Advanced driving techniques = money saving

researcher

Drivers who are trained in advanced driving techniques are 75% less likely to have a accident and therefore some insurers offer additional savings on the annual premium. In addition to this, because of the way they drive their cars servicing costs tend to be lower. I thought it might be interesting to start a thread suggesting ways we can save. My thought's are:

Take the advanced drivers test, even the best driver can learn something. If you avoid even one accident in your lifetime you're £££'s up.

Look ahead and use your brakes gently when you can - you're pads will be replaced less frequently.

When coming to lane closures on motorways etc use all the open lanes until the point where it is closed, not the point where the advice is given. Often you see long stationary queues in one lane with a half mile empty road in the other lane. Use both lanes and then 'herringbone' at point of closure, this generally keeps traffic moving and prevents that start - stop which is so heavy on the pocket. (This technique works where-ever two lanes become one and is common on the continent). This also helps avoid frustration (and that's worth a lot in my book!)

Check tyre pressures and tracking regularly - saves tyres.

vansboy

& despite the thoughts & opinions of many friends, for Mrs V's Christmas present, was a 1/2 day with a Class 1 Police driver, in her own car, on ordinary roads.

The gift was MOST welcomed & she indeed, learnt from the experience.

Highly reccommended are http://www.ridedrive.co.uk

VB

Pennywise

The advanced driving technique advocates braking to slow down, whilst staying in the same gear.

This is contrary to what most people are taught in their normal driving test where changing down through the gears appears to be the norm.

Obviously, using the gears less makes the gearbox and clutch last far longer and makes for a smoother drive.

ahll

This sounds good but arn't these advance driving courses expensive !

Ticklemouse

Take your foot off the clutch between gear changes. This may sound obvious, but you'll be surprised how many people keep their foot on the pedal and slightly depress the clutch when going from 1st to 2nd. Check it yourself next time you set off. Make a deliberate effort to actually take your foor off the pedal.

When starting your car, put it in neutral AND depress the clutch - this takes strain off the engine especially when it's cold.

With regards to using your gear box less, miss out gears going UP as well as down eg if you are on a suitable road and have achieved the speed limit/required and you are still say in 2nd, go straight to 4th (known as block changing)

vansboy

The advanced driving technique advocates braking to slow down, whilst staying in the same gear.

CORRECT!! Gears for Going - Brakes For Slowing!!!

This sounds good but arn't these advance driving courses expensive !

NOPE!! £100 ish for her 1/2 day. & it wasn't a course/test type situation, just a proffessional Police driver with her at the wheel.

Hints, tips & constructive suggestions being made by him.

VB

Ticklemouse

One thing to remember, whatever your 'advanced driver' status....

You're only as good as the last time you drove.

(ps as a Police Advanced driver - I'll charge you less than £100 per 1/2 day:D:D)

vansboy

Ticklemouse, why not give them a call at RideDrive?

They're all 'ex Job' & know what they're talikng about - unlike some training establishments.

I'm sure they'll be only too pleased to take you on board!!

VB

scheming_gypsy

Ticklemouse wrote:

You're only as good as the last time you drove.

(:D)

last time i drove i broke the speed limit on every road and didn't get caught, stopped or have one accident so i'm a fricken genius and expert drive..

Thanks for the advice Tickle i'll spend my £100 on beer and loose women

researcher

When I took my course with 'The Institute of Advanced Motorists', I think it cost £70, which included 6 hour+ drives and 6 'classroom' sessions covering everything from the manual they provided us with, ending with a drive with the examiner. The group was mixed, ages ranged from 22yrs to 65+ and we all had a really good time. We paid extra to have a day's practice on a 'skid pad', - which was brilliant. The IAM hold's courses around the country, and are particularly keen to encourage young drivers. (I think they might offer discounted courses for them).

scheming_gypsy

think the discounted courses might be to steer them away from the MaxDriver course, which is similar but run by Max Power which younger drivers would be more tempted to take.