Last week I put my driving skills to the test at the CAA Road Test Revival! I joined several other bloggers at Woodbine Race Track to take the challenge. Going back to driving school!
There was a writing test (not sure how I did on that one!) and three driving stations – the Reverse Lot Parking, Parallel Parking and the Three-Point Turn.
Reverse Lot Parking
The CAA instructor told us that although it seems easier to just go nose first, it’s actually safer to back into a spot. I usually drive into a parking space nose first when I’m at the grocery store so that my trunk is accessible. But I can see why it’s better to back into spots especially when you’re in a busy parking lot. Not to toot my own horn but I think I received a perfect score!
Visibility around your vehicle is better while backing in and it’s easier for drivers to see if the way is clear when exiting the parking spot. Also if there is a problem with your car, it’s easier to tow or boost with your nose out.
Parallel Parking
Now I was worried about this one because I’m not the greatest at parallel parking although driving downtown and practicing for years on busy streets like King and Queen Street have definitely helped. But parking a mini-van in a tight spot can be quite the challenge!
The CAA instructor shared tips to help brush up on one of the most intimidating parking manoeuvres – but I managed in one, smooth try!
Tips on how to make the perfect parallel park: Ensure the space is large enough to accommodate 1 ½ times the length of your vehicle, signal early to help the driver behind understand your intention and don’t start reversing until the way is clear or traffic has stopped to let you begin parking.
Three point turn
We’ve all been there. Blushing as it takes 50 turns, reverses and forward moves to get out of a tight jam. At this station a CAA instructor will help you assess the situations to avoid these embarrassing moments and how to manoeuvre if you do get ‘stuck’.
Be aware of U-turn restrictions before you make your three-point turn. Be 360ᴼ aware throughout the entire manoeuvre, check all mirrors and blind spot and avoid using a driveway or private property. What I forgot to do was turn on my signal!
Important tips to remember while driving:
Do not depend on backup cameras when reversing. Drivers only see what’s already in view of the camera, not what’s approaching the car
Driving forward or reversing, looking in the direction of where you want your car to go will help you steer your car more accurately
Avoid dry steering. Your vehicle should always be moving slowly when turning the steering wheel
CAA How to Drive Beginner Driver Education
If you’re thinking of sending your teenager for driving lessons, did you know that CAA has over 50 years of experience in driver education?
The CAA How to Drive Beginner Driver Education Course is MTO-approved and offers beginner driver education, senior driving seminars, corporate driving seminars and is only taught at CAA Approved Driving School Network (ADSN) locations across Ontario. Currently, there are 38 ADSN locations teaching the CAA How to Drive Course, all locations can be found at caasco.com/drivertraining.
All graduates of the CAA How to Drive Course are eligible to redeem a free 1-year Basic CAA Membership – nice gift after finishing your training!
What’s more, graduates can take their G2 road test 4 months earlier than G1 licence holders who do not take an MTO-approved course (this group must wait a full 12 months) and they may be eligible for an reduced auto insurance premium.
Tear-up-the-Tuition Contest
Students registered for the CAA How to Drive Course at any ADSN location can enter the Tear-up-the-Tuition Contest by visiting caasco.com/learndrivewin.
Contest Prizes include:
2 x Grand Prize of CAA How to Drive Course tuition reimbursement
2 x $200 Apple Store® gift cards
3 x choice of $75 CAA Rewards Partner gift card
39 x Cineplex Great Escape Packages
The contest runs through November 30, 2014.
Good luck and safe driving!