The key to good driving technique is smoothness, and the secret to smoothness is good preparation.
DRIVING POSTURE
When you first get a car take the time to adjust the seat and controls to suit your
height and build. Correct driving posture reduces fatigue, improves your control
and allows the safety features of the vehicle to operate effectively.
SEATBELTS
For seatbelts to work effectively they should be adjusted ‘low, flat and firm’.
• Low – placed below your hips to fully secure your body weight.
• Flat – no twists, turns or folds.
• Firm – about every 15 minutes when you drive pull the belt firm to remove any
slack.
AIRBAGS
Airbags are a supplementary restraining system (SRS) designed to be used in
conjunction with seatbelts. To get the most benefit from the driver’s airbag the
steering wheel should be adjusted low, facing the driver’s chest rather than the face.
BRAKING TECHNIQUE
Correct braking is done in two stages, first put light pressure on the brake pedal
and pause (set up the brakes), then progressively apply the necessary braking
pressure (squeeze).
Two-stage braking (set up and squeeze) improves braking effectiveness, reduces
the likelihood of skidding and provides better control.
Harsh or excessive braking pressure may cause skidding and a loss of control,
particularly on wet or gravel roads.
STEERING TECHNIQUE
There are two main steering techniques, ‘push/pull’ and ‘hand over hand’.
Regardless of which method is used some general rules apply:
• Steering must be smooth and progressive.
• Reduce speed before steering and wait until the vehicle begins
to straighten before accelerating.
• When steering keep both hands on the outside of the steering wheel and
thumbs along the rim.
Low risk driving
Driving is never risk free, but you should aim to drive ‘low risk’. A low risk driver has good observation, speed management and road positioning skills. OBSERVATION
The key to good observation is scanning.
Scanning is keeping your eyes moving, checking in one area for a couple of
seconds and then moving your eye to another area.
When scanning look:
• In the distance.
• At the road surface.
• To your left and right.
• Regularly at your mirrors and instruments. SPEED MANAGEMENT
Drive at a speed that is within the speed limit and this will allow you to react and completely stop within the distance you can see is clear. When you see potential
hazards, slow down and prepare to stop (referred to as setting up the brakes), for
example when pedestrians are close to the road or when other vehicles may turn in
front of you. If you cannot see at least five seconds ahead you must slow down.
Slow down on wet, icy or gravel roads where it will take longer for your vehicle to
stop.
Your ability to control the vehicle is assessed by the way you handle the tasks involved.
OPERATING THE CONTROLS
Some of the driving tasks that the testing officer will observe and record are
listed here:
Adjust driver’s seat posture and steering column (if adjustable) to ensure you have good control of the vehicle.
Operate accelerator smoothly when accelerating and decelerating.
Operate brakes smoothly and effectively.
Coordinate clutch and gear lever to make smooth gear changes.
Select appropriate gear for the situation including when coming to a stop and parking the car.
Avoid over-revving on take off and gear changes.
Driver’s seat belt is correctly fastened, fitted and adjusted (low, flat and firm).
Apply a brake when starting the vehicle.
Prevent rolling back when starting on hills.
Use park brake correctly when preparing to secure the vehicle and ensure it is fully released when driving.
Steer with both hands on the steering wheel (except when using another control), using either ‘hand-over-hand’ or ‘pull-push’ method with hands on the outside of the steering wheel.
Use other controls such as indicators, windscreen wipers and demisters.
You must be confident in your use of all controls and be able to operate them without being distracted.
There are two overlooked things that are really important for your RMS driving test.
Refer to the “The Guide To The Driving Test” and make sure your understand this
Before proceeding through traffic lights, you must turn your head and check to ensure there are no vehicles that may be ‘running’ the red light, or pedestrians crossing against the ‘don’t walk’ sign. You must also turn your head and check to ensure it is safe before proceeding across a railway level crossing.
Therefore BEFORE you enter an intersection with traffic lights you MUST turn your head and look right and left. If you do not do this you will fail. Even if there is no road on your left or right you still must turn your head. Cos you need to look for pedestrians as well as bikes, cars, trucks etc.
The other overlooked thing is blind spots checks. Simply, every time a blinker is blinking there is a blind spot to check. Every time you change direction, as in turn left, you must indicate your intention and check the blind spot.
You must turn your head and check your blind spots before: • Changing lanes. • Leaving or returning to the kerb. • Merging or diverging. • Reversing. • Turning left – looking for pedestrians, bicycles and motorcycles that could be beside you in your blind spot. • Turning right – looking for vehicles that may be overtaking you. • Joining the traffic stream. • Leaving the inside lane of a multi lane roundabout. When reversing you must turn your head and look over your shoulder.
