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Driving confidence.
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By *bi Haive OP Man
over a year ago
Forum Mod Cheeseville, Somerset |
How happy are you in your ability to drive anywhere and everywhere?
I'm curious, following a discussion with Fox the other day when we were nearly run off a single track country road by someone I suspect wasn't entirely happy driving down a narrow road with rhynes on either side so they chose to sit slap bang in the middle.
I've seen and met no end of country folk who shit themselves at the thought of driving in a big city and who'd never in a million years contemplate driving through the centre of London (its hard enough to get Fox to drive through Bristol!!  ) but I've also known plenty of city dwellers who incorrectly think that just because a country lane is a national speed limit that they won't end up stuck in a ditch when hairing it round a tight bend and coming nose to nose with a tractor.
Seems there's less and less folk that are 100% comfortable on everything from country lanes to motorways and in city centres and tight, single track high hedge lined country lanes.
Have driving standards dropped over the years or have I just been lucky enough to live in a good variety of environments? 
A |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I’ll drive anything anywhere, drove a 36 year old fiat around Turkey in the summer, driving on the right is east in a left had drive car, using a UK car abroad is harder. The only think I’m not always confident in is driving automatics, I have to tuck my left foot away as last time I used one I stamped on the brakes when going for the absent clutch and nearly had a Humvee rear end me  |
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I've had surgery on my eye, my vision is still not legal to drive but will be at some point in the future with glasses. It'll be around four or five months and I admit that I've slightly lost confidence. I know once I've done a couple of journeys I'll be fine but there's no way I'd go straight in to busy town driving. |
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Driving standards haven’t dropped, it’s the volume of drivers that have increased thus in turn making it more frequent that you see a bad one.
Having driven on every continent I can happily say that the UK’s drivers are some of the best in the world. My god Asia, South America & Africa how they survive a simple commute is baffling! |
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I, Fruit, had someone hit me up the rear a year ago and it has left me with driving anxiety. If I'm driving then break lights in front of me make me nervous particularly on dual carriageways and motorways. I've aways been a confident driver but I certainly feel more nervous driving now.
Fruit |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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West country lad through and through, bombing down the lanes, b roads and a roads is second nature.
Driving in London, and to a lesser extent, Bristol, used to stress me out. Then I realised I had to become the zen master, rise above the noise and plod through.
Before I was perhaps ready to kill, never got me anywhere quicker mind. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I'm more scared of other drivers but would never say I'm a perfect one either. I can mess up just like anyone else.
I'll drive in city's, London and country lanes fine and not be nervous. I do feel more nervous on a motorway though just because of the speed and the wreck that could happen as a result.
Ive often been asked by others to do London driving as they don't like it.
Recently drove onto a ferry and was a little nervous doing that. God knows why as I was in a queue with others doing it all just fine. Guess it's not something I do often. A consciousness of a potential gap between land and ferry. Stupid really.
I learned to drive at night mostly so I'm quite at home with night driving. More careful in country lanes at night though.
I deliberately drive a not very powerful car as I like speed, so I don't get tempted.
Would love to drive something meaty round a track with the right training. I think that would be such a thrill. I love driving, and love a long drive. Good thinking time with music on loud.
I think the one time I get the most nervous is when there's an emergency vehicle blue lighting and I need to be out of their way.
T
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I can drive anywhere.
