I've now embarked on the actual driving cours. I was geared up to get going. The first thing that had to be done was to check the condition of the car for safe use on the road.

The 1st Check was to make sure that the doors were secure and everyone was safely in the vehicle.

2nd Was to check the Brakes in case they had been leaking while the vehicle was not in use.

3rd Is to check the car by switching it on and check for any warning lights on the dash board and not to forget to position the mirrors correctly.

4th Was to check that your seat-belts were functioning properly with a tight restraint.

These are just some of the checks we should be doing every time we get into a vehicle. There are a lot of other checks that need to be done like checking tyres are at the correct pressures. Also check the oil, water, lights, mirrors, and keep all windows clean for a clearer view. Once all of this is done you will know that the vehicle you are driving is safe to use.

When you have done all of these you are ready to set off on your journey. As I began to get under way on my Advanced Driving Course with my instructor, I started with some easy steps. Approaching a junction I was asked to see if it was safe to carry on while still moving. If no other vehicles were around then I carried on without a signal. But if there were other vehicles around then it is in yours and other drivers interests to give the appropriate signals.

I also learned today about planning my journey in a way that no one really does. We tend to look no further than a couple of feet past our front bonnet. When we look further ahead we then can not only see what is ahead but plan for any sudden changes; we can also observe others that are using the highways like horses, cyclists and runners, along with those on the pavement such as children and pensioners or the dog without a lead.

There was another new tactic I learned whilst out with my instructor. It was to move nearer to the left when we approach a bend to the right. This gives us a better view of traffic coming towards us, and the same if the road bends to the left, then move to the right. It gives you and other road users a better chance of reducing any unfortunate accidents that can happen.

Another one of the most important tips I got from today’s course was when we drive down a hill we tend to keep in a higher gear and this then means we have to apply pressure to the brake to slow us down. I was taught to select a lower gear and then I found I was keeping to the speed limit and I wasn’t applying unnecessary braking. This saves fuel and wear and tear on my tyres and brakes.