Great video! I passed my test almost two years ago now and still watch your videos religiously. Anticipation and planning is still something I am working on as well as smoothness. I do feel like I'm still learning and fully believe that you only really learn to drive once your out there on your own in real life scenarios! I found this video super helpful, I learn a lot from each and every video you post... Thanks so much and happy new year! 😀
That little segment around 11:33 and talking about mirrors, I was one of those students that got into the habit of just moving the head towards the mirrors to make it obvious I was looking. My instructor picked up on this as I must’ve missed something on one of the checks so for the next 5 or so lessons I had to say out loud what I saw in each mirror before moving off and then explain why I looked in those mirrors. It really made me think about it, be more selective and also to actually look in the mirror 👍
I learned a tip from a driving instructor that while you're learning slightly offset the mirror, not so much that it's obscured but just enough that it makes you move your head perceptible enough for the examiner to see. It's easier for them to pickup than small eye movements and they know you're doing it correctly.
Yeah I saw in another driving instructor video: the pupil came to a stop at a light and then covered hte mirror with a sheet of paper and asked what car was behind. Made me realise that I wouldn't be able to answer that question so I've really been making a conscious effort to check that now
Not much to say except that it's a pleasure to have the way I have been doing my best to drive for years endorsed, by a beacon of thoughtful engagement with the road. Cheers Ashley.
Just in case there are no extra videos from Ashley today or tomorrow, wishing everyone a Happy New Year and to enjoy driving in 2024 🎉🎉 Thank you Ashley for all you have done this year, you have really helped improve my driving after I picked up some not so good city habits 👍
Nice message Bob. I was actually trying to work out if this is Ashley's last video for 2023. Likewise to yourself and family re best wishes for the New Year. And yes, enjoy driving in 2024.
I wish we had Ashley on UA-cam. When I was learning to drive in the 80s. The guy is so educational Even though I passed my test (the second time) on April 26th, 40 years ago I still like watching these educational videos because you're never to old to learn " More .🇬🇧 .
In our recent storm, with the poor visibility from the heavy rain, the amount of people who drive at 70mph and not to the conditions, even when the visibility dropped below 100 metres beggers belief! Then there's the people who drive in poor weather conditions with no lights on, making it hard to see them and very dangerous! I think some of these people would benefit from watching some of Ash's videos. Thanks for sharing Ashley, keep up the excellent work 👍🏽👊🏽😃
It is very rare my lights are off when I am driving, even in the summer. I agree with the poor weather lack of lighting and I often wonder if people judge this on street lighting that used to be activated by light sensors whereas now they are on a timer? They see street lights are off so believe it is light enough to not have vehicle lights on. Then there are those thet repy upon automatic lights that aren’t that great. The final group I find are those that run on DRLs thinking their lights are on as they have light in front of them and as with all modern cars, the dashboard is brighter than the signs lighting up Trafalgar Square
On the subject of lights, for me it's dipped headlights 100% of the time, day or night, rain or shine. Got into the habit of turning them on manually for every journey decades ago, just like putting on a seat belt.
Your channel is an invaluable asset to improve my driving after I passed my test a month ago. I actually heard your voice in my head saying "Fix the problem, forget about it , no dramas" After being cut up badly.
I have taken on a driving instructor role for someone who passed years ago, but didn't get a car until recently. They were braking hard and so I had them be a passenger in my car, telling them when and how I was using the clutch, accelerator and the brake. They quickly realised I brake significantly earlier than they do. Their braking immediately improved. I am citing the teachings from the book of Ashley Neal. Never flashing the lights, but instead using the speed and positioning of the car to communicate.
Top video topic today. Seating position is also very key to what you describe in the opening 5mins of the video. Seated correctly will permit far easier foot movement - think about how extra pressure is put through your bum and hips..
I see it when I am in a vehicle where the driver is vertically challenged and will pull the seat all the way forward and hold the steering wheel like they are about to hug it. I see they also lift their feet of the floor and pull on the steering wheel to “assist” in finer pedal movements. I try to help and say about leaning back slightly away from the steering wheel but am greeted by the usual “Well it is easy for you isn’t it, you are not short like me!”
I was amazed at the length of virtually straight road from 2:41 all the way to 5:42. A full 3 minutes. As much as I'm used to very long stretches of straight road in Canada & USA, this seems unusual for the UK. Yes I know about some of the UK's A roads being former roman roads and quite straight. But this did surprise me.
@@cactusbase3088 Ah yes, it's pretty flat in that part of the country. I'll have a look. Interestingly I sometimes experience the flip side of all this in that I find myself wondering why some bends are even necessary when there's no obstacle to avoid. Perhaps it's a "landowner" issue?
There are so many opportunities to waste hours and hours on UA-cam. This channel however must be one of the most useful ones. Watching these videos, even several times, is genuinely time well spent. The videos are entertaining too. Watching someone performing their craft at such a high level is fascinating.
I love these longer driving videos, its really good that we can see behind you out of the back window as well as it shows how close the person really is compared to the other camera
21:19 to 21:30 - you demonstrated a perfect example of controlled rolling, I learned this technique from your other video where you helping PDI in training . Controlled rolling is so helpful , I learned how to pick up one gear per junction because of your videos . I have seen many you tube training instructor but you are the best for PDI, advance test . I wish I was able to see what gear are you on in this video. But thank you for all your work , I did subscribe already
I like the advanced driving approach of Feel-Firm-Feather for braking. Gently apply the brakes at first until they bite. Then put more pressure on the pedal so you get firmer braking. Near the end, start to reduce the pressure a bit so you get a gentle transition to the desired speed (which may be zero, if you are stopping). But the smoothest way is to use accelerator sense, where you simply lift off the accelerator and let the car reduce speed naturally without having to use the brakes. To do that properly requires early observation of what is going on a good distance up ahead and anticipation of what will be occurring before it happens. Of course, early braking is also important if you have a vehicle behind you that is too close and/or catching. This gives the driver behind more time to react to your brake lights. All beautifully demonstrated in this video!
