Lessons from £20.00

an Hour**

Driving Lessons (Valentines Gift) London:

Why not buy your loved one  a block of 10 hours as a Valentines gift which might not sound romantic but will help your loved one get a life skill which they will not forget.

The New Year has already started and most people will hope that 2010 will be the year to pass their driving test. Well Echo driving School still has many offers which can help you to save money. Our fully qualified driving instructors have many years of experience working for big companies like the AA and BSM. We offer 5 hour driving lesson in the london area from £105.00 and have 10 hours of driving lesson gift vouchers from £190 so do not delay as you will not find cheaper deals for driving lessons Surrey any where else. Gift Vouchers make great presents as you will be helping your loved one learn a very important life skill and in the current economic down turn you could be helping someone go a long way.

We now have Driving instructors in the followings towns:

Tooting, Tooting bec, Tooting Broadway, SW17. Balham driving, SW12 driving instructors, Streatham Vale, Clapham SW4, Colliers Wood SW19, Wimbledon SW19, Sutton SM1, driving instructors streatham, driving schools, sw4.

We have Driving school near CR4, and if you are looking for cheap driving school in SW16, CHEAP DRIVING LESSONS IN SYDENHAM LONDON, cheap automatic driving lessons in tooting area than look no more as Echo driving schools has it covered, we also do automatic lessons in Streatham. Our driving lessons in SW18 have special offers (10 hours for £19 an hour). In addition if you are looking for a female driving instructor than we can help you as we have many in around the south london and surrey like Epsom. Our driving schools is the best in Wandsworth and Southfield area. To get a driving licences in Carshalton than you should start having lessons in and around carshalton.

Driving schools Purley:
There are Many driving schools Purley who claim to offer cheap driving lessons, but in reality they are not reliable or proffesional and in same cases students do not learn the DSA standard of driving.

Automatic Driving Lessons SE19:
It has recently be noted that many learner drivers do not know that they have to have a provisional licence in their hand before they can learn to drive with an DSA approved driving instructor or friends and family. Please go to this website for information on how to apply www.direct.gov.uk/provisional

Driving Instructors in London:
There are many driving schools in London, and Echo Driving schools prides itself by being different from the rest ( we like to lead not follow), we provide discounts for teachers and nurses and not forgetting students. We covers the whole of south london and surrey so why delay call today on 0845 644 9405 and we will be happy to help.

Automatic Driving School Croyden, Banstead, Mitcham, Surrey: If you have made up your mind to take automatic driving lesson in South London or surrey than you will be happy to know that we cover your area. Learning to drive in an automatic car is no different than a manual but you will save a lot of money and time as our driving instructors have years of experice which is reflected in our pass rate for. We pride ourself by having an 80% pass rate for the driving test. Remember there is no point taking the driving test if you can not drive independently. In our driving lesson in an automatic car we will teach you how to become a confident driver allowing you to get your full uk driving licence.

*Special offer is for manual block booking for 10 hours.

Automatic driving lessons for Students is £210 and normal students driving lesson automatic is £220 for 10 hour.

Pay as you go for manual is £22 an hour.

Pay as you go for Automatic is £24 an hour

Pedestrian’s crossings have been designed to help pedestrians find a safe way to cross through busy junctions without causing danger to themselves and other road users. It is essential that leaner drivers know how to identify different types of pedestrian crossing and be able to deal with any crossing safely.

Below we will talk about the main types of pedestrian crossings and explain in detail how to identify them. The main pedestrian crossings are as follows: zebra crossings, pelican crossings, Toucan crossings and Puffin crossings.


Zebra Crossings –

As the name suggests those can easily identifiable by black and white stripes across the road. Also you will find zig-zag line on both sides of the road and there may be flashing yellow beacons on poles on both sides of the road. There is also White give way making across the crossing, which advise drivers to wait behind the line until the crossing is clear.

Pelican Crossings -

These can be identifiable by traffic lights on both sides of the road, there will also be zig-zag lines on both side of the crossing. The light sequence of pelican crossing are different from normal traffic lights, there is a flashing amber light which means that drivers should not proceed if a pedestrian is crossing. There is usually a solid white where drivers should stop behind the line when the lights turn red. Finally, traffic lights are activated when a pedestrian pushes the button on the yellow box.