On your RTA driving test you must do all blind spot checks because if you miss three you will fail. And you will be grumpy plus have to redo the RTA driving test.
When going through multi-lane roundabouts slow it down so you can blink left to leave the roundabout plus check your left blind spot if you are in the right lane. On my video pagehave a look at the three videos, may help you pass your driving test. Good Luck !
Katie passed the RMS Driving test
Any questions about your RMS driving test, call Cameron 0438 364 244
[cy] Camber Drivng School Cameron Latta 34 Nathan Cres Dean Park, NSW, Australia
Your first driving lesson and learning to drive are important milestones in your life and there are a lot of things to learn and remember.
These tips will help you get the most out of your first driving lesson and help you become a safe driver. All driving schools can sign off one hour as three in your log book. For ten hours.
Where possible we make sure your first driving lesson is in a controlled area. Maybe an industrial park on Sunday. We then move onto normal roads but stay away from main roads until you are ready.
Before starting your first driving lesson:
review your knowledge of the road rules
put your L plates on your car
store your learner logbook in your glove box or another safe place
(you will need to fill it out after every drive)
decide where you are going to keep your learner licence
(you will need to have it on you every time you drive).
You can drive with anyone you choose, as long as they have
a full licence.
It is a good idea to combine driving lessons with a driving school and
regular practice sessions with your parents or friends.
Driving Lessons:
You must hold your learner licence for at least 1 year—this gives
you plenty of time to practice your driving skills in a variety of situations.
You should spread your driving practice out over the entire learner
licence period, instead of waiting until just before your practical driving test.
Weekly practice in different places is important for
developing good driving skills.
Make sure you drive in different conditions, in the dry, in the wet,
during peak hour, at dusk and at night.
When deciding to practice driving with a supervisor,
make sure you are alert and focused.
Cancel your first driving lesson if you:
are tired
have had alcohol—as a learner, you must comply with the no alcohol limit
are affected by medication—either illegal or prescription drugs.
Before you start your first driving lesson:
check that the tyres are inflated properly
make sure you have enough fuel and that the oil and water is full
adjust your seat so you have good visibility and control
adjust the headrest so the top is at least as high as your eye level
adjust the steering wheel height so you are comfortable and have a good
view of the instrument panel and the road ahead
make sure your feet can comfortably reach the pedals
ask your supervisor to walk around the car and help you do a mirror check
to find blind spots
ask your supervisor to check that the indicator and brake lights
are working correctly
take note of where important controls, such as the handbrake, demister,
windscreen wipers, indicators and horn are located and make sure they
all work correctly.
If you are learning to drive in more than 1 car, take the time to adjust
to the different cars—some may have power steering, different brakes or mirrors.
When you drive at night:
Turn your headlights on between sunset and sunrise or when visibility
is reduced—not only do you need good visibility to drive, other drivers
also need to be able to see you.
If a vehicle comes toward you with its lights on high beam, slow down and
look to the left edge of the road until the vehicle has passed you.
When you drive in rainy, foggy or smoky conditions:
reduce your speed
increase your following distance behind the vehicle in front
avoid sudden braking, accelerating or turning to reduce your risk of skidding
turn your headlights on
use your air conditioning or demister so the windows and windscreen do not fog up
obey all road closure signs
never drive on a road or street covered with water.
When you drive in the city:
always have your route planned and make sure you are in the correct lane
to avoid any sudden changes and stress
be extra aware of road signs, signals and road markings, such as one way signs,
no entry signs, shared zones and pedestrian crossings
watch out for reduced speed limits in areas with high pedestrian traffic.
When you drive on suburban streets:
keep your eyes open when driving near parked cars—children and other pedestrians
can be hard to spot if they are crossing the road from behind parked cars
take extra care in areas where children are likely to be around, such as schools
and playgrounds
stay alert at stop and give way signs, and at unmarked intersections
you should never drive faster than 50km/h unless there is a sign indicating
otherwise.
When you drive on main roads:
Increase your following distance behind the vehicle in front of you.
Because you drive faster on a main road, you need to allow for a longer
stopping time.
In good conditions, there should be at least 3 seconds between your
vehicle and the vehicle you are following.
Drive to the conditions and to the speed limit.
Approach intersections with care—even when you have a green light.
Pay attention to what other road users are doing.
Look for hazards ahead of the vehicle you are following—this will allow
you more time to react.
Plan your moves in advance and give plenty of warning of what you intend to do.
Indicate these intentions correctly, such as when you want to change lanes or turn.
To book your first driving lesson please call Cameron 0438 364 244.
First Driving Lesson
[cy] Camber Drivng School Cameron Latta 34 Nathan Cres Dean Park, NSW, Australia
