Tuesday 19 February 2013

Driving Lessons Swindon


Driving In Fog and Low Sun
Fog is forecast for Tonight and tomorrow morning. Reduced visibility can be extremely dangerous. Take precautions and know what to do when on the road significantly help reduce the risk.
Fog dramatically reduces visibility, motorists must reduce their speeds to ensure the roads are safe for both themselves and other users.
The Highway Code states that dipped headlights must be used when visibility is less than 100 metres – roughly the length of a football pitch. Those needing to travel are advised to take extra care and ensure their lights (particularly fog lights) are in good working order before setting off. Drivers should also carry a mobile phone with a fully-charged battery and car adaptor if available, and should ensure that their fuel tank is full, as using lights and heating can use a lot more fuel than usual.
The following tips should always be followed when driving in fog:

  • Make sure you know how to operate your front and rear fog lights before setting off.
  • Headlights should be dipped as main beam just reflects off the fog.
  • Follow the ‘two- second rule’ (more in wet conditions) to leave sufficient space between you and the car in front.
  • If visibility is very limited, wind down your windows at junctions and crossroads to allow you to listen out for approaching traffic. If you really cannot see, you should consider stopping until it is safe to continue.
  • Remember to turn your fog lights off as soon as conditions improve.
  • Always drive at a speed where you can stop in the distance you can see to be safe.
  • Check all your lights are working before setting off.
  • Ensure your windscreen is clean.
  • Read the Highway Code and Driving The Essential Skills for more information.
www.lytesdrivingschool.co.uk

Thursday 14 February 2013

Driving in Low Sun

Driving with the low sun in your eyes can be blinding (that's the bad blinding not the Del Boy good blinding). Here is some advice Which I hope will help you.

Keep your sunglasses in the car all the time, they are invaluable.
Use your sun visor, anticipate you are about to turn into the sun and put it down early.
Low sun on a dirty windscreen means more risk of being dazzled as the sun highlights all the dirt and smears on the screen, making visibility very poor.
Clean your windows - inside and out and mirrors frequently.
Keep your washer bottles topped up with a good quality screenwash.
Change your windscreen wipers as soon as they show any sign of wear. They don't last as long as you may think.
If the sun is behind you, it's in the eyes of drivers coming towards you and they might not see you.
NEVER look directly at the sun.
If you can't see well, slow down.
Keep an eye on the vehicle behind, in case you're not seen against the low sun.
Low sun behind can dazzle you through your mirrors so be ready to dip the mirror and check over your shoulder for vehicles in your blind spot
If you see shadows ahead across your path, make sure you can see into them and slow down before you reach them.
Use dipped headlights.
Always consider other road users view and plan that they may not see you.

Thursday 7 February 2013

Driving Licence

IS YOUR LICENCE STILL VALID?
Photocard Driving licences have been around for many years now. Although your licence last until you are 70 years old, the photocard licence only lasts 10 years.
Although the DVLA try to send you a reminder, many people say they have not received it. Therefore, their licence has expired and is invalid.
 
It is your responsibility to ensure your licence is valid. If it has expired, you will not be legally allowed to drive and your insurance will be invalid as well.
 
If you have had your licence many years, check it today, the expiry date is on the front.
 
Hope this helps someone.
 


Monday 4 February 2013

Pass Your Driving Test First Time



Want to pass your Driving test first time like Julia?
She made the right choice and contacted Lytes Driving School
www.lytesdrivingschool.co.uk

Saturday 2 February 2013

Mature Drivers

It's not just learners who take driving lessons.
 
Experienced drivers often take coaching with Lytes driving school to help with any issues they are having. Today we had a lady who has been driving for 30 years who felt she needed some guidance, because, "her daughter kept shouting at her while she was driving".
 
She wisely sought assistance, and as Fleet driver trainers the problem was identified immediately, and, we spent a couple of hours improving the situation.
 
Her main problem was that she was approaching junctions too fast leaving very little time to observe, plus her road position was suffering as a result (sound familiar?).
 