Puffin Crossings -

These are similar to a pelican crossing in that they can be identifiable by traffic lights and have the same markings as pelican crossings. However, the main difference is that puffin crossings are more pedestrian friendly. Puffin crossings have an electronic sensor on top of the traffic lights which detects when a pedestrian is on the crossing and when the crossing is clear. When the crossing is clear, the electronic sensor will change the traffic light sequence and allow the traffic to flow again.

Toucan Crossings -

These are also identifiable by traffic lights and have the same markings as pelican crossings. However, these crossings are shared by both pedestrians and cyclists and are commonly found near cycle routes.

Crossings with central reservations –

Lets start with a Zebra Crossing which can be divided by a central reservation, one should treat each half as two separate crossings. This means if pedestrians are on the other side of the crossing, the driver can continue if it is safe to do so. If a Pelican Crossing is STRAIGHT and is divided by a central reservation, each half should be treated as the same crossing. This means that even if there is someone on the other side of the crossing, the driver must wait until the whole crossing is clear. If a Pelican Crossing is STAGGERED and is divided by a central reservation, each half should be treated as two separate crossings. This means if pedestrians are on the other side of the crossing, the driver can continue if it is safe to do so.



Traffic Light Sequence - As mentioned earlier the light sequence for pedestrian crossing are different from normal traffic lights and you need to be able to differentiate what type of crossing you are approaching therefore it is important you know the light sequence and what each colour means:

Pelican Crossings
Green - Go. (still check to ensure there is no-one on the crossing)
Amber - Stop, if is safe to do so.
Red - Stop.
Flashing Amber - Go, if the crossing is clear.
Green - Go. (still check to ensure there is no-one on the crossing)

Puffin/Toucan Crossings
Green - Go. (still check to ensure there is no-one on the crossing)
Amber - Stop, if is safe to do so.
Red - Stop.
Steady Amber and Red on together - Prepare to go.
Green - Go . (still check to ensure there is no-one on the crossing)

Approaching a crossing

• Identify the crossing as early as possible.

• Having identified the crossing, check your mirrors, particularly your centre and right mirrors. You may need to slow down so you will need to know how close vehicles are behind and what their movements are.
  
• Check the crossing itself and look both ways to make sure the crossing is clear.
• Is there anybody on the crossing? Is there anybody walking towards it? Are parked cars blocking your view of the footpaths?
  

If the answers to the above questions are yes, you may have to slow down or even stop just before the crossing. How much brake pressure you will have to apply will depend on what speed you have to slow down to. If it is a zebra crossing you may consider giving a slowing down 'arm signal' to assist vehicles in front and behind you to let them know you are going to slow down. This will not be required approaching crossings with traffic lights, as other road users will be able to see the lights for themselves.

Before moving off at a crossing, check the footpaths of either side of the crossing. Ensure nobody else is likely to step onto the crossing. Check both outside mirrors before moving off. Ensure it is safe to move off and that you are not being passed on either side by cyclists or other vehicles. At pelican crossings, when the light is 'flashing amber', you may move off when the crossing is clear and the pedestrians are on the footpath. At zebra crossings, you do not have to wait until the pedestrians are on the footpath. You may move off when it is safe to do so.If the answer to the above questions are no, you should be able to maintain your speed.


Rules

• Never beckon a pedestrian to cross - you may inadvertently cause them to step out when it is not safe.
• Do not park on zig-zag lines - it is illegal and makes it more difficult for the driver approaching to see if a pedestrian has stepped onto the crossing.
• Do not overtake the leading vehicle - the leading vehicle will block your view and make it more difficult for you to see if a pedestrian is crossing.
• Do not rev your engine when waiting at a crossing - it only intimidates pedestrians on the crossing.

