Agree with Ern
Quote:
I'm a 17 year old male, living in Northern Ireland, passed my test at end of November... I only drive about 150 miles a week, sometimes a wee tiny bit more.
Over here we have R plates, and are restricted to 45 mph for a year (I'm sure you know this). I totally agree with this system, and I actually think that we need to be taught more about driving in different conditions (ie Pass Plus) but we really need this before we are allowed to drive alone. The only time I think that having the 45 limit is on a motorway. I've had a few scary moments at 1am and times like that with Subaru Imprezas and various other 'fast' cars, not realising that I was only doing 45-50mph, when they were doing in the region of 90. Its quite scary to see how fast the tiny speck of headlight you saw a couple of seconds ago can actually grow into a full bonnet...
I'm not saying that we're capable of more speed, but it's just a bit scary at times.
Germany introduced motorway and rural driving as compulsory elements of their test after a girl caused a pile up in the Rhein/Ruhr mortorway merges in which five died.
Deemed as one of the country’s worst tragedies at the time
–
German government of 1976 responded by tightening the test.
I think it works as new drivers are introduced to normal driving whilst under tight supervision and advice.
Quote:
After I passed my test I would say I was reckless for about a fortnight, driving at 45 on country roads, and it didn't take long for me to realise that I could seriously hurt myself, or kill the pedestrian that is walking down my side of the road around this corner, and I quite quickly 'wised up'.
That’s nice to read. Wish there were more like you.
Of course – young Mike F who posts when he has time during his student vacations is another youngster I would applaud as an encouraging example of a steady young driver as well. It is nice to know there are others like him.
Quote:
I haven't yet (hopefully this is not a jinx) crashed, spun or managed to pull off any stupid 'stunt' in my car, but I have skidded taking a corner slightly too quickly for my skill (or unskill) level... And after that I suddenly became even more aware of the dangers.
Excellent.
You recognised a weak point, evaluated and are learning to adapt.
We have a piece in the “Improve Driving section” where my Cumbrian colleague – Ian – posted excellent advice on cornering. Take a look see – the trick is in ensuring that you maintain a limit point – which is always the distance in which you can see to be clear and are able to stop comfortably on your own side of the road.
Quote:
My instructor wasn't an ADI or anything, he was just a friend who instructs friends, and while I was learning he did teach me how to do a U turn properly, and he offered to teach me how to do J turns, to try and show me how the car can handle when you do silly things. I haven't seen him recently and I really must get up to him to get a few extra 'lessons' on car handling and stuff.
Good idea – but you could save up and invest in an IAM course, which would lighten the load on your insurance on shop arounds.
My son (20) got a 10% discount recently…- which I think had something to do with his gift of the gab as well as his driving skills
He's a lippy so and so
- runs in my Dad's side of the family
... (His sister (my Aunty) is Wildy's Mum
)
and I understand the Mad Cats managed to do similarly when insuring their eldest (18) to drive their cars.
Quote:
Back on the 45mph limit, it is really quite difficult when you need to be in the right hand lane coming up to a roundabout, and only being able to do 45 on a dual carriageway/motorway, I have had to sort of abort a few times and take the first left at a roundabout, find a suitable place to turn, and then reattempt the roundabout... I know that is probably bad planning and anticipation on my part, but personally speaking, driving on lane 2 of a motorway at 45mph is suicidal...
You need to get your confidence. You are approaching a roundabout?
Right – you should not and never allow others to intimidate in this way.
Have you got P Plates? We have discussed roundabouts in the past – but really they are not different to any right turn.
Make sure you plan – concentrate and observe – look in all mirrors and give a lifesaver over shoulder look - signal your intent to move to the outer lane in good time and look for that gap . Usually the other driver will appreciate your care (most are reasonable and safe and courteous ) and nip intot the flow of the outer lane and approach the roundabout “prepared to stop but ready to go” A full diagram and explanation can be read in Road Craft.
(And it's up to day with mod cars these days... driving safetly and using OAP extended to COAST has not changed
Quote:
Oh, and I think we should be taught how to deal with aggressive drivers... When you're on L plates you're really mollycoddled, and you just assume that people are being aggressive because you are a learner, but suddenly you're alone and you get tailgated in a 30 zone, while you are doing 30. The tailgater then goes into the right hand lane at a set of traffic lights which are at red. The right hand lane is for right turn only, and he cuts you up on the green light, speeding off then braking sharply when he reaches a queue of traffic...
Lot of sound advice already on the main site and board about how to deal with these idiots
– but stay calm, ease off and assist his overtake by adjusting position and making a gap for him to move into.
Remember
– he gets the points on his licence if copped for daft driving…
If numpty gets into the wrong lane and then tries to move into the left hand lane – just let him.
Not worth losing a no claims over this.- or finding yourself accused of road rage…
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
Members
