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28-03-2015, 03:14 PM | #1 | ||
When in doubt, GAS IT!!
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Lower Eyre Peninsula, SA
Posts: 3,018
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Well, I thought I'd be ok when I went for a taxi ticket drive around yesterday. I decided NOT to sit down and read through the learners manual, try to remember it all, then get stressed out during the test. I decided I'd be better off staying calm and relaxed so just drive the way I normally drive and just to see how I'd go. A big risk when I paid $100 for the test but I figured if I blew it at least I'd know what to focus on next time.
If I'd been a spotty youf, I'd have failed a driving test dismally, but only on 3 things, although you get a point deducted every time you don't do one of them by the book, and 5 points and you fail. I'd have failed 5 minutes into the test. Thankfully he pulled me over and explained what was expected by the taxi inspectors and I adjusted accordingly. What would have failed me if I was 18?..... well... Firstly, my approach to a stop. The rule is, you must check your rear view mirror and indicate your intention before you touch the brake. I tend to use my right door mirror and not my interior rear view mirror to make the check. Years of truck driving got me into this habit as your RV mirror is useless to look behind you. (I used to angle it to check my left side blind spot). This is a fail. Secondly, right hand turns out of a junction. I tend to swing around in a nice parabolic arc into the middle of the lane, again, a legacy of having to take wide turns in a truck, but also it gives a smoother ride for everyone in the car IMO. FAIL. The rule is, you turn from hard against the centre line to hard against the centre line then drift to the left. There is no way to do this smoothly and not have to tighten the turn up at the last moment so you don't cross the centre line. Thirdly, the shoulder check.Whenever you change lanes you are required to look over your shoulder to check your blind spot. I only did it when I knew someone was close by. 2 things here, spacial awareness of knowing who's around you at all times by having constantly checked your mirrors, again truck driving teaches you this. So unless someone has magically materialized in your blind spot from another dimension you know nobody is there plus, I can't get my head to turn that far comfortably thanks to an MVA back in 89, so I tend to lean forward while checking the door mirrors which lets me see the blind spots just to be sure. When I know someone is close I do the shoulder check but it hurts my neck. So did I pass after all that? Well yes I did actually, but not without a couple of other things I need to adjust. The 2 second rule is now the 3 second rule, which I knew, but the instructor said a was still border line on that for him to be totally comfortable. Posture, I tend to rest my elbow on the door, and keeping both hands on the wheel at ALL times. What saved me I think was he factored in my 35yrs of driving experience, my spacial awareness and the fact I gave him a smooth and relaxing ride that at no time made him nervous being in the car with me. So what about the rest of you, do you really think you'd pass a driving test if it was sprung on you , or even if you had a weeks notice? Me, I think even knowing what I know now and having been through it I still don't know that I'd ace it on any given day without a complete change of mindset.
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. HERS- BFIII Wagon Gold, alloys, dual fuel, bullbar, big tow pack, trans cooler, fully rebuilt HD suspension, Clarion, alarmed, full 2 1/2" sports system, mint body MINE- AUII Forte Meteorite, dual fuel but otherwise bog stock. MINE- AUII Fairlane Sportsman Liquid Silver over meteorite,HIDs', Airhog, Eagle Leads, dual fuel, custom rear springs, BA slotted discs + a second one for spares . |
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28-03-2015, 04:12 PM | #2 | ||
R51 Pathy, 91 Jayco Swan
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Mackay, QLD
Posts: 3,635
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Have driving tests every 6 months. Just part of my job.
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28-03-2015, 04:23 PM | #3 | ||
BF XR8 Ute
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Redlands
Posts: 4,460
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Not a snowballs chance in hell,would I pass a current driving test,to many bad habits,picked up through years of driving and never having anybody to review my driving.
