Double Declutching – a Forgotten Art
The art of double declutching mostly died out when synchromesh gearboxes were invented, so what place does it have in modern driving? Well, have you ever changed into a lower gear and felt that...
Category: Advanced Driving Skills
What is advanced driving? When you first pass the driving test it only proves that you’re basically safe to go out and practise on your own. There’s still a long way to go before you can call yourself a ‘good driver’. Advanced drivers have taken the time to hone their skills, to use their experience well, and to turn the basics into a finished product. Consider it a bit like going from your ‘O’ levels to passing your ‘A’ levels.
Advanced driving skills mean that you can make good progress, whilst at all times remaining safe and legal. You should know how and where to overtake, and to be able to do so with confidence. Opportunities to move on at junctions should not be missed; but at all times you should drive with safety and consideration for those around you.
You should always plan well ahead so that nothing takes you by surprise. An advanced driver makes allowances for other driver’s mistakes; and when incidents happen around you, you should make sure that you don’t get involved in them. Good anticipation means that you should always be in the right place at the right time.
You should know how and where to use the accelerator, and not rely on brakes to get you out of trouble. All the car controls should be operated smoothly, and you should always be in the correct gear.
You should not allow yourself to be distracted while driving. Too many people drive on ‘auto pilot’; going through the motions but without really thinking about what they are doing. Nothing an advanced driver does is carried out without thought. Even the simplest of things such as giving a signal; an ordinary driver just turns it on; you should first ask yourself whether the signal is necessary. If it is when do I give it? If it isn’t, will it become necessary as things change? An advanced driver is a thinking driver!
If you would like to find out more about advanced driving, contact the Institute of Advanced Motorists or RoSPA for further information.
You can also find a useful list of road safety organisations here >>>
Giving Signals & When Not to Give Them
When learning to drive, most of us are taught about giving signals for every stop and turn. But is it really necessary, and is there any reason to not give signals if they don’t...
Driving Through Bends
If a driver is ever to leave a country road and end up in a ditch, you can almost guarantee that it’s the result of poor cornering technique. It is quite possible to maintain...
Overtaking on Country Roads
Overtaking is a skill that is rarely taught as learners progress through their driving lessons. Most novices never reach speeds or drive on the type of roads where overtaking would be necessary; and as...