Today, I will put forward various pros and cons that favour the buying a new vehicle and that of buying a second hand vehicle. You have to weigh both the pros and cons before you arrive at a decision.

Reasons to support your buying a brand new car:-

1) A new car provides you with pride and prestige.

A brand new vehicle obviously will bring you a certain amount of pride and prestige. You will certainly be the proud owner of a new car as compared to a second hand one.

And especially if you are owning a model such as a Mercedes, Volvo or a BMW vehicle. A salesman, who owns one of the above cars, will find that his business will be in a way affected by the type of vehicle be owns.

2) Better service and performance.

New cars obviously tend to provide you better service and performance as compared to a second hand one. Without a doubt, a new car or vehicle will tend to provide you with a better performance or better service all round.

They can, as they say, provide you with reliable services, and fewer breakdowns. Therefore with new cars, you can rely on your new vehicles to provide you with the confidence that you expect from them!

3) Vehicle warranty.

New cars have warranty to cater for breakdowns as compared to vehicles which are slowly undergoing deterioration.

Most new vehicles possess a warranty period of approximately 5 years. If within a 5 year period, a new vehicle should breakdown, then the warranty calls for the agents or distributors to be responsible for repairs and upkeep of the new vehicle.

4) Better fuel efficiency.

New cars are more fuel efficient as compared to older second hand cars. New vehicles are said to be able to give the owner better fuel consumption. This means a new vehicle will be able to provide lesser costs of maintenance to the owner.

5) Better resale value.

New vehicles have a higher resale value. Where resale value of cars are concerned, it is believed that new cars possess a higher resale value as compared to a second hand car.

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What happens if a 17 year old student who is in school or college was to be involved in a serious car accident? First of all, you will lose you capability to drive. You driving license will be withdrawn.

On the other hand, there is a likelihood that you will be jailed too. With a jail sentence, you will no longer be able to pursue your higher education. You and your family will be saddled with lots of worries. In short, I would say, your future will be at stake.

Permit me to relate to you a real life situation. A student of mine, hardly 19 years of age, recently met an accident at a junction. Coming out from a traffic light, another vehicle approaching from a road ahead crashed into the side of his car. Unfortunately, the driver of the said vehicle which hit him died a few days later.

Today, the said student of mine is charged under Section 41 (1) of the Road Transport Ordinance 1987. He currently awaiting court proceedings which undoubtedly will take many long and tedious years.

This article on dangerous driving is intended to introduce to readers to an incident which happened in Penang just recently.

A Malaysian Airlines stewardess, named Ng Sweet Yuin, 27, died on the spot when her Perodua Myvi was involved in a head on collision with a Proton Satria driven by a youth on the Jelutong Expressway at 3:15 am on Thursday 3rd December 2010.

The youth, an undergraduate, was back from Australia on his semester break, broke both his legs and sustained multiple injuries. Latest investigations into the above incident revealed that in the road accident which killed the air stewardess, indicated that the other drive involved was traveling against the traffic.

Penang state police enforcement operations Chief Assistant Superintendent Ahmad Razali said eyewitnesses told the investigating officer that the 22 year old youth had reportedly turned into the wrong lane upon coming out from a petrol station. Currently, the youth is resting at the Penang Hospital He will be interviewed once he is fit.

The air stewardess died on the spot when her car was involved in a collision with the car driven by the youth along the Tun Dr. Lim Chong Eu Expressway.

According to the investigating officer, the fact that the road divider sustained no damage ruled out the possibility of the youth’s car jumping over to the opposite direction before it crashed into Ng’s car.

Sources say, blood samples will have to be taken from both drivers to determine if either of them were intoxicated or high on drugs. Both the cars will also be sent to Puspakom for the required tests.

As has been reiterated earlier, the case is being investigated as causing death by reckless or dangerous driving under Section 41 of the Road Transport Act 1987. In the meantime, the stewardess mother said that the family is currently in the process of instituting legal redress over the said incident.

The youth if found to be guilty will amongst other things undergo a mandatory jailed sentence and fined a hefty RM5000 to RM15,000 penalty while his driving license will also be suspended.

