Advanced Driving Lessons

multiweb (Marc) · #1 14-09-2013, 01:57 PM

Enquiring at this stage into booking driving lessons for my kid. He's on his red Ps going for green anytime soon now. He's at this stage of his driving life where he's starting to drive a bit faster than what I think his skillset allows. I can see from sitting in the passenger seat that he's getting a little too confident and drives 'on the edge' and he still has an obvious lack of anticipation in minding his surroundings and the 'what if'. You know what I mean. Things you acquire with experience in various situations during your driving life. Let's call it peripheral vision for now.

For the record he has already rear-ended a 4x4 after being told to slow down for a little while couple of months ago. So what's the best thing to do to teach him this in a controlled situation what is car can and can't do so he doesn't get caught up in a bad situation. I see Eastern Creek has this NSW Defensive Driving Course. Any other pointers would be greatly appreciated. I'm not sure where to start. TIA.

Irish stargazer (John) · #2 14-09-2013, 02:29 PM

There is no substitute for actual driving experience. Definitely get professional lessons before the test. I thought my wife to drive (took several years off my life) but got her to take about 10 lessons before the test.

Two years after I did my driving test in the UK I trained for the Institute of Advanced Motorists advanced driving test. The instruction was given by a qualified volunteer and didn't cost anything but my time. It was a real eye opener. You don't realises the mistakes you make until someone points them out to you. The Advanced driving test is carried out by a police driver in the passenger seat and takes about 1.5 hours.
It was the best course I ever did. It made me a better and more confident driver and saved my neck several times. No accidents in 20 years since I did the test. I think the IAM used to operate here but not sure if they still do.
I would recommend this type of training to anyone, beginner or seasoned driver to brush up your skills and awareness.

rat156 · #3 15-09-2013, 09:47 AM

Hi Marc,

This course looks similar to one that I did last year. Should help with car control in an emergency. Not many courses can control the enthusiasm of youth though.

I would suggest that both of you do the course though, it can be enlightening.

Cheers
Stuart

multiweb (Marc) · #4 15-09-2013, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irish stargazer

There is no substitute for actual driving experience. Definitely get professional lessons before the test. I thought my wife to drive (took several years off my life) but got her to take about 10 lessons before the test.

Two years after I did my driving test in the UK I trained for the Institute of Advanced Motorists advanced driving test. The instruction was given by a qualified volunteer and didn't cost anything but my time. It was a real eye opener. You don't realises the mistakes you make until someone points them out to you. The Advanced driving test is carried out by a police driver in the passenger seat and takes about 1.5 hours.
It was the best course I ever did. It made me a better and more confident driver and saved my neck several times. No accidents in 20 years since I did the test. I think the IAM used to operate here but not sure if they still do.
I would recommend this type of training to anyone, beginner or seasoned driver to brush up your skills and awareness.

Thanks John. I see this is a UK based scheme. Any links in Oz? Couldn't find any.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rat156

Hi Marc,

This course looks similar to one that I did last year. Should help with car control in an emergency. Not many courses can control the enthusiasm of youth though.

I would suggest that both of you do the course though, it can be enlightening.

Cheers
Stuart

Thanks Stuart. Yeah I remember you mentioning going through something like that. Got any link? TBH I don't care how much it's going to cost me. That's something I need to do for him and might also get a refresher for myself. Better safe than sorry. Anything helps.

PS: Is that it? Saw that one too.

Larryp (Laurie) · #5 15-09-2013, 10:27 AM

Hi Marc
Contact the Australian Racing Drivers Club at Eastern Creek circuit. They run some advanced driving courses, and also have drive days at the circuit.
Membership is well worth while-great organisation.

Irish stargazer (John) · #6 15-09-2013, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by multiweb

Thanks John. I see this is a UK based scheme. Any links in Oz? Couldn't find any.

.

Marc, it looks like there is only a branch now in Tasmania. Not much use to you I'm afraid

rat156 · #7 15-09-2013, 04:22 PM

Hi Marc,

I did the John Bowe Driving course.

http://www.johnbowedriving.com.au

I think I did the Drive to Arrive course. The advance driving course would be great, but may encourage the wrong behaviour. I'm not sure but I think they will not let just anyone do the advanced driving course.

It appears that they are running one in November at Western City Dragway.

Cheers
Stuart

multiweb (Marc) · #8 17-09-2013, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rat156

Hi Marc,

I did the John Bowe Driving course.

http://www.johnbowedriving.com.au

I think I did the Drive to Arrive course. The advance driving course would be great, but may encourage the wrong behaviour. I'm not sure but I think they will not let just anyone do the advanced driving course.

It appears that they are running one in November at Western City Dragway.

Cheers
Stuart

Thanks. I booked the November one.

AstralTraveller (David) · #9 17-09-2013, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by multiweb

... For the record he has already rear-ended a 4x4 after being told to slow down for a little while couple of months ago. ...

I trust that provided appropriate stimulation to the hip-pocket nerve?

My problem was that I was a (fairly) skilled, alert, focused driver and couldn't appreciate that not everyone on the road was as skilled or paying as much attention as me - this despite having been driven by my mother for years!

We all know that some other road users lack basic skills, others might be watching the kids or could have just had an argument with their spouse, or are just aggressive turkeys, or ... or for any number of other reasons are not driving as well as they should and that we have to make allowances for these people or wind up in an accident. But how do you get that into a teenager's head? It took me years to learn but luckily there was minimal damage done. I'm all for advanced driver training but an hour in the passenger's seat next to granddad might also be educational.