With all the driving schools out there how do you choose which one to learn with? For some friendly advice and driving lessons in North West Kent and South East London head over to our site. We also offer a weekly learning to drive blog aimed to help guide you step by step through both your practical and theory test.

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When parking in a bay (in a supermarket or normal car park) the safest way to park is to reverse into the bay. It really is easier to reverse in. Before you start to revere have a Good look all round, Finish looking the way you are going to turn the steering. (ie finish looking over left shoulder if you are reversing left into the bay).If your mirrors are set correctly you WILL NOT see the vehicle on your left. If you can’t see the
vehicle on the left you can’t hit it.If you can see the vehicle you may be to close, Don’t forget to check the right mirror as you move back.
Providing you have positioned your car correctly you can move back but turn full lock to the left IMMEDIATLY & you should get into the bay first time.
For any further advice email contact@mrasom.com for an immediate reply

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Avoiding motor vehicle collisions is actually a question of thinking about how to perform the essentials. After getting behind the wheel for any length of moment without an accident almost all drivers begin to depend on instinct and the confidence that they are a really good drive. The fact is that that may possibly not be the case at all, they might have just been fortunate.

When backing out of a parking spot, it is essential to not just inspect to the left and right to see if a vehicle is approaching, but to also always check right behind you and be sure that the motor vehicle behind you doesn’t select that point in time to back out of his parking spot. You also have to be aware of shoppers walking behind your motor vehicle, especially young ones that have raced in advance of their parents and will possibly not be easily noticed over the rear of your car or truck.

Whenever you are waiting for the red light to turn green know to hang on a second after the light turns before moving into the intersection. Inevitably there will be another person coming from the left or right who tries to speed thru on the tail-end of the yellow light or a whole lot worse thinks that if the car in front has time to make it thru the yellow that it means they can. Usually the light turns just as they are getting into the intersection and if you are chomping at the bit to get going as soon as you get the green, you could readily get yourself in a bad mishap.

Whenever you are at an intersection waiting to turn right, the instinct is to look for traffic on its way from the left and then to just commence your right turn without a final check in that course. The fact is that, many accidents happen simply because something has changed to the right; like a pedestrian walking into the crosswalk or a motor vehicle from the right making a U-turn into your lane or even a vehicle pulling out of a parking lot just around the corner. If you turn without checking first there could be a sudden mishap and it would be your fault.

Don’t be in such a rush to pull out into traffic that you hurry out as soon as an oncoming car or truck passes without knowing for certain that it is not towing a low trailer behind it. The low tow can be dangerous if you are in a rush.

When you are changing lanes in traffic you need to be sure that you really turn your head and glance back over your shoulder for a vehicle that may well be perched in the blind spot of your rearview mirror. That has happened too many times to count; that after a quick look in the rearview mirror I would only do a actual head turn as I was really starting to switch lanes. Luckily, there’s never been an catastrophe, but it has been close a couple of times.

When you drive through residential neighborhoods where cars and trucks are parked on the roadwayslow. Young children and animals are not pondering about you when they chase their toy or each other into the street. With no notice at all they can burst from between parked cars into the road in front of you, if you are proceeding too fast you are not going to be able to stop in time. Regrettably even going slow doesn’t ensure that there won’t be a traumatic events. So slow down and watch when driving a car thru neighborhoods.

Recently involved in a car accident in Boring Maryland? Talk with an experienced Baltimore Maryland car accident attorney about your options.

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This article is not another one on how to learn basic driving skills. You don’t need to be reading about changing lanes, parallel parking and turn signals. Instead you will be learning about the risks taken when drinking and driving and how drinking even a little before driving can cause major problems. Associations like MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, have been able to make great strides in educating people about driving after drinking. However you should consider how drinking can affect your driving skills.

Just one drink can affect the way you multitask. Multitasking is a hard skill to accomplish even without alcohol and when you are under the influence it can become extremely hard. Some classic TV shows make fun of drunken people messing up as they try to multitask. We lose our ability to function normally when we are drinking and multitasking is a major skill that is affected.

Driving takes a lot of concentration, even for a sober person. One must constantly be watching side mirrors, rearview mirrors, and out the front windshield. Even on country roads where the chance of seeing someone else is small, we are paying attention to the road, our surroundings, and watching for any impending dangers (like animals in or near the road). If we can’t devote our full attention to driving, then driving is impaired.

Really busy roads can be difficult to drive on even without the influence of alcohol. This is because there are many things that can change in a moment. You can never assume what the other drivers on the road will do. The elderly lady beside you can decide to change lanes suddenly or brake a long distance before a stop sign. Other drivers might not be as careful as they should be. Reaction times are slower when you have consumed alcohol. What should be an easy task of navigating through traffic becomes a difficult one when we are slowed down by alcohol and the chances of having an accident increase.

This article just illustrates a few points of how even the smallest amount of alcohol can prevent you from driving safely. Driving under the influence is just not the smartest thing to do. Given the dangers of driving after drinking, it is best to try to take preventive action. Something to think about is choosing a designated driver, or even abstain from alcohol altogether. If you really cannot arrange any alternative you can always just sleep in your car. The sacrifice will be well worth it as your safety and that of others is of paramount importance.

