1st Gear Driving School
Nearby schools & colleges
Watford Boys Grammar School, Rickmansworth Rd
Rickmansworth Road
111 Kensington Avenue
WD18 7LU
Cassiobury Junior School
Park Avenue
4 Woodshots Meadow
West Herts College, Hempstead Road
22 Tolpits Lane
171 St Albans Road
1A Garnett Close
Woodshots Meadow, Croxley Park, Watford, Hertfordshire, Croxley Green
18 Whippendell Road
30 Holywell Road
Comments
Web: www.1stgeards.co.uk
Email: [email protected] Book your driving lessons in Watford, Pinner and Borehamwood with 1st Gear Driving School.
We have taught over 500 pupils since 2002 and our pass rates speak for themselves, with a pass rate of 81% in 2012. We also teach driving lessons in the surrounding areas of Watford, Pinner and Borehamwood which can be found on our Teaching Area page.
1st Gear Driving School caters for nervous and inexperienced pupils and the teaching style of tuition is adapted for individual pupils. 1st Gear Dr
Operating as usual
06/08/2021
Well done Stella for passing 1st time with 1st Gear Driving School!
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Nigel
1st Gear Driving School
07941 685 961
www.1stgeards.co.uk
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0EDNNHs0OfYe2Ko55fPF0A
#1st_gear_driving_school
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09/06/2021
Well done Ty for passing your driving test 1st time with 1st Gear Driving School
Nigel
1st Gear Driving School
07941 685 961
www.1stgeards.co.uk
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0EDNNHs0OfYe2Ko55fPF0A
#1st_gear_driving_school #watford
#itcanwait #drivinginstructors
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13/05/2021
Well done Becky for passing your driving test 1st time with zero minors! Absolutely brilliant!
1st_gear_driving_school
Nigel
1st Gear Driving School
07941 685 961
www.1stgeards.co.uk
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0EDNNHs0OfYe2Ko55fPF0A
#1st_gear_driving_school
#watford
#itcanwait
#drivinginstructors
#drivingschools
#drivinglessons
#watforddrivingtest #drivinginstructorswatford #drivinglessonswatford
#drivingschoolswatford
#weraceasone
30/04/2021
Well done Kim for passing your driving test with just 1 minor!
Nigel
1st Gear Driving School
07941 685 961
www.1stgeards.co.uk
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0EDNNHs0OfYe2Ko55fPF0A
#1st_gear_driving_school #watford
#itcanwait #drivinginstructors
#drivingschools #drivinglessons #watforddrivingtest #drivinginstructorswatford #drivinglessonswatford
#drivingschoolswatford
#westhertscollege #watfordboysgrammar
#watfordgirlsgrammar
#rickmansworthschool
#queensschoolbushey #officialcroxleydanesschool
27/04/2021
Well done Emilia for passing your driving test 1st time with zero minors! Well deserved!
1st Gear Driving School
07941 685 961
www.1stgeards.co.uk
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0EDNNHs0OfYe2Ko55fPF0A
#1st_gear_driving_school #watford
#itcanwait #drivinginstructors
#drivingschools #drivinglessons #watforddrivingtest #drivinginstructorswatford #drivinglessonswatford
#drivingschoolswatford
#westhertscollege #watfordboysgrammar
#watfordgirlsgrammar
#rickmansworthschool
#queensschoolbushey #officialcroxleydanesschool #intuwatford
04/09/2020
Well done Kabir for passing your test 1st time with just 1 minor with 1st Gear Driving School
1st_gear_driving_school
Nigel
1st Gear Driving School
07941 685 961
www.1stgeards.co.uk
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0EDNNHs0OfYe2Ko55fPF0A
#1st_gear_driving_school #watford #drivinginstructors
#drivingschools #drivinglessons #watforddrivingtest #drivinginstructorswatford #drivinglessonswatford
#drivingschoolswatford
#westhertscollege #watfordboysgrammar
#watfordgirlsgrammar
#rickmansworthschool
#queensschoolbushey #officialcroxleydanesschool #intuwatford
When you see a speed limit sign, it's not a target to get to that speed, it's the absolute limit, it might not be safe to drive at that speed.
I'd recommend to look out for speed limit changes at junctions, for example when you enter a new road or leave a road. Sometimes they change mid way through roads too. It might change when you are entering a built up area.
Nigel
1st Gear Driving School
07941 685 961
www.1stgeards.co.uk
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0EDNNHs0OfYe2Ko55fPF0A
When do you use fog lights?
When visibility is less than 100m you MUST use your headlights. You may also need to use your rear or front fog lights. When visibility improves you MUST turn them off. They can dazzle other road users and they may obscure your brake lights, so consider that when you use them.
In my Ford Fiesta the rear fog light indicator is amber and the front one is green.
Nigel
1st Gear Driving School
07941 685 961
www.1stgeards.co.uk
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0EDNNHs0OfYe2Ko55fPF0A
21/02/2020
What does a solid double white line down the centre of the road mean?