Drove in the uk, Mexico, Martinique, Algeria, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland (the country), Spain, Italian, Switzerland, France , Belgium , Luxembourg, Germany, Netherlands. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I'm not 100% confident driving on country lanes but only because of 1 other drivers and 2 the speeds limits seem really high on those little narrow lanes especially at night time where there is little to no light
I'm much better driving inner city/motor ways/London, my confidence there is perfectly fine |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Country driving - city people tear along and round bends because they dont see a lot if people on horses day to day and they don’t slow down - its just about courtesy on the road ( if any hot woman in jodhpurs wants to show her gratitude - my mailbox is always open for riding gear pics!!)  "
Yes this scares me about driving on country roads people think the speed limit is a suggestion and often go well over when there is just not enough room to! |
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It’s other drivers that scare the shit out of me. Don’t get me wrong my driving is far from perfect, I’m human, but I’m not reckless. The stretch of the M6 that is local to me is shut so regularly it’s beyond belief because of reckless driving. The tragic loss of life because people don’t respect the fact they’re behind the wheel of a potential killing machine. Only this week someone locally lost their fight with life following an RTA  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I’ll drive anywhere, even drove the Bealach Na Ba at Applecross which FORBIDS learner drivers and suggests that if you are not a confident driver you do not attempt it. Done it once, never again. Having said that, if you can drive that every other road is a cinch |
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By *arkus1812Man
over a year ago
Lifes departure lounge NN9 Northamptonshire East not West MidlandsMidlands |
I have been driving for 64 years and have covered in excess of 2 million miles in vehicles ranging from a Fiat 500 to a Volvo Bendy Bus, All though I now find driving a bit of a chore I am happy to drive as and when the need arises but I honestly say I no longer enjoy it.
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"The only thing I dislike is driving in fog. But I would say most people would find that pretty normal, as for city, country, motorway, all fine by me."
Ive got motorbike car, coach, truck licence and have driven/rode all over Europe in all conditions. Not keen on driving in fog, I like clear vision of other road users |
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By *igGs19Woman
over a year ago
Castle Douglas |
Love driving and happy to drive anywhere. Cover 10s of thousands of miles every year for leisure, city, motorway, back of beyond country, 6-lanes or dirt tracks and hairpins, bring it on. |
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By *ooBulMan
over a year ago
Missin’ Yo’ Kissin’ |
I have driven in most weather conditions and most environs/places.
Like above ^ thick fog does not impress me much nor does it when it's pelting down with rain so fast you have to stop & pull to one side till it stops.
Sayin' all that I wouldn't like to have to navigate London though..... |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I'll drive anywhere comfortably. In vans I'm more comfortable. Used to drive about 4000 miles a week in UK delivering. Used the lanes to avoid traffic. In Europe now and driven from Elba Italy to Germany in a van and trailer. Driven left and right hand cars over here in Norway, Germany, Spain Italy etc. Takes a few minutes for your brain to switch but then it's fine. |
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By *bi Haive OP Man
over a year ago
Forum Mod Cheeseville, Somerset |
"I'm not 100% confident driving on country lanes but only because of 1 other drivers and 2 the speeds limits seem really high on those little narrow lanes especially at night time where there is little to no light
I'm much better driving inner city/motor ways/London, my confidence there is perfectly fine"
Country lanes are actually safer at night from the point of view of knowing if someone is coming the other way on blind bends. You need to know the road of course but if its a route you drive frequently then night is better than daytime.
A |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I'm not 100% confident driving on country lanes but only because of 1 other drivers and 2 the speeds limits seem really high on those little narrow lanes especially at night time where there is little to no light
I'm much better driving inner city/motor ways/London, my confidence there is perfectly fine
Country lanes are actually safer at night from the point of view of knowing if someone is coming the other way on blind bends. You need to know the road of course but if its a route you drive frequently then night is better than daytime.
A"
Classic country logic, at night, we have the advantage of headlights showing us the oncoming collision lol.
The stupid things we did. Eep. |
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"How happy are you in your ability to drive anywhere and everywhere?
I'm curious, following a discussion with Fox the other day when we were nearly run off a single track country road by someone I suspect wasn't entirely happy driving down a narrow road with rhynes on either side so they chose to sit slap bang in the middle.
I've seen and met no end of country folk who shit themselves at the thought of driving in a big city and who'd never in a million years contemplate driving through the centre of London (its hard enough to get Fox to drive through Bristol!! ) but I've also known plenty of city dwellers who incorrectly think that just because a country lane is a national speed limit that they won't end up stuck in a ditch when hairing it round a tight bend and coming nose to nose with a tractor.