This information is provided solely for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

William Bly of Nielsen and Bly is a DUI attorney in Maine whose website has more information available about Maine DUI laws.

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Driving the speed limit often means driving at a high rate, which can be dangerous if your tyre develops a rupture. Even the most seasoned motorists will feel fear as they struggle to control the car.

Depending on the severity of the puncture you may still have limited control over the vehicle, which will allow you to stop the car safely and in a position where it does not cause a hazard to other road users.

As soon as you suspect that one of the tyres has developed a puncture you need to fight the natural initial instinct to brake sharply and pull over to the side of the road as soon as possible. Instead stay calm, take a firm grip on the steering wheel and avoid using any harsh steering or braking inputs and allow your speed to gently decrease naturally.

It can be trying to steer your car when you are at high speed with a hole in the tyre. By reacting too quickly you can cause a spin out due to the force placed on the car. The tyre will also have a loose grip on the road. After speed has been reduced it is much easier to move the vehicle off the road and allow it to stop naturally.

With your vehicle safely stopped at the side of the road and with your hazard lights on, you should only attempt to change the flat tyre yourself if it will not put you or other road users at risk. Do not attempt to change a tyre yourself on a motorway, even if it is on the nearside, as it could be the last thing you ever do, instead notify the rescue services and they will despatch a recovery service to assist you.

When it is safe to change the tyre on the road you will need to get all mechanical equipment to change the tyre out of the car as well as anyone else in the car. The parking brake should be set. Any lights you have in the car can help you see the tyre more clearly especially during dusk or late evening. Always have your hazard coat on to allow any motorist to see you.

Your cars owner manual will list the safety points for where to place the jack. Before jacking up the wheel secure the vehicle on the jack in the appropriate location.

When re-tightening the nuts after replacing the wheel always make sure you tighten them in opposite pairs, to ensure the wheel is fixed securely against the axel face, before driving off again.

Being stranded at the side of the road can be a stressful experience for any motorist especially at night, so make sure you are visible to other drivers by leaving your Sidelight Car Bulbs on. It is also a good idea to consider installing Upgrade Car Light Bulbs, which will make your vehicle more visible at night.

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Your vision at night is reduced not only because you are exhausted, but also a lack of light, which makes it tough for you to avoid possible dangers or other motorists. There is one great thing about night motoring, though, and that is less traffic on the streets, providing you with more liberty when driving.

Before setting out for a night drive it is a good idea to check that your headlights are clean and function correctly. This is also true, and a legal requirement, for your sidelights as well as your number plate lights. Headlight alignment is very important as incorrectly aligned headlights can irritate or dazzle other road users. If you suspect your headlights are misaligned arrange for them to be tested and reset by a qualified auto mechanic.

Any time you have items in your back seat or boot which are heavy your headlights could increase in height. Drivers will certainly find this troublesome, but with the adjustment switch inside your vehicle you can modify where the headlights are pointing.

Your vehicle lights should be turned on when the street lights are on. During grey days or unfavourable weather you should have your headlamps on. Any time there is a low light it is a good idea to have your headlamps on. Dark coloured vehicles can be more difficult to see by others; therefore your lights can help make other drivers be aware that you are on the road.

Dipped beam headlamps should be used at night, unless you are on a street with low or no light. In this instance your main beams should be used. Your bright lights can distract other drivers, pedestrians, or motorcyclists. You should switch them off when you approach another car, person, motorcycle, or bicycle.

Anytime you follow another vehicle the dipped beam head lights need to be used. When you feel you need to pass another vehicle be aware that your sight can be reduced and illusions can be created by shadows. Dips or curves in the road can be particularly difficult as you pass another vehicle.

There are some things you can do to prevent the effects hazards can cause on your visibility. A person driving at night tends to be drawn to lights, especially headlights. You can avoid this feeling by looking to the left of the oncoming lights.

Dirt, road grime, or grease on your windscreen may create an optical illusion that is both dangerous and annoying. Chips and cracks can change the refraction of the light as well. It is best to change your rear view mirror to night driving setting, in order to lessen the impact of other vehicles behind you. You also need to consider when you might need to slow down on a bend or at a junction as lights may affect you.

Motorists driving during the night should be unworried about the dangers, and instead enjoy the experience of open roads without traffic.

Due to the lack of ambient light when night driving it is important that you always fit the best car bulbs that you can afford. Because bulb technology has advanced considerably you can now install new H7 xenon bulbs that ensure that you can see much further into the darkness.

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It is an all too common scenario. You and co-workers stop after work for a get together and have a couple drinks, and even though you do not feel impaired when leaving you find yourself being pulled over and charged with DWI ( Driving While Intoxicated). State laws have, with pressure from groups such as MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers), tightened up on the law for DWI offenders with an additional boost to the revenue.

Since drunk drivers cause more of the fatal accidents that happen, states don’t bother to differentiate in their treatment of those who occasionally drink after work and those who are alcoholics and drink a 12-pack every day after work. Regardless of which category you fall into, you will have to pay for an attorney, the same fees, penalties, fines and jail times. This is especially true for first time offenders.

After the BAC was lowered in most states to 0.08%, people who owned bars saw business drastically decline. This is because that level is for most people equal to only two beers in just an hour or less. The legal fees associated with drunk driving can be quite a lot and that is without adding the expenses associated with the mandatory SATOP course. That alone can be a couple hundred dollars and then there is also the required administrative suspending of your driver’s license. This is for a minimum of thirty days and that is only what comes before you have your day in court and are found guilty.

