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FAQ

Answers to your questions

  • BOOK A LESSON
    Booking a driving lesson with Betmy Driving School couldn’t be easier. ​ Either book online or call us to book your first lessons from £38*. ​ New to driving, don’t forget to take advantage of our great offers. Book now
  • PASS YOUR PRACTICAL TEST
    The final stage…your practical test. ​ During your test, you’ll complete five separate sections. These are: ​ An eyesight check ‘Show me, tell me’ vehicle safety questions General driving ability Reversing your vehicle Independent driving Read more
  • GET YOUR PROVISIONAL DRIVING LICENSE
    Before you can start learning to drive, you must apply for a provisional licence. ​ You can apply for your provisional licence either online or in person at your local post office. To apply online for your provisional driving licence go to GOV.UK. Alternatively, you can apply for your provisional licence by completing the D1 application form, available at your local Post Office. How to apply
  • PASS YOUR THEORY TEST
    In order to pass your theory test, you must complete a hazard perception test and a multiple choice test. We offer 1-2-1 sessions on our Plan and Pricing Page. ​ You theory test must be completed before you can take your practical test. Read more
  • Junctions
    Approaching a Junction Check all 3 mirrors Less risk to high risk. Signal if necessary Position Speed Brake to a safe speed. Gears Look If in doubt, stop and re-assess If you cannot see into the junction, consider gear 1 and in Automatic Transmission consider entering the junctions at slow controlled speed. Give way A double broken white line at a junction means you're about to meet a major road. Slow down and let traffic on the major road go first before you proceed. Check your mirrors from less risk to the highest risk Signal if necessary Position where necessary Start braking and select the right gear ( check our use of control section) Look, assess, decide and act Give way. Follow the triangle pointing towards you. Stop signs Stop at the solid white line 6 point check Move Reference for stopping at the junction When there is a gap in the middle of the road, Please Position your vehicle in the middle as per the red line the picture LYMOUTH AVENUE Please pay attention to the traffic signs and road markings Signs that explain what to do: No through road No entry Give way line Bend in the road Triangle pointing away Road Bend to the left with no signal necessary Army and Navy towards miami turning right into lady lane Army and Navy 4th Exit Into Lady Lane Yellow Box Junctions Please get your questions ready for your instructor Upper Bridge Road Baker Street You can drive into when the triangle is pointing towards you
  • Stopping the car
    SCALP Select a safe, convenient and lawful place Use the MSPSL Routine Mirrors Signal Position Speed Look After stopping Check the its safe and secure the car TIPS Avoid pushing down the clutch too early, this is called coasting. When you come off the gas, the car progressively slows down which is called engine braking. Press the brake to the lowest speed of the gear you are in before you push the clutch down. For example: Driving in gear 3 and 30 miles and hour Mirror checks Press your brake to 13 to 15 MPH (lowest speed for gear 3) Clutch down then change to appropriate gear needed In the use of control section the suggested lowest speed for your gears are stated.