Roundabouts

Roundabouts are seen by many learner drivers to be a waste of space and are deemed to be difficult to understand the principles of how to negotiate them. Before we discuss how to deal with roundabouts a recent survey found that roundabouts are safer than both traffic circles and traditional intersections—having 40% fewer vehicle collisions, 80% fewer injuries and 90% fewer serious injuries and fatalities (according to a study of a sampling of roundabouts in the United States, when compared with the intersections they replaced). Roundabouts also reduce points of conflict between pedestrians and motor vehicles and are therefore considered to be safer for them.

If you are starting to do roundabouts, than by now you driving instructor should have explained the MSPSL (mirror, signal, position, speed, Look) routine. Also you should be reading the Highway Code where the rules of roundabouts are explained.

When approaching a roundabout make sure you start your MSPSL routine early so that you can decide which lane you need before you get to the roundabout, also it is a good idea to look early so that you can anticipate the most appropriate gear to negotiate the roundabout.

As an example if you are going left and taking the first exit you should indicate left and approach in the left hand lane, keep to the left and maintain the left signal throughout, as you exit it is advisable to check your left mirror for any cyclist that could be turning.

To take the second exit one should again stay in the left hand lane using the MSPSL routine, however, you should not signal on approach to the roundabout and only give a left signal as you exit the roundabout, (it is very important that you check your left wing mirror before you signal).

To turn right (third exit) approach in the right hand lane using the MSPL routine, give a right signal, maintain your lane until you have passed the second exit at this point look at your left wing mirror and give a left signal to inform other road users that you intend to leave at this exit.

There are various roundabouts that your driving instructor will take you on, for example if you are taking your driving lesson in Tooting than you would use the Church Lane roundabout. If you live in Earlsfield than your instructor will use mini-roundabout on Garratt Lane.

Echo Driving School covers all of the areas below and more please check our Areas we cover page to find out more Balham, Clapham, Earlsfield, Merton, Mitcham, Morden, Norbury, Streatham, Tooting, Wandsworth, Wimbledon & more...

Why not give it a try?

Call 0845 644 9405 to book

Moving off/Stopping

Hi all, this blog is intended for all you students out there who would like to read up on Moving off and Stopping. If this your second driving lesson than by now you would have been introduced to the cockpit drill routine. Once you have demonstrated to you instructor that you can do the cockpit drill, you need to do the safety precautions before starting the engine, (this is done by making sure that the gears are in the neutral position followed by checking that the handbrake is applied.

You are now ready to start the engine. Once the engine is started you driving instructor will talk you through the POM routine, and explain what each letter means. In the mean time we have tried to explain what POM is used for.

The POM routine (Prepare, Observe, Move)

To prepare, start by clutching down to the floor and select first gear, slowly bring the clutch upwards to the biting point (bonnet of the car may rise up a little, also you may notice that the engine sounds a little quieter (engine revs go down slightly). Once the above is achieved with your right foot progressive gas about the thickness of a pound coin, then keep both feet still. That is the prepare part completed.

Next is the second part of the POM, the observe routine

You need to take effective all-round observation. This is done by starting to look in your centre mirror followed by your directional mirror and finally looking over your right shoulder to cover the 'blind spot’. Do not forget that you also need to signal to warn other road users of what you intend doing. (Remember a signal is meant to inform and not confuse).

If all is clear and safe press release the hand break, keep the pressure on the gas pedal so you have a 'lively hum' sound from the engine, then as you move ease pressure off the clutch but only by the thickness of a pound coin, the car will now start to move, (if it seems to be going too fast then slight pressure on the clutch will bring the speed under control) as the car gains momentum then ease off the clutch a pound coin thickness at a time, once the car is going at around five MPH (walking pace) you can then take your foot off the clutch.

As the car starts to move you should steer to the right into a 'normal driving position' (about one metre from the kerb) and point the car in the direction you wish to travel using the 'push - pull' method of steering

When the car has straightened up in the direction you wish to travel do not forget to check in your centre mirrors, before gently accelerating if all is safe.

