Guest Speaker
Chris Ellis,
Car Examiner – Advanced Driving with modern Technology.
Chris joined the Air Force and was with the Red Arrows before joining the Police Force driving High Performance cars. He worked for Honda for sixteen years with their driver training and is now a RoSPA Examiner.
How do you use technology on your driving test? You should drive within the capabilities of the car and talk about the technology you use.
It is important that you are on time for your test; the examiner will arrive fifteen minutes early and has your registration and will be waiting for you, so it is best to reverse into a parking bay, then that is already checked! Have the car clean inside and out. Have the vehicle documentation, insurance and driving licence (which must be in date) to hand. Be professional.
Test actual time is 90 minutes contact time.
Powdery check - tell the examiner what you have checked, where to find your tyres pressure guide. what else to look for on tyres. Keep it simple and brief. He may ask supplementary questions, “ tell me", show me”.
Cockpit Drill - again not too much information. You have driven to meet the examiner so tell them the car is all set up for you to drive. He will want you to know about your vehicle; ABS Stability Control - be prepared to explain what it does; ESP Electronic Stability Control - Sensor on each wheel – stops it from skidding, will keep it going in the correct direction senses you are out of balance; reacts in 1000th of a second and will take off power – will apply brakes; if it comes into play just keep steering and your car will go where you point it.
Bikes don’t have this fitted.
Keep answers very simple. All the examiner wants to know is how they work.
Automatic Gears Put it into gear.
Paddles to change gears if needed. i.e. Downhill may change down, in towns hold a lower gear longer. Don’t over use the paddles and be consistent. If stopping, put auto into neutral if no automatic brake, this helps save fuel. Explain if it has stop/start technology. It is Ok to use all technology, but make sure you can override it if you need to for safety. Look Ahead - Correct Use – Correct Speed.
Steering Wheel
Normally set too high. Set Steering wheel correct height and position and adjust the seat, must be set so you can see top of speedometer, and be able to do pull push correctly
Day Time Running Lights
Do not just rely on them. They are not always on the rear of vehicle. If bad visibility or any doubt put your dipped headlights on. Always explain the logic of what and why.
Straight lining roundabouts/bends
Stay in appropriate lane if marked. If no markings you can straight line. Bikes straight line to keep stable – if possible. Think “Will anyone be misled?”
If on a mini roundabout you must steer around the white marking, otherwise you are breaking the law. Look early – Observation is the key.
You will be asked five questions on your car test, but include highway code and Roadcraft in commentary.
Questions often asked:
- Shape of Stop Sign.
- Sequence of traffic lights.
- Meaning of unbroken white line in the middle of the road. You must not cross or straddle it. Keep answer simple. You can cross lines for events beyond your control.
Always look 10 seconds ahead. Good Observation is the key. Keep brain calculating ahead. The faster you go the further ahead you need to look.
Proper Planning – Aids Progress.
Guest Speaker notes by Ed Deacon
