Category Archives: Driving Instruction
Make Sure Your Driver Training School is Ministry of Transportation Approved
Many new drivers, hunting for the best price, have been lured by lower prices at non MTO approved driving schools. These drivers end up losing in more ways than one: They may not get the quality of instruction that they need Theymayl not get any discount on their car insurance Both of these are very […]
Distracted Driving - The Most Deadly Killer In Ontario
Distracted driving is a silent killer on Ontario’s roads, and it is becoming increasingly more common. During our driver training sessions, I continually stress the importance of ignoring phones, and keeping music turned low. It is also imperative not to wear headphones while driving. Even experienced drivers are distracted by passengers, and by talking on […]
Why Learning to Be A Safe Driver Is Important
When looking at the statistics in the Canadian Motor Vehicle Collision Statistics Report (2012), the following facts can be noted: Since 1993, fatal injuries are down 42% — likely the result of increased seat belt use and the presence of Air Bags in most vehicles. Since 2008, driver fatalities have improved almost 5%. Since 2008, […]
Driving With Streetcars
Most driving jurisdictions in North America do not have streetcars, so there are many drivers who are unaware of the basic rules of the road when they first confront these dinosaurs of modern transportation. Streetcars are inherently unsafe for their passengers. In almost every place where I have seen streetcars used, they are funneled down […]
What Is The Best Way To Warm Up My Car In The Winter?
THE BEST WAY TO WARM UP A CAR IN THE WINTER IS TO NOT WARM IT UP COMPLETELY. Let me qualify that. When you first start a car in very cold weather, the fluids that lubricate the engine will be thick and not circulate properly. This means that the engine will not be getting a […]
How To Parallel Park The Easy Way!
One of the most intimidating things that most new drivers face is learning how to parallel park. Many student drivers fail this manouver on their driving test. My students usually fare much better on parallel parking because I have a simple, repeatable method that takes the guess work out of it. It still requires some […]
Why You Have To Understand The Basics Of Your Car To Be a Good Driver.
In my courses, I always give students instruction as to the basic operation and maintenance of their vehicles. It is one of the things that I believe in doing to help our students be better drivers. Even so, sometimes it is easy to miss the obvious. I had an adult female student who was a […]
Turning Right on A Red Light
In Ontario, unless otherwise indicated, it is legal to turn right on a red light. BUT YOU HAVE TO COME TO A FULL STOP FIRST! You have no idea how often student drivers come to class with the idea that you can just turn without stopping. This idea is either inferred by watching many other […]
Welcome to The Northumberland Driving School Driving Tips Blog
My name is Mike and I own Northumberland Driving School. Over my many years as a driving instructor, I have witnessed tons of things that drivers do wrong. I have also seen a lot of students struggle with mis-conceptions as to rules of the road, or how vehicles work. All of these posts will be instructional […]