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Cheers Geoff _____________ HIS 2006 BF MKII XR8 Ute,Shockwave Blue. HERS Kia Picanto Signal Red Past Rides:- XD Panel Van,XE Panel van,XF Wagon,ED Wagon,BA Fairmont,LX Focus Greetings Earthlings. |
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28-03-2015, 04:42 PM | #4 | ||
Banned
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ipswich QLD
Posts: 4,697
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don't know about myself but from basic maths I reckon over 90% would FAIL the second they came to a round about. Terrible terrible understanding of whats required at roundabouts.
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28-03-2015, 04:56 PM | #5 | ||
When in doubt, GAS IT!!
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Lower Eyre Peninsula, SA
Posts: 3,018
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I would imagine anyone driving emergency services vehicles and professional drivers ferrying paying passengers, in general, would pass and I'm sure that after a few months driving a cab I'd probably pass easily too but the average driver would fail dismally I reckon.
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. HERS- BFIII Wagon Gold, alloys, dual fuel, bullbar, big tow pack, trans cooler, fully rebuilt HD suspension, Clarion, alarmed, full 2 1/2" sports system, mint body MINE- AUII Forte Meteorite, dual fuel but otherwise bog stock. MINE- AUII Fairlane Sportsman Liquid Silver over meteorite,HIDs', Airhog, Eagle Leads, dual fuel, custom rear springs, BA slotted discs + a second one for spares . |
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28-03-2015, 06:01 PM | #6 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: NZ
Posts: 1,675
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54...probably not!
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2016 SS-V Redline LS3 Previous Rides. BA XR8, 5M FG GT-P 315 6A FG F6 310 6A HSV Maloo LS3 6M GT 335 6A 300 SRT8 Hemi 6.4 PX Ranger XLT Commodore SS-V Redline LS3 2017 Triumph Speed Triple R Triumph Street Triple RX |
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28-03-2015, 07:47 PM | #8 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Rowville Vic
Posts: 692
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WOT at 76 pass the drivers test!!!! will take it in my G6ET and frighten the S---T out of him and he will have to pass me!!
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28-03-2015, 09:32 PM | #9 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: here and there
Posts: 610
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I would like to think that most people would pass or get close to passing the test these days, if put on the spot.
A lot of people are just complacent about their driving, ok LAZY ! It is like driving next to a police car, people "do the right thing" when they have to.....
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Ford LV2 Focus XR5 MODIFIED |
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28-03-2015, 11:10 PM | #10 | ||
Banned
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,811
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Not me...
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28-03-2015, 11:22 PM | #11 | ||
Thailand Specials
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Centrefold Lounge
Posts: 49,815
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I only got my license 5 years ago and I'd fail for sure
Two fingers from right hand on the steering wheel at 3 or 6, elbow on door trim, left hand for changing stations/tracks on stereo otherwise on shifter and loud music ftw |
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28-03-2015, 11:24 PM | #12 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Sydney
Posts: 2,888
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Did my light truck license last year.
Felt like a ******** indicating leaving a straight roundabout. Failed the knowledge test first time, question was can a coach driver or a driver hauling flammable goods have an alcoholic drink on his lunch/dinner break? The correct answer is yes. .02 |
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28-03-2015, 11:55 PM | #13 | ||
FG XR6 Ute & Sedan
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Bibra Lake WA
Posts: 23,612
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yes; I think I would.
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regards Blue |
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28-03-2015, 11:56 PM | #14 | ||
Bathed In A Yellow Glow
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: NSW Central Coast
Posts: 2,530
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I’d have no chance with a knowledge test if I needed to quote distances for various manoeuvres and situations as years of driving have replaced actual knowledge with my version of common sense which wouldn’t be accurate enough to pass an exam.
As for the physical driving test I might if I concentrate hard fail poorly instead of miserably. I tend to drive in a generally courteous manner and let myself down with occasionally aggressive overtones when confronted by inconsiderate idiots. |
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29-03-2015, 01:05 AM | #15 | |||
Miami Pilot
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: ACT
Posts: 21,704
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Quote:
I reckon I'd pass, with a blemish or 2 though....