Young drivers throughout Malaysia are thus advised to drive with due care if they do not wish to undergo the same fate as the youth who caused the air stewardess’s death. All drivers should always bear in mind that Section 41 of the Road Transport Ordinance 1987 can in fact hand you a mandatory jail sentence if you should cause death by dangerous and careless driving.

What can a Malaysian expect when driving in Japan?

Except when in metropolitan cities like Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya, transportation in Japan is said to be very inconvenient. One further thing you should know about Japan is, most Japanese people do not own a driving license at all.

If you intend to drive in Japan, permit me to brief you with regards to a few simple road rules and regulations, which you ought to be aware of. They are:
1) Japanese people drive on the left side, like us back home in Malaysia.

2) Drivers’ seats in Japan are located on the right, again, just like in Malaysia.

3) The minimum age to secure a driving license in Japan is 18 years.

4) Japanese people follow international rules.

5) Major signs and roads are in English and of course, Japanese.

6) Drinking and driving is strictly disallowed in Japan.

7) Expressways vary from 80 km/h to 100 km/h. In urban areas, the speed limit is 40 km/h, while in small roads, the speed limit is 30 km/h.

8) Good roads in Japan are available in the country. However, urban areas are usually congested.

9) Most roads are toll free, except expressways.

10) Japanese drivers are well mannered and considerate people.

11) Japanese are said to ignore traffic lights and cross junctions.

12) Japanese drivers are famous for stopping haphazardly on the edge of streets, thereby blocking traffic.

Countries such as Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Taiwan follow other conventions and not the Geneva Convention of 1949 and 1968. They are not recognized by the Japanese government.

License holders from the above nations can however drive in Japan for a period of one year provided their licenses are translated into Japanese by the Japanese Automobile Federation. It can also be translated by the country’s respective embassies or consulates.

People from other countries, other than the above mentioned, must attempt to get a Japanese license if they so desire to drive in Japan.

To get or apply for a Japanese domestic license, you have to be able to pass an eye test and must have stayed in Japan a period of 3 months. To get a driving license in Japan, a person will need several attempts, even for experienced drivers.

Many factors cause road accidents, for example, one of the most important factors that is said to contribute to road mishaps must surely be the behavior of motorists itself.

Human beings are said to possess negative aspects of conduct. There are some drivers who are ill tempered or easily agitated. Yet others are show offs. They tend to drive fast to show others that they are indeed good drivers and possess special qualities, especially where driving in concerned.

On the other hand, drivers who own positive aspects of behavior, like understanding, careful and show lots of respect for other road users are those who go on to avoid road accidents.

Drivers who are well mannered on the road besides being courteous and are responsible drivers. They will not only become good examples to other road users as a whole, but at the same time contribute towards the decrease of road accidents.

Drivers and motorcyclists should in fact possess good manners. At the same times, they should also be considerate people as well. Pedestrians and cyclists who frequent the roads should be accorded the proper behavior which they deserve.

Drivers and motorcyclists should see to it that they respect and follow the rules and regulations that is expected of them on the road. They should not be easily irritated by other road users. They should remain calm and cool at all times.

Drivers who are badly behaved can easily be seen in their actions such as speeding excessively, besides dangerously overtaking without due consideration for other traffic and road users. Other ways in which such bad drivers demonstrate their poor behavior are:
i) Non usage of signals correctly.

ii) Random use of horns without due care.

iii) Driving their vehicles using only one hand while putting their other hand on the side of the vehicle.

iv) Obstructing traffic with their manner of parking.

v) Driving inconsiderately in the centre of the road thereby preventing other road users from overtaking them.

vi) Driving fast across muddy areas thereby splashing water / mud on other road users.

vii) Besides what has already been mentioned prior to this, there exists other actions by drivers which could also be said to lacking decorum and should ideally not be condoned by us. Among some of those actions are:
i) Driving excessively fast even though vision is poor, especially during heavy thunderstorms.

ii) Inconsiderately using high lights thereby causing other road users much inconvenience.

iii) Overtaking at dangerous places such as winding areas where vision is said to be poor.

In Malaysia, the use of alcohol is something that is not encouraged. As such drivers are advised to avoid the use of this content wherever possible. Not only does the use of alcohol affect a driver’s anticipation, it also decreases a driver’s mental capabilities as well. Statistics have shown the usage of alcohol increases the rate of accidents.

