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The Top Things You Need to Know if You Want to Pass Your Driving Test on the First Try

Taking the driving test is an intimidating experience for most of us, but it is a time when we need to settle our nerves even more than usual. When you take your driving test, you need to be as calm and collected as possible, and this could certainly be more difficult if you are not mentally and technically prepared. Preparation is key, as any expert will tell you, and you need to be able to manoeuvre your vehicle carefully and efficiently and be mindful of everything and everyone on the road. But there are certain things you can take advantage of if you want to be more fully prepared for your driving test. Here are the top things you need to know if you want to pass your driving test on the first try.

Be punctual

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to be punctual. It’s obvious, but so many people make the mistake of turning up just at the last minute, and this makes them even more stressed and flustered. Don’t be like this – it’s better to be early than late so you can prepare yourself for the test. Once you arrive, sit down, take some deep breaths, and stay calm. It’s best if you are about 10 to 20 minutes early so you are not waiting around for too long, but you have enough time to relax a bit and calm down. And if you really want to ace that test, make sure you get enough rest the night before.

Have a driving lesson before the test

Another way through which you can be sure of passing the test is to have a driving lesson prior to taking it. If you have time, you could take a driving lesson a few hours or so before your test so you can practice and perfect any manoeuvres you may still be unsure of; it is also the perfect opportunity for you to ask questions to your instructor if you want to clarify something. Having a lesson prior to the test will also allow you to establish the right mindset, thus calming your nerves even further. If you already know the basics of driving but would like to practise before the test, you can take a few hours of intensive driving lessons before the test as well.

Make sure you have everything

Did you know that thousands of tests each year don’t push through for the simple reason that the applicant fails to bring all the documents they need? That being said, make sure you have everything – from all the necessary documents to ensuring that your vehicle is up to standard and is adequately equipped.

Use the car of your driving instructor

You also have another option which may be of significant help if you want to pass the test on the first try. If you can, use the car of your driving instructor; this way, you are already familiar and comfortable with the mechanics of the vehicle and how it works. What’s more, if you do this, you can be sure that the car will be up to the standards of the examiner, but you’ll also have an edge in that you will know exactly where the different features are, which is particularly important during the ‘show and tell’ portion. If you decide to use your driving instructor’s vehicle, ask them to show you all the mechanics of the vehicle so you will have an easier time at the beginning of the test – and when you have an easier time at the beginning, you will have a much easier time once you are actually on the road.

How To Drive Safely in a Wide Variety of Weather Conditions

In order to learn how to drive safely in a wide variety of weather conditions, it’s well worth continuing reading to discover a handy guide to driving in all weather conditions.

How to drive safely in a wide variety of weather conditions:

1. Make sure to change your tyres before they wear out 

Instead of making the decision to wait until your tyres start to wear through and to develop bald patches, it’s a far wiser move to purchase new tyres, when you first start to notice that your tyres are developing signs of wear.

What are some of the benefits of purchasing new tyres? Firstly, new tyres offer plenty of grip, so you’ll greatly decrease your chances of crashing into other cars or accidentally swerving off the road, when you’re making sharp turns.

Secondly, you’ll be far less likely to encounter a flat tyre, if you drive with new tyres. Instead of driving with old, worn out tyres, that have less tread and are far more susceptible to encountering punctures.

2. Also make sure that the tyres which you select suit the terrain that you’ll be driving on 

It’s also incredibly important to ensure that your car is equipped with tyres that suit the terrain which you plan on driving on. As an example, if you plan to drive on gravel, country roads, it’s well worth driving with off road tyres, instead of standard tyres. The latter of which aren’t designed to stand up to harsh surfaces such as gravel roads or dirt roads. To make sure your tyres are suitable Kwik Fit tyres provides multiple services to ensure your car needs are met for your next travel.

3. Make sure that use the right tyres for the weather conditions which you plan in driving in

While most individuals use the same set of tyres to drive in all weather conditions, it’s a far better idea to drive with tyres which were designed for the current weather conditions. As an example, in winter, you may want to swap out your current set of tyres for winter specific tyres. Which have thicker, grippier tread and have been created to give you more grip on slippery wet and icy roads.

