Driving with no shoes on

J.B · 2 Mar 2008 at 14:20

Went out with a friend last night who's getting ready for his driving test. I happen to mention a few years ago I knew a guy who drove with his shoes off because he felt he could control the car better with them off.
My friend and my girlfriend are convinced this is illegal, anyone know for sure? :confused:

JCBeastie · 2 Mar 2008 at 14:21

Erm I thought it was an urban myth, pretty sure you can drive without shoes legally.

geuben · 2 Mar 2008 at 14:21

As far as i know its Illegal, due to the fact that you could get something stuck in your foot and lose control because of the pain (i guess).

West · 2 Mar 2008 at 14:21

Wrong forum.

I think if the pedals are rubber, you're fine but if their metal your feet can slip off.. as for being illegal... not entireley sure.

Lowe · 2 Mar 2008 at 14:21

Yup it is.

Nitefly · 2 Mar 2008 at 14:22

Whatever you do, never ever drive in flip-flops, its seriously dangerous.

FrostedNipple · 2 Mar 2008 at 14:22

I'd say its safer than sandals! As to the legalities im not sure.

Nitefly · 2 Mar 2008 at 14:23

FrostedNipple said:
I'd say its safer than sandals!

I can't imagine sandals ever being a problem when driving. Why?

mjt · 2 Mar 2008 at 14:26

dunno if its illegal, but it's stupid
i don't understand how you can have "better control".
surely if that was the case then racing drivers wouldn't wear shoes..

imo you have worse control. the foot doesn't have a flat surface, and a smaller surface area, so it really doesn't make any sense

Jokester · 2 Mar 2008 at 14:27

The Highway Code only requires:-

clothing and footwear do not prevent you using the controls in the correct manner

Burnsy2023 · 2 Mar 2008 at 14:29

It is certainly not illegal to drive bare footed in England as long as you are in proper control of the vehicle at all times.

I have heard rumours about it being illegal in Scotland, but I'm not sure as I've not seen it in print on any Road Traffic Acts.

Burnsy

Saytan · 2 Mar 2008 at 14:31

i know a couple of women who insist on driving in flip flops. silly tarts.

Burnsy2023 · 2 Mar 2008 at 14:32

mjt said:
surely if that was the case then racing drivers wouldn't wear shoes..

Except that they have to wear fireproof overalls and therefore have to wear shoes?

I've driven bare foot a couple of times and it does feel weird and I only do it if my footwear is inappropriate (flip-flops or something), but if you feel you are in better control of the car without footwear I have no problem with that.

Burnsy

badbob · 2 Mar 2008 at 14:32

Saytan said:
i know a couple of women who insist on driving in flip flops. silly tarts.

I'd think it's safer to go barefoot, then wearing flip flops..

Burnsy2023 · 2 Mar 2008 at 14:35

badbob said:
I'd think it's safer to go barefoot, then wearing flip flops..

Most definitely, flip-flops are very dangerous when driving (that sounds like a weird thing to say :confused:

)

Burnsy

Saytan · 2 Mar 2008 at 14:35

i often move my car in socks. it feels weird.

mjt · 2 Mar 2008 at 14:37

socks is silly on the road because even with rubber pedals it's still quite slippery

badbob · 2 Mar 2008 at 14:38

What about socks with a rubber sole? A bit like those grippy gloves.

Mr.Bon · 2 Mar 2008 at 14:43

I found it very weird at first driving with nothin on my feet.
I then got used to it after a couple times of driving like this.

Only did this because it was summer, and I only had sandles at the time.

Agreed, never drive wit sandles, or flip flops. Thats just stupid.

Muncher · 2 Mar 2008 at 14:54

It's completely legal and I've done it a few times, but happier with socks on generally.