Positive behaviors among drivers should be instilled into a driver who is responsible. For instance, drivers who drive huge vehicles like trailers, lorries and buses should accord due respect to smaller vehicles. This regulation in fact is being practiced in our neighboring country of Thailand where the law there insists such manner of behavior be adopted.

Likewise when motorists happen to observe the presence of blind people on the road or the disabled folks trying to cross the road, motorists as well as pedestrians should offer assistance to these unfortunate people. Motorists especially should stop their vehicles to offer these people assistance to cross the road. Pedestrians on the other hand should assist these people in crossing the road.

The above are some of the ways and means advocated so that road users could adopt to make the roads of our country safe and if possible reduce road accidents. In the way, Malaysians could then be labeled as a loving society, which truly cares for its less unfortunate members of the society.

I still remember the bridge that connects North and South Klang which was built across the Klang River in the 1950s.

When completed, this hanging bridge was never used. It was not capable to accommodate the normal weight of traffic that was expected of it to bear. It was further said that the engineer responsible for the construction of the bridge had forgotten to include the weight of 2 large pipes which were supposedly were used to carry water from Klang North to Klang South. The hanging bridge was to become a white elephant to Klang residents.

Later on, this bridge was finally dismantled. The British engineer responsible for this project was reported to have committed suicide as a result of his failure.

Continuing with today’s article of explaining to readers who happen to come into Klang town for the first time, or for those who are not too familiar with the traffic movement in Klang today, permit me to explain to you how one crosses the Klang River one intends to go to the Federal Highway via Shah Alam and Batu Tiga.

Assuming a motorist is approaching Klang South from either Kuala Langat or the Banting area, or maybe you might be driving in from Port Klang, which suitable way should one be advised to take?

The best alternative and quickest was to cross the Klang River, would be to if from Port Klang to go up the flyover as you approach the LaSalle School or Hin Hua Chinese Secondary School. In fact, a motorist would be traveling up Fort Road into the bridge adjacent to the Klang Town Council Municipal building situated on the left hand side.

Cross the bridge and travel up along the new flyover which has been recently completed after 4 years by contractor SPAZ since 2009, across the Bulatan Seratus, which is down below, heading smoothly into the Berkeley Gardens round about. Continue traveling smoothly up the flyover and this will take you right into the Bukit Rajah toll plaza which along the Federal Highway.

If you should be using either Touch and Go or Smart Card, you will only need a few seconds getting through this once notorious toll. Well, you are now on your way to Shah Alam and Petaling Jaya in less than 10 minutes at the most. That, my friend is what it takes to get you to the federal capital of Kuala Lumpur.

To believe what I am advocating, this fact can only be proven if only you take a journey through Klang soon. But it should be remembered that occasionally a few unforeseen jams might occur from time to time. This might therefore tend to make you disbelieve what I am advocating in this article.

What I just wrote is similar for both motorists who are either approaching Klang South from Banting or from Port Klang area into Klang South. Alternatively, if you are approaching the Simpang Tujuh round about in Klang from Kuala Lumpur or Port Klang, and you should find the road up Fort Hill is jammed occasionally, either you are to take a short cut cornering into Jalan Raja Barat, which leads to both the A.C.S. Secondary School or the Methodist Girl School.

Travel straight along this Jalan Raja Barat, take a short right hand corner behind the Klang South Police Station, then approach a traffic light near Little India, turn left up into the Musaeddin Bridge, cross it and go straight ahead to the Klang North post office in front of Mydin Supermarket. This way has already been explained to readers in the earlier part of this article.

Alternatively also, a motorist who approaches the famous 100 Round About can choose to turn into the Little India area and thence into the Mussaeddin Bridge and again into the sub postal office of Klang North, which is in front of the Mydin Supermarket and the new round about which is just underneath the new flyover.

So much so for instructions on how to cross from Klang South if you should be coming in from Banting district and Pelabuhan Klang.

Manner and ways of how to cross Klang North across the notorious Klang River coming in from the Federal Highway and Kuala Lumpur will be touched upon in another article. Until then, safe driving is advocated to all readers. Do come to Klang town and you’ll find crossing from North to South of Klang and vice versa, a nice and enjoyable drive, unlike in the yesterdays.

