First skill for learner driver to acquire?
Discussion
I am having great fun out with Bert Jr and his L-plates! But of course, what is the first skill to acquire? "Tailgater management"! Bert Jr can drive already from the U17 car club, so he's not stressed by it, but it is astounding what happens around a learner driving sensibly within the speed limit. I reckon 25% don't drive differently, 25% give room and courtesy and 50% do the most amazing amount of tailgating and diving in.
It's great fun, we are having a ball! I'm tempted to keep the plates on and drive around within the limit to experience it for meself.
Bert
It's great fun, we are having a ball! I'm tempted to keep the plates on and drive around within the limit to experience it for meself.
Bert
WhoseGeneration said:
First skill?
After the technical ones of simple car control do you mean?
Defensive driving, that's it.
After the technical ones of simple car control do you mean?
Defensive driving, that's it.
Yes indeed, he has 3 yrs of driving under his belt (started at 13ish), so the whole car control stuff is a no-brainer. We also have 3 yrs of practice at me commentating and him doing what I say, so on the road it's ace fun. Almost makes me want to be a driving intructor!
Bert
bertbert said:
WhoseGeneration said:
First skill?
After the technical ones of simple car control do you mean?
Defensive driving, that's it.
After the technical ones of simple car control do you mean?
Defensive driving, that's it.
Yes indeed, he has 3 yrs of driving under his belt (started at 13ish), so the whole car control stuff is a no-brainer. We also have 3 yrs of practice at me commentating and him doing what I say, so on the road it's ace fun. Almost makes me want to be a driving intructor!
Bert
I don't want to appear rude but, here is where you must take care.
He does what you say. Because of your joint history?
You commentate?
Take care that he is not merely responding to your commands, "robotically", for want of a better word.
Maybe time now for him to commentate, so you can get an insight into his thought processes.
Plus, is there anyone else you would trust to accompany him, so you could get a view on his attitude and ability away from yourself?
Edited by WhoseGeneration on Sunday 6th May 23:39
bertbert said:
I am having great fun out with Bert Jr and his L-plates! But of course, what is the first skill to acquire? "Tailgater management"! .............50% do the most amazing amount of tailgating and diving in.
It's great fun, we are having a ball! I'm tempted to keep the plates on and drive around within the limit to experience it for meself.
Bert
It's great fun, we are having a ball! I'm tempted to keep the plates on and drive around within the limit to experience it for meself.
Bert
Uh huh, this morning I'm preparing to turn left, there's a car sitting at the junction waiting to pull onto the main road, NSL limit starts 20yds down the road, opposing cars and a petrol station just after the start of the NSL. So Mr MPV overtakes me as I'm turning left. Travelling at the speed limit in built up areas IS an education.
I reckon the skill most new drivers need to aquire is anticipation and to lift their vision (I know it seems like 2 but they go hand-in-hand). I have the same issue, though I'm by no means a new driver, when tested recently I was told I need to raise my vision; be more of a 'hunter' was the phrase.
edited to remove controversial opinion
Edited by naetype on Monday 7th May 10:30
I have sat next to Bert jnr mkII and like all that achieve his grade are first class drivers, his commentary skills were excellent.
Having not convinced my daughter to join the club, I had to teach her on the roads. The attitude of most drivers to seeing a set of L plates was quite astonishing. My daughter learnt in a Defender, despite that it was unbelievable how pushy people were when getting passed. I had intended for her to display P plates but decided this was asking for trouble rather than consideration.
Having not convinced my daughter to join the club, I had to teach her on the roads. The attitude of most drivers to seeing a set of L plates was quite astonishing. My daughter learnt in a Defender, despite that it was unbelievable how pushy people were when getting passed. I had intended for her to display P plates but decided this was asking for trouble rather than consideration.
I had cause to revert to L plates 9-10 years ago when I did my bike test.
People see the L plates as a red rag to a bull. they MUST get past at all costs.
The number of crappy repmobiles that would try to race me off the lights was funny. My instructor insisted I made decent use of acceleration to get up to speed quickly - even a 500cc commuter would do 0-60 in about five seconds; plenty to see off a people carrier.
People see the L plates as a red rag to a bull. they MUST get past at all costs.
The number of crappy repmobiles that would try to race me off the lights was funny. My instructor insisted I made decent use of acceleration to get up to speed quickly - even a 500cc commuter would do 0-60 in about five seconds; plenty to see off a people carrier.
WhoseGeneration said:
I don't want to appear rude but, here is where you must take care.
He does what you say. Because of your joint history?
You commentate?
Take care that he is not merely responding to your commands, "robotically", for want of a better word.
Maybe time now for him to commentate, so you can get an insight into his thought processes.
Plus, is there anyone else you would trust to accompany him, so you could get a view on his attitude and ability away from yourself?
Ahh let me explain...What I am doing is a hint here and a hint there as he translates from his previous driving in road conditions, in a relatively predictable environment to the rather more dynamic environment of regular roads. I'm also questioning him about limits, awareness, conditions, hazards, risks etc. I'll get him to do his commentary in a short while.
I would be perfectly happy for anyone to go out with him, I was just pointing out the joy of not having to learn to communicate father to son!
Bert
frazer guest said:
fluffnik said:
Understanding the complete disconection between posted limits and appropriate speeds should be high on the list.
thats after the driving test has been passed matey. the examiners are a bit strict on sticking to the limits.
I'm sure fluffy means that the max speed at any time is Inf["speed limit", "appropriate speed"], not Sup["speed limit", "appropriate speed"].
Bert
frazer guest said:
bertbert said:
frazer guest said:
fluffnik said:
Understanding the complete disconection between posted limits and appropriate speeds should be high on the list.
thats after the driving test has been passed matey. the examiners are a bit strict on sticking to the limits.
I'm sure fluffy means that the max speed at any time is Inf["speed limit", "appropriate speed"], not Sup["speed limit", "appropriate speed"].
Bert
i understand what your saying, but thought i would raise the following point....
my wife is learning to drive at the moment, and she has a habbit of going too fast. i suggested that on her test, she trys to stick to 25mph in a 30 etc, therefore giving her a little bit of leaway, if she isnt concentrating on her speed. her instructor said this was a bad idea, because if you dont stick to the limit, the examiner will think that you are being hesitant. i raised the subject of basing your speed, within the limits, to suit the conditions, (standing water, pedestrians waiting to cross, etc), but was told again, examiners dont take this into account, and they will still think that you are being hesitant.
based upon this information, its easy to see why the standered of driving in this country is slipping.
I'm not sure that is a new thing...I remember that very conversation when I was learning. The judgement (esp in a 30 limit) between hesitation and easing up for conditions is very fine. I actually think that is one indicator of readiness for passing the test. So in a 30 limit, making allowance for conditions, lifting off and keeping up speed without being hesitant. Hard, but we all do it.
I am not convinced at all that examiners are not looking for this and not taking it into account.
I do agree that mooching around at 25 as a safety-measure against exceeding 30 wont win the day.
Bert
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