Learnmoore Driving

Don’t get me wrong, the CD player/Radio is a great addition to the car, it is a great aid to a long journey and a great healer of frustration and life’s stresses.  However I believe that more attention should be made to the distraction of it.  I am an advanced driver and I am hugely affected by the stereo and the music which it plays, I believe that the average driver is affected more than we may think.

I challenge any driver to try turning off the music/radio for a day or a week.  I believe that it is one of the main sources of distraction, try it and see.  I bet that you will be more aware of……

• The engine, its revs and its smoothness or lack of it
• Your surroundings, hearing more, seeing more, less distracted
• How smooth your gear changes are
• Any issues with tyres, brakes and more feeling of vibrations to the car encouraging sympathetic vehicle controls
• Your thoughts and planning

Try it, just once and see if your driving improves…….. Mine does!

Driving is a skill used daily by many, some are good drivers, some not so and a few are dangerous.  For me ‘Advanced’ driving is how we should all drive, all of the time, but realistically this is difficult.

Getting from A-B is most people’s target whilst driving, and it is mine too, to better yourself it is how you get there.  Above all was the drive safe? The surprising thing is how many driver’s cannot simply do this? So what do I mean safe?

How risky was the drive? Were you fit to drive? Is your car in good safe order? This is commonly the first downfall, are your tyres legal? Are your windows clear? Are your lights working?

If your car is always safe, you check it regularly and you only drive when you are fit to do so you are halfway there.  The driving itself is often unsafe through legalities, when did you last read the highway code, or refer to it? Could you always stop easily without drama? If you are an Advanced driver this is the foundations of the drive.

Moving on a ‘systematic’ drive should always be part of been an advanced driver. What is systematic? Are you using Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre, or the system ‘Information, Position, Speed Gear Acceleration’, Taking, using an giving information? This is all about been able to deal with situations on the road without any problems, loss of control and in a timely manner.  This takes practice and is part of building good habits, not bad, ensuring you get everything done in good time under full control.  It’s also about how you interact with other road users, safely and with plenty of space to react, been observant and aware.  Anything less at any point, any lack of concentration or focus, is not ‘Advanced’, albeit easy to fall into  unconscious and autonomous driving, as most do daily without thought.

The polish on top of been safe and systematic is been Smooth. It is very rare I see smooth driving, but this shows that the driving is planning ahead, can control the vehicle and is less likely to cause an incident to take place.  It makes the drive, not only smoother for passengers, but also more economical.  Braking without jerks, early and progressive the same with the accelerator and steering.  This is less likely to cause a skid too if you are smoother and with stability.

Finally often confused by most people when entering the world of ‘Advanced Driving’ is Progressive. This means keeping up with the flow of traffic, not been at all hesitant and to use the performance of car safely. Most take this as ‘we can floor it’, or we can drive over the speed limit.  Which is not the case, of course this does not keep the drive ‘safe.  Therefore its about balance and judgement of the situation, if the road is dry and clear with a national speed limit, good progress should be made.  If the conditions are poor, and situation has many hazards the speed should reflect this whilst keeping up with the flow of the traffic.  This takes practice and good judgement, and even the best drivers get this wrong.

Think you’ve got what it takes? Give it a go….. contact RoSPA for their advanced training and tests.

Mercedes S600

Possibly the best car in the world? Not so sure, but my god it is close.  Mercedes invented the motor car, and this is an example of one of their best!  This is the transport of the worlds most powerful people, world leaders and monarchy, if its good enough for them, it’s good enough for me.  Of course I have selected the V12 6.0 unit, but all of the engines are great, only the V12 is completely effortless and covers miles after miles near silently but with smooth serenity.

Mercedes SL55AMG

I would struggle to walk past the keys to the SL55, it is a true Jekyll and Hyde.  With a supercharged V8 you can quietly move along without much fuss, radar guided cruise control set to the car in front, calmly on the heated leather which massage your back just the way you want, or you can get the top down so you can hear the glorious engine roar through the tarmac in an animal way.  A great grand tourer, just the thing for everyday, or a blast to the Med.

Mini

This is an essential part of my dream garage, the Mini is a design icon, Ideally it will be a ’59 in mint condition.  The design was perfect for the market, when soon after its introduction Britain was suffering from similar economic circumstances to the current climate, and fuel shortages.  The mini was small, economical and with great packaging.  Handling was one of mini’s best points, which made it great fun to drive, even though the little A-series engine did not have that much power.

