ONE OF THE best advanced driving skills I have learned is how to use the anti-lock braking system (ABS) in an emergency.
I learned how to jam on the brakes at 110km/h and then steer the car – an Audi RS 7 no less – through a set of road cones.
Doing this actually gave me lots of confidence in my ability to handle a car in a high-speed situation if I ever need to avoid an object. Thankfully, I’ve not had to use this skill… but if I ever do, I’ll hopefully know how to do it effectively and safely.
In general, advanced driving skills are techniques that you don’t get taught during the course of normal driving lessons. They help drivers handle a vehicle in difficult situations when a car loses control. And they can sometimes help reduce your insurance premium, which is handy.
Typically, they include motorway skills, overtaking, smooth and accurate use of controls, safe progressive use of speed, rotational braking and line of sight cornering. You can also learn how to drive on ice, snow and in the wet as well as learning how to drive at night.
Other advanced skills are those that hopefully you don’t use everyday but that you should know in case of emergency including skid control, skid avoidance and handling over and under steer.
There are many ways of learning advanced driving skills including one day sessions, weekend courses or full on longer certificate courses. You can do these with approved driving schools, motorsport companies and at race circuits. Just search around and find the one that covers the skills you are particularly interested in learning.
Advanced driving skills courses can be pricey depending on the level that you do – so are they worth it? If you don’t spend that much time behind the wheel then you may not feel that advanced skills are something you need.
But personally, I think that upskilling is always worth it. You learn skills that not only may save your life and help you avoid an accident but also make driving more enjoyable. And if you love to drive then advanced driving skills courses are a real blast and a great day or weekend out.
If you are a nervous driver, advanced driving skills may help you gain more confidence behind the wheel… or they may just scare the life out of you! I was terrified doing my course but I relaxed into it and I was able to pick and choose the skills I wanted to learn. For me, it was one of the best things that I did – I am now more confident behind the wheel, and I’m glad I made the investment.
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