The totally off-topic thread

[medhead]

Agreed medhead, but need to ask if a professional driving instructor could have done better than your father? Without knowing your father I would have to say probably yes. (Ie in 99% of cases.)

Like you I was taught by my father and passed my test first time, however like everything else I believe that things have changed over the years and what you and I experienced (and served us well) is not the case any more.

Well he taught me about the mechanical operation of a car. Sure a driving instructor could do that. But a qualified motor mechanic with every possible class of licence can do so as well. Probably fits in with teaching people mechanics at high school, that was suggested earlier. It wasn't really about driving in traffic, the professional driving instructor did that, and it was mostly off the road teaching. (Not dirt, Tarmac but no other cars to bother with)

There is also a lot to be said for the old school system that my mother experienced in a small country town, also taught by my dad, where the local police officer just got her to drive around the block. He knew she could drive because he'd been watching her driving for months.

 

[Cossie]

I believe driver training - theory, regulations, basic maintenance and practical - should be a compulsory middle/high school subject.
Maybe I'm being naive but I believe the initial costs would be paid for in the space of one generation by the reduction of the overall cost of the current road toll, especially in the 18-25 age group.
The savings to the families would be incalculable.

A good example is the 4 young kids killed near Ballina recently, how sad for all the families and friends of those involved...

 

[anat0l]

I believe I've said it before, but one thing that I was taught by a driving instructor was that you need to always do shoulder checks when changing lanes. This means actually turning your head around briefly to observe the blind spot to the merging side before moving in that direction.

My father who helped me learn to drive as well as pretty much of course is a side driver after I passed my test, insisted this is a very dangerous thing to do, and one should never turn the head away from the front view, except perhaps to reverse. Essentially the mirrors should do all the work of looking behind you.

I failed my first attempt at the driving test, but that was due to one critical error - not giving way (to a bus that was just pulling out, but a fail nonetheless). The second attempt I passed with a few non-critical errors (including two errors noted for not doing shoulder checks). It took me, I believe, close to a year or so before I actually got over my first failure to have the courage to try again. After the first time I failed, it felt like the world was crashing down - it was morally crushing. I still wince slightly reflecting on that today.

One thing I partially regret is that for my second attempt I took the test in an automatic car, so I am only licensed to drive automatic transmission. I know the world is mostly changing that way but it can limit you quite a bit in many countries, plus it's sometimes quite an embarrassing proviso to state when you are advising your company's travel arranger if there are any hire cars required on a trip.

 

[JessicaTam]

A good example is the 4 young kids killed near Ballina recently, how sad for all the families and friends of those involved...

Prevention is so much better than the cure.

 

[JessicaTam]

I believe I've said it before, but one thing that I was taught by a driving instructor was that you need to always do shoulder checks when changing lanes. This means actually turning your head around briefly to observe the blind spot to the merging side before moving in that direction.

My father who helped me learn to drive as well as pretty much of course is a side driver after I passed my test, insisted this is a very dangerous thing to do, and one should never turn the head away from the front view, except perhaps to reverse. Essentially the mirrors should do all the work of looking behind you.

I failed my first attempt at the driving test, but that was due to one critical error - not giving way (to a bus that was just pulling out, but a fail nonetheless). The second attempt I passed with a few non-critical errors (including two errors noted for not doing shoulder checks). It took me, I believe, close to a year or so before I actually got over my first failure to have the courage to try again. After the first time I failed, it felt like the world was crashing down - it was morally crushing. I still wince slightly reflecting on that today.

One thing I partially regret is that for my second attempt I took the test in an automatic car, so I am only licensed to drive automatic transmission. I know the world is mostly changing that way but it can limit you quite a bit in many countries, plus it's sometimes quite an embarrassing proviso to state when you are advising your company's travel arranger if there are any hire cars required on a trip.

Always do head checks. Mirrors cover just about all of your side and rear vision, but head checks cover the rest.

Next time you are over this way remind me to help you get your manual endorsement.*

*As part of my work I teach emergency service workers to drive.

 

[TheEmu]

Well he taught me about the mechanical operation of a car. Sure a driving instructor could do that. But a qualified motor mechanic with every possible class of licence can do so as well. Probably fits in with teaching people mechanics at high school, that was suggested earlier. It wasn't really about driving in traffic, the professional driving instructor did that, and it was mostly off the road teaching. (Not dirt, Tarmac but no other cars to bother with)

There is also a lot to be said for the old school system that my mother experience in a small country town, also taught by my dad, where the local police suffice just got her to drive around the block. He knew she could drive because he'd been watching her driving for months.

