7 Crucial Tips to Help You Pass Your Drive Test

Driving tests makes many people anxious and nervous even after many hours of practice and professional training. Some fail their test because of fear while others fail because of lack of preparation. However, there are some things every prospective driver should know before they take their test to improve their chances of succeeding. Here are seven crucial tips that will help you pass your driving test.

1. Prepare for the Test
Proper preparation and practice lead to outstanding results in any test and professional training is not enough to pass a driving test. You’ll need many hours of private practice as well. Drive different cars where possible and use different routes during your private practice.

The routes you choose should include those near your driving school where you are likely to take the test. You should also consider taking a mock test beforehand to make sure that everything is on point before you take your exam. Companies like Toptests offer mock tests online that can prepare you for a variety of situations. You can find more information about Toptests and their services at www.toptests.co.uk.

2. Sit Comfortably and Relax
Ensure that you are comfortable before you turn on the ignition key. Adjust the driver's seat where necessary. If you have an opportunity to choose a car for the test, choose one that you have driven before during your practice sessions. Take deep breaths just before the test to help you relax. You will make a lot of mistakes if you drive while feeling anxious.

3. Ask Questions
Interact with your examiner during the test and ask questions if you do not understand the instructions. Do not make any assumptions about the instructions. Ask for help if the car develops any mechanical problems that are beyond your training. Minor issues may be part of the test but if you cannot fix the problem, you need to ask for help before it leads to an accident.

4. Focus on the Road
You may be tempted to check your examiner’s reaction and notes at every turn. Keep your eyes on the road and on the mirrors. Concentrate on what is happening on the road. Mistakes happen when you take your eyes off the road. Your examiner can tell when your focus shifts as well.

5. Have a Positive Mindset
Believe that the hours of practice and training will pay off. Visualise yourself passing the test and getting your driving license even before you take the test. See yourself driving confidently through the worst terrains. Focus your mind on the freedom you will get to drive your dream car after passing the test.

6. Prepare for Anything
Anything can happen on the day you are taking the test. For instance, it can snow or rain heavily on that day. Drive under different weather conditions during your practice sessions to prepare for such extreme weather conditions. Learn to drive on slippery roads and deal with sudden obstructions on the road.

7. Avoid Common Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes that new drivers make is failing to check the mirrors sufficiently. Use the side and rear mirrors properly. Do not speed or use the wrong lanes near roundabouts. Observe the traffic before changing lanes and when taking turns at junctions. These are all simple mistakes that can be easily avoided but could cost you some important points if you commit them on the road.

Passing any test requires proper preparation and a positive mindset. Even if you feel supremely confident, never underestimate your driving test and spend several hours every week driving through different routes to sharpen your driving skills.

4 Tips to Keeping Your Home Safe During Holiday Travel

Traveling for the holidays is something my family always looks forward to. There's no better way to close out the year than by hitting the road, singing holiday songs at the top of our lungs, spending time with family and friends, and eating delicious food.

But if you're anything like me, whenever you travel, a little voice in the back of your mind says, "Is my home safe? What if a fire breaks out? Could a pipe burst? Could a thief break in while I'm away?" So even though I love holiday travel, I'm never able to completely relax.

So I breathed a sigh of relief when I was contacted by Ooma—a leading internet home communications hub—with the opportunity to deliver 4 tips for keeping your home safe and secure when you're on the road this holiday. Before you lock your doors and hop in the car, make sure you follow these steps to ensure your home is safe.

#1- DON'T TURN YOUR THERMOSTAT OFF
Before leaving for an extended trip, it's important to lock in a safe temperature in your central heating system. If you live somewhere with cold winters, don't turn your thermostat off! To prevent your pipes from freezing, set the temperature lower than usual—ideally between 40 and 55 Fahrenheit. Live in a warmer climate? Leave the thermostat at about 69 Fahrenheit. Alternatively, you can completely avoid worry by controlling your thermostat remotely. Ooma detects when your thermostat is on "Away" mode and will automatically forward any home calls to your mobile device.

#2- SHUT OFF THE GAS AND UNPLUG ALL APPLIANCES
Always turn off gas-powered devices such as stoves, ovens, and fireplaces, and unplug all appliances. This can prevent any accidental fires and potentially hazardous carbon monoxide leaks into your home, as well as save energy. This is especially important if you have pets at home who can't defend themselves against unforeseen hazards. For an added layer of protection, be in the know—Ooma can warn you via text and direct you to call 911 when your Nest Protect smoke/carbon monoxide detector has been triggered.

#3: DON'T KEEP YOUR TRAVEL A SECRET
When leaving home for several days, tell someone you trust where you'll be in case of emergency, such as a fire, burglary, or carbon monoxide leak. Friends staying in town or a thoughtful neighbor could be options. They can keep an eye out for suspicious activity and notify you of any out-of-the-ordinary occurrences. Ooma allows you to be notified immediately when 911 is dialed and you can call them or call police to investigate.

#4: LEVERAGE TECHNOLOGY TO MONITOR YOUR HOME
Thanks to technology, our homes are getting smarter and smarter. Did you know there are countless apps that can connect to systems in our homes—from central temperature to security systems, light bulbs to the Amazon Echo? The Ooma Telo seamlessly interacts with your favorite smart home products and services to make your home safer and more convenient than ever before. Whether it be increased levels of carbon monoxide or a home break-in, Ooma can be the first to alert you of any danger.
 

