Balanced Cornering | Learn to drive: Expert skills

There is more to cornering than simply turning the steering wheel. A driver will have to look ahead and decide how sharp the next corner is, slow the car to an appropriate speed, select the correct gear, and then drive the car around the actual corner. If a driver makes a mistake during this process they could enter the bend too fast and lose control of their car, so this video will show how to approach and drive around corners safely. We’ll take a look at each part of the process separately, before putting all the skills together again to drive the last set of bends as smoothly as possible.
Video chapters:
* 0:00 Introduction
• 1:06 How to spot bends
• 2:17 Reading the road ahead
• 3:29 Braking the car
• 4:32 Gear selection
• 5:30 Steering around the corner
• 6:35 Multiple bends
• 7:37 Keeping it smooth
• 9:16 Summary
If you found this video interesting then please click like, and subscribe to our channel - as it really helps other people find our videos. Thanks for watching!
EQUIPMENT:
Car: 2015 Kia Rio 3
Camera: DJI Mavic Pro, GoPro Hero 5 Black (x2), 4 Silver and 4 Session
Computer: Apple Mac Mini
Software: iMovie
Music: Lone Wanderer by Rameses B
/ ramesesb

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Thanks for watching - if you found this video interesting then please subscribe to our channel and click the bell to be notified of our next video! This video covers; • 0:06 Introduction • 1:06 How to spot bends • 2:17 Reading the road ahead • 3:29 Braking the car • 4:32 Gear selection • 5:30 Steering around the corner • 6:35 Multiple bends • 7:37 Keeping it smooth • 9:16 Summary

[@MrKC23]

I've had my licence 20 yrs, stopped driving for 19 yrs, and only started driving recently. I was rusty, especially with bends, but i learned loads from this video, & i can't wait to implement your teachings. Thank you again

[@edrynazarif1996]

Here after i just drove on a corner so badly… still shaken up from what could’ve happened. Hopefully will never make that mistake again. Thanks for the tips.

[@theupallnateshow5207]

I like this channel. Been following it for a long time. The narrator has a really nice voice, and the content is great

[@addyybrown4661]

Very nice soothing voice👏👏👏

[@nikyabodigital]

Anyone here third gear lovers? It's just the perfect balance of speed and power

[@leviemarkprado]

Hands up

[@mrskyler44]

3rd gear is bae

[@BlueRice]

i used to be third gear. but once you know how to rev match down shift, you be working at high rpm 2nd gear to 4th gear repeatedly and be a little faster..its more fun

[@sr7002]

@@BlueRice lol?

[@baybiisk]

Thank you for your videos, they're so informative! Also just wanted to say, I love how you guys show the speed on the screen too, keep up the good work. :-)

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

+Kj. Thanks 👍🏼 It does take a little longer to add the on-screen speedometer, but we think it's worth doing whenever possible!

[@MaximumJoy]

Once again, probably the best way yet to present this kind of information. Amazing videos.

[@vladimirl8753]

Technically, well shot video. However could have been improved if you introduce the limit point to explain HOW to choose safe speed for cornering, also recommend changing position for corners instead of recommending driving in the middle of the lane. This is very important!

[@ilovesv2422]

I was taught never to break while actually going round a bend, always adjust your speed first before the bend. That’s the most basic rule to stick too.

[@bryannguyen1260]

You actually can and it’s called trail breaking. You should still adjust your speed before the turn and if needed, brake gently and let off gently mid curve.

[@hiboyu]

super useful. not just telling what to do but priciples well explained. thx a lot!

[@abdulgafarmohammed4191]

Thank you for uploading this

[@ck-fr9nq]

Nicely explained.

[@benfero1565]

Perfect thanks for sharing 🙏❤

[@attaalizada7943]

You are the best and i really really love you ...