4. Stopping distances vs. bad weather 

The worse the weather conditions that you plan to drive in are, the greater following distance you need to keep between your vehicle and the vehicle infront of you. While in normal weather conditions, you should aim to keep a three second following distance, in wet weather conditions you should aim to keep to a 5 second following distance.

If you plan on driving in snowy conditions, it’s well worth increasing your following distance to at leat 7 seconds. As it’s far harder to bring your vehicle to a complete stop, in icy weather conditions. Also remember, that in icy weather conditions, there is a higher chance that the car infront of you may lose control of their car and that you’ll need be to ready to bring your car to a stop as soon as possible.

5. Don’t drive in dangerous weather conditions

Whatever you do, don’t get behind the wheel of your car in extremely adverse weather conditions such as in a hail storm or in the middle of a heavy snow storm.

If you follow all of the tips listed above, you should find that you’ll easily be able to keep safe on the road, no matter what weather conditions you find yourself driving in.

Join the discussion on this topic with Dream Car Site by visiting our contact page.

Tips On How To Save Money

Most of us are always finding ways to save money. Wouldn’t it be great if we could save money on a daily basis by finding the best deals for food, daily household items and even on discount motorcycle tires? Yes we can if we try hard enough to do a little homework by scouring the internet for the best deals and promotions.

Many of us find that the hardest thing about saving money is just getting started. This step-by-step guide on how to save money can help you develop a simple and realistic plan to save a little money for rainy days and a comfortable retirement.

1. Record your expenses

The first step to saving money is to figure out how much you spend on a daily basis. Keep track of all your expenses—that means every single item that you spend money on must be recorded. One good way of recording and keeping track of your expenses is by using Microsoft Excel. Keep your receipts each time you make a purchase and enter the amount into your Excel spreadsheet. At the end of each month, you will be able to see how much you’ve spent and whether you’ve spent within your budget, exceeded your budget or have an excess.

2. Set a budget

Once you have an idea of how much you spend in a month, you can begin to organize your recorded expenses into a workable budget. Your budget should outline how your expenses measure up to your income—so you can plan and control your spending to avoid overspending. In addition to your monthly expenses, be sure to factor in expenses that occur regularly but not every month, such as buying birthday gifts, car maintenance and oem motorcycle parts for your bike.

3. Plan on saving money

Now that you’ve made a budget, create a savings category within it. Try to save 10 to 15 percent of your income. If your expenses are so high that you can’t save that much, look at your Expenses List and try to look for things that you can cut back, for example your daily cup of coffee, a monthly hair cut or new clothes that you don’t really need.

Tip: Consider the money you put into savings a regular monthly expense, similar to groceries, to reinforce good savings habits.

4. Decide on Your Priorities

After your expenses and income, your goals are likely to have the biggest impact on how you allocate your savings. Always remember what your long-term goals are. It is important that saving for your children’s college funds and planning for a comfortable retirement don’t take a back seat to shorter-term needs. Set aside a compulsory savings of say, $300 each month so that your long-term goals can be met.

5. Make saving automatic and stress-free

Most banks offer automated transfers between your checking and savings accounts. You can choose when, how much and where to transfer money or even split your direct deposit so a portion of every paycheck goes directly into your savings account. Splitting your direct deposit and setting up automated transfers are simple ways to save money since you don’t have to think about it every month, and it reduces the temptation to spend the money instead.

If you have an emergency purchase or have to buy motorcycle helmets for women as your old one has worn out, thus busting your budget for the month, try to find ways to cut out expenses from other areas. You can always turn down an invite for an after-office drink or have a staycation instead of an out-of-town vacation.

Famous Cars From Famous Movies

Have you ever admired a car in some of your favourite Hollywood movies? Have you ever wanted to have one of your own? Did you know you can get personal car leasing and have a car like the ones in your favourite movies?

To learn a bit of fun information about some of the most iconic cars simply continue reading to discover a list of famous cars from well-known movies.

Famous cars from famous movies:

1. Dodge Charger – Fast and Furious 7

Dominic Toretto, who is one of the central characters of the Fast and Furious series and who is known by the nickname Dom, drives a classic Dodge Charger in several Fast and Furious films. Including the first film in the series The Fast and the Furious.

