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European driver car hire Learn to drive

Driving Rules in European countries: Follow the Road Safety Rules Avoid Accidents

If it’s going to be your first time driving abroad, Europe is always a sensible place to start. But that doesn’t mean you can show up without any preparation. Driving on the continent is more relaxed and safer than almost anywhere in the world, but it is still important to follow the rules of the road and learn the ins and outs of driving here. 

Are you aware of any road traffic rules in Europe? If you are a novice driver or this will be the first time you are driving in Europe, you should contact the best driving school that offers car hire service with an expert European driver in Southhall who will teach you the appropriate rules of driving in this continent. 

Also, here is some information that may be useful to you!

What are road traffic rules in Europe?

Knowing the main traffic laws is essential to ensure greater safety and avoid penalties such as fines and points on your license. In most European countries, there is the main rule that every driver should follow that they have to drive on the right side of the road except in Cyprus, Ireland and Malta. In these 3 countries, you can drive on the left side. To know more legal requirements of European countries, read the below points to know more.  

Essential tips for driving in Europe

These are our essential tips for driving in Europe.

  • Turn on the lights during the day

Lights on during the day make vehicles more distinguishable at greater distances. This makes it easier for everyone to distinguish different types of vehicles on cloudy, rainy, foggy days, at dusk, etc. Also, distinguish vehicles in advance and be able to apply defensive driving actions in cases where they are necessary. They also allow us to identify the direction the vehicles are going on simple two-way roads just by looking at the color of the lights.

  • Warning triangle

In European countries, displaying a warning triangle to alert drivers of any hazard is an important legal requirement. Therefore, every driver should have two warning triangles in front and to the rear of the vehicle during a breakdown.

  • Reflective jacket

Drivers, who are driving in European countries, should carry reflective jackets with them. If any breakdown happens, this jacket will save the life of the driver. This is one of the road safety rules which you should follow otherwise spot fines might be issued to the drivers. Along with this, every driver should carry a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and a spare bulb set in their vehicles.

  • Use the seat belt

The majority of injuries caused in a traffic accident are the result of different impacts that the driver receives in the passenger compartment. This is because the vehicle produces a very large deceleration when an impact occurs, but the driver’s body continues at the same speed that the vehicle was traveling before the impact.

Studies carried out show the result that the use of a seat belt reduces the possibility of serious injuries or death by 80%. The use of seat belts is recommended not only for the driver but for the person who is sitting beside the driver. 

  • Use the headrest

The headrest is not a comfort element of the vehicle, it is a safety element designed to support the movement of the head backward in both a rear and frontal impact, avoiding very serious cervical injuries and breaking the neck of people.

  • Proper age of driving

In many countries, you can start driving at the age of 18. However, in the UK, the appropriate time for driving on the road is at the age of 17. Also, you should remember that holding a cell phone while driving is banned in Europe. 

In addition, it is essential that, before your trip, you take the time necessary to thoroughly learn the traffic rules of the country in which you are going to drive in Europe. So contact with European driver car hire Southhall and learn the rules to follow them. It will make the whole trip much more relaxed and comfortable.

Do you comply with the legal requirements?

To drive in the UK, you must be over 17 years of age and have a valid license to drive motor vehicles on any public road. You must also be able to read a license plate from 20 meters away. Only legal residents can apply for a UK driving license, so foreign nationals are required to prove they have been living in the country for 185 days in the last 12 months.

Obtaining a driving license in the UK as a foreigner may seem daunting, but the basic process is not that difficult. The first tip is that there is no special place for foreigners to get a UK provisional driving license, just apply as you would if you were 16 and just learning to drive!

You can apply for a provisional license on the DVLA website. Once you have applied, this website will take time. So, don’t worry! You can complete this process within the shortest period by hiring the best driving school that offers this service. 

In the meantime, you will have to prepare for your theory exam. Most instructors will help you learn the theory by asking questions during lessons. You can also familiarize yourself with the content and format of the test by taking mock exams. Before booking the driving test, you have to pass the theory test. 

Take the exam!

