[Clivey]

Originally Posted by crisis

I attended an advanced driver training course where you took your own car and were taught how to avoid hitting things. It was extremely valuable to me who has been driving nearly 30 years (no way!!!!) . How valuable would it be to a new driver?
I can tell you how valuable it was to a couple of old drivers. One practical exercise was to have you drive at 60kmh at a series of witches hats and execute an emergency stop at a line where the instructor would blow a whistle. Point A. You then had to steer the car such as to avoid B and come to rest before hitting the witches hats at C.

The only problem I'd have with taking such a course in my own car is that if I did hit a cone, that means damage to the car. I'd definitely consider it though if the organiser provided the car.

But other than that, it's an absolutely fantastic idea - courses such as those make you realise that driving isn't just a trivial chore that you do to go somewhere. You have to be competent and responsible.

Originally Posted by crisis

Now the distance between A B and C were intimidatingly short, such that I thought no way, especially as the track had been wetted down. The trick is (as explained to all of us prior) to look at where you want to go as opposed to what you don’t want to hit. The instructor (who also investigates actual accidents) explained that the normal human reaction is to focus on the threat and as a result many people hit it. Putting the theory of lifting your eyes and looking for a way out meant that a few of us completed the exercise without hitting anything and ending up where we wanted.

Can't argue with that - it matters even more when you're riding a bike (powered or otherwise) - Think about what you do when you want to do a simple 180-degree turn on a pushbike: You don't stare at the ground a metre ahead - you look where you want to go. It's all about training yourself to deal with possible situations, and if you can't handle it you're quite simply risking life.

Originally Posted by crisis

Now I was in a 2003 VY Commodore (a large family sedan for those who don’t know it) which had factory sports suspension and wide tyres (although half worn). I was asked to do it at 80kmh ( (-: ) and still managed to pull it off. Probably the hardest part was holding your nerve until the instructor (standing at point A) blew the whistle.

True that - you'll be used to driving well within your own personal limits, assuming you are a decent driver, so "pushing it" will heighten your awareness and ready you for emergency evasive action etc. The problem is when people don't even realise they're pushing it, just freak-out and, typically, slam the brakes on - which is ironically the worst thing you can do in many situations...

Originally Posted by crisis

Did I say probably? There were two women aged around 50 who were driving brand new cars similar to mine. Each time they did their run (and I doubt they reached 60ks) they ground to a halt right next to the instructor (A) before he blew the whistle. The whole thing was just too intimidating for them even though all they would have hit was a couple of plastic cones.

And thanks "crisis" for the example. What happens if a child steps-out in front of them? Do they simply slam the brakes on, close their eyes and pray? More importantly, this kind of driver probably didn't even see the hazard developing and so would already be in deep trouble before they even realise it. Very worrying.

Originally Posted by crisis

I think there were 10 of us so 20% of the people there displayed 0 confidence in themselves, their car or the training. A couple of others couldn’t manage to complete the exercise effectively either.

I've quoted this to reinforce what I'm saying but really, if you're reading and understanding my point(s), you'll understand by now.

Originally Posted by crisis

A few points-
These people were a reasonable representation of drivers, me a sales person who drives around for my job, government workers (the ladies) who also drive around, a couple of young drivers (male and female) and others. Also there was a 100 series Landcruiser, cars like mine and a couple of old bangers with no ABS (the real clincher in this exercise) and others.

Precisely. One of the main problems is that despite some cars having ABS, I'd bet money that a large amount of drivers don't even know what it does, how to use it and which cars are fitted with it. It's the same with many other features of cars. In fact, most poor drivers should IMO be made to undertake a course driving a simple, older car to make sure they understand the basics - you shouldn't be relying on electronics etc. to save you.

Originally Posted by crisis

The young drivers listened and at least attempted to do what they were told and they had the worst cars out of all of them.

Maybe due to the fact that previous driver training may be fresher in their minds - but more importantly: The sort of younger driver that actively wants to undertake such a course typically isn't the sort that screeches a riced-up car around city centres causing chaos - in other words: It's the other "know-it-all" showoffs that cause the problems.

Originally Posted by crisis

The men also tried and succeed to varying degrees (the Cruiser owned plenty of withes hats but) and the middle aged women, well, I think they represent the “numpties (who) have little or no other option regarding transport” that Clivey refers to and drive because we are all allowed to and most of us have to get around . They were told and would not/ could not/ learn or execute a simple instruction in a safe environment. What happens when they are presented with a real emergency and will it really matter if they are doing 90 kmh or 140kmh on a country road or 50 or 60 on a suburban road?

When are the "speed kills" Nazis going to realise this though? That's my main gripe.

Originally Posted by crisis

These people were presented with a certificate that stated they had completed the course though which kind of misrepresents their actual ability.

"Congratulations: Here's a hand grenade - have fun!"

- Further proving my point that driving education and testing needs a thorough overhaul - the authorities don't seem to know their arse from their elbow and we simply can't trust them with our safety.

Originally Posted by crisis

This course should be a part of the process of obtaining ones licence and if you cannot pass it you should not be given one.

Absolutely. The "reverse around a corner" etc. on our driving test is laughable - you should be able to do much more than that.

Who else agrees?