  • Manouvres
    Please speak to your instructor for custom references your examiner is looking for SOS SPEED OBSERVATION STEERING (SOS) Continuous 6 POINT Checks Stop the vehicle When you see any other road users, 6 point check again when safe and carry on. Parallel Parking: Prepare: Find a suitable parking space that's at least one and a half times the length of your vehicle. Signal left to indicate your intention to park. Position: Pull up alongside the vehicle in front of the space, leaving about a meter of space between your vehicle and theirs. Align your mirrors with theirs. Reverse: Check your mirrors and blind spots. Slowly reverse while turning your steering wheel fully to the left. Aim to line up your rear bumper with the rear bumper of the vehicle in front. Straighten: Once your vehicle is at a 45-degree angle to the curb, straighten your wheels. Continue reversing until your vehicle is parallel to the curb and centered within the space. Adjust: If necessary, make minor adjustments to ensure your vehicle is evenly spaced within the parking bay. Reverse Parking (into a Parking Bay): Position: Signal left, positioning your vehicle parallel to the bay with about a meter of space between your vehicle and the vehicles beside you. Reverse: Check your mirrors and blind spots. Slowly reverse while keeping your vehicle within the lines of the parking bay. Use your mirrors to gauge your position. Center: Continue reversing until your vehicle is fully within the bay, ensuring it's centered between the lines. Adjust your position as needed. Bay Parking (Parking Forward into a Parking Bay): Position: Signal left, positioning your vehicle parallel to the bay with about a meter of space between your vehicle and the vehicles beside you. Move Forward: Check your mirrors and blind spots. Move forward slowly, aligning your vehicle within the lines of the parking bay. Center: Continue moving forward until your vehicle is fully within the bay, ensuring it's centered between the lines. Adjust your position as needed. Pull Over to the Left or Right: Prepare: Check your mirrors and blind spots to ensure it's safe to pull over. Signal left or right accordingly. Reduce Speed: Gradually reduce your speed, checking for any vehicles behind you. Position: Position your vehicle parallel to the curb or edge of the road, leaving enough space for other vehicles to pass safely. Stop: Apply the handbrake and shift into neutral (or park if automatic). If it's dark or visibility is poor, turn on your hazard lights. Exit: Check your mirrors and blind spots again before opening your door to exit the vehicle, ensuring it's safe to do so. Moving Away from the Left or Right: Prepare: Check your mirrors and blind spots to ensure it's safe to move away. Signal accordingly. Release Handbrake: Release the handbrake and select first gear (or the appropriate gear for your vehicle). Control Clutch and Accelerator: Gradually release the clutch while applying a small amount of gas, smoothly bringing the clutch to the biting point. Check Traffic: Check again for any oncoming traffic, ensuring it's safe to proceed. Move Off: When it's safe, gently accelerate while smoothly releasing the clutch fully, and steer as needed to merge into traffic. Always prioritize safety, follow the rules of the road, and be mindful of other road users and potential hazards. Practice these maneuvers in a safe environment before attempting them on the road.
  • Cockpit Drill
    DOOR Make sure you check the lights are off as confirmation that the door is closed. Check the side mirrors that the door is flushed with the car. Shake the door to confirm is shut. The Dutch reach is a technique used when opening a car door. Instead of using the hand closest to the door (which is typically the driver's left hand in countries where driving is on the right side of the road), the Dutch reach involves using the hand farthest from the door (usually the right hand). This action encourages the person opening the door to naturally turn their body and look over their shoulder, which helps them to check for cyclists or other vehicles approaching from behind. It's a safety measure aimed at preventing "dooring" accidents, where a cyclist collides with an open car door. SEAT Make sure your seating position is comfortable. Back leaning against the seats . Head restraint close to the back of the head, in line with the eyes and top of the ears. When pressing the pedals, it's generally recommended to position your leg at a comfortable angle, typically around a 90-degree angle at the knee joint. This allows for efficient power transfer while minimizing strain on the knee and maximizing comfort during extended periods of driving. Adjustments may be made based on individual preferences and the specific design of the vehicle's pedals. STEERING steering is explained by adjusting the seat for comfort, placing hands at 10 and 2 o'clock on the wheel, gripping firmly but not too tightly, making smooth movements, using the hand-over-hand technique for sharp turns, and practicing in a controlled environment. This is not required to pass a standard UK Driving test. SEAT BELT You can confirm a seat belt is working by visually inspecting for damage, testing the locking mechanism with a tug, ensuring smooth retraction, listening for the click when fastening, and ensuring a proper fit across your lap and chest. MIRROR Rear view Mirror: Position to see the entire rear window without moving your head. Side Mirrors: Adjust to see a small portion of your car's side and minimize blind spots by angling outward. Please check all mirrors from the less risk to the highest risk using head movements. BETMY®
  • ECO Driving
    ECO driving in the UK involves practices aimed at reducing fuel consumption and minimizing environmental impact. These include driving smoothly, changing gears early, maintaining a steady speed, reducing idling, proper maintenance, lightening the load, and maintaining proper tire pressure. For your driving test, you may be asked to pull over on the left or right, or even perform parallel parking. During reversing maneuvers, ensure you complete a 6-point check as you move back slowly. Your examiner will assess your speed, observation, and steering skills.
