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Minimum Driving Age Lowered To 17.5 Years!

anthony — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 18:56:59 +0000

You Can Start Driving At 17.5 Years Old Now!

So, finally the law has been amended so that learners can start driving a car at the age of 17(and a half!) years old, instead of the previous 18 year minimum.

More details to follow soon.

Related Blogs

Pay But Don`t Display!

anthony — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:38:35 +0000

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You may not be aware of a new law which was passed almost unnoticed the other day. It is now not required to display your road tax disc on the front windscreen of your car. The police have all the necessary information on computer records so they will still know if you haven`t renewed your road tax!

Infact it is now against the law to have any stickers at all on your windscreen which are deemed to reduce the driver`s vision. It is also now illegal to have those tinted windows which mean the driver cannot be seen from outside the car.

Get Paid To Scrap Your Old Car!

anthony — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 08:12:38 +0000

Old Car Withdrawal Scheme To Return?

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The “old banger” car withdrawal scheme or “cash for clunkers” as it is called in the U.S.A. which ended last year due to economic cutbacks, may well be re-instated again this year after all!

The scheme proved very popular last year and the car importers are keen to have it launched again to stimulate the depressed car market. Read more from this Cyprus Mail article.

Three`s A Crowd?

anthony — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 19:38:58 +0000

No Back Seat Drivers Allowed!

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Sometimes I am asked by a student if I will be sitting in the back of the car during their driving test. The truth is that much as I would like to, this is not allowed. So during your driving test it will be just you and your driving examiner in the car.

In some countries the rules are different, in the U.K. for example where the candidate can by request have his or her instructor in the car during the driving test. Last year there was even a proposal by the British Government to make it compulsory to have a driving instructor or other “observer” on the back seat during the test. This proposal has now been dropped although the driving examiner will now be obliged to ask the candidate if they wish to have an accompanying driver with them. You can read more about this in this article from the UK Daily Mail Newspaper.

In Cyprus however, there is no sign of the existing rules changing any time in the near future.

Driving At The Correct Speed-Are You A Hare Or A Tortoise?

anthony — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:09:18 +0000

Read The Road Ahead And Adjust Your Speed Accordingly!

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Many learner drivers have problems with driving at the correct speed in any given situation. We can divide these learners into two groups which, with no insult intended, I will call the hares and the tortoises!

The hares are those that over rev the engine in each gear, frequently drive over the speed limit and do not accurately anticipate changing traffic conditions ahead.The result is that they often have to react and brake suddenly. This style of driving will leave any passenger in the car feeling uneasy.

The tortoises are the complete opposite to the hares, as you would expect. They feel safer and happier staying in second gear, keeping well below the speed limit at all times, despite the line of traffic building up behind them.

Do you perhaps fall into one of these categories? Be honest with yourself now! Both the hares and the tortoises are driving in a way that will not impress a driving examiner.

Firstly you have the safety issue. The hares can be caught out by situations and have to react quickly, with heavy braking.This in turn can catch out another hare in a vehicle behind, or emerging from a junction, who may not be able to stop in time.

The tortoises will frustrate and annoy any other drivers because they are not making proper progress according to the prevailing traffic conditions. This may lead another motorist to attempt a risky overtaking manouevre. Also, the tortoises will very often have other drivers pulling out infront of them from side roads because they are in effect handing out an invitation to do just that by driving too slowly for the traffic conditions.

Apart from the impression we make on the driving examiner and the safety issue, we have the economic and environmental issues to consider. Driving at more constant, even speeds, with as little harsh acceleration and braking as possible, not only feels more relaxing-it saves you money! You will use less fuel and put less wear on your tyres , brakes and suspension.This in turn has a positive effect on the environment.

So how should we drive? Good driving is about good observation and anticipation.You have to be constantly monitoring the situation, assessing possible hazards and adjusting your speed according to changes in traffic conditions. To do this well needs concentration and experience. The more practice you have, the better you will get at so called “defensive” driving. Defensive driving doesn`t mean driving slowly-it means driving at the correct speed and with awareness of all that is going on around you so that you are able to safely deal with any unexpected events. By the way, the better you get at this technique, the fewer unexpected events you will come across!

