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 kick as the engine braking comes in? Double declutching helps to smooth out your gear changes […]
Advanced Driving Skills
What exactly is ‘advanced driving?’ There really is nothing mysterious about it. Passing a driving test is only the beginning, it proves that you are now safe to practice on your own. Advanced driving skills take you to the next level.
Advanced driving skills mean that the the person behind the wheel 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 should not be missed, but at all times you should drive with consideration for those around you.
It means a driver who thinks and plans well ahead so that nothing takes them by surprise. You need to make allowances for other drivers mistakes, and make sure that you don’t get involved in them. An advanced driver should always be in the right place at the right time.
The controls of the car should be operated smoothly. It is a case of knowing how and where to use the accelerator, and not relying on brakes to get you out of trouble.
You should not allow yourself to be distracted while driving. Too many people drive on ‘auto pilot’. They go through the motions but don’t really think 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; an advanced driver first asks whether the signal is necessary. If it is when do I give it? If it isn’t, might it become necessary as things change? An advanced driver thinks!
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 help anyone? We’re all familiar with the ‘mirror signal manoeuvre’ routine, but the hint is in […]
How to Drive Through Bends Safely
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 good progress when driving through bends. You just need to follow some basic rules and plan […]
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 overtaking is unlikely to happen during a driving test, then why would an instructor bother to […]
