I'm an advanced police driver and that was a nice introduction to advanced driving. The whole point of selecting the right gear is so you have the correct amount of power for the driving situation e.g you don't want to find yourself trying to pull out of a junction in 3rd gear and similarly you don't want to be doing 60 in 2nd. So speed, gear and accelerate are all critical, that's just the way it is.
I was thinking the same thing. With a manual gearbox you want to be in the right gear for the situation. If you are braking and for some reason you suddenly need to take an avoiding action that would require a quick increase in speed you need to be in the correct gear to accomplish that. Also the old chestnut of brake pads are cheaper than gearboxes doesn't really stand up to scrutiny. Gearboxes are designed to cope with the loads put through them (assuming correct clutch use). Engine braking puts a far lighter load on the gearbox than acceleration so using it doesn't really put a lot more wear on the gearbox, certainly not enough to warrant a driving approach that would see you in the wrong gear for the situation as I mention above. Heal and toeing or cars with rev matching on the down change put the least strain on the gear box.
k c down shifting is an old fashioned method, you basically boost the revs just before you change down and it was originally used in times before synchromesh gear boxes, e.g old Land Rover. These days it still helps with keeping power on and gives the driver an extra second of time, the BMW z8 gear boxes have it built in automatically now. If you don't use it on a manual it's not a problem
@@simonnelson7770 Thanks Simon. I guess when I get back into the manual I will see the difference as I can't "see" it on the videos. The Audi TT I had until 2004 didn't seem to be different than all the others but and this is a big but, I lived at 8,000 to 10,000 feet above sea level which definitely makes the engine work hard. I love learning new things & I have always loved anything with a motor. And yes I am old!
I just shared your video on facebook with a rather long post beside it. I had a lot to say. For those who are interested, this is what I said: If anyone is thinking about doing their advanced driving, it was definitely worth it for me and this man makes a damn good case for it. Give this video a watch. Any driving tuition after you've passed your test is good. You might think that you are the perfect driver and even if your driving standard is outstanding there is always something to improve on. For me, driving has always been a hobby. Those who know me well know that I'm happiest behind the wheel than in nearly any other situation. I have always tried to drive the way I was taught to drive and to use advanced driving techniques that I've learned through studying driving and through studying Roadcraft- the police drivers handbook(a bit of a boring read if you're not into that kind of thing) in my every day driving. Driving has become a game and trying to get the perfect drive is actually a difficult task. I believe that my driving standard is very high because I've tried to make it the best it can be but even then, I still make mistakes so I'm not the perfect driver. No one is. I'm not a better driver than 'you'. I'm a better driver than I me. Is advanced driver training worth doing? Yes. Advanced driving is about knowing how to control the risks. Learning to drive by "experience" teaches three things. 1. Quick reactions(Whoops, that was close!) 2. Good handling skills(Horn, swerve, brake, Horn!) 3. Reliance on vehicle technology( Great stuff this abs. Stop in no distance, even in the wet.) Learning from experiences and learning by experience are two different things. Learning from experiences, good and bad, is a good trait for a driver to have but being an 'experienced' driver only means you've been driving for a long time. In that time you could've developed many bad habits which can potentially be dangerous. For example, you could be tailgating people every day for 30 years and rear end someone in your 31st year of driving. That doesn't make tailgating safe. It's just blind luck that it hasn't happened already. An advanced driver knows how to control the risk by driving in the correct position on the road, at the correct speed for the conditions with the correct gear engaged at all times. They position themselves on the road so that if others make mistakes they will be unaffected by it, thus eliminating near misses from their driving and making them and others far safer. This is done through good observation, anticipating the actions of other road users and planning. Also, reducing distraction while you are driving is never a bad thing.
Hi Pete, I saw this video last year and signed up with the IAM back in May 2022. Today at the age of 68 and after 45 years of driving I passed my advanced driving test. Thanks again for your video and the incentive to push myself.
Why did you take the test? I can understand young people taking the test, in fact I think they should be made to take the test as the calibre of young drivers doesn't say much for the examiners. But why somebody of 68 years of age would want to take the test, when they will probably be dead in a few years, completely escapes this 77 year old.
I watched this video well over a year ago and it inspired me to join and take the IAM Advanced Driver test. I failed initially (poor planning and observation) but passed today! Thank you for inspiring me to become a much safer and aware driver,
I remember when I did my IAM & RoSPA tests that the concept of ‘being in the right gear at the right time’ resonated with me immediately.....mainly because I remembered my Dad’s driving.....where he seemed to want to get into 5th as soon as he could, and stay there for as long as he could. The number of times he tried to pull away from corners or go uphill in 5th and complain that the poor car wouldn’t manage it......I was always surprised the engine didn’t shake itself off the mounts, with the vibrations it had to go through trying to accelerate from 15 mph in 5th........
A great video Ped (May I call you Ped?) I am a retired airline pilot and now a part time flying instructor and there are many interchangeable skills such as position, speed and situational awareness (except of course If you find yourself working in three dimensions in a car you may be in a wee bit of trouble). One thing I found a bit strange was the amount of stickers on the off side of your windshield which must cause visibility issues. A very very minor criticism of a first class video. It has made me determined to do the course and take the test! (I passed my test in 1958 in an old Ford Prefect with the ubiquitous kangaroo clutch)
Actually, engine braking causes oversteer in RWD vehicles. Use the brakes to slow down and change gear once. The heel toe technique is used to rev match to prevent a spike in the vehicle’s balance which could cross the limit of grip when driving on the limit of grip.
I'd agree in principal but you shouldn't be on the limit of grip on a road. On a track of course you are, but that's what a track is for. On the road you should be nowhere near the limit of grip. Advanced driving is about safety; not speed. It was the one thing I took exception to with RoSPA; on my test the guy wanted me to do 60 where there were houses both sides. To me that was unsafe; if a child had come out from one of those houses which nearly all had hedges of >6' they would have stood no chance with me doing 60. And although the pavement was quite wide I felt the same was true; what chance would I stand of stopping from that speed? I passed with a bronze; but felt the instructor was wrong in his assessment of that particular road.
@@johnbower7452 It is important to be able to drive at and past the limit of grip regardless of your intended use. Low friction surfaces exist and the older your tyres become the less effective they are at driving in the wet and cold. Be able to drive at and cross the limit of grip at will and recognise the transition to apply corrective action. WRT to driving at 60. I’m not sure if you are referring to km/h or mph. I’m assuming km/h in an urban area. I would say that you need to drive at the speed indicated and learn (and test) your vehicle stopping distance in a variety of conditions. My vehicles will stop within their length (5m) at 30mph (50km/h). At 100, it will take 35m. Dry clean road, straight line movement and new tyres. When driving, regardless of the speed zone, drive within the braking distance of the vehicle. Personally, I do not agree to the concept of a speed-limit. I consider it a speed advice and drive within an acceptable margin above and below, and I expect everyone else to do the same. I drive within the brake point of the vehicle.
Oh my, that brings back soooo many memories.. changing gear while dad drove, first lesson on my 17th birthday (though he was an hour late!). I did a drive with an ex-police driver (he only mentioned this 200 times in the hour!) and he said that the 30 sign meant that you should be doing 30 as you entered the zone, NOT take your foot off the gas and coast to 30 from 45 after 200 yards! Great instructional video, thanks!
Heel and toeing does not automatically mean that you're using engine braking, they're not inextricably linked. Heel and toe simply means you're rev-matching the engine to a lower gear to smooth the change whilst braking.
Hi just seen your video, and I know the roads because I live in Eartham, and looked at this because I have been meaning to sign-up to do the course, and thought about it for a long time and I just seemed to let things get in my way but recently I went to Boxgrove fete and the local Iam road smart group were there and I spoke to them and I have paid and signed up To do the cause. Because I've been driving for 40 years and and enjoy driving and want remain safe.
Great video thanks. I've dabbled with this and done many day courses in my younger years where IAM was touched upon or mentioned. I've also had my novice racing licence from what used to be the Nigel Mansel racing school at Oulton Park. This video has spurred me to look into going for my IAM cert.
THIS COMMENT is for those who are considering the idea of advanced training and whether or not to take the plunge. If you're still uncertain, read on... My personal reason for taking my own advanced motorcycling course was very straightforward. I had been riding on and off-road for 7 years since passing my car and bike tests here in the UK and had moved in stages from my first 175cc Honda twin on to a Honda CB900 and felt that I was a nice safe rider who wasn't immune to cracking the throttle open wide when the occasion permitted. My wife was then doing her basic motorcycle training and after following her and her instructor one afternoon, he (a police advanced motorcyclist) said, "fancy going off for a little blast with me?" so of course I said, "sure!". "10mph over the limit okay with you?" and he led the way. My bike was easily 50% more powerful and a lot faster than his and I assumed that this would be an enjoyable fast ride. Fuck, yeah!! We went off down all the tiniest little zig-zag country lanes with me pushing myself and my machine to, and occasionally over, our limits! His riding, on a nice, sensible 550cc v-twin commuter bike left me for dead on every single bend and hazard and I had literally to redline my 900cc sports bike on each straight just to keep up! His skill level was SO far ahead of mine, it was embarrassing! We eventually stopped at the entrance to Brands Hatch racing circuit for a breather and dismounted. He said to me, "would you be interested in doing an Advanced Riding course?" and I, whilst trying desperately to light up a cigarette with my visibly, and violently shaking hands said, "where do I sign?!!". So that was why, 35 years ago, I subsequently did my advanced motorcycling course. As I said earlier, I had been on the road for 7 years by this time and after completing the course I said to that instructor, "I've learned way more in these six 1 hour (or more!) lessons than I have in 7 years of riding!". I reckoned that I was (in theory at least!) able to go 10mph faster than before, down any road, in any weather conditions, yet still be riding/driving 10 times safer! Advanced courses are THE BEST money you can EVER spend on your motoring life! Better than go-faster parts, louder exhausts or a trick paint job! You come out safer, wiser and typically faster too! I can't recommend them too highly! Enormous fun as well! (In the summertime, at least...). I still benefit daily from what I learned then even now and in whichever vehicle I drive! I could go on for ages but you get the picture - it is so incredibly, eye-openingly well worth the trivial expense that you have to be a fool not to do it! Just avoid doing it in the winter! It's much more fun in the summer!
Petrol Ped - thanks! It's surprising just how similar things are between the car and the motorcycle courses. Naturally there is a considerable difference in terms of machine control and tyre contacts but otherwise the elements of vision, assessment and anticipation are almost identical. One funny thing I realised after my course, when a friend of a friend (who was a Class 1 police instructor, invited us to Hendon for an afternoon), was for me to recognise just how huge a difference there was between my own "advanced" riding level and the real skillset possessed by the Class 1 drivers and riders. This chap took us out in a motorway pursuit training car and proceeded to shake the living bejaysus out of us as he flew along the country roads, all the while doing the standard commentary on the road, what he was doing and what was ahead. If you've never experienced it I can verify that it is an incredibly powerful demonstration of driving competence! I was totally in tune with what he was doing and looking for but.... he was commenting on things (having seen, assessed and processed each potential hazard) by the same time I had only recognised barely 70% of them, let alone responded to them as he was doing! So though these courses are absolutely invaluable, you should understand that there is still a HUGE amount to do before you can ever claim to be a real master of the road! If ever!
Hi Mark, I took my Advanced Bike test in '99 and it still lives with me every day irrespective of whatever vehicle I'm riding/driving. For me more than anything else it's about staying alive !!!