Nissan Skyline 1993 R33

Many might be surprised this choice, it would appear to be a ‘boy racers’ choice, however this model is more than just that, more an engineering marvel.  The Nissan has a turbo charged 2.5 litre straight six with four-wheel drive and active yaw control.  This is the car I would use if you need to get somewhere quickly but safely.  A great track car, but a great shape too, a performance powerhouse I’d teach overtaking on A roads in this car!

Porsche 911

A car that’s shape has not changed for decades, some love it, some hate it.  Although it is not my all time favorite, it is certainly deserves a place in my dream garage.  There is no doubt that it is a beautiful shape, and dynamically is great fun to drive.  A great concept of rear engine, rear wheel drive, gives great traction.  The picture above is one of my favorite, a complete classic design, in its purest form.

Rolls Royce Silver Cloud

The Mercedes S600 is said to be the greatest car in the world, well really it’s the Silver Cloud.  In my opinion the last of the ‘real’ Rolls, built like what seems solid granite this car was tested within an inch of its life, was hand finished to the highest possible quality.  Robust and supreme luxury where you were told that you could hear the clock ticking at motorway speeds.    Its beautiful lines won many hearts, truly a motoring icon.  I would take it out of the garage for family events and long cruises for its effortless beauty and luxury.

Saab 900

Swedish design, but not flat packed.  Comfortable, quick, sporty and reliable the discerning gentleman’s GTi.  The 900 would come out in cold winter days with its heated leather seats and turbo whistling through rural roads, it would become dirty with mud quickly.  The stunning silhouette, with great highlight along its waistline producing a purposeful sporty and sleek body shape.  They are also built fairly well and have a quality feel.

Subaru Impreza

Rally pedigree, bullet proof reliability and fabulous drive.  This is the car for the weekend to blast down slippery winding roads with four wheel drive.  I would be quite happy to settle for the standard 2.0 boxer engine without the turbo, quick an fun.  It’s appeal is usually associated with boy/girl racers, but there is a good reason – it’s so damn good.  For the advanced driver the engine and drive-chain is designed for squeezing every last drop of performance out of the drive.  Yet I believe that the understated yet well proportioned body makes it just right for blending into daily traffic without much fuss.

Volkswagen Golf

Oak green, 16v 2.0 GTI.  Absolutely perfect everyday car.  A design classic, built so painfully well yet economical to run and great fun.  What more can you ask for? The Golf would take pride of place in the garage, and would be polished and driven the most.  The body is practical yet perfectly penned and still the inspiration for all GTi’s of the past and today.  A fabulous drive and great workhouse.

Commentary driving is a great way to focus on the task at hand whilst driving.  During the following videos I have planned ahead to avoid stopping which is better for economy, but also in order to plan to approach at a sensible speed.

Notice on the first section I discuss the brow of the hill where it is difficult to see, the hazard of the roundabout, and the fact that there is no cyclist down the left before turning left on the roundabout.  As there are people to benefit I advised that I would signal left and give a brake signal to whoever is behind.  This is an example of Mirror-signal-Manoeuvre routine (or Take-Use-Give information stage in RoSPA).

You will notice on the approach to the next roundabout the same technique is applied, as well as planning ahead for what is on the other side of the roundabout before making the decision to get to the other side safely.  Also by using a brake light signal it warns vehicles from behind that I am slowing and potentially stopping; considering that the most common crash in the UK is been hit from behind this becomes important.

On the video shown above note the planning for traffic lights and pedestrian crossings, I comment if the button has been pressed or not?

…and I have discussed how long the traffic lights have been on green.  Most lights have a 30 seconds green, 30 seconds red which 3, 6, or 9 seconds between the different junctions.  They are usually easy to predict, if you are planning far enough behind.  Of course it is unsafe to brake harshly on the approach as ultimately you may be hit from behind, pushing you through the lights anyway.  Try and plan far ahead for the lights, if they change and someone is close the highway code advises that you can continue on amber to avoid a crash, however you should plan to stop, as per my commentary.  Amber light means stop behind the line, notice I am also looking through the lights to look for emergency services.

For more videos see our youtube channel

At learnmoore training aids we believe that attention to detail is important, which is why our training aids for ADI’s, PDI’s and ORDIT instructors include a wide range of subjects, not just for Pre-Set tests but for the real world.  Although not exhaustive, most of what you require on the road with a client is contained as can be seen from the extensive contents page here.

Additionally each page has colourful and graphic details of the subject matter with a simple check list for the instructor whether they are  well versed or not, this acts as a memory aid.

Please click on the image which can be viewed full size.  The images are clear and help a busy Approved Driving Instructor or a newbie PDI to deliver great lessons.  Of course non of this is any use without positive coaching,  feedback and teaching techniques.  Therefore we offer guides to help ORDIT and PDI’s at the rear of the fully laminated wiro-bound booklet.

