[Anonymous42019]

Several years ago I took a course in what is known in the US as 'Defensive Driving'. It was recommended me by a doctor in the hospital I was working. He told me that being an advanced motorist can reduce the chances of an accident by up to 80%. I joined IAMRoadSmart, the UK road safety charity and commenced a year's course of driving with a retired traffic policeman. I had to completely relearn my Highway Code. Additionally, I bought Roadcraft: The Police Driver's Handbook and another called Defensive Driving.

It is said that most people can achieve the Test standard after 6 to 8 runs, typically a fortnight apart, but having low esteem at the time, I knew I needed to take longer. My driving instructor had the patience of a saint, but I desperately needed to become excellent in my Roadcraft, because visiting patients and attending road accidents in the middle of the night in ghastly weather conditions was essential, and all part of my job.

An Examiner allocated to my advanced driving school carried out the exam with me. I passed first time. I'd taken driving instructions in my Porsche 911 Carrera which is a fast sportscar, but I used what had been taught me and avoided accidents. Until a near-fatal accident where, approaching a crossroads at twilight, I barely had time to brake before another motorist pulled out in front of me.

Had I not instinctively braked according to my advanced training, I may not have survived that accident. All the sportscar's airbags went off including the knee one and side impact airbags - saving my life. Though I blacked out on impact, witnesses stated they saw my sportscar flip over and over from the impact. The other driver had been under the influence of drugs, yet also escaped with his life. He was banned from driving, heavily fined and jailed. My insurers paid up, but the emotional cost from the accident was far higher. Around the time of the accident my parents died. And I had to be strong.

I cannot stress the importance of advanced roadcraft. Learning defensive or advanced driving, especially these days with more vehicles on the road, it is essential. On passing the stringent exam, you can receive substantial discount on your driver's insurance as well as standing a better chance testifying in a court of law regarding traffic accidents. As an advanced driver you will feel good behind the wheel, and driving will become much more pleasurable.

I suffered not only whiplash, fractured ribs, lacerated limbs and trauma from my injuries, but PTSD and night terrors. It was only my partner and brave preteen daughter Juni who helped me get past the terror of returning to drive. I had counselling sessions, but the one big lift to my confidence was buying a Land Rover Spectre 90 except its engine was a mighty Chevy V8. I saw the truck on the forecourt of the garage. It was a pre-used custom build from the US, but sold on at another garage specialising in custom Landys. Though the truck was costly, the previous owner had bought many expensive accessories. In the second hand car market in the UK, accessories count for near-zero, but increase the saleability. I was at the right place and at the right time.

Furthermore, I paid for more driving tuition in defensive driving / advanced motoring. I'm glad I did because this little thug of a truck got me through severe flooding in all weathers, for learning off-road driving in seriously adverse weather conditions is all part of suriving our urban jungle.

My blacksmith partner's wise words: The strongest steel is forged in fire. No truer words.

Originally Posted by Access Denied

Several years ago I took a course in what is known in the US as 'Defensive Driving'. It was recommended me by a doctor in the hospital I was working. He told me that being an advanced motorist can reduce the chances of an accident by up to 80%. I joined IAMRoadSmart, the UK road safety charity and commenced a year's course of driving with a retired traffic policeman. I had to completely relearn my Highway Code. Additionally, I bought Roadcraft: The Police Driver's Handbook and another called Defensive Driving.

It is said that most people can achieve the Test standard after 6 to 8 runs, typically a fortnight apart, but having low esteem at the time, I knew I needed to take longer. My driving instructor had the patience of a saint, but I desperately needed to become excellent in my Roadcraft, because visiting patients and attending road accidents in the middle of the night in ghastly weather conditions was essential, and all part of my job.

An Examiner allocated to my advanced driving school carried out the exam with me. I passed first time. I'd taken driving instructions in my Porsche 911 Carrera which is a fast sportscar, but I used what had been taught me and avoided accidents. Until a near-fatal accident where, approaching a crossroads at twilight, I barely had time to brake before another motorist pulled out in front of me.

