Simple Arduino Robot (need help with the basics)

Hi guys,

This is my first robot and I am having some difficulty moving forward with the project.

I hope you can help

The project is a simple Arduino obstacle avoidance.

It's based on the J-Bot robot project from Jameco

http://www.jameco.com/Jameco/workshop/diy/jbotrobot.html

I purchased the parts from Jameco accept for the 4-WD platform. It was not available so I got the 2-WD one

This is what I have done so far

1. Built the motor shield and connected it to the Arduino

2. Attached the 2 motors and the wheels

As you can see in the photos :

I have 2 battery holders ( one for 6 AA batteries = 9 Volts and the other for 5 AA batteries = 7.5 volts)

My Question

I understood from the site that the Arduino should be connected to the 9 Volts (6 AA) and the motor shield to the 7.5 Volts Is this correct?

I don't want to mess things ...

and Is there a way to test the motor shield connected to the Arduino?

This is my first time I solder .. I tried my best to have clear soldering but I am not sure of the result.

I connect the arduino+motor shield to my computer using the USB cable .. the led on the Arduino turned on; but I am not sure about the motor shield ..

Thanks in advance guys for answering my simple questions...