Semple's Dynamic Driving School

21/03/2026

20/03/2026

Overtaking an Articulated Vehicles.

Overtaking an articulated vehicle is more difficult.

-Drop back.
This will increase your ability to see ahead and should allow the driver of the articulated vehicle to see you in their mirrors, getting too close will obscure your view of the road ahead and there may be another slow moving vehicle in front

-Make sure that you have enough room to complete your overtaking manoeuvre before committing yourself. It takes longer to pass an articulated vehicle.

If in doubt do NOT overtake

-Do not follow a vehicle ahead which is overtaking a long vehicle. If a problem develops, they may abort overtaking and pull back in, that you leave you exposed.

19/03/2026

What Are Directional Tyres?

Directional tyres are designed with a tread pattern that rotates in only one direction. When viewed from the front, the grooves and channels on the tread point forward in a V-shaped pattern.

Also known as unidirectional tyres, they are commonly used on performance vehicles and are well suited for high-speed driving. Their tread pattern efficiently channels water away from the tyre, helping to reduce hydroplaning and improving grip on wet roads. At the same time, they provide sporty handling and strong performance on dry surfaces.

However, directional tyres have a limitation when it comes to rotation. Unlike symmetrical or asymmetrical tyres, they cannot simply be moved to any position on the vehicle. To rotate directional tyres from one side of the vehicle to the other, they must first be removed from the wheels and then remounted in the correct direction.

Because of this, most drivers rotate directional tyres only from front to rear on the same side of the vehicle. While this is easier, it can cause the tyres to wear less evenly over time, which may reduce their overall lifespan.

How to Identify Directional Tyres

Directional tyres often have a solid center rib, which provides additional rigidity and stability at high speeds. Their tread pattern typically features grooves that form a V-shaped design, directing water away from the tyre.

These tread patterns are commonly used on both summer and winter tyres.

Types of Tyre Tread Patterns

Symmetrical Tread

Symmetrical tread patterns are the most common on passenger vehicles. The tread blocks on the left and right sides mirror each other, and the grooves run in multiple directions. This design provides a balanced combination of comfort, durability, and performance. Both summer and winter tyres can use this pattern.

Asymmetrical Tread

Asymmetrical tyres combine features of both symmetrical and directional patterns to provide strong performance in different conditions. They typically have different tread designs on the inner and outer sides of the tyre.

The inner side often includes grooves that help channel water away, similar to directional tyres, while the outer side uses larger tread blocks to improve grip and handling on dry roads. Because of this balance, asymmetrical tyres are often used for all-season driving.

Installing and Rotating Directional Tyres

Directional tyres have an arrow marking on the sidewall that indicates the correct direction of rotation. When the tyre is properly installed, this arrow should point toward the front of the vehicle.

If directional tyres are installed backwards, they will not perform as intended. The tread will be less effective at dispersing water, reducing hydroplaning resistance and overall driving performance.

18/03/2026

We know you love each other and you want to enjoy life while driving......... never allow her to put her legs on the dashboard because in the event of an accident it will end in tears.

21/04/2025

Semple's Dynamic Driving School wishing you all

31/10/2023

What is Tailgating driving?

Tailgating driving is driving behind someone too closely.

There is a recommended safe following distance which varies with speed and is indicated by time, the two-second rule.

This means that the time difference between the back of the vehicle in front and the front of your vehicle should not be less than two seconds.

In wet weather, or if you are towing a trailer, drivers should increase this to four seconds. The safe following distance should give the driver enough time to stop if the vehicle in front stops suddenly.

31/10/2023

Defensive Driving

Defensive driving is a form of training for motor vehicle drivers that goes beyond mastery of the rules of the road and the basic mechanics of driving. It aims to reduce the risk of collision by anticipating dangerous situations, despite adverse conditions or the mistakes of others.

Avoid accidents by correcting problems that may become dangerous. Consider these top ten defensive driving tips.

Defensive Driving Tip #1: Eliminate Distractions

Scientists have studied the reasons behind the large number of car accidents that occur every year, and the most common cause is that the driver has been distracted. For this reason, eliminating distractions is #1 among the top ten defensive driving tips. Limit the number of distractions that you have in the car, such as eating or talking.

Defensive Driving Tip #2: Focus on the Horizon

Rather than keeping your eyes fixed on the car right in front of you, keep your eyes on the horizon as you watch the traffic ahead of you. You will be able to see any activity that may cause an accident, and it will give you plenty of time to adjust accordingly.

Defensive Driving Tip #3: Stay in One Lane as Much as Possible

Many accidents happen when a person suddenly changes lanes and gets rear-ended. Choose a lane and stay there as long as possible.

Defensive Driving Tip #4: Keep an Eye on Lane Changers

If you aren't the one changing lanes, then you need to keep an eye on those who are. Many drivers try to slip between cars, even if it is too dangerous to do so. Watch all of your mirrors so that you can see anyone who may be approaching you quickly. Slow down to let them pass if necessary.

Defensive Driving Tip #5: Watch Blind Spots

While some people may not zip in and out of traffic, others carelessly move into another lane without checking their blind spots. To avoid getting struck by one of these drivers, stay out of the blind spots of the cars around you. You can accelerate so that they can see you clearly, or you can slow down so that you are a safe distance behind the other car.

Defensive Driving Tip #6: Avoid Eye Contact

Scientists have found that road rage escalates when drivers look directly at one another. Most people who suffer from road rage are looking for ways to anger others rather than getting angry about something that has just occurred. Avoid making eye contact with these drivers, and continue driving as you were.

Defensive Driving Tip #7: Check Intersections

Intersections are where many accidents occur. Many drivers will simply start driving when the light turns green, but not everyone stops when the light turns red. Check your left side for any vehicles that are ignoring the red light, and then look to the right before you start driving through the intersection.

Defensive Driving Tip #8: Know the Rules of Swerving

It is very important that you only swerve if you are unable to prevent an accident otherwise. To swerve safely, you should make sure that the lane that you will be entering is empty, and return to your lane immediately to prevent further problems.

Defensive Driving Tip #9: Keep Your Distance from Bad Drivers

If you notice that someone is showing signs of being a bad driver, then you need to keep your distance. You may want to change lanes and slow down to let the car pass so that you don't have a chance of it rear-ending you. If you need to pass a bad driver, try to keep a good distance between you.

Defensive Driving Tip #10: Don't Tailgate

When you drive too closely to another vehicle, you increase your risk of an accident because you leave yourself very little room to avoid an accident. Try to stay at least three to four seconds behind the person in front of you. If you have a larger vehicle, you will need to allow more room so that you will have enough time to stop. Tailgating is on just about every top ten defensive driving tips list, and for good reason.



By following these top ten defensive driving tips, you will be able to prevent accidents by simply being more aware of what is going on around you.

31/10/2023

Shout out to Semple's Dynamic newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Dianne Chisholm Cambridge, Ticque John, Deb Deb, Rosey Hero, Renner Layne, Sybrena Quimby, Pamela Hart, Jamelia Pitt, Unbother Chick, Richard Austin, Natasha Jones, Regan Somerset, Forbes Browne, Yvonne Mitchell, Simon Semple, Nolita Semple, Bernice Semple