Driving over mini roundabout - AA instructor says yes under certain circumstances

egyptiancotton

DaveF327 wrote: »

You're absolutely correct. The instructor is indeed giving incorrect advice which is actually counselling and procuring you to break the law. The only justification for driving a wheel over the circle is if it is physically impossible to avoid due to the size or layout of the roundabout or possibly the presence of an obstruction.

I wonder how many of his learner pupils have failed a driving test for taking his advice?

The part in bold worries me. Sadly, there are too many instructors out there who teach learners to drive brake/clutch with no accelerator use with the engine and clutch straining and shuddering against the brake pads. This is nonsense, ruins the car and is generally used as a "cop out" by instructors who lack the skill to teach and consolidate the correct 3 way co-ordination of handbrake, accelerator and clutch. A lot of instructors who get away with this always seem to drive diesels, so teach the easiest way to drive their car and scrape through a test at the bare minimum scruffy standard, but leave the poor learner totally unable to cope beyond the test when they come to drive a petrol engine.

It is correct that the handbrake isn't always necessary for very short pauses, providing the road is flat or slightly downhill. On an uphill gradient, there must be perfect control. It is possible to achieve this by an expertly timed switchover from footbrake to gas in the briefest moment before the car loses uphill momentum, so that the car is held in equilibrium on the hill until it is safe to move away. This equilibrium (with feet on gas and clutch, not brake/clutch) should not be held for more than a few seconds, as it wears the clutch and there is always the risk that an accident (foot slipping off clutch or being hit from behind) will propel the car forwards. If you lack the ability to co-ordinate the car in this manner without rolling back or lurching forwards, then the handbrake must be used until you develop this skill.

You should change instructor to one who talks sense and teaches correctly.

Thank you for the advice. In fact, thank you to everyone who's replied. I didn't want to come across as sounding daft, but it does genuinely concern me that a driving instructor gave me this advice.

The AA will phone me back tomorrow or Monday to confirm the DSA's opinion, although I have no doubt they will say the instructor's advice is incorrect regarding the mini roundabout. The AA has offered to change the instructor. I think I'll ask for this when they contact me.

Quentin

If you want training to pass the IAM test, consider joining a local IAM group where they help you with accompanied drives etc.

Pointless paying an instructor for (seemingly poor) lessons when at worst you might fail the test but will then learn about your faults and how to correct them off the examiner.

egyptiancotton

Quentin wrote: »

If you want training to pass the IAM test, consider joining a local IAM group where they help you with accompanied drives etc.

Pointless paying an instructor for (seemingly poor) lessons when at worst you might fail the test but will then learn about your faults and how to correct them off the examiner.

The Drive Confident course offered by the AA is free. I think I'll look to join my local IAM group and be reassured that I'll receive proper advice.

Iceweasel

lloydyyy wrote: »

The AA instructor who took me out in the car today, told me it's OK to drive over it if there's no other traffic around./QUOTE]

That 'no other traffic' bit is the most worrying thing I've heard for some time.

The 'instructor' is advocating completely ignoring the Highway code and the The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002.

The fact that there is no other traffic around is irrelevant - he might extend this to stop signs or traffic lights next - why not - if he sees fit to ignore one rule why not others? A truly terrible teacher.

Of course we have all went over the white line demarcating a mini-roundabout when needs must. Many of them are badly positioned and are of such a size that a go-cart could barely get around.

Even with a big truck one must make an attempt at staying on the left of the markings. Ignoring them is just not on.

Or turning right when towing a trailer or caravan - you still keep the tow car to the outside of the circle, knowing that the trailer will likely go over the top of it.

Lloydyyy - please do come back and tell us what the DSA have to say.

egyptiancotton

Iceweasel wrote: »

lloydyyy wrote: »

The AA instructor who took me out in the car today, told me it's OK to drive over it if there's no other traffic around./QUOTE]

That 'no other traffic' bit is the most worrying thing I've heard for some time.

The 'instructor' is advocating completely ignoring the Highway code and the The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002.

The fact that there is no other traffic around is irrelevant - he might extend this to stop signs or traffic lights next - why not - if he sees fit to ignore one rule why not others? A truly terrible teacher.

Of course we have all went over the white line demarcating a mini-roundabout when needs must. Many of them are badly positioned and are of such a size that a go-cart could barely get around.

Even with a big truck one must make an attempt at staying on the left of the markings. Ignoring them is just not on.

Or turning right when towing a trailer or caravan - you still keep the tow car to the outside of the circle, knowing that the trailer will likely go over the top of it.

Lloydyyy - please do come back and tell us what the DSA have to say.

I will definitely keep you all updated. Even though this course is free (2 sessions), would it be worth asking for a different driving instructor, or just approach the local IAM group directly?

I'll try to remember what other advice was given to me by this particular instructor.

Richard53

I can poke fun at the IAM sometimes, but to be fair if you join your local group and get some drives with a qualified observer, you will be with someone who is an enthusiastic amateur, almost certainly a safe and skilled driver, and someone who can help you improve in a structured and helpful way.

Both my daughters passed their driving tests this year (sorry, last year) and when they have got a few miles under their belts I will be buying them a voucher for the 'Skills For Life' programme that the IAM do. IAM pass standard is nothing very special (safe and competent, I would say), but the attitude of skills improvement that the IAM promotes is very worthwhile in my opinion.

Iceweasel

Definitely ask for another driving instructor!

jase1

facade wrote: »

There is one on my way home from work that is placed so that if you want to turn right, and drive round it rather than over it, traffic assume from your road position you are going straight on (as you have to do a 120 degree swan neck to go right) and pull out, so the legal route involves much covering of the brake, whilst the illegal one is safer.

(I bet the planner got an award for the layout too)

Surely the use of the right indicator would fix that problem?

facade

jase1 wrote: »

Surely the use of the right indicator would fix that problem?

Not in my experience

jase1

facade wrote: »

Not in my experience

I'd be tempted to let them hit me if they're that moronic