Car Driving Tips in the UK

When an amber light is lit (is on) alone, it means that the traffic light is about to change to red. However, when both red and amber are lit, it means that the light will shortly change to green.

Red stud – edge of the road
Green stud – mark the area when slip road merges the carriageway or motorway.
White stud – separates lanes in the middle of the road
Amber stud – central reservation of carriageway of motorway
Greenish/yellow studs – temporary adjustments to lane layouts, e.g. where road works are taking place

It’s not actually law, but the advice is that if the obstruction is on your side of the road, then you should give way.
If both sides of the road are restricted, the safest thing to do is stop (because you take control of the situation).

If the obstruction (obstacle) is on your side
and you see oncoming traffic – then you give way to oncoming traffic waiting behind the obstruction and pass when safe to do so.
You should not overtake the obstruction if it may cause oncoming traffic to swerve or slow down. Actually, It’s the same for all overtaking whether the “obstacle” is stationary or not.
if no oncoming traffic – move out as early as possible.

If the obstruction is on the other side, take a bold position – towards the centre line – but be prepared to give up space, through sidewyas movement or braking, if the other driver is intent on coming through anyway.

The most common minor driving test faults for automatic cars are:

Cockpit drill: Didn’t check the gear stick before signaling to move off. For example if a gear is in (P) parked position and you signal right to move off whilst you should’ve move it to (D) drive position. Another example if you forgot to release the handbrake or opposite not apply handbrake.

Moving away: Not making proper checks before moving off is a minor fault which could become a serious one if you move away when it‘s unsafe to do so.

Reverse parking: You shouldn’t be too far from the kerb or parked at an angle to it after your reverse park. Also look out of the rear window and exterior mirrors as well while reversing and watch for pedestrians when performing this manoeuvre.

Controls: You’ll need to activate the wipers if it’s raining and the lights if it’s dark. If visibility is reduced (such as in heavy rain), you should also switch the lights on so you can be seen.

Awareness: Your examiner is expecting to see evidence that you’re aware of what’s going on around you at all times. That means knowing about other road users nearby, reacting to the signals of other drivers, correctly interpreting road markings and signs and using your indicators appropriately.

If other road users are affected, a minor driving fault can turn into a serious one.

When stopping at the traffic light make sure you see the wheels of the car in front.

When you turning right do the following:
1. Check interior mirror
2. Check right mirror
If it’s safe
3. Indicate the signal

When you turning left do the following:
1. Check interior mirror
2. Check left mirror
If it’s safe
3. Indicate the signal

The more you see side of the car in exterior mirrors the more blindspot is. The side of the car should be seen in mirror only little bit.