33:30 There's that yellow trap situation again. This is why the MUTCD in the US doesn't allow filter arrows to come on after straight through traffic, unless it's a setup where the turning traffic is only allowed to turn on the arrow
After 40 years of driving a three pedal car I recently bought a two pedal hybrid. Completely changed my driving style. Approaching junctions, roundabouts and traffic lights I'm doing exactly what you describe in the video. Brilliant for cutting out the ICE and recharging the electric motor battery. A hybrid car would be ideal for your students in learning smooth driving and anticipating the road conditions.
Re at around 2:05 and having a jittery car whilst it's still cold. It reminded me of when cars had a manual choke. In fact we still have such a car. Namely my mum's classic 1978 Mini Clubman, which she's owned from new. In the past, I also owned a Renault 5 & then a Renault 11, both with manual chokes. I'm showing my age here I think!
Brilliant video. I used to ride my motorcycle in this manner (don't ride any more). By observation. planning & anticipation I used to challenge myself to complete a journey without stopping or putting a foot down. The ride was much smoother & more relaxed as well as being kinder to the bike, using less fuel & reduced brake pad wear. I still adopt this method whilst driving the car.
I have done that in the car as well, can I complete the journey without stopping. The first few times I made the mistake of trying to beat the lights rather than anticipating them changing. Such a huge difference that one change can make 👍
I always enjoy posts like this with a talk-through of your process. One of the ways I've tried to improve my driving in recent years is by moderating my approach speed in relation to the viewable conditions and, if on familiar roads, the anticipated situations too. Slowing down appropriately to allow space can make major improvements to one's ability to both flow and also deal with any potential problems that arise. Ive just switched from a manual to DCT in my new car, and I'm adapting to how that works. At the moment, it isn't as easy to be smooth, especially when stopping and using the Auto-Hold function (which is necessary on gradients) without a mechanical handbrake and a clutch, but I'm sure it will improve. At least the Auto-hold (which can easily be switched off, and I do so when, for example, parking in a space that demands multiple switching between Drive and Reverse) only cuts in when completely at standstill, so one can creep onto junctions at low speed when safe to do so.
Can I suggest that if you are new to autos and finding things jerky that you pretend you’re changing gear still and give the car time to react to the situation. Get the car ready for the situation half a second or so earlier, as if you’re giving yourself time for a gear change. That will smooth things off. The jerk on stopping is just a feature of the engine pushing you all the time. It can be help by really thinking about a more defined reduction in pressure just before you stop, but I have not found a way to eliminate it completely.
Thanks Ashley. Another great video. I have struggled a lot with the pedal issue as I'm quite petite (5' 2") and my shoe is a size 5. I've found in a few cars that if the pedals are high I can't pivot between the brake and the gas, I have to physically lift my leg to brake. It does cause tension and issues. I'm hoping once I've passed my test, I can buy a car that has the right pedal height for me and over time this issue will resolve. I am mindful of it every time I drive. If I keep my heel on the floor instead, I get tension in the front of my lower leg. In another video of yours that I watched this morning you pointed out a lady in a car you were sat beside at traffic lights. She was sat quite far forward and you were querying why this would be necessary. I've found I like to have a similar position because it helps with reaching the pedals and feeling I can see better, but I will think about this next time I'm driving. I've typically found that most cars are not suited to petite people.
I note Ashley controls the brake pedal on the side of the pad, which is ill-advised as in wet and/or muddy conditions, or indeed if you have stood on diesel in the filling station your foot is likely to slip off the pedal pad with dire consequences. Your right foot should be as square as possible on the brake pad and set so that it pivots to the throttle pedal. For the more enthisiastic this can help with heeling and toeing. The left foot must not rest under the clutch pedal as the pedal can prevent your foot accessing it quickly. Most manufacturers provide a clutch foot rest so its best to use it. Where in the past the clutch foot rest was not provided you will find competition cars are retro fitted with one - its never for looks but for necessity. The clutch foot rest also provides a convenient brace point if quick manoeuvres have to be carried out.
Re tailgating and gap making. I find sometimes that the car behind me will mirror the gap I have left to the car in front of me. It is a strange thing to observe but it does happen. Obviously the gap shouldn't be too big to the car in front, but backing off a little often prompts them to back off too.
I developed this style of driving as a young man mainly due to driving an old car with poor acceleration and with all round drum brakes. (A week to get up speed and twice as long to stop🙄). This style kept that old Austin A60 moving well and more economically. I now have a modern Ford but drive in the same manner. My daughter also drives a modern Ford but it seems to have on /off throttle and brakes. Only took her out a couple of times while learning and tried to impart this to her, but without success. Left it to her instructor, hopefully experience will smooth out the edges. The only thing I would critique in this video is you are demonstrating this on a very well known route and anticipating adjustments with fore knowledge. The same will definately work on unknown roads and junctions, but little hiccups will happen now and then. Very good video and I was pleased to hear over the xmas hols, that my son-in-law (other daughter) taking his test in Feb, also watches you. I wish him well.🤞
I triggered many many drivers when I would get past them in my flash fast car, even just accelerating or cornering at what felt natural for the car, while they accelerated slowly, or when they cornered slowly, but then I would drive at the speed limit on the straight while they drove at a natural feeling speed, over the speed limit, and caught me up. Some of them even followed me home in triggered mode
Interesting to see the difference in the distance perspective of the car behind , between the rear view camera and the interior camera, especially when you said how close the car behind was , when it did not seem so on the rear view.
I've noticed that too with my own camera and mirrors. Everything appears closer in the mirrors than what it does on the camera, probably due to the lens angle and position of the camera.
@@ibs5080 well technically , you could, and it would be alot safer. I have been going on a stationary bike myself , now , in the gym at my local sports centre. 🙂
@@thomaselliot2257 Oh that's interesting to hear Thomas. How are you finding it? I know with some stationary bikes, you can indeed pedal backwards and it's useful to reverse direction for a slightly different workout. However my own stationary bike, although if excellence quality, won't work backwards.
