one through DVLA before you can go out for your first lesson. You can apply for your licence online at www.direct.gov.uk Or ask for an application  form from your local Post Office. You need to be 17 years of age or older to hold a valid provisional car driving licence, but you can apply for it up to three months before your 17th birthday. But it won't be valid for you to use the licence until the date of your 17th birthday. Please note that it is your responsibility as the licence holder or applicant to notify the DVLA of any medical condition that may affect safe driving.  # You will be ask produce your photocard l...

Look out for the car pulling out and turning right. He can't see around the parked cars. How would you react? When did you see the situation develop? This was filmed on dash cam and is designed for students to realise that situations can change at any moment and therefore to be prepared to react and deal with situations effectively. Why not pause the video at the moment you see the situation and try and imagine how it may escalate. Some elements of the situation develop in a fraction of a second so it is important be aware and react if necessary. This will help you prepare for your lessons, hazard perception and test. There are many situations that can develop and we hope that this video helps you with your learning.