[@neverlookback1244]

Very well said this must be the best

[@sbgconcepts4467]

Very very useful.. Thanks

[@mattowensrees5888]

Very clearly presented and good video technique. I try to use acceleration sense whenever possible rather than braking before getting to a corner or needing to reduce speed. There is a road between Braintree and Witham in Essex which the police use to test how well their drivers can progress with minimum braking and acceleration sense. I have practiced on that road myself and learnt a lot on how to minimise braking. Not easy on that particular very bendy road.

[@johnkeepin7527]

All good advice, and shot in nice weather. All the more important when the surface is not so good, when negotiating curves. Also, while there weren’t any cyclists or horse riders in your footage, the presence of them is another reason to adjust speed depending on visibility, not just the limit. Incidentally, the car you used had a “head up” speed display. Comparing it’s values with your GPS related speed display is typical; all cars overdisplay a bit. I know the co-ordinate rate of change method of calculation is not good on curves, but on the straight your car display is around 5% fast or so. This is typical on account of the international standards that have to be complied with by the manufacturers.

[@yaallahforgiveus7248]

Brillant videos

[@krishnakharoja939]

Thankyou very much ❤️ need more videos ( roundabouts)

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

What else should we film about roundabouts?

[@adamduffy6973]

How do you drive in those massive boots!!! 😂 Great vid btw, very helpful

[@mattowensrees]

(Matt Owens Rees) Another excellent video. You mentioned it just once, but it's usually ALWAYS better to apply a little acceleration when driving around a bend. You mentioned smoothness several times but a small amount of acceleration is also advisable

[@hiboyu]

thanks. just wondering the principles of this maneuver? by doing it does it make the front and back wheels more balanced? thanks

[@larryphotography]

Do you mean actual acceleration or accelerator pedal pressure to maintain the speed? I'd imagine the latter but I'd be happy for clarification

[@zcharged8294]

@@larryphotography latter as you’re going around the bend. former when the road opens up as you exit the bend

[@mattowensrees5888]

I think you're right not to use technical terms such as "limit points". It turns learners and novices off. When cornering, I tend to apply SLIGHT acceleration to keep the car balanced. Vert very slight, and accelerate if necessary once the cornering is completed.

[@mrskyler44]

I noticed how none of these are tight city streets. I'm gonna continue using my clutch to take tight turns in my city tyvm

[@ambientblue-eyedmonkey8849]

5:41 watch out, infantry sniper on the left creeping.

[@MaximumJoy]

I'm now supporting you on Patreon. :)

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Thanks very much - we really appreciate your support!

[@nikroyal3614]

Am in Jamaica. Your technique is totally different from ours but i do appreciate your teachings they help me so much. Going for my test soon

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Thanks for your comment - and good luck on your test!

[@hemaramachandran7018]

Hi. very informative video. Thanks. Is it a good idea to attempt an overtake on bendy roads especially if the vehicle in front of you is going real slow. Can you give some pointers on how to do safely.

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

We have a separate video about this: Overtaking | Learning to drive: Expert skills kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIarhYWGoNx1iZY

[@joshooahh]

We are very lucky in this day in age to have satnavs, so if viability is poor a quick glance at the satnav can give you a great reading as to what's ahead.

[@sgordon8123]

Remember there might be people on the road - eg a cyclist stopped with a puncture. What you really see is important too.

[@redmanadventure1123]

Should I use a warning sign so other cars too know I'm now learning to drive and thank u I love your video's

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

+Naren Harrilal In the U.K. we must show other drivers we are learning by sticking ‘L plates’ on the front and rear of the car. You can see them on our cars, and most other drivers will be fairly patient towards us. Glad you like our videos! 👍🏼

[@arielayala2359]

It's been a while since this video was uploaded, which was absolutely helpful, and the quality is outstanding! I just have a doubt, which hopefully it won't be too late for you guys to answer, all these principles to keep stability while cornering, could be applied on a steep slope corner? I mean, while going downhill? Because the momentum that the car will gain in this condition will make accelerating even a bit, a lot more dangerous while going downhill, the speed will increase significantly, and of course using the breaks while cornering is something that must be avoided as explained in the video. at least that's the scenario in my mind haha. So while going downhill, should we just downshift and use the brakes as much as possible to enter the corner as slow as possible and just use momentum without accelerating to exit the corner?

