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Tips to Stay Calm and Composed During Your Driving Test

December 31st, 2011 admin Comments off

Learning to drive can be a nerve wracking process, for some learner’s lessons can be simple and they take to drive like a duck to water but there are some other drivers who may be more nervous and can get themselves very tense when driving. When it comes time to take the actual driving test though you could find that you are so nervous that you make a mistake or forget to do something important such as check your mirrors.

There are ways in which you can build your confidence when driving so that when take you practical test you will be able to drive normally and safely without any extra pressure on your mind. Firstly you should only apply to take your driving test when you feel that you are totally confident with driving, turning and all of the advanced manoeuvres such as parallel parking and reversing round a corner. Your instructor will let you know when he or she feels you have reached the correct level of ability but ultimately it is up to you.

Once you have applied and have a date in your diary then you should start practicing through mock driving tests, your instructor can base your lessons leading up to your exam date around test conditions such as getting you to cover all of the possible questions that you will be asked initially during the ‘show me’ and ‘tell me’ phase. These questions relate to where specific items like the oil dipstick and screen wash are so you should familiarise yourself with where these are in the car you will be examined in.

During practice tests your instructor will mark down any minor errors or major errors, don’t be worried about making mistakes at this point though as you’ll have time to correct them before your actual exam. You may notice areas where you would have failed and so your instructor can include practice for these situations in your next lesson.

When the day comes make sure you are relaxed but alert for the test, you can still fail because of another road user’s actions so make sure you are aware of any vehicles cutting in front of you or stopping suddenly. Many learner drivers panic because of the examiner being sat next to them whilst driving, the best advice for this is to pretend they aren’t even there. Some examiners even say this as they want to see your natural driving style and ability.

If you fail your test then the examiner will let you know where you slipped up and even if you pass they will tell you the minor errors you may have made, either way don’t worry, not everyone passes their test first time, some may take two or three times before their ability is at the right level.

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Ajijic Travel Tip Number 17 – Should I Rent a Car in Lake Chapala, Mexico?

December 31st, 2011 admin Comments off

Ajijic, Mexico is now on the radar for baby boomers about to retire and are drawn to this charming village in the Mexican highlands with narrow cobble stone streets. These streets are delightful for walking, but not necessarily for driving for the first time visitor.

Don’t make the mistake of renting a car before you arrive for your Ajijic, Mexico vacation. These travel tips for Lake Chapala will give you the inside track to getting around when visiting the Lake Chapala area.

Where do people park in Ajijic-Chapala, Mexico?

Parking a rental car in Ajijic, at its best is not easy for first time visitors. In the Mexican state of Jalisco, the village of Ajijic is where all the action is. The shops, the restaurants, the shops, galleries, the lake front, the plaza, the pier and the new boardwalk is where you will spend most your time when you visit.

This picturesque Mexican village is mostly narrow, one way streets with very limited parking.

Walking, not driving is your best mode of transportation. If you have a car it will be a challenge to find any parking, let alone close to where you are going.

If walking is not what you consider an option or are able to do comfortably, no problem. Taxicabs are readily available and inexpensive to take you anywhere you want to go. And, there are buses that run on the main streets through towns and villages that dot the lakeside communities.

How do I get around in Lake Chapala?

Want to see places and things of interest during you Ajijic vacation? Don’t you need to rent a car to accomplish this? Nope. The best way to sight see is take a small group or personalized tour.

As an example, there are tours that take small groups around Lake Chapala in vans or small buses. Knowledgeable English speaking guides stop at all the places that are worth exploring. It is a day trip starting in the morning and returning early evening.

The Tequila tours are very popular, and for good reason. In addition to visiting the tasting room, the tours themselves are very interesting and informative. The older refineries reside on beautiful properties and you will see how Tequila was produced in the old days up to modern day production. You could take the Tequila Train Tour, or you could hire a driver and take a private tour.

Categories: Driving mistakes Tags: