pass plus?

Wed Jun 17, 2009 11:38 pm

I did the best way of learning to drive after passing my test, started a job as a delivery driver the next day. I knew my mum would object, but I told her that I would gain expereince and become a safer driver quicker this way. It shut her up and earned me some money to boot.

Thu Jun 18, 2009 12:37 pm

I was a delievery driver for a take-away for nearly 2 years. That really helps... knowing your car, and all the roads near you (or in my case, most of all of the roads in the island!).

I reckon more stuff needs to be taken to ensure people are "confident" in handling a car. As although some (like a few people I know

) cannot drive. Well, they can drive but not well and if something happens they just panic. A friend was driving down the road and a cat pulled out and so she imediately (at 40mph down a windy country road) lets go of the wheel and sceams whilst covering her face... and she has a license. Another just likes to drive straight across junctions at night because she doesn't pay attention to "Give Way" signs or something.

I personnably believe there is a massive corrolation between good drivers and interest in cars. The more interest in cars the person has the better driver that makes them. And i'm not talking about it making someone a faster driver or better round a track or anything, but someone who truely understands the capabilities of their car, has fun just driving that car whilst being fully aware of whats around them. All of my mates who are into cars and vehicles are good drivers. The ones who couldn't give a toss are crap. The ones who think jap crap cars are the best write cars off on a regular basis, or are just crap drivers who pose around the place with silly spoilers and some mad LED light show that you probably have to pay to watch... and the trends continue.

Thu Jun 18, 2009 2:22 pm

I passed my test in a 1.3 turbo diesel manual FF corsa which was... interesting.

My first car was a 1.8 na petrol FR E30.

You need time with the vehicle to drive. I deliberately would drive out into the sticks, as it were, when the weather was bad including snow which was awesome. You need to know the limits of your vehicle otherwise when you need to test them you may be completely caught out.

Oh btw snow is nothing like extreme wet! Snow is horrible when you need to get somewhere but great when you don't... 5mph snow drift ftw!

Thu Jun 18, 2009 3:24 pm

5mph snow drift ftw!

Seconded... But last time I did that in my 320i auto I went in a 90 degree turn, put the throttle on (a touch) and went back round. Dont know how. lol. Nearly crashed into a parked car on ice when my car decided it would just fishtail like mental with the tinyest touch of the throttle at like 5mph. Dont like Ice... but an inch or so of snow is great!

Thu Jun 18, 2009 11:55 pm

Bob_S wrote:people who can't drive should be shot..

and by drive I don't mean stick to the speed limits etc.. I mean out my bloody way. I have a journey to make and I will make it as short as possible in this dump of a country.

LOL, what's wrong with this country?

Pass plus doesn't really help on insurance in most cases.

My area is the worst for crime and insurance, at 17 for a 1.4 peugeot was £6,500 cheapest quote.

Fri Jun 19, 2009 12:01 am

Daf318is wrote:
NayC wrote:Theres an "advanced driving qualification" in Jersey. Think it requires lessons and a test. May still do it but there wont be much point.

Just good to say you have an advanced driving license in the island. May slightly affect my insurance! Shouldn't be hard considering I'm the best driver in the world...
There is here too - it's the IAM. Institute of advanced motorists. All payed up but haven't got around to doing the lessons yet ! It makes no difference to your insurance as far as I'm aware though.

I'm a senior observer in the IAM and we now have our own insurance scheme for the members. A lot of the membership have got a good deal but with all insurance it's a bit hit and miss. The E30's insured with them but my 2006 Golf GTI isn't. Of course the other saving on the insurance is the long term benefit of increasing your NCB, as research has shown our members have a 75% reduction in the chances of being involved in a collision.

NayC, do the course, I gurantee you won't regret it and will learn a lot. We get a lot of drivers who are a bit unsure but once they start they love it. Also don't be afraid of asking for an observer who suits your 'driving style'

If anyone in Shropshire want's to do the course send me a PM and I'll make sure you get one of our better observers or email me from our website www.advancedmotorists.org and I'll sort you out.

Fri Jun 19, 2009 12:09 am

NayC wrote:
5mph snow drift ftw!
Seconded... But last time I did that in my 320i auto I went in a 90 degree turn, put the throttle on (a touch) and went back round. Dont know how. lol. Nearly crashed into a parked car on ice when my car decided it would just fishtail like mental with the tinyest touch of the throttle at like 5mph. Dont like Ice... but an inch or so of snow is great!

Snow is bizarre stuff! Nothing to do with traction, your cornering feels like it's soley based on weight!!

Next winter might be the time I weld my diff!

Fri Jun 19, 2009 10:00 am

snow is all about balance, every element of feedback is a few magnitudes slower & lighter. You either have to know what's going to happen before it happens, or learn very quickly

when the snow comes, fit 14" wheels & find somewhere to play..

Fri Jun 19, 2009 11:04 pm

hmm very strange because my driving guy told me it can take off about £500 off your insurance??

Fri Jun 19, 2009 11:07 pm

Depends on which insurance company you go to IMO, some give bigger discounts, some give none at all