Had I not instinctively braked according to my advanced training, I may not have survived that accident. All the sportscar's airbags went off including the knee one and side impact airbags - saving my life. Though I blacked out on impact, witnesses stated they saw my sportscar flip over and over from the impact. The other driver had been under the influence of drugs, yet also escaped with his life. He was banned from driving, heavily fined and jailed. My insurers paid up, but the emotional cost from the accident was far higher. Around the time of the accident my parents died. And I had to be strong.

I cannot stress the importance of advanced roadcraft. Learning defensive or advanced driving, especially these days with more vehicles on the road, it is essential. On passing the stringent exam, you can receive substantial discount on your driver's insurance as well as standing a better chance testifying in a court of law regarding traffic accidents. As an advanced driver you will feel good behind the wheel, and driving will become much more pleasurable.

I suffered not only whiplash, fractured ribs, lacerated limbs and trauma from my injuries, but PTSD and night terrors. It was only my partner and brave preteen daughter Juni who helped me get past the terror of returning to drive. I had counselling sessions, but the one big lift to my confidence was buying a Land Rover Spectre 90 except its engine was a mighty Chevy V8. I saw the truck on the forecourt of the garage. It was a pre-used custom build from the US, but sold on at another garage specialising in custom Landys. Though the truck was costly, the previous owner had bought many expensive accessories. In the second hand car market in the UK, accessories count for near-zero, but increase the saleability. I was at the right place and at the right time.

Furthermore, I paid for more driving tuition in defensive driving / advanced motoring. I'm glad I did because this little thug of a truck got me through severe flooding in all weathers, for learning off-road driving in seriously adverse weather conditions is all part of suriving our urban jungle.

My blacksmith partner's wise words: The strongest steel is forged in fire. No truer words.

@Access Denied

I hold a driver's license for now. I'm slated to go to the new DMV in the new state and exchange it and get a new one, after taking the written exam. Although I haven't owned a car in about 15 years, I manage to maintain my driver's license just in case there are emergencies that require my need to drive.

However, after years of not driving (even though I have and maintain a driver's license), I'm terrified of purchasing a vehicle and driving. I'm terrified of having a bad record if I make mistakes, and I'm terrified of getting into a car accident. I've never actually been in a car accident.

That said, I am considering taking a regular driving course, even though I already have my driver's license. Now, after you shared your post, I'm considering taking the defensive driving course immediately after the regular driving course. I will not purchase or rent a vehicle until I take those two courses, even though I have the basic requirements for me to hold a driver's license right now.

THANK YOU!

Oh, and (((((safe hugs))))) I'm so sorry that you went through all that! That must have been scary. The air bags scare me because I'm short, and I've always wondered about my head becoming decapitated. I have a morbid sense of anxiety, but still, I worry. Then again, I've seen my old peers who were in car accidents get completely disfigured - one lost half of his face, the other had to undergo brain surgery twice. Both were driving under the influence, however, so that may have had a lot to do with their accidents, I'm sure, but still. You never know what accidents will happen on the road, including other drunk drivers, sinkholes, earthquakes, a tornado, flooding, hydroplaning, landslides, swamp-like mud, skating on ice, heavy snowfall, blizzards, hurricanes, tsunamis, a family of ducks, a deer caught in the headlights, a bear on the loose, a disoriented bird, bullets flying from gang-involved road rage, a police pursuit in progress, and more. Roads can be dangerous, and it is always best to be prepared, even though some others might do the whole rational-irrational thinking exercise and insist that chances are unlikely, thereby minimizing our concerns, even though we are anxious. I'd rather err on the side of caution and be prepared.

[Anonymous42019]

Originally Posted by lillib

@Access Denied

I hold a driver's license for now. I'm slated to go to the new DMV in the new state and exchange it and get a new one, after taking the written exam. Although I haven't owned a car in about 15 years, I manage to maintain my driver's license just in case there are emergencies that require my need to drive.

However, after years of not driving (even though I have and maintain a driver's license), I'm terrified of purchasing a vehicle and driving. I'm terrified of having a bad record if I make mistakes, and I'm terrified of getting into a car accident. I've never actually been in a car accident.

That said, I am considering taking a regular driving course, even though I already have my driver's license. Now, after you shared your post, I'm considering taking the defensive driving course immediately after the regular driving course. I will not purchase or rent a vehicle until I take those two courses, even though I have the basic requirements for me to hold a driver's license right now.

