37 Be Wary of Rules!

[@GrandadPunchy]

Good Morning. Really like the vlog style video. Great addition to your normal, fantastic instructional videos, which are so informative & helpful. Hope your holiday goes well. Beautiful part of the country. Happy motoring, Reg. Stay safe.

[@aabill2]

IMHO a very necessary (and as always from you a superb) video. From our IAM Group's associate induction day intro: There is only one rule in Advanced Driving and that is - There _are_ _no_ _rules_ , treat each case on it's merits. We tell newcomers that two of the three words we will remove from their vocabulary are "always" and "never" (the other, of course, being "suddenly...")

[@nickforster748]

I agree with everything you’ve said. Explanation adds credibility to a recommended technique - note I didn’t say “rule” 😉! I’m a pilot and in our world there are similar situations where there are recommended techniques and rules, but sometimes you need to improvise. In my opinion, people often seek out black & white rules because they are wary of being criticised for doing something non-standard, that was none the less sensible in the circumstances. It seems to be human nature to focus more and more on the minutiae when you strive for higher standards in a skill, but I think it’s helpful to try to keep the big picture by asking yourself “what am really I trying to achieve here?” Nice drone footage, including the “formation” with the Mini at the end. Who was flying? Mrs Local? Or was she wearing the “convertible flat cap” and were you “on the sticks”?

[@sidwills]

Always doubt if someone says "never". Never believe if someone says "always"

[@patrickhazlehurst8472]

I really like your approach to the rules. It's always easier to follow best practice if you understand why it is best practice. The PADI diving instruction system requires the instructor to explain why you need to learn something before teaching it. I love your videos and will be in touch soon about having some instruction.

[@heathoatmeal]

One of your best yet Reg

[@AdrianColley]

That offside-layby overtake story reminded me of the one you wrote about, where an old Rover suddenly pulled over on the right-hand side at a reservoir, just as you began a rolling overtake. "She's still out there, and she's out to get you!" It makes sense to set out rules that keep the less-experienced out of trouble, so long as the asterisk is clearly pronounced.

[@vladimirl8753]

Hi Reg! Happy birthday! Excellent, very inspirational and thought provoking video! The footage is beautiful too! Please keep doing your videos! They help me to maintain good advanced driving standard and your lessons! All the best from Russia!

[@judgeged]

Good video I think you are right there is far too much rigidity in some of the teaching techniques, a more fluid explanation of of the reasoning behind the rules is what is needed

[@advancedinstructor]

Absolutely agree 100%. This is the issue with safety systems, DSVA tests, Advanced tests and most of driver training. It is flexibility, quality information driving clear thinking and decisions that make for an incredible drive. Let’s start asking why a lot more!

[@mgprewett]

The mantra I particularly remember was "Only use top gear on dual carriageways and motorways." The other one was "Stay in third in 30mph zones." It's always struck me that by staying in third you can inadvertently break the limit quicker.

[@RoadcraftNottingham]

I always encourage my subscribers/pupils to question advice or instruction because as you say, the instructor may have had this information drummed into them and are simply repeating it. Cheers.

[@marklambert5009]

Really looking forward to your thoughts on auto boxes which are becoming more prevalent. They’ll never be as satisfying as manual but need to be embraced. Even at 52 I love a bit of manual.

[@andybliss6538]

John this is one of our best videos. As an ex ADI and IAM observer one of the things I used to say was a lot of things are black and white, but there is an awful lot that is ‘grey’ and our driving needs to be flexible, adaptable and relevant to the needs of the road and conditions, even if ‘rules’ get broken. Excellent.

[@petermccree450]

Good video as always. On signalling we have a local examiner who has a pet hate about signalling to a “ghost” however here in England the roads are so busy now in urban areas, even if on your approach to a junction there is no person or vehicle around, the chances are that by the time you actually arrive someone or something will appear. I no longer criticise the constant signaller however I do pose the question for rural situations so that the individual thinks about their actions.

[@DavidS-iy8bb]

Great video, will really help people to think more about their driving.