Considering alcohol is legally sold, the penalties are stiffer than some marijuana charges and cost more to defend, especially for a social drinker that happens to have a drink or two, once a year, if they happen to get caught.

This is where the next charge DUI, (Driving Under the Influence) comes in. In most states, this is where the police can tell you have had a drink, but you don’t test out at the .08 blood alcohol content. This charge can occur if they smell it on your breath. In other words, you can take ONE SIP of alcohol, and still have the same expense, suspension and every other hassle that a habitual drinker gets when they get caught.

Thought and risk associated with the new stricter laws makes people withdraw from any social settings such as a simple drink with dinner or stopping for a visit at a bar for a birthday. People are staying home and having a drink rather than risk being caught.

Since it would require someone in the group to drive and thereby not allowing them to party, most drinkers refuse to put this kind of pressure on their friends. They don’t go along with this idea, because they don’t think it is fair for the person who will have to abstain from drinking alcohol. However, if you are a drinker then you will just have to learn to accept this due to the DWI laws in existence.

The standard in the majority of states is a mandatory license suspension, whether you were found guilty or not. If you are reading this it is a good guess your interest is because you have gotten a DWI or DUI, so for starters be prepared to spend a lot of money even if you haven’t been found guilty.

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The Left Reverse

Why do I have to know this?

It is one of the five set manoeuvres. The examiner will choose two of the five for your test.

This is a very useful manoeuvre. It is an alternative to the Turn in the Road. It is the skill that will help you to reverse on to a drive way or into a parking bay. You might use it if you have to get out of the way of another vehicle.

How do I do it?

Before you start

• Is it safe to do the manoeuvre?

• Is it legal to do the manoeuvre here?

• Is it going to annoy other people if I do the manoeuvre here?

• Is it possible to do the manoeuvre here?

Starting the manoeuvre

• The examiner will start you off from a normal parking position. In real life driving you do not have to do the same.

• As you drive past the corner you are reversing into have a look. What problems can you see.

• Come to a halt three car lengths beyond your corner. Make sure that the car is about 50cm from the kerb. Make sure that the car is straight and that the steering wheel is straight.

• Take your seat belt off and twist round in your seat. You need to see out of the back left window.

• Right hand at the top and left hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. Reverse back until you see the kerb start to bend, to the left, in the back left window.

• Steer left, try to keep the kerb in the same place in the back left window.

• Eventually the kerb will vanish from that window. Keep steering to the left until it is in the centre of the rear windscreen.

• Turn the steering wheel to the right until the car and steering wheel are straight

• Reverse back at least three car lengths from the mouth of the junction.

Points to note

During the reverse you must look over your right shoulder at least three times. You are looking for other road users who might need to steer around you. Look before you start to steer left, half way round the corner and at one other time in the manoeuvre.

From http://www.driversedcompany.com

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Every state in the U.S. requires would be drivers to study a driving manual, practice driving under the supervision of a licensed driver, and successfully pass written tests and driving tests.

But, if you take a road trip of almost any length, you will encounter an almost unlimited number of incompetent drivers; drivers who make driving extremely stressful for the rest of us. If you want to ensure that you are not one of those drivers, take these recommendations seriously.

1. Do not ever drink and drive. As few as two drinks can impair you to some degree.

2. Follow at a safe distance; at least two seconds behind the car in front of you. If the cars in front of you are following each other too closely, you need to be even further back.

3. If a car is following you too closely to be able to stop safely in the event you have to stop quickly, pull over and let it pass. As annoying as that may be to do, it could save your life or the life of one of your passengers.

4. Adjust your mirrors with care and be aware of where your blind spots are.

5. Don’t bet your safety that other drivers will stop at a light or sign. Always look before proceeding.

6. Pay close attention to the actions of other drivers and be especially careful of those who drive erratically and/or aggressively.

7. Anticipate and drive defensively at all times.

8. Adapt to poor lighting, bad weather, rough roads or other less than ideal conditions. Drive more slowly, follow at greater distance, etc. Be especially careful when ice or snow is on roads.

9. Maintain your car well. Be sure brakes are in top shape, do not drive on worn tires, etc.

10. Never make another driver adjust his/her speed or course. If you do, you are driving badly.

You can’t eliminate bad drivers, but you can avoid being one.

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Depending on what area of the country you live in, the start of the winter season can bring with it a whole host of concerns when it comes to your automobile. Poor driving conditions and frigid conditions may literally leave you stuck out in the cold if you aren’t properly prepared to deal with them.

Get your car a “Check-Up”

The absolute best way to ensure that you?re prepared to handle the weather ahead is to have your car checked out by a licensed mechanic. You?ll want a tune up, all your fluid levels checked, your battery tested and all your belts and hoses inspected. Sub freezing temperatures can further shorten the lives of worn down batteries and the less than perfect pliable materials that your belts and hoses are made of. A dead battery or broken belt is a great way to end up freezing your rear end off on the side of the road while you wait for roadside assistance.

Make sure your tires are in good condition and properly balanced as well - it?s no fun at all having to change a flat on the side of the road while you?re knee deep in snow and slush and the sun is going down.

