Andrew Rogers Driver Coaching

07/03/2023

The fourth most common reason for failing a driving test is incorrect positioning when turning right at junctions.
The correct position to turn right in most cases is just to the left of the centre line.
Roundabouts also count as junctions so it’s important to position on the right or in the right lane depending on the layout of the roundabout.
Some junctions are split into separate sections, one for turning left and another for turning right.
Common mistakes are turning right at a roundabout from the left hand lane.
Sometimes you’ll be driving on the right hand side of the road because you’re passing parked vehicles. If turning right at the end of the road it’s important you come back over to the left of the centre line before turning right.
Then there are one way roads where the give way line will extend across the full width of the road. In this case you should position on the right hand side of the road. If there is a centre line then it’s effectively marking the divide between the area for turning left and the area for turning right
This is another one where practice really helps. Getting familiar with the junctions, knowing where the exits are on the roundabouts etc really pays off when it comes to driving test time.

06/03/2023

The third most common reason for failing a driving test is not having proper control of the steering. This could be not steering enough resulting in running wide or it could be steering too much resulting in crossing the centre line or coming into contact with the kerb. It could also be turning too soon or turning too late.
How best to avoid these faults? Steering accurately requires judgment and this requires time to develop. So the solution here is putting in the practice, either with your instructor or a suitable friend/relative.
Incidentally many people still believe you musn’t cross your arms while steering and you must feed the wheel through your hands to pass the test. All this was true in years gone by but now the examiners simply want to see you are in control of the steering. So feel free to cross your arms, you can even allow the wheel to slide through your hands. Just don’t let go of the wheel completely while the car is moving, they still don’t like that.

05/03/2023

The second most common reason for failing a driving test is not using mirrors correctly when changing direction. It’s important to check mirrors before signalling when approaching a junction but this is not usually the situation where students fail for not using mirrors correctly. Changing lanes on a roundabout or dual carriageway are much more likely. For example if you’re turning right at a roundabout you will need to position on the right as you enter the roundabout and you will need to move across to the left as you leave the roundabout. You must check mirrors before moving across to do this safely.

04/03/2023

One of my students asked me what the most common reasons were for failing a driving test. As it happens the DVSA publish them and I wondered if anyone else might be interested.
The number one reason is not making effective observations at junctions. Mostly this means pulling out at a junction or roundabout when you shouldn’t, causing another vehicle to take evasive action.
The easiest way to avoid this is when approaching a give way line at a junction, plan to stop. Only change this plan if, as you approach, you can see the junction is clear in all directions, if in doubt stop at the give way line. When it comes to roundabouts, slow down before you arrive at the roundabout so that you are moving slowly as you approach. This gives you more time to assess the situation and decide if its safe to keep moving. If in doubt stop and wait for a clear opportunity to join the roundabout.
Stand by for the second most common reason.
In the meantime if you feel like supporting me on the mighty hike in July for Macmillan Cancer Support the just giving page is below.

Help Andrew Rogers raise money to support Macmillan Cancer Support

26/02/2023

In July this year I’m going to take part in the Mighty Hike for Macmillan Cancer Support. I’ll be walking 26 miles from Alnwick Castle to Bamburgh Castle. If you’d like to support me in this there is a just giving page

Help Andrew Rogers raise money to support Macmillan Cancer Support

19/04/2022

Earlier this afternoon I picked up Rachel ready for her test in Haddington. Rachel has been working hard and doing lots of practice at home too. By her own admission she was feeling particularly nervous and stalled at the traffic lights coming out of North Berwick. I was feeling pretty confident but there are no guarantees when it comes to driving tests and sometimes nerves can get the better of even the most accomplished drivers.
We got to the test centre in good time. Usually the examiner appears from the building at the appointed time. Today he was a good 5 minutes late and explained it was his first time in Haddington and was running late because if the student took a wrong turning he didn't know the roads well enough to get them back on track. I was beginning to wonder if this wasn't going to be our day.
Anyway at the end of the test the examiner said to Rachel 'You've got an unusual number of faults at the end of your test' I'd not heard this before and wasn't sure where it was going. He then held up his tablet, used to record any faults, and it showed a blank screen meaning zero faults. A very proud moment for us both.

07/04/2022

It’s been a busy week with tests this week. First up was Euan on Tuesday who drove faultlessly. He would have collected a zero fault pass if only he hadn’t miss heard the ‘Tell Me’ question at the start and given the answer to a different question.
Then this afternoon two of my students had booked tests one immediately following the other. Neither was aware of the other booking so when I told them the only way I could do it was take them both at the same time and each one would have to wait while the other took their test, they both agreed it would be fine. It turned out they were friends from school and hadn’t seen each other in a while. My great fear over this arrangement was if one passed and the other failed it would be a very difficult journey back to North Berwick. James was first and thankfully came back with a pass. Campbell was next and he must have been feeling the pressure following James’s success. Despite this, Campbell also came back with a pass so congratulations to all three on passing their driving tests at the first attempt. I reall need to get better at remembering to take pictures.

20/03/2022

Completing the trio was Lewis. Lewis is a Chef by profession and he must have been following a particularly fine recipe as a he passed with just 1 driver fault. Complements to the Chef.

20/03/2022

Next up was Naomi who also went home with a pass certificate. Naomi had been with me from the beginning and came to me as a novice so it was a happy day for both of us when she passed. I was so pleased I forgot all about taking a photo.

20/03/2022

I've had 3 students take their driving tests recently and I'm only just getting round to posting now. First was Leah who put in a confident performance and was rewarded with a pass certificate.