Of course none of this can be done without practice which is why this document which contains over 45 pages of handy durable guides should be used to train PDI’s by ORDIT instructors to create more great ADI’s looking to get a top grade.

For further questions or to purchase these please call/text or email me using our contact page or click here.  The training aids are currently £39.99 inc P&P, but they will be increasing price in the new year with a new price structure for the whole of Learnmoore Driving.  (Please note you can purchase these on PayPal sending the full £39.99 via ijmoore@yahoo.com along with your contact address and details, we dispatch them within 5 working days)

I was having a meal in a Mexican Style restaurant not so long ago, and the restaurant provided crayons and a table mat which was available to use as a very large piece of paper.  Anyone who knows me will understand that the urge would be too strong not to, so…….

I made a list of my perfect, and ideal garage the only problem was there was just so many cars I wanted, so here are some of the car’s I’d love to drive, cherish and own if money (and garage space) was no object.

Alfa Romeo 156 V6

Imagine turning up to the office in a bespoke tailored Italian suit.   Sub-urban Britain is boring place with swades of mock Tudor four bedroom detached pinned in between each other with gravel and grass, this carries onto the block driveway with good, but boring mid-size company exec cars on the drive (like 3-Series and Audi’s).  The 156 is a classic Italian suit for the masses, and for the first time an Alfa Romeo which is also fairly reliable making it a genuine alternative to the boredom of BMW.  The V6  is a beauty in its own right, for its sensual sound, for its flexibility on the road and its chrome engine under the bonnet.  The 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 are also peppy and also look the business.  The pepper-pot wheels and great body shape drawing inspiration from old classic Alfa, the rear doors with hidden door handles in the C pillar to keep the coupé appearance.  Although the Alfa has a front wheel drive chassis, it offers an engaging drive with the practicality needed for everyday life.  Why is it in my dream garage? When the sun shines and a back road blast calls, I would arrive in style and comfort but still with a sense of passion that this car oozes.

Ariel Atom

My heart would stop for just that moment when you even thought about trying to climb into the Ariel.  It does not have a large engine, or much of anything else for that matter, the windscreen included.  However akin to a super-bike on four wheels the senses would be heightened just starting the engine.  On the road every bump, undulation and camber is feedback to the driver, the acceleration as good, if not better than some of the quickest cars available.  A pure adrenaline hit no question it would be in most dream garages.

Aston Martin DB4

A British gentleman could not turn down the charms of an Aston Martin, but a DB4′s balanced stance, classic wire wheels and hand-built qualities.  Not a quick car by today’s standards, not at all sporty but one of the oringal grand tourer’s, in a dream world a tour across southern Europe and the Alps would be perfect in this classic Aston, so long of course if it is British Racing Green.

Audi Quattro

One of the criteria for my dream garage is great engineering, and the Audi Quattro really did set the history of engineering four-wheel drive, high powered future sports cars.  Setting the rally circuits on fire when it first hit them in the early 80′s, nothing could keep up with it.  This vehicle is the definition of form follows function, a great 5 cylinder turbo charged  engine anchored to the road by a four-wheel drive transmission designed purely to get the most power to the road without loss of control or friction.  No doubt the body was just to house the oily bits, but in fact the styling is 100% 80′s and no the less exciting for it, I’d be very disappointed if this was not in my dream garage.

Bentley S1/Rolls Royce Silver Cloud

Quality and grandeur only touch the surface with this another British heavyweight.  In a garage the Bentley or Rolls would need space and respect, just as it does on the road.  Although it is a large car the much of the hand-built coachwork available is stunning, a deep paint colour rumoured to be many layers thick, with strong and flowing lines.  Again this car is in the dream garage for its engineering, quality build and quiet opulence where it was said you could hear the clock ticking at 100mph, yet this car and chassis was tested to destruction.

BMW 5-Series

German perfectionists built this car, which is music to my ears. Balanced 50/50 weight distribution, silky smooth straight six driving the rear wheels just as cars should.  Understated design built well for many thousands of miles, who can argue that this multi-award winning car should be in the garage.  I have already mentioned that BMW’s are boring, but really that’s because we see so many on the road; only because of their well deserved success.  A car for every day hard work, for racking up comfortable miles with little effort, a modern classic.

Citroen DS

Anyone that knows me well will know that me and modern French cars do not get on well.  But I have a soft spot for the DS, you see life on the road should in my opinion be cossetted, smooth and comfortable.  The DS was a leap forward in suspension, practical design, but is also a truly beautiful shape. Not many modern cars can provide the near perfect ride, but the Citreon did this 1955.

