Road Masters Driving School

Fear of driving

1. 5 Reasons For Failing The Driving Test

   31st July 2015 11:34 amComments Off on 5 Reasons For Failing The Driving Test

   Those of you who’ve been taking Road Masters driving lessons in Exeter will undoubtedly be keen to pass the practical and theory tests first time around. However, the Department For Transport have revealed that a mere 47.1% of learner drivers successfully complete these challenging examinations. Some people fail because of extreme nervousness on the big day. Others are unprepared for encountering major motoring hazards. We’ll explain some common and obscure reasons for failure…

   1. Junction Observations

      The Road Masters instructors take time to highlight the importance of approaching junctions with caution and looking in both directions before turning in the road. However, a high proportion of learner drivers are deemed to have made the major error of inadequate observation. Many fail to identify significant hazards on the left side of the road.

   2. Reversing Round Corners

      Learner drivers are prone to worrying about the performance of maneuvers. Some become so anxious that they forget to carry out blind spot checks and maintain appropriately low speeds while reversing around corners. The driving examiners also keep a watchful eye for use of the side mirrors. However, young drivers can maximise the chances of success by remaining calm, acting with due caution and practicing the principle of thorough observation.

   3. Unexpected Distractions

      Complete concentration is essential for driving test success. However, there have been some instances of young drivers being marked down as a result of unexpected distractions. One young lady was unable to resist the temptation of veering towards a hunky motorcyclist. Cats, dogs and squirrels have also played a part in driving test failure.

   4. Steering Errors

      Extreme nervousness often results in over-steering during the driving test. There have even been instances of young drivers colliding with the kerb and moving dangerously towards oncoming traffic. Thankfully there are various ways of overcoming the stress. It might be worth trying some relaxation techniques and waiting until you have complete confidence behind the wheel before registering for the test.

   5. Bumping into Pedestrians

      The driving examiners are usually able to take control and avoid collisions with unsuspecting pedestrians during the driving test. However, there was one reported instance of a learner driver who crept forward and bumped into a seemingly carefree shopper at a zebra crossing. Apparently the pedestrian had been camouflaged as they were wearing striped clothing. However, the examiner wasn’t entirely convinced!!

   Don’t fail your driving test – get your lessons with Road Masters! Contact us now!

2. Maneuvering Your Way To Driving Test Success

   19th February 2015 9:31 pmComments Off on Maneuvering Your Way To Driving Test Success

   It is quite usual for learner drivers to worry about the challenge of performing manoeuvres during the driving test. This is quite understandable, given that the confident completion of an emergency stop or turn in the road may make the difference between success and failure. However, those of you who enjoy the benefit of Road Masters driving lessons will develop essential skills for the execution of such tricky maneuvers. We’ve even produced this handy guide to calm your nerves before the big day.

   Choice Of Maneuvers

   It’s worth remembering that the driving examiner will ask you to complete one out of a possible four maneuvers. You may be required to perform a turn in the road, reverse to the left, reverse into a parking space or safely position the vehicle in a bay. You should also be alert to the possibility of having to make an emergency stop. It is essential to remain calm and listen carefully to any instructions given during the test.

   Safe Parking

   You will be expected to make appropriate use of the interior and side mirrors while carrying out parking maneuvers. A sensible speed should be maintained and you should consider the potentially erratic behaviour of other motorists and pedestrians. It is quite possible that you will be asked to park in a relatively quiet urban area. However, you should position the car safely, away from any junctions and bends.

   Round The Bend

   Caution should be exercised if you are asked to perform a reverse to the left. You should keep an appropriate distance from the kerb and pay due regard to all other road users. The examiner will expect you to maintain controlled use of the clutch and reverse slowly. You should park a good distance from the kerb and wait for examiner to give you the all clear for resumption of the driving test.

   Three Point Turn

   You’ll probably be hoping to avoid the dreaded three point turn during the driving test. However, there will be no reason for concern if you heed the advice given during driving lessons in Exeter. You should check that the road is clear and maintain a low speed. Focal points should be used to ensure that you adopt an appropriate position in the road. The examiner will also expect you to perform a check for fellow road users before making the final turn.

   Expert Advice

   You can expect comprehensive training in each of the driving maneuvers during driving lessons with Road Masters. We’ll take the time to address your concerns and deal with any problems which may arise during the driving test. You’ll develop the confidence to deal with various scenarios which may be encountered when you’re a fully fledged driver.

3. Overcoming The Fear Of Driving

   19th September 2014 4:37 pmComments Off on Overcoming The Fear Of Driving

   The experienced Road Masters instructors are quite used to encountering people with a fear of driving. We instruct people who are fearful of exceeding certain speeds, navigating roundabouts and driving along the motorways. It is usually only a matter of time before the drivers start gaining confidence and forgetting the feelings of anxiety. However, some people have immense difficulty overcoming their worries while behind the wheel.

   Reasons For Concern

   Joanne Mallon, author of How To Overcome A Fear of Driving, has claimed that the feeling of anxiety is more widespread than many people would imagine. Indeed, a recent survey revealed that one third of Spanish drivers feel worried about the prospect of having to deal with specific driving situations. A major motoring organisation has estimated that 600,000 British people will never regain their driving confidence. There are a number of explanations for this issue. Some people develop anxiety after being involved in accidents. Others are alarmed by the regularity of media reports regarding the variety of on-road risks.

   Worrying Symptoms

   The fear of driving manifests in different ways. Common symptoms include trembling, fear of losing control and altered perceptions of reality. It is little wonder that so many people opt to ditch their car keys after experiencing such horrible sensations. However, it’s important to remember that there are proven means of re-establishing the feelings of inner confidence and control.

   Positive Change

   It is really helpful for the driving anxieties to be identified at an early stage. Learners who experience particularly high levels of concern should not be afraid to speak with their instructors. It might be possible to address the issues by speaking calmly and increasing the amount of controlled exposure to certain types of situations.  If the sense of anxiety persists then it may be worth consulting a trained hypnotherapist and learning how to perform relaxation techniques. Drivers who’d like more stress busting information are encouraged to get in touch with the Road Masters Driving School in Exeter!