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Yes, on steep gradients select a lower gear for more engine braking and use the actual brakes as much as necessary. Keeping the car speed low will reduce the chance of losing control.

[@dannyabraham151]

I passed my driving test on Monday 26th ,learning so much from your videos it's helpful Thank you so much 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Awesome! Thanks - and good luck on the road 🚙👍🏼

[@stiggyness1976]

Alot of detail in theses videos has been missed, I have watched all of Reg Locals videos. Reg is an ex police instructor and now teaches advanced driving techniques both in car and motorbike. I always thought I was a good driver, i've learned a hell of a lot from Regs videos.

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

This is because our videos are written for a learner or newly qualified driver, whereas Reg’s videos are for someone more experienced.

[@thaboshikwambane5578]

@@AdvanceDrivingSchool Fast learners with enough drive (excuse the pun) could gain quite a bit from watching both Reg's videos and yours. The one thing that Reg does quite well is building a conceptual framework in one's mind.

[@lockenessmotorsports818]

Heel and toe damn beautiful.

[@thaboshikwambane5578]

Your video production is world-class. The on-screen animations are perfect. The g-force meter is AWESOME. What did you use to get these stats? Is it some type of OBD tool? This is a case study of great video post-production

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Thanks. The on screen graphics are made from the GPS data that our GoPro cameras record. 👍🏼

[@thaboshikwambane5578]

@@AdvanceDrivingSchool A video on your production process for various scenarios would be an interesting one to watch. Won't be for all your fans but KZbin's an interesting varying place

[@varunnaveen8616]

Wow

[@hannahbby7791]

my question was how do you drive downhill and change gears at the same time because you put your foot over the clutch and change the gear .. while putting your foot over the brake right ? how do i lift the clutch up without stalling ? do i have to get the bite between clutch and gas ? if i do that the car will pick up speed because of the gas, this confuses me very much because every time i go downhill i change gears and put my foot over the brake and lift the clutch up slowly and the car goes much slower and it just seems wrong .. i dno if it's just me but it's always bothered me

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

+hannahbby Firstly, it’s ok to change down gears without pressing the accelerator pedal, and actually this is normal when slowing down for a junction or when driving downhill. Sometimes the driver will continue braking whilst changing gear, and sometimes they won’t - it just depends on how much they need to slow down or the gradient they’re on. The car will only stall if the wrong gear is selected or the car is stopped completely.

[@hannahbby7791]

what about when your trying to go slow and you change gear, once you done that i don't really wana put my foot on the accelerator because car would go fast .. but how else do i get bite

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

+hannahbby I’m sorry but I don’t understand your question - could you explain again please?

[@sripuramanand4132]

Sir please explain how to estimate backside distance between car and curb during reversing Anand

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

I don’t think there is any perfect reference point for this - we would suggest reversing very very slowly and using the side mirrors. It doesn’t really matter if a wheel gently touches the kerb sometimes.

[@sripuramanand4132]

Advance Driving School thank you sir Anand

[@Bikertyke]

I'm finding corner's in a car a lot different from on a bike. It was slow in fast out on bike with counter steering. I'm having to unlearn a lot in the car.

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

We've never ridden bikes, but can imagine how there are many differences. However, bikers are often quick learners once in a car, as your understanding of road layouts and use of mirrors is already well developed. Good luck!

[@Bikertyke]

Just had my 7th lesson. Road sense is good. Just got to grips with controling the car. Starting to enjoy it as well now.

[@nagzvevo4635]

Even the video's relax me and that perfect English Accent.. Im a geordie so imagine me doing a talkover on the video. Lol ✌🏻😁

[@gustavrohde8557]

At 4:10 they talk about how it's bad to break while turning. However in som cases, breaking gently while entering a corner, shifts the weight of the car to the front, which results in the front wheels to get a better grip on the road.

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Which means there is less weight on the rear wheels.... Driving like that is best left for the track.