After coaching she was easing off the gas much earlier thereby allowing her time to ensure her position and observation were improved.
 
It takes a bit of time to adjust to this new method, but she is much improved and her confidence is coming back.
 
She sent me a message to say that she went out with her daughter afterwards and there was no shouting!
 
We also spent some time parallel parking as her daughter lives on a residential road with no off street parking.  
 
Well done to her for having the courage to address the problem.
 

Wednesday 30 January 2013

£60.00 off Pass Plus

Following an agreement with Swindon Borough Council, Lytes Driving School can now offer £60.00 off of the cost of Pass Plus.
 
Pass Plus will give recently qualified drivers invaluable further training and experience.
 
It consists of six modules lasting a minimum of one hour each.
1. Town Driving
2. Nightime Driving
3. All Weather Driving
4. Out of town and rural roads.
5. Dual Carriageways.
6. Motorways.
 
There is no test to take, and many insurance companies provide a discount to those having completed the course.
The modules can be taken separately or together to suit you.
 

Saturday 26 January 2013

Driving Lessons Swindon

At last the snow has gone (nearly)
 
Its pretty when it first arrives, but plays havoc with driving lessons and Driving Tests.
If the conditions are bad then the Driving standards Agency won't run the Practical Tests.
 
Although the snow may not be falling the road conditions could be poor and it may be difficult to see where the kerb edge is.
 
We had two tests cancelled due to the snow, which is very frustrating for the candidate.
 
We do try to get appropriate pupils to experience these conditions (somewhere quiet). It could be years before they see snow again, and at least they would have had some experience. We talk about how the car feels, ABS, non ABS cars, smooth use of the controls and slow speed skid control. The pupil usually enjoys the experience.


www.lytesdrivingschool.co.uk

Friday 25 January 2013

Every Now and Then

Every now and then you return to your car to find that someone has hit it and driven off leaving you to pick up the bill.
 
Today it was my turn.
 
Part of life I guess
www.lytesdrivingschool.co.uk

Friday 18 January 2013

Monday 14 January 2013

swindon driving lessons Millie


Millie passed her test, she is a bit excited. Well done you.

www.lytesdrivingschool.co.uk

Congratulations Millie

CONGRATULATIONS MILLIE !!!!
 
 
Millie Poyser of Swindon who passed her practical driving test today at Swindon driving test centre. She is now free to drive anywhere she likes any time she likes.
 
 
Well done Millie, we are all delighted for you, from your driving instructor Dave at Lytes Driving School.
 
 
 

Sunday 13 January 2013

Trailers

Did you know that when you pass your car driving test (class B) you are eligible to tow a trailer up to certain limits?
Above these limits, which are a little complicated and easy to fall foul of, you need class B+E on your licence.
To tow above these limits you need to take a B+E driving test. 
If you are 17 or so you may not feel you need to tow, however a future job or hobby (i.e horseriding, towing a horse trailer) may require this category on your licence.
Without a very accurate weighbridge and information on the weight of your vehicle's maximum authorised capacity and the same for your trailer, you may find you are towing illegally on a B licence, which will invalidate your insurance.

If in any doubt take a B+E driving test.

We can help you with this.

www.lytesdrivingschool.co.uk

Wednesday 9 January 2013

New Tyres

Just had the enormous pleasure of having new tyres fitted.
By law, they now have efficiency ratings to help you with your choice, just like fridges and washing machines.
Previously they were round and black and we bought on price, thinking the more we pay the better the tyre (hopefully)
Now they are rated for Noise, Fuel efficiency and Wet grip.
Ratings are A,B,C and so on with A being the best. So now you can make an informed selection.
 
Remember 1.6mm minimum across the centre 3/4.
 
Don't forget tyre pressures, They are hugely important for road holding and safety.
 
 
 
 


Tuesday 8 January 2013

In Car Camera

IN CAR CAMERA
 
 
We now carry an in car camera so we can record your commentary drive and review it afterwards to see if we can improve your observation and planning.
 
In case you are worried you don't need to be on the video.