Generally, you should drive as close to the speed limit as traffic conditions safely allow. Be careful not to be drawn into speeding because all the other traffic is breaking the speed limit. You cannot use that as an excuse to the driving examiner or to the Police!

As previously stated, these observations are not in any way intended to insult any learner driver. Hopefully, if you recognize that you are a hare or a tortoise, you will, with help from your driving instructor, be able to take steps to correct your driving style in order that you are better prepared for the driving test and for your future as a safe, responsible driver.

Beware Of Fake Driving Licences!

anthony — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 02:10:15 +0000

Is Your Licence Worth The Paper It Is Printed On?

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Recently whilst surfing the internet I discovered a website which offers to supply driving licences for any EU country,even if you are not a resident of that country or even if you have been disqualified from driving. I couldn`t understand how they could get away with this.There are even published testimonials from named satisfied customers. Now I am not about to give you the address of this website if that is what you are hoping for!
It seems this problem has come to the attention of the authorities here in Cyprus.Click this link to read the full article from The Cyprus Mail.

This is a worrying situation.The sooner we have the more secure, more difficult to fake, credit card style driving licences the better.The roads are dangerous enough as it is without the addition of these unscrutinised drivers who have simply bought their licences online.

Dutch Town Removes Traffic Lights!

anthony — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:06:24 +0000

Are Traffic Lights Necessary?

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I came across this interesting news item the other day.Traffic planners in the Dutch town of Drachten are conducting an experiment which has seen nearly all the traffic lights removed from the streets!

The idea behind the project known as “Shared Space”, is that taking away the lights makes motorists take more care at intersections as they are aware of the greater dangers! It is said that this idea helps motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to co-exist more happily and safely. If you would like to read the whole article click on this link to the UK Telegraph website

Hmm…what makes me think this approach wouldn`t work in Cyprus?! Perhaps it would make more sense here if we replaced the traditional Traffic lights with a single light that gradually fades from one colour to the next. That would allow drivers more scope for individual interpretation!

Dealing With Traffic Lights

anthony — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:08:24 +0000

Will It Change?!

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Traffic lights are very common in built up areas and are a very effective way to control the flow of traffic at intersections. They give the traffic clear and simple instructions as to how to behave – who should proceed and who should stop. The only time you really need to show skill and judgement is when turning right at the traffic lights because unless there is a filter arrow showing, you have to give priority to oncoming vehicles. So in theory, junctions controlled by traffic lights should be the easiest type of intersection for learner drivers to deal with.

However, many students have problems with traffic lights which cause them to fail their driving test. So let us go through some of the mistakes that are being made.

Some learners have difficulty stopping in the right place. Remember that if the light is already red as you approach , you should stop without passing the first line. Of course, sometimes the lines are not very clearly marked but keep in mind that the first line is always just before the traffic light on your left. Sometimes it pays to stop a little further back so you can clearly see that light on your left because some drivers have a habit of creeping forward at red lights and if it is a high sided vehicle next to you that does this it may obscure the other traffic light opposite you completely!

If the lights are just changing against you as you approach, it doesn`t matter too much if you just pass the first line before you stop, as you don`t want to be stopping too suddenly. However, if you are going to pass the third line and be in the middle of the junction, then you shouldn`t be trying to stop anyway.

This brings us to speed on approach to lights. Some learners make the mistake of speeding up as they approach the lights in order to get there before they change.This is like playing russian roulette-sooner or later you will get caught out and it is very dangerous. Some other learners make the opposite mistake-driving very slowly towards a green light as though hoping it will change. Although not so dangerous this is also wrong and is likely to frustrate and annoy any drivers behind you.

By the time you reach test standard you should have developed a feel for when the traffic lights are due to change. This comes with experience and good observation-for example:-a long line of cars waiting on the left & right of the intersection as you approach could imply that your green light is about to change. So if you sense the light may soon go against you, approach at a speed that you have your options open. Ideally you should have enough momentum that you can actually remove your foot from the accelerator and hover over the brake as you get nearer. When you are about a cars length or so from the lights you can be back on the gas pedal because if the lights start to change then, it is probably too late to stop safely anyway. Always check your mirror so that you know the distance and speed of any vehicle behind you, as this information can influence your decision in a 50-50 situation. Be aware too that many drivers seem to be colour blind and wont necessarily wait for their light to change to green!

