I was just wondering is there anyone else in the group who has done the advanced driving test. I did it a few years ago and found it really useful. It's not like your driving test when you have to indicate everywhere and drive slow etc..
It's more practical and teaches observation etc. Which is really important when driving a scooby. There is a good book called "Roadcraft" especially the overtaking and observations section.
I also think the IAM (institute of advanced motorists) is starting to have groups in the south at the moment.
Anyone any thoughts on good ways to improve your driving (track days are good plus rally schools). It's the best and safest way to make a car quicker....improve the Nut behind the wheel....

David L

 

A couple of mates and I hired a MK11 Escort rally car for a day last year and did a quarry sprint.We did a triple entry so all three of us got to do the whole sprint-one practice run plus three timed runs and split the costs three ways.May not have improved my driving much but was my first taste of competitive driving(5..4..3..2.1..GO!..chequered flags and all that).Bloody great day out.

 

I done my advanced test in '94, and spent some several years as an observer/instructor.

I would agree David, that it certainly makes you safer...actually I dont agree safer...It tunes your mind to avoiding other people accidents. thereby making the journey safer.

I have to disagree about making you quicker. It does not, and should not make you quicker as in high speed handling ability. What it will do is let you reach your destination at prudent/legal speed - which is proven to be a shorter journey time than racing/illegal speeding.

And dont even think about it for the cheaper insurance. It's just a myth.

As a sort of side note, I ve always prided myself on fastideous application of the advanced driving system, and I drove with a considerable amount of caution and temperence.

The effect of that for 7 years, is severely hampering my efforts at letting fly 100% on the stages. I feel far too cautious and put far too much weight on the considerations of standard drivng practice !!

I would still encourage anyone to do the test as I think it's worthwhile, but I bear in mind what I've said.

Finally, one fantastic associated benefit of getting involved in the IAM Institute of advanced Motorists, is the peripheral events and activites. I have been several times for skid pan training, got a passenger ride in a ferrari 355 at Kirkistown, met AustinMcHale, Kenny McKinstry at talks they gave and seen around their cars.

Downside is - most of the other folks are a bit fogeyish. Be Warned

Sul

(Blimey - that was a bit of a mouthful !

 

I have done a full day and a half day course at Rally School Ireland which the ISDC are going to this year .
The first day last June taught me a lot especially about when to brake for a corner and I practiced what I'd learned on the road and it has improved my driving immensly , making it a lot smoother . I was back in February for a half day and it was amazing how much better my driving was . I don't think I was any quicker because of the weather but I was more in control of the car and more confident of mine and the cars abilities .