Enjoyed the video a lot, memories of when I was an ADI (driving instructor), I did the IAM and RoSPA tests many years ago now, I still employ what I taught, and what I was taught. My wife hates driving me as she feels I am assessing her all the time, I say not, but I think I do.
This video has just popped up and I must say its a very good, positive video. Alot of people dismiss Advanced Driving as something for the older generations and is simply alot of people shuffling the wheel for no real benefit but actually this is a very positive and informative video. I've been an Advanced Driver for nearly 10 years now (I'm only 29) and a Tutor for 8 and really enjoy it. It does make you safer and is worth doing for everyone. One thing to say is that RoSPA do a 3-yearly re-test to protect skill-fade and the IAM have just introduced it as well in the form of the IAM Fellows Test. The normal IAM test you take once and thats you done for life...But if you want to ensure your skills are still sharp year-on-year then taking the IAM Fellows or RoSPA Test doesn't cost you any more than the normal test but just ensures that you keep those skills sharp. A very good positive video. Thank you Petrol Ped
The camera angle makes that look far worse than it is. If they obscured my view they wouldn't be there. From the drivers POV you don't really see them :-)
I was just about to make the same comment, very irritating and underminds the whole experience of this video. Why the need to show these to everyone? Have you got any swimming certificate bagdes too? They would look just great..
When I retired from the Police I held an advanced Police class 1 ticket for both cars and bikes. Although I spent most of my time on bikes in an around the Chichester area. Spent many a time doing Escort work for various members of the Royal family and Politicians at the conferences in Brighton. Still live very local to you and just love the views from the various cameras in your car. One of my favourite drives is from your home up to the bottom of Harting Hill then south towards Westbourne. A very challenging route with every possible condition you would want for a test drive, Thanks once again for the videos.
Question you ask "Is it worth doing" definitely. You are tutored in how to anticipate dangerous situations on the road before they happen, how to use your car in a safe manor, and to get the best performance all within safety and legal regulations. I have never regretted completing the coarse in 1988, having now progressed to achieving LGV and masters certificates. I am now tutoring with my local IAM group because I am passionate about spreading the advantages of becoming a member and trying to help other motorists stay safe on the road.
Thoroughly enjoyed your introduction to advanced driving. I have been mad about cars & driving from as long as I can remember. I took my test in the late 70s and my instructor taught the standard way to help me pass. However, he also tutored me in some advanced driving techniques and these became second nature to me. I have driven in the same way as set out in your video all this time and have found driving any vehicle to be an enjoyable experience. By watching your video, it has given me the confidence to enquire about further lessons, with the view to taking (and passing) an advanced driving test. Thank you
A really good intro to IAM. I’ve recently got a F1RST for both car and bike and your explanation of IPSGA and the general principles is really good. If I was being finicky I would say you take your hands of the wheel too much when you are talking to camera. I got told off for doing the same thing! P.s. not long after your F Type test I bought a V6S AWD Cabrio so thank you!!!
Thanks Jonathan. I don't take my hands off the wheel that much when I am driving normally, just when the cameras turn on 😜Great to hear I helped with your decision to buy an F Type 👍
Reg Local takes his hand off the wheel regularly and also goes over the speed limits. Sometimes he hides the speedometer from the camera; but sometimes viewers can see je's going over the limit.
I'm with you on the engine braking Peter! In my day (1977) I was taught you HAD to use your engine to assist slowing the car down, my son who passed last year was taught to approach a junction in say 3rd or even 4th, brake and then just dip the clutch as the car came to a halt! They don't teach you these days to go down the box when you brake even if you're not engine braking. It's so ingrained in me I always go down the box when slowing down. I clearly still have much to learn! 😂
You can definitely brake fade a modern car! My Dad near enough melted his 06 Civic brakes coasting down a switchback in the Brecon Beacons last year. I'd been warning him about coasting for years. It was good to be right - but only because nobody died at the bottom...
I really don't get this 'leaving in a high and only using the brake' thing. I want to be in the right gear, the right rev range, at all times because I want the car to be balanced and ready for anything. I'm NOT using using huge amounts of engine braking, I'm just talking about 'active' gear management
@@Dave-in-France But think of it another way...if you're approaching a hazard (t-junction or roundabout or just a bend say) isn't it better to slow, get the right speed to negotiate the hazard then go into an appropriate gear? This leaves both hands on the wheel for any steering needed and modern cars brakes are efficient you don't need the extra grunt of the engine braking as well. Another thing to thing about is how many wheels engine braking is working on (often just 2) whereas all 4 wheels are used for braking.
I'm 41 and only been driving for 5 years or so. First thing I did after passing my test was read Roadcraft, and I've been considering IAM for a while. Wasn't entirely sure how to go about it and had already decided to leave it a while after getting my license, so that I wasn't too wet behind the ears going into it. Your video has given me the nudge I needed to take the plunge, cheers. I don't heel & toe but I do rev match and use engine braking a lot, so like you I think that part of the system will take a bit of getting used to. Keen to learn which of my bad habits I don't even know about yet!
Hi Peter, completely agree with the idea of on-going, advanced training, myself I'm an Advanced Motorcyclist and it has helped me to "Make Progress" and avoid shit. It's not preaching, it helps you to survive modern day conditions.
I did my IAM on a motorbike and the theory is the same but through it I got a different understanding of engine braking. We would almost always be riding in a ‘responsive gear’ rather that a cruising gear meaning we could use the throttle to slow the bike down as much as we used the brakes. This wasn’t considered engine braking during the test for us, engine braking was considered to be bumping down a gear specifically to drop speed. That said, cars and bikes obviously respond very differently but I believe the theory is that in road driving and riding it’s best to have everything settled and the weight sorted before cornering
You are spot on. Well said. Choosing a responsive gear means you can use "Acceleration sense" to modulate the speed of the car without touching the brakes. For example, chosing a lower gear to hold speed when going downhill. Far better than riding the brakes! You don't have to only use brakes to slow down - just don't work your way down through the gears to slow down. (IAM member since 1989, currently studying for the IAM Masters qualification.)
Very informative, thought about doing the IAM course a number of times - including now. Seeing your video has made up my mind, mainly the bit about speed control and braking. I've spent many years learning to control my speed with forward observation, reacting early and using the engine braking of my diesel. I'd be interested in the hazard perception and most of the other aspects but have no desire to force myself to stop using engine braking. Thank you for uploading the video.
"...engine braking of my diesel" - that's something to work on though...I reckon if you spend sometime with a good observer (trainer) they'll explain and maybe show you why it's better to use only brakes in modern cars.
I keep thinking about joining the IAM. Driving is a hobby of mine and naturally I want to be good at it, like people who play Golf want to improve and lower their handicaps. I also want to get my national B licence so I can be quicker on track. I like to consider myself to be a perfectly competent and safe driver, but I also know I’m far from perfect and have developed bad habits over the 8 years I’ve been driving. To cut my ramblings short, this video was actually really informative and has, if nothing else, spurred me on to actually have a chat with the IAM to get it done. Also, Petrol Pooch will never ruin your takes!
I am member and can honestly say driving to the system has surely saved my life more than once. My wife and I side to also attend better driving class which Exeter police used to run many years ago. Love driving still some 30 years on and keep on updating my skills, also just bought the latest Highway Code and the Written test questions too for new drivers. Keep up the good work. Alan
One way of stopping bad habits from creeping back in after passing the IAM test,is to join the local group,they normally offer assessments on a regular basis, and train to become an observer.
Very enjoyable video which makes me want to do the IAM test. I would point out that having recently started training as an instructor with LDC, their way of teaching learners uses many of the techniques in the video, particularly using gears (the saying is "brakes for slow, gears for go"). Once I complete my instructor training, hopefully successfully, I do think I'll add this string to my bow.
Thanks for the many videos of yours that I've watched, PP. However, I'm really surprised to see the 3 large decals right in front of you on your windscreen which IMHO dangerously reduce your vision of the road and environs.
Just started my training with IAM and this gear system feels really alien to me after using engine braking to control the car for decades. There must be a whole different system for this in ice and snow because engine braking is essential in bad poor conditions to stop from sliding.
Yeah my feelings are braking is bad driving but braking gives a brake light signal to those behind and on motorways very far behind, I prefer to look ahead and decelerate early can't see the point of having to slam brakes on after coming off motorways etc.
Thank-you. As someone who takes a keen interest in driving, and has been looking to do the Advanced for a while now.. I never realised the length of the centre lines differed, and what they meant. I have tried a few of the advanced techniques you mentioned after following Reg Local on Pistonheads, not always easy, however the information phase you mention, this is the area I find the most interesting, and probably taking the most interest here has kept me accident free in a long time.
Information is everything. If you ever get tired behind the wheel or feel your concentration dipping, you should try doing a commentary of what you are seeing. It works for me every time and gets me focussed again 👍
Cracking vid PP, I've been Advanced on both cars and bikes for some 30 years,, I just wanted for me to make me more safe on our roads. always thought it should be a 'follow on' for drivers after passing the normal test,,
Excellent video Peter. I got caught on a speed camera last year (36 in a 30 limit taking my dad to hospital, momentary lapse) I opted for the 'speed awareness' course rather than points. Best thing I ever did as far as road driving goes. I realised that day just how LITTLE I knew! My view now is that these courses should be mandatory at some point in a driver's life. Worth every penny it cost me. I am definitely up for doing some advanced driving training, who knows it may even help my track day performance! 😊
I agree, and I`m glad I took the speed awareness course. I learned a lot .I drive more carefully on the roads now , and do my fast driving on the track.Sadly, I`m selling my Subaru WRX because it invites me to drive fast(more than the national speed limit) but keeping the track car! Good video ,Ped, but don`t know how you contain yourself in some of those cars you drive!!!!
I also went on a speed awareness course. I agree it was very informative and gave great information about reading your surroundings!. However 3 hours long was a bit long, but still it was better than points.
I got mine when i was 18. The examiner was an ex flying squad officer. He said, hopefuuly the only time you will be sitting in car with one. I was one of the youngest to ever pass it. Still got the metal grill badge somewhere. Had to randomly recite the number plate of a car we had just passed.
To pass at 18 is really impressive. I really enjoyed my test. When it was done I got my examiner to drive my car and do a commentary drive for me...it was amazing !
Late to this but I do have my IAM and did my RoSPA too. Wasn't happy with the latter's attitude to 'making progress' where they seemed to set it above what I felt to be safe. Have also done skid training, was winner of a safe driving competition back in '92. I wish I could do that again; I'm a much better driver now though still far from perfect. Have also done a half day racing course including single seat, ADI though I gave that up so you can see I like driving even now.
Excellent stuff John. It sounds like you did IAM and ROSPA a while back - these days they both expect you to 'make progress' up to the speed limit when safe...and no more.
Hi Pete, I watched this again on the back of tonight's film as I am interested in doing this as my wife is always criticising my driving but then again she was a police response driver now a D.C. and we sometimes play the commentary game when driving. We recently did a Land Rover Experience day and the guide asked my wife if she was a Police driver as he could tell from her driving. A few years ago I was doing a CBT course for a motorbike and I was asked if I was in the Police as the instructor was impressed with my hazard perception as I did a commentary of the road ahead. Now that I have time on my hands it could be a wee project to get my teeth into. Thanks.
@@PetrolPed I don't have paddle shift but I can knock the gear selector to the left and take manual control. I have actually used this when preparing for an overtake so I am ready to go rather than relying on kickdown.
I grew up around where this video was shot, it's so crazy watching this video when I know every bend of every road you're driving like the back of my hand - West sussex and especially those Goodwood/lavant/all the way to petworth road network was my teen driving playground :P Great video, I'm doing my IAM for sure
Fantastic video. Thanks for the insight and brief description. I’ve always thought about it but like many I’m sure just haven’t bothered but this has really got me fired up to do it and I’m impressed that it’s really great value for the money.
