Practical revision lessons notes

In this ‘Practical lessons notes’ series, I will be sharing my overview and notes for each lesson. Do be warned that the writing might not be cohesive as they were adapted from notes for myself. I won’t be mentioning the car number or instructor’s name, but I am sure you can figure them out if you are a BBDC student too.

For consolidated notes, see the tips post.

Here’s my training history.

Revisions

Did 7 lessons here, which I thought was a little overkill haha but I felt that I needed the practice and there was also a long wait for the completion of my final TPDS module before I could book the test.

Just a note I also went about my first few revision lessons pointing out my weak points which were circuit manoeuvres and lane change.

Lesson 21

Not from fixed group. Friendly and helpful (usually not car) instructor.

Started with circuit speed and brake control at turning points, and learning to see whether the car was parallel/perpendicular (aka straight) to sighting points at courses like VP, ramp and DC. He also noted that my turning points can be earlier for the most parts, especially when facing the different direction from turn. Tight turn is still at door handle to kerb.

PP to keep left rear wheel close to the kerb to turn in. For crank course an issue is to turn in only if there’s no give way line. (e.g. 14 15 are exits! Go to 13 or bigger number 47 48 49 to turn in) Story I have here is that I almost turn in to the exit until he reminded me… and then after going to the correct entrance, a test car turned in to the exit!! ): Super shocked and sad for her as I just learnt about such errors, also afterwards she didn’t do well and mounted kerb during PP too.

For VP, if too close to the kerb on the right, just correct, reverse and keep steering wheel until straight and then return steering. For S course, I also noted that I didn’t have to turn left further as the space on my right is actually quite big.

Outside driving, don’t swerve the steering wheel to change lane, just a slight turn of the steering will put the car into the next lane at higher speeds. Also just let go of the accelerator first to slow down and only if there is a need to go slower then press the brake pedal.

Lesson 22

From fixed group. Nice instructor.

He uses hand motion to indicate to slow down, which I should do more before big humps. Also, scan for road works before lane changing. For lane changing, I should also do quick checks and pick up speed to change lane but do not go over the speed limit. For traffic lights with red amber green right turn arrows, the car cannot move up to the front yet.

As for the circuit, take note of lane directions. When given instructions, left turn is after the number, while right turn is before the number. When coming out of DC at 46, can only turn right and do so when the shoulder passes the kerb to turn right, also noting that sometimes it is likely to go to the crank course at 47.

Lesson 23

From fixed group. Friendly instructor, same as previous lesson.

Learnt to look at the rear mirror before moving off, to get a sense of the traffic conditions behind. When wanting to lane change and there is a car moving fast in the next lane, look back in front first. A common route and instruction pointed out here was also at or before slope to Teck Whye area is to go straight and it is the cue to lane change to the middle lane.

Also noted to not turn too early at sharp angled courses like going out of DC and crank course, to turn at the end of the handle to kerb. DC at 46 turning out right is to the nearest lane. Slow down at turns to prevent wide turning too.

Lesson 24

From fixed group. Same instructor as in Lesson 18, 4.01. Also note that I used the same car for the past two lessons too haha.

He noted that I shouldn’t slow down to lane change at fast speed roads (aka those 60/70 kmh limit roads) as I wouldn’t be able to do so. Also, turn into lane/bends smoothly instead of abruptly. I should also slow down at turns and check for oncoming traffic already, especially at filter give way line areas as I should not stop unnecessarily just to check.

As for lane changes, signal can be turned on once going over the traffic junction and see if anyone give way to me. Also, when nearing junctions, just stay behind cyclist instead of trying to overtake them.

Other pointers I noted also include not turning too early at sharp angled courses (same as previous lesson), keeping one car distance when on slopes and to stay in the lane when driving on bends.

Lesson 25

Not from fixed group. Friendly instructor.

Gave good advice except for a conflicting one for the ramp course. Center the car and don’t tilt the steering wheel when moving. Then he said to gently accelerate and to not brake so hard on the ramp. More on this later as I clarify with the other instructors in the next lessons.

Turning into or out of slopes I should be careful to turn slightly later as there’s chevron markings. For VP, did a revision on if the left rear wheel is going to hit kerb, turn out right again first while reversing and then only turn left again when the left wheel can clear the kerb. This will also result in multiple corrections required. If the left rear wheel cleared the kerb and is very close, it actually means that the car is going to end up centred in the lot, which is good. Also, remember to turn out at 3/4 door when going out of the lot.

For DC, I also noted that when turning out of the second lot area, the right side can accommodate about 2-3 times the space that VP has usually, without needing to do corrections here.

Traffic lights in the circuit only allows enough time for one car to turn, so take note to stay behind yellow box near 31.

For lane change, adjust to speed conditions, not one rule to only do it slow or fast. If lane changing and the right vehicle is slowing down near junction/u-turn areas, please wait till after junction to do so. Also, allow for enough clearance to lane change in between cars as if I enter too soon and is too near to the car in front, I might not have enough clearance to stop if it stops. Also, slow down further nearing humps and do not be pressured by the fast and close car behind.

I also encountered an interesting scenario where there are road works on the right turning lanes. Hence to turn right, I can still do it from the straight arrow lanes and turn towards the rightmost lane.

Lesson 26

Not from fixed group. Okie instructor.

Clarified on how to clear the ramp course, which he said that the aim is to avoid accidents so both methods (fast or slow acceleration) are okay. Just remember to brake fast after fully on top. This is when I tried many times in various ways and even had my first knock onto the pole… Pretty worrying afterwards as I can see how if I don’t do it in a comfortable manner for myself, I can knock down the pole easily.

For driving outside, he taught to survey traffic at the back and if there is space later and not many cars behind me, then I can slow down to lane change. There is also no hurry to lane change back to the left after turning. Then for a tough right turn at a T junction, if I didn’t stop, I must at least slow down so that I can turn properly, else I have to turn way more if still at higher speed.

Some notes on observing other road users also included when I want to turn and other cars are turning, I can do so if I am fast, and they are slower. Also, if cars are slowing down to turn to minor roads, I have to slow down so look out for cars in front that are applying brake and slow down accordingly too.

Lesson 27

Not from fixed group. Friendly instructor.

One day before TP test! Was considering asking to do a mock test but in the end, I thought that I will just do general driving practices as much as I can.

Asked him about the technique for doing the ramp course and he said that just don’t be too slow at accelerating up and a fast brake that is not that comfortable is okay.

I noted that when overtaking, I need to signal right and be faster to overtake. Then I committed another immediate failure with the instructor applying his brake. When turning right to the main roads from the minor road, I needed to check both sides, especially those turning right into minor roads too. I missed it out and he had to brake the car.

For the new route, going straight means that I had to keep left by lane changing to it too. Last tips include tell the tester that another car is giving way to me when they wave me in. Also, wave pedestrians to cross when need be at the zebra crossing or the BBDC entrance. Applying the horn at zebra crossing is also okay if pedestrians are standing near but not moving.



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