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WELCOME TO THE OPTIMUS SCHOOL OF MOTORING BLOG
At Optimus School of Motoring, I inspire students to embrace challenges and exciting experiences!
My lessons blend hands-on practice with knowledge-based teaching, setting you up for success. Plus, my blog offers fantastic resources to help you ace your driving test on the first try!
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Understanding the Importance of Your Zone of Vision | Driving Lessons in Basingstoke
Zone of Vision is what you can see as you look forward and to the side from your vehicle.

Adrian Fedyk
Feb 7, 20222 min read
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Understanding Y-Junctions | Driving Lessons in Basingstoke
As you develop your driving lessons in Basingstoke, you will find that Y-junctions can be deceptive because they often call for little change in direction. Normally, the road going straight ahead has priority and minor roads have either 'Give Way' or 'Stop' signs. However, there are many exceptions. Watch out for oncoming vehicles positioned incorrectly. The drivers might have misjudged the junction. Going straight ahead on the major road Look well ahead for road signs and ma

Adrian Fedyk
Feb 7, 20221 min read
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Navigating Crossroads: Making Choices That Define Your Path | Driving Lessons in Basingstoke
As you develop your skills during your driving lessons in Basingstoke, you will find that crossroads are often accident black spots, so take extra care, especially on roads carrying fast-moving traffic. Accidents often involve vehicles turning right. The procedure when turning at crossroads is much the same as any other junction. You'll need to assess the crossroads on approach, so look well ahead and check for road signs and markings which might indicate priority. Driving on

Adrian Fedyk
Feb 7, 20223 min read
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Understanding the Dangers of Wet Roads and How to Stay Safe | Driving Lessons in Basingstoke
Stopping Distance As you develop your skills during your driving lessons in Basingstoke, you will find that wet roads reduce tyre grip, so slow down. Give yourself plenty of time and room for slowing down and stopping. Keep well back from other vehicles. On a wet road, you should allow at least double the stopping distance for a dry road. After a spell of dry weather, rain on the road can make the surface even more slippery. Take extra care, especially when cornering. Be awar

Adrian Fedyk
Feb 7, 20224 min read
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V is for Vision Creating a Clear Path to Your Goals | Driving Lessons in Basingstoke
As you develop your skills during your driving lessons in Basingstoke, you will find that the biggest single danger to any driver is being unable to see properly. You won't be able to make the right decisions if you can't see the road clearly. Always keep your windscreen, mirrors and windows clean and clear. Wipers and washers Make sure your wiper blades are efficient. Make sure washers are working and keep the reservoir filled. Use an additive, it helps: To prevent freezing

Adrian Fedyk
Dec 1, 20212 min read
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Understanding Understeer: What Every Driver Should Know | Driving Lessons in Basingstoke
As you develop your skills during your driving lessons in Basingstoke, you will find that all vehicles vary in how they behave when turning at various road speeds. Some respond less than you expect in relation to the amount of turn you give the wheel (understeer). Some respond more (oversteer). You must get to know the characteristics of your vehicle, before you drive in traffic, and drive extra carefully until you are familiar with its behaviour. Turning When turning the ste

Adrian Fedyk
Nov 26, 20212 min read
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Understanding Thinking Distance and Its Impact on Safe Driving | Driving Lessons in Basingstoke
As you develop your skills during your driving lessons in Basingstoke, you will find that thinking distance depends on how quickly you react. It takes well over half a second for most people to react. If you are tired or unwell, it will take longer. If you are driving at 20 mph, you'll travel about 6 metres (20 feet) before your brakes even begin to act: At 30 mph, 9 metres (30 feet) At 40 mph, 12 metres (40 feet). And so on. Braking Distance This depends greatly on your spee

Adrian Fedyk
Nov 14, 20212 min read
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Understanding the Importance of Signalling | Driving Lessons in Basingstoke
As you develop your skills during your driving lessons in Basingstoke , you will find that signals are normally given by direction indicators and/or brake lights. It's important that you use the correct signal. Use signals: To let others know what you intend to do To help all other road users, including pedestrians In good time and for long enough to allow other road users to see the signal and act upon it. Signal in good time, particularly before: Turning right or left Overt

Adrian Fedyk
Oct 31, 20212 min read
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Understanding the Role of Roundabouts in Safe Driving Practices | Driving Lessons in Basingstoke
As you develop your skills during your driving lessons in Basingstoke, you will find that roundabouts allow traffic from different roads to merge or cross without necessarily stopping. Priority Before you enter a roundabout, you normally give way to any traffic approaching from your immediate right. However, you should keep moving if the way is clear. Always use the MSM/PSL (Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre/Position, Speed, Look) routine on approach. Approaching a roundabout Always

Adrian Fedyk
Sep 28, 20214 min read
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Questions to Ask Yourself While Driving for a Safer Journey | Driving Lessons in Basingstoke
As you develop your skills during your driving lessons in Basingstoke, you will find that there are numerous questions that you may have before you start learning to drive, below are just a few of the most common things that you will need to consider before you take the step towards 'Driving Independence'. NOT MADE IT TO 17 YET? ​ If you're not yet 17 you can start practising on private land, such as on a farm, but remember that places like supermarket car parks are classed

Adrian Fedyk
Aug 24, 20213 min read
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P is for Patience: Mastering the Art of Calm Driving | Driving Lessons in Basingstoke
As you develop your skills during your driving lessons in Basingstoke, you will find that it is said that patience is a virtue, and this is certainly true when you are driving. Sadly, incompetence, bad manners and aggression seem to be commonplace on our roads, but there is no excuse for this type of behaviour when driving. You shouldn't let bad driving behaviour by other motorists lead to conflict. If you do, you are well on the way to an accident. Be prepared to make allowa

Adrian Fedyk
Aug 9, 20212 min read
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O is for Observation How to Enhance Your Driving Skills Through Awareness | Driving Lessons in Basingstoke
As you develop your skills during your driving lessons in Basingstoke, you will find that a skilful driver constantly watches and interprets what's happening around them. Always drive at such a speed that you can stop safely within the distance you can see to be clear. A good driver will constantly scan the road ahead and to the side and, by frequent use of the mirrors, be aware of the situation behind. Look at other road users and assess their: speed behaviour possible inten

Adrian Fedyk
Jul 4, 20212 min read
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Navigating the Challenges of Night Driving for New Drivers | Driving Lessons in Basingstoke
As you develop your skills during your driving lessons in Basingstoke, you will find that you will find that you're very much more limited by conditions at night. You can't see as far as you can in daylight, so less information is available. Problems vary widely with the type of road and amount of traffic. Speed at night You need to be more alert and aware that you can't safely drive as fast at night as you can in daylight. The includes driving at dusk or dawn, even in good w

Adrian Fedyk
Jun 27, 20212 min read
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M is for Mirrors Essential Driving Tips for Safety and Awareness Driving Lessons in Basingstoke
As you develop your skills during your driving lessons in Basingstoke, you will find that using your driving mirrors regularly and sensibly is vital to good driving. Learning to judge the speed and distance of vehicles behind you takes time. Try the following exercise when your vehicle is stationary: Compare the different impressions you get when you view vehicles through the interior mirror and the exterior mirrors. The vehicles may seem smaller in the exterior mirrors. Then

Adrian Fedyk
Jun 17, 20212 min read
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Understanding Lane Discipline and Its Importance in Road Safety | Driving Lessons in Basingstoke
As you develop your skills during your driving lessons in Basingstoke, you will find that you should always follow lane markings, which are there for 2 reasons: They make the best possible use of road space They guide the traffic. Keeping to the lane markings is vital. Position yourself in good time If you find you're in the wrong lane, don't try to change by cutting across other drivers at the last moment. Carry on in your lane and find another way back to your route. Changi

Adrian Fedyk
May 27, 20212 min read
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K is for Knowledge: Driving Safely with Informed Decisions | Driving Lessons in Basingstoke
As you develop your skills during your driving lessons in Basingstoke, you will find that if we didn't have any knowledge, we wouldn't really be able to drive! Practical experience of driving is fantastic, and clearly really useful. However, if you don't have the knowledge of the road, rules, signs and markings, you wouldn't be able to drive effectively, safely, or even legally. This is why it's important that we learn new things, and continuously update our knowledge. Especi

