New software to teach motorway driving

Should it be standard issue for all motorists?

By PH Staff / Thursday, 16 December 2004 / Loading comments

If you know anyone who's learning to drive, they might benefit from a new piece of CD-ROM-based, animated tutorial software. The product, called Pass Your Driving Test Safely Step By Step, covers the topics you'd expect, but also claims to teach motorway driving and discipline, which is not part of the driving test.

According to publisher Chris Hodgen of the Absolute Media Group, it's "an easy to use product that anyone can benefit from and enjoy.

"Firstly the sequential menu system allows the pupil to enter and exit the lessons at any given point, offering instant replay on all animations. This allows the user to keep returning to the lesson until they are comfortable that they have fully absorbed the topic.

"Cutting edge 3D computer generated animations bring to life over 200 practical driving lessons that present the discipline selected on the menu bar. The selected lesson can be viewed from three different camera angles, allowing the pupil to appreciate the manoeuvre from behind the wheel, in front of the car, and above the vehicle.

"The crystal clear 3D animations even cover the difficult topic of the ‘blind spot’. A unique translucent beam shows the pupil how the drivers line of vision can be impaired, reinforcing the effective use of the mirrors and that essential look over the shoulder.

"While it is impossible to include motorway driving during standard lessons, it is a cause for concern to see novice drivers embark on long motorway journeys so soon after throwing away the “L“ plates. Many new drivers are anxious about driving on the motorway for the first time, and it is an area that is often ignored. Pass Your Driving Test Safely Step By Step combats this problem by examining difficult subjects such as lane discipline, signs and signals, braking, overtaking and potential hazards."

Not having tried it we can't make a recommendation either for or against it, but maybe government should consider issuing it as a standard procedure when anyone buys a car, new or second-hand.

More here: www.absolutemedia.co.uk