The last step is to take your driving test. You will be asked to fill in your details as well as your instructor’s details in case you wish to check their availability. After choosing your test center and date, you will be required to pay an amount. Your chosen driving school will send you all the directions to your driving test! On the day, you should remember to bring your provisional license as well as proof of the successful results of your theory. Otherwise, you may not be allowed to take the exam.

To successfully pass the driving exam, you should carefully remember these two necessary points:

  • You have to drive safely in various traffic conditions, and 
  • You should have an idea about Highway Code while driving

What are the documents you should have to drive in Europe?

After completing all the processes and obtaining the driving license, you have to carry some necessary documents with you while driving on the road. They are

  • Driving licence
  • International Driving Permit
  • Valid passport
  • Car insurance documentation
  • Breakdown cover
  • Proof of vehicle use or ownership
  • European Health Insurance Card

Now you have a basic idea about the benefits of driving in a European country. So, are you ready to Hire a Car in Enfield to learn to drive in Europe, you should contact Confident pass driving school. Our highly skilled instructors know how to make the new drivers feel at ease on the European road.  To know more details about us, visit our website to know more!

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Driving Test Learn to drive

UK Driving Test Booking: How to Prepare and Pass Your Practical Driving Test?

Are you excited to take the practical driving test? If yes, then you need to book a driving test with a reputable and reliable driving school. A good driving school will help you make the process of booking the driving test easy and also find available driving slots. It is crucial to know that you are ready with all the formalities before taking the final driving test. So, let’s dig into the basics of practical driving tests along with UK driving test booking in Radlett.

Why Practical Driving the Test is Important for You

The practical driving test is the final step in the learning to drive course. It is a test of your ability to drive safely and competently on the road under various conditions and situations. You will take the car on the road with an examiner who will assess your performance on various aspects, such as:

  1. The instructor will assess your control of the vehicle, such as steering, braking, accelerating, changing gears, and parking.
  2. You will be tested on your observation of the road, such as checking mirrors, blind spots, signals, and hazards.
  3. How do you comply with the Highway Code, such as by following traffic signs, rules, and signals, and giving way to other road users?
  4. How does your response to different scenarios such as junctions, roundabouts, crossroads, and pedestrian crossings?
  5. The examiner will correct your execution of various manoeuvres such as reversing, turning, and emergency stops.

Generally, the practical driving test lasts for about 40 minutes and you will need to pass both ‘the eyesight test and the show me’, and ‘tell me questions’ before you start the driving part. You will also need to drive independently for about 20 minutes, following either a sat navigation or traffic signs.

You will be allowed up to 15 minor faults, but no serious or dangerous faults, to pass the test. If you pass the test, you will receive a pass certificate and will be able to legally drive in the UK on your own. If you fail the test, you will need to rebook the test and try again.

How To Prepare And Pass Your Practical Driving Test?

To prepare and pass your practical driving test, you will need to do the following:

Practice with a Professional Instructor: Practice your driving skills with a qualified and experienced instructor who can give you feedback and tips on how to improve your performance and avoid common mistakes.

Familiarise With Rules and Regulations:  You need to review the Highway Code and familiarise with ‘the show me’, ‘tell my questions’. And you should make sure you understand the rules, signs, and signals that you need to follow on the road.

Be Punctual with Time: Plan your route and check the traffic and weather conditions before your test and make sure you arrive at the test centre at least 15 minutes before your appointment.

Carry Essential Documents: You need to bring your UK driving licence, theory test pass certificate, and confirmation email with you and make sure your car is roadworthy and clean.

Prepare Mentally:  You need to stay calm, confident, and focused during your test, and listen to the examiner’s instructions carefully. If you are not sure about something, ask the examiner to repeat or clarify it. If you make a mistake, don’t panic, just carry on and try to correct it as soon as possible.

How to Book Your Practical Driving Test?