Klang, which is the royal town of the state of Selangor Darul Ehsan looks as if its traffic jam seems to be over.

With the completion of the new flyover, which connects the bridge adjacent to the Majlis Perbandaran Klang building on the Fort Hill to the Federal Highway has finally ended the traffic jams.

Traffic jams for residents coming over from Klang South to Klang North is today something of the past. Traffic jams used to plague the residents of Klang town as early as 7:00 am in the morning. The Musa Edin Bridge leading from Convent School via Little India and the Balai Bomba, which usually is jammed so badly every morning and evening, surprisingly today is smooth flowing.

Nowadays, crossing the bridge takes but only a few short minutes, unlike a few months ago. For those who aren’t too well versed with how the traffic in Klang town actually operates, permit me to explain to you how you should ideally drive.

Crossing the above mentioned bridge, you can now drive straight ahead past the Klang North post office to a new roundabout near the Mydin Supermarket, which is on the left hand side of the road.

This small round about, which is actually under the new flyover, takes one to Jalan Kapar and thence to Kapar town, 10 miles away and finally to Jeram town, Kuala Selangor and the north to Perak.

A word of advice though, those using this route for the first time, traffic at this round about appears to a little bit dense. This is because motorists will find traffic will be approaching in quite a few directions.

As a matter of fact, traffic from the left, from Jalan Meru, from the bridge, from Klang South and finally also from the taxi stand on the left. And one should be reminded also that traffic here travels rather fast as far as I am concerned.

If after turning left into Jalan Kapar, you proceed further to then twelve o’clock corner, one can then proceed into Jalan Meru too. Travel along it and you’ll arrive at the traffic light, near High School Klang.

Should you turn left, you’ll enter into Jalan Raya Bot, which will then lead you again into Jalan Kapar. You can go straight into the town area or turn right into the direction of Courts Mammoth. Going straight ahead will eventually lead you to Mewah Club or the old market.

It should be reminded though, especially those coming to Klang town for the first time, due to alterations made to the traffic lights system recently, most traffic light junctions cater now for only traffic from 2 directions. Each direction is given a time of only 30 to 40 seconds at the most. As such, motorist in this town will be forced to wait for only a short while only.

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Today’s article is intended to talk about the rules and regulations for Malaysian driver if they are planning to drive in the United Kingdom (U.K.). Below is a list of 14 things they are expected to follow:

1) Drive on the left side of the road.

Malaysian drivers should have no problem at all with this. Malaysia, being a former colony of England, and ruled by the British until 1957, adopts the British form of driving. Therefore, drive like you usually do in Malaysia.

2) Roundabout, giving way to traffic from the right.

At roundabouts, give way to traffic coming from the right.

At traffic junctions, the right has the “right of way”, so they say. I assume there will be no problem at all here.

3) No drinking of alcoholic drinks allowed.

As in Malaysia, drivers are not allowed to consume alcohol drinks and drive. Malaysians are fully aware of the consequences of drinking and driving.

Again, no problem with regard to this requirement. It’s after all, a continuation of what Malaysians have been doing all along.

4) Speed limits required.

When driving in the U.K., there are certain speed limits one has to observe. In Malaysia, speed limits followed are:

i) School vicinity – 30km/h.

ii) Town limit – 50 km/h.

iii) Between towns – 60 km/h.

iv) Highways/ expressways – 90 km/h.

Keeping to roughly the same speed, as you normally do in Malaysia should keep you well within the laws of the United Kingdom.

5) Reporting all accidents within 24 hours.

Like they do in Malaysia, drivers have to lodge a police report within 24 hours of an accident. Failing to do so is an offense in the U.K. As they say, “Do like the Romans do when you’re in Rome”. Adopt the maxim and you should have no problem at all.

6) Overtaking in the right hand side.

Remember, as drivers, overtake only on the right. Do not overtake on the left because it is dangerous. Overtaking on the left, in case you are not aware is permitted only in extreme and necessary cases.

And only when the traffic in front of you is attempting to turn to the right. Only then can a driver overtake on the left.

7) No usage of mobile phones allowed.