Stopping Routine: This routine should be explained along side the POM routine

Start of by understanding where you are allowed to stop. What you need to think about is choosing a safe, legal and convenient place to stop (not on or near a blind bend or brow of a hill, on double yellow lines or blocking someone’s driveway are a few examples of where NOT to stop)

Use the Mirrors - Signal - Manoeuvre routine Check the centre and left mirrors and indicate left if anyone would benefit from it, this includes pedestrians that you may have to move towards

If all is safe (no cyclists coming up on your nearside for example) begin slowing the car down by coming off the gas pedal and applying the footbrake progressively, if there is a need to lower your gears, you can do so by using the block change technique.

Start Steering the car towards the kerb then steer back slightly in order to position the car parallel to the kerb use quick glances at you left mirror to judge how far you are from the side of the kerb. You should end up about 6 inches or less away from it (your instructor will give you a reference point to help you to judge this)

As the car is coming to a stop REMEMBER to push the clutch pedal down to the floor, and use the breaks progressively and keep you foot on it until the car stops completely.
When the car has stopped completely keep your feet still until you have applied the handbrake and put the gear lever into the neutral position, you can then rest your feet and cancel the indicator

Echo Driving School covers all of the areas below and more please check our Areas we cover page to find out more Balham, Clapham, Earlsfield, Merton, Mitcham, Morden, Norbury, Streatham, Tooting, Wandsworth, Wimbledon & more...

Why not give it a try? Call 0845 644 9405 to book a confidence-boosting £10 * trial lesson.

Move of Uphill, down hill and at an angle from behind a parked vehicle,

Once you have mastered the basic skills of moving off on a level road and your driving instructor has given you a full talk through on when to change gears (gear ratio), and talked about the pull-push steering. You can now move onto slightly more complex maneuvers such as moving off uphill, down hill and at an angle from behind a parked vehicle.

In this section we will discuss how to move of Uphill, down hill and at an angle from behind a parked vehicle,

Up hill start:

By now you should have a clear idea of how to do the POM routine. Up hill start is no different in the POM routine apart from the fact that you are on a steep hill therefore you will need to use more gas when setting the gas, this will give you the power needed to move away uphill slowly and smoothly. Remember that you will need to bring the clutch higher than normal until you see the front of the car rise. Your car is now ready to go, once you have made the necessary observation and signalled to warn other road users of your intention; you are now ready to release the handbrake gently. The car should not roll back but if the car rolls back, bring the clutch up a little more.

Down hill Start:

Down hill start is slightly different in that you need no gas; allow gravity do the hard work for you. However, remember you need to control the speed with your foot brake bringing the clutch up gently as soon as possible as this will allow engine braking. As a general rule the steeper the gradient the higher the gear you should start in.

Moving of at an Angle

When moving of at an angle use clutch-control to keep your speed down until you have straightened your wheels. Also do not forget you need to signal even if you think there is no-one to benefit as it is harder to see and be seen. Remember because of the angel you should at least check your blind spot twice

Can you revise for the Practical Driving Test?

When learners think about preparing for their practical driving test it is tempting to think that the only preparation is to keep practicing with their instructor or possibly in their own car with parents. There are however, a number of other ways that the learner can prepare/practice as well as actually in a vehicle.

We will look at what the most useful methods that can greatly increase the learner's confidence and the chances of them passing the driving test.

The areas we will look at are:

• Driving Test Revision Cards.
• Writing notes and using diagrams.
• Talking through the drive.

Many learners ask me when they will be ready to take their practical test. The simple answer is; when a learner driver can demonstrate that they can drive according to the DSA Standard and not what they feel right!

Passing the UK driving test is not hard but requires students to know what the DSA examiners are look for. In this section we will be looking at what happens on a typical Car driving test. The Driving Test will begin from the Test centre where an examiner will ask you to read a number plate from about 20.5 metres away from you, (with or without glasses, so make sure you get you eyes tested). Once it has been established that you can read a number plate you will be asked to do some ‘Show me/tell me question which are basic car safety and maintenance checks, for example open the bonnet of your car and state where you would check the engine oil. If you require more information either ask your Echo instructor or visit the DSA website at www.direct.gov.uk. You will be able to download all of the questions likely to be asked.

Your test will approximately run for about 45 minutes where you will be to require to do two reversing exercises which could consist of either:

• Turning in the road
• Reverse parking
• Left reversing round a corner