Be Prepared

There are certain things that you should always have in your car in case of an emergency, like a small tool kit including the necessary items to change a flat, some small hand tools, a flashlight and a roll of duct tape; you should also have a fully stocked first aid kit and some flares in case of a night time emergency. These things become even more important to have handy in the event of extremely cold temperatures or the threat of heavy snow. In the spring and summer you can wait comfortably for help to arrive, but in zero degree temperatures you may find yourself with a nasty case of frost bite if you can?t get your car operational and help is a long way away. In addition to your normal tools and first aid kit you should also pack a couple of nice heavy blankets into your trunk in the event that you do have to wait in the cold for help to arrive

Tire chains are another possibility (or necessity depending upon where you live), that can be extremely helpful for winter travel. There are several types of chains available, which can cause some confusion but your mechanic should have no trouble suggesting a set that will work well in your particular area. Sets of chains may vary quite a bit in cost, but it?s probably not the best idea to scrimp and save on something that may save your life should you get stuck in the snow.

Be Cautious

Many people fail to pay attention to speed limits, construction signs or the many other laws of the road. Some of those people are lucky enough to get through their travels without causing or being involved in an accident, but the nasty conditions of winter weather can drastically increase the chances of being involved in an accident. When driving in less than favorable conditions you need to slow down and take every precaution in order to stay safe and keep those around you safe. Winter weather decreases visibility and makes roadways slippery and more difficult to navigate, these things coupled with even the slightest bit of negligent behavior is a sure recipe for disaster.

It’s true that driving in winter weather conditions is more risky than driving in perfect weather, but you can minimize the likelihood of having problems by following the steps detailed above. If you are prepared and cautious and have your car checked out fully by a good mechanic you give yourself an excellent chance of having problem free travels regardless of the outside conditions.

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I think our parents still marvel at all that we have to offer our babies; between technology and zillions of brand names, we have choices to give our kids that they’d never dreamed of giving us. I always shake my head when I hear the stories of how babies used to be transported in the back seat in their little bassinets or “Moses” baskets, just resting on the vehicle seat without any restraints. Or how the babies could easily be comforted by the mother while driving because, after all, they weren’t belted in anywhere. It’s not that our moms, grandparents, and prior generations were opposed to safety; it simply didn’t exist in the form it does now. The first baby car seat to be invented was nothing more than a sack attached to the back seat with some strings. This is hardly comparable to the hundreds of options that parents of today can choose from.

Not only has what is being offered changed, but what is expected and demanded by law has also changed. Vehicle safety is an area of continuous restructuring as the government and various affiliations work to improve road safety. The sad truth is that most accidents can be prevented and this is especially saddening when you realize that most deaths of small children due to vehicular accidents are a result of being improperly restrained. We read the how to guides for our VCR’s, digital cameras, and air conditioners, so why not read the instructions on how to install the baby’s car seat. It is true that they seem self-explanatory this strap here, this one there, belt it in and off you go. True, manufacturers have created car seat models that are easy to use, detach, carry and install but you simply must read the instructions especially if you are unsure as your baby’s life may depend on it. One statistic states that four out of every six children are improperly restrained in the vehicle thus lessening the likelihood that they are safe.

In Europe, each Country may have its own child safety laws when it comes to car seat requirements just as different states have different traffic laws. It is essential that you are aware of these restrictions and requirements if you are traveling outside of your home town. Similarly, in Canada there are laws for restraining young children. Manufacturers advertise and warn parents of such restrictions, such as placing children under twelve in the front seat of a vehicle with airbags, but it is up to us to abide by and pay attention to these restrictions. If you are uncertain of the vehicle laws in your area, especially those that pertain to child car seats, you can contact the traffic office, local MLA or other government agency. The importance of knowing how to install your baby’s car seat and which car seat is right for your child can not be overstated. As the Funny Doctor, “knowing is half the battle”.the other half is ‘doing’!

Baby is on the way and you either have a car seat or you don’t. You may have an older car seat passed down by a friend or family member or you may have purchased a new one the moment you found out you were expecting. Are they both safe? Well, logically you are thinking that the baby that occupied the hand-me-down seat was kept safe and is thriving today so why wouldn’t it do the same justice to your bundle of joy? Simply because everyday standards are changing and what was considered safe a few years ago is not necessarily safe today.

We Are trying to equip you with the knowledge of how to choose, purchase, install and use the appropriate safety seat.

It’s not an article to tell you that you must go now and purchase the most expensive one out there. You can borrow baby or child car seats , but they should be within the current safety standard regulations. You should not borrow a car seat that is more than five years old and in fact, you should not use the same seat you used for your last child if it is more than five years old. This is a common mistake among parents and most of the time nothing happens. However, you don’t want to place bets on it most of the time. Ensure your child’s safety by being certain about the car seat’s history and quality.

Oh so many choices You don’t just have to choose from different brand names and manufacturers or different features and options. Oh no! You also must choose from a variety of options in regards to “stages”. There are baby carriers, rear facing seats, front facing seats and boosters as well as combination and convertible seats. Keep in mind, that most of these stages are for just that; the appropriate developmental stage that your child is at. I

The Feds recommends that children are in these seats or at the very least, in rear facing car seats until they are one year of age AND 20 pounds. Your child must have reached both milestones, according to law, to use a front facing seat. In fact, the school of thought is that as long as you can keep your child comfortable rear facing you should do so even if you surpass this requirement. This waiting time allows for the strengthening of their bones and muscles, particularly in the neck. Using a forward facing seat too soon puts your child at serious risk of injury or even death should a vehicle collision occur.

