As an American who recently passed the UK driving theory and
practical tests, I have a new found respect for all the motorists I
encounter on British roads.
To get my American license when I was
16 years old, I had to take a very short multiple choice theory test.
Having not studied and never driven, I passed easily. Then I took a
practical test that consisted of a 15-minute amble through a flat rural
area. I performed poorly, and at the end of my test the examiner turned
to me and said, "You really don't know what you're doin', do ya?" And he
passed me.
I initially assumed the UK test was comparable to the
one across the pond. But then I read that the large majority of UK
motorists fail their first driving exam. And I heard horror stories of
Americans and other foreigners failing multiple times. I began to study
(or "revise" as you Brits say) in earnest.
I'm a doctoral student
at Cambridge, and I'm quite sure I prepared much more for my driving
tests than I will for my PhD viva next year.
A UK license is basically a PhD in driving.
I read the Highway Code. I read the entire 528-page AA Complete Test book,
reviewing all of its 948 multiple-choice questions. I bought the
Driving Test Success DVD, watching hours of slightly awkward
inside-the-car footage of UK driving lessons. I watched countless
"hazard perception" videos on YouTube.
The night before my
practical test I fell asleep around 2am on my sofa with my laptop on my
stomach as I watched "show me, tell me" vehicle safety tutorials. Had I
not watched those videos, my answer to every vehicle safety question
during the real test would have been "I would call my dad and then call AA."
(Note to American readers: AA is the British equivalent of AAA, but for some reason they don't call it the "American Automobile Association" in the UK.)
In
the course of my studies I had to learn all those charming British
motoring terms. To me, many of the terms sounded more like names for
rock and folk bands. You know, when I was a teenager I loved heavy metal
bands like Kerb, Slip Road, and MOT, and punk bands like The Rising
Bollards. Now that I'm older, I prefer the gentler acoustic sound of
bands like Soft Verge, Central Reservation, Pelican Crossing, Gantry
Sign, and Urban Clearway, though I can still dig the pop-punk energy of
Double Mini Roundabout.
I also had to create mnemonic devices to
remember the differences between Britain's bird-name road crossings. A
toucan crossing is where "two can" cross – both pedestrians and
cyclists. At a puffin crossing, a pedestrian may be "huffin' and puffin'
to get across" because there is no flashing amber light. Oh, apparently
"amber" means "yellow" in English English. I've taken to calling
Britain's other traffic lights ruby and emerald.
Thanks to my preparation, I passed the theory test, though my hazard perception score was hazardously low.
When
the moment of my practical test arrived, I was a nervous wreck – though
thankfully not a literal wreck. I tried to endear myself to my
stiff-upper-lipped examiner by noting that the driving tests in America
are "a bit different". He chuckled and said, "they're a joke".
To
be fair to Americans, we drive big automatic cars on wide, open,
straight roads, and most of our country is farmland and wilderness. Most
of our towns and cities were laid out after the invention of the
automobile. America is a car-based civilization. A Declaration of
Independence from public transportation is part of our national psyche. A
burdensome license test would be seen as an infringement on our
fundamental human right to drive.
Things are "a bit different" in
Britain. You have eight times the population density of the United
States and many of your narrow, windy roads were developed before the
invention of even the horse-drawn coach.
My American compatriots
are shocked when I tell them that to earn a UK license I had to take a
lengthy theory test, computerized hazard perception test, eye sight
test, vehicle safety test, and a 40-minute driving test with a
meticulous examiner jotting down each of my "faults" in real time.
As
my faults mounted during the test, I prayed that we would turn back
toward the test centre before I surpassed the maximum level of
acceptable faultiness. I'm a married homeowner who drives an MPV with
two toddlers in car seats; I'm hardly a risk-taker on the road. But I am
an American. The examiner perceived my hazardousness and marked me down
for not looking in my mirrors before I signalled – seven times.
Now
I'm always conscious of looking in the mirrors before I signal and
manoeuvre. Thanks to the rigors of the UK driving test, I'm a much safer
driver, and I'm glad that I share the road with a nation of drivers who
had to pass the same demanding test.
