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It's not the end of the world, but I cracked the indicator edging out of the driveway tonight and am severely gutted at all the mistakes i've made, and dont know whats the matter with me 
Its my first car, and I've been trying bloody hard to drive it both properly and sensibly. Been driving slow, not kicking the pedal, keeping my distance, trying to be aware of everyone and every thing, but keep making mistakes.
I looked down at the dials the other day, looked up and had to SLAM on the breaks to avoid rearending my girlfriend (no rearending girlfriend jokes Podie) who'd suddenly stopped at a pedestrian crossing. It was close!
Another incident I was too embarassed to mention before
A few weeks back whilst drving in the dark, I somehow I failed to notice the central reservation, coming up to lights at the crest of a hill, and I mounted the meridian doing 40, foot hit the gas and I came off at 50. I didnt loose control but I was Deeply, Deeply gutted for many days about that, lost mega self respect.
It means a lot to me to be safe, to be seen as responsible, and buying a V8S as my first car, even more so. I even forget to turn on my lights when driving at night half the time
Im trying bloody hard at being the opposite of the average boy racer type, no fooling around, no showing off, trying to drive well but I cant stop wondering whats the matter with me.
Its my first car, and I've been trying bloody hard to drive it both properly and sensibly. Been driving slow, not kicking the pedal, keeping my distance, trying to be aware of everyone and every thing, but keep making mistakes.
I looked down at the dials the other day, looked up and had to SLAM on the breaks to avoid rearending my girlfriend (no rearending girlfriend jokes Podie) who'd suddenly stopped at a pedestrian crossing. It was close!
Another incident I was too embarassed to mention before
A few weeks back whilst drving in the dark, I somehow I failed to notice the central reservation, coming up to lights at the crest of a hill, and I mounted the meridian doing 40, foot hit the gas and I came off at 50. I didnt loose control but I was Deeply, Deeply gutted for many days about that, lost mega self respect. It means a lot to me to be safe, to be seen as responsible, and buying a V8S as my first car, even more so. I even forget to turn on my lights when driving at night half the time
Im trying bloody hard at being the opposite of the average boy racer type, no fooling around, no showing off, trying to drive well but I cant stop wondering whats the matter with me.
Hi Bob,
Wondered where you'd got to !
Your comments seem to suggest you are on a very steep part of the learning curve. This is made all the more difficut by your first car being a V8S which, probably more so than any other S, demands total concentration and respect at all times.
Your driving, awareness and resulting confidence WILL improve with time so don't worry about it.
Remember the first time you rode a bike (probably not !), but you would have been wobbling about all over the place with so much to think about - balance, pedals, which way to point the handle bars etc etc.
Put yourself behind the wheel of a car and you give yourself 100 more things to think about.
You got on alright with the bike though and it soon became second nature, didn't it ? Hopping on and off, tearing it up like a madman and not giving it a second thought.
This will happen with the car. Mistakes will diminish. Experience will bring with it increased confidence, awareness, ability and driving will become second nature. This is when it becomes fun rather than the hard work you describe.
Stick with it mate, concentrate at all times, don't dink the S and you'll soon be wondering what all the fuss was about.
Best of luck and happy
SS2
Wondered where you'd got to !
Your comments seem to suggest you are on a very steep part of the learning curve. This is made all the more difficut by your first car being a V8S which, probably more so than any other S, demands total concentration and respect at all times.
Your driving, awareness and resulting confidence WILL improve with time so don't worry about it.
Remember the first time you rode a bike (probably not !), but you would have been wobbling about all over the place with so much to think about - balance, pedals, which way to point the handle bars etc etc.
Put yourself behind the wheel of a car and you give yourself 100 more things to think about.
You got on alright with the bike though and it soon became second nature, didn't it ? Hopping on and off, tearing it up like a madman and not giving it a second thought.
This will happen with the car. Mistakes will diminish. Experience will bring with it increased confidence, awareness, ability and driving will become second nature. This is when it becomes fun rather than the hard work you describe.
Stick with it mate, concentrate at all times, don't dink the S and you'll soon be wondering what all the fuss was about.
Best of luck and happy
SS2
ukbob said:
It's not the end of the world, but I cracked the indicator edging out of the driveway tonight and am severely gutted at all the mistakes i've made, and dont know whats the matter with me
Im guessing "culture shock" your probably more used to the euroboxes where things are done subconciously (sp),You now have a car which a virtually zero driver aids and you now have to think about driving more
I find when im driving the work car i seem to concentrate less than when im driving the S,not sure why though
Just relax and things will soon click in place
edited for the usual
>> Edited by Pies on Wednesday 4th August 23:06
Hey ukbob,
Don't be so hard on yourself. Your attitude and conscience are spot on - and that's half the job to being a half decent driver. A lot of the other half is observation and not letting other road users' crapness wind you up so that you make dumb decisions.
