We all like to think we're brilliant performers behind the wheel - but however good you may be, why not let one of our experts give your driving the once-over!
Introduction
Looking for some useful pointers to help ensure your driving is as good as it always was? The GEM Experienced Driver Assessment is a good value, stimulating and highly effective hour-long opportunity to let an experienced police instructor make sure you're as safe behind the wheel as you can be.
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My experiences - by Elizabeth Suckley, a GEM member
I suppose it's one of those things about driving that we all think we're better at it than we really are. It stands to reason, really. Most of us pass the test then spend the next decades doing our own thing. Individual driving styles develop, little habits (good and bad) creep in and - unless noticed and aired by someone else - become part of driving life.
I have been driving for 10 years. Plenty long enough, I hope, to develop a feel for what's right and what's not. But my hour-long driving assessment with David Taylor, an expert from the Sussex Police driving school, certainly showed me a few simple ways of doing things more safely.
Our session combined some time in and around the town of Lewes. Like most towns it's busy and progress through it can be slow. David had me using the mirrors much more effectively, as well as suggesting I made better use of handbrake and neutral when queuing in traffic.
Out of town brought the chance to build up speed and develop all-round observation and anticipation. Although I can't claim I delivered a word-perfect commentary drive like the police do, I was able to talk out loud - for the first time - about what I could see and why certain things might be hazards.
Speed was something we discussed. I was driving like it was a test, so I started off by staying well below the speed limits - probably to the annoyance of those behind me. Wrong decision, said my policeman. It was definitely NOT a test or lesson. If conditions permit, then aim to drive at the limit, for the simple reason that you will avoid a big queue of frustrated drivers building up behind you.
The session over, I enjoyed David's debrief and came away feeling I had plenty to think about. Let's face it, who actually likes having their driving criticised? But if you stop to consider, it has to be an excellent idea to allow a highly qualified and experienced driver to ride along with you for an hour or so and offer a few tips on how you might do things differently.
Perhaps you're already making an excellent job, but I guarantee that a GEM driving assessment would be a worthwhile learning opportunity, whatever your age or however extensive your experience.
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Learning points
Elizabeth's session brought some really useful tips to help with her regular driving in town and country situations:
- In a queue of traffic, use handbrake and neutral. Not only does it give your feet a rest but it also prevents your brake lights from dazzling the driver behind you.
- On a country road, if you see people waiting at a bust stop on your off-side, you can reasonably assume you are likely to meet an oncoming bus on the road a short distance further on.
- A tractor with an empty trailer going your way could well mean another tractor with a full trailer coming the other way - especially if; it's harvest time.
- If you're returning to your parked car in a car park, take a good look around you before getting in it and pulling off. You can decide the safest strategy for steering or manoeuvring before you pull away.
In a nutshell
Contact: 0845 964 5505 for details of how to book
Price: £35
Duration: One hour
Detail: Our course will provide you with some general pointers on exactly where you're going wrong behind the wheel in a short space of time. We are aiming it at those motorists who don't want to have to take a test. The assessment involves a police-trained instructor directing you on a road route of varying types as he/she watches how you would normally drive. At the end of the session, the instructor will provide you with an honest appraisal of your driving, and also offer some general hints or tips he or she thinks might help. You'll also be sent a written report following the course. The scheme is administered by RoSPA, and may lead to a small insurance discount.
DISCLAIMER
The information on this Site is provided on the understanding that GEM Motoring Assist is not rendering legal or other advice. You should consult your own professional advisers as to legal or other advice relevant to any action you wish to take in connection with this website.
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