The people of Great Britain
can be rightfully proud of their great driving skills. Whereas the easy
US tests make me wary of American drivers, here in the UK, I've embraced
the mantra Keep Calm and Drive On.
• This article was amended on 2 December 2013 to correct a reference to mnemonic devices, from pneumonic devices.
Tuesday, 3 December 2013
Thursday, 28 November 2013
Wednesday, 27 November 2013
Monday, 25 November 2013
Automatic Driving School driving test pass.
Well done Paul on passing your driving test first time with only one minor fault.!
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Mr Paul Hillyer only had sixteen driving lessons in the Automatic car in Northampton.
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Sunday, 13 October 2013
Stev passes his driving test first time on the Automatic car in Northampton.
Samira passes her driving test only two weeks from her last driving test.
Andrew passes his driving test first time in Northampton.
If you would like to leave a review please click the link above.
Friday, 30 August 2013
Have you the right attitude?
Some of the best information.
The Safe Driver
Driving safely, observations while driving, driver education
Posted by: safedriver | August 29, 2013
Define “professional driver”
I
think we’ve all done things that were a little risky throughout our
lives. Sometimes we do them without much thought. Hindsight is great
though because after doing what was essentially wrong and/or dangerous,
we realized it was something we shouldn’t have done to begin with. What
would possess us to do things like this, especially while driving? Like
the driver of this vehicle who decided to drive along the sidewalk to
reach a specific driveway instead of waiting their turn in traffic. Did
they have this plan originally when they got into the vehicle or was it
something they did at the spur of the moment?I recently did a live morning show on television when I said that every driver should be a professional driver. This wasn’t asking each person to earn a living while driving, but it was more about acting more professional when behind the wheel. Essentially this meant to pay attention to your surroundings while driving and make safe choices. Don’t become a pedestrian behind the wheel. Learn to become a real driver.
To me, a professional driver is someone who looks well ahead and anticipates what the traffic pattern will be up the road and then responds to it early. A professional driver is someone who thinks through the actions before doing them. A professional driver is someone who does the proper things more times than not because they know it’s a safer way, despite the fact that they may be late for their appointment because of heavy traffic patterns. A professional driver is someone who respects their vehicle and those around them. They become a proactive driver. Does this sound like you?
We often hear about drivers who crash their vehicles because of the risks they take. Driver’s who speed, weave in and out of traffic and drivers who purposely distract themselves by texting while driving, eating while driving or by having heated conversations with their passengers hurt more than themselves; they hurt everyone near them. Even though they have passengers with them, they still decide to take these chances. Why?
Driving is more than a physical activity of steering, accelerating and braking. It’s done mostly with your brain and eyes. Your hands and feet just help you go where your brain and eyes want. It’s become a very psychological activity in recent years. If drivers began to take pride in their driving ability, maybe crash rates would drop, injuries would be reduced and fatalities would decrease as well.
When I was a judge on Canada’s Worst Driver I met many people who really didn’t care much about what they did behind the wheel or the vehicle itself. It’s certainly not the attitude of a professional driver. Unfortunately, there are millions more people out there with the same attitude who call themselves a driver. Sitting behind the steering wheel doesn’t make you a driver and it definitely doesn’t make you a professional driver.
Now is the time to make the change to become a professional driver. Sit back and take a good, honest look at you; the driver. It starts with your attitude. Change the attitude and then change the ability. With a solid effort over time, you too can become the ultimate professional driver. I dare you.
Posted in Canada's Worst Driver, collision free driving, common sense, cooperative driving, defensive driving, driver responsibility, driver risk taking, driver training, driving articles, driving attitude, driving habits, Driving in traffic, driving skills, pedestrian safety, planning your route, safe driving, staying in your lane
Categories
Wednesday, 7 August 2013
Thursday, 25 July 2013
Thursday, 11 July 2013
Monday, 24 June 2013
Driving lessons in Northampton lead to a driving test pass.