Brilliant video. Taught me a few things. I didn't know about the difference in white lines or engine braking being a bad thing. Looks like I'll have to re-read the highway code!
I was taught to be in the correct gear for the speed of the vehicle, so I continue to change down when slowing. I find that using the engine to slow down encourages me to plan ahead. Also, I was taught that the best brake on the car was the engine, indeed, this was a standard question in the driving test! What happens if the brakes fail and you don't know how to use the engine to slow down!
Well learners in the UK aren't taught to use gears to slow down...and those that have passed the Advanced Test (including UK police Advanced) aren't either. The problems using gears to slow include: one-handed steering while you change gear, more wear on the clutch and gear selector, less smoothness - all for no benefit. In modern cars (last 30 or so years) the brakes are very efficient and effect all 4 wheels - so better to leave the gears alone until you are at the correct speed, then change directly to the new gear when stopped or at the new lower speed. In the extremely unlikely event of brake failure - then sure, use a lower gear to slow.
@@verodrive Indo not agree. If carried out properly, using the engine and changing down should not be a problem. Braking when travelling in a forward direction is through, primarily, the front brakes and if, say, one is slowing down over some distance, brake fade can occur. True, brakes have improved over the last 30 years...my vehicle was made in 1991! Brake hoses burst, servos stop working and seals can develop serious leaks; it is not unknown for both circuits in dual circuit brakes to develop a leak on the same journey. The effect of engine braking and changing down on a modern gearbox and clutch is insignificant. I will continue to use engine braking and appropriate gear changing....especially in snow and ice!
I'm currently learning to drive at the ripe age of 28, and what I found interesting in this video is how you were braking is how I'm being taught how to brake.
That is good to hear. Advanced driving takes to that you learn during your initial training and takes it to the next level. I would recommend Pass Plus from the IAM once you pass you test. Good luck :-)
I studied the system of car control around five years ago. Watching your video brought it all back. I still use most of the techniques, but I admit I'm out of practice these days. I may just revisit Roadcraft and take my test this time. Thank you for the insight. ☺🚘
In 2009 aged 59 i thought that i was a good driver, (don’t we all!) at that time I had 10 years NCD, I passed the IAM assessment, afterwards now i believe that I am a much better driver and at present I have 20+ NCD, in fact I have never been involved in an accident. Many thanks IAM.
A better tip is getting the car into 1st gear before you stop completely. A rolling first gear on approach to a junction allows you not to stop if you don’t need to buy also be ready to stop if you have to. You will notice a much better improvement on efficiency by doing that.
only issue with that would be (for me at least) changing down to first if I'm not completely stopped, is really quite a rough manoeuvre. This can be fixed, with the time and effort to put into it, but it is far easier to leave the gears just a little bit later, until you know which one you need. If coming to a junction in 1st where you could have used 2nd, you have made an extra gear change for yourself -> less progress and more wear and tear on your clutch.
Sorry to jump in here with what may seem like a bit of a gear to grind (no pun intended) but I feel you are miles off the mark on your comments re: engine braking and heel toe! Heel toe has absolutely nothing to do with engine braking and you won’t find any top end race driver using their engine to brake the car, that’s what the braking system is for. Heel toe allows you to rev match the Downshifts during the braking phase so that you can be in the optimal rev point when you need to start accelerating again. If you’re feeling drag from the engine then: 1) you’re probably knackering your clutch 2) you’re putting additional heat and forces through the engine in the complete opposite direction from which it is engineered to provide. 3)not getting the largest and most efficient reduction In speed. If you’re braking hard then the engine won’t have to slow you down, and if the engine is slowing you down then youre not braking hard. Either way you’re not getting the most out of the car on the track. Not sure why advanced motoring institutions would have an issue with heel toe other than that if you’re not confident with it, it can out your brake feel at risk and may result in a lack of control over the car. In this case it’s best to reduce speed first. Genuinely shocked to see a complete misunderstanding of what this technique is about and that any motorist who suggests they enjoy track time would condone the use of engine braking as a performance technique. I’d suggest that if track driving is your thing, maybe get some racing tuition.
Peter I work for a manufacture and have had a few drives out with an advanced driver and you do pick up bad habits. I think all first time drivers would benefit from this and would make the roads a bit safer for everyone. 👍🏁🏁
I was an Advanced Driving Examiner with BSM / RAC some years ago. I would suggest to anyone to have Advanced Driving Coaching even if you don’t actually take the test.
Bit of a long comment but just showing my appreciation of the advanced techniques. have only been driving for just under 2 years. I passed the DIAmond Advanced Motorists test last September which gave me the thirst for wanting to learn more about advanced driving. The DIA was a fun test and a challenge for a newly passed driver with the commentary element and driving for 60 minutes with only 4 minor faults. But I don't think it shows you all the tips of advanced driving, it is a good test of skill and observation but I wouldn't consider myself to be an 'advanced driver' yet. I enjoy planning, observation and driving on country lanes at speed (never break the speed limit as the fun is always 0-60) with awareness. I want to demonstrate it is possible to have fun driving at speed and still be safe and use techniques of the car control system to observe the landscape and plan for limit points and always being able to stop in the distance clear. There is always something quite enjoyable about being an extension to the car and planning the correct gear, not taking too much speed into corners and accelerating out of them with the right gear engaged to make progress but still have considerable control, not breaking through bends and always adjusting your speed with long planning movements introducing the brakes slowly, you feel like you are a part of the car and the car is part of you. I know that sounds pretty weird. I have joined RoSPA and had an observation but due to personal circumstances I haven't been able to continue my training but I hope to pick it up again soon and hopefully pass the test. The observer said I drive to a high standard already but would benefit from the tuition and gaining the exam so I hope to get to that standard soon. I also did a skid training day with RED in Donnington and that was amazing for a new driver to experience that. I really loved the experience and would recommend it if you haven't done it. Luckily I haven't needed to use the tips I learnt on the day but I hope it will spring back if I ever needed it. I have driven in a few storms where there was aquaplaning and heavy rain on the road - I could feel there wasn't any grip under the tyres when going through them. But I am glad to say that reading the Roadcraft book and awareness of micro climates and coming off the gas to control the car balance saved me losing control on those occasions. I would say for any driver but particularly new drivers to read the Roadcraft book and practice the tips in it, remember any driver can drive fast but it is controlling the car and use of speed that will be the key. And driving fast under the right conditions and roads is possible with the right amount of forward planning and control. The amount of times I have seen young drivers cars in the ditch or in the middle of roundabouts is scary. I find it interesting that the hardest part you found of advanced driving was the selecting gears, I was always taught to block gear change and brake the car down and select the appropriate gear instead of going down each gear but my parents were taught to drive going down gears. I do not find this the hardest part as that is what I have always done but the hardest part for me is the push pull steering technique. I did not have to do that for my cat B test or the DIAmond exam but RoSPA seem to be very hard on that point which I am finding most challenging. Also one other positive of keeping the Roadcraft book in your glovebox along with the highway code is maybe people would think you are police. I once accidentally kept my glove box open over the weekend and nothing was taken. Trusty Roadcraft manual on show!
I rev match downshift when approaching a traffic signal from 5th to 4th (1 blip) 4th to 3rd (double blip). It's fun actually 😆. Will apply for my UK license next year. I am International student from India.
Very interesting video. I'm quite tempted to give it a go. I did a class room session at the Porsche centre at Silverstone a couple of years ago. They covered a lot of the basics that you mentioned in the video, especially reading the white lines correctly. It really makes you re-think your driving skills.
Really enjoyed that, I'm thinking of adding the advanced driving to my advanced bike training and for someone who like you loves racing I'm at a miss why I didn't do it earlier. love your videos Thank you.
I did my first observed drive last Tuesday and I found this video very informative. While I was lucky enough to get mostly 1's on my mark sheet something I got a 2 for was my changing down of gears when stopping - a habit I have developed over the years while I do block change when changing up. Overall I was surprised by the result - here is to more of the same going forward.
Petrol Ped Will do - hopefully I can build on my good start on my second observed drive next week. Have been trying to change down when stopping today like you showed in this video - it does feel slightly unnatural but I am sure I will soon adjust. Thanks for taking the time to put together this video.
The birds were really singing, a few times I lost track of what you were saying as I enjoyed their songs. Usually it is just your dogs who upstage you! Still pulling for a vid on the pups. But on second take was very interesting. We could definitely use something like this in the States. When living in Colorado mountains, I loved watching the State Highway Patrol learn ice driving on a nearby lake. There were classes run for about half the year as at that elevation the lake remained frozen over and the police came from all over the U.S. So tempting to sneak on the lake but the fine was a good deterrent. But boy did that look like fun. I had the Audi TT at the time so the temptation was indeed great.
Excellent video. I thought about doing it a few years back. Drive 25k+ miles a year and have bad habits. Thought it might be a way to refocus. Like most things not work related I procrastinate to long. Really enjoyed the video.
Can only echo what ped says. Like him, i passed my test 8 weeks after my 17th birthday. After a year i realised i didn't know nearly as much about driving as i thought, and started my advanced lessons with the IAM. Can't recommend it highly enough. Unlike your L-Test, it teaches you habits for life, and a mindset of awareness, responsibility and defensiveness. It also teaches you to recognise your own mistakes and this self-critique is really useful to keep improving and not getting arrogant or complacent. Best story i can tell to illustrate what it does for you - on one lesson, i braked to a sudden stop soon enough to avoid a child running between two parked cars, purely thanks to of the system of observation and road position i was being taught at the time. My instructor said "well done, you just saved a kid's life".
A coppa was telling me that a significant number of drivers bleed out from wrist injuries caused by airbags deploying. They sit too close to the wheel with their hands near the top and their elbows almost resting on the wheel, right in the way of the airbag. He went on to say it's usually young women and looking at how many of them sit it doesn't surprise me. What's worse is when you see them sat like this in a driving lesson, why is the instructor allowing them to do it?
I don't think 10-2 will cause a problem with air-bags - I've never heard of someone suggesting 8-4 in the UK...that would make balanced steering quite tricky I'd have thought?
@@buggs9950 I've never heard of someone losing a lot of blood from airbag deployment - unless they were sitting much too close as you say. Re driving instructors - remembers some learners can be really quite short and they have to sit close to the steering wheel so they can reach the pedals.
Love the reviews! Great point here about the IAM: well worth raising awareness and generating relevance. Young drivers (as I was when I did my advanced test in 2004) get a bad rep and high insurance and could well do with a break in the form of a recognised (by insurers) and respected (by the informed public) standard of driving like this. An entertaining, interesting and worthy subject for review, thank you!
Interesting point: I now drive auto. Ive driven sports cars for 50 years and now drive a Fiat 124 spider auto. Typically for example in a bend I would change down then hold that round the bend then use that gear to accelerate out again. But now I let the auto get on with it. Autos always aim up. I can manually go down a notch but there seems no point. Same at junctions; I might normally change down and be in the right gear coming out but now the auto might change down right at a point when a manual driver would never do that. And it doesn't seem to matter.
