ROG:
I can do rotational steering but find I am just as quick using PPI am probably an ‘odd-ball’
No, not at all. The speed some of the police can steer using PP was always very impressive.
Reckon it all boils down to practice. I normally use hand over hand but can revert to PP if required but for speed I would need hand over hand.
jakethesnake:
robroy:
jakethesnake:
lolipop:
I was a Driving Assessor at one time,did the courses etc etc it surprising how many “drivers” thought they knew it all and could not understand why they failed.
Some of the things they failed for.
lack of pre-driving checks
not using the correct gear to pull away
pushing the rev counter into the red in every gear,
crossing their arms when turning,
lack of mirror use,especially nearside
last minute / heavy braking,
lack of distance from a vehicle in front,
not allowing enough room on turning corners
one hand drivingThings most Drivers have done without being aware we have done them or do them
Ring any bells for anybodyI agree with most of what you say lolipop however I suppose we are all trained slightly differently. When it came to assessments the way we were taught was as long as it was safe it was fine.
eg steering they could cross their hands as long as the vehicle was under control. The rest were fairly common, wrong gear for the situation, last minute braking, not keeping a safe distance ( very common ) and poor road positioning was fairly regular.But I totally agree the number of drivers that though they were the bees knees before was incredible.
Ffs
…you would have to be pretty ■■■■ stupid to attend a driving assessment and not adjust your everyday style of driving.
I am guilty of 2 of those ‘‘bad habits’’, …one hand driving (
shock horror I do it all the time) and crossing arms.
We all build up habits that are not necessarilly the proper way of doing things, but do doing it on an assessment?..they deserved to fail it for their stupidity I reckon…you are there to impress and achieve a pass of some sort.A long time ago, when I had about only 10yrs experience driving trucks, I went for a job as a Hgv driving instructor,.I passed the interview, the initial assessment, and a mock driving test, and a second assesment, .all of which I was on my best behaviour, and drove to the book,… also using things like exaggerated head movements to let the examiner know for sure I was regularly checking mirrors, it is only common sense…or so I would have thought.
Again, missing the point. An assessment is not a driving test, they are done for different reasons. During an assessment it is not reasonable to expect an experienced driver to drive exactly as he did however many years ago on a test. For someone who has been crossing his arms for years then suddenly has to change to push and pull would obviously disturb concentration on more important issues. Don’t have a go at me , that is what I was taught by a very reputable training authority.
Have a go at you??
…Moi??
As if.
I have to agree with Rob on this ( no choice really, hes got my address ) 
But I class myself above many others, having driven more miles backwards than they have forwards if you get my drift, someone learning to be a driving instructor is quite rightly tested quite severely i would suspect, and having driven in this industry for 54 years, without a claim, without an accident, and come out the other side with clean licences speaks volumes, I wont argue that theres always room for improvement, and we all have our faults dont we, but i feel it couldnt teach me a great deal anyway, my record speaks for itself…and i never took a test either…but there was a time when i finished my middle east work, and my then wife asked me not to work away, so when i stopped sulking…decide i fancied a job as a bus driver…on my introduction i was told that lorry drivers were the worst to train, ha ha …but i managed it first time…the bit that got me, was the Skid Pan at Chiswick…what the ■■■■ is that supposed to teach a driver, our streets are way to small for a bus to spin round and round and round, then park it in a square box…but an interesting part of the test.
truckyboy:
I have to agree with Rob on this ( no choice really, hes got my address )Skid Panat Chiswick…what the [zb] is that supposed to teach a driver, our streets are way to small for a bus to spin round and round and round, then park it in a square box…but an interesting part of the test.
Of course you do and I totally understand why. Don’t get me wrong there are plenty of old hands who are excellent drivers but having assessed quite a few in my time I have never ever met one who could not do with a little advice.(and others who need an awful lot!) As Rog quite rightly said “no drivers knows what his standards are like until assessed” by a fully qualified professional who is bang up to date with everything.
As I said to Rob at one point ( I think ) as a driver of many years myself who was always concientious and took a pride in my driving did not realise how I could improve until things were pointed out to me. As we all know driving tests are basic and then we are meant to start learning and most do however bad habits and complacency creep in no matter how good you are.
If you are so confident about your driving go and get a proper check. Yes I know it costs money! They should have compulsory checks on all drivers and standards would improve and accidents would reduce.
Got to say there are 1000’s of drivers who drive everyday without an accident but sometimes that can be more luck than skill.
In theory if everyone on the road in all vehicle types drove to an advanced driving system there would almost no accidents, aside from sudden blow outs caused by debris on the road as opposed to tyre condition or a medical issue and that kind of thing.
Everyone would be more courteous to one another, more spaced out, more relaxed, road rage down, confidence up, cockiness down, not trying to treat the public road like its the Nurburgring or an F1 race track, cars would be on the road in better condition due to proper checks and regular maintenance.
Most people feel however that “well I’ve got no points on my licence” and “I don’t have any crashes” so therefore I’ve got nothing to learn.
Rowley010:
In theory if everyone on the road in all vehicle types drove to an advanced driving system there would almost no accidents, aside from sudden blow outs caused by debris on the road as opposed to tyre condition or a medical issue and that kind of thing.Everyone would be more courteous to one another, more spaced out, more relaxed, road rage down, confidence up, cockiness down, not trying to treat the public road like its the Nurburgring or an F1 race track, cars would be on the road in better condition due to proper checks and regular maintenance.
Most people feel however that “well I’ve got no points on my licence” and “I don’t have any crashes” so therefore I’ve got nothing to learn.
Absolutely spot on…We can only dream eh!
Years ago when I was doing National Express for Selwyns they put me through a defensive driving course and I can safely say it was one of the best things I’ve never done. Even 15 or so years later I can still point to aspects of my driving that are the way they are because of that course. It permanently changed my habits. It stuff like this that should be part of the drivers cpc in my opinion, not the dull learn nothing we don’t already know courses we are subjected to currently
> switchlogic:
> Years ago when I was doing National Express for Selwyns they put me through a defensive driving course and I can safely say it was one of the best things I’ve never done. Even 15 or so years later I can still point to aspects of my driving that are the way they are because of that course. It permanently changed my habits. It stuff like this that should be part of the drivers cpc in my opinion, not the dull learn nothing we don’t already know courses we are subjected to currently
Always good to hear when drivers appreciate that these types of courses do help to improve standards. I, like you have never forgotten the aspects of my driving that were improved and yeah let’s have something similar in DCPC. Saying that one of the courses I did about ten years ago gave every driver an assessment and for sure there were some crackers behind the wheel although experts in their own minds.
Yep, I would be up for it if it was DCPC related.
Given the choice of being mindlessly bored listening to all that type of theory dog ■■■■,.and doing something behind the wheel, … including skid pans, AND getting paid for it…Bring it on.
Ok it’s maybe for all the wrong reasons…but it’s a start.
I don’t need letters after my name,to go out and do somebody a good job.
switchlogic:
Years ago when I was doing National Express for Selwyns they put me through a defensive driving course and I can safely say it was one of the best things I’ve never done. Even 15 or so years later I can still point to aspects of my driving that are the way they are because of that course. It permanently changed my habits. It stuff like this that should be part of the drivers cpc in my opinion, not the dull learn nothing we don’t already know courses we are subjected to currently
This. It was the sane for me at Stagecoach doing Megabus. There’s stuff from there that still stays with me so while at the time I was thinking it was a load if rubbish in hindsight it wasn’t a bad thing.
Is it just me or is there an awful lot of humblebragery going on, along the lines of “I’ve been an instructor for 30 years and you should see some of the stuff these lesser mortals get up to!”
Just because someone hasn’t got an advanced driving qualification doesn’t necessarily mean they are a complete moron behind the wheel and I for one don’t like being looked down on by someone who thinks they are superior. 
I mean, I used to be a formula 1 driver for 40 years and you don’t see me going on about it 
cupidstunt:
Is it just me or is there an awful lot of humblebragery going on, along the lines of “I’ve been an instructor for 30 years and you should see some of the stuff these lesser mortals get up to!”
Just because someone hasn’t got an advanced driving qualification doesn’t necessarily mean they are a complete moron behind the wheel and I for one don’t like being looked down on by someone who thinks they are superior.I mean, I used to be a formula 1 driver for 40 years and you don’t see me going on about it
Nobody is saying that. All that has been said is that some of these courses are a benefit to already experienced drivers by identifying any faults due to complacency or just bad driving habits that get picked up as the years go by everyone.
All in all it improves road safety and surely that ain’t a bad thing!
cupidstunt:
Just because someone hasn’t got an advanced driving qualification doesn’t necessarily mean they are a complete moron behind the wheel
I think I said earlier that LGV drivers are generally advanced drivers
ROG:
cupidstunt:
Just because someone hasn’t got an advanced driving qualification doesn’t necessarily mean they are a complete moron behind the wheelI think I said earlier that LGV drivers are generally advanced drivers
Apart from the ones who seem to think it’s a good idea to move back in when their trailers is only one inch past you.
Apart from the ones who go down the motorway a foot from the one in front.
Apart from the ones who think they can bully car drivers because they are bigger.
Apart from the ones who continue down a lane with a red X because they have a trunk time to make for a parcel firm.
Oh and apart from the ones who fail to notice a sign for a low bridge, followed by failing to notice the bridge itself with another sign on and often bright yellow warnings.
Those ones aren’t very advanced. But on the whole most LGV drivers have developed a lot of what is taught in advanced driving already.
jakethesnake:
cupidstunt:
Is it just me or is there an awful lot of humblebragery going on, along the lines of “I’ve been an instructor for 30 years and you should see some of the stuff these lesser mortals get up to!”
Just because someone hasn’t got an advanced driving qualification doesn’t necessarily mean they are a complete moron behind the wheel and I for one don’t like being looked down on by someone who thinks they are superior.I mean, I used to be a formula 1 driver for 40 years and you don’t see me going on about it
Nobody is saying that. All that has been said is that some of these courses are a benefit to already experienced drivers by identifying any faults due to complacency or just bad driving habits that get picked up as the years go by everyone.
All in all it improves road safety and surely that ain’t a bad thing!
C’mon Jakey…let’s kick off another one then.
I’ve more than likely a similar long and varied experience in this job, I know I can drive to a safe and reasonable standard, and I’m comfortable with my abilities…On the other hand I ■■■■ up like everybody else, sometimes do some stupid bloody things,.and have aquired numerous what could be termed as ‘‘Bad habits’’ , but I have a clean licence and tend to keep my nose clean.
SO…In your best humble and modest way (try your best on that one mate ) and knowing how you love to judge and criticise other peoples driving (quite often) …
How do you rate your own driving both by your own abilities and in comparison to others, have you any bad habits, and do you ever do anything wrong, that if the same had been done by others, you would criticise ?
Just asking like.
(Here’s to another 5 pages. )
Rowley010:
ROG:
cupidstunt:
Just because someone hasn’t got an advanced driving qualification doesn’t necessarily mean they are a complete moron behind the wheelI think I said earlier that LGV drivers are generally advanced drivers
Apart from the ones who seem to think it’s a good idea to move back in when their trailers is only one inch past you.
Apart from the ones who go down the motorway a foot from the one in front.
Apart from the ones who think they can bully car drivers because they are bigger.
Apart from the ones who continue down a lane with a red X because they have a trunk time to make for a parcel firm.
Oh and apart from the ones who fail to notice a sign for a low bridge, followed by failing to notice the bridge itself with another sign on and often bright yellow warnings.
Those ones aren’t very advanced. But on the whole most LGV drivers have developed a lot of what is taught in advanced driving already.
Most of the stuff you mention is a mixture of total incompetence, lack of ability and bad attitude.
All of which could be addressed at initial training level if the test was harder, the course was more candidate selective, and was used to teach actual driving and approach to driving a truck properly in terms of method and attitude…, rather than just how to pass a test on a designated test route.
robroy:
Rowley010:
ROG:
cupidstunt:
Just because someone hasn’t got an advanced driving qualification doesn’t necessarily mean they are a complete moron behind the wheelI think I said earlier that LGV drivers are generally advanced drivers
Apart from the ones who seem to think it’s a good idea to move back in when their trailers is only one inch past you.
Apart from the ones who go down the motorway a foot from the one in front.
Apart from the ones who think they can bully car drivers because they are bigger.
Apart from the ones who continue down a lane with a red X because they have a trunk time to make for a parcel firm.
Oh and apart from the ones who fail to notice a sign for a low bridge, followed by failing to notice the bridge itself with another sign on and often bright yellow warnings.
Those ones aren’t very advanced. But on the whole most LGV drivers have developed a lot of what is taught in advanced driving already.
Most of the stuff you mention is a mixture of total incompetence, lack of ability and bad attitude.
All of which could be addressed at initial training level if the test was harder, the course was more candidate selective, and was used to teach actual driving and approach to driving a truck properly in terms of method and attitude…, rather than just how to pass a test on a designated test route.
Well yeah that’s a fair comment. And there should be at least one other reverse manoeuvre on the test such as a 90 degree reverse into the coned box area which would at least resemble backing onto a bay. In your car test or at least when I did it and I know it’s changed a bit recently, but I had to prepare 4 reverse manoeuvres with my instructor and I think the examiner picked 2 in the test. That’s for a car. An artic is harder to reverse than a car and much more damage can be done if the driver balls’s it up. So I think it’s madness to have the only requirement for a driver to need to prepare and do one reverse manoeuvre for the test. But that’s going off topic a bit.
cupidstunt:
Is it just me or is there an awful lot of humblebragery going on, along the lines of “I’ve been an instructor for 30 years and you should see some of the stuff these lesser mortals get up to!”
Just because someone hasn’t got an advanced driving qualification doesn’t necessarily mean they are a complete moron behind the wheel and I for one don’t like being looked down on by someone who thinks they are superior.I mean, I used to be a formula 1 driver for 40 years and you don’t see me going on about it
I understand what your saying, but I think because someone can point out a better way of doing something it doesn’t have to mean it’s looking down on that person which unfortunately is how a lot of people take it.
I know most people who join the advanced driving groups and go on to be instructors/observers are there out of their own time and unpaid. They have an interest in driving generally but what they really want to do and the reason they really give up their time is to do a small bit to try and make the roads safer. They aren’t there to say I’m superior to you. They have done training that makes them suitably qualified to point out mistakes and then suggest safer and therefore a better way of doing it.
If people want to take that to be well that bloke or woman was just looking down on me and saying I’m better than you then so be it. Some may come across that way but that’s life and most don’t.
Rowley010:
I know most people who join the advanced driving groups and go on to be instructors/observers are there out of their own time and unpaid. They have an interest in driving generally but what they really want to do and the reason they really give up their time is to do a small bit to try and make the roads safer. They aren’t there to say I’m superior to you.
I agree because if they did then they should not be advanced drivers as they would have the wrong attitude/way of thinking which is a major part of being a practising advanced driver