In Fast and Furious 7, Dom gets a chance to drive a special 1970 off-road Dodge Charger, which Dom selects when Mr. Nobody allows Dom to pick any car in his garage. Dom’s friend Tej Parker then customizes the Charger to be heavier and more powerful than a stock standard off-road 1970 Dodge Charger.

Later in the film, Dom uses his newly acquired Dodge Charger to reverse out of a plane hangar, before deploying his parachute. In one of the film’s most iconic scenes.

Dom’s Dodge Charger worked so well in Fast and Furious 7 as Dom has been driving a classic Dodge Charger since he first appeared in The Fast and the Furious in 2001.

2. The Jurassic Jeep – Jurassic Park

In the original Jurassic Park film, multiple Jeep Wrangler YJ Sahara vehicles were used to transport Jurassic Park’s guests around the park. The reason why Jeeps were used in Jurassic Park, is that Jurassic Park was filmed on Kuloa Ranch in Hawaii and Jeeps could easily navigate the ranch’s rugged island terrain.

3. The DeLorean – Back to The Future 1, 2 and 3

The DeLorean is one of the most famous cars used in a movie series and was modified by Marty’s inventor friend Dr. Emmett Brown, in order to serve as a time machine. In all three films, Marty and Dr. Brown use their highly modified DeLorean in order to time travel into the near past as well as the Wild Wild West and the future.

One of the reasons why the DeLorean was such an iconic car, is that when Back to The Future was released, the DeLorean was reasonably priced and was not a highly sought after car. However, due to the success of Back to the Future, Back to The Future Fans soon popularised the DeLorean.

4. The Ford Anglia – Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

The Ford Anglia, which appeared in the film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, was a 1966 Ford Anglia Deluxe 105E. In the film, Harry Potter and his friend Ron, enchant a Ford Anglia to get to Hogwarts on time after they miss the Hogwarts Express. In an iconic scene from both the book and the film, Harry and Ron accidentally crash their Ford Anglia into the Whomping Willow.

The reason why a blue Anglia appeared in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, is that JK Rowling the author of the Harry Potter series specified that the car in Chamber of Secrets was a Ford Anglia and the directors of the film, wanted to stay as true to the book as possible.

In order to see all four iconic cars in action, it’s well worth rewatching all four of the movies listed above.

#BillionDollarCarClub

 

4 Ways to Build Your Credit

The idea that “Cash is king,” but for many splurges and large purchases, establishing good credit is likely a necessity. While the prospects of qualifying to purchase the latest top-of-the-line vehicle may motivate some, good credit can also mean having access to the basics for many. For those with low credit, for example, young adults or those recovering from debt, building credit may seem like a challenging feat. However, by using some helpful strategies, it is possible to build credit and become eligible for many major purchases and programs.

The Importance of a High Credit Score

Having high credit can significantly improve your ability to access not only certain luxuries but necessities. Having a high score has multiple benefits such as the following:

  •         Lower interest rates overall
  •         Approval for business loans for entrepreneurs
  •         Better interest rates and options when purchasing a car
  •         Approval for buying a home
  •         Opportunities for higher credit card limits and exclusive rewards programs
  •         Approval for rentals
  •         More favorable background checks during job interviews

Knowing how much a credit score can impact various aspects of your life, it’s no wonder why it is important to build it and keep it up.

Opening Credit Cards

While you may not be able to get approved on your own, it is still possible to get things started with a credit card. Opening an account with a co-signer with good credit history can give you access to lower interest rates and higher limits.

Even if you don’t intend to max out your credit cards, having a high credit line can be helpful since it looks more favorable to have a lower percentage of use compared to the total credit line. Use below 30% is ideal for establishing good credit. Once you have established your own credit line, consider taking advantage of offers for credit increases, necessarily to spend more, but to bring down your percentage of use.

Big Purchases

Someone just starting out might not always get the top-tier options or the best interest rates, but regardless, it is critical that whatever payment programs signed up for are taken seriously. For example, establishing credit with a car, even a starter one, or any other purchase that requires financing a is a great opportunity to display a good history of being a reliable person with which to conduct business.