Great video! I can really relate to your excitement before, during and after learning to drive. I remember shifting gears for my dad when i was younger as well and how excited i felt (and still feel) every time i get behind the wheel of my car. Like you i jumped into a car as fast as i could! Loving your videos
Cheers John. The camera angle makes it look much worse than it is. The stickers are in peripheral vision only and passed the MOT. They have since been removed anyway 👍
Very informative video Peter, & worth every minute of watching. No contentious comments from me. I was fortunate to have family who were in the Police & learned a great deal from them during my early years of driving that’s stayed permanently fixed somewhere in the depths of my brain. I never took an Advanced Driving Course but maybe heading towards my late sixties it’s something I’ll give serious consideration to. Cheers Geof
Booking mine in a few weeks. Love the additional observations as mentioned in your vids. Its these little things that so many people seem to disregard/miss. Great vid!
Loved the video but observed that your Mini had a row of vertical row of stickers down both the offside and nearside windscreen. Doesn't this impede your sight of the road ahead particularly when approaching bends?
Hi PedLate in watching this video as now on Isle of Man for Manx Classic, marshalling this time not competing. Enjoyed this video, very interesting on many points you covered. Got my driving licence at 17 and was given 6 driving lessons as a present, the sixth lesson turned out to be use of the car for my test, which I passed. Will not reveal how many years ago that was, but you got me thinking that IAM would now be worth pursuing, as we are all guilty to a degree of falling into bad habits.Give our love to Petrol Poch she is a star!
Not IAM but I did Pass Plus after I passed my driving test and found that a benefit. It was the only motorway driving I did up to that point, though I had been on dual carriageways on all the lessons as that was the route to get to the test center location and the road used for the test. I passed in Nov 2003 & did PP in Feb 2004, so not sure if it is still a thing now but it does show on comparison sites as an option. Saved just over £300 on my first year car insurance at 18 y.o aswell , less the cost of the course (£1600 down to £1300). From watching your video, I found the braking part a little odd as I thought that you should change down as you brake. Say at traffic lights, if you brake and change down together and the lights go green before you stop, you can then progress quicker as you are in the right gear, rather than trying to go in a too high gear. Obviously that's wrong so I understand that it would be confusing to take the IAM course and expose the bad habbits. Thank you for making the video as I will try to not brake and gear change together.
Yes, I did an observed drive , and a good learning experience. There are a few things that don`t sit well with me, like shuffling your hands around the steering wheel. As a track driver, I usually keep my hands at quarter to 3 and never shuffle, but turn the wheel.The other thing is a question , do they advise trail braking into a corner. ? I drive a Caterham ,and it`s essential and helps turn in .Obviously more so in a RWD car. Good vid, and yes for sure it will make us safer drivers!
I often feel the same - shuffling the wheel through your hands was taught when I learned to drive and only expensive cars had power steering (and therefore most cars required more turns lock-to-lock), but has less benefit in modern cars with 'quick' steering. In this regard the IAM seem to be stuck in the '70s. I'm a quarter to three driver too, but the thing I was taught was that if you can't take a bend without moving your hands or crossing them over, you're going too fast.
So on track - anything goes and safety doen's come into it and many race cars have geared steering meaning much less movement is needed....but for road driving using 'shuffle steering' as you call it (aka "pull/push steering") is needed for best control and to enable more than half a turn of steering without putting your hand across the airbag. The thing to concentrate on on hand positioning and if you're approaching a significant corner to position one hand at 12 and then pull down all the way to 6, then transfer grip to the other hand at the bottom and push all the way up...that's just 2 movements for a whole turn on the steering wheel and is safe and controlled.
It should be mandatory and part of the test. The driving test is not strict enough here in the uk. We should be tested on our reaction times, list goes on. Some people are that FAT their reaction time will be much slower. It's a factor that should also be considered with many, many more. Anything that makes people more aware and better drivers is well worth it.
I've just done the initial assesment for RoSPA and now looking forward to doing the lessons, after 30 years of driving I've picked up a few bad habits.
I joined IAM for a while to see if would get me cheaper insurance. The IAM let the Police and NHS Ambulance trained drivers join without a test. It didn't alter my insurance so I did not bother after the first year. Many years later and continued advanced training in work most of the principles have stuck, however, Police Standard Response teaches you to drive safely while making moderate progress. I have a friend who is an IAM instructor and sadly his clients are mainly in their '50s perhaps they need to target the 20-year-olds.
Really interesting. In the U.S. for example, many states require all drivers to take a written exam every 8 years or sooner, depending on whether or not you've gotten any traffic violations. I would have to look at the Department of Motor Vehicle's web site, for every state (all 50!), to find out the exact laws. Since each state issues it's own license, most people wait until they move to their specific state to find out what laws are specific to said state. Thanks Pete 👍
Yes crazy driving laws in the US. I found out only this week that in Washington state the driving test only lasts 15 minutes for instance. I'm surprised the driving laws and regulations aren't set by the national government to make them consistent.
Thanks! - I'm always looking for more ways to improve my driving. I've been driving for over 20 yrs. & although I've discovered a few of these concepts, except for the length of the lines, I never heard any of these concepts actually mentioned or taught! The Only advanced driving I ever heard of was for Racing, (movie) Stunt, and (Security) E+E.
Great video. I've just got my test(I know!!! aged over 50) and a lot of this is the basis to how I drive. I am still clueless as to why. gears and speed control are not covered in lessons(too busy looking at furniture) I still struggle with knowing what gears and am learning through videos. Funny to hear you say brake then gear is counter intuitive to how most people drive. It's how I drive. How do they drive? It took nearly ten easing before my instructor said "you wait til you get to the junction before you select 2" I was thinking he could have told me to select 2 in preparation. There's just no course on speed and gears. It's so important to slow a car right down to walking pace in a city and maintain control. Something I think driving lessons does not cover. That's why people rush on round corners etc because they have not mastered slowing down and speeding up Eceryine can control a car at speed. It's the opposite needs taught 👍😜
Is opinion changing on 10 to 2 and moving towards quarter to 3 ?Hence nearly all steering wheel designs having parts to hook your thumbs around at the end of the spokes.Even though they also have humps in the wheel above the spokes,when wheel is at a straight ahead position, denoting 10 to 2.
10-2 or 3-45 hand hold is fine for the advanced test - personally I use 10-2 normally but if I'm on a fast straight...ish road (mway or dual-carriageway typcially) I relax and move to 3-45
The stickers would get on my nerves rather quickly! Mind you, with the numpties out there sticking their Tom Tom right in front of the driver's eyes I suppose it puts it in context!
I’m doing my advanced course, and really struggling with the braking/gear issue … I think it comes from old cars with baulky gear changes … so the last thing you wanted was faffing to get into a gear while speed towards a hazard waaay to fast. It still makes a bit of sense - first focus on getting the speed right, then pop it into the right gear….
What a brilliant vlog and a great insight into this. I am keen to do this but have researched and found there is not one where I live, I’d have to take a ferry ride each time as I live on the IOW..........bugger!!!
Your wee vid was Class.., But it brought to the surface how bad a driver I think I am. I don't speed but I'm impatient with other road uses and there's stuff you illustrated on this vid I totally forgot about to my emberesment, great tips, and well-presented kid )
Staying in a higher gear until almost standstill is potentially unsafe. Even if the clutch remains depressed, it is good to have the correct gear for speed selected in case one needs to accelerate for any reason or to use engine braking in an emergency. The likelihood of stalling is also increased which could make you a hazard.
So if you're stopping, leaving the gear alone is the UK Police and IAM and ROSPA way...it lets you concentrate on positioning and slowing smoothly and leaves both hands on the steering wheel for best control. How many times when you're stopping do you have to instantly accelerate in an emergency? Seriously, I can't EVER remember having to do it - in 45 years of driving?
With the advance motoring guidelines do they recommend increasing the width of the windscreen a pillar by sticking stickers along it thus blocking your view. I watch many car reviews and they always complain about the width of the pillar saying that a cyclist or bike could be lost in that view and looking at the amount of the stickers you have increased the width by several inches. Also on the driver side if the wiper blade sweeps over them you would fail a mot if the tester follows the rules correctly.
The camera angle makes it look worse than it is. From the drivers views they don’t block your view and aren’t in the wiper sweep so will pass an MOT 👍 They wouldn’t be there if they did 😜
Good video mate at the moment driving standards are awful in this country. Rush hour in Manchester is a challenge at the best of times. People constantly cutting you up at roundabouts.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
I'm an advanced police driver and that was a nice introduction to advanced driving. The whole point of selecting the right gear is so you have the correct amount of power for the driving situation e.g you don't want to find yourself trying to pull out of a junction in 3rd gear and similarly you don't want to be doing 60 in 2nd. So speed, gear and accelerate are all critical, that's just the way it is.
Thanks Simon. Great to get feedback from a Police driver 👍
I was thinking the same thing. With a manual gearbox you want to be in the right gear for the situation. If you are braking and for some reason you suddenly need to take an avoiding action that would require a quick increase in speed you need to be in the correct gear to accomplish that.
Also the old chestnut of brake pads are cheaper than gearboxes doesn't really stand up to scrutiny. Gearboxes are designed to cope with the loads put through them (assuming correct clutch use). Engine braking puts a far lighter load on the gearbox than acceleration so using it doesn't really put a lot more wear on the gearbox, certainly not enough to warrant a driving approach that would see you in the wrong gear for the situation as I mention above. Heal and toeing or cars with rev matching on the down change put the least strain on the gear box.
I understand what you are saying. I am at a bit of a loss about his explanation on down shifting....is is a UK US terminology disconnect?
k c down shifting is an old fashioned method, you basically boost the revs just before you change down and it was originally used in times before synchromesh gear boxes, e.g old Land Rover. These days it still helps with keeping power on and gives the driver an extra second of time, the BMW z8 gear boxes have it built in automatically now. If you don't use it on a manual it's not a problem
@@simonnelson7770 Thanks Simon. I guess when I get back into the manual I will see the difference as I can't "see" it on the videos. The Audi TT I had until 2004 didn't seem to be different than all the others but and this is a big but, I lived at 8,000 to 10,000 feet above sea level which definitely makes the engine work hard. I love learning new things & I have always loved anything with a motor. And yes I am old!
I just shared your video on facebook with a rather long post beside it. I had a lot to say. For those who are interested, this is what I said:
If anyone is thinking about doing their advanced driving, it was definitely worth it for me and this man makes a damn good case for it. Give this video a watch.
Any driving tuition after you've passed your test is good. You might think that you are the perfect driver and even if your driving standard is outstanding there is always something to improve on.
For me, driving has always been a hobby. Those who know me well know that I'm happiest behind the wheel than in nearly any other situation. I have always tried to drive the way I was taught to drive and to use advanced driving techniques that I've learned through studying driving and through studying Roadcraft- the police drivers handbook(a bit of a boring read if you're not into that kind of thing) in my every day driving. Driving has become a game and trying to get the perfect drive is actually a difficult task.
I believe that my driving standard is very high because I've tried to make it the best it can be but even then, I still make mistakes so I'm not the perfect driver. No one is. I'm not a better driver than 'you'. I'm a better driver than I me.
Is advanced driver training worth doing? Yes. Advanced driving is about knowing how to control the risks. Learning to drive by "experience" teaches three things.
1. Quick reactions(Whoops, that was close!)
2. Good handling skills(Horn, swerve, brake, Horn!)
3. Reliance on vehicle technology( Great stuff this abs. Stop in no distance, even in the wet.)
Learning from experiences and learning by experience are two different things. Learning from experiences, good and bad, is a good trait for a driver to have but being an 'experienced' driver only means you've been driving for a long time. In that time you could've developed many bad habits which can potentially be dangerous. For example, you could be tailgating people every day for 30 years and rear end someone in your 31st year of driving. That doesn't make tailgating safe. It's just blind luck that it hasn't happened already.