[@gustavrohde8557]

@@AdvanceDrivingSchool well yes of course, if you use that method on country roads you have way to much speed to begin with. I'm just saying that in some cases (for example on a track) the brake could be used to take a corner at higher speed. I do not recommend this on normal roads, as this could easily result in oversteer if the rear gets to loose

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Exactly. This channel is primarily aimed at new drivers, so we must recommend the safest way to drive. Intentionally unbalancing our car to improve turn in can be useful on a race track, but the last thing we would want an inexperienced driver to try out on the road.

[@dylanjoy4413]

As far as I know you should always accelerate through corners too keep better traction

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

We like to keep our speed constant - but to do this we need to press the accelerator lightly. Accelerating quickly might unbalance the car and cause a loss of control, so we must be patient if driving around a long or sharp bend.

[@saleemhussain1201]

I did a mock theory is got 31 first time then 34 when should i take my theory test

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Well, since the pass mark is 43 out of 50, we would wait until we can get at least 45 every time. Good luck!

[@ilynpayne7491]

I think the guy in the demonstration drives very fast

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

We wanted to show that its OK to ‘make progress’ when safe to do so.

[@c7kelijxh]

I think everybody in UK drives too fast.

[@sgordon8123]

In the theory test you are expected to drive on the left edge of the lane around a right hand bend and over to the right of the lane on a left hand bend to improve visibility around the bend. This is not what is said on the audio in this video.

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Our advice to new drivers is to stay in the centre of your lane, and drive at an appropriate speed that gives good visibility. Driving at the edges of our lane puts us in danger of hitting a pothole or scaring oncoming traffic.

[@davoinshowerhandle3302]

I need to learn a Well Executed Hand Brake Turn !

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

I'm not sure we are the best channel to help with that!

[@nigelalbright9070]

Really well constructed video with excellent advice. My only comment is on the racing style steering - fixed hand positon, which is not for road use and also the thumbs should be along the wheel, not around it (another racing style) , which facilitates sliding the wheel. Additionally, with the rotational technique the driver is vulnerable to arms being blown back into the face in the case of an airbag deployment. Sorry to be critical but just a pity that an otherwise excellent video is let down by this sort of basic stuff for road driving.

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

It's funny, but the thing that generates the most different opinions is 'how to steer' - everyone seems to have their own preference, and it varies a lot between countries as well! My preference is to hold the wheel at a 'quarter to 3' position with my thumbs hooked into the recesses that most steering wheels have. Since all modern cars have power steering there is far less chance of any 'kickback' breaking my thumbs, and when driving around gentle to medium corners I prefer to keep my hand position fixed so that I can return to straight ahead more easily. It's only for tight turns that I move my hands, and I prefer to 'feed the wheel' rather than use 'rotational steering' as recommended in other countries. Watch our other video called 'How to steer a car' for more details. Ultimately we all have our own opinions, and various reasons for them, but so long as the car is in good control at all times then any driving examiner should be happy.

[@nigelalbright9070]

Well, it's up to you. Yes, there are differing views on steering, a lot since Sir John Whitmore (of racing fame) put his oar in some years ago. But his criticism of the original system of steering was soundly flawed when he was invited to demonstrate them on the Hendon Police Driving School skid pan - he did not have the control. Enough said. In my experience, with some 40 years of advanced driving and tutoring, the safest way is still the original, even on advanced skid pan work. The thumbs hooked into the wheel is also not a good example because it immediately suggests the basic steering tehnique is fixed hand and that is primarily a racing technique, not for use on the roads. However fixed hand is OK for plus or minus 20 degrees on fast shallow bends, but that is way above the learner level. And, because most people are inherently lazy in their driving once you allow any form or rotational steering (and I have also just looked at your video on steering - comments available separately if you want them), then it generally leads to rotational and arm crossing all the time. That means incorrect support in the back amongst other things but, most importantly leaves them highly vulnerable to potentially serious injury from airbag deployment. Additionally, with rotational steering the head is generally moving around so the eyes are not in constant alignment with the mirror. Pardon me for saying this but, in my view, if people are going to talk about better driving and label themselves as an advanced driving school then they really need to ensure that they are setting the best possible example in all areas, regardless of the falling standards of the DVLA (reversing out of parking bays just being another example).