Approach the lights in the correct gear-if you are intending to turn you should be slowing to 2nd gear as you get near and even if you are intending to go straight, you should be in no higher than 3rd gear.

As I previously mentioned, turning right at the lights is the most diffcult task. Fortunately most of the traffic lights in built up areas are now fitted with filter arrows which give the first few cars a chance to turn without giving way to oncoming traffic. As you approach a red light to turn right, determine if the light has a filter next to or under the lights and if it does keep your eyes on it. Because of the strong sunlight in Cyprus and the dust that accumulates on the lights(does anybody clean them?), sometimes the only way you will notice the arrow is lit up is if you are looking at it when it comes on. That being said, if there is a car behind you, don`t worry -you will soon be informed by the driver that the filter arrow is on!

If you don`t arrive in time to take advantage of the filter arrow, then remember to give priority to oncoming traffic before turning. If there are already two cars(or one longer vehicle such as a truck) waiting in the middle of the junction to turn right, then stay back until the first vehicle is clearing. If the light is still green you should move forward to become the second car in the middle. If the amber light is on don`t move into the middle-stay where you are and wait for the next sequence of the lights. When you are in the middle and heavy oncoming traffic has meant you haven`t found a chance to turn right be aware that once the lights are changing against you, you must clear the junction as soon as is safely possible.

You may have to let an oncoming car pass if it is obvious it is not able or willing to stop at the lights just as they are changing-but make sure you don`t get stranded in the middle of the intersection. Sometimes just inching forward slightly gives the hint to a cheeky oncoming motorist that his light is red and he really needs to stop! If you stay completely motionless many drivers will think that this is an opportunity for them to sneak across the red light-they won`t be thinking about poor you getting stranded in the middle of the crossroads with the lights against you!

Whilst waiting at a red light it is advisable to apply the handbrake but- having checked you are in first gear-keep your left hand on the handbrake otherwise if you have put it back on the steering wheel it is so easy to forget the handbrake is on once you see the green light coming on!

Take Care At Mini-Roundabouts

anthony — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 10:49:21 +0000

Beware of Vehicles Taking A Shortcut!

Mini-Roundabouts are being installed more often in Cyprus these days as a convenient way of controlling traffic at intersections in quieter residential areas. Generally they work very well but just a word of warning…

The basic rules of roundabout use apply-which of course means that on reaching a mini-roundabout you give way to any vehicle approaching from the right. However be extra careful because a lot of drivers seem to think that as the roundabout doesn`t physically exist but is just painted on the road surface, they can treat it as being for decorative purposes only! In other words you might have a situation where a car takes a short cut right across the roundabout. This can catch you out if you were taking it for granted that it was going to take the proper route around the roundabout.

So when trying to assess if you have time to safely enter the mini-roundabout take note of the speed of any vehicle approaching from your right. Mini-roundabouts are by nature small and require you to go fairly slowly to negotiate them properly. So a driver approaching too fast may be giving you an unintended clue that he intends to treat it as an overabout rather than a roundabout!

By the way- always expect larger vehicles such as trucks, buses and those hollywood-style stretched limos to take a shortcut over a mini-roundabout. At least they have the excuse that they cannot possibly take the tight turn to go around properly!

Christmas Spirit?

anthony — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 03:38:01 +0000

It`s Not Worth The Risk!

Some sobering figures were released by the Cyprus Police yesterday.

A total of 240 drivers were found to be over the alcohol limit over the four-day christmas holiday period. Makes you wonder how many others there were that didn`t get stopped.

One person tested was found to have had a blood alcohol level of 190mg when the legal limit is only 22!

Also, seven people were arrested for travelling at more than 150kph on the motorway. The maximum allowed is 100 kph. There were a total of 340 speeding offences- the fastest vehicle was clocked at, would you believe… 216 kph!

Police are warning that they will continue to crack down on drink driving and speeding during the New Year holiday.

Lets all take care on the roads-and see the new year in safely!