An advanced driver knows how to control the risk by driving in the correct position on the road, at the correct speed for the conditions with the correct gear engaged at all times. They position themselves on the road so that if others make mistakes they will be unaffected by it, thus eliminating near misses from their driving and making them and others far safer. This is done through good observation, anticipating the actions of other road users and planning.
Also, reducing distraction while you are driving is never a bad thing.
Great post. Your approach driving in a very similar way to me...I love the technique of driving and always strive to be better :-)
@@PetrolPed Would you ever do the IAM masters course?
Hi Pete, I saw this video last year and signed up with the IAM back in May 2022. Today at the age of 68 and after 45 years of driving I passed my advanced driving test. Thanks again for your video and the incentive to push myself.
That is fantastic to hear. Huge congratulations 🥳
Next up…the Masters 😜👍
Why did you take the test? I can understand young people taking the test, in fact I think they should be made to take the test as the calibre of young drivers doesn't say much for the examiners. But why somebody of 68 years of age would want to take the test, when they will probably be dead in a few years, completely escapes this 77 year old.
very well done!
I watched this video well over a year ago and it inspired me to join and take the IAM Advanced Driver test. I failed initially (poor planning and observation) but passed today! Thank you for inspiring me to become a much safer and aware driver,
Wow congratulations Des. That is great to hear 👏👏👏
Any tips? :)
I remember when I did my IAM & RoSPA tests that the concept of ‘being in the right gear at the right time’ resonated with me immediately.....mainly because I remembered my Dad’s driving.....where he seemed to want to get into 5th as soon as he could, and stay there for as long as he could. The number of times he tried to pull away from corners or go uphill in 5th and complain that the poor car wouldn’t manage it......I was always surprised the engine didn’t shake itself off the mounts, with the vibrations it had to go through trying to accelerate from 15 mph in 5th........
A great video Ped (May I call you Ped?) I am a retired airline pilot and now a part time flying instructor and there are many interchangeable skills such as position, speed and situational awareness (except of course If you find yourself working in three dimensions in a car you may be in a wee bit of trouble). One thing I found a bit strange was the amount of stickers on the off side of your windshield which must cause visibility issues. A very very minor criticism of a first class video. It has made me determined to do the course and take the test! (I passed my test in 1958 in an old Ford Prefect with the ubiquitous kangaroo clutch)
The camera angle made it looks far worse than it was. They didn’t effect the drivers view and passed the MOT. They been removed now 👍
Actually, engine braking causes oversteer in RWD vehicles. Use the brakes to slow down and change gear once. The heel toe technique is used to rev match to prevent a spike in the vehicle’s balance which could cross the limit of grip when driving on the limit of grip.
I'd agree in principal but you shouldn't be on the limit of grip on a road. On a track of course you are, but that's what a track is for. On the road you should be nowhere near the limit of grip. Advanced driving is about safety; not speed. It was the one thing I took exception to with RoSPA; on my test the guy wanted me to do 60 where there were houses both sides. To me that was unsafe; if a child had come out from one of those houses which nearly all had hedges of >6' they would have stood no chance with me doing 60. And although the pavement was quite wide I felt the same was true; what chance would I stand of stopping from that speed? I passed with a bronze; but felt the instructor was wrong in his assessment of that particular road.
@@johnbower7452 It is important to be able to drive at and past the limit of grip regardless of your intended use. Low friction surfaces exist and the older your tyres become the less effective they are at driving in the wet and cold. Be able to drive at and cross the limit of grip at will and recognise the transition to apply corrective action. WRT to driving at 60. I’m not sure if you are referring to km/h or mph. I’m assuming km/h in an urban area. I would say that you need to drive at the speed indicated and learn (and test) your vehicle stopping distance in a variety of conditions. My vehicles will stop within their length (5m) at 30mph (50km/h). At 100, it will take 35m. Dry clean road, straight line movement and new tyres. When driving, regardless of the speed zone, drive within the braking distance of the vehicle. Personally, I do not agree to the concept of a speed-limit. I consider it a speed advice and drive within an acceptable margin above and below, and I expect everyone else to do the same. I drive within the brake point of the vehicle.
Oh my, that brings back soooo many memories.. changing gear while dad drove, first lesson on my 17th birthday (though he was an hour late!).
I did a drive with an ex-police driver (he only mentioned this 200 times in the hour!) and he said that the 30 sign meant that you should be doing 30 as you entered the zone, NOT take your foot off the gas and coast to 30 from 45 after 200 yards!
Great instructional video, thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it 👍
Heel and toeing does not automatically mean that you're using engine braking, they're not inextricably linked. Heel and toe simply means you're rev-matching the engine to a lower gear to smooth the change whilst braking.
Yep, correct, but it does allow you to get into the lower gear earlier and more smoothly to aid engine braking 👍
Hi just seen your video, and I know the roads because I live in Eartham, and looked at this because I have been meaning to sign-up to do the course, and thought about it for a long time and I just seemed to let things get in my way but recently I went to Boxgrove fete and the local Iam road smart group were there and I spoke to them and I have paid and signed up To do the cause. Because I've been driving for 40 years and and enjoy driving and want remain safe.
Good luck. You’ll enjoy it 👍
Petrol Ped thank you
Great video thanks. I've dabbled with this and done many day courses in my younger years where IAM was touched upon or mentioned. I've also had my novice racing licence from what used to be the Nigel Mansel racing school at Oulton Park. This video has spurred me to look into going for my IAM cert.
Great vid'; just a nit-pick...is it wise having so many stickers on the driver's side of your windscreen?
They were only in your peripheral vision and passed the MOT but have since been removed 👍
Top of the screen might be better but the all round view from this car with its top down without the door pillars is brilliant anyway.
THIS COMMENT is for those who are considering the idea of advanced training and whether or not to take the plunge. If you're still uncertain, read on...
My personal reason for taking my own advanced motorcycling course was very straightforward. I had been riding on and off-road for 7 years since passing my car and bike tests here in the UK and had moved in stages from my first 175cc Honda twin on to a Honda CB900 and felt that I was a nice safe rider who wasn't immune to cracking the throttle open wide when the occasion permitted.
My wife was then doing her basic motorcycle training and after following her and her instructor one afternoon, he (a police advanced motorcyclist) said, "fancy going off for a little blast with me?" so of course I said, "sure!". "10mph over the limit okay with you?" and he led the way.
My bike was easily 50% more powerful and a lot faster than his and I assumed that this would be an enjoyable fast ride. Fuck, yeah!! We went off down all the tiniest little zig-zag country lanes with me pushing myself and my machine to, and occasionally over, our limits! His riding, on a nice, sensible 550cc v-twin commuter bike left me for dead on every single bend and hazard and I had literally to redline my 900cc sports bike on each straight just to keep up! His skill level was SO far ahead of mine, it was embarrassing! We eventually stopped at the entrance to Brands Hatch racing circuit for a breather and dismounted. He said to me, "would you be interested in doing an Advanced Riding course?" and I, whilst trying desperately to light up a cigarette with my visibly, and violently shaking hands said, "where do I sign?!!".
So that was why, 35 years ago, I subsequently did my advanced motorcycling course. As I said earlier, I had been on the road for 7 years by this time and after completing the course I said to that instructor, "I've learned way more in these six 1 hour (or more!) lessons than I have in 7 years of riding!". I reckoned that I was (in theory at least!) able to go 10mph faster than before, down any road, in any weather conditions, yet still be riding/driving 10 times safer!
Advanced courses are THE BEST money you can EVER spend on your motoring life! Better than go-faster parts, louder exhausts or a trick paint job! You come out safer, wiser and typically faster too! I can't recommend them too highly! Enormous fun as well! (In the summertime, at least...). I still benefit daily from what I learned then even now and in whichever vehicle I drive! I could go on for ages but you get the picture - it is so incredibly, eye-openingly well worth the trivial expense that you have to be a fool not to do it! Just avoid doing it in the winter! It's much more fun in the summer!
What a great comment. I am not a biker, but know a number of good friends who are and who have done their IAM and they say exactly the same thing :-)
Petrol Ped - thanks! It's surprising just how similar things are between the car and the motorcycle courses. Naturally there is a considerable difference in terms of machine control and tyre contacts but otherwise the elements of vision, assessment and anticipation are almost identical. One funny thing I realised after my course, when a friend of a friend (who was a Class 1 police instructor, invited us to Hendon for an afternoon), was for me to recognise just how huge a difference there was between my own "advanced" riding level and the real skillset possessed by the Class 1 drivers and riders.
This chap took us out in a motorway pursuit training car and proceeded to shake the living bejaysus out of us as he flew along the country roads, all the while doing the standard commentary on the road, what he was doing and what was ahead. If you've never experienced it I can verify that it is an incredibly powerful demonstration of driving competence! I was totally in tune with what he was doing and looking for but.... he was commenting on things (having seen, assessed and processed each potential hazard) by the same time I had only recognised barely 70% of them, let alone responded to them as he was doing!
So though these courses are absolutely invaluable, you should understand that there is still a HUGE amount to do before you can ever claim to be a real master of the road! If ever!
Hi Mark, I took my Advanced Bike test in '99 and it still lives with me every day irrespective of whatever vehicle I'm riding/driving. For me more than anything else it's about staying alive !!!
Enjoyed the video a lot, memories of when I was an ADI (driving instructor), I did the IAM and RoSPA tests many years ago now, I still employ what I taught, and what I was taught.
My wife hates driving me as she feels I am assessing her all the time, I say not, but I think I do.
This video has just popped up and I must say its a very good, positive video. Alot of people dismiss Advanced Driving as something for the older generations and is simply alot of people shuffling the wheel for no real benefit but actually this is a very positive and informative video. I've been an Advanced Driver for nearly 10 years now (I'm only 29) and a Tutor for 8 and really enjoy it. It does make you safer and is worth doing for everyone.
One thing to say is that RoSPA do a 3-yearly re-test to protect skill-fade and the IAM have just introduced it as well in the form of the IAM Fellows Test. The normal IAM test you take once and thats you done for life...But if you want to ensure your skills are still sharp year-on-year then taking the IAM Fellows or RoSPA Test doesn't cost you any more than the normal test but just ensures that you keep those skills sharp.
A very good positive video. Thank you Petrol Ped
Cheers Tim. Glad you enjoyed it. I’ll look into the Fellows test. Wasn’t aware of that 👍
Passed my advanced driving test last year with a f1rst. I enjoy driving so much more since I did it.
Awesome to hear 👍
An excellent video. You are a natural communicator and make your points very well.
Thanks 👍
As an advanced motorist Pete - your first rule observation must be compromised by the stickers on your windscreen, obscuring your vision. ?
The camera angle makes that look far worse than it is. If they obscured my view they wouldn't be there. From the drivers POV you don't really see them :-)
I was just about to make the same comment, very irritating and underminds the whole experience of this video. Why the need to show these to everyone? Have you got any swimming certificate bagdes too? They would look just great..
When I retired from the Police I held an advanced Police class 1 ticket for both cars and bikes. Although I spent most of my time on bikes in an around the Chichester area. Spent many a time doing Escort work for various members of the Royal family and Politicians at the conferences in Brighton. Still live very local to you and just love the views from the various cameras in your car. One of my favourite drives is from your home up to the bottom of Harting Hill then south towards Westbourne. A very challenging route with every possible condition you would want for a test drive, Thanks once again for the videos.
Love that road too 👌
Question you ask "Is it worth doing" definitely. You are tutored in how to anticipate dangerous situations on the road before they happen, how to use your car in a safe manor, and to get the best performance all within safety and legal regulations. I have never regretted completing the coarse in 1988, having now progressed to achieving LGV and masters certificates. I am now tutoring with my local IAM group because I am passionate about spreading the advantages of becoming a member and trying to help other motorists stay safe on the road.
