Very Advanced Driving
RRP £4.99
Paperback, 192 pages
Reviews
(Rated 1 out of 5)
Some of the advice given here is potentially lethal, certainly contrary to the Highway Code and probably sufficient to get a "without due care" conviction such as the outermost lane for roundabout right turns.
The initial diatribe about IAM / RoSPA sets a tone of arrogance repeated throughout the book and does beg the question if the author failed of their tests at some point.
The idea of the safe space is not new and has been included in Roadcraft for years as has been the link between observation and threat assessment and these appear to be the key factors promoted by the author. Whist these are significant they do nothing to balance the overall tone that what the author describes is right irrespective of what others or the law may have to say.
Save you money and get out for an assessment drive with either RoSPA or IAM, you will learn much more and have the opportunity to question the reasoning behind their Advance techniques and so understand more.
(Rated 4 out of 5)
I have two copies of this -- one I bought in 1991 and the updated version in about 2001. Obviously you have to take all of it in with a slightly cynical mind, but there's some good advice in here. "Roadcraft" is mostly about how to avoid a situation, but gives no advice about how to deal with it when you've screwed up. This book covers that.
(Rated 5 out of 5)
It was 3 years ago, after 6 months instinctive mental frustration with Roadcraft in the hands of IAM Observers, that I stumbled across this book in Smith's, on the same stand as the usual Driving Test books. It remains a breath of fresh air!
Civilian driving is really governed by a scientific definition of safe speed: that is, safe speed is decided by every driver of any vehicle in each and every situation. Be that in 1st gear or 5th/6th gear, it is the driver's responsibility and discretion. Police skills are not only possessed by those who have trained to pass the IAM or RoSPA tests, let alone to drive with blues and twos.
While the Police are supposed to be the epitome of courtesy, instilled by their Roadcraft (too frequent are the exceptions today...), theirs is not the example of realistic, good civilian driving. Making space on the road and using it wisely to progress effeciently (not just adequately), realising also unusual dangers and planning to stay safe: the driver's safety cocoon needs creative protection, not just technical Highway Code perfection.
High speed driving on a deserted motorway (145mph) in a sports car was recently found not to be dangerous by a jury. Topper's book builds up driving skills from the driveway to town to country lanes and roads and then the motorway. He's the favourite or the rotten apple.
Tom Topper's 100's of 1000's of miles experience (1000000 miles?) express themselves in anticipating hazards before they become visible. Roadcraft doesn't touch on that...slowing for country corners doesn't count; but unusual hidden traffic? One of Tom's best illustrations of advanced driving unaffected by government advice is the 2 pages exploring communication with headlights. A usually frowned-on practice....Indeed quick info flashes now comes under road rage!!?
No, Tom Topper's book is the bible of road use skills: like the Holy Bible which has to be studied constantly to gain from its inspiration, this book should never be read just twice a year, but constantly rechecked and reread. It speaks the driver's mind, and so can bring back to mind those skills which save lives in an exhilarating, entertaining and fun driving style.
(Rated 3 out of 5)
This book is refreshingly readable compared to some of the drier texts on driving. Tom Topper's style, with a sharp use of wit, encourages you to read from cover to cover. The book takes a fresh and more pragmatic approach to speed without moralising, but you do need to think for yourself about the author's advice.
This was the first (of many) books I read on driving. I initially looked at 'Very Advanced Driving' just after passing my L-test. Tom Topper's twin pillars of safe positioning and correctly relating speed to conditions, thus maintaining a "cocoon" of safe road space, saved me from the usual early accidents of a new driver. The book was worth its money for this alone.
However, with years of experience I now recognise that some of the advice is inaccurate. I have also progressed from passing the IAM test to the acclaimed RoSPA Advanced Drivers Association (RoADA) test. The author starts the book with an attack on advanced driving, which I find odd. None of the many books I've read have improved my driving skill or enjoyment as much as advanced training. Self-assessment and books are no substitute. The IAM and more especially RoADA heightened my ability and fun more than I could have imagined. It's most peculiar and a shame that the book starts in this way.
It's a pity the title implies that it will take you beyond advanced driving. Whilst I go with much of the author's advice, especially maintaining a "cocoon" of safe road space around you, this book certainly doesn't take you to being very advanced. Only High Performance Course (HPC) guru John Lyon's hardback "The Porsche Driving Book" would live up to this. HPC architect Tom Wisdom's "High Performance Driving for You" would also give you an insight into genuine 'very advanced driving'.
If you have not read a driving book then "Roadcraft" remains 'the bible' and an ideal first read. If you have read "Roadcraft" - or are already a member of the IAM, RoADA or HPC - then you could find 'Very Advanced Driving' interesting to read with an open mind.
(Rated 4 out of 5)
It's quite interesting that you either love or hate this book.
This book has clearly been written by a driver with many, many miles of experience. It does not moralize about speed and it provides excellent practical advice.
It is written with the real world in mind. It is the only book that attempts to accurately classify driving behaviour: And this is the single greatest achievement of any driving book!
Car's are driven by humans, and if you believe the other books they are either in 2 states: Completely predictable and law abiding, or road rage idiots intent on killing! They don't drive on the same roads as I do!
The only reason I haven't given 5 stars is because of the tone he applies to bikers. aka organ-donors. I'm a biker and find this his only blind spot.
Otherwise, this book is simply superb. Open you mind and decide if the advice is valuable or not. Forget about drawing parralels to the theoritically perfect world, and see if the advice is applicable to your situation.
And besides, at this price - what do have to lose! Buy it!