Avoiding Excessive Inquiries

Many people do not realize that excessive credit inquiries can chip away at their credit scores. Since that is the case, it is important to be selective with the type of accounts and programs you choose to apply for. It can be wise to avoid multiple general and store-specific credit cards that you don’t plan to use regularly after sign-up incentives.

A good rule of thumb is to only allow credit checks for things you are planning to commit to. In addition, even frequently checking your own credit can count as an inquiry so be sure to take advantage of apps and other programs that allow you to check without docking any points from your credit score.

Establish Good Payment Habits

Many simple behaviors will contribute to whether your score goes up or down. Regardless of the contracts you’ve agreed to, it is important to stick to your agreed terms and pay off all amounts due in a timely manner. Even one missed or insufficient payment is enough to cause your number to decline dramatically. Consider some of the following strategies so you never miss a payment:

  •         Setting alarms or reminders for upcoming payments
  •         Time payments shortly after paycheck deposits or paydays to avoid insufficient funds
  •         Take advantage of auto payment features so your minimum payment is always met
  •         Avoid having too many accounts that need to be checked

By following these strategies and being a conscious buyer, anybody can develop good habits to bring up their credit score. While it may seem challenging at first, these habits can become second nature and pave the way for greater opportunities.

The Best Driving Routes Around Ireland

If you’re searching for some of the best driving routes around Ireland and are interested in reading about some of the incredible landmarks and attractions which you’re likely to see on your Ireland road trip, simply continue to discover a handy guide to planning a road trip in Ireland. Also, remember to check over your vehicle for safety before your road trip and you may also want to look compare car insurance options for added protection.


The top scenic driving routes to explore:

1. Port of Cork to Clonakilty

This picturesque drive begins in Cork, which boasts the second largest natural harbor in the world and twists its way to Clonakilty, which is located roughly 65 km from Cork.

During your drive, you’ll pass through the charming small towns of Kinsale, Ballinspittle, and Timoleague. It’s well worth stopping at one of the seafood shops which you’ll no doubt drive past as all three towns are known for producing mouth-watering fresh seafood dishes.

Better yet, several times throughout your drive you’ll be treated to phenomenal sea views as parts of this popular driving route.

Lastly, if you’re flexible about the time of year which you complete this route, it may be worth timing your trip so that you’ll be in Cork on the second Sunday of June. Which is when the annual Cork Harbour Festival takes place.

2. Baltimore to Mizen Head

The drive between Baltimore and Mizen Head is around 58 km and traverses a rugged, windswept region of Ireland. It’s well worth completing this particular drive during summer when purple gorse covers the nearby hills.

The best part of completing this particular drive is getting to walk down the Mizen Head sea cliffs. Just be sure to save plenty of energy to climb back up the countless steps, which will lead you back to your car, which you can park at the top of Mizen Head, where you’ll find a handy car park.

3. Slea Head Drive

If you’re a confident driver and don’t mind navigating narrow, winding roads, you may be interesting in completing the Slea Head Drive which offers enchanting coastal views, that have to be seen to be believed.

The highlight of this particular drive is definitely getting to take photos of the Blasket Islands, which are located just off the coast of mainland Ireland.

If you’re interested in visiting locations from movie sets, you’ll get a chance to stop and visit the schoolhouse which was used in the classic WWI film Ryan’s Daughter, which starred Hollywood legends, Robert Mitchum and Sarah Miles.

If you’re more interested in enjoying a nice cold pint, you’ll also be able to pull over and enjoy a drink at the most westerly pub in all of Europe. Just be sure to consume food with your pint and to limit your alcohol intake if you plan on taking the wheel. Although you also have the option of giving up driving duties to a sober driver.

So if you’re currently daydreaming about just how much fun it will be to explore Ireland either with your family, friends or partner, it’s well worth incorporating all three scenic drives listed above, into your trip itinerary. All of which are guaranteed to be worth the trip.

Will EV Racing Become A Major Sport

As of now, electric vehicles are fairly limited when it comes to mainstream racing events. While there are undoubtedly smaller exhibitions or even private competitions people are having with Teslas and other similar vehicles, we’re not yet seeing EVs being welcomed into existing competitions. Case in point, an article from just a few months ago cited a Tesla Model 3 being disqualified from a racing event specifically for being all-electric (or possibly, as the article theorized, because it would have performed too well).