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29-03-2015, 01:26 AM | #16 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 209
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My son got his licence a couple of years ago, my daughter is in the middle of obtaining hers now (passed the practical, another six months and required hours to go).
I do not think that anyone over the age of forty would pass if the assessor went by the book, too many things they pick you up on that most people don't know about. I think it would be very difficult for anyone of any age to pass on their first attempt unless they have had lessons with a driving school. My daughter did her test in an automatic, have since bought her a manual so she has to do it again. She has friends failing their manual assessments (one has failed three times so far), mainly failing due to gearbox/clutch techniques. Who here sits at a set of traffic lights etc for long periods in first gear with the clutch in ? She will have lessons with a driving school but before then I would like to know what are acceptable manual driving techniques. I emailed the transport department asking if there was any available information (I couldn't find any) their reply was basically as follows " assessors know what are safe and acceptable techniques, if you want to know what they are go to a driving school, you can find them in the yellow pages ". |
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29-03-2015, 09:18 AM | #17 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Shoalhaven
Posts: 3,161
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What the hell is a "straight roundabout"?!
I guess I know what you mean - the wrongly-described "straight ahead/turn left/turn right at a roundabout". But you actually did the right thing, signalling left to exit the roundabout at any exit. A roundabout is a circular road, you go around it until you come to your exit, then you indicate left to leave it. Australian road authorities themselves have serious trouble understanding and describing the process of using a roundabout, what hope do learning road users have? |
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29-03-2015, 09:29 AM | #18 | |||
When in doubt, GAS IT!!
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Lower Eyre Peninsula, SA
Posts: 3,018
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Quote:
The bloke who took me round wasn't fudging the results and said I'd have been in all sorts of trouble if I'd have been a newby going for my license and that was after only 5 minutes and 10 corners. Thankfully he pulled me over and basically gave me a lecture rather than fail me immediately. After that I adjusted and was ok, but he gave me the impression that he was a stickler for the rules and expected them to be followed to the letter or else. I almost feel sorry for the kids trying to get their license these days, it's a long, tough haul to then be almost guaranteed to be failed the first time for something minor that most of us wouldn't even consider.
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. HERS- BFIII Wagon Gold, alloys, dual fuel, bullbar, big tow pack, trans cooler, fully rebuilt HD suspension, Clarion, alarmed, full 2 1/2" sports system, mint body MINE- AUII Forte Meteorite, dual fuel but otherwise bog stock. MINE- AUII Fairlane Sportsman Liquid Silver over meteorite,HIDs', Airhog, Eagle Leads, dual fuel, custom rear springs, BA slotted discs + a second one for spares . |
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29-03-2015, 09:47 AM | #19 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 706
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So is knowing how to pass a driving test more important than knowing how to drive.a lot of people pass the test but still dont know how to drive. The rv mirror check is irrelevant on a lot of vehicles today which is why you are allowed limo tint on back window of suv etc.but as for passing the test id have to be concentrating on not letting some of the bad habits that we all get no happen
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29-03-2015, 10:48 AM | #20 | ||
Rob
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Woodcroft S.A.
Posts: 21,777
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of course you know what is meant. everyone knows what is meant.
describing it how you suggest is just being pedantic. if someone says, go straight at the roundabout, not one person on the planet would be confused, and not one person on the planet would drive straight over top. the only exception is roundabouts that have more than 4 exits. they would be a minority, and most people would adapt accordingly and state, take the 1st, 2nd, 3rd exit etc etc. given there are more accidents at intersections than roundabouts, perhaps people should brush up on those instead. as for the topic, i'm not over 40 so doesn't apply to me i'm pretty confident i'd pass that driving parts, although i might be a bit rusty on some of the distances you can park from intersections etc. all the stuff that doesn't really matter. if i'm going to pick on one thing from the OP though, its the one regarding indicating your intentions prior to braking. this has been a rule since adam was a boy, and its so frustrating when inconsiderate people do it back to front. indicating your intentions always comes first. |
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29-03-2015, 11:33 AM | #21 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 706
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How do I indicate my intention to brake without braking lol
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29-03-2015, 11:45 AM | #22 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Shoalhaven
Posts: 3,161
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The point is that he did the right thing by signalling as he exited, but he thought he didn't do the right thing. That's how confusing they've made it here by not explaining it properly.