@@thomaselliot2257 Yes of course. Plus many bikes (including mine) have different workout programs such as Interval, Hills, Fat Burner etc. I tend to just use the basic program at a constant Level 3, which is a medium resistance for 60 mins. My bike has an electronic display and buttons for all this but it just takes it's power from my cycling and doesn't need to be plugged in. I'm guessing the bike at your gym is simply with an adjustable resistance lever, which is perfectly fine. I have to admit I haven't been on my stationary bike for a little while but will definitely be resuming my regular workouts...whilst watching YT videos.
Hi Ashley, this definitely speaks to me because I still do a lot of the points wrong that you touch on (I'm not smooth at times, I often seem to be 'cramming' everything at the last second etc). My instructor always espouses that anticipation and planning are the biggest part of your driving. I still find it hard to put it all into a fluid, smooth practice. But I will get there some day (and hopefully before my test in April)! 🙂 Thanks for all your great content over the years and I will continue to watch your videos well after I pass 👌
You were going to say something abut why you used the electronic brake rather than auto-hold. You didn't, as you moved on to discuss stopping for the two people crossing the road. Could you elaborate on this because, as mentioned in my earlier comment, I have recently upgraded my car to one with an electronic parking brake and auto-hold (VW).
Using the parking brake instead of also hold stops the brake lights from being illuminated. If you are the last car in the queue leave auto hold on until someone joins behind, you then apply the parking brake.
@@ashley_neal I thought that might be the reason. Because of Auto-Hold, I've got into the habit (in the 3 weeks of owning the car) of relying on that, but I guess, especially when it gets dark, or in the rain, that's going to be uncomfortable for the driver behind in a queue. In my previous manual car, I always used the handbrake if I knew I'd be stationary for any length of time.
I shouldn’t need to watch this either-backing up what another post says, but it’s a brilliant addition….different techniques, danger points and common things we all seem to see, as well as updates such as HC 2022. My automatic has an overly strong creep when the engine is first started from cold. Only lasts for a couple of mins. Still have to be aware tho. Coming out the garage, etc etc, got to keep my foot on the brake pedal. As I’ve said many times, most people drive upto the line and Chuck the anchor out. No planning. Personally I don’t do that. I can free run in Drive-Economy a long way upto a stop line or give way line. Maximum economy achieved. The key here is planning. You need to be able to plan for what you see ahead. If you do this, you may not need to use the brakes…but just take your foot off the gas pedal. And yes there’s subtle variations between cars…so yea, if the traffic is light I can almost do one foot driving…in my petrol car.
Brilliant video Ashley as always. I love the feathering and creeping, ive been doing that alot since watching your videos and a great point at the start about how your grip tightens when both feet are off the fooor, I never thought of it like that. Have a brilliant new year 👍
motorists don't have to wait for damp weather to drive smoothly. another point about having your right heel on the floor. have a mate help you with this. sit in a rocking chair, with your right heel on the floor, and try to maintain your foot position while your mate rocks the chair. then try it again with your heel off the floor. note how much easier it is with your heel down.
The situation with the van at 25:32, quite often when I am in the position of the van to make best use of the road space but to avoid any conflict or others becoming triggered I hold back so the front of my car is halfway along the other vehicle. This I feel shows that I am not going to push, I am both going to race but slot in behind you. It also shows to anyone behind that I am ready to merge in turn. The actions of the van suggested they wanted to “race” or get in front when in fact they were happily in their own little world of driving Not only that but I can usually keep an eye on the driver in their mirror as well when we do get moving 👍
Yes people often overlook the value of lifting off or creeping, both as communication and to maintain good spacing. Pulling away a bit more promptly at lights now it seems, thought only starting to pull away when the car in front had already started moving was a technique for being extra safe or something. But anticipating and moving away at the same time and slowly building a modest gap works better for flow down the queue and with limited safety impact.
When I was learning to drive I used to keep my left heel on the floor too, to find the clutch biting point. Once the car was moving I would then lift my foot up then off the clutch. I wasnt told to, and not sure if my instructor even knew. I just found it kept me balanced in the seat and so much smoother pulling away and smoother gear changes. In fact quite a few times my instructor thought I was coasting and had to check or ask. He got to know after while. I was taught 'car sympathy' not to stress brakes, steering, bolljoints, bushes etc and 'passenger comfort' smoother gear changes = smoother ride
Really enjoyed this one, l learn a lot watching your videos. I used to live in Liverpool so its nice to recognise some of the roads around Maghull! Ps: whens your next driving fail video out? They're my favorite, shocking how many poor drivers you meet!
As a driver of 50 years, I find these lessons of yours enlightening. I do have a problem with the observation of multiple sigñs around traffic change points. Especially if I am trying to navigate for the first time. I use a Sat Nav and read the maps before any unknown areas, but often they dont include everything. Please help, I have often missed 30 signs looking for direction signs on that 50 metres before a junction. Any ideas would be great thank you.
Ignore the floor marks and look at the signs and the layout of the junction you're approaching more. The floor markings tell you much later and should only really be used for clarification most of the time.
@@ashley_neal Thank you. I will try that strategy next time. Going slower helps, but I worry I will cause problems for those behind me, "slow pensoner driving
Really interesting video Ashley. Even though I've been driving for a very long time, It's good to hear and be reminded of how we should all drive. I've enjoyed your content over the last couple of years so Happy New Year and look forward to more in 2024. 👍
I don’t know if you have the same issue in your Focus Ashley but something I have got used to over the last 8+ years, my left knee will have an imprint of the centre console after a long journey as it gets used as an unintended rest. My car before this one did have a left foot rest for the clutch foot which made it more comfortable but I still found the relaxed position to be resting against the console
@@thomaselliot2257 It is only in the two Ford Focus cars I have had where I have found I do it and possibly the Ford Fiesta from 18 years ago as well (been to long since I had that car it is difficult to remember). All others appear to have space in the drivers seat. Almost as if Ford design their cars for left hand drive with extra room and then just move the pedals and steering wheel for UK models. I hope you aren’t offended by the phrase I use, it is part of my humour 👍
I checked it taking the wife and dogs to the beach, and i rest my left knee against the door. My right is in contact with the center console if I'm on the gas, didn't check to see if i lift it when i switch to the brake.