How do you use a baby car seat? PROPERLY!! How do you do this? Baby car seats are tested and tested again to ensure maximum safety for your child. This safety is only assured if you, the purchaser, use this seat properly right from installation to latching up your child each time. You must be certain that the car seat fits well in your vehicle. This includes making sure that neither the seat nor baby’s head is not on too much of a slant. Get it Done Professionally

When installed and used properly the baby car seat will work to the best of its ability to keep your baby comfortable, secure and, above all else, safe. Baby car seats work with the vehicle seat belts and the seats to restrain the child in place.

A regular seat belt is not capable of keeping a small baby or child restrained upon impact. Their bodies are much too little. The car seat is equipped to hold them securely within the harness, while the vehicle seat belt tightly restrains the car seat as a whole. Your baby car seat will come with a number of features and options, all of which you should be aware of and be certain that you want. Some of your choices will include the type of harness, be it six point, five point, or three point. These work by restraining the child in that many places.

For example, a three point harness restrains the Baby at both shoulders and once between the legs. Your car seat may or may not come with a detachable base (this is for infant carriers), a head rest, adjustable handles (again, infant seats), drink holders, and many more options. A car seat works best if it meets your particular needs so know beforehand what your needs are so you can find exactly what you are looking for.

You can receive advice on installation from the manufacturer and can in fact even have your installation checked for safety. Online, you can find a number of locations to drive to with your car seat and they will tell you if your car seat is securely, safely and properly installed. Be sure as well that once a child is in a rear or front facer that you adjust the head rest to accommodate their growth spurts. As well, be certain that restraints are secure and you can get now more than a finger between the restraint and baby. If it has too much room baby may not be secure.

Summary Having a Child is a big step in your life. You will want to feel prepared and know that you are doing all you can to keep baby safe. If nothing else, remember these few things: car seats come with instructions- read them! Don’t borrow or buy a seat you don’t know the history of but if you do borrow or buy a second hand seat check for any defects, double check your installation and be prepared to make adjustments to the harness as baby grows, contact a professional (websites can give contact numbers and people) if you have any uncertainties. Your local health department can also help you make sure that baby is resting safely and comfortably in the seat.

By following the simple rules of car seat installation and use, just as you would follow the “rules of the road”, you are doing your best to keep your most precious cargo safe. A child passenger safety technician is within a phone call if you need more questions answered. Look on line at consumer or government websites for more information. Stay safe.

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Welcome to part #2 of the Xperiences guide to driving and track day experience gifts for adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers. In this concluding article we aim to finish our brief glimpse of the best that is available on the market today, whether it’s Skid Pan & Controlled Driving, karting, tank driving, moto cross or rally driving experiences. If it’s on two or four wheels we aim to give you the lowdown on it.

Rally Driving Rally driving occupies a unique place in the motorsport world. It’s fast, furious and often seems barely in control. Well, find out for yourself behind the wheel of a specially-prepared rally car. Discover the secrets of power slides, handbrake turns and skid cause and control on loose surface or tarmac rally stages - handy for the next time you’re trying to find the ski lodge in a hire car. Your experience normally includes tuition and rally driving around a specially-prepared rally stages. At some venues you’ll also be chauffeured around a stage by your instructor at competition speeds, just to show you how it’s done.

Moto Cross Motocross racing is widely considered the world’s most popular form of motorcycle racing. Held on enclosed off-road circuits it has evolved from scrambling which was invented in the UK in 1924. With large tracks they usually incorporate many natural Motocross terrain features with added man made jumps and other extras. Whether you are a complete off-road novice or a seasoned dirt junkie, there are guided off-road adventure tours that will suit you down to the ground!

Tank Driving Put on your tin hat, settle into the driving seat of an Abbott tracked gun, an Armoured Personnel Carrier or a six-wheeled Stalwart, and get ready to learn tank driving! Very entertaining and surprisingly challenging, tank driving is an experience that everyone should try.

Skid Pan & Controlled Driving Skidpan driving focuses on both avoidance and recovery, and you’ll normally learn the skills of driving on ice, aquaplaning and skid avoidance exercises with friendly and expert instructors, who’ll always keep their head even if you’re a bit spooked. Courses are held either on an oil-like surface or using a computerised skid frame (looks like stabilisers on your bike, only they’re not very stabilising). Some courses also include time trials to test your new skills!

Junior Driving There’s no need to wait to get your licence before you can drive a car. Now kids can discover the thrill of driving as they get behind a steering wheel for the first time in safe, controlled conditions. An Approved Driving Instructor can show them the rudiments of driving and help them gain confidence in open spaces and a relaxed atmosphere. This experience is all about helping young (and not so young!) learners to make the most of that crucial first drive - to learn more, to experience more and to have lots of fun too.