THANK YOU!

Oh, and (((((safe hugs))))) I'm so sorry that you went through all that! That must have been scary. The air bags scare me because I'm short, and I've always wondered about my head becoming decapitated. I have a morbid sense of anxiety, but still, I worry. Then again, I've seen my old peers who were in car accidents get completely disfigured - one lost half of his face, the other had to undergo brain surgery twice. Both were driving under the influence, however, so that may have had a lot to do with their accidents, I'm sure, but still. You never know what accidents will happen on the road, including other drunk drivers, sinkholes, earthquakes, a tornado, flooding, hydroplaning, landslides, swamp-like mud, skating on ice, heavy snowfall, blizzards, hurricanes, tsunamis, a family of ducks, a deer caught in the headlights, a bear on the loose, a disoriented bird, bullets flying from gang-involved road rage, a police pursuit in progress, and more. Roads can be dangerous, and it is always best to be prepared, even though some others might do the whole rational-irrational thinking exercise and insist that chances are unlikely, thereby minimizing our concerns, even though we are anxious. I'd rather err on the side of caution and be prepared.

Hi @lillib
Your regular driving course instructor will help you through the first hurdles of relearning your roadcraft. They are specially trained to assist nervous drivers, so no worries. I suggest you buy a DMV roadcraft book to read at home; choose the one that reads well from the first page onwards.

Your confidence will increase as your regular DMV continues. There is no rush; just take your time and pace yourself. Since so many years ago you'll learn from any mistakes, and your driving instructor will praise and guide.

Your commencing the defensive driving course immediately after your regular driving course is a good tactic, your specialist instructor will continue helping you manage your fears, just like mine had. The advanced roadcraft will reveal totally new driving skills, and in no time at all you'll be 'reading' the road ahead, and be taught evasive action. These skills will come with time. Learning to remember traffic signs is another skillset, for you'll be taught well and get to enjoy your advanced driver's course.

When I had my Porsche, stupid boy racers would tailgate me, but I pulled over to let them pass and ignored their jibes. The training I received instilled a new confidence, so my fears melted away under great guidance. Ironically one of the boy racers ended up in A&E. He recognised me and went beetroot when I said hello.

Originally Posted by Access Denied

Hi @lillib
Your regular driving course instructor will help you through the first hurdles of relearning your roadcraft. They are specially trained to assist nervous drivers, so no worries. I suggest you buy a DMV roadcraft book to read at home; choose the one that reads well from the first page onwards.

Your confidence will increase as your regular DMV continues. There is no rush; just take your time and pace yourself. Since so many years ago you'll learn from any mistakes, and your driving instructor will praise and guide.

Your commencing the defensive driving course immediately after your regular driving course is a good tactic, your specialist instructor will continue helping you manage your fears, just like mine had. The advanced roadcraft will reveal totally new driving skills, and in no time at all you'll be 'reading' the road ahead, and be taught evasive action. These skills will come with time. Learning to remember traffic signs is another skillset, for you'll be taught well and get to enjoy your advanced driver's course.

When I had my Porsche, stupid boy racers would tailgate me, but I pulled over to let them pass and ignored their jibes. The training I received instilled a new confidence, so my fears melted away under great guidance. Ironically one of the boy racers ended up in A&E. He recognised me and went beetroot when I said hello.

@Access Denied

Thank you so much for all the helpful tips and encouragement!

Wow - a Porsche! How fancy! Though it must suck to be tailgated like that. That's funny how the boy racers recognized you, however. LOL

My dream car is a Jeep. Just a plain old Jeep. Or maybe some other SUV. I'm short, so I figured the height of the car would make me feel more confident. Having 4WD might help, too, if I can learn how to use it. They have so many new gadgets nowadays, that I'm going to need to get used to all of them, in addition to old-fashioned automatic driving. I have never driven sticks, and I probably never will. LOL. I last drove in 2004. That's the year I was completely disabled. My car back then didn't have half the gadgets that cars have today. It's as if I've been institutionalized by disability. My entire life had been stripped from me for decades. I'm barely trying to get my life back - at the age of 45, now that I'm a little better off financially.

I've never been inside a fancy car, not even as a passenger. Wow - a sports car! That must be a really cool ride!