23:30 I suspect that 30 limit isn't a pointless speed limit change. It's most likely because you are entering a village and there are residential buildings alongside the road. It's not just for safety that speed limits are reduced through populated areas, but also for noise reduction.
@@ashley_neal ah, fair enough - it was a bit of a short stretch of 40mph, you've only just got up to speed before you're braking again. If you think that's bad, come to Milton Keynes, where you've got 70mph between closely spaced roundabouts! If you want to hit the speed limit, you're either accelerating or braking the whole journey! Any how, Happy New Year :)
One thing I would say about cars not swinging out when turning. It is true if the driver doesn’t perform an opposite turn of the steering wheel to get a better racing line into the corner rather than take the turn slower. I have seen more drivers doing that in the last week than during the rest of the year…almost as if they are feeling rushed or pressured to get things done quickly 🤔 With the bus, the famous junction from my collection where the pedestrians were crossing…I always hold back from the buses turning left when I go straight 👍
Hi great and informative video. I just have a question about downshifting, is it ok to lift the clutch while still braking to engage the new gear? Or should you be off the brake when lifting the clutch to go down gears?
Great stuff as always. I've always been conscious of braking (in particular) needing a certain deftness of touch, always but especially in slippier conditions. 👍👍👍
I second Ashely's statement about people not knowing that cars don't use any fuel with the gas pedal released and a gear engaged. If a car company markets this as a feature, I swear people are going to be blown away by this, and it may bump up their sales. 😅
I have size 8/42 feet and I find that most modern cars have pedals that are too high for good control. IMO you cannot finesse any pedal movement with your foot in the air and having your heel on the floor helps that finesse allowing micro movements. Also, if the vehicle hits a bump or pothole the control of the pedal movement is lost if your foot is in the air. Some years ago I noticed that some of my mates' competition cars had raised floors and without fail, when quizzed they all said it was to improve their pedal control by allowing their feet to stay on the floor whilst they operated the pedal with the ball of their foot, which is the strongest part, even those with size 10+ feet. I have a Beetle with floor pivoted pedals and their action, especially with the long pivot ratio normally means that both feet are off the floor when operating the clutch and the brake, reducing control of both. I have raised the floor by 2"/50mm that has made the world of difference. If you have ever driven a truck or heavy plant you will notice that the clutch action is heavy and the air brakes super sensitive without any vehicle load. As the clutch is floor/chassis mounted the movement is upward meaning your foot is naturally airborne to operate it although its not necessary to have finesse with a heavy truck or plant. The brake however is an issue because without finesse braking with any load is accomplished as a series of on/off stops.
I often / usually challenge myself to try and make as few brake applications as possible, within reason of course & via acceleration sense. However, I also try to spot the need to to brake nice and early and commence my braking early too so that I can spread it out over a longer distance nice and gently.
Probably easier to do in an electric car that regenerates energy when slowing down. I hear that regeneration can slow a vehicle down quite significantly but have never had the experience of this. Good that all that wasted energy is reused though. I wonder if the brakes lights come on when energy is being recovered?
@@cactusbase3088 Ah yes, I've heard a little about that and the fact that an EV can slow quite significantly just by releasing the accelerator. My understanding is that because of that, the brake lights do indeed come on but I'm willing to be corrected. All this highlights the fact that with EV's, there are all kinds of new things to consider when driving them.
I would like to hope that most, or all of the incompetent drivers watch your videos, there is far too many on the roads today, here in Dorset they drive at 40mph everywhere!
27:50 See how the box van isn't getting any smaller? The box van is not escaping, getting away or winning. The person driving the van behind thinks that they are. There's no excitement and drama if you're going to go at the speed limit and not risk anyone's life or at least injury. Maybe it ties into the same instinct as gambling. I don't know but some people genuinely seek that element of spice. It's the difference between driving emotionally (the van behind) and using your brain to drive (Ashley) so your heart rate and bank account can stay nice and stable and your body in one piece.
I find some people just have to close the gap and follow someone whether on single carriageway up to motorways. I had one car speed up behind me in lane 2 while I wad overtaking a lorry on a 4 lane motorway. They left ~1 second gap to me and slowed…didn’t overtake just stayed behind. I finished the overtake and moved into lane 1 when they sped off again to catch up with a lorry overtaking another lorry…where they stayed in lane 2. I proceeded to overtake all of them in lane 3, moved back and a couple of minites later the same car went zooming passed in lane 2. I also see them on the approach to towns and cities. Zooming up to cars behind until they turn off and then continue zooming up to the next car thinking it is getting them there quicker I suppose it uses effort to not use the vehicle in front to work out when to brake 🤷🏻♂️
Although you didn't say it, you showed it - don't wear hard clunky boots, cowboy heels or stillettos for driving. Light soft shoes let you feel the pedal pressures a lot better, but flip-flops can get hooked up on the pedals.
Twice, twice.... (a long time ago) I have managed to get my shoelaces around the gas pedal....not a nice sensation. Fortunately I was only going slow and could stop on the handbrake.
My driving shoes (well, trainers) are also my daily use footware as well. On the occasions where I need to have steel toecaps, or wellies, or they will go into the boot of the car and I will change when I arrive at my destination. I will then change out of them when heading back home. I have made the mistake of keeping my work boots on once and kept getting stuck between the pedals as they were quite wide. It was at that point I vowed never again…
I'll say this, having just been put through a course to get my class C/E my driving had changed quite a bit. I wouldnt be so big headed to say I was a fantastic driver, only been driving a few years but I was atleast observant. then I learned to drive a truck, actuallty "seeing and reacting" to what I see in my mirrors is all the more important (not to mention forward planing). and one thing has become WAY more obvious to me and more irritating, is that a LOT and i mean a LOT of car drivers are only looking at front of their car and are only worried about getting to where they are going reguardless of anyone else. I'll also add I think everyone who drives at least needs to have atleast one lesson in a truck, would be a massive reality check for them. and anyone who is getting triggered at being out accelerate when they are in a van, needs to go get their head examined
On the subject of pedals, I will say that clutch pedal operation in modern cars is much lighter and smoother than those of decades gone by. As an example, the clutch on my mum's classic 1978 Mini is noticeably heavier than that on my 2009 Ford Focus. On a related note, when parking, the non assisted steering on mum's classic Mini is so much heavier than that of my servo assisted Focus.