Citroen 2CV

The 2CV is never going to set the world on fire, but it is definitely a form follows function design.  The design brief? To carry farmers and their eggs over a field without breaking the eggs! Well, it is honest, basic and meets the needs of a car, to get you from A to B.  A true design classic, not exactly beautiful but certainly very practical.  Great car for a quiet picnic on a sunny day.

Ferrari 250 GT

As a car fan, of course I love Italian cars, but Ferrari for me is a cliché.  If I had money and space in the garage for one Ferrari, it would without question be a 250GT.  A modern Ferrari would be great, but are too easy to live with day to day, and do not (for me anyway) hold a special something in the same way that the old ones do.  The small capacity V12 sounds great, I could not imagine much better way of touring Italy and the Med.

Fiat 500

Even before the recent uptake in love for the little 500 in the new Fiat model, I have been a great fan.  Truly lovable in so many ways, the small Italian is packaged so well, and was always built for everyday folk to get around economically.  The charming looks, basic mechanics were always a great success, sparking the design for the Cinquento and modern 500, both fun and practical cars.  A classic car which can be used on a daily basis, it is never going to be quick though, but that is its charm!

1998 Ford Focus

I have a soft spot for Fords, you might call it my achilles heal.  My first car was a mark three Escort, in Jade green which was given to me by a friend!  I have owned a few fords, and had the pleasure of driving many more, you see they are generally such peaches to drive, fluid, fun and dynamic.  However I know that they are not the most reliable approach to motoring, so have always avoided them since my last Fiesta, which I loved to bits, but it was not built all that well.  Mark my words the Ford Focus will be a future design classic, it was a completely fresh design which looks great still today, practical and economical for the masses and absolutely fabulous to drive.  It is a truely great family car, designed just for that, some of the design features are brilliant.  The bonnet opening with a key under the ford badge, the interior, well laid out great quality plastics, lots of space well laid out controls, fully independent suspension, lovely weighted steering and smooth gear box; all adds up to be a great pleasure to live with on a daily basis.  Yet when the mood takes you drop a gear, tackle your favorite road and it still puts a smile on your face!  Great car, it is just such a shame the its newer replacements look so awful, even if they are still dynamically great to drive.

Ford Model T

Without it there would not be the motor industry we know today, it brought motoring to the masses, and manufacture/production techniques advancements with spades.  I’d love to drive one, to own one would be even better; if I had one I would drive it as much as I could.  Question is which coachwork?

Jaguar XJ

This car was designed for me I’m sure, quick, smooth comfortable with style. It is truly beautiful, the basic design has stayed the same since the 1968, which is says a lot about it, only the new shape which arrived in 2009 saw the end to the classic design.  Although I think the new shape is great (and if I had the chance I would have a new one too!) I would have to have the old shape car.  The most modern of which has an aluminum body, so although it is very large, the car is very light on its feet.  Having visited the Jaguar factory I can see the quality and care which goes into the build of this British masterpiece, the problem then is choosing the engine, as the 2.7TD is fabulous yet economical, but to be a true Jag, the V8 Supercharged would be in order, the trip I’d love to do in this car is to Scotland, or a trip to Spain.  The car could cope no sweat.

Land Rover Defender

In the same way I look at the Ariel Atom and think ‘I want to drive that’ I do exactly the same with the Defender.  Give me the Land Rover and a muddy field or wooded trail and I’d be happy at any time of year.  It is a sturdy tool for towing, and daily grind of moving large items, a trusted friend who will help out in winter.  The ability of the Defender is immense, and puts modern replica’s to shame.  I’m not sure the muddy Landy would be kept in the polished white heated tiles though.  I think it might just stop out in the elements where it belongs!  I’d avoid long motorway trips in it if I could help it though, as I do suffer from headaches!

Lotus Elise

I drove an Elise on a track for my 18th Birthday, and I still remember it now.  The small but revvy K-Series engine, the firm, responsive non assisted brakes.  A true play toy, with the feedback of the road coming through the steering, brakes and gearbox, this is the way all cars should feel.  This would be used on a regular basis to let off some steam.

Maserati Gran Turismo

Beautiful, Italian Grand Tourer.  ’Right we’re going away for the weekend’ car, hop on a ferry and mainland Europe would offer this car some room to stretch its legs, any weather, and season I’d be happy to pack the bags with a few things and set off down the road in this great looking car.  It is a quiet and comfortable cruiser, but also a back road blaster forcing a smile on to anyone’s face. What more can I say?