Karting Karting isn’t just for kids - it’s how many Grand Prix champions (including Jenson Button and current F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton) start out before moving on to fame and fast women. Whatever your racing ambitions, these experiences are loads of fun; whether you’re a novice or an expert you’ll enjoy the fast and furious sessions, racing others head-to-head around a specially-designed track. You’ll start with a briefing and a few untimed practice laps to get you familiar with the karts and circuit (and get your competitive streak going). Then you’ll compete against other drivers in race heats, semi-finals and finals.

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Parents still marvel at all that we have to offer our children; between technology and zillions of brand names, we have choices to give our kids that they’d never dreamed of giving us. I always shake my head when I hear the stories of how babies used to be transported in the back seat in their little bassinets or “Moses” baskets, just resting on the vehicle seat without any restraints. Or how the children could easily be comforted by the mother while driving because, after all, they weren’t belted in anywhere. It’s not that our parents, grandparents, and prior generations were opposed to safety; it simply didn’t exist in the form it does now. The first baby car seat to be invented was nothing more than a sack attached to the back seat with some strings. This is hardly comparable to the hundreds of options that parents of today can choose from.

Not only has what is being offered changed, but what is expected and demanded by law has also changed. Vehicle safety is an area of continuous restructuring as the government and various affiliations work to improve road safety. The sad truth is that most accidents can be prevented and this is especially saddening when you realize that most deaths of small children due to vehicular accidents are a result of being improperly restrained. We read the how to guides for our VCR’s, digital cameras, and air conditioners, so why not read the instructions on how to install the baby’s car seat. It is true that they seem self-explanatory this strap here, this one there, belt it in and off you go. True, manufacturers have created car seat models that are easy to use, detach, carry and install but you simply must read the instructions especially if you are unsure as your baby’s life may depend on it. One statistic states that four out of every six children are improperly restrained in the vehicle thus lessening the likelihood that they are safe.

In Europe, each Country may have its own child safety laws when it comes to car seat requirements just as different states have different traffic laws. It is essential that you are aware of these restrictions and requirements if you are traveling outside of your home town. Similarly, in Canada there are laws for restraining young children. Manufacturers advertise and warn parents of such restrictions, such as placing children under twelve in the front seat of a vehicle with airbags, but it is up to us to abide by and pay attention to these restrictions. If you are uncertain of the vehicle laws in your area, especially those that pertain to child car seats, you can contact the traffic office, local MLA or other government agency. The importance of knowing how to install your baby’s car seat and which car seat is right for your child can not be overstated. As the Funny Doctor, “knowing is half the battle”.the other half is ‘doing’!

You have a bun in the oven and you either have a car seat or you don’t. You may have an older car seat passed down by a friend or family member or you may have purchased a new one the moment you found out you were expecting. Are they both safe? Simply because everyday standards are changing and what was considered safe a few years ago is not necessarily safe today.

We Are trying to equip you with the knowledge of how to choose, purchase, install and use the appropriate safety seat.

It’s not an article to tell you that you must go now and purchase the most expensive one out there. You can borrow baby or child car seats , but they should be within the current safety standard regulations. You should not borrow a car seat that is more than five years old and in fact, you should not use the same seat you used for your last child if it is more than five years old. This is a common mistake among parents and most of the time nothing happens. However, you don’t want to place bets on it most of the time. Ensure your child’s safety by being certain about the car seat’s history and quality.

You don’t just have to choose from different brand names and manufacturers or different features and options. Oh no! You also must choose from a variety of options in regards to “stages”. There are baby carriers, rear facing seats, front facing seats and boosters as well as combination and convertible seats. Keep in mind, that most of these stages are for just that; the appropriate developmental stage that your child is at. Infant carriers are to be used with newborns up to about 22 pounds, but the weight limit varies with the model and make.

The Feds recommends that children are in these seats or at the very least, in rear facing car seats until they are one year of age AND 20 pounds. Your child must have reached both milestones, according to law, to use a front facing seat. In fact, the school of thought is that as long as you can keep your child comfortable rear facing you should do so even if you surpass this requirement. This waiting time allows for the strengthening of their bones and muscles, particularly in the neck. Using a forward facing seat too soon puts your child at serious risk of injury or even death should a vehicle collision occur.

How do you use a baby car seat? PROPERLY!! How do you do this? Baby car seats are tested and tested again to ensure maximum safety for your child. This safety is only assured if you, the purchaser, use this seat properly right from installation to latching up your child each time. You must be certain that the car seat fits well in your vehicle. This includes making sure that neither the seat nor baby’s head is not on too much of a slant. Get it Done Professionally

When installed and used properly the baby car seat will work to the best of its ability to keep your baby comfortable, secure and, above all else, safe. Baby car seats work with the vehicle seat belts and the seats to restrain the child in place.

A regular seat belt is not capable of keeping a small baby or child restrained upon impact. Their bodies are much too little. The car seat is equipped to hold them securely within the harness, while the vehicle seat belt tightly restrains the car seat as a whole. Your baby car seat will come with a number of features and options, all of which you should be aware of and be certain that you want. Some of your choices will include the type of harness, be it six point, five point, or three point. These work by restraining the child in that many places.

For example, a three point harness restrains the child at both shoulders and once between the legs. Your car seat may or may not come with a detachable base (this is for infant carriers), a head rest, adjustable handles (again, infant seats), drink holders, and many more options. A car seat works best if it meets your particular needs so know beforehand what your needs are so you can find exactly what you are looking for.