Once you get the idea if EV racing in your head though, it sort of seems inevitable. But will it ever be a major sport unto itself?

The most logical answer is yes simply because the desire will be there, and EVs are their own category. As stated previously, EVs aren’t necessarily welcome in other racing events. Yet they’re also the way of the future, and they’re starting to represent some of the most impressive achievements in automotive capability. More simply, modern EVs are incredibly cool and incredibly powerful, and as long as there are cutting edge vehicles that can move fast, people are going to want to race them. Looking at things this way, it’s almost surprising there isn’t a full-fledged EV racing circuit already.

Another interesting factor behind the idea that EV racing could take off is the betting business. Even in the U.S., where sports betting is only just getting off the ground, there’s a huge variety of activity covered, from leagues like the NFL and NBA to international sports like soccer, horse racing and, of course, various motorsports. In fact the simplicity of motorsports makes them fairly well equipped for modern betting markets, which likely means that if an EV racing circuit emerged it would immediately have a lucrative betting business attached to it. This isn’t something that would necessarily interest potential drivers or even some of the fans. But it would mean a lot more money attached to the broader idea of EV racing.

Something else worth considering in all of this is that even if there aren’t mainstream EV racing events so far, the idea is being explored. While they’re not thoroughly publicized outside of interested circles, there are several Tesla racing events outlined and explained by Teslarati, including some at established speedways and even one at the Auto Club Speedway NASCAR Track in California. This means essentially that even if it’s somewhat subtle, there is groundwork being laid for organized EV races.

It’s still largely a hypothetical at this point. But because of basic interest, financial and betting potential, and the smaller scale races already happening, don’t be surprised if some of today’s most impressive EVs wind up being raced in a formal, organized manner.

Safety Tips For Motorcycle Riders

Many claimed that riding a motorcycle is riskier than driving a car. Even with this claim, we still see many motorcycles on the roads and the numbers seem to be increasing over the years. Motorcycle is the cheapest and most convenient mode of transportation for those who cannot afford a car. Whatever risks there are, every motorist should be responsible and take safety precaution such as wearing the proper motorcycle apparel when riding their bike. Motorists wearing proper riding apparel are better protected against abrasion, bruises, or serious injuries if there is a fall or an accident.

Helmet – Helmet should be at the top on the apparel list because it protects the head and brain of the motorist. When choosing a motorcycle helmet, look for a helmet that meets the safety standard requirement of the Department of Transportation. Pick a helmet to try on your head. It should fit your head nicely without causing any uncomfortable pressure points after a while of wearing it. The helmet should not be moving about loosely nor should it be too tight. Safety should be the top priority when choosing a motorcycle helmet. After that, you may consider the colour and style.

Jacket – Jacket is the next most important item after the helmet. If budget is your concern, a helmet and a jacket will be sufficient for the time being. At least get one all-weather motorcycle jacket of good quality for the different seasons. The proper riding jacket will be sufficient to protect your skin against abrasion or bruises in case there is a fall. Whether it is for short or long distance, always put on your helmet and riding jacket.

The all-weather jacket offers protection against extreme weather conditions. Preferably, buy an armored motorcycle jacket that are equipped with padding to help protect the back, shoulder, elbows, chest, etc. of the motorist. Most jackets are designed with reflective panels offering additional safety features for night riding or when the vision is low due to weather condition. All-weather jackets protects the wearer from cold wind, harsh sun, heat, rain, from bugs and dust. Jackets are usually made from good quality leather, synthetic fabrics or a combination of these materials.

Jackets are available for both man and women motorists. Jackets for women are designed and sew to fit the body contour of the women. Nowadays, women motorists have more choices when it comes to choosing riding jackets. Jackets should fit the wear snugly. It should be too tight to restrict the rider’s movement or cause discomfort nor should it be too loose. The jacket should be able to stay in place to provide the necessary protection during a fall or a crash.

Dream Bedroom ideas Even While Renting

If you’re currently renting accommodation but would love to turn your bedroom into your dream bedroom, simply continue reading for inspiration and design tips.