Thoroughly enjoyed your introduction to advanced driving.
I have been mad about cars & driving from as long as I can remember. I took my test in the late 70s and my instructor taught the standard way to help me pass. However, he also tutored me in some advanced driving techniques and these became second nature to me. I have driven in the same way as set out in your video all this time and have found driving any vehicle to be an enjoyable experience. By watching your video, it has given me the confidence to enquire about further lessons, with the view to taking (and passing) an advanced driving test. Thank you
That's great to hear. Look into your local IAM group. I doesn't cost a huge amount of money and is well worth doing. Good Luck :-)
Thanks very good. The best advanced driver video I have seen so far.
Thanks Barry 👍
A really good intro to IAM. I’ve recently got a F1RST for both car and bike and your explanation of IPSGA and the general principles is really good. If I was being finicky I would say you take your hands of the wheel too much when you are talking to camera. I got told off for doing the same thing! P.s. not long after your F Type test I bought a V6S AWD Cabrio so thank you!!!
Thanks Jonathan. I don't take my hands off the wheel that much when I am driving normally, just when the cameras turn on 😜Great to hear I helped with your decision to buy an F Type 👍
Reg Local takes his hand off the wheel regularly and also goes over the speed limits. Sometimes he hides the speedometer from the camera; but sometimes viewers can see je's going over the limit.
I'm with you on the engine braking Peter! In my day (1977) I was taught you HAD to use your engine to assist slowing the car down, my son who passed last year was taught to approach a junction in say 3rd or even 4th, brake and then just dip the clutch as the car came to a halt! They don't teach you these days to go down the box when you brake even if you're not engine braking. It's so ingrained in me I always go down the box when slowing down. I clearly still have much to learn! 😂
Develop IT I agree although I now drive an automatic X5, the brakes fade on that too!
You can definitely brake fade a modern car! My Dad near enough melted his 06 Civic brakes coasting down a switchback in the Brecon Beacons last year. I'd been warning him about coasting for years. It was good to be right - but only because nobody died at the bottom...
I really don't get this 'leaving in a high and only using the brake' thing. I want to be in the right gear, the right rev range, at all times because I want the car to be balanced and ready for anything. I'm NOT using using huge amounts of engine braking, I'm just talking about 'active' gear management
@@Dave-in-France But think of it another way...if you're approaching a hazard (t-junction or roundabout or just a bend say) isn't it better to slow, get the right speed to negotiate the hazard then go into an appropriate gear? This leaves both hands on the wheel for any steering needed and modern cars brakes are efficient you don't need the extra grunt of the engine braking as well. Another thing to thing about is how many wheels engine braking is working on (often just 2) whereas all 4 wheels are used for braking.
@@verodrive and if the brakes fail?
I'm 41 and only been driving for 5 years or so. First thing I did after passing my test was read Roadcraft, and I've been considering IAM for a while. Wasn't entirely sure how to go about it and had already decided to leave it a while after getting my license, so that I wasn't too wet behind the ears going into it. Your video has given me the nudge I needed to take the plunge, cheers. I don't heel & toe but I do rev match and use engine braking a lot, so like you I think that part of the system will take a bit of getting used to. Keen to learn which of my bad habits I don't even know about yet!
Great to hear I have helped. Go for it...it's great fun 👍
Hi Peter, completely agree with the idea of on-going, advanced training, myself I'm an Advanced Motorcyclist and it has helped me to "Make Progress" and avoid shit. It's not preaching, it helps you to survive modern day conditions.
I did my IAM on a motorbike and the theory is the same but through it I got a different understanding of engine braking.
We would almost always be riding in a ‘responsive gear’ rather that a cruising gear meaning we could use the throttle to slow the bike down as much as we used the brakes. This wasn’t considered engine braking during the test for us, engine braking was considered to be bumping down a gear specifically to drop speed.
That said, cars and bikes obviously respond very differently but I believe the theory is that in road driving and riding it’s best to have everything settled and the weight sorted before cornering
You are spot on. Well said. Choosing a responsive gear means you can use "Acceleration sense" to modulate the speed of the car without touching the brakes. For example, chosing a lower gear to hold speed when going downhill. Far better than riding the brakes! You don't have to only use brakes to slow down - just don't work your way down through the gears to slow down. (IAM member since 1989, currently studying for the IAM Masters qualification.)
Very informative, thought about doing the IAM course a number of times - including now. Seeing your video has made up my mind, mainly the bit about speed control and braking. I've spent many years learning to control my speed with forward observation, reacting early and using the engine braking of my diesel. I'd be interested in the hazard perception and most of the other aspects but have no desire to force myself to stop using engine braking. Thank you for uploading the video.
Glad you enjoyed it Chris 👍
"...engine braking of my diesel" - that's something to work on though...I reckon if you spend sometime with a good observer (trainer) they'll explain and maybe show you why it's better to use only brakes in modern cars.
@@verodrive Thanks for the input, I'll look into that if I get a modern car - my current one is 18 years old
I keep thinking about joining the IAM. Driving is a hobby of mine and naturally I want to be good at it, like people who play Golf want to improve and lower their handicaps.
I also want to get my national B licence so I can be quicker on track.
I like to consider myself to be a perfectly competent and safe driver, but I also know I’m far from perfect and have developed bad habits over the 8 years I’ve been driving.
To cut my ramblings short, this video was actually really informative and has, if nothing else, spurred me on to actually have a chat with the IAM to get it done.
Also, Petrol Pooch will never ruin your takes!
Go for it James and let me know how you get on :-)
Petrol Ped Will do, cheers :)
I am member and can honestly say driving to the system has surely saved my life more than once. My wife and I side to also attend better driving class which Exeter police used to run many years ago. Love driving still some 30 years on and keep on updating my skills, also just bought the latest Highway Code and the Written test questions too for new drivers. Keep up the good work. Alan
One way of stopping bad habits from creeping back in after passing the IAM test,is to join the local group,they normally offer assessments on a regular basis, and train to become an observer.
Would love to do some observing one day 👍
A really informative introduction to advanced driving. Thanks!
Very enjoyable video which makes me want to do the IAM test. I would point out that having recently started training as an instructor with LDC, their way of teaching learners uses many of the techniques in the video, particularly using gears (the saying is "brakes for slow, gears for go"). Once I complete my instructor training, hopefully successfully, I do think I'll add this string to my bow.
Cheers Craig. I hope you do your test one day and good luck 👍
Thanks for the many videos of yours that I've watched, PP. However, I'm really surprised to see the 3 large decals right in front of you on your windscreen which IMHO dangerously reduce your vision of the road and environs.
Thanks David. If they did they would be there. It passed the MOT and honestly they were just in peripheral vision. Now removed anyway 😜👍
Just started my training with IAM and this gear system feels really alien to me after using engine braking to control the car for decades. There must be a whole different system for this in ice and snow because engine braking is essential in bad poor conditions to stop from sliding.
Good luck with your training and test 👍
Yeah my feelings are braking is bad driving but braking gives a brake light signal to those behind and on motorways very far behind, I prefer to look ahead and decelerate early can't see the point of having to slam brakes on after coming off motorways etc.
Thank-you. As someone who takes a keen interest in driving, and has been looking to do the Advanced for a while now.. I never realised the length of the centre lines differed, and what they meant. I have tried a few of the advanced techniques you mentioned after following Reg Local on Pistonheads, not always easy, however the information phase you mention, this is the area I find the most interesting, and probably taking the most interest here has kept me accident free in a long time.
Information is everything. If you ever get tired behind the wheel or feel your concentration dipping, you should try doing a commentary of what you are seeing. It works for me every time and gets me focussed again 👍
I'm a member of IAM as well. It has made a real difference to my driving such as my bad habits.
Interesting just how many bad habits form over the years !
Cracking vid PP, I've been Advanced on both cars and bikes for some 30 years,, I just wanted for me to make me more safe on our roads. always thought it should be a 'follow on' for drivers after passing the normal test,,
Agreed 👍
Excellent video Peter. I got caught on a speed camera last year (36 in a 30 limit taking my dad to hospital, momentary lapse) I opted for the 'speed awareness' course rather than points. Best thing I ever did as far as road driving goes. I realised that day just how LITTLE I knew! My view now is that these courses should be mandatory at some point in a driver's life. Worth every penny it cost me. I am definitely up for doing some advanced driving training, who knows it may even help my track day performance! 😊
I agree, and I`m glad I took the speed awareness course. I learned a lot .I drive more carefully on the roads now , and do my fast driving on the track.Sadly, I`m selling my Subaru WRX because it invites me to drive fast(more than the national speed limit) but keeping the track car! Good video ,Ped, but don`t know how you contain yourself in some of those cars you drive!!!!
Not done one of those yet ;-)
Sad to see the Scooby go Lydia :-(
I also went on a speed awareness course. I agree it was very informative and gave great information about reading your surroundings!. However 3 hours long was a bit long, but still it was better than points.
James Dudfield crikey mine was 4 hours! Not once did I catch myself thinking 'I just want to get out of here' though
I got mine when i was 18. The examiner was an ex flying squad officer. He said, hopefuuly the only time you will be sitting in car with one. I was one of the youngest to ever pass it. Still got the metal grill badge somewhere. Had to randomly recite the number plate of a car we had just passed.
To pass at 18 is really impressive. I really enjoyed my test. When it was done I got my examiner to drive my car and do a commentary drive for me...it was amazing !
@@PetrolPed Them round stickers on the right side of the windscreen are hazard blocking your view.
Late to this but I do have my IAM and did my RoSPA too. Wasn't happy with the latter's attitude to 'making progress' where they seemed to set it above what I felt to be safe. Have also done skid training, was winner of a safe driving competition back in '92. I wish I could do that again; I'm a much better driver now though still far from perfect. Have also done a half day racing course including single seat, ADI though I gave that up so you can see I like driving even now.
Excellent stuff John. It sounds like you did IAM and ROSPA a while back - these days they both expect you to 'make progress' up to the speed limit when safe...and no more.
Hi Pete, I watched this again on the back of tonight's film as I am interested in doing this as my wife is always criticising my driving but then again she was a police response driver now a D.C. and we sometimes play the commentary game when driving. We recently did a Land Rover Experience day and the guide asked my wife if she was a Police driver as he could tell from her driving. A few years ago I was doing a CBT course for a motorbike and I was asked if I was in the Police as the instructor was impressed with my hazard perception as I did a commentary of the road ahead. Now that I have time on my hands it could be a wee project to get my teeth into. Thanks.
I'm looking into doing this. I have an automatic car which removes the gear element but it's still useful knowledge
Interestingly is doesn’t remove gear selection altogether. If you have paddles then gear selection becomes very important.
@@PetrolPed I don't have paddle shift but I can knock the gear selector to the left and take manual control. I have actually used this when preparing for an overtake so I am ready to go rather than relying on kickdown.
I grew up around where this video was shot, it's so crazy watching this video when I know every bend of every road you're driving like the back of my hand - West sussex and especially those Goodwood/lavant/all the way to petworth road network was my teen driving playground :P
Great video, I'm doing my IAM for sure
Fantastic video. Thanks for the insight and brief description. I’ve always thought about it but like many I’m sure just haven’t bothered but this has really got me fired up to do it and I’m impressed that it’s really great value for the money.
Amazing value for money really. I cheap investment in your driving that pays for itself in the first year !
Petrol Ped definitely makes sense. Have a group local to me so guess what I’ll be up too
Brilliant video. Taught me a few things. I didn't know about the difference in white lines or engine braking being a bad thing. Looks like I'll have to re-read the highway code!
