36 replies to this topic

[Gradi]

Rospa Gold Agree common sence mostly.Hardest part i found was the commentry you have to give.

[crr003]

I've done Stage I and II of the HPC course.  Have to say that this is probably one of the best 'roadcraft' based driver training courses - Yes Shaun I'm Biased as well!!!! 

John Lyon the trainer is awesome behind the wheel. 

Recently John Lyon was removed as a gatekeeper to approve people to HPC (High Performance Club).

He still runs a high performance course though.

[plotloss]

IAM, Rospa Silver, hope to do the full HPC later this year.

[Foxy]

Join the ambulance service and you get a 3 week driving course for free. They will even pay you to do it, now that is a good deal.

Is that the one based in North Wales? Llandudno?

[oblomov]

North Wales? Llandudno?

I've got a tattoo that says LLandudno. Most of the time it just looks like Ludo though.

[Huntsman]

I heard a similar story about a chap who, at first glance, appeared to be from NY. In the right circumstances, however, you could see that he actually hailed from Newtownmountkennedy.

[R1 nur]

HPC is calling me. I did a day with Rapid Training on my bike last month and enjoyed it so much I spent another day in my little Clio with the same instructor. My aim now is HPC membership.

[neolus]

Just to add to the debate, what if you drive for work?

Do yu think your employer has a duty to provide you with training to use your car more effectively, or do you think it's a load of rubbish?

Just in case anyone is interested,

Your employer has a legal responsibility to assess the risks of all activities that it requires an employee to undertake. If the company determines that the risks are significant (which the stats of road accidents involving people at work suggest) they are required to either remove the risk or implement controls to reduce the risk they have identified. Training therefore forms part of this process.

So to answer the question yes employers do have a responsibility it's just that most if them don't realise that the cost of the training is a lot less than that of damaged vehicles, higher insurance premiums or even worse injured or dead employees.

[Shaun]

As a former VX 'Old Git' I have put a few posts up over the years moaning about the standard of one or two VX drivers who use the A272 in Sussex..... Came up behind and was following at a safe distance a Silver VXT this morning between Petworth and Billingshurst. This guy saw me in his mirror and put his foot down and went. The way he (or she ) went throught the corners was pure artistry and although I was driving a faster car (and easierr to drive especially in the wet) it was all I could do to keep up... If you read this post fancy coming along to the next HPC event?

[ad172]

As a former VX 'Old Git' I have put a few posts up over the years moaning about the standard of one or two VX drivers who use the A272 in Sussex.....

Came up behind and was following at a safe distance a Silver VXT this morning between Petworth and Billingshurst. This guy saw me in his mirror and put his foot down and went.

The way he (or she ) went throught the corners was pure artistry and although I was driving a faster car (and easierr to drive especially in the wet) it was all I could do to keep up...

If you read this post fancy coming along to the next HPC event?

Surely the HPC would not condone racing on the public highway!!

Only joking Shaun. I go out with a chap who has been an HPC gold member for 30years. He really can make some excellent progress but with an awesome degree of safety

Chaps name is Rod Davies from South Wales - do you know him?

[Pidgeon]

Some interesting views here. Most road based courses teach observation and awareness, stuff which, in my view, if you are awake, should be obvious. The basic lesson is that there is no concensus on how to drive properly. Since my 1st Lotus course, I use rotational steering which has made a big difference to my driving. The Ride and drive author of the PH article says crossing your arms over the wheel (necessitated by rotational steering) should not happen. Sir John Whitmore (for whom I have massive respect) says it does not matter. Are we to say who is right? My view is that you cannot have too much training, but target what you want from it.

[ad172]

I would say that the only problem with Rotational steering is that if you crash and the arm is across the centre of the wheel, ie you are turning, then the air bag will go off and it's good bye fore-arm I have to say that I use rotaional steering as well

[Shaun]

Two schools of thought ie fixed grip and push pull. Some people get really heated on this subject. My own humble view is it depends to a greater extent what you are driving ie speed of the steering rack etc I use fixed grip when driving my VX & Porche whilst making decent headway and push pull when plodding around town. When driving the X Type I use push pull all the time... (even though it's quicker than my old VX in the wet on my beloved A272)...ducks and runs for cover

[Pidgeon]

I will defer to Sir John

5. When your arm is across the body, the release of the airbag may cause additional injury. There were no such things as airbags a few years ago, so this one comes as a belated bonus for the diehard defenders of the pull-push faith. I personally would far rather steer in the most efficient way all the time, the one that minimises the chance of needing the airbag in the first place. I'll take the risk with my arm, thank you.

[Shaun]

Surely the HPC would not condone racing on the public highway!!


Chaps name is Rod Davies from South Wales - do you know him?

Making 'safe headway' I think the term is......

I think I know Rod Davis what does he drive ciurrently?

[SSH1]

For any high performance car you need to know how to control it when it is at it's limits, this isn't something you practise on the way home from work.

It isn't?????

[ad172]

Making 'safe headway' I think the term is......

I think I know Rod Davis what does he drive ciurrently?

Rod is still driving a Subaru Impreza. He's had about 5 now and swears by them. A really nice chap actually and a pure enthusiast.

I guess another term for 'making safe headway would be GLF