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               Concept Driving Tips For Learner Drivers

Warning! Only through experience can a driver begin to understand the on-road environment they will have to contend with. Below are some tips to help you on your way to becoming a good driver. As a learner driver you must need expart advice & supervission to follow our driving tips. Concept Driving Academy will not responsible for any unexpected or unfortunate situation if occur.

Oil Patches

Vehicles with leaky engines drop oil onto the road and it tends to accumulate at stop signs and stop lines where cars are often stationary. Over time, the oil creates a very slippery surface, unfortunately heavy or late breaking is often needed at precisely the same spots where the oil has accumulated and it can cause accidents. Be aware of the dangers and try to avoid braking heavily in these areas.

Blind Spots

When driving on a freeway it is scary how other vehicles can hide in your blind spot. Vehicles can be hidden if they are traveling at the same speed as your vehicle in the next lane for a period of time or, a speedster accelerating across three lanes can quickly move into your blind spot. Regular checking of mirrors will reveal motorists moving in and out of your blind spot. When changing lanes on a freeway it is absolutely essential to signal for a very long time before driving into a new lane. After signaling and discouraging other motorists from driving into the lane next to you it is important to check over the appropriate shoulder for approaching speeding vehicles and to ensure that the driver in the next lane is not about to drift over without a head-check. It is okay to leave the signal on for a long time when you get into the new lane because nobody will assume you are about to turn as there are no intersections.

Driving Aids

• Seat and Seat Belts
• A good guide is to be comfortably seated so that with both arms outstretched your wrists will rest on top of the steering wheel. Some minor seat or seat back adjustment may be required to allow the foot controls to be fully depressed. Manually operated seat belts require adjustment. The lap part must be below the stomach with the buckle at the side. The belt should be as firm as comfort allows. Retractable seat belts are self adjusting.  

• Mirrors and Blind Spots
• Mirrors must be adjusted so that vision to the rear is unobstructed. Remember that mirrors do not give a complete picture, so the blind spot areas must be checked (applicants must indicate and describe the blind spot areas and explain what is required to check blind spots).

• Turn Indicators
• The turn indicators are operated by a lever attached to the steering column. This activates the lights attached to the front and rear of the vehicle which indicates the driver's intention to other road users. A light is displayed on the dashboard and a clicking noise is audible while the signals are in operation. Where practicable, signals must be given at least 30 meters before diverging or turning, and must be cancelled on completion. Indicators should self-cancel, however on completion of turns or deviations indicators should be checked to ensure they have cancelled.

• Driving Lights
• A vehicle's driving lights are generally operated from the main light control switch. This switch controls parking and clearance lights, including number plate and tail lights, and low and high beam.

• Ignition Switch/Steering Lock
• The ignition switch and steering lock are operated in association with one another by the ignition key. When activated the lock prevents turning of the steering wheel. This lock must not be activated whilst the vehicle is in motion. Note: Diesel vehicles may have an independent cut-out switch. The key activates the vehicle's ignition system. The final position, which is spring loaded, activates the starter. The key must be returned to the ignition position as soon as the motor starts. Accessories are also activated by this key.  

• Windscreen Wipers/Washers
• The wipers/washers are used to clear the outside of the windscreen so that the driver has clear vision in all weather conditions.

• Demisters / Ventilation
• The demisters are used to clear the inside glass of condensation. Ventilation is provided by either opening the windows, using the fresh air/heater controls or air-conditioning unit. A clear view through all windows is essential and must be maintained.

• Warning Lights/Gauges and Speedometer
  • Temperature Light or Gauge
  • If the temperature gauge registers high or the warning light comes on while the engine is running, the engine is overheating and must be checked immediately. To continue driving the vehicle would damage the motor.
  • Oil Pressure Light or Gauge
  • If the gauge is registering low or the warning light is on while the motor is running, the engine lubrication is not sufficient. An immediate check is necessary or a major breakdown could occur.
  • Speedometer
  • The speedometer is located for ease of observation and is calibrated in kilometres per hour (km/h). When driving, constant checking will enable you to maintain a speed within the prescribed limit.
  • Other Gauges or Warning Lights (if fitted)
  • e.g. Brake system, alternator, electrical, tachometer

• External Warning System : There are four controls that the driver may use:

1. The horn which gives an audible warning and must only be used for that purpose.
2. Brake lights are operated by the footbrake and indicates the vehicle is slowing or stopping.
3. Headlight flashers may be used as a visible warning, e.g. when about to overtake.
4. Hazard lights which flash the four turn indicators can be used either for emergency situations, or when the vehicle is standing in a hazardous position, or moving in any hazardous conditions.

Signs and Signals

• Traffic Control Lights Red means STOP and wait behind the stop line. Green means you may proceed with care. Amber also means STOP and wait behind the stop line, but you may proceed if you are unable to stop with safety. A red arrow means that you cannot proceed past the stop line when you are going in the direction of the arrow. A green arrow means that you may proceed in that direction if safe. Traffic lights may break down from time to time -- if this happens be careful. At intersections with traffic lights you will see special STOP signs displayed with the word STOP with three black circles superimposed on it. Should you approach a set of traffic lights and find the amber lights flashing or the lights out of order then you must stop at this sign and give way to vehicles on the other approaches to the intersection. If two drivers approaching an intersection from different directions are both confronted by the stop sign, normal give way rules apply.

• Stop and Give Way Signs These signs control traffic movement at intersections. They are regulatory signs and as such must be obeyed. A STOP sign means that you must stop as near as practicable to the stop line. If you are making a right turn you are required to give way to your left, right and oncoming traffic. Note: If two drivers approaching an intersection from opposite directions are both confronted by a stop sign normal give way rules still apply. A GIVE WAY sign means that you should give way to all other traffic on or approaching the intersection if there is a possibility of hindering or obstructing that traffic.

• Regulatory Directional Signs These are designed to control traffic and must be obeyed. The driver must learn to recognise these signs and what they actually mean. (Applicants must explain two signs).

• Regulatory Road Markings These markings are displayed on the road surface and must be obeyed. They may consist of lines or arrows. Broken lines may be crossed with safety using appropriate signals. Double or single unbroken lines must not be crossed except when entering or leaving the street or roadway. U-turns are not permitted across any unbroken line(s). Arrows restrict the driver to that direction only. Wide diagonal markings indicate a restricted zone or median strip. You must not drive or stand on that area, unless you have to do so to give way to an emergency vehicle. A driver may also drive on or over a single continuous line along the side of or surrounding a painted island to enter or leave the road, or to enter a turning lane that begins immediately after the painted island.

• Warning Signs These signs are generally of diamond shape on a yellow background. They give warning to drivers of conditions or potential problems ahead. These signs should be recognised well ahead and you should drive accordingly.

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