Articles about Driving 101

Aptitude tests, simulators, first-aid training—this is how Japan does driver education

I'm not the best driver. If anything, I'm probably the most scared and unconfident driver whose name has ever graced the Top Gear Philippines staff box. And despite my being part of the country's number one automotive publication for

There’s plenty of room for improvement on our end

We recently went on a trip to Japan to observe a driving school in Japan. During the trip, we encouraged our Instagram followers to ask what they want to know about learning to drive in Japan. One of the questions we got

Just a friendly reminder

Hogging the leftmost lane-aka the overtaking lane-is forbidden on the expressway. In a previous story, we've even listed down other reasons why you shouldn't make it a habit. Sadly, judging by how many people are guilty of it

Because you can’t turn heads with dull rims, right?

Owning a car includes maintenance and repairs. Taking care of it, however, means more than just keeping it running-you have to keep your car clean, too.It really isn't that hard. You just drive into a nearby car wash and

For those who find it daunting

Learning how to drive is one thing, but mastering every facet of it is another. It's more than just stop-and-go movements-you have to know how to drive in more complicated scenarios as well. One situation in particular which

It’s a handy feature

Driving is an intuitive process, and you don't really learn it by the book. Once you get the hang of it, you'll be changing gears and flipping switches without having to look at the controls.That being said, many drivers

A simple but important thing

In the human body, blood works to transport oxygen and nutrients to your cells and tissues, remove waste materials from your body, and protect you against harmful infection and foreign bodies. Engine oil works the same way in cars. It lubricates all

We’ve been there, too

Steering wheels have a locking feature to prevent the front wheels from changing direction when no key is inserted into the ignition. It aids in preventing theft. Unlocking the steering wheel might be a problem for some drivers, especially newbies who aren'

Take note of these symptoms

My first experience with a bad clutch, funnily enough, was when I purchased my first car. It was a first-generation Mazda 3, six years old with nearly 100,000km on the odometer. I inspected the car while accompanied by a mechanic

Better safe than sloppy

There are some people-even those who already have years of driving experience under their belts- who simply have a hard time parking, and there are others who have been able to master the art of getting a vehicle properly and accurately

Experience is the best driving instructor

Okay hotshot, so you finally have a driver's license. You've been assessed by the concerned transportation agencies and have been fit to operate a motor vehicle.Let's get one thing straight though: That neat little plastic card you've

'Position is everything'

Who doesn't dream of going to a motorsport driving workshop? Learning about racing lines and braking points is enough to have almost anyone feeling like they could be the next lead of a Fast and Furious film. Even the very word '

Is this something that should be adopted across the globe?

The European Commission has provisionally approved plans to place speed limiters on all new cars sold in Europe from 2022 onwards. Called the 'intelligent speed assistance' (ISA) system, the feature will become mandatory along with a raft of other safety systems, including

Honesty is still the best policy

Manila's busy streets are tight and packed to the brim with motorists zipping about. As such, fender benders are a common occurrence on the road. It's pretty much part of the way of life around here.Hitting a parked car,

Your radiator should be the least of your worries

Planning long-haul road trips in your head, itching for some sand between your toes, and experiencing an incessant craving for halo-halo? Don't worry, you're not alone: Summer is coming.Finally, it's time to put those vacation leaves

About time

Again, you cannot 'reserve' a parking slot by standing in it-whether it's in a mall, in front of a restaurant, or in an open parking area. It's inconsiderate and lazy, and it's a practice downright frowned upon by,

It’s under your rearview mirror

Sometimes, it's the littlest things we take for granted: The thank-yous after paying at the convenience store, leaving a tip at restaurants, kissing a loved one goodbye before heading off to work-and, for some motorists, mundane car features that

Don't take these for granted

When it comes to driving, coming to a stop is just as important-if not more so-than getting up to speed. It doesn't matter how fast your ride can go if you're going to end up splattered

Please just don't

How many times has this happened to you: Maneuvering tight parking areas, desperately looking for a vacant slot only to find one occupied by a person, reserving a parking slot by standing in it. Standoff ensues.Well, a country close to ours

So, what type of motorist are you?

A few years back, a study observing parking differences between the US and China suggested that a higher percentage of people who park facing out equates to higher economic growth. That people who park facing outwards may be overachievers that drive the