[@aztimms]

Re signals. A car comes into view already with a signal on, thought process becomes :- "That car may be turning Left/right as per it's signal but I haven't seen the signal commence so it may have been left on by mistake from the cars last turn. I cannot act on it so I'll hold back and await more information". Thus signalling in 'just in case' doesn't do much good. Far better if the thought process can run " car just come into view and he's now put a fresh signal on for me - I can act on that". Both hands on wheel to brake stems from non self adjusting drum brakes operated through rods and cables pulling unevenly under firm braking* so an old pre-war Wolseley police car would require its driver to fight the wheel especially if a tyre & inner-tube burst due to a tyre shifting on the rim (not uncommon back in the old day's- tyre slides on rim due to braking forces - tube tries to go with it but valve stuck in rim tears off at it's joint). So probably not too relavent today with hydraulic all round discs, ABS, PAS, ESP, tubless tyres etc. Apparently according to a 1960's driving authority if a car is struck on a rear corner at 45 degrees (eg overtaking car accelerates quicker than its driver estimated) the back end will slew round sharply - the front tyres will doggedly point in original direction (due to self centering) so steering will whip to full lock with a good tonne or so of force - hook your thumbs? -well it's up to you, a million to one chance after all. Apparently according to the same 1960's driving authority, on a verticaly mounted steering wheel (ie car) it is more effective for the controlling force (ie both arms pulling down due to gravity & cancelling each other out) to affect the wheel at a point higher than its fulcrum of rotation so resisting movement by external forces (eg pot hole/tyre burst etc)- I couldn't possibly comment, but they go on to suggest this can be demonstrated by getting someone to try and wrench the wheel round out of your grip - they'll find it difficult at 10 to 2 but much easier if you hold at or below 3-15. Anyway excellent & thought provoking video as always Reg. *(this is why it became common to use gears to slow especially on slippery roads as engine braking transmitted through the differential is at least even).

[@neilcollins3701]

The other reason for downshifting to slow down before or during braking was to add support to the brakes, which pre 1960s were not good. Provided you changed down smoothly (double de clutch or heel and toe) the car would be beautifully balanced with extra braking on the back due to compression in the engine, if it was rear wheel drive it pulled the car up in a straight line. Don't forget all the cars had skinny, sometimes cross ply tyres and grip was lousy compared to today. Balance and feel was everything. I still struggle a bit with the brake gear separation, it's all very well and systematic but it's a bit fuddy duddy and I'm not sure it fits in with expectations of Mr Average following behind much too close expecting you to brake, signal then turn pretty much at the same as he does. You'll probably get beeped sometimes by impatient drivers.

[@Artur.Gintrowski]

Reg, you made me laugh twice in this video. I will never consider myself a good driver, but I'm doing my best to stay safe. I was self-taught Roadcraft reader, later encouraged by your videos to do advanced driving. I lost all the joy of driving because of the things (and more) you mentioned. Please teach the teachers more before they kill all the enthusiasm in driving.

[@maxtorque2277]

RE: thumbs in the wheel - off roaders and older cars have a much higher (numerically) steering ratio. Modern roadcars then to have between 2 and 2.4 turns lock to lock, something like a old landrover has 4 turns LtL! So there is very much more steering wheel motion for any road wheel motion. Get the front wheels janked onto full lock by a rock (which never happens on road) and it could be an issue. On road, during a crash, what actually happens is people tend to break their wrists, because they tense hard and lock their arms out just before they hit the obsticle! It's really, really, really hard, whenthere's something looming up in front of you at speed, to let go of the wheel or to remember (force yourself) to hold it loosely, however you might have been holding it just before hand.......

[@buggs9950]

A belated happy birthday to you Reg.

[@Camelia-cr4hj]

I think we should not brake at corners is because ABS kicks in and the car can shoot ahead straight instead of turning at the corner since ABS locks the wheels.

[@richardesty]

The best video yet Reg!!! Excellent 👍🏼

[@lenwoodman9442]

I agree

[@aabill2]

Just a thought re thumbs on top vs thumbs inside - the former keeps the wrists straighter which has a number of long-term benefits for wrist health, and short-term (on a 2 hour+ drive) can prevent pins-and-needles in the hands due to restricted circulation. Also, many drivers don't adjust steering wheel position, leaving it at maximum height which also doesn't help.

[@mikeroberts]

Nice video Reg. I always tell our new observers that they need to be able to explain the benefit/advantage of anything with regard to everyday riding/driving, else it's not really required. One of my pet peeves is the phrase "The examiner likes to see ..." and tell observers not to use it. We should be preparing people for everyday riding/driving. The examiner wants to see a competent, thinking rider/driver.