For UK driving test booking in Radlett, you will need the following documents and information:

  • Your UK driving licence number
  • Your theory test passes certificate number
  • A suitable date and time according to your preference and availability
  • A test centre according to your preference and convenience
The Steps You Need To Follow Up-To Confirm Your Driving Assessment

To book your practical driving test, you will need to follow these steps:

  • Open the website URL (gov.UK/book-driving-test)
  • Log in by entering your driver’s licence number and booking reference or theory test pass number
  • Click on the candidate information section and enter your contact number and email address. It is essential to add contact information, as the examiner may need to reach out to you if there is a delay or cancellation of the test.
  • Choose your preferred test centre, date, and time from the available options
  • Confirm your booking and pay the fees
  • Receive a confirmation email with your booking details and reference number
How to Rebook Your Practical Driving Test?

If you cannot pass the test at one attempt, or if you need to change or cancel your booking, you will need to rebook your practical driving test. To rebook your practical driving test, you will need the following information:

  • Your UK driving licence number
  • Your booking reference number
  • The date of your last driving test, if you have taken one before
The Steps You Need to Follow for Rebooking

The process is the same with slight differences. To rebook your practical driving test, you will need to follow these steps:

  • Open the website URL (gov.uk/change-driving-test)
  • Log in by entering your driver’s licence number and booking reference number
  • Choose a new test centre, date, and time from the available options
  • Confirm your new booking and pay the fee, if applicable
  • Receive a confirmation email with your new booking details and reference number

According to the DVSA rule, you can rebook your test only after 10 working days from your previous test. The DVSA working days are Monday to Saturday, so you need to calculate the 10-day gap accordingly.

UK Provisional License Car Hire Options

Sometimes, the learners do not have a car to practice their driving skills, in such case, you can go for UK provisional license car hire in London. The driving schools will provide you licensed car along with a certified instructor. You can hire for the following scenarios such as;

Last-minute Driving Test Care Hire: when you hire a car for a last-minute driving test you can expect a certified and experienced examiner. You can go for this kind of hiring in two scenarios; 1. Want to opt for a last-minute test, and 2.  Lost your license and want to apply for a retest.

Dual Control Car Hire: You can also hire a dual control car for your driving test. The professional instructor can provide you with proper support to maintain safety and security.

Extended Driving Test Car Hire: In the case of an extended driving test you need to perform more steadily as it lasts longer. You can also hire a car for this course.   Now, you know what the practical driving test and how to prepare for it along with the procedure of UK driving test booking in Radlett. If you need a practical driving test along with the car you can reach out to Confident Pass Driving School. We offer several driving courses to make your driving experience easy and smooth. Driving test booking would be a cakewalk as we will handle everything from booking the slot to making you a confident driver.

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Learn to drive Mock driving tests

How a Mock Driving Test Can Help Get Your Driver’s License Sooner

A mock driving test is among the best means to learn and strengthen practical driving skills before the actual driving test. It helps point out the level of skill the candidate is already at as well as highlight their potential improvement areas. It is the most practical way of preparing for the driver’s test as the driving instructor would attempt to replicate the format and feel of the actual driving test as realistically as possible.  Therefore, if an individual is feeling unsure concerning their driving skills or is experiencing before-test nerves, they can opt for a Mock driving test near me in WatfordThis will equip them with the experience necessary to take on the driving test with full confidence. 

Should You Take a Mock Driving Test?

If a candidate wants to feel 100% sure that they are ready for the driving test then taking a mock driving test is certainly the way to go about it. The primary goal of a mock driving test is to find out if the candidate is ready for the real thing.

Furthermore, it enables the driving instructor to observe and point out any weaknesses in the candidate’s skills and recommend ways they could be improved before the driving test.

Though it is possible to schedule a mock test at any point in time during the driving course, however, it is mostly advised to take the driving test about four weeks before the practical test. This will give the candidate enough time to make up for any mistakes or gaps in their skill or understanding which are yet to be perfect.

Furthermore, the outcome of the mock test won’t be of much consequence if taken a few weeks in advance, as compared to taking the test a day before the final driving test.

People who are specifically more nervous than others could also go for the mock driving test at the beginning of their driving course. That way, they will discover all the lessons they need to learn and how much practice can help them improve. This will remove the uncertainty that hovers around learning how to drive and hopefully help the candidate feel less nervous.