Adrian Fedyk
May 15, 20212 min read
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Understanding Junctions: Essential Tips for Safe Driving |Driving Lessons in Basingstoke
As you develop your skills during your driving lessons in Basingstoke, you will find that a junction is where two or more roads meet, usually with a minor road joining a major road. There are many types of junction - including; T junction Y junction Junction on a bend Roundabout Crossroads Unmarked junctions Controlled junctions Box junctions. How to identify a junction? Road markings: The most common road markings surrounding a typical junction would be a give way line, or a

Adrian Fedyk
May 7, 20215 min read
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Mastering Independent Driving Tips for Confidence on the Road | Driving Lessons in Basingstoke
As you develop your skills during your driving lessons in Basingstoke, you will find that there are three possible elements to this; using SatNav (including on your driving test), following road signs (including on your driving test) and driving alone. SatNav Satellite navigation is great, although you need to use it carefully. Whatever model you buy (in many modern cars, you can even dock your phone and use Google Maps or Apple Maps), it needs to be kept up to date. And you

Adrian Fedyk
May 1, 20213 min read
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H is for Health Tips to Stay Safe and Fit While Driving | Driving Lessons in Basingstoke
As you develop your skills during your driving lessons in Basingstoke, you will find that Fitness to Drive and health is an important factor in driving. In the long-term, any pre-existing or new medical condition which may affect your ability to drive safely must be reported to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). This is generally a conversation you should have with your doctor or specialist. A complete list of notifiable conditions is available on the gov.uk web

Adrian Fedyk
Apr 24, 20212 min read
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G is for Gears Understanding Their Role in Driving Efficiency | Driving Lessons in Basingstoke
As you develop your skills during your driving lessons in Basingstoke, you will find that the gearbox contains the gears, which control the relationship between the engine speed and wheel speed. First gear provides the greatest force for the driving wheels and is normally the one you use to get the vehicle moving from a complete stop. As you speed up, you change up to the higher gears, each one giving you less engine power, but more speed for your wheels. Using the highest ge

Adrian Fedyk
Apr 17, 20213 min read
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Understanding the Importance of Following Distance for Safe Driving | Driving Lessons in Basingstoke
As you develop your skills during your driving lessons in Basingstoke , you will find that this is also known as a ‘separation distance’. It refers to the gap that we leave between our vehicle and the vehicle in front. It’s important that we leave a good gap in case anything suddenly happens in front – it gives us time to react and slow or stop safely. Road traffic collisions are often caused by vehicles following the vehicle in front too closely. It’s essential that drivers

Adrian Fedyk
Apr 13, 20213 min read
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E is for Emergency Stop The Essential Guide to Vehicle Safety | Driving Lessons in Basingstoke
As you develop your skills during your driving lessons in Basingstoke, you will find that the emergency stop, also known as the controlled stop, is often practised during driving lessons. This involves simulating an emergency situation and getting the student to stop as quickly and as safely as possible. It could be that a pedestrian has suddenly walked out on you, or a car has pulled out on you. How is it performed on a test? Your examiner will pull you over at the side of t

Adrian Fedyk
Mar 6, 20214 min read
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Understanding the Importance of Dual Carriageways in Road Safety and Efficiency | Driving Lessons in Basingstoke
As you develop your skills during your driving lessons in Basingstoke, you will find that a dual carriageway is a road which has a central reservation to separate the carriageways. They are usually used to link major roads or areas together, and where there is high traffic flow – where two lanes would benefit the traffic to keep it moving. Despite the name, some ‘dual carriageways’ have only one lane in each direction, or maybe three lanes: it is the separation between opposi

Adrian Fedyk
Mar 6, 20212 min read
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C is for Clutch: Mastering the Art of Timely Decision Making | Driving Lessons in Basingstoke
As you develop your skills during your driving lessons in Basingstoke , you will find that in Manual Transmission Cars, (ie, with a Gear Lever and Clutch Pedal) the clutch pedal decides if the engine is connected to the wheels. When the clutch pedal is all the way up, the engine is fully-connected to the wheels. With the clutch pedal pressed all the way to the floor, it disconnects the engine from the wheels. Between the fully-up and fully-down position is the biting point,

Adrian Fedyk
Mar 6, 20212 min read
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