Seems there's less and less folk that are 100% comfortable on everything from country lanes to motorways and in city centres and tight, single track high hedge lined country lanes.
Have driving standards dropped over the years or have I just been lucky enough to live in a good variety of environments?
A"
I drive all day every day. Nothing phases me but i am still a respectful driver |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I love driving and will drive anywhere on any road, I have driven around the city centres of Edinburgh, Dundee, Birmingham, Newcastle, Liverpool.
Roadtrip is my favourite thing to do ever  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I am always happy to drive to where there is indicated interest lol. I prefer an automatic so I have a hand free for the passenger seat occupant
I love City Centre’s and open fields, prefer the sunshine though 
X |
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I love driving, and am happy and confident to drive anywhere. I live out in the sticks so drive on country lanes regularly, but have driven on motorways and in city centres regularly since I passed my test many years ago. I've also driven on the continent, and driven many vehicles from a classic scooter to a 7.5t lorry. The one that felt strangest was driving a left hand drive over here...but it was my old bosses M3 so I could cope with the strangeness to go and play in it. |
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I'm reasonably confident with my driving.
Passed my Advanced Motorist test a while back and still follow the principles.
Got a few RoSPA awards for safe driving.
Can't be too complacent though.
Currently helping Lady Astor get back behind the wheel after 20 years of being a passenger.
Winston |
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Happy to drive pretty much anything.
Hold a licence for forklifts, MEWPs & used to drive 7.5 tonners before the government decided to pull it off everyones licence.
Currently drive all over the UK most days and have driven round mainland Europe, America, Caribbean & Australia. |
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"I grew up driving around country lanes so that doesn't phase me, nor does driving in a city, anymore.
Why aren't there lessons on motorway driving? "
There are, if you do Pass Plus. You aren't allowed on the motorway without having passed the regular test first but you can continue to learn after that, on motorways |
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"Happy to drive anywhere, any type of road, in any conditions, anywhere with out maps or satnav is fine, excellent at finding the way. "
Same. Parallel parking in small spaces is my speciality too |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I grew up driving around country lanes so that doesn't phase me, nor does driving in a city, anymore.
Why aren't there lessons on motorway driving?
There are, if you do Pass Plus. You aren't allowed on the motorway without having passed the regular test first but you can continue to learn after that, on motorways"
It's not a legal requirement though. That baffled me when I learnt to drive because it's so different on a motorway |
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"I grew up driving around country lanes so that doesn't phase me, nor does driving in a city, anymore.
Why aren't there lessons on motorway driving?
There are, if you do Pass Plus. You aren't allowed on the motorway without having passed the regular test first but you can continue to learn after that, on motorways
It's not a legal requirement though. That baffled me when I learnt to drive because it's so different on a motorway "
No, it's not a requirement. My parents decided I had to have lessons with them on the m'way before I could go on it, but I did a road trip from Manchester to Leeds and back within a week of passing. I had a flat tyre on the journey out!!!! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I grew up driving around country lanes so that doesn't phase me, nor does driving in a city, anymore.
Why aren't there lessons on motorway driving?
There are, if you do Pass Plus. You aren't allowed on the motorway without having passed the regular test first but you can continue to learn after that, on motorways
It's not a legal requirement though. That baffled me when I learnt to drive because it's so different on a motorway
No, it's not a requirement. My parents decided I had to have lessons with them on the m'way before I could go on it, but I did a road trip from Manchester to Leeds and back within a week of passing. I had a flat tyre on the journey out!!!! "
Sensible parents. |
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By *iger4uWoman
over a year ago
In my happy place |
I don't drive on motorways as no need to be on one.
I havent parallel parked since my test. No need.
Dont do roadtrips.
Hate the way ppl tailgate and only have one headlight, none at all or those new ones that burn your retinas.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Lived in London when I passed my test so done town driving. Was a shopfitter worked all over the country so done many many motorway miles. Driven vans, cars motorbikes and cycled loads so think I’m a pretty confident driver |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I grew up driving around country lanes so that doesn't phase me, nor does driving in a city, anymore.
