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Smarter Driver Podcast

Smarter Driver Podcast

By: Rick August PhD
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About this listen

Welcome to the smarter driver podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Rick August. Here, we're going to get you on the road to being a safer, smarter driver. And no…my degree's not in driving. My degree in fact, is in legal history, which many of you know is the study of policing, courts and prisons. My expertise is in policing as it relates to traffic. Here we're going to look at the fundamental conflict of traffic which is: Collisions vs. Congestion And we're going to look at the arena of social driving. The challenges you face as a driver, the challenges you face when getting a license, or starting a career as a truck or bus driver. The car's all gassed up, we're ready to go. Let's get started. With the smarter driver podcast we provide the stepping stones towards your success in driving. We empower you to achieve your goals and aspirations as they relate to getting your first license, becoming a safer, smarter driver, or starting a career as a truck or bus driver. If you're just starting out and working towards getting your first license, be sure to check out the smarter driver course package down in the description. Guaranteed to pass first time. As well, if there's something about driving that really irks you, and you'd like to get it off your chest, please leave a comment. I'm your host, Dr. Rick August. Thanks very much for listening. And remember, pick the best answer not necessarily the right answer. Have a great day, bye now.2022 Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • Driving Test Secrets: What Driving Examiners Look For (Pass First Time)
    Apr 10 2026

    Learn what driving examiners really look for during a road test and the key mistakes that cause drivers to fail their driving test. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! ► http://youtube.com/c/smartdrivetest
    ****************
    COURSES & CHECKLIST

    Get My Driver's Test Checklist ► https://www.smartdrivetest.com/

    Click for COURSE Package that includes:
    1) Pass Driver's Test First Time
    2) Defensive Driving Smart
    3) Winter Driving Smart

    https://www.smartdrivetest.com/smarter-driver-course-package/
    "GUARANTEED Pass Your Road Test "First Time"

    Pass Your Road Test First Time Coupon - youtube30
    ****************
    DESCRIPTION

    Passing your driving test isn't about perfection—it's about proving to the driving examiner that you can operate a vehicle safely and predictably in real traffic conditions.

    In this episode of the Smart Drive Test podcast, licensed driving instructor Rick August explains what driving examiners are really evaluating during your road test and how you can dramatically increase your chances of passing the first time.

    You'll learn the most common mistakes that cause drivers to fail, including observation errors, poor lane positioning, and misunderstanding right-of-way rules.

    Rick also explains the biggest myths about driving examiners, why shoulder checking is the number one skill for passing a driving test, and how simple habits like proper following distance and correct lane use can make the difference between pass and fail.

    Whether you're preparing for your first road test or trying again after a failed attempt, these strategies will help you become a safer, smarter driver.


    Good luck on your road test.

    #SmartDriveTest #DriversTest #drivinginstructor #drivingtesttips #beginnerdriver
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    CHAPTERS

    00:00 – Driving Examiner Secrets: How to Pass Your Driving Test
    03:05 – First Impressions: What Examiners Notice Before the Test Starts
    04:00 – Driving Test Myths About Examiners (What's Actually True)
    05:23 – Pre-Trip Vehicle Check: What to Inspect Before Your Road Test
    06:27 – The #1 Driving Test Mistake That Causes Drivers to Fail
    08:42 – Why You Should Practice Near Your Driving Test Center
    12:18 – The Two Main Ways Drivers Fail Their Road Test
    13:44 – Learn Correct Driving Habits from the Very Beginning
    14:52 – Steering Wheel Control Skills for the Driving Test
    16:06 – Why You Must Practice Driving to Pass the Road Test
    16:29 – Final Tip: Practice on Roads Near Your Test Location
    ***************
    SOCIALS

    www.smartdrivetest.com
    www.facebook.com/smartdrivetest
    www.twitter.com/smartdrivetest
    www.instagram.com/smartdrivetest/

    Join the Smart Driver's Mastermind Group: https://goo.gl/h5Q8Vd

    Music: BoxCat Games
    Nameless: The Hackers RPG Soundtrack - Epic Song
    ****************
    MONETARILY SUPPORTING THE CHANNEL

    If you wish to support the channel monetarily, you can donate via PayPal here: https://www.paypal.me/smartdrivetest
    This is appreciated and helps the channel, but please don't feel that it is necessary to be part of the smarter driver community.

    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • Drinking and Driving: Why It's a Leading Cause of Traffic Deaths in the U S
    Apr 2 2026

    Drinking & driving are a MAJOR contributing factor in fatal crashes in the United States. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! ► http://youtube.com/c/smartdrivetest
    ****************
    COURSES & CHECKLIST

    Driver's Test Checklist ► https://www.smartdrivetest.com/dont-fail-drivers-test-checklist

    Click for COURSE Package that includes:
    1) Pass Driver's Test First Time
    2) Defensive Driving Smart
    3) Winter Driving Smart

    https://www.smartdrivetest.com/new-drivers/smarter-driver-package
    "GUARANTEED Pass Your Road Test "First Time"

    Pass Your Road Test First Time Coupon - youtube30
    ****************
    DESCRIPTION

    Drinking and driving continues to be one of the leading causes of traffic deaths in the United States. In this episode of the Smart Drive Test podcast, we explore why impaired driving remains such a serious safety issue and how it contributes to thousands of preventable crashes every year.