You haven't chosen the easiest car as your first ie: a V8S - I believe my fiat had about 60 horses under the bonnet if I remember right - but just keep the right foot light n feathery and give yourself some time to get used to the road side of things as well as the car.
Relax fella - just having a car as class as a V8S will stop you putting dings in it,
WG
Don't be so hard on yourself. Your attitude and conscience are spot on - and that's half the job to being a half decent driver. A lot of the other half is observation and not letting other road users' crapness wind you up so that you make dumb decisions.
You haven't chosen the easiest car as your first ie: a V8S - I believe my fiat had about 60 horses under the bonnet if I remember right - but just keep the right foot light n feathery and give yourself some time to get used to the road side of things as well as the car.
Relax fella - just having a car as class as a V8S will stop you putting dings in it,
WG
Hi Bob,
I remember when I drove my V6S home to Kent from Bournemouth area after I bought him and I was really nervous as I had never really driven a car with such power and handling. I had some years previously owned a fairly rare variant of Ford Thunderbird Landau Coupe with a 5 litre V8 engine but that was nothing like the seat of your pants drive in an S.
Don't worry, just relax and don't try too hard and it will all fall into place.
If you are feeling a bit down, just look out of the window at your lovely V8S and I'm sure you'll feel inspired.
Chin up mate, don't over concentrate and be too hard on yourself and you'll find that you enjoy it more and more. I look for any old reason to go out in mine now and you will too as the bug bites harder, it's like a drug!
I remember when I drove my V6S home to Kent from Bournemouth area after I bought him and I was really nervous as I had never really driven a car with such power and handling. I had some years previously owned a fairly rare variant of Ford Thunderbird Landau Coupe with a 5 litre V8 engine but that was nothing like the seat of your pants drive in an S.
Don't worry, just relax and don't try too hard and it will all fall into place.
If you are feeling a bit down, just look out of the window at your lovely V8S and I'm sure you'll feel inspired.
Chin up mate, don't over concentrate and be too hard on yourself and you'll find that you enjoy it more and more. I look for any old reason to go out in mine now and you will too as the bug bites harder, it's like a drug!
Hi Rob....
I didn't see this thread last night..
Well done for realising your mistakes...
I've been driving for more than 15 years now... (old Cant)
When I bought my first TVR..Last year... Iknew there was much to learn...
Its nice to see you are taking it easy, doing ride drive etc...
A bit of advice if I may.....
Roadcraft...Essential police driver driver handbook.
www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0113408587/202-0242337-5089422
A good read which IMHO all can learn from...
Dave
I have bought it and have learnt from it...
I didn't see this thread last night..
Well done for realising your mistakes...
I've been driving for more than 15 years now... (old Cant)
When I bought my first TVR..Last year... Iknew there was much to learn...
Its nice to see you are taking it easy, doing ride drive etc...
A bit of advice if I may.....
Roadcraft...Essential police driver driver handbook.
www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0113408587/202-0242337-5089422
A good read which IMHO all can learn from...
Dave
I have bought it and have learnt from it...
ukbob said:
It's not the end of the world, but I cracked the indicator edging out of the driveway tonight and am severely gutted at all the mistakes i've made, and dont know whats the matter with me
I even forget to turn on my lights when driving at night half the time
Im trying bloody hard at being the opposite of the average boy racer type, no fooling around, no showing off, trying to drive well but I cant stop wondering whats the matter with me.
Hi Bob
Don't worry it's all part of the driving learning curve.
I have cracked 2 indicatorsby:
Pushing my car in to my mini!! I put a new indicator on, being lazy I couldn't be bothered to start the car so my brother and I pushed the car into the garage, didn't stop in time and I cracked my 2 hour old indicator on the mini's overrider. Doh!!
Many a time have I pulled away in a well lit street and forgotten to switch on my lights.
As long as you're trying then you'll learn quickly enough. A V8S may not have been the ideal choice for a first car, but nevertheless don't worry about it.
ukbob said:If it's the front indicator, then they're only about a fiver from AutoFast.
It's not the end of the world, but I cracked the indicator edging out of the driveway tonight
ukbob said:Get yourself some Philips Vision Plus bulbs from Powerbulbs. They're not cheap at £20 per pair, but they make a huge difference - I'd forgotten just how much until Mike took me for a spin the other evening and noone was flashing him when he just left his full beam on! Once things in front of you are actually properly illuminated, you'll probably stand a better chance of seeing them!
A few weeks back whilst drving in the dark, I somehow I failed to notice the central reservation, coming up to lights at the crest of a hill
As has been said previously, it sounds like your attitude is spot-on, and that counts for a lot whilst you're still trying to get some experience under your belt. Just take it easy for the time-being and enjoy the exhaust rumble and the admiring glances!