Never a bad thing 👍
Great video PP, thanks! But, my goodness, those stickers on your windscreen would really get on my nerves . . . .
They aren't there any more 😜
I was taught to be in the correct gear for the speed of the vehicle, so I continue to change down when slowing. I find that using the engine to slow down encourages me to plan ahead. Also, I was taught that the best brake on the car was the engine, indeed, this was a standard question in the driving test!
What happens if the brakes fail and you don't know how to use the engine to slow down!
Well learners in the UK aren't taught to use gears to slow down...and those that have passed the Advanced Test (including UK police Advanced) aren't either. The problems using gears to slow include: one-handed steering while you change gear, more wear on the clutch and gear selector, less smoothness - all for no benefit.
In modern cars (last 30 or so years) the brakes are very efficient and effect all 4 wheels - so better to leave the gears alone until you are at the correct speed, then change directly to the new gear when stopped or at the new lower speed.
In the extremely unlikely event of brake failure - then sure, use a lower gear to slow.
@@verodrive Indo not agree. If carried out properly, using the engine and changing down should not be a problem. Braking when travelling in a forward direction is through, primarily, the front brakes and if, say, one is slowing down over some distance, brake fade can occur. True, brakes have improved over the last 30 years...my vehicle was made in 1991! Brake hoses burst, servos stop working and seals can develop serious leaks; it is not unknown for both circuits in dual circuit brakes to develop a leak on the same journey. The effect of engine braking and changing down on a modern gearbox and clutch is insignificant. I will continue to use engine braking and appropriate gear changing....especially in snow and ice!
I'm currently learning to drive at the ripe age of 28, and what I found interesting in this video is how you were braking is how I'm being taught how to brake.
That is good to hear. Advanced driving takes to that you learn during your initial training and takes it to the next level. I would recommend Pass Plus from the IAM once you pass you test. Good luck :-)
I studied the system of car control around five years ago. Watching your video brought it all back. I still use most of the techniques, but I admit I'm out of practice these days. I may just revisit Roadcraft and take my test this time. Thank you for the insight. ☺🚘
In 2009 aged 59 i thought that i was a good driver, (don’t we all!) at that time I had 10 years NCD, I passed the IAM assessment, afterwards now i believe that I am a much better driver and at present I have 20+ NCD, in fact I have never been involved in an accident. Many thanks IAM.
Very informative video Pete as I have been thinking about doing my advanced driving for a while now
Go for it Sam. It well worth doing :-)
A better tip is getting the car into 1st gear before you stop completely. A rolling first gear on approach to a junction allows you not to stop if you don’t need to buy also be ready to stop if you have to. You will notice a much better improvement on efficiency by doing that.
only issue with that would be (for me at least) changing down to first if I'm not completely stopped, is really quite a rough manoeuvre. This can be fixed, with the time and effort to put into it, but it is far easier to leave the gears just a little bit later, until you know which one you need. If coming to a junction in 1st where you could have used 2nd, you have made an extra gear change for yourself -> less progress and more wear and tear on your clutch.
Sorry to jump in here with what may seem like a bit of a gear to grind (no pun intended) but I feel you are miles off the mark on your comments re: engine braking and heel toe!
Heel toe has absolutely nothing to do with engine braking and you won’t find any top end race driver using their engine to brake the car, that’s what the braking system is for.
Heel toe allows you to rev match the Downshifts during the braking phase so that you can be in the optimal rev point when you need to start accelerating again.
If you’re feeling drag from the engine then:
1) you’re probably knackering your clutch
2) you’re putting additional heat and forces through the engine in the complete opposite direction from which it is engineered to provide.
3)not getting the largest and most efficient reduction In speed. If you’re braking hard then the engine won’t have to slow you down, and if the engine is slowing you down then youre not braking hard. Either way you’re not getting the most out of the car on the track.
Not sure why advanced motoring institutions would have an issue with heel toe other than that if you’re not confident with it, it can out your brake feel at risk and may result in a lack of control over the car. In this case it’s best to reduce speed first.
Genuinely shocked to see a complete misunderstanding of what this technique is about and that any motorist who suggests they enjoy track time would condone the use of engine braking as a performance technique.
I’d suggest that if track driving is your thing, maybe get some racing tuition.
Peter,
Love your enthusiasm for this learnt and acquired skill.
Cheers Keith :-)
Peter I work for a manufacture and have had a few drives out with an advanced driver and you do pick up bad habits.
I think all first time drivers would benefit from this and would make the roads a bit safer for everyone. 👍🏁🏁
I agree :-)
I was an Advanced Driving Examiner with BSM / RAC some years ago. I would suggest to anyone to have Advanced Driving Coaching even if you don’t actually take the test.
Bit of a long comment but just showing my appreciation of the advanced techniques. have only been driving for just under 2 years. I passed the DIAmond Advanced Motorists test last September which gave me the thirst for wanting to learn more about advanced driving. The DIA was a fun test and a challenge for a newly passed driver with the commentary element and driving for 60 minutes with only 4 minor faults. But I don't think it shows you all the tips of advanced driving, it is a good test of skill and observation but I wouldn't consider myself to be an 'advanced driver' yet. I enjoy planning, observation and driving on country lanes at speed (never break the speed limit as the fun is always 0-60) with awareness. I want to demonstrate it is possible to have fun driving at speed and still be safe and use techniques of the car control system to observe the landscape and plan for limit points and always being able to stop in the distance clear. There is always something quite enjoyable about being an extension to the car and planning the correct gear, not taking too much speed into corners and accelerating out of them with the right gear engaged to make progress but still have considerable control, not breaking through bends and always adjusting your speed with long planning movements introducing the brakes slowly, you feel like you are a part of the car and the car is part of you. I know that sounds pretty weird. I have joined RoSPA and had an observation but due to personal circumstances I haven't been able to continue my training but I hope to pick it up again soon and hopefully pass the test. The observer said I drive to a high standard already but would benefit from the tuition and gaining the exam so I hope to get to that standard soon. I also did a skid training day with RED in Donnington and that was amazing for a new driver to experience that. I really loved the experience and would recommend it if you haven't done it. Luckily I haven't needed to use the tips I learnt on the day but I hope it will spring back if I ever needed it. I have driven in a few storms where there was aquaplaning and heavy rain on the road - I could feel there wasn't any grip under the tyres when going through them. But I am glad to say that reading the Roadcraft book and awareness of micro climates and coming off the gas to control the car balance saved me losing control on those occasions. I would say for any driver but particularly new drivers to read the Roadcraft book and practice the tips in it, remember any driver can drive fast but it is controlling the car and use of speed that will be the key. And driving fast under the right conditions and roads is possible with the right amount of forward planning and control. The amount of times I have seen young drivers cars in the ditch or in the middle of roundabouts is scary. I find it interesting that the hardest part you found of advanced driving was the selecting gears, I was always taught to block gear change and brake the car down and select the appropriate gear instead of going down each gear but my parents were taught to drive going down gears. I do not find this the hardest part as that is what I have always done but the hardest part for me is the push pull steering technique. I did not have to do that for my cat B test or the DIAmond exam but RoSPA seem to be very hard on that point which I am finding most challenging. Also one other positive of keeping the Roadcraft book in your glovebox along with the highway code is maybe people would think you are police. I once accidentally kept my glove box open over the weekend and nothing was taken. Trusty Roadcraft manual on show!
Interesting 👍
I rev match downshift when approaching a traffic signal from 5th to 4th (1 blip) 4th to 3rd (double blip). It's fun actually 😆.
Will apply for my UK license next year. I am International student from India.
Very interesting video. I'm quite tempted to give it a go. I did a class room session at the Porsche centre at Silverstone a couple of years ago. They covered a lot of the basics that you mentioned in the video, especially reading the white lines correctly. It really makes you re-think your driving skills.
You should give it a go Julian. Really enjoyable and worthwhile. Sounds like you are half way there 😜
Really enjoyed that, I'm thinking of adding the advanced driving to my advanced bike training and for someone who like you loves racing I'm at a miss why I didn't do it earlier. love your videos Thank you.
Go for it Richard. Well worth doing and lots of fun too 👍
Excellent video. You're my new Driving Role Model. Subscribed.
WOW...great to hear and thanks for the Sub 👍
That was a really great video . I've been thinking of doing it for years and had no idea really were to start but I do now. Many thanks
Go for it...well worth doing :-)
I did my first observed drive last Tuesday and I found this video very informative. While I was lucky enough to get mostly 1's on my mark sheet something I got a 2 for was my changing down of gears when stopping - a habit I have developed over the years while I do block change when changing up. Overall I was surprised by the result - here is to more of the same going forward.
Wow, that great. Keep me posted of how you get on. For me, that most tricky thing was getting out of all my bad habits !
Petrol Ped Will do - hopefully I can build on my good start on my second observed drive next week. Have been trying to change down when stopping today like you showed in this video - it does feel slightly unnatural but I am sure I will soon adjust. Thanks for taking the time to put together this video.
The birds were really singing, a few times I lost track of what you were saying as I enjoyed their songs. Usually it is just your dogs who upstage you! Still pulling for a vid on the pups. But on second take was very interesting. We could definitely use something like this in the States. When living in Colorado mountains, I loved watching the State Highway Patrol learn ice driving on a nearby lake. There were classes run for about half the year as at that elevation the lake remained frozen over and the police came from all over the U.S. So tempting to sneak on the lake but the fine was a good deterrent. But boy did that look like fun. I had the Audi TT at the time so the temptation was indeed great.
Excellent video. I thought about doing it a few years back. Drive 25k+ miles a year and have bad habits. Thought it might be a way to refocus. Like most things not work related I procrastinate to long. Really enjoyed the video.
Go for it Buddy...it's really interesting to do and will improve your driving and save you money :-)
Can only echo what ped says. Like him, i passed my test 8 weeks after my 17th birthday. After a year i realised i didn't know nearly as much about driving as i thought, and started my advanced lessons with the IAM.
Can't recommend it highly enough. Unlike your L-Test, it teaches you habits for life, and a mindset of awareness, responsibility and defensiveness.
It also teaches you to recognise your own mistakes and this self-critique is really useful to keep improving and not getting arrogant or complacent.
Best story i can tell to illustrate what it does for you - on one lesson, i braked to a sudden stop soon enough to avoid a child running between two parked cars, purely thanks to of the system of observation and road position i was being taught at the time. My instructor said "well done, you just saved a kid's life".
I believe the latest wisdom is that hands should be at 8 and 4 not 10 and 2 in order to reduce injury in case of airbag deployment.
A coppa was telling me that a significant number of drivers bleed out from wrist injuries caused by airbags deploying. They sit too close to the wheel with their hands near the top and their elbows almost resting on the wheel, right in the way of the airbag. He went on to say it's usually young women and looking at how many of them sit it doesn't surprise me. What's worse is when you see them sat like this in a driving lesson, why is the instructor allowing them to do it?
I don't think 10-2 will cause a problem with air-bags - I've never heard of someone suggesting 8-4 in the UK...that would make balanced steering quite tricky I'd have thought?
@@buggs9950 I've never heard of someone losing a lot of blood from airbag deployment - unless they were sitting much too close as you say. Re driving instructors - remembers some learners can be really quite short and they have to sit close to the steering wheel so they can reach the pedals.
Love the reviews! Great point here about the IAM: well worth raising awareness and generating relevance. Young drivers (as I was when I did my advanced test in 2004) get a bad rep and high insurance and could well do with a break in the form of a recognised (by insurers) and respected (by the informed public) standard of driving like this. An entertaining, interesting and worthy subject for review, thank you!
