STEP 1: Setting Off in a Car:

THIS SECTION COVERS THE FOLLOWING
Pre-Drive Checks: Familiarise yourself with the dashboard warning lights to ensure your vehicle is in proper working condition.
Starting Your Car: Follow the correct procedure to start your car, ensuring all systems are functioning properly.

You require knowledge of your vehicle's basic workings and mechanics through to how to check the oil, water levels, tyre pressure and tread depth and how to check that your brake, headlights, indicators and reversing lights are all working correctly,

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​​A Guide for New Drivers in South London

Starting your journey safely and smoothly is crucial, especially in the bustling streets of South London. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you set off confidently:

PRE-DRIVE CHECKS
Before you even start the engine, ensure your car is ready for the road:

• Seat and Steering Wheel Adjustment: Adjust your seat and steering wheel for comfort and control.
• Mirrors: Set your mirrors to provide the best possible view of the road behind and to the sides.
• Seatbelt: Ensure you and all passengers are wearing seatbelts.

STARTING THE ENGINE
Follow these steps to start your car:
1. Check the Gear: Ensure the gear lever is in neutral (manual) or park (automatic).
2. Ignition: Insert the key and turn it, or press the start button if your car has one.
3. Dashboard Lights: Wait for the dashboard lights to go off, indicating all systems are ready.

MOVING OFF SAFELY
To move off smoothly and safely, follow these steps:
1. Clutch and Gear: In a manual car, press the clutch pedal fully and select first gear. In an automatic, shift to 'Drive'.
2. Observation: Check all mirrors and blind spots to ensure it’s safe to move off.
3. Signal: Indicate your intention to move off if necessary.
4. Release the Handbrake: Gradually release the handbrake while keeping the clutch pedal pressed.
5. Clutch Control: Slowly lift the clutch pedal to the biting point while gently pressing the accelerator.
6. Smooth Acceleration: Increase pressure on the accelerator and fully release the clutch pedal in a manual car.

USING THE MSM ROUTINE
The Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre (MSM) routine is essential for safe driving:

• Mirror: Check your mirrors to assess the traffic situation.
• Signal: Use your indicators to inform other road users of your intentions.
• Manoeuvre: Execute your planned action, such as moving off or changing lanes.

STOPPING THE CAR AND PARKING
When you need to stop or park, follow these steps:
1. Mirrors: Check your mirrors to ensure it’s safe to stop.
2. Signal: Indicate your intention to stop.
3. Braking: Apply the brakes gently to slow down.
4. Clutch: In a manual car, press the clutch pedal just before you stop to prevent stalling.
5. Handbrake: Once stopped, apply the handbrake and select neutral gear.

See more about Parking

REVERSING
Reversing requires careful control and observation:
1. Gear: Select reverse gear.
2. Observation: Check all around your vehicle, including blind spots.
3. Control: Use clutch control in a manual car and gentle acceleration to move backwards slowly.
4. Steering: Steer in the direction you want the rear of the car to go.

USING THE DASHBOARD AND DRIVING AIDS
Modern cars come with various instruments and aids to assist you:

• Dashboard Warning Lights: Understand the meaning of different warning lights.
• Switches and Controls: Familiarize yourself with essential controls like lights, wipers, and indicators.
• Mirrors: Regularly check and adjust your mirrors for optimal visibility. See electric cars below

CONCLUSION
Setting off safely and smoothly is a fundamental skill for all drivers. By following these steps and practicing regularly, you’ll gain confidence and control, making your driving experience in South London safer and more enjoyable.

Driving an AUTOMATIC VehiclE

• Using the Gear Selector: Familiarize yourself with the gear selector in an automatic vehicle.
• Safe Acceleration: Practice safe acceleration techniques to maintain control and ensure passenger comfort.

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NEXT SECTION: Moving Off Safely and Smoothly

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• Using Your Mirrors: Always check your mirrors before moving off to ensure it's safe.
• MSM Routine: Follow the Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre routine to ensure safe driving.
• Using the Gears and Brakes: Learn to use the gears and brakes smoothly to maintain control of the vehicle.​​

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Vehicle Safety Checks

Areas to learn:

1. Petrol
   
2. Diesel
   
3. Battery
   
4. Oil
   
5. Water
   
6. Electrics
   
7. ​Tires

Underpinning knowledge

• Daily and weekly vehicle checks
• Service intervals
• Planning for journeys
• Clear windscreens

Vehicle Cockpit Checks

Areas to learn:

1. DSSSM
2. Driving position
3. Head restraints
4. Seat belts
5. Doors
6. Gears and handbrake safety check
7. Mirrors​

Underpinning knowledge

• Order of adjustment
• Best driving position
• Mirror adjustment, including anti-dazzle
• Variety of seat adjustments

Driving School NEWS AND BLOG

Follow Driving Schools in South London latest news blog where we share helpful driving tips and advice.
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Practice Makes Perfect
New drivers are encouraged to practice frequently to build confidence and improve their skills. The DVSA recommends at least 22 hours of private practice before taking the driving test.
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Stay Calm and Focused
Anxiety can lead to mistakes during the driving test. New drivers are advised to practice techniques to manage nerves, such as deep breathing and staying composed at junctions and roundabouts.
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Highway Code Changes
An article detailing key updates to the Highway Code that took effect in 2022. It covers changes aimed at improving safety for vulnerable road users and how these updates may impact driving tests. 

Be Prepared for Traffic
​ It's important for new drivers to familiarise themselves with driving in heavy traffic, especially during rush hours. This includes learning to navigate busy intersections and roundabouts.
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Road Signs and Rules
Familiarity with the Highway Code and understanding road signs is crucial for safe driving and passing the driving test specifically the Theory test element of the driving test. See our traffic sign guide

Car Insurance for Learners
This article explains the importance of learner driver insurance and how it allows for practice with an accompanying driver. It provides insights into the benefits of such insurance and how it works.

Master Observation Techniques
New drivers should focus on observation skills, particularly when changing lanes or joining traffic. Proper observation is key to driving and can prevent major faults during the driving test.
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Utilise Mock Driving Tests
Conducting a mock driving test with an unfamiliar instructor can help new drivers pass their test by making them more comfortable and familiar with the driving test process.
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How To Master Roundabouts
This page looks at roundabouts and how to become a roundabout master. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about roundabout layouts and how to approach them

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These tips aim to equip new drivers with the necessary skills and confidence to navigate the roads safely and successfully. For more detailed information, you can explore the latest news and blog posts directly on the Driving Schools in South London website.