Podie said:And his girlfriend's!
... (no rearending girlfriend jokes Podie) ... He's only been here two months and he's already watching his back!
Cheers guys, I do feel better after reading the posts, thanks everyone! The car does seem to require a large amount of concentration, especially for me I spose. The lights are shit too (not making excuses) - I'm just far too accustomed to being slumped drunk in the passenger seat, beer goggles on and brain disengaged.
I've already got 4 tuition events either booked or planned (ride drive planned for last), but you do feel like an tw@ when you're trying hardest to drive like a soap, and to some degree fail in the undertaking
Cheers for the powerbulbs & autofast links Rich, also might get that handbook Dave, thanks mate. Where can I get an S compatible gear knob/brake handle from, and a chrome tax disc holder. I assume no one thinks any of the above spoil the car in any way (got an origional wooden gear-shifter-thingy)
Podie, what are you like mate
You're posts are always great, and its usually obvious to all precisely when and where you're will post next 
I've already got 4 tuition events either booked or planned (ride drive planned for last), but you do feel like an tw@ when you're trying hardest to drive like a soap, and to some degree fail in the undertaking
Cheers for the powerbulbs & autofast links Rich, also might get that handbook Dave, thanks mate. Where can I get an S compatible gear knob/brake handle from, and a chrome tax disc holder. I assume no one thinks any of the above spoil the car in any way (got an origional wooden gear-shifter-thingy)
Podie, what are you like mate
You're posts are always great, and its usually obvious to all precisely when and where you're will post next 
Shiney bits essential to man-machine harmony. If the sun ever comes out i'll be blinded 
UKbob said:
also might get that handbook Dave, thanks mate. Where can I get an S compatible gear knob/brake handle from, and a chrome tax disc holder. I assume no one thinks any of the above spoil the car in any way (got an origional wooden gear-shifter-thingy)
Leven for the shiney bits..
www.taxdischolder.com
Are you going to the S meet..? I could take my book along for you to borrow..
Dave
Just bought a Tax Disc holder from The Laser company, excellent service and slightly cheaper than other places too their no is 0845 450 25222.
As for the Shiny bits, I have ALL that Leven sell for the S so you can see them at the meet.
BTW Dave, did you get that Leven Handbrake handle you were bidding on, on Ebay......? I assume that is you "Blow up Bridge"
Mike
As for the Shiny bits, I have ALL that Leven sell for the S so you can see them at the meet.
BTW Dave, did you get that Leven Handbrake handle you were bidding on, on Ebay......? I assume that is you "Blow up Bridge"
Mike
V8Smith said:
BTW Dave, did you get that Leven Handbrake handle you were bidding on, on Ebay......? I assume that is you "Blow up Bridge"
Yep thats me...The name comes from my golfing prowess...Throwing away a bl00dy good score....
Didn't win the handbrake handle. I'll probably get one made, but i'll keep looking and bidding anyway....
Going to sort out the Ashtray covers manufacture this afternoon.
Dave
What book have you got to lend Dave (thanks either way) WildfireS3 said:
Rob, you should bring it along, someone may be able to help if they see it first hand.
Hmm, its the getting there that worries me. Also, whether or not its good to drive that far when it is juddering. Ive already had the flat bed to the rescue once (coil) and had the car die on me on another couple of occasions (electrics), and till the electrics are sorted and the juddering is fixed, Im a little anxious.
I really want to go, but cant make up my mind. The alternative would be coming in my girlfriends tigra... it wouldnt be the same, but its better than not coming I spose.
I know Austec will sort it out, I just wish they could do it sooner!
UKbob said:
Rob, you should bring it along, someone may be able to help if they see it first hand.
Hmm, its the getting there that worries me. Also, whether or not its good to drive that far when it is juddering. Ive already had the flat bed to the rescue once (coil) and had the car die on me on another couple of occasions (electrics), and till the electrics are sorted and the juddering is fixed, Im a little anxious.
I really want to go, but cant make up my mind. The alternative would be coming in my girlfriends tigra... it wouldnt be the same, but its better than not coming I spose.
I know Austec will sort it out, I just wish they could do it sooner!
Far be it for me to twist your arm to come to the meet, the whole thing could be a total flop, bad weather 15 cars ,burnt bangers.........
But if we do get 70+ S`s lined up , just think you might miss out on the biggest gathering of S`s ever.
If You come in your tigger you won`t be the only one not in you TiV.
Hope you get you car sorted .
Dale
UKbob said:
What book have you got to lend Dave (thanks either way)
me earlier post said:
Roadcraft...Essential police driver driver handbook.
www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0113408587/202-0242337-5089422
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