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Joe's Driver Training Blog
driving instructors ballymena
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admin: Posted on 17 May 2013 14:22
Congratulations to Becky, Laura & Gemma who all passed their driving tests in Ballymena this week ...wishing you all many years of safe and happy motoring! |
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adminJoe: Posted on 21 October 2012 18:47
No two drivers learn the same. What works well for one, will not always suit the next! Joe's Driver Training recognises the unique capabilities and talents of each and every student and tailors driving lessons to maximise the learners potential at each stage. Good driving lessons should provide a comprehensive education that will enhance the learners understanding of the situation around them. THE LATEST TOOLS OF THE TRADE Joe's Driver Training has invested in the latest visual teaching aids to make driving lessons as informative and engaging as they can possibly be ...this amazing technology helps provide more detailed and visual explanation of driving procedure and road traffic situations. Gone are the days of scribbling out a diagram with pen and paper! These teaching aids allow any scenario to be created and reviewed in seconds for an enhanced visual learning experience. Ballymena has more than it's fair share of roundabouts! Imagine the benefits of seeing an overhead view of any junction or complex roundabout just minutes before you actually drive there! Watch ANIMATED manoeuvres, roundabout and junction routines! VIDEO DRIVING LESSONS With Joe's Driver Training you even have the option to have your driving lessons recorded for you to watch at home! Assessing your own performance between driving lessons and seeing where you need to improve can help gain deeper understanding and speed up the learning process. It's understood that not everyone likes to be on video! The camera system can be switched to front view only or completely off. You will always be asked if you prefer the camera system on or off. If you are interested in learning to drive in Ballymena and want to find out more about driving lessons with an approved driving instructor, contact me today ...here>> or call or text! 07799 497 471 |
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adminJoe: Posted on 28 July 2012 18:57
During your driving lessons in Ballymena, your driving instructor will teach you about the many aspects of speed. Any safe and competent driver should know when and how to use speed safely. Sometimes when we're on driving lessons, learners will often ask how people can fail their driving test for both driving too fast or too slow and why examiners mark faults under both USE OF SPEED and APPROPRIATE SPEED. This can sometimes sound like a bit of a numbers game, it's not! Examiners have very valid reasons for marking faults on speed the way they do. The following information is intended to highlight why use of speed is something that all drivers need to take seriously. FEAR OF SPEED It's been my experience that most learner drivers will openly admit to a fear of speed, especially during the early stages of driving lessons. At first, even slower speeds feel fast to a learner. It's a fear that most will soon overcome as they gain confidence in their own driving ability. Once this fear of speed is overcome it's essential to remain SPEED AWARE. It's all too easy to become desensitised to the speed you are travelling at and the distance it will take you to stop! MAXIMUM SPEED LIMITS Maximum speed limits are in place for a reason and it's very important to keep within them. Maximum speed limits are NOT targets and should not be treated as such. New speed limits start at the signs. Whatever the maximum speed limit may be, it doesn't mean it's always safe or necessary to travel at this speed. A safe and considerate driver will know when it's appropriate to make progress and also, when it's necessary to reduce their speed. DRIVING TOO FAST - BREAKING SPEED LIMITS The faster you go, the less time you have to think! The longer it takes you to stop! You should always keep your speed down when driving in built up areas and areas where there are pedestrians. If a pedestrian gets hit by a car, the speed of the car will play a huge role in their chance of survival. Take a look at the table below and note how it only takes a slight increase in speed to greatly reduce a pedestrians chance of survival. CAR SPEED | PEDESTRIAN SURVIVAL | 20 mph | 95% | 30mph | 50% | 35mph | 20% | 40mph | 5% |
The outcome of driving too fast could have more devastating consequences than just points on your licence! Along with greater risk, driving too fast can also cause problems for other road users by making it more difficult for them to deal with your approach to junctions, roundabouts etc. The faster your speed, the more difficult it will be for others to judge if they have time to cross your path or emerge and enter the flow of traffic. This in turn can lead to added congestion and inconvenience to others. DRIVING TOO SLOW Driving too slowly can also be hazardous. A vehicle that's moving too slowly when it's not necessary to do so can cause other drivers to become frustrated. A frustrated driver may take a risk in a bid to overtake, this could put both parties in danger! The key is to drive at an appropriate speed for the conditions whilst obeying all speed limits. REMEMBER, you must be able to stop within the distance you can see to be clear. When the road ahead is clear and conditions permit, get going! MINIMUM SPEED LIMITS The sign below (left) displays a