  • Driving Test
    TIPS: Be on time (20 minutes before the test starts) Use a driving instructors car Exaggerate your mirror checks (move your head) Go over your Theory test Have a lesson beforehand Do not assume you have failed Ask your examiner to repeat instructions if necessary Get to know your test center and routes Agree with your instructor on when to take your test Be yourself and remember driving must be therapeutic (do not rush) Get your driving Licence ready Prepare for Eye test reading number plates Show me Tell me Questions Show Me, Tell Me | Betmy Driving School Top 10 Reasons for fails at Chelmsford Driving test center Top 10 Reasons for fails at all Driving test center 2024 Explaining the driving test dl25-driving-test-report.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk) Understanding your driving test result - Car driving test - Guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Driving test: cars: What happens during the test - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Chelmsford Test Centre
  • Meeting Traffic
    You should be able to identify who has priority over other vehicles, judge their speed, and recognize road hazards. Knowing when to use the MSPSL routine is essential. Understanding the importance of awareness and planning is crucial. Check your mirror when you are thinking of using any controls If you stop, signal to change direction when pulling away Position yourself halfway out so you can see oncoming traffic without blocking others. Ensure road users behind you know you're not parked. Keep at least one car length from the vehicle in front to make it easier to move off. Always use your mirror checks and limit point before pulling away The "limit point" is the furthest point you can see clearly on the road ahead. Adjust your speed so you can stop within this visible distance, especially when approaching bends, to ensure safety. Clearance Tighter the gap, Slower the speed. Always keep a 1-meter distance between you and parked cars when driving. Treat cyclists and other road users like cars when passing them. Use your horn and approach slowly on very concealed bends. Maintain a 2-second gap on carriageways, and extend it to 4 seconds when the road is wet.
  • Normal Driving
    2 lanes going straight or same direction keep left An example: Use the bus lane as your left lane within the allowed times. For your test purposes, you can use the bus from 10am to 4pm, if its safe. Normal driving" in the UK driving test means driving safely, confidently, and according to road rules. It includes: Following Traffic Rules: Obeying speed limits, signs, and signals. Vehicle Control: Using steering, gears, brakes, indicators, and mirrors correctly. Awareness: Observing other road users and reacting appropriately. Correct Positioning: Staying in the correct lane and using appropriate speed. Safe Lane Changes: Checking mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or turning. Examiners evaluate these skills to ensure candidates can drive safely in real-world conditions.
  • Moving The Car
    Starting the car Parking brake is up Gear is in neutral 6 point check Left blind spot Left side mirror Rear View mirror Front windscreen Right side mirror Right blind spot Less risk to high risk Moving the car POM Routine Prepare Observe Move Clutch down Select appropriate gear ( Gear 1) One hand on the steering One hand on the hand break Biting Point* 8 point check Left blind spot Left side mirror Rear View mirror Front windscreen Indicate if necessary Right side mirror Right blind spot Right side mirror ( final check) Less risk to high risk Move the vehicle/ Manoeuvre Steer away from the kerb while looking at the highest risk mirror
  • Use of Controls
    Steering Wheel: Control the direction of the vehicle by turning the steering wheel left or right. Accelerator Pedal: Increase the vehicle's speed by pressing down on the accelerator pedal gently with your toes. Brake Pedal: Slow down or stop the vehicle by pressing the brake pedal gently with your toes. If you are struggling with using your break to stop, gently press you break to 5 MPH then ease off. Clutch Pedal (Manual Transmission): Engage or disengage the engine from the transmission when changing gears. Use the clutch when: Stopping Pulling away Changing gear Moving slowly below 5 Mph ( moving below gear 1 speed ) Gear Shift Lever (Manual Transmission): Shift between gears to control the vehicle's speed and power. In our vehicles Lowest speeds Gear 1. 5 -7 MPH. (6) Gear 2. 8-11 MPH. (11) Gear 3. 13-15 MPH (14) Gear 4. 19 MPH Gear 5. 