05 An Introduction to Commentary

A few people have asked me to make a video on commentary, so here it is! This is an introduction to commentary & a demonstration of the basics, together with some of the tricks and techniques I use and teach.
More videos to follow - I've a little more time on my hands now the new book is finished!

[@rolojen]

Thanks Reg, I am currently on my police advanced course and your book and videos have helped me a lot. Ideal for anyone who is new to advanced driving

[@RegLocal]

Thanks Jen. Enjoy the course & good luck. Just remember to keep the car shiny side up & if it’s in front of you, overtake it!

[@rolojen]

Reg Local All passed! 😊

[@RegLocal]

Well done Jen! Onwards & upwards! Instructors course next...

[@HuwRoberts9]

Invaluable information gathering video, going through the IAM masters this video is a must. Thank you Reg

[@Flossie1985]

Informative and entertaining as always. Thanks for making this. When I was first learning to drive I remember my instructor asking me what subjects I was studying for A-Level and he thought I was nuts because I couldn't remember. I didn't have enough spare brain capacity to think about that and about driving the car. I've always worried about commentary driving and not being able to articulate fast enough everything I'm seeing. It makes sense that a basic talk through of the main points is all that's expected now. As for the guy sitting with his foot on the brake pedal, in his defense that's sometimes necessary on cars with stop, start engine systems.

[@colinblair4263]

Stop/Start engine systems - Brake to stop, handbrake, neutral, /engine stops/ clutch down, /engine starts/ gear, handbrake off, go.

[@shaunastone2273]

My first ever IAM test was in 1996 but didn't keep membership up. Joined again 3 years ago and got another good pass :-) Just done my fellowship re-qualification and managed a F1RST :-) However, I need to improve my commentary so finding this video very helpful :-) Thank you John :-)

[@CaptainOveur69]

I'm half way through watching all your videos, I've found them very interesting so far. Spotted some nice beemers in this video as a bonus, a nice 8 series, a Phoenix yellow e46 m3 (I have the same :)) and a very rare 1m coupe!

[@mr.logician1915]

Reg, thank you very much, i have completed my first 1000 KM drive and your video tutorials were of great help. Keep up the good work..really appreciate this. Namaste !

[@RegLocal]

King22Rules88Hearts Thanks very much and Namaste to you! There's more stuff on my website at www.reglocal.com

[@jamesderieg4158]

Thank you Reg. Very helpful.

[@MaciejJankowskiPL]

Very valuable information. Superb city driving.

[@SomethingSomewhere18]

Great Commentary Session ... Thank you very much..

[@RodionManikaev]

Hi Reg! Thank you for this video! I like your comments in stationary position!

[@jackrusse1947]

The easy way to do a commentary is think as your passenger is blind And put a picture in there mind

[@stub1116]

I really enjoyed that video!

[@j1bc]

The tip about throwing the odd prediction in then just not mentioning it again if it doesn't come true is also usefull with the wife (tho you won't always get away with it) 😉

[@joJOjoJOjoJOjo.JOjoJOjoJOjoJO]

Hi Reg, I'm fascinated by (but don't fully understand) the customary vehicle that joins the road and then turns off, as you mentioned in your book and predicted in this video. I get the idea that (s)he might be headed in one direction and so could be zigzagging to get to their destination. But for one thing, surely many cars DON'T do this, and for another, hasn't every vehicle got to turn off somewhere? (or is the point that it's usually within that half-mile distance? Didn't the van in the video take a bit longer than that?) Thanks for the video and for (hopefully) responding to my question!

[@RegLocal]

Good question! The honest answer (don't tell anyone!) is that it's well educated guesswork. A fellow instructor estimated that as many as 95% of vehicles which join your road from a side road will turn off within the next mile or so. I don't think it's quite that many, but there are several reasons behind the theory. One is that, as you suggest, other drivers are just travelling generally in "that" direction, which requires a turn off to the opposite direction within a short space of time. Another reason is that many vehicles, particularly smaller hatchbacks and delivery vans, generally only travel short distances to the shops, or to make the next delivery. As well as being a nice addition to commentary (especially if your prediction comes true), it's always worth having the possibility that they will turn off in the back of your mind, so that when they do, you're not caught by surprise. You are right, of course - every vehicle will need to turn off at some point, but it's nice when you've predicted it!

[@freelegal]

1:05 - "there's no mystery to commentary..." and 1:15 - "...an introduction to commentary, because there's ... quite a lot to it." And *that* is was makes it a) a mystery and b) terrifying. BTW how does commentary work when the examiner/observer/passenger is deciding the route you take? It would either be an interruption or you would never get that chance to anticipate a change of direction during commentary.

[@ketchup5344]

👍

[@stub1116]

rilliant.