@@cactusbase3088 Wow, that's almost a rally car you learned to drive in! I often wonder how some of the so-called "supercars" are like to drive in slow moving traffic. I'd imagine a heavy clutch which combined with the low slung driving position, could be quite uncomfortable. Add all that power, could be quite sensitive to control at low speed. Plus, many of these supercars will not have the best visibility, especially to the rear.
@@ibs5080 I can say from the parade driving I've done, that driving an old vehicle in heavy traffic is horrible. after every parade, I've driven in, my clutch leg has felt like I've bicycled for miles uphill. heaviest steering I've experienced barring malfunction, was the 1985 Ford Escort (US) my school had for a driver training car. and the instructor said it was better than the previous year, in which she would have to reach over and help some of the smaller students have the strength to turn it.
I drove my late Grandad's old car round the block a month or so ago. 1998 Ford Escort.... OMG it was almost undriveable. Rock hard clutch with a bite point 0.5cm up from fully down, what felt like 1cm of brake travel and completely useless and the gas pedal was no good either. The mirrors were tiny and totaly useless too.
people are weird Ashley, I wouldn't have set off from my house BUT either way really informative video, it does give you some brain food for the whole processing of foot movement based on road conditions/flow etc, it's also good to see for those of us who ride the clutch :p All he best for 2024 pal :)
12:50 I do manage the gap in front of me with a bit more space if someone is driving close behind. I drop back to where they should be were I keeping a normal distance and they were keeping a normal distance. Often you'll find people who tailgate to be more, let's call it "emotional" than your average Hollyoaks character and not very bright. If they were bright they wouldn't be tailgating but I don't think we can educate these people, honestly. Apart from smoking, it's probably the most dangerous thing people do regularly and they don't understand why. Unlike smoking, people can get away with driving badly until the one time they don't. Personally, I think cars should have anti tailgating built in with an adaption to the cruise control system and it should be unmodifiable. Attack position for an overtake is fine but only for as long as needed to pick the moment. If people can't drive properly then automated systems will have to do it for them and that will take the joy of driving away from many of us. It's a shame.
As we round out the year, just to say that amongst the very many useful things I've learned from Ash about driving, I've also learned two new wonderful expressions from him: 1. "And there seems to be a bit of 'Afters' with these two". Meaning there continued to be some aggro between the two drivers, "after" the main incident was over and done with. 2. "And it's "handbags" This was from a clip involving a Bentley and a Ford, after the Bentley attempted a poor lane change in the Maidstone one way system. I got the meaning straight away, the image of two women fighting it out with their handbags. I've since learned that "Handbags at dawn" is also an expression. Of course, in 2023 there's also been liberal use of that other Ashley-ism "There's no way in the world". Including in this latest video. Not from Ash (though I can totally imagine him saying it) in 2023 I also learned of another expression: "Having a bit of a barney". Never heard that before. I think I've spent too much time in Canada. "Thanks a lot for reading...and I'll see you all soon".
At the lights as an EV driver with all that acceleration, I am guilty I hold my hands up, you get the "haha boy racer thinks he's going to tear ahead of me, I'll show him!". I grew it of it so to speak (I'm off enough to know better) but it's something to be aware of
Would love to know what area of Liverpool your, me and my partner enjoy 👀 your videos, we are in Dorset but frequently visited the area of wavertree this year..
What may have also been very useful as a learning tool is to have your speed displayed on screen, in order to demonstrate all those little adjustments in speed for a given situation. Could that perhaps be a new feature for your "Drive like a driving instructor" videos in 2024? Or would that open things up to criticism re "Ashley you went 1 mph over the limit". Either way, excellent video, which I may have to leave for now and resume later.
For those of you that have a car with the accelerator pedal that's pivoted from the bottom rather than top, what's your opinion on it? I've always been curious about that.
I love it and would not want a car without it. It's comfortable and I feel safer knowing I won't ever get my shoe caught on it when coming off the brake.
@@Dr3Mc3Ninja That's very interesting to hear. I know quite a number of German cars have this arrangement, purely from seeing photos and videos of them.
I've driven a few things with the bottom hinged pedal, and I like it. you plant your heel just back of the hinge, and it usually gets your foot in the right place to rock to the brake as needed.
I am having a problem with when you’re putting the clutch in. It seams your coasting although you’re on the brake. I teach in western Australia and find your video’s very helpful
@@ashley_neal I de clutch after I start braking and about 1000 rpm depending on the gear. It is difficult to judge distance on your video’s and speed when you’re putting the clutch in.
Happy new year to you and your family thanks again for all you do for road safety. Do you teach in Manchester my daughter could do with a few more lessons
I'm Scottish, therefore I have simple terms for this kind of driving. Fuel costs money and the harder you press the go pedal the more fuel you use. Also brake pads cost money, the more you press the slow pedal the more brake pads and discs get used. So it costs more money to drive fast or even just change your speed much and because of that it costs more money to slow down too. For, like, a daily commute or going to the shops to get stuck in the same traffic further down the road? Get lost, I'm no doing that. These people have zero sense.
I've seen way too many times people doing 60mph or so on the motorway, so I overtake them since normally I do 70mph, but then we get an exit to a B-road and they overtake me back because they still do 60mph, and probably they have been tailgating me until they overtake... Does anyone know what they have in their brains? Because I don't understand that behaviour at all 😅
I have been stuck on country A roads with a 60 limit behind a driver doing 50. Just too fast to have enough room to overtake safely. Limit reduces to 40 and they maintain 50. Into the village at 30 and they slow to 25, then guess what? Limit reduces to 20 but they stick to 25. Nightmare.
