What exactly is Advanced Driving?
Discussion
This post has been running around my mind for a while now. There should be a straightforward answer to what seems to be such a simple question. I should be able to easily define “advanced driving” in a couple of sentences, using a few key words and phrases. The trouble is, the more I think about it, the more difficult I find it to actually define.
It might be easy to define an advanced driver as someone who is, in some way, “better” than the average driver. But what exactly is the “average driver”? And how do you define if your driving is “better” or “worse” than the average driver?
Maybe there should be some kind of qualification which defines an advanced driver – you know – some kind of additional training followed by a test. Yes – that’s a good idea.
But if you have a google you’ll find that there is the Institute of Advanced Motorists, the Cardington special test, the RoSPA advanced test, the DIAmond advanced motorist test and any number of additional private companies and individuals offering training from fleet driving up to high performance track skills.
And then there are the different police courses – standard, advanced, pursuit, close protection & instructor’s courses. Where do they fit in to the advanced driving palette?
All these qualifications can be a measure of someone’s ability, but their ability at what? What actually is the difference between an ordinary driver and an advanced driver?
So I think I need to answer the question by examining a few different principles which I believe go towards defining “advanced driving”. To make it a bit more interesting, I’ll invite you to contribute your own ideas too.
To begin though, I’ve lifted a paragraph directly from the old blue Roadcraft. Paragraph 6 to be exact:
Now on to Reg’s principles of advanced driving. Let’s start with a few positive mental attributes:
1. An open mind and an ongoing willingness to learn
This is the first attribute I would expect a more advanced driver to possess. There are a lot of drivers out there who aren’t really that interested in driving. They see motoring simply as a mode of transport and they view driving as a chore to be carried out in much the same way as gardening, washing-up, painting the dog or hanging the kettle out to dry. Their driving “learning curve” flattened out the day after they passed their driving test and their driving style is a combination of skills which were taught by their instructor or developed over time – mostly for convenience.
In my view an advanced driver is never complete – they should always feel that – no matter what they have accomplished or how much experience they have gained – there is always something new to learn. They should treat each and every drive = no matter how mundane - as a learning experience.
2. A realistic assessment of their own abilities
Let me put that another way – a good driver should never think they are better than they actually are.
There is nothing more dangerous than a driver who thinks their skill level is higher than it really is. This is particularly true in the police where newly qualified advanced drivers have a noticeably higher chance of having an accident in the first 12 months after passing their advanced course. There is a tendency with these drivers to think “I’m advanced – I’m invincible”, right up to the point where they discover that they’re not.
So an advanced driver should be aware of their own skill level (and should, in my view, err on the side of caution by always underestimating it) and should never exceed it.
3. A calm and composed attitude with just the right amount of assertiveness
This is a fairly obvious one, but should at least be mentioned. I’ve included assertiveness too as I don’t believe a good driver necessarily has to be a completely defensive one. There should be a desire, when the time is right, to want to make good progress and that requires a positive, assertive attitude paired with the right amount of cautiousness.
That composed attitude also comforts passengers, who, generally, unconsciously pick up on a drivers emotions.
To put it another way, think Huggy Bear rather than Starsky & Hutch.
But without the platform shoes.
4. An ability to remove emotion from driving
A good driver doesn’t personalise situations and has the ability to forgive others and themselves. This is a very simple principle, but is one of the most difficult abilities to acquire & some of the most technically competent drivers can never achieve it completely.
I’m happy to admit I struggle myself sometimes.
5. An active (but not overactive) imagination
Driving plans are based on what you can see, but just as importantly, what you can’t see. It’s important that you can imagine the likely hazards that are out of view, without being too cautious and imagining unlikely scenarios.
6. Sustained concentration
An ability to concentrate is essential for any driver, but the very best are able to maintain a high level of concentration throughout any drive in any circumstances. They shouldn’t get bored or distracted.
7. Planning
Every action a driver takes should be planned in advance. Driving plans should constantly evolve and should include alternative plans in case the situation changes. In other words, plans can’t be rigid and you must always have a plan b and usually a plan c to fall back on.
Planning also includes the ability of a driver to maintain excellent observation skills, combined with the ability to interpret what they are seeing correctly and understand what is happening.