Cheers Firmin. I hope to be doing some work with the IAM on young driver engagement 👍
Interesting point: I now drive auto. Ive driven sports cars for 50 years and now drive a Fiat 124 spider auto. Typically for example in a bend I would change down then hold that round the bend then use that gear to accelerate out again. But now I let the auto get on with it. Autos always aim up. I can manually go down a notch but there seems no point. Same at junctions; I might normally change down and be in the right gear coming out but now the auto might change down right at a point when a manual driver would never do that. And it doesn't seem to matter.
Great video! I can really relate to your excitement before, during and after learning to drive. I remember shifting gears for my dad when i was younger as well and how excited i felt (and still feel) every time i get behind the wheel of my car. Like you i jumped into a car as fast as i could! Loving your videos
I still look forward to driving now 😂
Really enjoyed this, thanks very much, I have been playing with the idea for many years and after getting this information i will have a go at it.
Go for it. You'll enjoy every minute :-)
Excellent video thank you. Not so sure about the placement of those stickers on your windscreen though. They increase your front pillar blind spot.
Cheers John. The camera angle makes it look much worse than it is. The stickers are in peripheral vision only and passed the MOT. They have since been removed anyway 👍
Very informative video Peter, & worth every minute of watching.
No contentious comments from me. I was fortunate to have family who were in the Police & learned a great deal from them during my early years of driving that’s stayed permanently fixed somewhere in the depths of my brain. I never took an Advanced Driving Course but maybe heading towards my late sixties it’s something I’ll give serious consideration to.
Cheers
Geof
Thanks Geof. Never to old to start ;-)
Thanks Geof. Never to old to start ;-)
Funny how this pops up as a recommendation again today when the IAM magazine drops through the leterbox with your Masters story in it.
Ah no way…not seen that yet 😜
Excellent, at 64 I'm considering having a go at this, although no doubt a lot of bad habits will need ironing out! :)
I’m sure, but it’s well worth doing 👍
Booking mine in a few weeks. Love the additional observations as mentioned in your vids. Its these little things that so many people seem to disregard/miss. Great vid!
Best of luck. You will love doing it :-)
Loved the video but observed that your Mini had a row of vertical row of stickers down both the offside and nearside windscreen. Doesn't this impede your sight of the road ahead particularly when approaching bends?
Only in peripheral vision and passed the MOT. Camera angle makes it look much worse. Stickers have since been removed 👍
Hi PedLate in watching this video as now on Isle of Man for Manx Classic, marshalling this time not competing. Enjoyed this video, very interesting on many points you covered. Got my driving licence at 17 and was given 6 driving lessons as a present, the sixth lesson turned out to be use of the car for my test, which I passed. Will not reveal how many years ago that was, but you got me thinking that IAM would now be worth pursuing, as we are all guilty to a degree of falling into bad habits.Give our love to Petrol Poch she is a star!
Cheers Philip. I’ll give her a schnuggle for you when I get home on Friday 😜😂
Not IAM but I did Pass Plus after I passed my driving test and found that a benefit. It was the only motorway driving I did up to that point, though I had been on dual carriageways on all the lessons as that was the route to get to the test center location and the road used for the test. I passed in Nov 2003 & did PP in Feb 2004, so not sure if it is still a thing now but it does show on comparison sites as an option. Saved just over £300 on my first year car insurance at 18 y.o aswell , less the cost of the course (£1600 down to £1300).
From watching your video, I found the braking part a little odd as I thought that you should change down as you brake. Say at traffic lights, if you brake and change down together and the lights go green before you stop, you can then progress quicker as you are in the right gear, rather than trying to go in a too high gear. Obviously that's wrong so I understand that it would be confusing to take the IAM course and expose the bad habbits.
Thank you for making the video as I will try to not brake and gear change together.
Yes, I did an observed drive , and a good learning experience. There are a few things that don`t sit well with me, like shuffling your hands around the steering wheel. As a track driver, I usually keep my hands at quarter to 3 and never shuffle, but turn the wheel.The other thing is a question , do they advise trail braking into a corner. ? I drive a Caterham ,and it`s essential and helps turn in .Obviously more so in a RWD car. Good vid, and yes for sure it will make us safer drivers!
On track I agree. Keep your hands on the wheel and even cross them on tight bends 👍
I often feel the same - shuffling the wheel through your hands was taught when I learned to drive and only expensive cars had power steering (and therefore most cars required more turns lock-to-lock), but has less benefit in modern cars with 'quick' steering. In this regard the IAM seem to be stuck in the '70s.
I'm a quarter to three driver too, but the thing I was taught was that if you can't take a bend without moving your hands or crossing them over, you're going too fast.
So on track - anything goes and safety doen's come into it and many race cars have geared steering meaning much less movement is needed....but for road driving using 'shuffle steering' as you call it (aka "pull/push steering") is needed for best control and to enable more than half a turn of steering without putting your hand across the airbag. The thing to concentrate on on hand positioning and if you're approaching a significant corner to position one hand at 12 and then pull down all the way to 6, then transfer grip to the other hand at the bottom and push all the way up...that's just 2 movements for a whole turn on the steering wheel and is safe and controlled.
It should be mandatory and part of the test. The driving test is not strict enough here in the uk. We should be tested on our reaction times, list goes on. Some people are that FAT their reaction time will be much slower. It's a factor that should also be considered with many, many more. Anything that makes people more aware and better drivers is well worth it.
I agree. We should test night driving, motorway and skid pan 😜
I've just done the initial assesment for RoSPA and now looking forward to doing the lessons, after 30 years of driving I've picked up a few bad habits.
Great info Pete! "The more white, the more shite" is the best saying I've heard in a long time!! 😂😂😂👍
Great video pal.
It makes you remember it :-)
I joined IAM for a while to see if would get me cheaper insurance. The IAM let the Police and NHS Ambulance trained drivers join without a test. It didn't alter my insurance so I did not bother after the first year. Many years later and continued advanced training in work most of the principles have stuck, however, Police Standard Response teaches you to drive safely while making moderate progress. I have a friend who is an IAM instructor and sadly his clients are mainly in their '50s perhaps they need to target the 20-year-olds.
I am just about to start a series of videos with the IAM to help with this problem. I will be doing my Masters 😬
I'm 21 and doing it, nearing my test as we speak! 😬
Really interesting. In the U.S. for example, many states require all drivers to take a written exam every 8 years or sooner, depending on whether or not you've gotten any traffic violations. I would have to look at the Department of Motor Vehicle's web site, for every state (all 50!), to find out the exact laws. Since each state issues it's own license, most people wait until they move to their specific state to find out what laws are specific to said state. Thanks Pete 👍
Wow, how interesting 👍 Sounds like a nightmare 😂
Yes crazy driving laws in the US. I found out only this week that in Washington state the driving test only lasts 15 minutes for instance. I'm surprised the driving laws and regulations aren't set by the national government to make them consistent.
Thanks! - I'm always looking for more ways to improve my driving. I've been driving for over 20 yrs. & although I've discovered a few of these concepts, except for the length of the lines, I never heard any of these concepts actually mentioned or taught! The Only advanced driving I ever heard of was for Racing, (movie) Stunt, and (Security) E+E.
Great video. I've just got my test(I know!!! aged over 50) and a lot of this is the basis to how I drive. I am still clueless as to why. gears and speed control are not covered in lessons(too busy looking at furniture) I still struggle with knowing what gears and am learning through videos. Funny to hear you say brake then gear is counter intuitive to how most people drive. It's how I drive. How do they drive? It took nearly ten easing before my instructor said "you wait til you get to the junction before you select 2" I was thinking he could have told me to select 2 in preparation. There's just no course on speed and gears. It's so important to slow a car right down to walking pace in a city and maintain control. Something I think driving lessons does not cover. That's why people rush on round corners etc because they have not mastered slowing down and speeding up Eceryine can control a car at speed. It's the opposite needs taught 👍😜
Is opinion changing on 10 to 2 and moving towards quarter to 3 ?Hence nearly all steering wheel designs having parts to hook your thumbs around at the end of the spokes.Even though they also have humps in the wheel above the spokes,when wheel is at a straight ahead position, denoting 10 to 2.
10-2 or 3-45 hand hold is fine for the advanced test - personally I use 10-2 normally but if I'm on a fast straight...ish road (mway or dual-carriageway typcially) I relax and move to 3-45
Not convinced putting a column of stickers on the windscreen would be endorsed by IAM?! Great video and info.
The stickers would get on my nerves rather quickly! Mind you, with the numpties out there sticking their Tom Tom right in front of the driver's eyes I suppose it puts it in context!
The camera angle makes them look like they are in the driver eyeline. Believe me they are not or they wouldn't be there :-)
Petrol Ped glad to hear it! Fantastic content. Good all round content. Brilliant!
Completely different to track driving ! Interesting vid. Especially the gears and feeding the wheel !
Very different approach 😎
I’m doing my advanced course, and really struggling with the braking/gear issue … I think it comes from old cars with baulky gear changes … so the last thing you wanted was faffing to get into a gear while speed towards a hazard waaay to fast. It still makes a bit of sense - first focus on getting the speed right, then pop it into the right gear….
Brakes still fail!
Thank you for the vid, I am thinking of joining IAM and this was very informative 👍
Go for it 👍
Great video! It’s been on my to do list since I passed my test 26 years ago!
Go for it...what are you waiting for :-)
Enjoyed your video ! Start my IAM course in 2 weeks time and I’m really looking forward to it ! 👍🚗
Good luck, I am sure you will really enjoy it 👍
How was it? :)
Amy K stalled at moment due Covid 😢 stay safe 🙏🏻
What a brilliant vlog and a great insight into this. I am keen to do this but have researched and found there is not one where I live, I’d have to take a ferry ride each time as I live on the IOW..........bugger!!!
Nightmare ! But I only did a session once a month so it might not be too bad 👍
Your wee vid was Class.., But it brought to the surface how bad a driver I think I am. I don't speed but I'm impatient with other road uses and there's stuff you illustrated on this vid I totally forgot about to my emberesment, great tips, and well-presented kid )
Staying in a higher gear until almost standstill is potentially unsafe. Even if the clutch remains depressed, it is good to have the correct gear for speed selected in case one needs to accelerate for any reason or to use engine braking in an emergency. The likelihood of stalling is also increased which could make you a hazard.
That is what the Roadcraft Manual says...I don't necessarily agree with it either :-)
Understood :)
So if you're stopping, leaving the gear alone is the UK Police and IAM and ROSPA way...it lets you concentrate on positioning and slowing smoothly and leaves both hands on the steering wheel for best control. How many times when you're stopping do you have to instantly accelerate in an emergency? Seriously, I can't EVER remember having to do it - in 45 years of driving?
With the advance motoring guidelines do they recommend increasing the width of the windscreen a pillar by sticking stickers along it thus blocking your view. I watch many car reviews and they always complain about the width of the pillar saying that a cyclist or bike could be lost in that view and looking at the amount of the stickers you have increased the width by several inches. Also on the driver side if the wiper blade sweeps over them you would fail a mot if the tester follows the rules correctly.
The camera angle makes it look worse than it is. From the drivers views they don’t block your view and aren’t in the wiper sweep so will pass an MOT 👍 They wouldn’t be there if they did 😜
Good video mate at the moment driving standards are awful in this country. Rush hour in Manchester is a challenge at the best of times. People constantly cutting you up at roundabouts.
LOL...best have your wits about you 😂
Petrol Ped Yh haha always Do I’m very alert looking for other mistakes.