While driving in the U.K., absolutely no usage of hand phones are allowed. You are advised to use hands free equipment. It’s supposed to be safer.

Malaysian, I gather will have no problem at all with this ruling. We, in fact have been practicing this all this while.

8) The permissible age of driving is 17 years for small vehicles and 21 years for large vehicles.

This I’m sure is not a problem as far as Malaysian drivers are concerned. For years, Malaysians have been drummed into their ears that no one is permitted to drive unless they are of age.

9) Time limit for driving in the U.K.

The period allowed for a Malaysian driver who wish to drive in the U.K., according to the Department of Vehicles Licensing Authorities (D.V.L.A.) of Swansea is 12 months.

After expiry of this period, Malaysian drivers should get a British provisional license out, follow all pertinent regulations and eventually secure a full British driving license.

10) Conversion to full British license.

Being a resident of the U.K., a Malaysian with a driving license cannot convert his license into a British one. Why is this so, you might be tempted to ask?

Well, the story goes like this.

Malaysia it seems has a high rate of accidents. The 3rd highest in the world behind China and India. The British authorities, it appears are rather reluctant to accept Malaysian licenses for conversion.

But as I understand, certain designated countries like Canada, Australia, Singapore, Japan, even Hong Kong can easily convert their domestic licenses into full British licenses.

Just too bad for Malaysians. Well, as they say, “you can’t win them all, can you?” Anyway, as a Malaysian, you are entitled to attempt getting a full British licenses on your own although it is not an easy task.

11) Inform the authorities if you’re suffering from any chronic illness or diseases.

As a driver, if you are suffering from any chronic illness or disease, the onus is on you as a responsible driver to inform the authorities about it.

12) 3rd party insurance policy.

As in Malaysia, a driver has to be covered by at least 3rd party insurance. That’s the law in the United Kingdom. So, should you intend to rent a car, see to it that you get the necessary required motor insurance unless you fancy being behind bars.

13) Maximum age limit for drivers is 70 years old.

If you are 70 years and below, you will have no problem at all driving in the U.K. After this age, special permission are required from the British driving license board.

In Malaysia, the Road Transport Department appears a bit laxed on this requirement. In Malaysia, you can continue to drive as long as you are still fit and capable.

But in England, remember, it is different altogether. So, the moment you reach the golden age of 70, the best advice you can be given by me is stop driving and take the underground train.

14) Bringing in foreign vehicles into U.K.

In case you are unaware, foreign vehicles, say from France or Germany can be brought into U.K. for a period of 6 months or 12 months. However, there are certain rules and regulations which you must abide with. Amongst them are:

i) All taxes (including excise duty) must be paid in its country of origin.

ii) Registered vehicles in the U.K. should display the vehicle excise license.

iii) All vehicles over 3 years old should be submitted to the Road Transport Authority for an examination or test.

I have done an extensive article for all your driving requirements in the U.K. Especially, for my fellow Malaysians who intend to drive in the United Kingdom.

It is not possible in any article to touch upon every aspect you may face in a foreign country. For that, I do apologies.

However, if you should face any problems not covered by this article, you are advised to contact the D.V.L.A. at Swansea, England, for their assistance.

Happy and safe driving to all drivers, especially Malaysian origins in the United Kingdom!

Basically, there are 3 types of visitors who land up in the United Kingdom (U.K.). They are:

i) Those who come to U.K. on social visit staying on for a short period of time only.

ii) Students who arrive in the U.K. to attend some courses in universities or colleges.

iii) Those who visit U.K. for a longer period of time, say a year or so.

All 3 categories of Malaysian drivers at times require to drive in the U.K.

This is because transport will be a major problem for them. To be able to drive oneself around, will not only be cheaper and less hassle is involved, it is more convenient in the long run.

As a reminder, Malaysians who wish to drive in the U.K. should ensure their licenses are:

i) Valid, meaning not expired.

ii) Have their licenses translated into English. As our Malaysian licenses are normally in Bahasa Malaysia, a translated license would assist the British authorities and the police tremendously.

iii) See to it that you are covered with a minimum 3rd party insurance.

As mentioned earlier on, those going over to the United Kingdom as students or on social visits can continue using their Malaysian driving licenses.