Benefits of Taking a Mock Driving Test

A mock driving test offers several benefits, no matter if the candidate has just started learning how to drive or their test date is underway.

One of the most significant benefits of going for a mock driving test is that enables candidates to get a solid understanding of the conditions prevalent during the test in advance.

The instructor during the test would replicate the ambience of the actual test. For instance, the instructor would carry a feedback sheet and limit the amount of small talk to a minimum. Experiencing real test conditions before the actual thing is truly an invaluable lesson that will help overcome nervousness during the exam.

Depending on the test instructor and location, they may also take the candidate on the route recommended for the actual test. This will also be a 40-minute drive replicating the realistic conditions of the driving test. In some cases, the instructor may even conduct multiple mock tests on different routes to test the candidate’s adaptability and driving prowess. It could be so that the candidate requires more practice on a specific drive route.

Another essential benefit of taking a mock driving test is that it allows the instructor to check if the candidate has any weaknesses that are revealed under pressure. This is when the instructor can work on the candidate, preparing them for any unforeseen scenario that may occur during the driving exam.    

Implications of Failing the Mock Driving Test

Even if a candidate fails the mock driving test, they can still opt for the driving test. However, failing the mock test is a clear indication that a candidate needs more practice in preparation for the practical test. If there is not much time, then it is best to consider pushing the test date back in the calendar so that they can have time to prepare well and work on their weak areas.

Most professional driving institutes recommend taking the mock driving test at least four weeks in advance of the actual driving test. This will grant the candidate enough time to recover in case they fail the mock driving test.

There are also instances of learners who can pass the mock earlier on in their driving course. However, they may still end up feeling nervous when the test date approaches, this could cause them to fail their mock test leading up to the day of the driving test. This could be the result of silly mistakes caused by excess pressure or nervousness. Hence, it is far better to fail the actual test rather than the actual exam.

Many other first-time driving test candidates are not upset that they failed their driving test. They rather cherish the experience. This emphasizes how candidates should not have to focus on failing the driving test, which can cost them their confidence.

Few Tips to Help Pass the Driving Test: Easy, Intermediate, and Advanced

Here are certain tips shared by established and experienced driving instructors who shed light on how to pass the driving test:

  • Turning up to the driving test on time is extremely vital. It is okay to take one’s car as long as all the necessary permits and insurances are in order. The candidate should try to arrive at the test center with at least 5 to 10 minutes in hand before the test starts. On the other hand, If the candidate reaches the test center too early (at least 20 to 30 minutes in advance) they may be asked to leave and return close to the actual time.
  • One should double-check whether the learner’s license ad theory test pass certificate or letter is in order. The learner license is essential, though the theory test letter is only required when the examiner is working out the rules.
  • Carry all essentials to the test. Keep them ready the night before such as glasses (if needed), comfortable footwear, an inhaler and a bottle of water, and so on.
  • Request a short driving lesson from the instructor the day before the test to help ease any nerves and have anything revised which feels required. In many cases, candidates take a test before the lessons to find out what they need to learn.
  • Use a vehicle one is already accustomed to for the test.
  • Choose a local test center, especially near the route where one has been practicing.
  • Try to have a mock test organized at the same time as the actual test the day prior. This will give a brief idea of the prevailing traffic conditions that one needs to be aware of.
  • The instructor would conduct several practices on the routes on which the test is scheduled to be held. This will be done following the DVSA code of conduct which involves teaching candidates in a client-centric manner.
  • When the candidate is feeling unsure regarding any directions, they should ask the instructor to repeat themselves. No deductions would be made on the day of the exam. This is because the test is meant to assess the learner’s driving skill and not the ability to understand verbal instructions.
  • The candidate should try to understand what they are doing instead of memorizing everything. Nervousness can cause them to forget what they memorized on the day of the exam.
  • Practice the “show me, tell me” portion of the test. This includes being able to point out different parts of the car and demonstrating certain manoeuvres.
Conclusion    

Taking on the mock test four weeks before the actual drive test is a great way to identify any issues which the candidate is facing. It is an effective way to learn to drive in Kings Langley that allows candidates to assess their skills a little before the exam date.