[@charlesholland-keen2222]

As usual a good down to earth driving video. I have heard all those 'do not's' on driving courses that I've done but rarely a reason why. Maybe 'do not' exceed the posted speed limit is valid ?

[@shrimpfarmer]

Hi Reg. Very interesting video which all makes sense. I like the way you shot this one as well. Are you shooting 4K on your gopros. I find that doing that gives me the option to crop upto 4x on a 1080p project which would give you lots of different framing options with those 2 fixed camera positions 👍. Please keep them coming because I also have significantly changed my driving style for the better since watching your work. Its also brought some enjoyment back to motoring. Even the wife is reading your book 😳

[@judgedredd49]

About hands on wheels and braking many drivers don't relate to how that came about but historically until after the end of the 2nd world war many cars didn't have a syncro gearbox and drivers would many a time have to double the clutch and change the gears taking the gears though a neutral and then again to go into the gear that was wanted and whilst doing all of that perhaps whilst braking and with only one hand on the wheel, the other tied up with the gear changes, the foot on and off the clutch and the other blipping the acceleration or revs to assist in the double de clutch gear change. Its a god job we have moved on to better mechanics.

[@judgedredd49]

I agree that one may feel the need to indicate when approaching a roundabout as it could be anticipated that whilst negotiating that roundabout at any time someone may appear at any junction either in front of us or entering behind us and now we are indicating to an audience and we are giving them information of what we are doing. Same goes for junctions and more so actually indicating to those behind us and also in front that we are going to overtake. We always used to indicate on overtakes, indicated when overtaking even stopped vehicles like taxis and busses etc. that no longer seems to be the trend tho. The problem is that we can become complacent either way about signalling. If we consider that its just as bad signalling every time. By not signalling one can suffer apathy and complacency and that can kill you or others so its wrong to presume one against the other. Either signal all the time and then you are giving out information or become apathetic on the misunderstanding that an advanced driver doesn't need to give signals and let others assume just what we are doing.

[@MaciejJankowskiPL]

Very wise title. I am curious of the content. I'll be watching in the evening.

[@MaciejJankowskiPL]

Good content.

[@rabp419]

I understand what you are saying Reg but it's up to each individual Police driving School to set it's own does and don'ts and the Police officer should follow there own police service procedure. Each service will have its own set rules on does and don'ts IE police Scotland says you must never offside when cornering Cumbria or the Met might have a different view and say it's ok to offside . As an HGV class 1 driving assessor I find lots of different driving style but I must tell the driver this is what the company policy is on Uncoupling and recouping to a trailer and this is what they must follow as set by the company rules Any way hope the books doing well kind regards Rab

[@maxtorque2277]

RE: That overtake, would it have been a "non fail" if the driver comentary explicitly covered the road positioning during the event? ie: "empty layby on right, holding station until clear to proceed with overtake" etc?? ie, showing you've observed, recognised and considered the potential risks, and mitigated against those risks?

[@goons123flofy]

Looks like good fun, that mini.

[@DashDriver-z1r]

I think some forces especially with std response will be fairly rigid, some forces have a 20mph max over the limit on response etc. I was taught not to pass on the right if there was a junction on the right due to a vehicle arriving and not checking left naturally as the some drivers will only check right. In your example view is great and it's clear layby and no hazard is going to appear in or from it during the overtake, sound there is no reason it's not safe and systematic.

[@nigelcook9890]

I find that with thumbs around the steering wheel you have to keep moving them because they are in the way of the spokes when pull-push steering. That's the only advantage of keeping them on the outside that I've found in modern cars with power steering.

[@daviddaw999]

If you place your thumbs inside the spokes when driving off-road it is only a matter of time before the wheel kicks back when the steered wheels hit an obstruction and your thumb gets broken. The Army used to make novices wear socks on their hands when off-roading to stop them wrapping thumbs around the wheel. Why not develop a steering habit that works passably well in all situations.

[@garywhy7535]

Thank you for another great video. So much common sense. Looking forward to your video on automatics and semi-automatics - my Bimmer is almost exactly the same as yours including the colour. The only major difference of course is that it has a ZF automatic transmission !!