Mazda MX-5

The MX-5 does exactly what a 60′s British sports car should do, but better.  It does it without fuss, without the hassle.  An ad hoc trip to the pub for a carvery on sunny sunday followed by a blast down my favorite road, who could complain (unless it’s winter).  Heated seats would be on the spec list though!

Although we learn to deal with crossing the road when we are very young by adults, often parents, pedestrian safety applies just as much when you are 3 or 4 as when you are 30 or 40.  In 2008 6642 pedestrians were killed or seriously injured (DFT), and nearly 22,000 were slightly injured.  The highest number of killed and seriously injured was among 20-29 year olds!  Although some of this could be put down to drivers and pedestrian infrastructure, I think much of it can be attributed to the way we use the roads as pedestrians.

If you take the picture above, this is a safe route to Tesco, however often it seems easier to take a diagonal route between cars to the store, without taking the pedestrian crossing but if it is there why not use it? Furthermore why would you push your trolley down between two reversing cars down the main road, when Tesco have built a perfectly good path?  Having said this supermarket amongst others have missed the point slightly as to put the trolley back inside the trolley bay, you need to get back on to the road again?

Looking at the figures, it is clear that most incidents happen (including fatalities) in built up areas, which is why councils spend about £70,000 on puffin crossings and about £20,000 on a zebra crossing.  However still pedestrians will avoid using a pedestrian crossing, or waiting for the green man? Of course, we are adults and there are many safe ways of crossing the road, but as the highway code advises to set a good example to young pedestrians in rule 7.    It is worth asking the question why would a council spend £70,000 on a crossing if there were no incidents there? Well I would say if there is a crossing, it is probably for a good reason!

Of course cars parked on the Zig Zags at pedestrian crossings mean it is difficult for pedestrians to see cars, and vice versa.#

Highway Code Rule: 191

You MUST NOT park on a crossing or in the area covered by the zig-zag lines. You MUST NOT overtake the moving vehicle nearest the crossing or the vehicle nearest the crossing which has stopped to give way to pedestrians.

[Laws ZPPPCRGD regs 18, 20 & 24, RTRA sect 25(5) & TSRGD regs 10, 27 & 28]

Finally the decision is your own, I cannot tell you what to do, but hopefully reading this may prompt a safer approach to crossing the road and using the features put in place to help you.  

See figures here

Motorway driving takes planning and skill, however most have little or no training for this. Although many drivers use the motorway regularly, some avoid it altogether and although they are built with speed in mind, often distances are misjudged. The key thing is to manage the space around your vehicle and plan for others whilst on the road. The commentary below shows the approach to the motorway. It is important that your car is ready for a any journey, but due to the high speeds whilst on the motorway, it is critical do you check your car is safe particularly tyres and lights. You will notice in the video I have considered the traffic on the M6 before entering, remember that the road could be busy and has very few exits, so a quick glace to see queuing traffic may change your mind about this route and to consider another.

The next step is to get onto the motorway, for some this can be tricky, see my previous post about the motorway.  Again the main thing here is space and speed, matching your speed to the traffic on the road, and merging in without causing them to change speed or lane. When joining the motorway, be cautious about moving out into lanes 2 or 3 quickly.  With the situation in the video I moved across due to the two trucks overtaking each other, but was very considered.  It can take a while to get used to the speed of the traffic, moving out too quickly can make it difficult for other drivers to plan their drive.  Considered decisions rather than quick decisions at these speeds are critical, after all 70mph is 31 metres (about 90ft) in one second.

Exiting the Motorway…

Onto the A500 – Note not alongside the truck, until he is safely out of the way on the roundabout…….

Parallel parking is often a manoeuvre which drivers find difficult, we have prepared a video to help with this.

Of course safety is the main concern here, so a slow car with good observation is critical. This video shows a great technique for getting this incorrect, if you struggle to do the manoeuvre, try it slower, or adjust the speed of your steering whilst still moving slowly. We offer practical sessions for this in the Staffordshire area.

The Decade of Action for Road Safety starts in 2011, but what is it trying to achieve, and why?

Vehicles have caused an odd situation, which humans have not had to deal with until the last century or so, motorisation of our transport. Although most of us take cars, buses and trucks for granted, these are a relative new phenomenon. We accept that decease and ill health cause’s death, but have a completely different outlook on road safety, but why?

According to the World Health Organisation more children died in Africa in 1998, from road crashes than from the HIV/AIDS virus. Approximately three thousand people die on the road around the world each day.

Very simply, something is been done about this see Global Road Safety Partnership