Joe's Driver Training Blog

Congratulations You've passed!

05/17/2013 14:22:00

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!

Congratulations

05/11/2013 15:37:00

Congratulations to Darryl, Jamie & Nicole who all passed their driving tests 1st time in Ballymena this week ...well done folks!

Learn to drive in Ballymena 2013

12/31/2012 18:08:00

Joe's Driver Training - driving lessons in Ballymena to suit all levels of ability!

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Driving lessons in Ballymena

Learn to drive in Ballymena and pass your driving test with Joe's Driver Training.DOE Approved Driving Instructor covering Ballymena and surrounding areas.http://www.joesdrivertraining.co.uk

To book your driving lessons in Ballymena call 07799 497 471 today!

Want to learn to drive in Ballymena?

10/21/2012 19:38:00

If you want to learn to drive in Ballymena, then look no further. Joe's Driver Training offers tailored driving lessons at competitive rates.

From complete beginner to driving test and beyond, Joe's Driver Training caters for all levels of ability.

All driving lessons are with a fully qualified, DOE Approved, grade 5 Instructor.

Covering Ballymena and surrounding areas.

Services include:

Beginner driving lessons
Driving test preparation
Mock driving tests
Eco driving lessons
Refresher driving lessons
Theory support
And more!

For more information visit main website or call 07799 497 471 today!

Driving lessons Ballymena | Faster learning tools

10/21/2012 18:47:00

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>>

call or text!

07799 497 471

Driving Lessons in Ballymena | Use of speed

07/28/2012 18:57:00

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!

07799 497 471

Driving Lessons Ballymena | Reversing around a corner

06/22/2012 22:48:00

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!

Joe's Driver Training provides driving lessons in Ballymena with an Approved Driving Instructor.

If you require more information, please contact me today on 07799 497 471

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Driving Lessons Ballymena | Complete package!

05/22/2012 17:00:00

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>>

call me today on: 07799 497 471

Be sure to ask about the latest deals and discounts!

Driving Lessons Ballymena | A guide to the turn in the road manoeuvre

04/07/2012 16:48:00

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.

Joe's Driver Training offers driving lessons in Ballymena with an Approved Driving Instructor.

If you would like more information, please feel free to:

Call me today!

Request a call back!

Call or text your number to: 07799 497 471

Driving Instructor Ballymena | Your 1st Driving Lesson

02/18/2012 17:27:00

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>>

Call Joe today!

07799 497 471

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