As for "on the planet", make that "in Australia". The rest of the planet isn't as confused. |
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29-03-2015, 11:48 AM | #23 | ||
Regular Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 209
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Is it a rule to indicate before you brake , ie can you get booked for it if you don't ?.
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29-03-2015, 11:54 AM | #24 | ||
Rob
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Woodcroft S.A.
Posts: 21,777
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29-03-2015, 12:00 PM | #25 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Sydney
Posts: 2,888
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Quote:
No mate wrong again. Stop being a smart donkey. Use your eyes when you drive around on your high horse and notice how few people indicate left when they exit a roundabout where the exit is straight ahead - it's a fail Drive with your hand on the gear stick- it's a fail Get one question wrong in the drug and alcohol section of the knowledge test - it's a fail My answer to the OP is yes I would pass. In deference to the other posters I wouldn't have passed without half a day's instruction with ABC to get my Light Rigid licence and hours doing the practice knowledge test on the computer. |
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29-03-2015, 12:41 PM | #26 | |||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Shoalhaven
Posts: 3,161
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Quote:
Every day I sit at roundabouts because I don't know whether people are going around or exiting, because they don't signal (not to mention the ones who still have their right indicator on when they're exiting left). Even reading "eye language" doesn't always work. A friend of mine was clobbered when he thought somebody was exiting the roundabout when he wasn't - no signals at all of course, just mistaken eye language. It sort of stuffs the whole purpose of having roundabouts. I'd rather have the benefit of the doubt and wait than be hit in the side. Apparently under your principle, because so few indicate, that makes it right then? Once again, there's no such thing as "straight ahead" on a roundabout. The fact that people don't get that is an indication of how the authorities have failed to get people to understand roundabouts. I won't even mention the drivers who "charge" the roundabout at speed when entering, regardless of the right of the person at the next entrance to be in the roundabout if they were there first. That's another uniquely Australian thing. |
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29-03-2015, 12:46 PM | #27 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Sydney
Posts: 2,888
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You still don't get it obviously
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29-03-2015, 01:06 PM | #28 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Shoalhaven
Posts: 3,161
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I would say the same but don't want to get into an argument because we all respect each other here on AFF. The bottom line with roundabouts in Australia is that it's best to be defensive and ignore any signalling (or more often none) and wait till the roundabout clears rather than being T boned. Never mind the frustrated queue behind you - better to be alive than "in the right" but dead.
Large roundabouts generally work well but I'd say it was a mistake to introduce the mini-roundabout (UK invention) to Australia. They work fine with traffic flow in the UK because the drivers are observant, competent and considerate, but here there's a yawning gap between theory and practice and the road traffic authorities carry most of the blame for that. |
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29-03-2015, 01:13 PM | #29 | |||
Rob
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Woodcroft S.A.
Posts: 21,777
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Quote:
we don't live in a perfect world. roundabouts have been around long before signalling on exit became a national law. everyone survived before, and are still surviving. it doesn't make it right or wrong, but it doesn't necessarily make it 'confusing' either.... unless of course you are impatient, and can't wait that extra 3 seconds. |
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29-03-2015, 02:08 PM | #30 | |||
Regular Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 209
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Quote:
Point being there are plenty of people like me, I know the road rules and I would like to think I am careful and considerate. Hopefully if I had to do a test now I think I would pass but only because of all the little things (that aren't rules and regulations ) that I have picked up as a result of my kids driving lessons etc. |
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