minimum speed limit and would be in place to keep traffic moving above the speed displayed. You must not travel below the speed displayed on the sign. At the end of a minimum speed limit, the sign will display a red diagonal band (below right) TOP TIPS! If you're about to take your driving test, you will want to remain speed aware throughout the drive. The following tips could be well worth considering not just on the big day but also for a future of safe and happy motoring! • Pay attention to road signs and remember, the new speed limit will start at the signs! • Don't treat speed limits like targets, drive according to the conditions and distance you can see to be clear! • What goes up, must come down! Remember your vehicle will pick up speed going downhill, keep speed under control! • If you're not sure of the speed limit, look out for repeater signs, lamp posts are closer together in 30mph zones! • Be prepared to adjust your speed as conditions improve or decline! • Try not to be influenced by a speeding vehicle in front or a pressing driver behind! • Don't get caught up in the flow of speeding traffic! If you would like more information about learning to drive in Ballymena or require driving lessons, please feel free to ...contact me today! on 07799 497 471 |
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adminJoe: Posted on 22 June 2012 22:48
The Left Reverse Reversing around a corner is one manoeuvre you will learn during your driving lessons in Ballymena. You should always reverse from a major road into a minor road and never the other way round as it would be too dangerous to attempt.  The aim is to reverse safely around the corner keeping reasonably close to the kerb. To perform this manoeuvre successfully you will need to have good control skills and be able to take effective observations from start to finish. It's important to remember that when you are reversing you could present a danger to other road users and pedestrians, when you start to turn the front of the car will swing out, you should be prepared to stop for anyone you may be a danger to. During your driving lessons you will be given plenty of time to perfect your reversing skills, your driving instructor will teach you how to keep the car under full control on different surface levels, you will be taught where and when to look and how you should respond to other road users. If you get the left reverse on test day, your examiner will be very interested in your control and observation skills, it is not a test of how quickly you can perform the exercise, so it's okay to take your time, try not to rush and remember, keep calm! keep control! keep looking! TOP TIP! Putting the drivers window down slightly will help you to hear vehicles coming before you can see them! If you require more information, please contact me today on 07799 497 471 Please feel free to comment, share! |
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adminJoe: Posted on 22 May 2012 17:00
Searching for driving lessons in the Ballymena area?
Do you want to: Gain a skill for life? Pass your driving test? Increase your employment options? Whatever your reasons, Joe's Driver Training can provide tailored driving lessons to suit all levels of ability! If you haven't passed your theory test yet, you'll be provided with all the resources, help and support, to study and pass your theory test completely free of charge ...sign up here>> Your driving lessons will be with a fully qualified driving instructor who's aim, is to make sure you receive the very best value for money, while preparing you to pass your driving test and remain safe on todays busy roads! To find out more about driving lessons in Ballymena ...contact>> or call me today on: 07799 497 471 Be sure to ask about the latest deals and discounts! |
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adminJoe: Posted on 07 April 2012 16:48
Driving lessons Ballymena - Turn in the road The turn in the road is one manoeuvre you will learn during your driving lessons in Ballymena.The aim is to turn the car around to face the opposite direction using forward and reverse gears,(without touching the kerbs) This manoeuvre is sometimes referred to as the 3 point turn. Turn in the road is a better term as it's not always possible or necessary to complete the exercise in 3 moves, it could take more depending on the width of the road. Good control skills and effective observations are necessary to complete this manoeuvre successfully.You should remain in full control of the car at all times. As with all manoeuvres you should carry out effective observations prior to and throughout the entire manoeuvre. You should respond safely to any other road user or pedestrian who may be effected or at risk by your actions. During your driving lessons, your driving instructor will not just teach you the skills required to perform a successful turn in the road, you will also learn about legal issues and real life scenarios. You will be given practise at a variety of different locations to help develop your new skills. On test day your examiner may choose a location and ask you to perform a turn in the road. You may even be familiar with the location from your driving lessons. The examiner will tell you clearly what they want you to do but will not instruct you or tell you how to do it. To be successful you will have to remain as calm as possible whilst putting into practise all the skills you have acquired during your driving lessons. If you would like more information, please feel free to: Call me today! or Request a call back! Call or text your number to: 07799 497 471 |