London is practically a 20 mph zone now, I wonder what your thoughts are? I find people are becoming more impatient and are dangerously overtaking, there's also the problem of what gear do you choose to drive at that speed. I know it's ridiculous, maybe a 25mph speed limit would be more practical.
I’m fine with 20. What people don’t realise is that when it is a 20 limit all the lights are programmed for the traffic travelling at that speed and going any faster will often mean you just sitting at the next red light for longer.
Ah yes the subject of gear choice in a 20 mph limit. Lately I have tried doing so in 2nd gear in order to assist me to comply with the limit. Same principle as using 3rd gear for a 30 mph limit. However, depending on the situation, I might try 3rd gear for 20mph limits and 4th gear for 30 mph limits.
@@ashley_neal Really? I doubt the Welsh road authoritys went through all the effort of reprogramming all their urban lights when they imposed the blanket 20mph limit recently.That would have negated the amount of money they make from penalty fines! I am not against the 20mph limit where risk is increased. Perhaps it means it is more likely that most drivers will actually be closer to 30mph that they should have been adhering to.
I'm of the opinion that if you set the limit too low, people stop paying attention. I periodically have to drive in a community where the limit is 18 MPH, and it definitely leads to careless driving.
I've stopped the vid at 8 mins in and i'll have to hold my hands up. I'm one of those that raises my foot off the ground when i'm switching between accelerator and brake as i've never been able to keep my heel in one place and move between the two effectively, and i've been driving for 18 years without incident. My issue seems to be that no matter my seating position, whenever i come to raise or pivot my ankle to move from accelerator to brake, the bottom of my shoes, trainers converse, whatever i'm wearing that day, hit the side of the brake pedal and I can't seem to pivot high enough to switch between the two and for me is a more hazardous way to drive. Luckily over time my body has adapted to the driving style that I can fingertip steer whilst having both feet in the air so-to-say. (No not wrapped around my head. If i could do that I'd have no problem with my ankle 😅) I'd be intereted if anyone else suffers the same issue I do when driving and how it's effected them.
Accepting no liabilty here for my suggestion.... but ones foot should be able to move in three direction. 1) pivot up and down, 2) twist side to side 3) rotate away from vertical... So sometimes I find rotating my foot so it moves towards the brake pedal on an angle helps with this issue. Sometimes even I won't cover all the brake pedal either.
Taxi and PCV drivers should be the ones who pay the most attention to the smooth driving style, as difference between a taxi driver getting a tip or not from me is driving with passenger comfort in mind. If I getting lurched around vehicle in the journey, then No tip! Urber folk take note!
you cut ya self off about the auto hold ? have the same system on my car but have gotten into the habbit of just letting it sit on auto hold instead of hand break... unless I think am dazzeling someone behind me.... which lets be brutallty honest isnt as big of a thing as people make out, except maybe those obnoxious LED things in when its dark.. and maybe rainy. and as for getting rear ended, end of the day the full breaking system is much more capable of stopping sudden movment than just the rear breaks (or the parking break if its seperate pads), and the cars after crash(or pre crash if it has it) will deal with keeping the car stopped after
I know you've got your class 2, why not get your class 1 C+E and document that? Driving a 44t truck is an eye opener and you are commander of the road. Block where needed etc... Because any accident is deemed your fault!
On the contrary. It's pressure those guys are under. Not an excuse for bad driving, I know. What they're dealing with is 200-300 parcels; 20 parcels per hour in 8.5 hours, dealing with traffic jams, awkward roads to park on, farm tracks, country lanes, almost impossible addresses to find, traffic jams, bad weather, managers breathing down their necks, etc, etc. At Christmas time... amplify everything! Again, not an excuse for bad driving. Let's just say that it's not a job that is what they describe!
in my Acura, I could go through gears with my left heel down, but I would lift it to change to the footrest once I was in my cruising gear. you should be aware if you aren't moving your foot off the clutch, because using it as a footrest will cause premature wear.
@@kenbrown2808 Yes, I know - that footrest habit has been a past, bad one of mine! Now that you've mentioned this, I recall that I consciously try to keep my left foot flat on the floor, next to the pedal, nowadays - so I probably do lift my heel to reach the clutch, after all. It's funny, though: I can't remember what I do, without being in the car to try it out! Inconsequentially to any of that, I worked with a Ken Brown in the nineteen seventies.
@rogerkearns8094 I've met four other iterations of me, including one who shared my birth date and career path. I learned about not using the clutch as a footrest before i learned to drive, because my dad's pickup had a defect that didn't bring the pedal all the way up. That meant hooking a toe under the pedal to lift it, when he hit cruise, until another defect led to replacing the clutch.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Probably your best driver education video for some time, very thought provoking.
Great video!
I passed my test almost two years ago now and still watch your videos religiously.
Anticipation and planning is still something I am working on as well as smoothness.
I do feel like I'm still learning and fully believe that you only really learn to drive once your out there on your own in real life scenarios!
I found this video super helpful, I learn a lot from each and every video you post...
Thanks so much and happy new year! 😀
I passed my test 30 years ago and still learn so much from these video, you never stop learning.
@neiltill ditto! @nataliedebiase5089 great comment, wishing you safe and happy driving.
That little segment around 11:33 and talking about mirrors, I was one of those students that got into the habit of just moving the head towards the mirrors to make it obvious I was looking. My instructor picked up on this as I must’ve missed something on one of the checks so for the next 5 or so lessons I had to say out loud what I saw in each mirror before moving off and then explain why I looked in those mirrors. It really made me think about it, be more selective and also to actually look in the mirror 👍
I learned a tip from a driving instructor that while you're learning slightly offset the mirror, not so much that it's obscured but just enough that it makes you move your head perceptible enough for the examiner to see. It's easier for them to pickup than small eye movements and they know you're doing it correctly.
Yeah I saw in another driving instructor video: the pupil came to a stop at a light and then covered hte mirror with a sheet of paper and asked what car was behind. Made me realise that I wouldn't be able to answer that question so I've really been making a conscious effort to check that now
passed my test ages ago, but your vids are so entertaining and there's always something more people can improve on, keep it up
Not much to say except that it's a pleasure to have the way I have been doing my best to drive for years endorsed, by a beacon of thoughtful engagement with the road. Cheers Ashley.