Now, let’s list some of the more practical skills I’d consider to be available to an advanced driver.
8. Smoothness with the controls
This one has already been discussed at length and there are multiple benefits to a smooth driving style. Have a look around the forum & you’ll find plenty of information on this one.
9. Accuracy
By which I mean an ability to accurately place the car exactly where it should be at the appropriate point on the road. Accuracy also includes an ability to identify the correct time and place to brake, change gear, steer, accelerate etc. When I was instructing, accuracy would be taught at lower speeds until it became second nature – then the speeds could increase.
10. Mechanical sympathy
A good driver doesn’t necessarily need a comprehensive mechanical knowledge, but a little knowledge of how the oily bits work is useful. What they should have, however, is an ability to use a vehicle in a way which keeps wear and tear to a minimum. Smoothness is a key aspect of course, but other points like having a little sympathy with a cold engine & gearbox and avoiding riding the clutch are important.
11. Feel
We should be using all our senses when driving, including our sense of touch. Fingers on the steering wheel should detect road surface changes and grip levels. Feet on pedals should detect clutch biting points and the reactions of the brakes. Backside and torso should detect the balance and attitude of a car – particularly when cornering.
That’s my list for now – there are others, but for simplicity I’ll keep it to 11 for the time being.
One thing I’d also like you to consider – the things I haven’t included in the list. Particularly things which many people would consider qualities of an advanced driver.
Fast reactions, for instance. Reaction times have very little relevance in advanced road driving where the ability to plan ahead should remove almost all necessity for fast reactions.
Confidence is another. Confidence can so easily lead to overconfidence which can, in turn, easily lead to road-sky-road-sky-road-sky-ditch-hospital.
I’ve also left out any references to sliding, drifting and other slidey-around fun activities. These are skills that a good driver can learn and enjoy, but I’m not of the opinion that they have anything to do with advanced driving in it’s correct context, which is that of safe, smooth, quick and controlled road driving.
Anyway, that’s my bit – time for your thoughts.
It might be easy to define an advanced driver as someone who is, in some way, “better” than the average driver. But what exactly is the “average driver”? And how do you define if your driving is “better” or “worse” than the average driver?
Maybe there should be some kind of qualification which defines an advanced driver – you know – some kind of additional training followed by a test. Yes – that’s a good idea.
But if you have a google you’ll find that there is the Institute of Advanced Motorists, the Cardington special test, the RoSPA advanced test, the DIAmond advanced motorist test and any number of additional private companies and individuals offering training from fleet driving up to high performance track skills.
And then there are the different police courses – standard, advanced, pursuit, close protection & instructor’s courses. Where do they fit in to the advanced driving palette?
All these qualifications can be a measure of someone’s ability, but their ability at what? What actually is the difference between an ordinary driver and an advanced driver?
So I think I need to answer the question by examining a few different principles which I believe go towards defining “advanced driving”. To make it a bit more interesting, I’ll invite you to contribute your own ideas too.
To begin though, I’ve lifted a paragraph directly from the old blue Roadcraft. Paragraph 6 to be exact:
Paragraph 6 of the old parchment version of Roadcraft said:
Quiet efficiency is the hallmark of an expert. Although alert he gives the impression of being completely relaxed. He drives in a calm, controlled style without fuss or flourish, progressing smoothly and unobtrusively. He will always be in the right place on the road, travelling at the right speed with the right gear engaged and he achieves this desirable state by concentrating all the time, planning ahead and driving systematically.
Now, apart from the overt 1970’s sexism, this is quite a nice little paragraph. It’s quite dated, of course, but the basic principles are correct.Now on to Reg’s principles of advanced driving. Let’s start with a few positive mental attributes:
1. An open mind and an ongoing willingness to learn
This is the first attribute I would expect a more advanced driver to possess. There are a lot of drivers out there who aren’t really that interested in driving. They see motoring simply as a mode of transport and they view driving as a chore to be carried out in much the same way as gardening, washing-up, painting the dog or hanging the kettle out to dry. Their driving “learning curve” flattened out the day after they passed their driving test and their driving style is a combination of skills which were taught by their instructor or developed over time – mostly for convenience.
