But if a driver trained only to the basic 'pbutt test' standard does not know how to properly position for an overtake (nor even how to properly execute a 'good' overtake), does not know how to properly position on the approach to a bend, does not know how to properly 'read' bends, does not appreciate the benefit of 'cross views', does not know how to 'read' other aspects of the road which could indicate hazards ahead, etc - then per se he cannot be as safe or as competent as another driver who does have these skills?
Roadcraft 5514I would suggest from people who have actually sat down, examined different driving techniques, and come to a concensus of opinion on what is best. Of course those people would have to be experienced...
See above. The Roadcraft 'system of car control' is primarily about safety. A particular technique of gear-changing is recommended, not because it is 'fancy' - but because it is safer. The same goes for all the other points I have raise above. A driver who never exceeds 5 mph is unlikely to become involved in accidents but that does not mean he is a safe or a good driver.
Roadcraft 5513haven't consider know a to the The skills one has after pbutting the driving test is one thing. The skills...
I'm not sure what you are getting at here. How can you acquire those advanced skills if you have not been taught them? They do not come 'naturally' - as is obvious from the number of experienced drivers on the other thread who still maintain that it is 'right' to change down through all the gears while braking. It's the same with 'reading' the severity of an upcoming bend. Unless you know what you are looking for then you will never acquire the skill - and this is self evident from the number of drivers I see, either having to brake as they enter the bend (because they have gone in too fast) or overbraking on the approach and slowing down too much because, again, they have overestimated its severity. Experience does not = proficiency.
There will always be cases where people who have been taught certain skills do not always put those skills into practice. Overall, however, I would argue that the average police driver is a dramatically better driver than anyone who has not had advanced driver training. Much is made of the the accidents that police drivers become involved in but, when you consider the working hours that police drivers spend on the road, the type of shifts they have to work, and the type of driving they have to undertake, the safety record is commendable.
Kev
