Speed Awareness Courses should be mandatory for new drivers

lopsyfa

Norman_Castle wrote: »

The cost of insurance for new drivers is based on data.
Driving is far more complex than following rules and driving as you were taught to pass a test.
10 years ago a young friend was convinced he was a better driver than everyone because he had just passed and others had passed years ago. Now, 10 years later its unlikely he would consider himself a worse driver than someone who passed today.

Maybe I didn't make myself clear enough and I agree with you. In terms of competence, experience drivers are better but in terms of attitude to following the rules, I opined (if the data is available), the newer drivers will likely obey the rules more than experience drivers (not all new and experience drivers though).

An example, I was in a car with someone that just passes her test. For the first few weeks, she kept to the speed limit but as time goes by she started to creep over the limit. I understand this is just one example and doesn't mean new drivers are safer.

Insurance rates is different though as that depends on risk which more experience drivers are less risky because of better competence and experience and not necessarily because of obeying things like speed limits etc.

Norman_Castle

lopsyfa wrote: »

An example, I was in a car with someone that just passes her test. For the first few weeks, she kept to the speed limit but as time goes by she started to creep over the limit. I understand this is just one example and doesn't mean new drivers are safer.

A friend who has driven 15-25,000 miles per year had to go on a speeding course. After this she tries to stick to the 30 limit but constantly gets harassed out of the way by other drivers. I think experience teaches how to fit in with other traffic. Rules are needed for safety and to maintain some order but if you only follow the rules it can cause problems.

Driving lessons and the highway code don't teach common sense or common courtesy both of which are requirements for good driving.

lopsyfa

Norman_Castle wrote: »

A friend who has driven 15-25,000 miles per year had to go on a speeding course. After this she tries to stick to the 30 limit but constantly gets harassed out of the way by other drivers. I think experience teaches how to fit in with other traffic. Rules are needed for safety and to maintain some order but if you only follow the rules it can cause problems.

Driving lessons and the highway code don't teach common sense or common courtesy both of which are requirements for good driving.

I don't agree with that sentiment. It is not my experience that sticking to the speed limit cause others to harass you out of the way - there are a few people that will harass you out of the way whatever speed you travel at. Others harassing you out of the way should not cause you to speed.

I agree that common sense and courtesy are required while driving but regularly breaking the highway codes is not common sense or courteous.

Potbellypig

No better way to learn about the road than to ride a scooter/motorbike first, in my opinion.

Brookside88

Honestly, I don't think considerate driving is something that can be taught. Some people are just ignorant in and out of a car and no course is going to change that.

For what it's worth, I passed my test 13 years ago, I keep to the speed limit, I don't use my phone in the car, I indicate, I let people merge in turn etc etc etc. I've only ever had 1 minor accident when I was 23, creeping along in traffic, and somebody beeped their horn right next to my open window which scared the bejeebus out of me, and I took my foot off the brake and shunted the car in front. I was mortified, and haven't had an accident since.

I don't believe age has anything to do with it either - at least half the people I see using phones or driving like a tool are older than me.

At the end of the day, it's all down to whether or not you're a decent human being in my opinion

PS. all of the things you've said you had no idea about are in the highway code - I think you may have just had a rubbish instructor (as did the friends and family you mentioned)

Norman_Castle

lopsyfa wrote: »

I don't agree with that sentiment. It is not my experience that sticking to the [30?] speed limit cause others to harass you out of the way

I agree that common sense and courtesy are required while driving but regularly breaking the highway codes is not common sense or courteous.

No-one has suggested its common sense or courteous to break the highway code.

lopsyfa

Norman_Castle wrote: »

No-one has suggested its common sense or courteous to break the highway code.

I know you said 30 in your post. I removed that to maintain ALL speed limits should be obeyed including 30.

owen_money

Its almost like we need some sort of 'test' people have to pass to ensure they meet a required standard before being allowed out on the road on their own, if only we had such a thing

Car_54

owen_money wrote: »

Its almost like we need some sort of 'test' people have to pass to ensure they meet a required standard before being allowed out on the road on their own, if only we had such a thing

Great idea! And maybe a book of rules for them to follow?

lister

Norman_Castle wrote: »

After this she tries to stick to the 30 limit but constantly gets harassed out of the way by other drivers. I think experience teaches how to fit in with other traffic

One major precept of advanced driving is 'Drive your own drive'. If your driving is being controlled by those behind, you have a big problem. Of course you should cooperate and fit in with other drivers, but only within the bounds of what is legal and what is safe.

Norman_Castle wrote: »

Driving lessons ... don't teach common sense or common courtesy both of which are requirements for good driving.

My lessons do. Find a better instructor...That is all part of the higher levels of the GDE martix, which any halfway competent instructor should be teaching towards.