You can receive advice on installation from the manufacturer and can in fact even have your installation checked for safety. Online, you can find a number of locations to drive to with your car seat and they will tell you if your car seat is securely, safely and properly installed. Be sure as well that once a child is in a rear or front facer that you adjust the head rest to accommodate their growth spurts. As well, be certain that restraints are secure and you can get now more than a finger between the restraint and baby. If it has too much room baby may not be secure.

Summarizing. A new Baby is a big step in your life. You will want to feel prepared and know that you are doing all you can to keep baby safe. If nothing else, remember these few things: car seats come with instructions- read them! Don’t borrow or buy a seat you don’t know the history of but if you do borrow or buy a second hand seat check for any defects, double check your installation and be prepared to make adjustments to the harness as baby grows, contact a professional (websites can give contact numbers and people) if you have any uncertainties. Your local health department can also help you make sure that baby is resting safely and comfortably in the seat.

By following the simple rules of car seat installation and use, just as you would follow the Canadian “rules of the road”, you are doing your best to keep your most precious cargo safe. A child passenger safety technician is within a phone call if you need more questions answered. Look online at consumer or government websites for more information. Stay safe.

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If you want to give your favourite car fanatic the ultimate driving experience or track day then this guide to high octane motorsport gifts is essential reading. It aims to give you the lowdown on the wide range of adrenaline-fuelled driving experiences available, featuring everything from Ferraris to Formula 1 racers. Experience the mind-blowing power and acceleration of the world’s greatest sports cars and make dreams come true.

Supercar Driving. Speed freaks can enjoy a wide selection of turbo-charged experiences from many varied suppliers. The range of choices available include thrilling laps in a Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Maserati or Audi R8, racing in superb 1300cc saloon stock cars, scrambling over fields and splashing through puddles on a quad biking adventure (either with a friend, driving for half an hour each, or just for one with a full hour on the bike), enjoying furiously competitive fun with outdoor endurance karting - and many more! These thoughtful gifts offer the ideal experience for all budding car lovers and adrenaline junkies.

Track Days. Aston Martin represents pure power and finesse. Racing School venues around the country offer you a variety of performance cars; beautifully crafted modern classics with performance to stir the soul. It looks and sounds fantastic, with V8 power that demands long straights and high-speed corners. Or maybe you prefer to go to Leicestershire or Warwickshire and try the DB9; an uncompromising 6 litre, 186mph speed machine, with V12 power and handling to satisfy any driving enthusiast. These cars have it all - pace, incredible handling and stunning design.

Stock Car Racing. Exhilarating, fast paced, fun and let’s face it, completely crazy! Stock Car Racing offers you the one off chance to get a specialized and partially demolished car, put your foot down and enjoy the pure adrenaline as you crash, speed and get cheered on all the way! These are excellent gifts for those looking for something a little different and a lot of entertainment.

Quad Biking. Quad biking is some of the best, messiest fun you can have in the countryside. After a thorough safety briefing you’ll normally get kitted out in protective clothing and be introduced to your quad. To start off with you’ll be driving on level ground round a marked circuit while you get a feel for the quad. As you gain experience - and bottle - you’ll be able to shift up a gear and soon you’ll be power sliding round the turns like you were born on the bike.

Off Road Driving. There is something about off road driving which appeals to pretty much everyone’s sense of adventure. Whether you attempt a challenging off road course in a 4 x 4, take one of the 150cc Quad bikes out for a spin round the track or try something a little bit more obscure like the Apache Rally cars fitted with 750cc motor cycle engines and a six speed gear box!

Monster Trucks. This is a great day during which you can get to experience multiple extreme off road driving adventures. One of the main attractions could be the awesome Hi-Lux British Spec Monster Truck; you can take this beast of a vehicle out on to a purpose built course and get to put it through its paces. Next up you might try a ‘jacked up’ jeep along a high view green-lane track before taking a Daihatsu 4×4 through a muddy course which is strewn with woodland debris. Monster, Monster!

Single Seater Racing. Driving an F1-style single-seater racing car is unlike anything else. You’re strapped into the open cockpit with your legs stretched out into the nose of the car, the steering wheel in front of you and the gearstick between your legs. You’re only a couple of inches off the ground and you’ll know it; you can feel every bump and vibration and you’ll have to fight not to over steer, as your super-responsive car reacts to every tiny adjustment you make. This is driving at its limits, as done by the pros; just you and the car.

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If you watched Sunday nights Top Gear you would have seen their very own captain slow James May turned into a half way decent racing car driver.

After just a few driving lessons from an former F1 Finish Driver.

Was this down to a faster car? Hardly James May has driven much faster cars and a much slower pace. So was it the driving instructor? Well having a form F1 driving instructor no doubt helps. But what makes so many Fins such good drivers?

In the course of the show James mentioned that from a a young age, a low a 9-12 Finish people are encouraged to get driving experience and when it comes to getting on to the road it takes them 3 years of driving lessons. Including intensive driving lessons, skid control and so on.

So what is better a healthy encouragement to learn at a young age and 3 years of lessons to make sure you can handle any situation or 10-20 UK lessons, pass your theory, pass your test and then leave you to your own devices like we have here in the UK?

