How do you drive?

PermaBanned

PermaBanned

PermaBanned

Soldato
Joined
7 Jul 2009
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Newcastle/Aberdeen
So i've been studying for my theory test, which is kind of interesting but it is mainly just highway code/road safety stuff. There's not much on actually handling a vehicle. I guess this is what you pick up when you actually have lessons, but i was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for reading material on actual vehicle theory, something that would explain terms like engine braking and gear rev ranges and go over some of the key manoeuvres, or any general tips for how to drive well/economically?
 
I'd just get some lessons, you're only going to over-complicate things trying to learn as the perfect, well-informed driver.

Get your license, then spend the rest of your time improving :)
 
As above, just get lessons. You'll learn very little of any practical use, apart from the rules of the road, from a book.
 
I drive a quarter mile at a time. Nothing else matters, not the mortgage, not the shop, not my wife and all her whinging. For those ten seconds or less, I’m free.
 
Just try to be smooth in everything you do :cool: don't slam it into gear, don't change gear at random times, don't jerk the wheel or press the brakes too hard, etc. Common sense applies.

To start off with you just need to concentrate on learning how to drive; clutch control etc. Also learn to read the road, you can be a lot smoother if you are able to anticipate the actions of other road users (not just cars).

Bit weary of trying to run before you can walk!
 
PermaBanned said:
So i've been studying for my theory test, which is kind of interesting but it is mainly just highway code/road safety stuff. There's not much on actually handling a vehicle. I guess this is what you pick up when you actually have lessons, but i was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for reading material on actual vehicle theory, something that would explain terms like engine braking and gear rev ranges and go over some of the key manoeuvres, or any general tips for how to drive well/economically?
Click to expand...

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPwt-gLXAMMVVne6TFyCDFA

helped me lots! :) your instructorf(if good) will cover a lot of it but the above channel is awesome for things that they don't and different ways of executing things :)
 
M8, there's loads in the highway code

If the rear steps out of line, steer into the skid
 
How do I drive? Like I own the road! :D

Really sensibly actually - planning ahead a lot and rarely having to reach a stop. This is because of motorbike training. You get taught to look for so much more than car drivers ever would.
 
If you really really want the best available information buy a copy of Roadcraft. It will contradict many of the things you will be taught in lessons however.

I think one of the most important things is Bend Assesment with Limit Point application. There's only one thing better than knowing how to handle loss of control, that's not losing control in the first place!
 
Sin_Chase said:
I think one of the most important things is Bend Assesment with Limit Point application. There's only one thing better than knowing how to handle loss of control, that's not losing control in the first place!
Click to expand...

This. (Expect to get the **** taken severely for this answer considering my, err, mishap but oh well). Dad drives for the fire brigade and uncle is ex traffic police, after passing I asked both about advanced driver training to learn how to deal with loss of control etc, they both responded by saying all of the training they are given focuses around driving in a manner that means they don't lose control. Whilst they also do skid pan days so they are prepared for every eventuality, they get a massive *******ing if they'd decided the quickest way round a corner was to take it sideways.

Generally this has stayed with me and I try to drive quite defensively, however I can be a bit of a daft **** at times.
 
You don't learn to drive till you pass your test.

Focus on passing the test first, do it exactly as they want you to do it, then forget all about it once you've done it and start learning from there.

You only develop proper road craft over time, it's not something you can really learn during driving lessons.
 
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