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adminJoe: Posted on 18 February 2012 17:27
Your 1st Driving Lesson! If you are new to driving lessons you may not know what to expect, or how to prepare yourself for your 1st session behind the wheel of a car. Reading through the following questions and answers could help you to avoid some of the pitfalls and make your 1st driving lesson run a little more smoothly. Do I need to pass the theory test before I can take driving lessons? No, if you are 17 or older and hold a valid provisional driving licence entitling you to drive a car (category B) you have all you need to begin driving lessons on the road. Your driving instructor will advise you about ways to prepare for your theory test. Joe's Driver Training offers free theory support including free theory test pro ...free to anyone who wants to study for the theory! Please feel free to use this service! What should I bring with me? You should bring both parts of your provisional driving licence! You should also check beforehand that you have signed your licence and that all details are correct.Your driving instructor will want to check these details! If you need to wear glasses or contacts, make sure you do! Your driving instructor will want to check your eyesight by asking you to read a standard vehicle number plate at a distance of 20 meters! To save embarrassment you should also make sure you bring payment for your driving lesson. What footwear should I wear? Sensible footwear! You will want to be able to operate the foot controls with ease! Heavy work boots, crocks, ugg boots, flip flops and the likes, can all cause problems during early driving lessons. Once you get familiar with the foot controls you can be less selective about what you wear! What clothing should I wear? Comfortable clothing that won't restrict your ability to operate the cars controls! A driving instructors car is their office! If you have just finished work somewhere like a farm, garage or paintshop, you should make sure you remove your overalls and that both you, and your footwear is clean before you enter the car! Will I be expected to know anything about driving? No, not at all! If it's your 1st driving lesson your instructor will not expect you to know anything about driving. You could prepare yourself by asking a friend or family member to tell you about the pedals, gears, steering etc. You may also find these youtube videos informative, as well as reading through the official highway code . Will I be expected to drive straight away? No, not if you have never driven a car before! When learning a new skill like driving, it's important that you learn at a pace that's right for you. Learning to drive should be an enjoyable experience! If your pickup location isn't suitable your driving instructor will find a place nearby. Everything will be explained to you in detail! You will be allowed to learn at your own pace! If you would like more information about driving lessons in Ballymena or the learning to drive process, please visit my main website ...here>> or Call Joe today! on 07799 497 471 Please feel free to comment and share! |
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adminJoe: Posted on 17 February 2012 22:33
Dealing with emergency vehicles Sooner or later every driver will find themselves in a situation where they have to deal with emergency vehicles. If this happens during your driving lessons, your driving instructor will be able to tell you what you should do. This kind of situation does not always arise during a course of driving lessons! For many their 1st ever encounter with an emergency vehicle will be after they have passed their driving test! Watching this short video will help you to understand how to respond safely! What you should and should not do! What the driver of the emergency vehicle will expect from you! If you would like more information about driving lessons in Ballymena or the learning to drive process, please visit my main website ...here>> or call me today! on 07799 497 471 Please feel free to share! |
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adminJoe: Posted on 06 February 2012 22:48
Learn how you can save on fuel! with Driving Lessons in Ballymena With fuel prices continually on the rise a car is now more expensive to run than ever before.We can do little about rising fuel costs but there's a lot we can do to cut down on our own fuel consumption! There's an old saying "look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves" that's what eco friendly driving is all about. A few adjustments here and there can soon mount up to a considerable saving, especially over time! Before you drive! Simple things like checking the condition of your tyres and ensuring that they're inflated to the correct pressures or, removing a roof rack that's not being used will not only, help reduce drag and improve fuel consumption, but will also reduce the amount of harmful emissions your car exhausts into the atmosphere. The way you drive! I often hear people complaining that their car is hard on fuel when they haven't considered that low miles per gallon might be more to do with how they actually drive the car, than the car itself! Short journeys, harsh acceleration, heavy braking, speeding, over revving the engine ...all contribute to higher fuel consumption! Developing habits! For example: when driving in town, many drivers will think little about racing off from traffic lights only to brake hard for the next set of lights, or queue of traffic that may only be a short distance ahead! SHORT BURSTS! + HEAVY BRAKING! = MORE FUEL USED! You can save on fuel by developing the good habit of: LOOKING AND THINKING WELL AHEAD! - PLANNING! - DRIVING ACCORDINGLY! Learning to drive isn't just about getting to grips with the handling of a car! More importantly, it's about developing good habits and attitudes that will equip you for a lifetime of safe and happy motoring! These are just some examples of how you could save on fuel by changing the way you drive and maintain your car. If you would like more information about eco friendly driving methods or driving lessons in Ballymena, visit main site ...here>> or Call me today! on 07799 497 471 |