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Tires are often the last items we think about when it comes to car maintenance, until the day we have a flat. Keeping tires inflated properly and a good tread will save on fuel costs, tire repair, or even towing if you get a flat.

Inflating your tires to the recommended PSI will keep your tires in better condition, preventing uneven wear on the tread. Check the sidewall of the tire, or the manufacturer’s sticker inside the door for the required PSI. The vehicle manual also gives recommended tire size and inflation instructions.

Accidents are a major concern with over-inflated or under-inflated tires. Taking the time to check the tire pressure is worth the safety of the passengers in the vehicle. This is even more urgent if traveling on the highway. Most people do not consider an improperly maintained tire life-threatening, but it can lead to dangerous circumstances.

Invest in a decent tire gauge to measure the PSI in your tires. Don’t decide a tire is inflated properly just by looking at it. Do not rely on air pumps for accurate pressure readings either. They are not always reliable. Air pressure gauges are carried at auto manufacturers, auto supply stores, or even department stores. Find a gauge with a calibration up to 80 PSI.

Check the tire inflation on all tires, including the spare on a monthly basis. Keep a log in the glove compartment of the pressure readings. This way, you can determine the tires need servicing or not. If you decide your tires need to be looked at by a service technician, show the log readings. The serviceman will get a better idea of what to look for by the pressure readings recorded in the log.

Measuring the tire pressure only takes a few minutes, and will give you peace of mind when you are driving. Insert the gauge into the stem of the tire. A measure stick will push out of the end of the pressure gauge, telling you the tire pressure. Add air to the tire if the gauge reads lower than the recommended air pressure. Let air out of the tire if it becomes overinflated by pushing in on the stem in the middle of the valve. Measure the tire again for proper PSI.

This can be confusing the first few times, so if you feel uncomfortable pumping the air to the correct pressure, bring the vehicle to a service station. They will fill your tires to the proper limit. Some service stations offer this service for free; others will charge a small amount.

There are different causes for damaged tires: over inflation, under inflation, heavy loads in the vehicle, or not rotating the tires. Make the monthly tire check part of your routine for the best wear on your tires, and more importantly, the safety of your passengers.

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Why does your zip code impact your auto insurance rate? Getting a clear understanding of its effect will help you make better decisions when buying a new home: You’ll appreciate that saving a few hundred on a home might actually cost you thousands in auto insurance premium over the course of a few years.

Here are a few of the reasons.

Your new home’s location will largely determine your automobile mileage in a number of ways. If you live far from the places you frequently go to you will accumulate higher mileage. Take your place of employment for example: If your home is 20 miles from your place of employment and you drive there five days a week, you’ll accumulate four times as much mileage as your neighbor whose office is just 5 miles away.

Is there access to standard public transit where you are moving to? Using public transit will definitely help you lower down your auto insurance rate.

If your place of residence has a high crime rate, this will be a major factor in determining your auto insurance rates. The reason for this is your area’s crime rate will affect your risk of vandalism and theft.

If you are deciding to move to new home in a different area, take some time out to do these calculate. The little bit of money you save on your new home might be totally negated by the rate increase you incurred on auto insurance premium.

Think about taking some time to do thorough comparison shopping to locate insurers who offer better insurance prices for the zip code you are moving to. Different insurance company’s rates may vary more than you think.

Remember when you’re shopping for a home; get auto insurance quotes to compare for the different zip codes you are interested in. If your zip code adds $300 to your annual auto insurance costs, you’ll pay an extra $6,000 over the course of 20 years!

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YouTube - Driving Test Tips: Reverse Around a Left Hand Corner

Driving Test Tips. A complete driving lesson on how to do a left hand reverse for the UK driving test. Get this right and pass your driving test first time.

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Many people feel that hourly lessons go on and on forever and that is sometime when they decide to consider an intensive driving course

Remember that when considering intensive driving courses, deposits are generally not transferable. Courses often run from 4 to 10 days in total and depending on your ability you can choose which course you like the look of. Taking part in a driving crash course can often confine those pesky L plates to the bin once quite quickly.

Normally an assessment lesson will take place from your own home prior to agreeing the term of a crash course. The instructor will be able to assess your full ability and give you a complete package and price.

Such a crash course need to be planned by passing a theory test and then booking a driving test and arranging intensive driving lessons to start and finish just before the planned test date.

When deciding on an intensive course pupils usually decide to do one of two things: do all their lessons intensively over the course of a week or two or alternatively, they do a semi-intensive course in the weeks running up to the test. This can often be the more beneficial option, as it allows more time for the information that is taught in the lessons to be taken on board and to sink in. Pupils who take intensive driving course usually have good reasons to learn this way i.e. a new job requires you to drive or perhaps going to university.

Everyone wants to learn to drive and pass their driving test in as little time as possible. Here are five steps to help you potentially shave weeks off your overall learning process.

One – Apply Early For Your Provisional Licence

It takes approximately three weeks for your provisional licence application to be processed by the DVLA and your licence delivered, however you can actually apply for your licence up to two months before your 17th birthday. By sending off your application early you can be ready to start your driving lessons soon after your birthday, with no wasted time waiting for the much needed licence!

Continue Reading: 5 Steps to Passing Your Driving Test Quicker!