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Another happy customer passes a driving test in Northampton after having driving lessons in Northampton with me.
www.melvinmeakinsautomaticadi.freeindex.co.uk
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Well done Agnes on passing your driving test in Northampton.
Agnes had automatic driving lessons in Northampton..
This will help her a lot in her new job.
www.melvinmeakinsautomaticadi.freeindex.co.uk
Wednesday, 19 June 2013
Driving lessons history of the Sat-Nav.
I believe that the Sat-Nav when used correctly is a wonderful aid to road safety.
I can give you a driving lesson on how to use one correctly.
Where on earth?
A history of the Sat-nav
The first satellite navigation system was called Transit and established by the US military in the 60s'.
The idea of offering sat-nav for drivers was first floated in the mid-80s'. A system called Homer, based around a modified IBM computer with a screen built into a car's glovebox, was unveiled at a German trade fair in 1985.
There is debate about which car brand had the first sat-nav for its owners. The American-market 1990 Honda Legend was certainly one of the first, using gyroscopes and accelerometers to work out position.
The first portable devices arrived in shops in 1991, and moving maps started two years later.
The idea of offering sat-nav for drivers was first floated in the mid-80s'. A system called Homer, based around a modified IBM computer with a screen built into a car's glovebox, was unveiled at a German trade fair in 1985.
There is debate about which car brand had the first sat-nav for its owners. The American-market 1990 Honda Legend was certainly one of the first, using gyroscopes and accelerometers to work out position.
The first portable devices arrived in shops in 1991, and moving maps started two years later.
The sat-nav business exploded in 1994 when America opened up
its military Global Positioning System (GPS) of 32 satellites for
commercial licensing. US car brand Oldsmobile was the first to launch a
GPS system for vehicles, GuideStar, in 1995.
Maps first appeared on mobile phones in 1998 and spoken route guidance was launched in 2001. Devices aimed specifically at motorcyclists arrived in 2006.
www.melvinmeakinsautomaticadi.freeindex.co.uk [Edit]
Maps first appeared on mobile phones in 1998 and spoken route guidance was launched in 2001. Devices aimed specifically at motorcyclists arrived in 2006.
www.melvinmeakinsautomaticadi.freeindex.co.uk [Edit]
Monday, 10 June 2013
Driving test passes in Northampton.
My website.
| www.melvinmeakinsautomaticadi.freeindex.co.uk If you want driving lessens in Northampton and want to pass your driving test call me on 07707817435. |
Friday, 10 May 2013
Thursday, 9 May 2013
The Official Highway Code: additional rules for high-speed roads
The Official Highway Code: additional rules for high-speed roads
High-speed roads are part of the driving test and should have been practiced when you are on your driving lesson.
High-speed roads are part of the driving test and should have been practiced when you are on your driving lesson.
Thursday, 25 April 2013
Leanne passes driving test in Northampton.
Leanne had her driving lessons in Northampton after being recommended to me from another successful pupil.
Link to my website.
Link to my website.www.melvinmeakinsautomaticadi.freeindex.co.uk [Edit]
Leanne gave me this review!
Having been recommended to Melvin from a friend after having experienced 3 previous driving instructors, I found Melvin really easy to talk to and he was exceptional at putting me at ease when my nerves got the better of me. His teaching style is excellent, explaining to you in an easy format where you have gone wrong and how to correct it for your driving test. Today I passed my driving test and could not be happier! I could not have passed without Melvin and his exceptional
attitude and belief in me! Thank you so much!
Friday, 5 April 2013
Thursday, 4 April 2013
Driving lessons in Northampton.Driving test strike.
Driving examiners on strike 05/04/13,
Do you feel that you have been sent to the back of the Que?
If you feel that you can take a driving test now.
I can move your driving test forward for only £20 and you could feel like this when you pass your driving test!
Mr Beesley passes driving test with only four driving faults.
