Advanced driving is advanced driver thinking. After taking driving lessons in Nottingham and passing the DSA driving test you will have reached a basic level of driver competence. This should be viewed as the beginning of your driving career, not as the end of your learning to drive. This article on Advanced driving is about taking your driving to the next level, resulting in greater vehicle sympathy, lower fuel costs and most importantly, increased safety.
Advanced Driving. What is it?
Advanced driving is advanced driver thinking. After taking driving lessons in Nottingham and passing the DSA driving test you will have reached a basic level of driver competence. This should be viewed as the beginning of your driving career, not as the end of your learning to drive. This article on Advanced driving is about taking your driving to the next level, resulting in greater vehicle sympathy, lower fuel costs and most importantly, increased safety.
The greatest difference between an advanced driver and a average driver is the amount of skill shown in planning and awareness of the driving situation. The advanced driver looks further ahead, takes all information into consideration and forms a driving plan in advance to deal with hazards smoothly and expertly.
In advanced driving, the driver is constantly scanning the road ahead as well as to the sides and rear of the vehicle. There is constant eye movement as opposed to the static staring ahead of the average driver. Looking over, under and through upcoming hazards, the advanced driver is constantly looking for clues as to what will happen next, anticipating the actions of others based on the information gained by actively scanning the driving environment. It is this anticipation which keeps the advanced driver one step ahead of the driving situation. One of the many systems designed to improve visual awareness is the Smith system outlined below:
1. Aim the eyes high towards the horizon. This assists in accurate steering and gives early information, leaving more time to act upon it.
2. Keep your eyes moving. Advanced drivers actively look for danger which helps them to stay alert. Avoid the fixed stare ahead which leads to daydreaming and driving on 'autopilot'.
3. Get the big picture. Allowing your eyes to be drawn to one area means the driver can miss important visual information.
4. Leave yourself an 'out'. Anticipate the actions of other road users and try to leave yourself options, don't get boxed in.
5. Make sure they see you. Position your vehicle so you can see and be seen. Don't hesitate to make eye contact with other drivers if you feel you are competing for the same space.
There are other systems but all seem to follow these basic rules. If you are to become an advanced driver it would be a good idea to practise these disciplines in your daily drive. This is good training if you wish to take the Diamond Advanced Driving test or the Diamond Special driving test.
With forward planning comes smooth car control, the hallmark of the advanced driver. Eco – safe driving becomes effortless as the vehicle is always in the right gear for the speed and power requirements. Braking is done in good time with better use of acceleration sense, coming off the gas early saves you fuel. Steering is smoother, no last second changes in direction or hurried movements at the wheel.
Also called Defensive driving, Advanced driving is a question of attitude. Being in control of the situation, the advanced driver applies a calm approach to the drive and avoids 'getting involved' with other drivers who tend to become aggressive when feeling overloaded or threatened by the situation. Advanced drivers never drive in the spirit of competition, or allow themselves to become involved in aggressive driving scenarios.
Fitness to drive is a consideration for the advanced driver, having an awareness of how tiredness, fatigue, emotional stress or medication can impair performance, as well as more obvious factors such as alcohol and recreational drugs. This can be a problem for older drivers who may struggle to keep a fitness level appropriate to safe driving. Eyesight, reaction times and mental stamina all deplete as we age. The advanced driver needs to show self awareness surrounding these issues and act accordingly.
There we have a brief outline of what it means to be an advanced driver. There is great satisfaction to be had in developing your driving skills and having them tested by the experts. So the only question left is, are you up to the challenge?
More info at www.mydrivinginstructortraining.com.
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