Advanced Driving Aims

Dumfries and Galloway Group Of

Advanced Motorists and Motorcyclists

Rather than listing a series of driving tips as often seen on Advanced Driving sites we’ve tried to approach this section in a slightly different way. Although what makes a good driver is inevitably subject to interpretation and never ending discussion, here below are reproduced some of the elements of good driving that the Advanced Driver aims to achieve:

Aims: General

Handle the vehicle safely with due regard for other road users, making progress on the road but ensuring the vehicle is operated within the speed limit.

Aims: Control of the vehicle

Driving position: maintain a good upright stance throughout the drive, not too close to the wheel giving plenty of room to operate the steering wheel effectively.

Steering: Use pull push method, hands at approx. ‘Ten to Two’, shuffle wheel through hands to maintain this position except for the most minor cornering.

Gear changing: Take a firm grip of gear lever - ‘do not flick the stick’.

Foot Work: Unhurried balanced footwork to give firm braking, smooth acceleration and no jerking through use of clutch.

General: Clean glass and well adjusted mirrors, correct tyre pressures.

Aims: Road Craft

Vehicle sympathy: Smooth unhurried operation of vehicle but able to make progress.

Aptitude: Positive, relaxed but alert and aware.

Mirrors: Efficient use of all mirrors to ensure driver fully aware of activities to rear and sides of vehicle.

Control: Be in control of the vehicle at all times.

Signals: Ensure signals used to inform other road users of your intentions and their use or otherwise is assessed in advance each time.

Restraint & Courtesy: Exercise restraint and show courtesy to other road users.

Road surfaces & weather conditions: Pay attention to these factors and anticipate how changes will affect the vehicle as the drive progresses.

Manoeuvring: Ensure all operations are carried out efficiently and with precision.

Commentary: Maintain a fluent and relevant running commentary (spoken or thought) throughout the drive.

Aims: Planning

Observation: Constantly scan the near, mid and far distance both front and rear and sides as appropriate.

Signs and markings: Read all signs and markings then act accordingly.

IPSGA: Follow driving plan consider and act on the five stages systematically. Plan the approach to and exit from each hazard.

Speed limits: Strictly observe the maximum speed limits but do not treat them as a target.

Progress: Maintain progress, do not unnecessarily hold up following traffic.

Positioning: Adjust driving in the normal centre of lane as appropriate to suit geography of road and other road users. Do not encourage other drivers to take risks through your road positioning.

Lane discipline: Adhere to lane markings except when overtaking or dealing with obstructions and other hazards.

Acceleration sense: Actively promote acceleration sense during drive to promote smoother progress and avoid unnecessary braking and acceleration.

Overtaking: Overtake in a safe and positive manner.

Economy: Ensure tyres are at correct pressure, treat clutch with respect and avoid harsh braking and acceleration.

Anticipation: Anticipate the actions of others and the effects of internal and external stimuli on the vehicle. Expect the unexpected.

Elements making up a good drive:

Hazard recognition

Hazard prioritisation

Judgement of speed and distance (Use of brakes and acceleration in relation to distance.)

Concentration and temperament.

Deliberation - make and carry through correct decision.

Use of the system of car control.

Timing of the system.

Commentary - fluent - not affecting the drive.

Smoothness.

Appropriate safe, legal progress.