Haha - I had exactly that experience getting my bike licence (which I got before my car licence): "Oh, young MrTheEmu, you've finally come in to get your licence, have you?" GULP!
We also had that small town advantage of having somewhere to learn so I started very young - by the time Dad started teaching me to drive a car at 10, we'd been riding bikes together for nearly 2 years and had the basics mastered. He was a very conservative and calm teacher. An aircraft instrument fitter by trade, also very methodical.
My own interest took me to advanced driver and rider training and then the racetrack - which slowed me down on the road immeasurably.

 

[medhead]

Haha - I had exactly that experience getting my bike licence (which I got before my car licence): "Oh, young MrTheEmu, you've finally come in to get your licence, have you?" GULP!
We also had that small town advantage of having somewhere to learn so I started very young - by the time Dad started teaching me to drive a car at 10, we'd been riding bikes together for nearly 2 years and had the basics mastered. He was a very conservative and calm teacher. An aircraft instrument fitter by trade, also very methodical.
My own interest took me to advanced driver and rider training and then the racetrack - which slowed me down on the road immeasurably.

Mum was really put out because she'd be practicing the hill start. The best story I've heard is someone who went to get their licence, but forgot the learner's permit. The cops sent them home to get the permit, their licence was ready when they got back to the police station.

I've also read on a forum someone who thought they were the best driver ever because they'd been doing drag racing and such on public roads.

 

[TheEmu]

Always do head checks. Mirrors cover just about all of your side and rear vision, but head checks cover the rest.

Next you are over this way remind me to help you get your manual endorsement.*

*As part of my work I teach emergency service workers to drive.

Always do head checks!!!

 

[Princess Fiona]

A bit OT for this thread but currently enjoying a glass of Veuve and a Crème Brûlée in the EK lounge at LHR T3 prior to the departure of QF10. Life is good

 

[TomVexille]

I believe driver training - theory, regulations, basic maintenance and practical - should be a compulsory middle/high school subject.
Maybe I'm being naive but I believe the initial costs would be paid for in the space of one generation by the reduction of the overall cost of the current road toll, especially in the 18-25 age group.
The savings to the families would be incalculable.

Where I come from, driver training is mandatory to pass through high school. Also to be able to even gain a Learners permit before the age of 18 one had to be enrolled in a driving course. I think it's a good idea that everyone should have some sort of professional training.

 

[blackcat20]

My mum taught me to drive, then I finished off with a series of lessons with a professional. Feedback was that she'd done a great job.

The Sydney Olympics Opening ceremony was on 14 years ago tonight, was lucky enough to go thanks to some generous friends. Thank you for a once in a lifetime memory Sydney.

I was doing a year 12 Latin exam....

 

[QF WP]

Amaroo, thanks for posting the clip on Michael Winslow - ah Police Academy days...

 

[whatmeworry]

I was doing a year 12 Latin exam....

Ok so did you actually get anything out of Latin other then bonus points for your Uni entry score?

 

[Pushka]

MrP was in the opening ceremony. . The kids and I travelled up a few days later. Enjoyed a memorable trip into the Athletes Village where we met the athletes. Memorable moment for the then 10 and 14 year old was a coke shared with Peter Brock sitting watching the men's hockey team play backyard cricket.

 

[JohnM]

Currently strolling around Savannah, Georgia. Lovely place.

Next stop Charleston, South Carolina. SFO next weekend, then to the Atacama Desert in Chile.

Have to agree, PF, life is good .

 

[TomVexille]

Currently strolling around Savannah, Georgia. Lovely place.

Say hi to my cousin for me

 

[JohnM]

Say hi to my cousin for me

You need to narrow that down a little .

 

[TomVexille]

You need to narrow that down a little .

Haha. Turns out he's moved back to Atlanta actually so no need

 

[blackcat20]

Ok so did you actually get anything out of Latin other then bonus points for your Uni entry score?

Hmmm, can be useful for trivia nights occasionally

Currently strolling around Savannah, Georgia. Lovely place.

Next stop Charleston, South Carolina. SFO next weekend, then to the Atacama Desert in Chile.

Have to agree, PF, life is good .

Love Savannah! Charleston was also a favourite.


I've "only" had non-malignant bone cancer...so not quite the survivor that others are.

 

[penegal]

I can't remember where I was for the Olympics (probably the US), but I was definitely in Sydney for the Millennium... I was with my father and we had a perch on the Cahill expressway with good views of both the bridge and opera house.

Great memory.