24 MPH Handbrake (Parking Brake): Securely hold the vehicle in place when parked. Do not pull up aggressively. Turn Signals: Indicate your intention to turn or change lanes to other road users. Horn: Alert other road users to potential hazards or to gain their attention. Windshield Wipers: Clear rain, snow, or debris from the windshield for improved visibility. Headlights: Illuminate the road ahead and make your vehicle visible to others, especially in low-light conditions. These controls are essential for safe and efficient driving, allowing you to maintain control of the vehicle and communicate with other road users effectively. Show Me, Tell Me | Betmy Driving School Car 'show me, tell me' vehicle safety questions - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
  • Roundabouts
    MSPSL Routine Check all 3 mirrors Signal if necessary Position in the necessary lane Reduce speed and select the required gear Drop down your speed to between 10 -25 MPH in Gear 2 Look and scan the road ahead before approaching the round about If in doubt stop and prepare the car Make sure you scan your left, center and right mirror and directions While inside the round about: Right, center and left mirror multiple times Controlled speed inside the round about ( 12 to 18 MPH) MSM (Mirror Signal Manoeuvre) when coming off the exit When approaching a roundabout, look for sign and traffic information. Army and navy, Chelmsford ( Images from google) Red arrow pointing at the Information board City centre is 3rd Exit straight Parkway Roundabout The lane with the red arrow (1): you have your own lane at the roundabout, you can carry on driving if it's safe to do so. Normal driving: 2 lanes going the same direction, keep left on the lane except signs says otherwise. MINI ROUNDABOUTS If the white circle in the mini round about is domed, you have to go around the circle but is the white circle in the mini round about is painted, you can drive through the round about when its safe to do so. Miami Round From Moulsham Street - Third Exit Towards A12/ Test Center 2 lanes going to the same direction keep left ( Keep left on exit from the roundabout) Watch out for part time signals Miami From the Test Center - Third Exit Towards Galleywood Watch out for part time signals Test Center toward Writtle ( Widford Roundabout) Get your questions ready!
  • Carriageways
    Here's a breakdown: Carriageway: A road divided into lanes by a physical barrier or a painted median. Single carriageway: One lane of traffic moving in each direction. Dual carriageway: Two lanes of traffic moving in each direction. Speed limits: Typically higher on dual carriageways, often around 70 mph (112 km/h) in many countries. Safety: Dual carriageways generally safer due to separation of opposing traffic. Overtaking: Easier on dual carriageways due to separate lanes for each direction. You get back in lane when overtaking, when you can see the car you are overtaking in your rear view mirror. For test purposes Normal driving: Two lanes going the same way keep left UK Carriageways: Speed limits vary, but typically 60 mph (96 km/h) on single carriageways and 70 mph (112 km/h) on dual carriageways, unless otherwise indicated. The UK national speed limit sign is a circular sign with a white background and a black diagonal stripe from the top left to the bottom right. Inside the circle, there are two black numerals indicating the speed limit in miles per hour (mph). This sign is commonly seen on roads to signify the default speed limit for that type of road, such as 30 mph in built-up areas, 60 mph on single carriageways, and 70 mph on dual carriageways and motorways. Speed Limits 10mph 20mph 40mph 50mph You will see a repetitive signs and follow your theory information 3 lines - Mirrors 2 lines - Signal 1 line - Check position, speed and look (LADA) Single Carriageway Get your questions ready for Margaretting
  • One Way Road
    Image from google When turning Left, position on the left side (Blue line) When turning Right, position on the right side (Red line) Blue arrow indicates a One way road In the UK, one-way roads are typically identified by signs indicating the direction of permitted travel. These signs usually feature a white arrow on a blue background, indicating the direction in which vehicles are allowed to travel. Additionally, road markings such as arrows on the road surface or signs displaying "One Way" may also be present to indicate the direction of travel. It's important to pay attention to these signs and markings to ensure you're driving in the correct direction on one-way streets.
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