Why aren't there lessons on motorway driving?
There are, if you do Pass Plus. You aren't allowed on the motorway without having passed the regular test first but you can continue to learn after that, on motorways"
Pass plus is great if you live near a motorway. I live in a rural area and the closest motorway is nearly an hour away.
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"I grew up driving around country lanes so that doesn't phase me, nor does driving in a city, anymore.
Why aren't there lessons on motorway driving?
There are, if you do Pass Plus. You aren't allowed on the motorway without having passed the regular test first but you can continue to learn after that, on motorways
Pass plus is great if you live near a motorway. I live in a rural area and the closest motorway is nearly an hour away.
"
I understand, but you can choose to do Pass Plus outside your area. As an owner of L-plates, I drove (with supervision, obviously) from the Manchester area, to Belfast (via ferry from Stranraer) - my Dad did the few bits I wasn't allowed to do, minimised motorway time. I used to drive up the A6 from here to the Lake District frequently, on my L-plates. I mainly learned to drive by driving to lots of varied places with a parent in the passenger seat. I did every kind of road aside motorways, and seeing you CAN go on dual carriageways with 60-70mph speed limit, it is possible to do near-enough motorway driving. I do understand that it might not be possible for some people to get longer distance experience. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I grew up driving around country lanes so that doesn't phase me, nor does driving in a city, anymore.
Why aren't there lessons on motorway driving?
There are, if you do Pass Plus. You aren't allowed on the motorway without having passed the regular test first but you can continue to learn after that, on motorways
Pass plus is great if you live near a motorway. I live in a rural area and the closest motorway is nearly an hour away.
I understand, but you can choose to do Pass Plus outside your area. As an owner of L-plates, I drove (with supervision, obviously) from the Manchester area, to Belfast (via ferry from Stranraer) - my Dad did the few bits I wasn't allowed to do, minimised motorway time. I used to drive up the A6 from here to the Lake District frequently, on my L-plates. I mainly learned to drive by driving to lots of varied places with a parent in the passenger seat. I did every kind of road aside motorways, and seeing you CAN go on dual carriageways with 60-70mph speed limit, it is possible to do near-enough motorway driving. I do understand that it might not be possible for some people to get longer distance experience. "
Yes I know, but I was thinking more in practical terms for people, financially and time taken |
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"I grew up driving around country lanes so that doesn't phase me, nor does driving in a city, anymore.
Why aren't there lessons on motorway driving?
There are, if you do Pass Plus. You aren't allowed on the motorway without having passed the regular test first but you can continue to learn after that, on motorways
Pass plus is great if you live near a motorway. I live in a rural area and the closest motorway is nearly an hour away.
"
I live in a county with no motorways. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I love driving and will drive anywhere on any road, I have driven around the city centres of Edinburgh, Dundee, Birmingham, Newcastle, Liverpool.
Roadtrip is my favourite thing to do ever "
You wouldn’t want to do Edinburgh these days, major roads have been narrowed for traffic because of segregated cycling lanes that no one uses, emergency vehicles can’t get through because no one can get out of their way! Though emergency & first responders were consulted on this piece of piss & reportedly said yes what a good idea, crack on Edinburgh Council! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I love driving and will drive anywhere on any road, I have driven around the city centres of Edinburgh, Dundee, Birmingham, Newcastle, Liverpool.
Roadtrip is my favourite thing to do ever
You wouldn’t want to do Edinburgh these days, major roads have been narrowed for traffic because of segregated cycling lanes that no one uses, emergency vehicles can’t get through because no one can get out of their way! Though emergency & first responders were consulted on this piece of piss & reportedly said yes what a good idea, crack on Edinburgh Council! "
I hear what you're saying, it can be a nightmare, trying to get around Leith when they were digging up the roads for the tram connections was also a nightmare
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but I’d still drive there again.