In my view an advanced driver is never complete – they should always feel that – no matter what they have accomplished or how much experience they have gained – there is always something new to learn. They should treat each and every drive = no matter how mundane - as a learning experience.
2. A realistic assessment of their own abilities
Let me put that another way – a good driver should never think they are better than they actually are.
There is nothing more dangerous than a driver who thinks their skill level is higher than it really is. This is particularly true in the police where newly qualified advanced drivers have a noticeably higher chance of having an accident in the first 12 months after passing their advanced course. There is a tendency with these drivers to think “I’m advanced – I’m invincible”, right up to the point where they discover that they’re not.
So an advanced driver should be aware of their own skill level (and should, in my view, err on the side of caution by always underestimating it) and should never exceed it.
3. A calm and composed attitude with just the right amount of assertiveness
This is a fairly obvious one, but should at least be mentioned. I’ve included assertiveness too as I don’t believe a good driver necessarily has to be a completely defensive one. There should be a desire, when the time is right, to want to make good progress and that requires a positive, assertive attitude paired with the right amount of cautiousness.
That composed attitude also comforts passengers, who, generally, unconsciously pick up on a drivers emotions.
To put it another way, think Huggy Bear rather than Starsky & Hutch.
But without the platform shoes.
4. An ability to remove emotion from driving
A good driver doesn’t personalise situations and has the ability to forgive others and themselves. This is a very simple principle, but is one of the most difficult abilities to acquire & some of the most technically competent drivers can never achieve it completely.
I’m happy to admit I struggle myself sometimes.
5. An active (but not overactive) imagination
Driving plans are based on what you can see, but just as importantly, what you can’t see. It’s important that you can imagine the likely hazards that are out of view, without being too cautious and imagining unlikely scenarios.
6. Sustained concentration
An ability to concentrate is essential for any driver, but the very best are able to maintain a high level of concentration throughout any drive in any circumstances. They shouldn’t get bored or distracted.
7. Planning
Every action a driver takes should be planned in advance. Driving plans should constantly evolve and should include alternative plans in case the situation changes. In other words, plans can’t be rigid and you must always have a plan b and usually a plan c to fall back on.
Planning also includes the ability of a driver to maintain excellent observation skills, combined with the ability to interpret what they are seeing correctly and understand what is happening.
Now, let’s list some of the more practical skills I’d consider to be available to an advanced driver.
8. Smoothness with the controls
This one has already been discussed at length and there are multiple benefits to a smooth driving style. Have a look around the forum & you’ll find plenty of information on this one.
9. Accuracy
By which I mean an ability to accurately place the car exactly where it should be at the appropriate point on the road. Accuracy also includes an ability to identify the correct time and place to brake, change gear, steer, accelerate etc. When I was instructing, accuracy would be taught at lower speeds until it became second nature – then the speeds could increase.
10. Mechanical sympathy
A good driver doesn’t necessarily need a comprehensive mechanical knowledge, but a little knowledge of how the oily bits work is useful. What they should have, however, is an ability to use a vehicle in a way which keeps wear and tear to a minimum. Smoothness is a key aspect of course, but other points like having a little sympathy with a cold engine & gearbox and avoiding riding the clutch are important.
11. Feel
We should be using all our senses when driving, including our sense of touch. Fingers on the steering wheel should detect road surface changes and grip levels. Feet on pedals should detect clutch biting points and the reactions of the brakes. Backside and torso should detect the balance and attitude of a car – particularly when cornering.
That’s my list for now – there are others, but for simplicity I’ll keep it to 11 for the time being.
One thing I’d also like you to consider – the things I haven’t included in the list. Particularly things which many people would consider qualities of an advanced driver.
Fast reactions, for instance. Reaction times have very little relevance in advanced road driving where the ability to plan ahead should remove almost all necessity for fast reactions.
Confidence is another. Confidence can so easily lead to overconfidence which can, in turn, easily lead to road-sky-road-sky-road-sky-ditch-hospital.
