Although you are legally allowed to take your seatbelt off whilst reversing – it’s best not as you could forget to put it back on (especially if you get pressurised by other people)

Keep a good flow of fresh air going through the car – it helps keep the car from misting up and is also healthier for you

Ensure you know how to use the heater and de-mister controls. Practice doing this parked up so that you won’t need to look down when driving

Ensure your head-restraint is correctly adjusted to help reduce whiplash – It should be level with the top of your head and no more than 2 inches behind it

Try and sit back as far away as possible from the foot and hand controls whilst still being able to comfortably reach the main controls (Adjust seat for foot reach first then adjust seat back for steering reach)

Drive on the left except when turning right, overtaking or if you’re in a one-way street

It’s usually best to reverse into your drive – it’ll be much safer to drive out onto the road

If you can afford the time and money an intensive course will work out cheaper in the end to pass your driving test

Most side mirrors are convex (they reduce the blind spot area) – however things look further away than they really are

Well before changing direction use your mirrors in pairs – and ask yourself – Is it safe to do what I intend to do? - If it's not safe - then don't do it (or do something else instead that is safe) For example - If you want to turn right and upon checking your right mirror you see a convoy of motorbikers overtaking you - then, it's risky even to indicate - so, continue on and find another route

Junctions are where many accidents happen – before emerging onto a main road look for the speeding motorcycle and stolen vehicles before committing your self

Get your instructor to do lots of mock tests with you. This will be good pressure practice for the big day.

Once you’ve got the theory or practical test booked ensure you get the written confirmation (normally sent out within 2 weeks) and check the details – you can also check your booking on the internet

Hazard Perception - tip 1 - most people fail because they're not clicking enough. Just as long as you avoid rhythmical clicking you should be fine

Hazard Perception - tip 2 - remember to click on anything that develops into a hazard that could affect your driving [either your speed or direction]

Hazard Perception - tip 3 - when something does develop then click 2, 3 or even four times as the hazard develops [as you can click too early and therefore score 0]

Hazard Perception - tip 4 - come along to one of our events and see how it's done - just 10 minutes is all it takes (or book a session at our Head Office in Grimsby)

Hazard Perception - tip 5 - on the main menu of the 'All tests' CD-rom from 'Focus' 2008-09 go on 'learn by practicing' and then each clip you'll be able to review and learn how to score well

Practical driving test - tip 1 - ensure your instructor gives you 'mock' driving tests - this is a very good way of practicing under pressure.

Practical driving test - tip 2 - consider having your instructor accompany you on test - there many benefits - a) if you dispute the examiners result then your driving instructor can explain, clarify or even witness an incorrect reason [this is very rare but wiill certainly help your appeal] b) if the examiner abandons the test [on the grounds of public safety] - you won't get left in a potentially unsafe area c) your instructor will see how you drive under pressure and will, therfore, be more able to help you for your next test

Practical driving test - tip 3 - call us and we can give you advice about any driving related matter - our owner and Chief instructor, Graham, has accompanied literally hundreds of tests since 1999

Practical driving test - tip 4 - a boring one - but do please ensure you know where your documents are for the big day [many times we witness people panicking when we collect them on the big day - not an ideal state of mind]

Practical driving test - tip 5 - before booking your test liaise with your instructor and find out the dates that your instructor can or can't do - then you will be able to book accordingly

Practical driving test - tip 6 - keep this to yourself but, in winter, try and avoid booking early tests [they're occasionally cancelled due to ice]

Practical driving test - tip 7 - consider keeping the test date to yourself [if everyone knows when you're test is - it's going to be a lot more pressure on you]

Theory & Hazard Perception test - tip 1 - As an excellent learning tool we recommend the 'All tests' cd-rom from 'Focus' 2008-09 for excellent practice [currently £5.99 from Morrisons - also available at all good stationery outlets - maximum price = £9.99]

Theory & Hazard Perception test - tip 2 - every September the DSA question bank is up-dated - therefore ensure your learning materials are up-to-date

Theory & Hazard Perception test - tip 3 - get your instructor to show you where the Theory test centre is [they can be difficult to find]