Driving course
Discussion
A friend's son, aged 20, was sent by his company on a driving course in Wigan. He and the others drove down a track to meet the instuctors. A car transporter arrived and Fiestas were unloaded for the event.
During his day's drive he was told to forget the even gears on upward changes going from 1st to 3rd to fifth. I know block changes up are acceptable,doing them myself at times. But I'm not sure this is reasonable in a small engined car, particularly 1st to 2nd. thoughts please.
Also he was told to straight line,presumably right hand , corners. I'm not sure whether he was given or fully understood the advice of knowing the safety aspect of when to do it. Is this wise advice to a 20 year old?
During his day's drive he was told to forget the even gears on upward changes going from 1st to 3rd to fifth. I know block changes up are acceptable,doing them myself at times. But I'm not sure this is reasonable in a small engined car, particularly 1st to 2nd. thoughts please.
Also he was told to straight line,presumably right hand , corners. I'm not sure whether he was given or fully understood the advice of knowing the safety aspect of when to do it. Is this wise advice to a 20 year old?
There is always a difficulty with "group" sessions for any activity.
(sports included)
what level of current understanding/achievement do you pitch at?
Re your specific points -
1) I never advocate "offsiding" on a public Forum.
I may condone (even recommend) on a 1-to-1 basis -
If I judge the customer understands and is competent.
2) I regularly 3-5. The nearest I would get to saying "do" is a
"joining dual carriageway" scenario.
NOTHING is ever "always do". Even Legality comes second to Safety.
(sports included)
what level of current understanding/achievement do you pitch at?
Re your specific points -
1) I never advocate "offsiding" on a public Forum.
I may condone (even recommend) on a 1-to-1 basis -
If I judge the customer understands and is competent.
2) I regularly 3-5. The nearest I would get to saying "do" is a
"joining dual carriageway" scenario.
NOTHING is ever "always do". Even Legality comes second to Safety.
People often remember "soundbites" out of advice given - and then forget to mention the other half hour that makes sense of the "soundbite".
Very common to make a third to fifth upchange when accelerating to join the motorway prior to starting to cruise at 70mph for example. I do that all the time.
Around town I might need an accelerative blast to get out into a stream of traffic from a junction and just stay in first until the wheels are straight before popping the 'box into third to cruise along at 30mph.
I am highly unlikely to do anything than go up the gears sequentially whilst trying to max my car out at Bruntingthorpe airfield.
etc
Then you have straightlining corners. Brilliant idea. Provided you can SEE! Saves wear on the tyres, allows smooth progress, might maintain a better view up the road. Obviously DUMB is there's traffic coming the other way!
Straightlining roundabouts. Brilliant idea. Provided you are by yourself on it. DUMB if there's anyone else around at all - or even a possibility that there might be and you have not seen them.
See?
Very common to make a third to fifth upchange when accelerating to join the motorway prior to starting to cruise at 70mph for example. I do that all the time.
Around town I might need an accelerative blast to get out into a stream of traffic from a junction and just stay in first until the wheels are straight before popping the 'box into third to cruise along at 30mph.
I am highly unlikely to do anything than go up the gears sequentially whilst trying to max my car out at Bruntingthorpe airfield.
etc
Then you have straightlining corners. Brilliant idea. Provided you can SEE! Saves wear on the tyres, allows smooth progress, might maintain a better view up the road. Obviously DUMB is there's traffic coming the other way!
Straightlining roundabouts. Brilliant idea. Provided you are by yourself on it. DUMB if there's anyone else around at all - or even a possibility that there might be and you have not seen them.
See?
Oh - depends on the 20 year old. At the IAM we have young members who are excellent drivers. They feature in the mag a lot - especially the ladies 
- because the IAM particularly wants to attract youngsters who are the most "at risk" group.
The more young people who do a safety course the better IMO.
- because the IAM particularly wants to attract youngsters who are the most "at risk" group.The more young people who do a safety course the better IMO.
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