Just in case there are no extra videos from Ashley today or tomorrow, wishing everyone a Happy New Year and to enjoy driving in 2024 🎉🎉
Thank you Ashley for all you have done this year, you have really helped improve my driving after I picked up some not so good city habits 👍
Nice message Bob. I was actually trying to work out if this is Ashley's last video for 2023.
Likewise to yourself and family re best wishes for the New Year. And yes, enjoy driving in 2024.
@@ibs5080Thank you and same to you and your mum here and all your friends and family elsewhere. Hoping 2024 brings health and happiness 👍
and to all from me as well.
Happy New Year to you too, love.
I wish we had Ashley on UA-cam. When I was learning to drive in the 80s.
The guy is so educational Even though I passed my test (the second time) on April 26th, 40 years ago
I still like watching these educational videos because you're never to old to learn " More .🇬🇧 .
In our recent storm, with the poor visibility from the heavy rain, the amount of people who drive at 70mph and not to the conditions, even when the visibility dropped below 100 metres beggers belief! Then there's the people who drive in poor weather conditions with no lights on, making it hard to see them and very dangerous! I think some of these people would benefit from watching some of Ash's videos. Thanks for sharing Ashley, keep up the excellent work 👍🏽👊🏽😃
It is very rare my lights are off when I am driving, even in the summer.
I agree with the poor weather lack of lighting and I often wonder if people judge this on street lighting that used to be activated by light sensors whereas now they are on a timer? They see street lights are off so believe it is light enough to not have vehicle lights on.
Then there are those thet repy upon automatic lights that aren’t that great.
The final group I find are those that run on DRLs thinking their lights are on as they have light in front of them and as with all modern cars, the dashboard is brighter than the signs lighting up Trafalgar Square
On the subject of lights, for me it's dipped headlights 100% of the time, day or night, rain or shine. Got into the habit of turning them on manually for every journey decades ago, just like putting on a seat belt.
Your channel is an invaluable asset to improve my driving after I passed my test a month ago. I actually heard your voice in my head saying "Fix the problem, forget about it , no dramas" After being cut up badly.
I have taken on a driving instructor role for someone who passed years ago, but didn't get a car until recently. They were braking hard and so I had them be a passenger in my car, telling them when and how I was using the clutch, accelerator and the brake.
They quickly realised I brake significantly earlier than they do.
Their braking immediately improved.
I am citing the teachings from the book of Ashley Neal.
Never flashing the lights, but instead using the speed and positioning of the car to communicate.
Top video topic today. Seating position is also very key to what you describe in the opening 5mins of the video. Seated correctly will permit far easier foot movement - think about how extra pressure is put through your bum and hips..
I see it when I am in a vehicle where the driver is vertically challenged and will pull the seat all the way forward and hold the steering wheel like they are about to hug it. I see they also lift their feet of the floor and pull on the steering wheel to “assist” in finer pedal movements.
I try to help and say about leaning back slightly away from the steering wheel but am greeted by the usual “Well it is easy for you isn’t it, you are not short like me!”
I was amazed at the length of virtually straight road from 2:41 all the way to 5:42. A full 3 minutes. As much as I'm used to very long stretches of straight road in Canada & USA, this seems unusual for the UK. Yes I know about some of the UK's A roads being former roman roads and quite straight. But this did surprise me.
They are pretty straight in the Fens. Look at the A16 just north of Spalding.
@@cactusbase3088 Ah yes, it's pretty flat in that part of the country. I'll have a look. Interestingly I sometimes experience the flip side of all this in that I find myself wondering why some bends are even necessary when there's no obstacle to avoid. Perhaps it's a "landowner" issue?
@@cactusbase3088 I also just googled "Longest straight road in UK". It's the A15 between Scampton and the M180. Completely straight for 18 miles.
There are so many opportunities to waste hours and hours on UA-cam. This channel however must be one of the most useful ones. Watching these videos, even several times, is genuinely time well spent. The videos are entertaining too. Watching someone performing their craft at such a high level is fascinating.
I love these longer driving videos, its really good that we can see behind you out of the back window as well as it shows how close the person really is compared to the other camera
21:19 to 21:30 - you demonstrated a perfect example of controlled rolling, I learned this technique from your other video where you helping PDI in training . Controlled rolling is so helpful , I learned how to pick up one gear per junction because of your videos . I have seen many you tube training instructor but you are the best for PDI, advance test . I wish I was able to see what gear are you on in this video. But thank you for all your work , I did subscribe already
Saw the green machine in Anfield yesterday can't miss it😅
I like the advanced driving approach of Feel-Firm-Feather for braking.
Gently apply the brakes at first until they bite.
Then put more pressure on the pedal so you get firmer braking.
Near the end, start to reduce the pressure a bit so you get a gentle transition to the desired speed (which may be zero, if you are stopping).
But the smoothest way is to use accelerator sense, where you simply lift off the accelerator and let the car reduce speed naturally without having to use the brakes. To do that properly requires early observation of what is going on a good distance up ahead and anticipation of what will be occurring before it happens.
Of course, early braking is also important if you have a vehicle behind you that is too close and/or catching. This gives the driver behind more time to react to your brake lights.
All beautifully demonstrated in this video!
33:30 There's that yellow trap situation again.
This is why the MUTCD in the US doesn't allow filter arrows to come on after straight through traffic, unless it's a setup where the turning traffic is only allowed to turn on the arrow
After 40 years of driving a three pedal car I recently bought a two pedal hybrid. Completely changed my driving style. Approaching junctions, roundabouts and traffic lights I'm doing exactly what you describe in the video. Brilliant for cutting out the ICE and recharging the electric motor battery.
A hybrid car would be ideal for your students in learning smooth driving and anticipating the road conditions.
