Keep Well Clear!

[Octet]

I advise everyone to keep well clear of me on the roads... as I've started to drive

Yep, my first driving lesson was today and I have to say I would much prefer to take my bicycle.... a lot less terrifying.

Started off with "Cockpit Drill", and finished the first two hour session with driving along a busy main road. I ended up stalling twice, and may of scraped the curb with my tyres but at least I haven't caused a ten car pile up.

I know this is a cycling forum, but anyone got any tips... especially on getting to the "biting point"?

Thanks
Octet

 

[Leaway2]

"stalling twice, and may of scraped the curb with my tyres "

Yes, dont do this.

 

[Octet]

"stalling twice, and may of scraped the curb with my tyres "

Yes, dont do this.

I gathered that I wasn't supposed to stall by the look on the instructors face.
At least I was slowing down and pulling in when I hit the curb, it wasn't as bad as hitting it at speed.

 

[Night Train]

I know this is a cycling forum, but anyone got any tips... especially on getting to the "biting point"?

Thanks
Octet

The biting point is going to be car dependent and your instructor would be best to answer that one.

Observation is key. Read up on hazards and view points and the guidance in the driving book.
The practical and mechanical ability to drive will come through practice and consideration of the reasons for each action, however, attitude determines how good and safe a driver you become.

 

[tyred]

When you can juggle a mobile phone, a laptop, a cup of tea, a cigarette and a bacon butty, you are a good driver.

 

[ianrauk]

Get a dash cam and film all the crappy cyclists filming you...

 

[smokeysmoo]

Only a car? Had my first LGV lesson today in one of these........

Surprisingly easy to drive really, even with an 8 speed range change gearbox. Needs air con though

Well done on your first lesson Octect, mistakes are the reason we have lessons, and any good instructor will not admonish you for making them, but advise you and inform you, and in time get you to reflect on why that mistake happened for yourself. It's all part of life's rich tapestry.

I made a few mistakes today, but I'm not going to beat myself up over any of them, nerves, lack of confidence in the learner vehicle, and a desire to please will always combine to ensure mistakes always happen.

Enjoy, relax and take your time, and then you'll learn.

Good luck

 

[Octet]

Only a car? Had my first LGV lesson today in one of these

[...]

Enjoy, relax and take your time, and then you'll learn.

Good luck

Thanks, and good luck with the LGV license, your next challenge is to parallel park the Shuttle Crawler!

 

[Night Train]

Only a car? Had my first LGV lesson today in one of these........

Surprisingly easy to drive really, even with an 8 speed range change gearbox. Needs air con though

I learnt in something very similar, but towing a trailer, back in '96. That was fun.

 

[Cheddar George]

The biting point is a matter of practice, if possible get some practice in another car to help develop the feel. There was no way i was going to teach my daughter to drive (leave it to the professionals) but we spent a couple of sunday mornings on a deserted trading estate moving away and stopping. She could do it 3 times to get to the end of the road, i would turn the car around and then 3 times back up the road. Boring, but a big help.

 

[EltonFrog]

Drive on the pavement.

 

[pauldavid]

When you can juggle a mobile phone, a laptop, a cup of tea, a cigarette and a bacon butty, you are a good driver.

Bloody hell, you can tell that your job doesn't involve driving.

I need to be able to do all of these as well as reading a map and taking notes relating to my phone conversation as well!

 

[Saluki]

Good luck. Learning to drive a car was a nightmare for me. I stalled, mounted the kerb, kangaroo'd down the road and all sorts. A car is a lot different to drive than my motorbike was. Not as much fun either. Definitely not as much fun as my bike.

 

[Octet]

Bloody hell, you can tell that your job doesn't involve driving.

I need to be able to do all of these as well as reading a map and taking notes relating to my phone conversation as well!

When you can juggle a mobile phone, a laptop, a cup of tea, a cigarette and a bacon butty, you are a good driver.

Remind me never to take driving advice from you two...

 

[vernon]

Remind me never to take driving advice from you two...

Matthew_T is your man for advice. He has it by the bucket full. You might find a teaspoon's worth useful.