All of the 'making progress' stuff is actually more about observation, road positioning, and escape routes than it is about driving fast.
But those elements [i]do[/i] enable you to drive faster* on a road.
Like cutting up the inside of a corner, enabling your line to be much straighter, thus carrying more speed through it. It goes without saying you must be able to see the road is clear, not driving on the other side of the road blind!
And also dropping down gears prior to entering the corner, keeping your engine in the 'torque range' for accelerating out of the bend.
* faster does not mean above the speed limit.
EDIT: And on the topic of indicating, I do it regardless of who's around (or not). I don't care if I'm on a dead-end road at 2am - I'll still indicate properly, as I don't [i]know for sure[/i] I'm the only person about.
Using the observation stuff just means you're less likely to get hit by others or hit things you didn't see but would have if you'd been better positioned and looking in the right place. It works even at very low speed.
Do they really have IAM badges on their cars? I'd rather put an L-plate on.
martinhutch - Member
What is this 'making progress' thing I hear so much about? Is it mainly about making progress faster than the car in front of you?
Good question..It seems to be something some fool once wrote in a driving instructor manual and is now spouted by every other fool who can't see the world from any other perspective than inside a car..
Curious thing about speed limits is they are the only law I can think of that NOT breaking is socially unacceptable and travelling even a small amount below them picks you out as public enemy number one.
Crazy.
even a small amount below them picks you out as public enemy number one
I used to love driving my French-registered white van around the UK. Most people don't realise that the white van limit is 10mph lower than cars on many roads. The combination of foreign, 10mph too slow and white van produced some really intersting reactions.
Do you mention that to your car insurance people? I haven't, as I heard a rumour that it might actually increase premiums!
Nah! As I guessed given them my job title is enough.
But those elements do enable you to drive faster* on a road.
Yes, sorry, absolutely. What I was trying to say is that the proper view of 'making progress' is about driving confidently and - much more importantly - safely to the road conditions and other drivers to get from A to B in the shortest, but legal and safest time - if that makes sense. So it's not necessarily about driving fast and there may well be times and situations where 'making progress' actually means driving a fair amount below the speed limit for the road as it is the only safe way to proceed.
Someone mentioned above about 'collecting' cars behind you if there is a potentially dangerous section of road ahead - this would be an example where actually slowing down a bit (not brake testing the cars behind mind and not slowing too much to annoy them) will actually mean you can progress more smoothly through the proceeding section of road.
Do they really have IAM badges on their cars?
I see loads- plus bonnets open, tyre wall damage, etc etc. You'd think I'd be better off paying attention to the road.
speed12Someone mentioned above about 'collecting' cars behind you if there is a potentially dangerous section of road ahead - this would be an example where actually slowing down a bit (not brake testing the cars behind mind and not slowing too much to annoy them) will actually mean you can progress more smoothly through the proceeding section of road.
And the opposite is also true. On say a busy dual carriageway, if you accelerate faster than a gaggle of cars behind you, coming up to the nest roundabout, for example, you can be off and away, round it, before all the numpties catch up and try to crash into the back of you because they aren't paying attention....
(often if i'm at the "front" of any queue, and it is safe to do so, i will deliberately temporarily exceed the speed limit (not in 30/40mph zones mind) in order to have a clear road, both in front and behind.)
Yes, absolutely - the main thing we are told is that the only thing you can control is your own car; so make sure that it is driven and positioned correctly and safely, and if needs be use it to 'force' others to give you margin (in a safe manner).
RH, FWIW im doing my IAM advanced motorcycle at the moment and about to take my test in a week or so. I've really enjoyed it. Yes, some of my observers have been a little stale, but not all. Learnt loads. I guess the same can be said for doing the car version.
And the opposite is also true. On say a busy dual carriageway, if you accelerate faster than a gaggle of cars behind you, coming up to the nest roundabout, for example, you can be off and away, round it, before all the numpties catch up and try to crash into the back of you because they aren't paying attention....
You'll still have to slam the anchors on when you get to the roundabout if a motorist (or cyclist!) is coming from your right.... doesn't sound very wise to me.
if you use your indicators when the IAM observer thinks it was not needed - then you will be marked down
Same in regular driving test - or at least it was; I got 3 minor points for this. Wondered why the examiner kept getting me to pull over.
I saw a bloke with an IAM fleece on "tut" himself into a red faced frenzy in the petrol station yesterday. Lady in front of him couldn't get her card to read in the machine.
This was impairing him from making progress in his immaculate Vauxhall Insignia. (cos STW loves it when you quote the make...)
prejudices: confirmed.
CBA to read the thread but has anyone said 'making progress' yet?
So if you passed your IAM, would you continue to only indicate when you thought it was necessary?
Yes, you might also want to read police roadcraft and some of the books by Paul Ripley.
No I don't have a badge on my car or my motorbike, I chose not to boast of my advanced status 😉
In the days of ebay, people will buy whatever badge they want to put on themselves or their vehicle to keep up with their own ego, whether they deserve it or not.
I made good progreas in the lakes last night, minimal use of brake pedal, lift in advance, gearing down etc and smooth&quick. No drama. I imagine a IAM driver would have classed my speed as excess mind...
I imagine a IAM driver would have classed my speed as excess mind...
The big question is was it appropriate to all the conditions and hazards?