[@davidsomething4867]

Given that the road markings look up to date, there are no junction warnings and the center road marking indicates no danger, I'm not sure what I would of done in the same situation, not knowing the road prob a bit on the side of caution, if I had blues and twos going maybe would of been a different thought pattern. I've had my assessment for RoSPA but not done any lessons yet. I really like the view point on signals, you should give people in front an idea what you are doing. As a runner (and I'm sure other road/pavement users ), I frequently see drivers not indicating on roundabouts for instance if I am approaching, if ever an examiner would pull me up for seeing a pedestrian approaching/anticipating a hazard he would sure have an battle on. Love driving in Ireland rural roads, the M50 however as bad as the M25 drivers at rush hour, but at least the M25 is free apart from the dartford crossing, at the moment anyway.

[@Rockhopper1]

On my commentary drive, I always use the phrase " I am working the problem using the five stages ". If I approach a potential hazard outside the norm, deliberately to let the observer or instructor know I have pushed outside the norm. In the Army we call these absolutes as instructor fads. Signalling, take give receive, and no braking on a corner is a silly rule at times if the road conditions are good and if you are on a camber that allows you to do so. Good video, I have lost all my course certificates so am dreading having to do my IAM advanced as I cant prove my exception after fifteen years first responder driving due to insructor fads, or I know it sounds arrogant but I dont fancy having a non blue light instructor correcting me. Yes I have bad habits, but better habits than the average driver.,

[@DontPanicDear]

Richard Cave LBPPA Don’t worry about them being less qualified / experienced than you! Literally any passenger could point out a possible flaw in your process. It’s easy to see issues when in the left seat 👀 Higher levels of qualification, usually bring about enhanced awareness of ones fallibility, which can makes criticism easier to take 🤓 Anyway, it’s a standardised test, set to achieve a standardised level. IAM is like a ⬜️ If you want to fit, you’ll need to play the square peg! I guess you’ll be doing what all learners do. Reading and learning all the test criteria (Fads) to make sure you fit into the desired hole 🧐

[@chrispriddey4594]

Hi, I’m first to watch this and have enjoyed watching all your videos. They have really helped me to reevaluate my driving and be critical about the bad habits that I have drifted into over the years. Thank you for sharing your expertise...I hope it makes our roads a safer place to be.

[@RegLocal]

Thanks Chris, thats very kind. Positive comments always motivate me to produce more videos!

[@djrphotography]

One I heard was, on a bend, your car must not be more than half over the centre of the road to maintain visibility of the road ahead. But then my instructor later told me, you pay enough to use the whole road, why not use it.

[@dmjw01]

"Always press the button when applying the handbrake". Because, apparently it "reduces wear on the ratchet". Have you EVER heard of ANYBODY needing to replace a worn-out ratchet on a handbrake? I haven't. The bloody thing is made from hardened steel, and is tested to simulate a lifetime of being pulled without the button pressed. I tell my learners that I don't care whether or not they press the button. And to those who do like to press it, I point out that sometimes they'll want to pull without pressing the button so they get that audible feedback of how hard they're applying the brake.

[@daviddaw999]

David, I was taught to drive at a Police Driving School and was told all about wearing ratchets. Like you, I thought it was baloney but I depressed the button as the noise really annoyed me. Years later I stopped a Mk4 Ford Cortina while on Traffic Patrol in east London and found that the driver's method of ensuring the handbrake stayed on was to lift the lever and then place a large Mole wrench under it, across the gap between the seat cushions, as the teeth on the ratchet had worn away to such an extent that the lever would not remain in position. So, yes it has happened.

[@dexradio]

What’s going on Reg? I get a S1000XR then you get one! I just come back from a week in Sligo and discover so have you. Hope you had a great time there, born and raised in Sligo, now back in Kent. Wonder where abouts you stayed? Great video as always.

[@RoddersHD]

The brake lights on the red car may have reduced my confidence the overtake was safe.

[@carinewalker]

Another very informative video, and happy birthday.

[@Bluesman8642]

I am just completing a blue light course. I have been told on a couple of occasions that when I am changing lanes to get all 4 wheels into the lane before cancelling the signal but the explanation was so it just confirms that you are going in that lane. 75% of the vehicle is in the lane I think its fair to cancel the signal at that point. Any comments on this?