If the solid white line is nearest to you, you must not overtake. You must not cross or straddle it unless it is safe and necessary or you need to enter side roads or properties. You may cross the line to pass stationary vehicles, or overtake a pedal cycle, horse or road maintenance vehicle, if they are travelling at 10 mph or less. Try to avoid parking on the road where there is a solid line nearest to you, because that may make it unsafe for cars to overtake. Picture courtesy of the Highway Code.
Nigel
1st Gear Driving School
07941 685 961
www.1stgeards.co.uk
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0EDNNHs0OfYe2Ko55fPF0A
20/02/2020
Well done Chris for passing your test today 1st time with 1st Gear Driving School and with just 2 minors! It's been a pleasure to have taught you and to have known you. Good luck with your new job and exciting times for you and your new family. Drive safely Nigel 1st Gear Driving School
18/02/2020
How do you signal at roundabouts?
If taking the 1st exit on the left - signal left on the approach and until you have exited the roundabout.
If going right - signal right on the approach and then signal left after you pass the exit before the one you want.
When taking any intermediate exit (for example straight on 2nd exit) - you don't need to signal on the approach, but signal left after you pass the exit before the one you want.
How do you signal at mini roundabouts?
Signal left on approach if taking the 1st exit and cancel the signal when you've exited the roundabout.
If you're going straight on, 2nd exit, don't signal on the approach and there is no left signal required when leaving, because of lack of space and time.
When you're turning right, signal right on the approach, but there is no time or space to signal left when exiting.
I advise to approach in 1st gear at mini roundabouts when turning right to have better control and to give yourself a better view.
If you're not sure where a vehicle from your right is going...DON'T GO!
The main rule is...
Give WAY TO THE RIGHT!
Nigel
1st Gear Driving School
07941 685 961
www.1stgeards.co.uk
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0EDNNHs0OfYe2Ko55fPF0A
18/02/2020
How do you approach roundabouts?
I advise to approach roundabouts in 2nd gear and at about 10mph (unless your view is restricted, then use 1st Gear and approach slower).
To help decide when to go, split it into quarters, if anyone is approaching from the quarter to the right of you GIVE WAY. But also look to see what is approaching from their quarter stopping them from moving, because that may then allow you to go!
The main rule is...
Give WAY TO THE RIGHT!
Stay tuned.. More on roundabouts later!
Nigel
1st Gear Driving School
07941 685 961
www.1stgeards.co.uk
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0EDNNHs0OfYe2Ko55fPF0A
17/02/2020
Roundabouts
All roundabouts should have the roundabout triangular warning sign on the approach. If its a roundabout with a curb around the island it should have the blue left turn only sign and the black and white sharp deviation to the left sign on the roundabout. If its a mini roundabout it should have the blue circular sign at the give way line, to help you identify the location of it. If there is an information sign on the approach telling you the different directions, identify where you're going!
The main rule is...
Give WAY TO THE RIGHT!
Stay tuned.. More on roundabouts tomorrow!
Nigel
1st Gear Driving School
07941 685 961
www.1stgeards.co.uk
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0EDNNHs0OfYe2Ko55fPF0A
Driving lessons in Watford and surrounding areas with 1st Gear Driving School
Call
Nigel
1st Gear Driving School
07941 685 961
www.1stgeards.co.uk
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0EDNNHs0OfYe2Ko55fPF0A
16/02/2020
Do you know the position and colours of cats eyes (reflective road studs) on roads?
Cats eyes may be used with white lines.
White cats eyes are in the middle of the road or mark the lanes.
Red cats eyes are found on left edge of the road.
Amber cats eyes are on the right next to the central reservation of a dual carriageway or motorway.
Green cats eyes are on the edge of the main carriageway at lay-bys and slip roads.
Green/yellow cats eyes are where there are road works and mark temporary lanes.
Picture taken from the Highway Code
Nigel
1st Gear Driving School
07941 685 961
www.1stgeards.co.uk
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0EDNNHs0OfYe2Ko55fPF0A
15/02/2020
When I ask my pupils what the sequence of traffic lights is, they often don't know. So I hope this explanation helps.
RED
RED & AMBER
GREEN
AMBER
RED
So when you go around a corner and you see an amber light on its own, you know its going to go red and if you see the red and amber lights on at the same time you know its going to go green.
If you see a green filter arrow, that means you can turn in that direction without having to give way to oncoming traffic (be ready to give way to oncoming vehicles that haven't yet stopped). Pictures taken from the Highway Code.
Nigel
1st Gear Driving School
07941 685 961
www.1stgeards.co.uk
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0EDNNHs0OfYe2Ko55fPF0A
14/02/2020
Well done Sharya for passing your test earlier this year with just 4 minors with 1st Gear Driving School!