I’ve also left out any references to sliding, drifting and other slidey-around fun activities. These are skills that a good driver can learn and enjoy, but I’m not of the opinion that they have anything to do with advanced driving in it’s correct context, which is that of safe, smooth, quick and controlled road driving.
Anyway, that’s my bit – time for your thoughts.
Synchromesh said:
All I'm going to add is that I hate the term "advanced driving" with growing passion. It sounds so sanctimonious and up its own arse that it's little wonder those who might otherwise have had an interest in improving their driving are turned off by the thought of doing something at the first hurdle.
Advanced driving is driving, and driving is advanced driving - wanting to be a better road driver is wanting to be a better road driver. I'm sure the majority on here want to be better drivers, but would they want the label of being an advanced driver or even venture into this forum?
Those with an AD certificate are often no no better than many other drivers without. They are only more advanced than they were previously.
I can see where you're coming from with this.Advanced driving is driving, and driving is advanced driving - wanting to be a better road driver is wanting to be a better road driver. I'm sure the majority on here want to be better drivers, but would they want the label of being an advanced driver or even venture into this forum?
Those with an AD certificate are often no no better than many other drivers without. They are only more advanced than they were previously.
We're on a motoring enthusiasts forum populated by thousands of petrolheads. There are countless threads from people asking what faster or better car they should get next, or how to modify their car to make it faster, or what high performance tyres to choose etc.
But have a look at the post counts on the "Gassing Station" page. There are more posts in the "Home cinema and hi-fi" and the "All creatures great and small" forums than there are on the advanced driving forum.
Are PHers actually more interested in surround sound and dog grooming than becoming better drivers? I'm sure, on the whole, that they are not, so there probably is quite a serious image problem with what is traditionally labelled as "advanced driving".
I bet if the forum title was changed to "Performance road driving" it would generate much more interest.
I suppose that was why I started posting on here in the first place. Above everything else, I'm an enthusiast and I love driving. It helps to have some qualifications to back up my opinions and views, but I'd love to have a few more people dip in to this forum from other parts of the site. If image is the problem, then let's see whet we can do about it.
greygoose said:
From my experience of being driven by police instructors (even some tyre shredding loon at Llandow)
That was a cracking day wasn't it! Cost me a fortune in the long run though as I got hooked that day and I then had to go down the track day car, modifying, track tyre, crash helmet route!greygoose said:
R_U_LOCAL said:
greygoose said:
From my experience of being driven by police instructors (even some tyre shredding loon at Llandow)
That was a cracking day wasn't it! Cost me a fortune in the long run though as I got hooked that day and I then had to go down the track day car, modifying, track tyre, crash helmet route!Not on a public forum though!
From some of the posts so far I think we're in danger of forgetting that driving can still be an enjoyable experience.
If we lose ourselves too much in what is or isn't necessary, then we'll descend into the type of argument that really puts enthusiasts off.
One of the key points I didn't include in the first post was an ability to adjust your driving style to both the type of vehicle you're driving and the type of journey you are driving on.
There are loads of different journey types of course, but the one we shouldn't forget is the one we take just for pleasure. If we're out for a drive on our favourite roads just for the sake of it, an overtake couldn't really be classed as necessary, could it? Does that mean we shouldn't take a perfectly safe overtake when it is presented to us? No, of course it doesn't.
There is nothing wrong with enjoying driving our cars just for the sake of it, and that's probably where "advanced driving" is letting itself down. It seems to be promoted as safe and serious and sensible, when it can also be enjoyable, challenging and spirited - exactly the things which should attract keen drivers and car enthusiasts.
The subject needs lightening up a bit - not without losing any of the key principles of course - but with a view to attracting more people, especially enthusiasts, to the idea that becoming a better driver is just as satisfying and enjoyable as getting a better car or improving your current one.
I suppose that's what I've always tried to do with my posts - to inject a little humour and enthusiasm & keep things interesting and relevant. It's a shame a few more PHers don't dip into this forum every now and again.
If we lose ourselves too much in what is or isn't necessary, then we'll descend into the type of argument that really puts enthusiasts off.
One of the key points I didn't include in the first post was an ability to adjust your driving style to both the type of vehicle you're driving and the type of journey you are driving on.