[@jameschesterton]

Begs the question why anybody would pull into a lay-by that isn't on their side of the road.

[@cameronleehorace]

You will soon find that you might need to slow down where there are people in the road in Ireland as you might get some wanting a hitch hike

[@johnmcquay82]

In that specific situation, I agree with you Reg. That overtake was most definitely "on"...I'd have taken the overtake. Another "rule" I have heard "you must absolutely not overtake on a left-hand bend"...why not? There are some left hand bends where I think you can safely overtake. This one for instance; www.google.co.uk/maps/@50.9765912,-1.626075,3a,75y,96.9h,89.02t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sleEb_0VSwa_2QV6-oHLWSQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192?hl=en

[@frazermountford]

I have noted that you use the fixed input steering method during cornering/higher speed drives whereas i was told i should use. Push pull at all times. Is that another rule that i need to be wary of?

[@RegLocal]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a36UZIdop82MnJo

[@judgedredd49]

There is little reason too ask why ? simply because the instructor didn't ask that question when they were being instructed and therefore one will get told the fob off with a stock answer that doesn't bear any resemblance to the truth of the matter as they don't think that far. Its like asking a driving instructor why, they are there to get you past the test and that appears to be all they are concerned with so no questions please.

[@buggs9950]

I always signal regardless _because_ I don't have to think about it. It's one less thing to think about allowing me to concentrate on everything else.

[@kassiomarxrochanogueira8710]

Awesome video as always. I absolutely like to use heel and toe on almost every corner in wich I need to brake on the road, it's fun, but at the same time balancing the car through the corner, what do you think about it? Thank you!

[@jameschesterton]

I think you've probably been playing project cars too much. Then again, so have I.

[@kassiomarxrochanogueira8710]

Yeah! I also play Asseto Corsa. Once you learn how to heel and toe, nothing can stop you from doing it.

[@MrJohnQCitizen]

I don't see the benefit of not signalling in all circumstances. Can someone please explain?

[@paullees7111]

Reg explains around 7:30

[@dmjw01]

The only way of being able to omit a signal safely is to observe really well, and think about what you're seeing in front, behind and all around you. So omitting signals is really about forcing you to look and think. You might say "why not look carefully and think, and then give a signal anyway?" Well, it's only by committing yourself by actually omitting the signal that you ensure your observation and thought processes were really correct. But as Reg says in this video, only omit the signal if you're absolutely sure it would be an unnecessary signal. For example, at a really open T-junction where you can see in both directions for a decent distance, and you can see clearly behind you, you might consider omitting the signal - but if you can't see early enough, then give a signal just in case it becomes necessary.

[@lucavangorkom9453]

The reason you could leave out a signal when perfectly safe is that it just gives less to worry about and less to have to do. Eg. a lane change when there's no one about, if you're driving at high speed and traffic and other hazards are absent, omitting the indication can help keep concentration on the road and keep the hands on the wheel to make the drive safer. Obviously there are more situations but that's one example.

[@mgprewett]

If your car has, as mine (Mini Clubman Cooper SD) has, indicators with an apparent life of their own - they either cancel too early, or not at all - then the less they are used the less faff and distraction manually correcting them.

[@MrJohnQCitizen]

@@mgprewett this is why BMW drivers have a reputation

[@LysanderLH]

Thing is, the assumption in advanced driving is often that any given driver is totally incapable of anything until they are programmed with the dogma. Can’t steer a car without 10-2. Can’t brake while cornering. Honestly, I couldn’t get far away enough from the incompetence hiding behind ‘rules’ of advanced driving. These people are not teachers, they are repeaters. The problem is that The Police Driver’s Manual became available to wannabe ‘i’m as good as a Police driver’ types who cannot differentiate between limit handling and as you have shown, the missing information which gave rise to rules.

[@hedleyprice981]

Hi any chance of you giving me a lesson

[@RegLocal]

Yes, drop me an email to [e-mail] & we’ll sort something out.

[@splodger7881]

I stopped going to ROSPA meetings because of stupid rules like this!

[@terryleddra1973]

Gave up the IAM for the same reason

[@splodger7881]

decided to go and learn with DIAmond instead. at least the have proper instructors.

[@williamgregory8139]

Nice cap!

[@lenwoodman9442]

If you come to Australia don't forget the cap - otherwise you'll get sunburnt!