However, those categories of people, assuming that a person has been posted in the U.K. to work will obviously be there for a longer period of time. In this case, a Malaysian would therefore ideally be advised to obtain an International Driving License (I.D.L.) issued normally by the Road Transport Department in Kuala Lumpur.

In normal circumstances, a Malaysian driver arriving in the U.K. can drive with his Malaysian license without much problems. The police and transport authorities will pose no problems.

According to the Department of Vehicle Licensing Authorities (D.V.L.A.) Swansea, United Kingdom advised a foreign visitor can drive for a period of 12 months.

Malaysians who stay in U.K. longer than the stipulated period of time mentioned above are advised to then attempt to secure a full British license. Obviously, to do this, one has first to attempt getting a provisional or learner’s license.

To teach a young 17 year old student with no experience whatsoever how to drive is indeed a very formidable task to perform. It is like, expecting the driving instructor to do what David Copperfield does, make the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur disappear.

When I think about the above, which I have to do, it sometimes makes me wonder in amazement, how for over forty years, I was able to carry out this duty to my students.

Today, I will attempt to lay out the best manner to impart this knowledge to someone who wishes to take up driving. Before we continue further, remember that since 1st January 1970, the law stipulates, instructing someone who does not know how to drive is against the law and therefore illegal. You can easily be arrested by the police and the J.P.J. authorities.

Who then has the authority to teach new students in the art of driving?

The answer to this is the driving school or institutes instructor, and no one else.

The instructor, you should remember possesses the certificate to teach. This certificate, in the driving school arena is known as the S.M.2 certificate.

In spite of knowing the above, you may still wish, to say, teach your son or daughter how to drive. Well then, here goes regarding how best to impart the art of driving to your children.

The methods I would suggest to you are:

1) The 10 and 2 position to hold the steering.

Explain to the new driver, the hands are to be placed ideally at 10 and 2 position. The steering, advise the student, should be held firmly and not gripped too tightly.

Remember, in times of emergency, an instructor will have to swerve the steering to avoid collision. A student gripping on to the steering tightly, will prevent the instructor from reacting fast enough when dangerous situations occur.

Therefore, a good instructor should test the steering grip of the student by pushing the steering left to right, ensuring that it can rotate fairly easily.

You will be surprised how a 5 foot girl, when in fear, will hold on to the steering. And believe me, her strength is way much stronger for an adult instructor to handle.

2) Explain how to switch on the ignition key.

Many do not know how to switch on or start an engine. Therefore, the first thing a new student has to be taught is how to start a vehicle. Explain to the student, one has to turn the ignition switch 3 times to the right before a car can start.

Practice this 2 or 3 times. Do it a few times till you are satisfied that your student can actually start a car.

Why is this important?

Because if the car should stall suddenly, you as an instructor will not be able to re-start the car for her. With traffic following behind, the student is the only person who can solve the problem of a car stalling. She has to be able to re-start the engine herself.

You cannot help her as the ignition switch is too far and out of your reach. Hopefully, you get the idea of how vitally important you have to teach your new student how to start a car.

3) Explaining how to manipulate the signals or indicators.

Next, the necessity to explain how to manipulate the signals or the indicators. Show the new student that pushing the indicator left of downwards to the right, indicates the intention to go towards the right direction.

4) Adjusting the driver’s seat.

A new driver should be taught how to adjust the seating position. Show the new driver, using the left hand, that there’s a lever under the driver’s seat which controls the seat forward or backwards. The incline adjuster is located beside the right hip of the driver.

5) How to adjust the handbrake.

Adjusting the handbrake is important. Inform the new driver to install the handbrake, one has to pull up the lever. It’s the releasing of the handbrake that poses some difficulty.

To release the brake, firstly pull up the brakes half an inch, press the release button and leave the handbrake down.

6) The gears of a manual car.

To drive a manual car, one has to learn up where the gears are located. In most cars, there’s a diagram of the gear positions imprinted on the gear knob.

Teach the student the positions of gear 1 to 5 plus the free gear. Also inform the new student, that when wishing to engage any of the gears, you should step on the clutch.

As this is the first lesson, do not bother about the reverse gear. Leave the learning of this difficult gear for another lesson.

