I'm bored with driving..

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Well, the title says it all. I'm bored with driving.

Let me explain..

Up until a year ago, I was an exemplary driver. Responsible daily driver, no points, and being behind the wheel was always an enjoyable and fun experience. I got myself a new car around a year ago, and this is where things started going "wrong". Since my new car was a bit more powerful than anything I'd driven, I thought I'd do the IAM to learn a bit about the car and become a better driver. This started off ok. My observer (and pre-test observer guy) were happy with my progress, and after 6 or 7 lessons, I had my test. It sounds egotistical, but failing the test knocked the wind from my sails. I was sure I would pass, as did my observer. I always intended to sit it again, but like 90% of those who fail, I put it on the backburner and never got round to it.

Fast forward to a year later. Since then, I've been caught by two camera vans at 95 and 96 on the motorway. Five points for the first one, and the second one is being processed now. So this leaves me in the unenviable position of looking at a ban, should I drive over the limit once more. I know it's my own fault, but I just don't enjoy driving now. You shouldn't have to speed to enjoy driving obviously, and I've not went over any limits in the last month or so. Driving isn't fun, and I've just lost any motivation to do my IAM again.

I just read 10PenceShorts story - a sobering read. I want to be able to enjoy driving again without speeding. I'm thinking of doing a track day, or maybe going down the ROSPA route. IAM were very nice, but I'd prefer to make a "fresh start", if that makes sense? Perhaps even a different branch of IAM, with a new observer, etc, would do.

Anyway, sorry for my ramblings. I know if I'm not enjoying driving then it's some fault at my end, and I genuinely don't want banned, or worse, become involved in an accident. I'm sure you guys must have some experience with this kind of situation. Any advice is most welcome

Thanks in advance,

Erd

[erdnase]

Hi Bert - thanks for responding!

Before, I drove a Micra, then Primera and then a Corolla. The trouble all started when I bought a Z4!

What I enjoyed about driving before? Hmm, it would have to be the freedom, the responsibility and just the pleasure of feeling like the car is an extension of myself. The acceleration, trying to make the drive smooth, etc. Before, I would always enjoy things like accelerating onto slip-roads. The 30mph - 60/70mph was fun, as was negotiating roundabouts, junctions, etc. I think once I upgraded the car, I "got a taste" for more of that acceleration, and in the space of a year my driving has went downhill.

I wouldn't say I was reckless by any means, but being caught at 90+ twice in a year obviously means I'm driving too fast. In my defence, I'm religious about sticking to limits in built up areas and being smooth and considerate. If I were to be a driving stereotype, I'm ashamed to say I'd probably be the classic "I can handle it" type dork. You guys are enthusiastic about cars, and in this forum no doubt good drivers, so I guess I'm just throwing this one out to the crowd and seeing how you guys handle this kind of thing. I don't want to be scunnered with driving (sorry, scottish word there!). I think a trackday may be in order, and perhaps look at re-doing the IAM/RoSPA after that.

It's funny how changing a car can change attitudes and styles so much. One year ago, I was at the peak of my driving enthusiasm, and now it's at an all time low. I'm sure it'll change again.

Erd

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7db said:

It sounds like one of the fatal things for your driving pleasure was being caught twice at speed on the motorway. Would you share with us what happened? I think it would be enlightening and sobering for people here.

Nothing exciting, I'm afraid.

Both times I was in the outside lane and by the time I'd spotted the camera vans, it was too late to do anything about it. Both times were when I was away for the weekend, and the NIP was waiting on my doorstep when I got back. The first one didn't bother me _too_ much. I felt more stupid for being caught than actually doing that speed, but with the second one, I'm being forced to have a think about what will happen if I continue like this. I say "like this", but I've stopped speeding now, and just am not enjoying driving as much as I know I should be.

I managed to enjoy driving for the 10+ years without speeding, before getting my Z. Failing my IAM and the speeding tickets all within the space of a year is what has dampened my enthusiasm I think.

[erdnase]

Thanks for the replies guys. Good to know I'm not the only one going through a phase like this.

The trackday option seems like a good one. I've booked myself in for a day at my local track (Knockhill), where I'll be out on the road with a retired police driver in the morning, then onto the skidpan and track for the afternoon. Depending on how it all goes, I'll maybe look at trying the IAM again. I'll let you all know how it goes - I'm excited now

Erd

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Wow, sobering photos there - glad you're ok! I'm sure that to say you got a fright is an understatement. Still, you (and us, thanks to your sharing) are a wiser man for it.

When I started this thread, I really was bored with driving, but the last few weeks have been a bit of a reconnaissance for me. I'll explain how/why it happened, and maybe that can help a few of you guys with the same problem as myself.

There's a stretch of motorway near me that I travel on almost daily. The limit drops from 70 to 40 going over a bridge, and of course no-one pays any attention to it. The first few times I went over it at 40 felt almost dangerously slow. Nothing else was travelling at less than 50/60mph. I stuck to the 40mph limit, and after a little while I actually got a bit of a buzz from it. I know it sounds weird, but I guess the best way to describe it is that by being the only car obeying the limit, it made me feel like a much better driver than I really am. Being tailgated when obeying the limit gave me a smug sense of "well fck you buddy, I know what I'm doing, while you evidently don't". Like I say, it's a weird mindset, but I have began almost taking pride in being the only one sticking to the limit. Of course, once the limit changed to 70, I got a childish thrill out of leaving the tailgaters standing.

Anyway, that mentality has transferred over to my driving in every other situation. When I'm sticking to a 30 limit religiously, I get a thrill out of really trying to be the best driver on the road. Of course, it's not as fun as being the fastest, lol, but it's a surprisingly good substitute. Now, I live for the areas where limits change from 30 - 70, and that acceleration feeling keeps me enthusiastic about it all. Plus, I've booked a track day to get a lot of the less desirable impulses out of my system. This thread has really helped, knowing that I'm not the only one that feels like this, and lots of the advice given has been great.

Great advice guys, so thanks, and safe driving over the festive season!

Erd