Driving test check list

Its been a while since i blogged so i will try and summarise what i've been doing about this driving test.  I had quite a long break over the summer as my instructors schedule seemed to clash with mine.  I had around 8 lesson previous 4 weeks break. We did manage to find a driving lesson slot nearly 2 weeks ago.  I was very confident after the 8th lesson but having had the break i felt i was less confident.    So my advice is don't leave your lesson far apart from each other.  I have decided to book my test on the 22nd of October whilst the weather still good and lessons are fresh on my mind.   I have decided to set the list of maneuver i have to know off the back of my hand well before sitting my practical driving lesson.

Manoeuvres

1. 
   

   Turn on the road ( use to be known as 3 point turn)

2. 
   

   Parrallel parking

3. 
   

   Reversing -

4. 
   

   into the side of the road or 

5. 
   

   bay parking or 

6. 
   

   between parked car

FIRST DAY

It was brilliant.  We drove for an hour around country side and then ventured closer to the town.  I am so glad that I wasn't as nervous as i use to be driving near other cars.  I think cycling for a few months have help me over come this fear.  I knew one of my problem is driving this machine bigger than me which can cause so much trouble for  everyone involve, if i don't have any control over it.  Seeing other car or trucks next to me is so daunting.  So i decided that the only way i could think of getting rid of these fear is to cycle beside these monsters.  I live in a town which seem to be busy route for trucks alike.  By law we can cycle on the road with them as long as the cyclist follow the rules of the road.  I do whimp out when it comes to cycling around any round about so i either avoid them altogether or cycle on the path when i get nearer.  And it shows in my driving,  I am more hesitand round the round about.

My instructor said that i only need 20 maximum.  For me thats great as i had 40 lesson nearly a decade ago and forgot everything that i learnt or so i thought.
I have been watching online clips about driving and found an online driving simulator trial version.  It's good to start visualising yourself driving and looking at the sequence for each manouver.

SIMULATOR
http://www.3dfahrschule.de/uk_download.htm

There's a free demo for UK users.  Its pretty good but this so far the only simulators i've seen so far.  You go through different level with target to reach each time.  Its set in A European country.  I think its somewhere in Germany.  You have an instructor of your choice who is in the top right hand side of your screen.  See for yourself.  Links above. Nothing to lose as it's free.

I will check out others for UK drivers next time and keep you up to date.

Disappointing first drive

I am a little disappointed by my partners reponse after driving the qashqai for the first time.  He did think it was a good car but wasn't excited by it.  Aparently there is no kick with the 1.5dci.  This is the engine size we are looking for.  On the plus side he did say it was an easy drive.  It was an acenta and the finish wasn't as I had hope it would be compared to the other cars we saw today.  Golf had a pretty good finish.  Apparently it had the 'umph' as you accelarate.  As a passenger it was

Nissan Qashqai 2010 – First photos UPDATE: Models and Prices

I've been looking at different cars and I keep going back to the Nissan Qashqai. I decided to look at the N-Tec version instead of the acenta.  As its name, it is very techi compared to the other two models, Volkwagen Golf and Ford Mondeo.  Both cars have been voted to by 'what cars' as one of the good cars.  Golf seem to take the lead of 5 stars whilst the rest only took 3 or 4.  The miles per gallons fantastic with the Golf but it just doesn't grab me.  It reminds me of the car enthusiat boys sipping their beverage whilst listening to latest techno sounds.  Just not me.   It has been quoted as a family car but I wonder how our mixed labrador will fit in the boot.
Qashqai N-tec is winning my partner over.  He manage to look at the specs. and he agreed that is the best spec. out of the rest.  It has panoramic sunroof that goes way back so my son can enjoy the view too as we drive.  Since I haven't pass my driving test yet and will only have pass my test when I get a car, Qashqai N-tec reverse camera will come in handy.  Once you put your car in reverse the camera switches on and you can see what you are driving into or not.  I think thats a big plus.  Reversing in any car of any size with lack of experience would be daunting.  It has bluetooth, Sat nav and the rest which my partner seems to be more interested in.
As far my reserach about the car goes, the only bad thing about it is the rear supension can be noisy.  I only read this in one feedback not sure if this applies to all the model.  I did hear that its sluggish but in March 1st they are releasing New Qashqai that has, as reported to have sorted this problem out.  It also seem to have a new look.  It looks great.  The stereo is also much better.   We will be visiting the showroom on Tueday and will get some picture of the current model or new one if they have it on show. 

If you would like more info, please visit the link below.

Nissan Qashqai 2010 – First photos UPDATE: nModels and Prices