7) The horns.

Teach or show a new student where the horn is located. Some are in the centre of the steering stalk, while others are located at the side of the steering wheel.

8) The clutch, the brakes and finally the accelerator.

Explain the various important mechanism of the clutch, the brakes and the accelerator. Explain to the new driver which leg he or she has to use. If necessary, make a new driver learn by heart the positions of the gears.

Not knowing the exact position of each gear will cause difficulty when learning how to drive.

There are other items of a manual car to be learnt. But what I’ve demonstrated to you this far will be sufficient for you to drive a car. Other things and aspects of a car will be demonstrated to you at a later stage.

Hopefully, with the advice I have given will be able to assist you to teach someone you have or care for how to drive.

i) Dribbling.

ii) How to trap a ball with your in step.

iii) How to head a ball.

iv) How to do a throw-in correctly.

v) How to conduct a corner kick.

Should you plan to become a teacher then, amongst the important skills you should learn up are:

i) The ability to write clearly and well on the blackboard.

ii) Have the capacity to teach well.

iii) To be able to draw would be a good asset.

iv) To tell good and interesting stories.

v) To be able to relate humorous jokes.

are some of the skills a good teacher should ideally possesses.

A potential student taking up a driving course should attempt to learn up some basic, good driving skills from his or her instructor.

Most students nowadays undergo a 10 or 16 hour driving course in Malaysia. Surprisingly, a British counterpart intending to take up a driving course has to undergo a minimum 40 lessons by a registered driving institution before he can even qualify to sit for his practical test.

As mentioned earlier, a potential candidate taking up a driving course in our country, Malaysia, has to attain some 8 to 10 skills. This will enable him to drive well, hopefully. All these, to be done in such a short duration, when compared to his British counterpart.

If you were to ask me, as a driving instructor since 1970, this tantamount to a very daunting, if not impossible task to achieve.

Whatever the odds maybe, as 10 to 16 lessons is the only amount of time an instructor has. We have no choice but to impart to the candidate the driving skills he should ideally be taught within this short span of time.

Skills in Bahasa Malaysia would be translated as “olahgerak-olahgerak” for the benefit of those who are competent in the National Language.

As mentioned, there are some 8 to 10 basic skills a student should learn up within a 8 – 16 lessons driving course. What are the skills are we talking about?

The skills are:

i) Entry from the road shoulder into the main road.

ii) Cruising along the highway.

iii) Moving in tandem with the road traffic.

iv) Crossing a junction.

v) Overtaking and being overtaken.

vi) Making a U-turn.

vii) Coming out from the centre of the road into a road shoulder.

viii) Side parking.

ix) Going up a slope.

Permit me to elaborate in more detail with regards to some of the skills that are required to be learnt.

1) Entry from the road shoulder into the main road.

This skill involves getting into a flow of traffic. A driver can be on a road shoulder, attempting to get into the main stream, from a side road attempting to enter the main stream, a car parked on a road shoulder trying to enter into the main stream, attempting to change lanes and attempting entry into a round-about.

2) Cruising along the highway.

Cruising along the highway means driving safely in the correct lane. The driver should be able t control his car well while maneuvering a sharp corner, driving well in all kinds of road surfaces, driving in bad surfaces, driving along road which are in poor condition, and driving on surfaces laden with deep craters and oil spillage.

Besides this, in emergency situations such as vehicle breaking down and accidents.

3) Moving in tandem with the road traffic.

The skill required here is the ability to control a vehicle safely and carefully in comparison to other vehicle. Other similar situations are also expected.

4) Crossing a crossing junction.

How does a driver ideally cross a cross junction?

To cross a normal junction, crossing a pedestrian crossing, a railway crossing, a crossing guarded by a security warden or police amongst some of the required skills expected to be learnt by a driver.

5) When overtaking and being overtaken.

How to overtake safely is one skill expected of a good driver too. Likewise what to do when being overtaken is another skill which a good driver should possess.

6) The skill of doing a U-turn.

The skill required is to drive back to the original position the driver came from. Other similar skills also involves reversing to do parking, doing 3 point turns and U-turns.

A new driver should master all the above skills as quickly as possible, as the ability to perform them will make you a good and proficient driver.