Nigel
1st Gear Driving School
07941 685 961
www.1stgeards.co.uk
@sj.cl
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0EDNNHs0OfYe2Ko55fPF0A
13/02/2020
Learn to drive with 1st Gear Driving School established in 2001. We are based in Watford and pride ourselves on our very high pass rates. See our website for more information and special offers.
Nigel
1st Gear Driving School
07941 685 961
www.1stgeards.co.uk
Subscribe to our YouTube channel, just search for 1st Gear Driving School Watford.
13/02/2020
What does that sign mean?
I get asked this question a lot.
This is the national speed limit sign. On single carriageways its 60mph and on dual carriageways its 70mph for cars. Different rules apply for cars with trailers and larger vehicles.
What makes a road a dual carriageway?
A lot of people think that if there is more than 1 lane going in the same direction its a dual carriageway. This isn't true.
A barrier or central reservation between the traffic driving in different directions is what makes a road a dual carriageway.
If there is no barrier or central reservation separating the traffic in different directions, it's a single carriageway.
So theoretically you could have 10 lanes travelling in the same direction with a national speed limit sign without a central reservation and it would still be 60mph! You'll often see a single lane and a central reservation with a national speed limit sign and that's 70mph (an examiner didn't know this once upon a time, and marked my pupil down, I corrected them #awkward).
Hope that helps. Drive safely.
Nigel
1st Gear Driving School
07941 685 961
www.1stgeards.co.uk
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0EDNNHs0OfYe2Ko55fPF0A
12/02/2020
Yellow box junctions often cause confusion. Most people think they're not allowed to stop in them at all. That's not true.
Rule 174
Box junctions. These have criss-cross yellow lines painted on the road. You MUST NOT enter the box until your exit road or lane is clear. However, you may enter the box and wait when you want to turn right, and are only stopped from doing so by oncoming traffic, or by other vehicles waiting to turn right. At signalled roundabouts you MUST NOT enter the box unless you can cross over it completely without stopping (reference Highway Code).
Nigel
1st Gear Driving School
07941 685 961
www.1stgeards.co.uk
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0EDNNHs0OfYe2Ko55fPF0A
11/02/2020
Well done Jess for passing your test today 1st time with zero minors! Excellent stuff.
Its been a pleasure to have taught you and to have known you. Drive safely.
Nigel
1st Gear Driving School
07941 685 961
www.1stgeards.co.uk
www.youtube.com/channel/UC0EDNNHs0OfYe2Ko55fPF0A
10/02/2020
Well done Frank for passing your test today 1st time with 1st Gear Driving School. Just 3 minors too! Drive safely! Nigel
Nigel
1st Gear Driving School
07941 685 961
www.1stgeards.co.uk
09/02/2020
Learn to drive with 1st Gear Driving School
Just £90 for the first 4 hrs (see website for terms and conditions)
Nigel
1st Gear Driving School
07941 685 961
www.1stgeards.co.uk
08/02/2020
Silverstone F1 2019
Nigel
1st Gear Driving School
07941 685 961
www.1stgeards.co.uk
08/02/2020
Don't get mixed up with these 2 signs:
The one with the red cross is NO STOPPING (clearway)
The one with the single line across is NO WAITING
Nigel
1st Gear Driving School
07941 685 961
www.1stgeards.co.uk
08/02/2020
You might get a theory question relating to these signs. Know your signs!
Large goods vehicle rear markings
Motor vehicles over 7500 kilograms maximum gross weight and trailers over 3500 kilograms maximum gross weight
The vertical markings are also required to be fitted to builders’ skips placed in the road, commercial vehicles or combinations longer than 13 metres (optional on combinations between 11 and 13 metres)
Nigel
1st Gear Driving School
07941 685 961
www.1stgeards.co.uk
07/02/2020
Well done Lily for passing your test today with just 1 minor! Excellent!
Nigel
1st Gear Driving School
07941 685 961
www.1stgeards.co.uk
06/02/2020
There were no hatched areas to avoid when we visited Burano (Venice, Italy) October 2019. Very colourful though!
06/02/2020
I was asked today what the hatched road markings mean down the centre of the road.
Rule 130
Areas of white diagonal stripes or chevrons painted on the road. These are to separate traffic lanes or to protect traffic turning right.
If the area is bordered by a broken white line, you should not enter the area unless it is necessary and you can see that it is safe to do so.
If the area is marked with chevrons and bordered by solid white lines you MUST NOTenter it except in an emergency. (reference from Highway Code).
Hope that helps.
Nigel
1st Gear Driving School
07941 685 961
www.1stgeards.co.uk
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Watford
WD18 7BJ
Opening Hours
| Monday | 8am - 6pm |
| Tuesday | 8am - 6pm |
| Wednesday | 8am - 6pm |
| Thursday | 8am - 6pm |
| Friday | 8am - 6pm |
| Saturday | 8am - 3:30pm |
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