[@another3997]

Nigel ALBRIGHT No offence, but you are somewhat out of touch with modern driving. Your claim that he is using techniques suitable only for the track are severely outdated. Forty years ago cars were very different, we both know that. Modern cars now have power steering, smaller steering wheels, improved steering racks, better brakes, suspension, tyres and greater reliability. All of these changes have changed the driving experience. You need to adapt... disgard the dogmatic mindset that holds back advanced driving by giving it an outdated image to those that really need our help.

[@shahidhawlader6616]

❤️🇿🇦

[@kevindunham3669]

It's looks so slow after driving Spa going through corners at over 100 mph

[@mariakutub9789]

Which country is this?

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

We are based in the UK. Where do you live?

[@abdulgafarmohammed4191]

united kingkom

[@pmaphala6848]

I like driving fast and I often brake when cornering and the car tend to become unbalanced

[@joelhenderson3723]

Good way to throw yourself into a drift, that. But for speed, it's better to get your braking out of the way ahead of the corner and then keep the car as well-balanced as possible, like the video suggests.

[@hannahbby7791]

how are you driving downhill while changing gears without jerking or going any faster ?! even his foot isn't on the brake so how's he stopping from stalling!!

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

+hannahbby Changing gear downhill shouldn’t be any more difficult than normal, but choosing one gear lower than normal for that speed will give more control. This is because it will give more ‘engine braking’ which will reduce the need to brake as much. The car will only stall if the driver forgets to push the clutch down when stopping.

[@marcpanther7924]

he was doing heel-and-toe to prevent jerking, right?

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

+Totoro Zhen Yes, as I wanted to brake quickly and change down at the same time. I wouldn’t recommend any learner drivers attempt that though - it’s a skill that can wait until a driver is more experienced.

[@marcpanther7924]

Is it possible to do with auto transmission? For example, I like to coast in neutral, but when I need to switch back to D, my car jerks. I wonder if this method can be used for auto. I'm too chicken to try without asking first.

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

+Totoro Zhen It is generally a bad idea to coast in neutral, as the driver has more control over the car’s speed when in a gear. Some automatic cars specifically state that the car shouldn’t be towed as it can cause damage to the gearbox, so I’d check your cars manual before you roll in neutral again!

[@anisniper360]

Yes,driving corners at high speed we can’t control the car ,physics( centrifuge)take over the control

[@thaboshikwambane5578]

Feel like this is advanced normal driving. Not necessarily your IAM type of driving where you cover things like offsiding, limit points,etc. An IAM inclined learner could gain value from this with IAM theory but it's not really geared for them... For example, lane positioning while taking a corner isn't considered here - that affects balance. No knock, just a KZbin learner sharing what I've learnt so that others have interesting rabbit holes to go down because we're all interested in becoming better safer drivers.

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

Our videos are written for a normal learner driver, so doesn’t go into any kind of ‘advanced’ driving - despite the similarity to our name!

[@MillsInspector]

Drove with bends at high speed and its not easy as it looks here.

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

We weren’t going very fast in this video - perhaps the camera makes it look faster than it was. If you want to see us going a little faster, check out this video: We visit a racing circuit: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIqyh4SioJWtjpI 👍🏼

[@ianpowder3187]

6:41 You didn't think nearly striking a bird was a teachable moment?

[@dylanltsang]

Was i the only one that spotted the 1m lol

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

If you mean the 1-series coupe at 1:53, then unfortunately that's not a 1M - the front bumper is wrong, and it doesn't have the wider arches 😔

[@irjerry3]

Stop having women do voice overs for male centric content please and thanks

[@AdvanceDrivingSchool]

‘Male centric content?’ Driving is for everyone!