There are loads of different journey types of course, but the one we shouldn't forget is the one we take just for pleasure. If we're out for a drive on our favourite roads just for the sake of it, an overtake couldn't really be classed as necessary, could it? Does that mean we shouldn't take a perfectly safe overtake when it is presented to us? No, of course it doesn't.
There is nothing wrong with enjoying driving our cars just for the sake of it, and that's probably where "advanced driving" is letting itself down. It seems to be promoted as safe and serious and sensible, when it can also be enjoyable, challenging and spirited - exactly the things which should attract keen drivers and car enthusiasts.
The subject needs lightening up a bit - not without losing any of the key principles of course - but with a view to attracting more people, especially enthusiasts, to the idea that becoming a better driver is just as satisfying and enjoyable as getting a better car or improving your current one.
I suppose that's what I've always tried to do with my posts - to inject a little humour and enthusiasm & keep things interesting and relevant. It's a shame a few more PHers don't dip into this forum every now and again.
Nothing is ever completely safe though, is it?
A helicopter could crash on to you just before you go for an overtake. Likely? No. Possible? Well, it's not impossible, so yes.
Every driver knows there is an element of risk whenever we get into our car and start it up. Advanced driving is about minimising risk - not completely eliminating it.
Overtaking involves no more or less risk than any other manoeuvre we carry out whilst driving. If it's well planned and the risks are kept to a minimum, it's fine.
If you hold back from an overtake because there is a blind junction to the right, or there is a hidden dip with a zone of invisibility, or you think that you might get an aggressive reaction from the overtaken driver then, in my view, you are displaying the qualities of an "advanced" driver. If you hold back from an otherwise safe overtake because there is a possibility that the overtaken car may have a blowout while you're passing, in my view you're being overcautious. There is nothing inherently wrong with being overcautious, of course, but is it a quality of an advanced driver? Not in my view.
A helicopter could crash on to you just before you go for an overtake. Likely? No. Possible? Well, it's not impossible, so yes.
Every driver knows there is an element of risk whenever we get into our car and start it up. Advanced driving is about minimising risk - not completely eliminating it.
Overtaking involves no more or less risk than any other manoeuvre we carry out whilst driving. If it's well planned and the risks are kept to a minimum, it's fine.
If you hold back from an overtake because there is a blind junction to the right, or there is a hidden dip with a zone of invisibility, or you think that you might get an aggressive reaction from the overtaken driver then, in my view, you are displaying the qualities of an "advanced" driver. If you hold back from an otherwise safe overtake because there is a possibility that the overtaken car may have a blowout while you're passing, in my view you're being overcautious. There is nothing inherently wrong with being overcautious, of course, but is it a quality of an advanced driver? Not in my view.
Red Devil said:
There is a very simple solution to that problem, but I can't tell you otherwise everyone else will know.
And then we would be back to square one.
No, no - you're right. Keep that information to yourself.And then we would be back to square one.
We definitely don't want everyone moving to Sco...*ahem* London! Yes - that's it - we don't want everyone moving to London...
MC Bodge said:
The first thing to do to improve this forum would be to change the title to,
"Driving".
- ditch the " Advanced" word.
Good driving needs no label, syllabus, certificate or club tie
I've been thinking along the same lines. Although I think that the forum title should be "driving skills". The addition of the reference to skills would probably attract more people and I would like the remit of this forum to cover a broader range of driving skills than just road driving."Driving".
- ditch the " Advanced" word.
Good driving needs no label, syllabus, certificate or club tie
I've become a (very amateur) trackday enthusiast in the last couple of years, so it would be nice to discuss track skills, racing tachniques, rally driving, off-road skills, auto testing and other, broader aspects of car control and motorsport techniques.
I know these different disciplines are discussed elsewhere on PH, but it would be nice to have a broader forum just for driving skills of all kind - including road driving - to be discussed.
Any thoughts? Who is the mod on this forum? Should I PM them?
Crippo said:
I thought Advanced Drivers wore leather driving gloves and had a collection of AA or RAC metal badges attached to their radiator grill...after reading this bread I feel I may be correct in that assumption
If you've been reading this bread then you could at yeast have used your loaf and learned your baking distances.
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