I was off work today and drove by where test centre is. Thought about it. Well done, brilliant you have independence now.
Thanks a lot I wasn't looking forward to it when I woke up, it was a crappy rainy day and it was a bit busier than I expected. And to be honest I didn't think I'd driven well enough to pass. I'm absolutely loving it now though. Like you say, I have indepandance now and it couldn't feel any better.
Just remember to be careful And speed limits are in place for a reason As a lot of people have said, this is where the real lessons of experience start. A driving instructor is there to get you upto a standard which enables you to move a car backwards and forwards, to actually control the car fully is upto you. Maybe you should think about joining in the IAM in a few months time? The Institute of Advanced Motorists are an organistation that will help to improve your driving throughout your life, and you get massive insurance discounts for being a member. http://www.iam.org.uk/
U can't beat that feeling mate, I remember when I first passed, and I got in my car on my own (which u never think will happen as a learner) and I could do what I want, go where I wanted to without someone watching my every movement. I bet you don't keep both hands on the wheel - Left hand not crossing on to the right side of the wheel and visa-versa. Good On You Mate! http://www.ukspeedcameras.co.uk/guide.htm#Gatso These are Barstewards - but of course u wont be breaking the limit anyway :$
But like me... You only passed your test a couple of year ago, what's new to learn? S) I can see why some 65yr old grandpa who drives down the wrong side of the road should join though lol
What's new to learn? When you pass your normal test you basically get taught how to drive a car forwards and backwards, fantastic. And once you actually pass your advanced test you get one hell of a discount when renewing your insurance
That's not all it's for It's not a walk in the park to pass the advanced test, you don't get "minor" and "major" faults. One mistake...fail. Oh, and if you have points on your licence you can't join, and if you get points at any stage of your driving career your membership is cancelled. The insurance discounts are just one of the many discounts you get as a member.
RE: That's not all it's for Deary me, maybe you should give it a go, it may surprise you. You may think you're a fantastic driver, but they'll certainly put you in your place and teach you properly.
RE: That's not all it's for Maybe if/when you pass you should look into it. Better than that "pass plus" they try and force you to do, waste of time is an understatement.
I didn't do my pass plus but my mate who did said all they taught him was the motorway and driving at night. Well I learnt to drive through the winter at 5pm so I drove in the dark then... and personally I think motorway driving is easier then the normal roads...
Pass Plus is a waste of time And it'll give you a slight discount on your insurance for one year, then insurers won't be interested. The IAM get you discount for life. Motorway's are very dangerous roads, the most dangerous in Britain. Travelling up and down the motorway every weekend to and from Barnsley, you see some pretty horrible sites of an after crash.
Sorry Mate Motorways are the safest roads in most countries. No traffic lights, no junctions with crossing traffic, no oncoming traffic (assuming my wife is at home), no sharp bends. I agree when an accident occurs it is usually bad because of the speed involved, but the same can be said of air travel but that is the safest form of travel there is. I agree with most of your points about the IAM etc but motorways really are the safest roads (relatively speaking of course) in Britain.
Fair enough I suppose it's just the drivers on the motorways that aren't the safest You sure do see some carnage out there, and some mindless driving! Middle lane at 40mph?! (doh)
Deuce I drive regularly between Hamburg and Barnsley, on motorways in Germany, Holland, Belgium, France and England. Obviously I am a far better driver than any of the other thousands of drivers I see on the journey. The best drivers are probably in Holland - they stick to the speed limits and use good lane discipline. The Germans are the worst - they flash you wanting you to pull over when you are in the middle of overtaking yourself. They then decide to drive 1mm from your rear bumper to intimidate you, buy a quick prod on the brake pedal quickly sorts that. The Belgians are similar to the Dutch, except that the ones with big cars think they are not subject to the same laws as other drivers. The French are, well, French. They resent the fact that foreigners have the cheek to use THEIR roads. The best looking drivers are in Germany. That is a major road safety risk in itself. Driving a right hand drive car you get stared at a lot, which can often be misinterpreted. Still, it's a hard life.