Review fromMr Beesley
This guy was simply an amazing instructor and very funny! I was always excited to be having a lesson with him. I was quite a bumbly driver when it came to roudabouts and exams but this guy got me through them all and I know for sure it would of took me a lot longer if he didnt have my back the way he did. Well worth the money but then you cant put a price on something like this, when it can change your life so much. This guy has a back up plan for just about anything that you have trouble remembering as well!!! great guy will miss chatting and hopefully will keep in touch :).
thedrivingtestexpertuk
Blog.
Wednesday, 13 March 2013
Why should you pay to use a basket?
Putting the cart before the horse – power
Busy.
That word describes many people within our society these days. We often
have so many things to do that we’re often running late. Sometimes, we
may not be as late as we think we are or the things we do may not take
as long as we think they do. If that’s the case, we really need to
change how we do things that may affect us or other drivers.While I was recently at a shopping area, I noticed many shopping carts left sitting throughout the entire parking lot. Those that used those carts decided to leave them behind where their vehicles were parked after they were finished with them. Why wouldn’t hey put them away in the cart area? Was it too much trouble for them? Were they lazy? Were they running late? I even saw a shopping cart left beside the sectioned off cart area. Why couldn’t they place the cart into the cart area? Was it really going to take that much extra time?
Here’s the problem with leaving the carts throughout the parking lot; they can roll and hit into the sides of parked vehicles. We all know how annoyed we get when we find any type of dents and dings on our vehicle. By placing the carts where they belong, you’re actually helping your fellow drivers to help avoid those annoying dings.
The added problem happens if the shopping cart ends up behind a vehicle, below the window line of the minivan or SUV. If the driver in that vehicle looks out of the rear window they may not see the shopping cart. Walking around your vehicle prior to entering it is always a good idea regardless of where you are as it allows you to spot any problems before entering your vehicle. However, most drivers won’t do that so if you leave a shopping cart in the parking area, it adds to the risk of someone hitting it.
I was retraining a licensed driver who was under the belief that he could see most things around his vehicle because he was very tall and sat high in his minivan. To show him this isn’t the case, I walked away from the vehicle on all four sides with him in the driver’s seat and dropped pylons when he saw my feet. When he got out of the vehicle to see the space he was shocked to see it so large. I then asked him to get back into the driver’s seat and look out the rear window again. This time, I bent over at the rear hatch as if I was tying my shoe and he couldn’t see me. This became a real eye opener for this driver.
So there’s really two issues about those wandering shopping carts; leaving them behind other vehicles may cause those drivers to hit them and damage their vehicle and if someone leaves them behind your parked vehicle, you could hit them. Oh, and shopping carts are far less important than noticing people so maybe doing a walk around is a good idea for all drivers. Maybe some of those drivers never thought about the consequences of their laziness or being in a hurry. Or perhaps they were putting the cart before the horse-power.
Monday, 25 February 2013
Friday, 15 February 2013
Well done Remi Stowesand. A first time pass! With only two faults!
Remi passed at Kettering in the Automatic car.Remi started his driving lessons some time ago and got stuck on the hazard test I gave him some advice and he pass his theory and hazard test the next time!
thedrivingtestexpertuk
Remi passed at Kettering in the Automatic car.Remi started his driving lessons some time ago and got stuck on the hazard test I gave him some advice and he pass his theory and hazard test the next time!
thedrivingtestexpertuk
Thursday, 7 February 2013
Saturday, 12 January 2013
UK Driving Tests at short notice.
If you have recently failed a driving test in the UK you can now pay £20 to find a earlier test date in Northampton.
E-Mail me +melvin meakins.
melvin.meakins@ntlworld.com
for more information.thedrivingtestexpertuk
E-Mail me +melvin meakins.
melvin.meakins@ntlworld.com
for more information.thedrivingtestexpertuk
Friday, 8 June 2012
Khaled Abrel. Passes driving test in own car.
Khaled Abrel has passed his driving test in Northampton with only six minor faults.Khaled had his driving lessons in Northampton in his own car and used his own car on test.
Well done Khaled.
thedrivingtestexpertuk
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