Dream bedroom ideas even while renting:

  1. Purchase a decorative brass lamp for your bedside table or work desk

Whether you have a classic sense of style, homelet.co.uk has some great ideas when it comes to home decor or you have a more modern aesthetic, it’s well worth purchasing a brass lamp to dress up your bedside table or your work desk. As well as being incredibly chic and stylish brass lamps are also functional and will provide you with adequate lighting to get around your bedroom at night, without having to turn your main overhead lights on.

  1. Try to find a decorative screen to section off different parts of your bedroom

As another idea, you may want to use a decorative screen to section off different parts of your bedroom. As an example, you may want to create a reading nook by placing a bean bag and a few pillows behind a corner of your room which is hidden by a decorative screen.

  1. Feature your favorite items which you’ve collected over the years

Instead of displaying artwork you prefer to display some of the items which you’ve collected over the years. As an example, you may be interested in framing and hanging up vintage records which you’ve collected.

Or if you travel on a frequent basis and have picked up trinkets from your world travels, you may want to display your souvenirs on a bookshelf or on a desk in your bedroom.

After all your bedroom is your personal space and should reflect your individuality and your unique interests.

  1. Purchase a comfortable bed which features state of the art, memory foam technology

Not only should your dream bedroom look stylish but your dream bedroom should also feature a comfortable bed as each day you’re likely to spend 6-9 hours sleeping on your bed. So if there’s one item in your bedroom which you shouldn’t skimp on, it’s definitely your bed.

If you’re tempted to purchase a brand new bed in order to treat yourself to an even better nights sleep, make sure to opt for a bed which features memory foam technology and which will mold to your body and support your head and spine.

  1. Place items which are your favorite color in your bedroom

Another way to make your bedroom in your rental property feel a bit more like home is to start placing items in your favorite color around your bedroom. As an example, if your favorite color is blue you may want to purchase a blue duvet and pillows for your bed.

Alternatively, you may want to purchase blue decorations for your room such as a blue vase or blue photo frames around your bedroom. As a room which features your favorite color is far more likely to resemble your dream bedroom than a standard room.

Hopefully, after reading the 5 bedroom decor tips listed above, you feel far more confident about the idea of transforming your current bedroom in your rental property into your dream bedroom.

Looking Good in Your New Car

When it comes to turning heads and catching attention for the right reasons, nothing does it like a great looking car. There is something about the best cars that make people stop and look. What is also true is that they make anyone who is in them cool by association. If you have just picked up a new ride and are ready to head out, then pause for a minute first. To make the most impact, it is worth thinking about what you will bring to the party – what will you do to look as good as the new car you are driving?

Tips on looking cool in your new motor

If you are needing a few tips on looking great when you hit the streets in your new car then the below should help:

  • Get the car right first – it’s a simple tip but make sure the car you have is the coolest you can get. After all, no-one is going to look bad in a McLaren P1 or a Lamborghini Aventador are they? While they may be out of your price range, make sure you pick something that has some street cred and looks awesome. That will in turn make you look awesome when you drive it. Make sure to keep your car waxed and shiny for maximum impact as you roll.

 

  • Wear the right clothes – the next tip to look good in your new car is to think about what to wear when driving. This should be funky and cool but also suitable for the place you are using it in. If the gym is your most frequent hang-out joint, then why not combine cool clothing with practical elements? Tommie Copper are a brand of compression wear clothing that can be worn anytime and helps to support your body when working out – check out their Twitter account for more details. Their range of compression wear not only works to reduce stiffness after exercising but will also make you look cool when in your car.

 

  • Wear sunglasses – a great looking pair of fabulous sunglasses will give you a celeb style look and make you instantly cooler when in your new ride.

 

  • Bring the right attitude – being cool when behind the wheel is as much about your attitude as anything else. Make sure you are not a buffoon but still bring the right amount of swagger and charisma to your driving exploits. Think Steve McQueen in Bullitt rather than Will Ferrell in Talladega Nights. Having the right kind of attitude will not only make you look cool to others but also make you feel great when driving.

Looking good and cars just go together

This is the real secret when thinking about looking good when driving. Cars are just cool and sexy – as long as you get the right one! If you have recently brought a new car and want to find ways to do it justice, then the above should help.