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adminJoe: Posted on 03 February 2012 20:37
When you're ready to begin taking driving lessons in Ballymena, you will notice there are a lot of Driving Instructors operating in the area. So... how can you choose a driving instructor and what should you look for? You could ask your friends who they learned with and if they would recommend them. You should also ask if they enjoyed their driving lessons and if they were well prepared for the driving test. You could compare driving instructors online by viewing their websites and checking out customer reviews. It is against the law for an unqualified person to charge you for driving lessons. Be sure that the driving instructor you choose is DOE approved. DOE approved driving instructors are required to display their instructor licence on their person or in their car. If you haven't seen their licence don't be afraid to ask! A list of approved driving instructors can be found on the Driver Vehicle Agency website. Be wary of driving instructors who offer cheap, multi lesson deals at knock down prices. Unfortunately some (not all) will make up the cost by limiting the amount of driving you do. You might find you are parked at the road side for much of each driving lesson. This in turn will lead to poor value and even more driving lessons in the end. It is very important that you feel at ease with your driving instructor. It is equally important that you feel at ease with the car being used for your driving lessons. The driving school car should be clean and fresh, safe, comfortable and easy to drive. It is never acceptable for your driving instructor to shout, swear or be angry with you! At times, they may need to be firm and authoritative but only in the interest of safety. You are a paying customer! You are entitled to a professional service! DO NOT settle for anything less! If you are not happy with your driving instructor you should leave them. For more information about learning to drive, choosing an instructor and driving lessons in Ballymena...here>> Or... call me today on 07799 497 471 |
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adminJoe: Posted on 28 January 2012 18:12
Joe's Driver Training is a Ballymena based driving school that offers driving lessons with an approved driving instructor in Ballymena and surrounding areas. Your driving instructor (Joe Herbison) is a fully qualified DOE Approved Driving Instructor who believes that learning to drive should be taken seriously yet still be enjoyable. All driving lessons are built around the needs of each individual and are conducted in a patient, friendly atmosphere in a dual controlled Toyota Yaris diesel. Student, block booking, and longer lesson discounts are available with free theory test pro and a free local pick up service. For more information about learning to drive in Ballymena, driving lessons or the driving test, visit main site...here>> |
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adminJoe: Posted on 06 January 2012 21:50
You've Passed! Joe's Driver Training is pleased to congratulate Moira McNeill on passing her driving test in Ballymena. Well done Moira! Wishing you many years of Safe and Happy Motoring! |
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adminJoe: Posted on 22 December 2011 21:57
Joe's Driver Training provides affordable driving lessons and courses with a reliable driving instructor in Ballymena. For more information about driving lessons in Ballymena, please call Joe on 07799 497 471 |
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adminJoe: Posted on 11 December 2011 20:17
Affordable Driving Lessons in Ballymena Joe's Driver Training is an independent, Ballymena based driving school,offering affordable driving lessons in Ballymena and surrounding areas. Quality driving lessons with a fully qualified, Approved Driving Instructor who covers the Ballymena area. Begin driving lessons in Ballymena 2012 and benefit from the following: Unlimited Block booking discounts Free local pick up service Longer lesson discounts Free theory support Student discounts Cash rewards For more information call Joe on 07799 497 471 or contact...here>> |
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admin Joe: Posted on 22 November 2011 22:26
Driving Lesson Gift Vouchers Available as single or multiple driving lessons in Ballymena. The perfect Christmas or Birthday gift! Learn a skill for life! Pass the driving test! Gain independence! Joe's Driver Training provides driving lessons and intensive driving courses with an Approved Driving Instructor in Ballymena. Refresher driving lessons are also available to any full licence holder who wants to brush up on existing skills or build confidence when driving on todays busy roads. All driving lessons are conducted in a patient, friendly, atmosphere and are built around the needs of each individual. For more information about driving lessons in Ballymena please call 07799 497 471 |
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