Follow, Follow?

[Hemibum]

I've recently noticed an unmarked car here in Aberdeen with a sticker on the back saying "Police driver under instruction". Now, being a cheapskate Aberdonian albeit with a wish to improve my own driving, do you think it would be regarded as OK if I "discretely" followed one of these cars to see if I could improve my own skills. Only talking about city driving at legal speeds.

I'm not being funny, but would the BiB , if they twigged, be deeply unhappy, suspicious or what?

I realise that once they leave the city limits and start giving it a bit of stick that I'd be asking for trouble tacking along. But otherwise what do our lads here think?

I would like to think that they would be bloody happy that someone is bagging a bit of free advanced driving tuition.

[R_U_LOCAL]

I've occasionally had cars tagging on for a free lesson, but I'm afraid you won't pick up much from following behind. You'll see how the driver positions safely for hazards of course, but that's a bit useless without the instructors accompanying comments. You won't be able to see how the system is applied, or what observations the driver and instructor are making, or what their plans are.

It's unlikely that you'd be pulled over for tagging along, but as you've already identified, if you keep following when the speeds pick up, then I think they'd want a word with you.

[Hemibum]

Yes, I guess your'e right. without the benefit of the in car planning it'd be a bit pointless.

Now, what about these directional mics..............

[BOF]

Hemibum,

Here is about (without expensive personal coaching) as near as you can get without the uniform...RoSPA...

""GOLD This grade is recognised as the highest driving award available to the public. It will be awarded only to the polished systematic driver, who displays a complete understanding and appropriate application of the principles outlined in Roadcraft. The candidate will display a confidence and ability throughout the whole test which leads the examiner to consider that, if given the opportunity the candidate has the potential with the basics already in place to do well on a police advanced course. The candidate's performance must be consistent throughout the whole of the test and so any lapses may result in a lower grade. Awards of this grade must therefore be reserved for the very best drivers.
SILVER This grade will be awarded to drivers who are well above the average. These drivers will produce consistently safe and systematic drives but perhaps without the final polish, flair and smoothness of the Gold driver. They will demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the system of car control. Candidates must be able to drive up to the permitted speed limit where it is safe to do so but vary speed according to circumstances and conditions. It must be emphasised that Silver is an extremely high grade and a commendable achievement.
BRONZE This grade will be awarded to drivers whose driving performance is significantly above the standard required to pass the 'L' driving test. These drivers will show a basic knowledge of Roadcraft but lack the ability to apply the system consistently throughout the test. The drive should be entirely safe, observing traffic signs, responding correctly to hazards and should display advanced driving techniques.
FAIL Candidates who fall below the minimum pass will be classified as 'fail'.

BOF.

[Hemibum]

Bof. Thanks for that. Sounds well comprehensive. But.. Nearest ROSPA seems to be Edinburgh. 100miles from Aberdeen. F...ing typical. Grampian has probably the worst road traffic fatality record for the whole of the UK, and, what? Oh, just take a 200mile round trip just to find out that you're a crap driver!

I actually did mention elsewhere that Grampian Police are introducing a Scottish Executive initiative for training young drivers, and kudos to them. But for us old farts who, of course know everything, there doesn't seem to be anything realistically available.

Got my copy of Roadcraft, actually bought a Highway Code too. But, Roadcraft makes it quite clear that this isn't some quick fix. This whole thing is about absorbing application and implementation of , if you like, a quality control system of driving. This is God knows how many weekends at best.

I'm more than happy to pay whatever it takes to ensure that I'm as safe as I can be on the road, I'm not even all that bothered if the process doesn't have the percieved respectability of Rospa / IAM whatever.

Down to the observor/instructers innit?

[BOF]

Hemibum,

DUNDEE RoSPA contact is
Secretary:
Derrick Millar
Telephone: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]

I would call and ask if they have an Observer nearer you...

BOF.
www.ridedrive.co.uk/index2.html
PS - Ride Drive say they are National...

Edited by BOF on Thursday 22 March 11:05

[TripleS]

Hemibum said:

....Grampian Police are introducing a Scottish Executive initiative for training young drivers, and kudos to them. But for us old farts who, of course know everything, there doesn't seem to be anything realistically available.

Do you suppose a few interlopers from outside the area could sneak in and benefit?

I can do a good impression of not knowing much, so that's no problem at all.

On some of the AD-UK driving days I've been to I think I've probably provided a few examples of how things shouldn't be done!

Best wishes all,
Dave.