[WishfulThinker66]

I think defensive driving should be taught at driving school. Perhaps it is but isn't stressed. I have taken defensive driving as part of getting a commercial driver's license and one in the military. A SAFE BACKING course should also be required.

[Anonymous42019]

Originally Posted by lillib

@Access Denied

Thank you so much for all the helpful tips and encouragement!

Wow - a Porsche! How fancy! Though it must suck to be tailgated like that. That's funny how the boy racers recognized you, however. LOL

My dream car is a Jeep. Just a plain old Jeep. Or maybe some other SUV. I'm short, so I figured the height of the car would make me feel more confident. Having 4WD might help, too, if I can learn how to use it. They have so many new gadgets nowadays, that I'm going to need to get used to all of them, in addition to old-fashioned automatic driving. I have never driven sticks, and I probably never will. LOL. I last drove in 2004. That's the year I was completely disabled. My car back then didn't have half the gadgets that cars have today. It's as if I've been institutionalized by disability. My entire life had been stripped from me for decades. I'm barely trying to get my life back - at the age of 45, now that I'm a little better off financially.

I've never been inside a fancy car, not even as a passenger. Wow - a sports car! That must be a really cool ride!

Hi @lillib
Ideally, a genuine restored Ford GPW Jeep would cost you a lot of money, but all Ford parts including the bolts had the flying F stamped on them, hence the higher cost. The earlier model you can get, the better. This type of Jeep will always be in demand by enthusiasts and very unlikely to go down in value. Buying a replica, won't and some parts are a mix of French and US parts. I'll PM you a website where you can get sound advice, but never send anyone any money before you have seen the vehicle and be wary of con tricks.

Jeeps have only a canvas roof and little else. In winter you would freeze. Jeeps are best in kinder weather. Let buying one remain a dream until you are able to find a reputable dealer and bring someone knowledgeable, otherwise you'd like get financially stung.

I know very little about US vehicles, but the higher the truck, be it a 'van' in US-speak, would give you better vision and more confidence, especially enabling your truck to ride over fallen branches and have a nice warm heater on the blow. My daughter learnt to drive on a disused airfield and she is only 5ft in if that, but could still see over the steering wheel if the driver's seat was jacked up. Juni did well.

My Porsche 911 was very reliable except spares including disc brakes, very expensive. I was a careful driver, however, driving in Germany on one of their derestricted motorways, its top speed was a hefty 180 mph. For me, the thrill was changing up through its 7-speed manual gears was the thrill. Nothing beats a 'stick' for exciting race changes.

I daresay that you could get a special disability allowance for having a car that had more driver's control at the steering wheel, but I know little about the US except your gasolene is way cheaper than our's in the UK.

Just be choosy which DVA firm of instructors you choose. Ask around. That would be the best way forward.

All the best,
Rosie

[LiteraryLark]

That sounds so scary! A similar situation happened to my mom. If I remember correctly, a teen driver was driving to the high school and cut my mom off, she swerved, drove directly in between two structures of some sort, then rolled headfirst multiple times. She walked away without a scratch, but she now fears being a passenger--it's too stressful for her to not be in control. After the accident she bought a manual and she said that really helped her get over her fears.

I have always wanted to take defensive driving lessons, but I've always been too poor to take the classes and the ones I've looked into were too far away. But I think it's very important to learn.

[Anonymous42019]

Originally Posted by LiteraryLark

That sounds so scary! A similar situation happened to my mom. If I remember correctly, a teen driver was driving to the high school and cut my mom off, she swerved, drove directly in between two structures of some sort, then rolled headfirst multiple times. She walked away without a scratch, but she now fears being a passenger--it's too stressful for her to not be in control. After the accident she bought a manual and she said that really helped her get over her fears.

I have always wanted to take defensive driving lessons, but I've always been too poor to take the classes and the ones I've looked into were too far away. But I think it's very important to learn.

Hi @LiteraryLark


How about teaching yourself defensive driving from buying 2nd hand books? There must be cost-cut 2nd hand/used books in shops and online places and you pay minimum shipping costs. abebooks dot com would likely have these books and in various condition. I've had bargain cookbooks from their UK website. Have a look and see.