    Host Rick with Smart Drive Test discusses the factors that make traffic fatalities in the U.S. higher than in many other developed countries. The conversation looks at the role of large vehicles on American roads, how crash severity increases with vehicle size, and how historical road safety laws—such as seatbelt legislation—were developed to protect drivers and passengers.

    The podcast also examines how blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits are used to measure impairment, why determining impairment can be complicated, and why drunk driving laws vary from state to state. Understanding these legal and safety frameworks can help drivers make better decisions and recognize the real risks associated with alcohol and driving.

    Finally, the episode highlights practical defensive driving strategies that motorists can use to reduce crash risk and stay safer on the road. Whether you're a new driver, preparing for a driver's test, or simply interested in improving your driving skills, this discussion provides valuable insight into one of the most critical road safety issues today.

    Good luck on your road test!

    #SmartDriveTest #drinkinganddriving #trafficsafety #beginnerdriver #trafficsafety
    ***************
    CHAPTERS

    00:00 – Drinking and Driving: A Leading Cause of Traffic Deaths in America
    03:28 – Why the U.S. Has Higher Traffic Fatalities Than Other Developed Countries
    07:23 – How Large Vehicles Increase Crash Severity in the U.S.
    09:11 – How Road Safety and Traffic Laws Began in the United States
    10:57 – How Seatbelt Laws Started and Why They Save Lives
    14:48 – Blood Alcohol Limits: Why Measuring Impairment Is Difficult
    17:07 – Why Drunk Driving Laws Differ Across U.S. States
    20:38 – Why Public Transportation Won't Solve America's Traffic Death Problem
    21:35 – Defensive Driving Strategies to Reduce Crash Risk
    ***************
    SOCIALS

    www.smartdrivetest.com
    www.facebook.com/smartdrivetest
    www.twitter.com/smartdrivetest
    www.instagram.com/smartdrivetest/

    Join the Smart Driver's Mastermind Group: https://goo.gl/h5Q8Vd

    Music: BoxCat Games
    Nameless: The Hackers RPG Soundtrack - Epic Song
    ****************
    MONETARILY SUPPORTING THE CHANNEL

    If you wish to support the channel monetarily, you can donate via PayPal here: https://www.paypal.me/smartdrivetest
    This is appreciated and helps the channel, but please don't feel that it is necessary to be part of the smarter driver community.

    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • Why European Countries Have Fewer Traffic Deaths
    Mar 12 2026

    Why are traffic deaths in the United States significantly higher than in other developed countries, and what can drivers learn from safer road systems around the world? SUBSCRIBE TODAY! ► http://youtube.com/c/smartdrivetest
    ****************
    CHECKLIST & COURSES

    Driver's Test CHECKLIST ► https://www.smartdrivetest.com/dont-fail-drivers-test-checklist

    Click for COURSE Package that includes:
    1) Pass Driver's Test First Time
    2) Defensive Driving Smart
    3) Winter Driving Smart

    https://www.smartdrivetest.com/new-drivers/smarter-driver-package
    "GUARANTEED Pass Your Road Test "First Time"

    Pass Your Road Test First Time Coupon - youtube30
    ****************
    DESCRIPTION

    Why are traffic deaths in the United States significantly higher than in many other developed countries? In this episode of Smart Drive Test, we explore the key factors that contribute to the U.S. having one of the poorest traffic safety records among high-income nations.

    A major factor is speed. As vehicle speed increases, the amount of kinetic energy involved in a crash rises exponentially, making collisions far more severe and increasing the likelihood of fatal injuries. Higher speeds on urban and rural roads contribute to the overall crash severity seen across the United States.

    Another growing concern is the rise in pedestrian and vulnerable road user fatalities over the past decade. Changes in vehicle size, road design, and driver behaviour have made streets more dangerous for people outside of vehicles.

    We also examine differences in driver training standards and how less rigorous licensing requirements in some parts of the United States may affect driver preparedness. In addition, traffic law enforcement varies widely across states and regions, which can influence driver behaviour and compliance with safety laws.

    Finally, we discuss whether advanced driver-assistance technologies may help reduce crashes in the future.

    Understanding these factors can help drivers make safer choices and improve overall road safety.

    Good luck on your road test.

    #SmartDriveTest #trafficsafety #roadsafety #defensivedriving #drivingeducation
    ****************
    CHAPTERS

    00:00 - Why Traffic Deaths Are Higher in the United States
    02:27 - Why Higher Speeds Make Crashes Far More Deadly
    04:32 - Rising Pedestrian & Vulnerable Road User Fatalities
    07:16 - Driver Training Standards in the U.S. vs Other Countries
    08:15 - Why Traffic Law Enforcement Varies Across the U.S.
    12:39 - Will Driver Assistance Technology Reduce Traffic Deaths?
    ***************
    SOCIALS

    www.smartdrivetest.com
    www.facebook.com/smartdrivetest
    www.twitter.com/smartdrivetest
    www.instagram.com/smartdrivetest/

    Join the Smart Driver's Mastermind Group: https://goo.gl/h5Q8Vd

    Music: BoxCat Games
    Nameless: The Hackers RPG Soundtrack - Epic Song
    ****************
    MONETARILY SUPPORTING THE CHANNEL

    If you wish to support the channel monetarily, you can donate via PayPal here: https://www.paypal.me/smartdrivetest
    This is appreciated and helps the channel, but please don't feel that it is necessary to be part of the smarter driver community.

    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
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