vonhosen wrote:By not jumping through DSA/Roadcraft hoops for the sake of it. Do what gives good consistent results, rather than concentrating on conforming to another's dictated style.
drivingsteve wrote:I'm sure there are people on this forum who have become advanced drivers through the IAM/RoSPA and are also ADIs.
If so, how to handle the different driving styles encouraged by Roadcraft and the DSA respectively? I'm increasingly finding my driving is a bit of a hybrid between the two. For example, I tend to use MSM(PSL) rather than IPSGA for simplicity. However when it comes to signalling, I look around and decide if there's anyone who would benefit from it, rather than automatically signalling at a junction.
I'm sure there are many more slughtly conflicting techniques that could be described.
If you're an ADI and Roadcraft based advanced driver, how do you approach your own driving?
drivingsteve wrote: For example, I tend to use MSM(PSL) rather than IPSGA for simplicity.
drivingsteve wrote: The issue of straightlining roundabouts and crossing broken white lines seems like a good example. If it smooths the ride for yoru passengers without breaking any laws or endangering other road users then why not use the whole width of the road in these situations?
drivingsteve wrote:It seems the roadcraft way has a lot more flexibility and scope for common sense built in. Perhaps I've been trying to stick to specific guidelines too much rather than making a judgement based on a given current situation and taking into account all my training.
Zebedee wrote:drivingsteve wrote:It seems the roadcraft way has a lot more flexibility and scope for common sense built in. Perhaps I've been trying to stick to specific guidelines too much rather than making a judgement based on a given current situation and taking into account all my training.
I'd say that's about right. Whilst there are always exceptions, in the main I've found that IAM/RoSPA Examiners really want 'thinking' drivers and riders. If you can justify your action, then I've found this is usually what's required. Better to drive in a different manner from the Examiner and be able to justify why, as opposed to driving "by the book" yet being unable to explain your decision making. (I've even been chastened by a police trainer for riding too much by the book!)
Of course, there are a few basics to get in place as a foundation (knowledge of 'the System', sound observation and forward planning ... ). Being a 'thinking' motorist, however, must rank pretty high on the list that IAM and RoSPA Examiners want to see.
drivingsteve wrote:Something else I now remember about DSA guidelines compared to IAM...
When preparing for my DSA test I was told that in order to perform the reversing around the corner manoeuvre, I should look primarily out of the rear window and not in the mirrors.
IAM advised to look wherever gave me the best view and provided the information needed to compete the manoeuvre safely and efficiently. Makes more sense doesn't it? Why would you deliberately not look in the external mirrors or side windows if doing so could potentially aid your visibility?
fungus wrote:drivingsteve wrote:Something else I now remember about DSA guidelines compared to IAM...
When preparing for my DSA test I was told that in order to perform the reversing around the corner manoeuvre, I should look primaril!y out of the rear window and not in the mirrors.
IAM advised to look wherever gave me the best view and provided the information needed to compete the manoeuvre safely and efficiently. Makes more sense doesn't it? Why would you deliberately not look in the external mirrors or side windows if doing so could potentially aid your visibility?
The DSA follow the guidelines given in the Highway Code. Good all round observation is important. Check your blind spots and all your mirrors but look mainly over your left shoulder and out of the rear screen. A certain amount of mirror use is acceptable provided that there is not total reliance on them, indeed, how can observation be thorough without using the mirrors? What they do not want is reversing solely on the mirrors alone. Those that can not look around and need extra mirrors will have this marked as a condition of their licence.
Horse wrote:And, being picky, how often is it actually possible to straightline a roundabout? Almost never?
Ralge wrote:I was once criticised on my fleet training course for crossing a hatched area prematurely in order to enter a right-turn box. I think this comment came with a DSA tinge on it. I have not been able to accept this comment since I have allowed myself to advise pupils to use such space to help following traffic pass on the left. At the same time I have encouraged them not to use hatched areas habitually and only to do so when they can justify it. This advice ties up with AD, I believe.
Return to Advanced Driving Forum
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 53 guests