As usual, we had a recap of previous driving skills I had learnt, with my instructor using Q&A to findout where I would look while reversing and clutch control and what was the meaning of POM because as he explained, I will be using these skills while performing the turn in the road.
3 Point turn
It was time for the now familiar driving lesson briefing before a new DSA syllabus topic from the driver's record was covered, and to keep things simple, this lesson briefing explained the maneuver as a 3 point turn.
First I learnt how to use SCALP to chose the right spot to carry out this driving exercise, making particularly sure I don't do it too close to a junction.
Next I was reminded that I must use the POM System for all maneuvers and when carrying out my observations I must make sure there is no one around that will be affected by my driving. This also means that I don't need to use any signals for this or any of the other set exercises.
It is important that I keep the car very slow using clutch control, and that any steering that needs to be done should be with fast hands, hence I have been told to remember the slogan 'slow car, fast hands'.
The first point: Once it is safe, having prepared the car, I should put the handbrake down, as the car starts to move slowly forward, I should steer full lock to the right, using a little more gas to overcome the additional resistance caused by the steering and any road gradient. As I get closer to the other side of the road, I should get ready to use the brake and clutch to stop as I steer to the left, if necessary easing off the brake to allow finite movements forward to position my right exterior wing mirror to sit on top of the kerb edge. A bit hard to explain, but I know what it looks like.
Once I stop, I should put on my handbrake.
Second Point: select reverse gear, find the biting point and then carry out my full 6 points observations, and if safe handbrake down, as the car starts to move slowly, steer all the way to the left full lock, looking behind and around as the car moves across the road. As I get closer to the other side, slow down, look over my right should so I know where the kerb is and avoid hitting it as I stop close to it, steering to the right.
3rd point: Using POM move off forward, steering to the right, and continue up the road, driving in the opposite from where we came.
It all sounded simple when he explained it, but doing it practically was a different ball game. My first attempt of this new driving maneuver was not bad even though my instructor was giving me full talk through, I was nervous, and sometimes I would zone out, and not hear what I was being told probably because of panic fearing I would drive straight over the road and the opposite pavement! I had 4 attempts, on this very queit road, and was very thankful I didn't have to deal with any cars on this part of the lesson.
We drove around a bit to take a break from the maneuver, then I had a few more attempts, and this time it was getting better, with my clutch control improved now that I was no longer in panic mode!
It was soon time to go home, and before we swapped driving seats, my driving instructor and I filled in my driver's record and I was able to tick the turn in the road, with a 3 next to it. I totally enjoyed today's driving lesson!
My north west london driving instructor also recommended a DVD a visual guide to passing the driving test which I have been watching, and comparing notes with what I did today, and am quite happy that I'll be able to do it when the time for my practical driving test arrives, though that won't be for a few weeks now.
Turn in the Road Video
3 comments:
ive just done my first turn in the road, hit the kerb behind me twice! and downhill stops i thought were quite tricky because of camber....
but more practice ill get there :O)
You seem to have had a number of lessons and are making good progress...well done. Tell me, why is your instructor not letting you drive home yet?
I think he means they swapped seats at the end Mike. I hope so! If your practicing manoeuvres you should be capable of driving home. jkc think about using the clutch as you would on a hill start and you'll find it a lot easier to control the roll. Think of the biting point as a block not a point and you want to just tickle the bottom of the block. You should feel the car drop and the tone of the engine change. If the car starts to move to quick then just dip the clutch and the cars weight should stop the car.You are right though practice, practice and practice.
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