Is Road Craft Still a Thing?

[Al Gorithum]

When learning to drive in 1980 I was very fortunate in that my uncle was the driver of Commander George Churchill-Coleman (a main IRA target) who was head of the Metropolitan Police Bomb Squad (nowadays known as SO15). He loaned me their advanced driving book Road Craft or Roadcraft,

I thought it was absolutely brilliant, and gave me an advantage over my mates. Shame I had to give it back!

I wonder whether it's still in publication or there's an equivalent or better alternative?

[Dr Jekyll]

It most certainly is still available, and recently updated.

[vonhosen]

Yes it's still in publication & periodically updated.

[Scrump]

https://www.roadcraft.co.uk/

[Al Gorithum]

Oh this is brilliant. Thanks! Available to us mere mortals too!

Highly recommended.

[underwhelmist]

When you get a copy be sure to read what it says about riding around with your main beam on.

[Al Gorithum]

underwhelmist said:

When you get a copy be sure to read what it says about riding around with your main beam on.

Will do

[akirk]

recommended it to someone in another thread only this morning - available on Amazon if desired, and latest version came out earlier this year.

[Al Gorithum]

akirk said:

recommended it to someone in another thread only this morning - available on Amazon if desired, and latest version came out earlier this year.

Thanks. I ordered the motorcycle one this morning.

[Dixy]

If you are having trouble sleeping it certainly will work but you should possibly seek medical assistance.

[waremark]

Greatly changed from the version you will have read that long ago - some folk still prefer the old editions!

[hidetheelephants]

waremark said:

Greatly changed from the version you will have read that long ago - some folk still prefer the old editions!

The drawings are ace!

[Al Gorithum]

waremark said:

Greatly changed from the version you will have read that long ago - some folk still prefer the old editions!

Can't wait to read it. Had to give the old one back, was under the impression that it was Police issue but could be wrong. I think it's brilliant that it's generally available if it helps makes folk better drivers.

[dvenman]

Al Gorithum said:

Can't wait to read it. Had to give the old one back, was under the impression that it was Police issue but could be wrong. I think it's brilliant that it's generally available if it helps makes folk better drivers.

All available from The TSO or eBay ... The 1960, 1977, 2007, 2013 and 2020 editions.

Edited by dvenman on Tuesday 21st September 11:08

[underwhelmist]

Al Gorithum said:

Can't wait to read it. Had to give the old one back, was under the impression that it was Police issue but could be wrong. I think it's brilliant that it's generally available if it helps makes folk better drivers.

If you join the IAM (especially worth it on a bike I think), all their training is based on Roadcraft and it will be drilled into you.

[Al Gorithum]

dvenman said:

Al Gorithum said:

Can't wait to read it. Had to give the old one back, was under the impression that it was Police issue but could be wrong. I think it's brilliant that it's generally available if it helps makes folk better drivers.

All available from The TSO or eBay ... The 1960, 1977, 2007, 2013 and 2020 editions.

Edited by dvenman on Tuesday 21st September 11:08

Thanks. I think the one I had was the skinny on top. Seems to have expanded substantially over the years!

[Al Gorithum]

underwhelmist said:

If you join the IAM (especially worth it on a bike I think), all their training is based on Roadcraft and it will be drilled into you.

Good call. Thank you.

[dvenman]

Al Gorithum said:

Thanks. I think the one I had was the skinny on top. Seems to have expanded substantially over the years!

Yep. More pictures, same amount of words. And in some respects, the system is a little easier to grasp and a little more fluid too.

[The big yin]

Performance and Advanced driving by Reg Local is very good as well.

[hidetheelephants]

I got a copy of Very Advanced Driving by A Tom Topper a long time ago; some of it is probably dangerous these days due to changes in cars and tyre construction, but it was an entertaining read and I see it's been revised several times since so the questionable bits may have been re-written. The author drove a Lotus Elan so he can't be that bad.