Thankfully in my many years of travel, we haven't had any major incidents occur while we were away. We make sure our neighbor's are aware that we will be out of town and they have an emergency key just in case.

You can learn more about Ooma's home monitoring system and buy an Ooma Telo at http://www.ooma.com.

Has an emergency ever happened at your home while you were away? Tell me about it in the comments below!

Big Accomplishments In The Ismail Household

December has been the busiest month for our family and it has nothing to do with the holiday season. Both my older daughter Chardonnay and my husband Dwayne graduated from college within days of each other (Dec 9th & 12th). Let me tell you, it's no easy task pulling off two graduations so close together. We had a celebration for both of them in our home that Sunday in between the actual ceremonies. I'm happy to say that we got through it all with minimal stress and everything came together beautifully.

Chardonnay graduated Magna Cum Laude with Leadership Distinction from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelors of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications. She was able to graduate a semester early because she had all of the credits she needed. This was her dream since she was 5 years old to become a Gamecock and go to the University of South Carolina. Her strong work ethic and will took her all the way! She plans to continue her education to obtain her graduate degree.

The graduate with her very proud parents. 

We are truly a Gamecock family 

My husband Dwayne, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Southern Wesleyan University with a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration. He also gave the Invocation (prayer) for the ceremony. The whole ceremony from beginning to end was outstanding and even little William shed some tears. This was such a challenge for Dwayne to work full time, take care of his family, having the responsibility of being his mother's caregiver, as well as attend classes. By God's Grace and his determination, he made it through. Dwayne is a great example to anyone (especially working adults with families) that you can do it!

This isn't a great quality photo, but I was able to grab a video clip and screen captured this photo of Dwayne saying the prayer. I had to hold myself together to keep the phone still. Truly an inspirational and memorable moment. What a blessing! 

It was SO chilly when it was time to take photos! This is why we all had jackets on.

These two buddies were SO happy to be reunited after the ceremony. William is his father's number one fan. 

This has been such a wonderful time of celebration for our family. None of this could have been possible without faith and teamwork. Go Dwayne and Chardonnay! 🙌

Holiday PJs Trends & Gifts that Give Back from zulily #zulilyfinds

In my family's many years of Christmas mornings opening gifts, we have worn pajamas 100% of the time. I don't think we change until lunch time. I feel like Christmas would not be the same if we were formally dressed for the day. 

zulily is an online retailer obsessed with bringing customers special finds at incredible prices every day, conducted a survey to uncover holiday sleepwear trends across the country. What do Americans really want to wear while unwrapping gifts with loved ones this holiday season? They've got your answers!

According to their survey:

• 60% of Americans wear holiday PJ's while opening presents on Christmas morning
• 27% of those festive folks have already picked out their Christmas PJ's
• 31% view matching PJ's as a family affair
• 8% will dress up their four-legged friends in matching PJ accessories (Fido is part of the family after all, right?)
• 29% prefer plaid jammies
• Most Americans will change out of their PJ's after breakfast (27%)

Also, check out how they are giving back this year by making bed times better for children in need. Customers can purchase a product featuring a “Buy One, Give One” badge on zulily to trigger a donation to one of two philanthropic organizations, First Book and Treehouse.

Check out zulily for great prices on clothing for the family, shoes, toys, and more. Just a warning, some people have been known to have a zulily addiction! 😍

Stay connected to zulily on Facebook & Twitter for product promotions and updates.

Keep Your Lips Soft This Winter With Carmex (Giveaway)

Unless you live in South Florida, you probably have been feeling a bit of a chill in the air. One of the first things I notice when those winter temperatures hit is my lips get extremely dry and irritated. Thankfully I have my old standby, Carmex lip balm. Carmex has been a household name brand we have known since my oldest was born, and is trusted by my whole family. It is not unusual to find a tube or jar stashed all over our home and in bags, desks, and cars. My personal favorite is the good old fashioned Original Carmex in the tube. I keep one tube in my makeup case, one in my purse, and one on my kitchen counter. You might say that I have an addiction!

I really love Carmex products because they are very effective and affordable. I wear a layer under my lip color and apply as needed throughout the day. Aside from the traditional jars, tubes and sticks, Carmex has some other items in their product lineup that are worth checking out.

Carmex Comfort Care-  A 100% natural blend of soothing colloidal oatmeal, fruit seed oil and mixed berry flavor that helps restore moisture for smoother, healthier, naturally beautiful lips.

• Crafted with a soothing blend of colloidal oatmeal and cold-pressed antioxidant-rich fruit seed oil 
• Helps restore lips’ natural beauty with long-lasting moisture
• Visibly smoother, healthier looking lips

Carmex Cold Sore Treatment gives immediate cold sore symptom relief you can see and feel

• Works on contact to relieve cold sore symptoms while the sore heals naturally
• Relieves pain and itch with benzocaine
• Minimizes the appearance of a cold sore with TriPLEX™ Formula

Over the years, I have given Carmex products as teacher gifts, stocking stuffers, and coworker gifts. I always suggest Carmex for gift-giving because it is so affordable and practical. It is also very well received. You can find Carmex products in most drug stores, grocery stores, and mass retailers. My local grocery stores almost always have the classic products on sale for just $1! Connect with Carmex on Facebook & Twitter for product updates.

Giveaway: One very luck Mom Files reader will win a Carmex gift pack of assorted products! Enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only and will end on December 29, 2016. Must follow rules in Rafflecopter. One winner will be chosen randomly. Mom Files is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

I received product samples for review. All opinions are my own as always.