Re at around 2:05 and having a jittery car whilst it's still cold. It reminded me of when cars had a manual choke. In fact we still have such a car. Namely my mum's classic 1978 Mini Clubman, which she's owned from new. In the past, I also owned a Renault 5 & then a Renault 11, both with manual chokes. I'm showing my age here I think!
Brilliant video. I used to ride my motorcycle in this manner (don't ride any more). By observation. planning & anticipation I used to challenge myself to complete a journey without stopping or putting a foot down. The ride was much smoother & more relaxed as well as being kinder to the bike, using less fuel & reduced brake pad wear. I still adopt this method whilst driving the car.
I have done that in the car as well, can I complete the journey without stopping.
The first few times I made the mistake of trying to beat the lights rather than anticipating them changing. Such a huge difference that one change can make 👍
I always enjoy posts like this with a talk-through of your process. One of the ways I've tried to improve my driving in recent years is by moderating my approach speed in relation to the viewable conditions and, if on familiar roads, the anticipated situations too. Slowing down appropriately to allow space can make major improvements to one's ability to both flow and also deal with any potential problems that arise.
Ive just switched from a manual to DCT in my new car, and I'm adapting to how that works. At the moment, it isn't as easy to be smooth, especially when stopping and using the Auto-Hold function (which is necessary on gradients) without a mechanical handbrake and a clutch, but I'm sure it will improve. At least the Auto-hold (which can easily be switched off, and I do so when, for example, parking in a space that demands multiple switching between Drive and Reverse) only cuts in when completely at standstill, so one can creep onto junctions at low speed when safe to do so.
Can I suggest that if you are new to autos and finding things jerky that you pretend you’re changing gear still and give the car time to react to the situation. Get the car ready for the situation half a second or so earlier, as if you’re giving yourself time for a gear change. That will smooth things off. The jerk on stopping is just a feature of the engine pushing you all the time. It can be help by really thinking about a more defined reduction in pressure just before you stop, but I have not found a way to eliminate it completely.
Thanks Ashley. Another great video. I have struggled a lot with the pedal issue as I'm quite petite (5' 2") and my shoe is a size 5. I've found in a few cars that if the pedals are high I can't pivot between the brake and the gas, I have to physically lift my leg to brake. It does cause tension and issues. I'm hoping once I've passed my test, I can buy a car that has the right pedal height for me and over time this issue will resolve. I am mindful of it every time I drive. If I keep my heel on the floor instead, I get tension in the front of my lower leg.
In another video of yours that I watched this morning you pointed out a lady in a car you were sat beside at traffic lights. She was sat quite far forward and you were querying why this would be necessary. I've found I like to have a similar position because it helps with reaching the pedals and feeling I can see better, but I will think about this next time I'm driving. I've typically found that most cars are not suited to petite people.
I note Ashley controls the brake pedal on the side of the pad, which is ill-advised as in wet and/or muddy conditions, or indeed if you have stood on diesel in the filling station your foot is likely to slip off the pedal pad with dire consequences. Your right foot should be as square as possible on the brake pad and set so that it pivots to the throttle pedal. For the more enthisiastic this can help with heeling and toeing. The left foot must not rest under the clutch pedal as the pedal can prevent your foot accessing it quickly. Most manufacturers provide a clutch foot rest so its best to use it. Where in the past the clutch foot rest was not provided you will find competition cars are retro fitted with one - its never for looks but for necessity. The clutch foot rest also provides a convenient brace point if quick manoeuvres have to be carried out.
Definitely worth watching to the end. Learned a lot from this channel in 2023, a big thank you to you.
Re tailgating and gap making. I find sometimes that the car behind me will mirror the gap I have left to the car in front of me. It is a strange thing to observe but it does happen. Obviously the gap shouldn't be too big to the car in front, but backing off a little often prompts them to back off too.
I developed this style of driving as a young man mainly due to driving an old car with poor acceleration and with all round drum brakes. (A week to get up speed and twice as long to stop🙄). This style kept that old Austin A60 moving well and more economically. I now have a modern Ford but drive in the same manner. My daughter also drives a modern Ford but it seems to have on /off throttle and brakes. Only took her out a couple of times while learning and tried to impart this to her, but without success. Left it to her instructor, hopefully experience will smooth out the edges. The only thing I would critique in this video is you are demonstrating this on a very well known route and anticipating adjustments with fore knowledge. The same will definately work on unknown roads and junctions, but little hiccups will happen now and then. Very good video and I was pleased to hear over the xmas hols, that my son-in-law (other daughter) taking his test in Feb, also watches you. I wish him well.🤞
I triggered many many drivers when I would get past them in my flash fast car, even just accelerating or cornering at what felt natural for the car, while they accelerated slowly, or when they cornered slowly, but then I would drive at the speed limit on the straight while they drove at a natural feeling speed, over the speed limit, and caught me up. Some of them even followed me home in triggered mode
How immature and rather scary. I find it interesting how the type of vehicle someone drives can have such an effect on how other road users treat you.
Interesting to see the difference in the distance perspective of the car behind , between the rear view camera and the interior camera, especially when you said how close the car behind was , when it did not seem so on the rear view.
I've noticed that too with my own camera and mirrors. Everything appears closer in the mirrors than what it does on the camera, probably due to the lens angle and position of the camera.
Just not only the case of thinking ahead and forward planning, but thinking behind and backward planning.
If only I could pedal backwards on my stationary bike!
@@ibs5080 well technically , you could, and it would be alot safer. I have been going on a stationary bike myself , now , in the gym at my local sports centre. 🙂
@@thomaselliot2257 Oh that's interesting to hear Thomas. How are you finding it? I know with some stationary bikes, you can indeed pedal backwards and it's useful to reverse direction for a slightly different workout. However my own stationary bike, although if excellence quality, won't work backwards.
@@ibs5080 I can adjust the difficulty of peddling to suit me, whether it is easier or harder to pedal
@@thomaselliot2257 Yes of course. Plus many bikes (including mine) have different workout programs such as Interval, Hills, Fat Burner etc. I tend to just use the basic program at a constant Level 3, which is a medium resistance for 60 mins. My bike has an electronic display and buttons for all this but it just takes it's power from my cycling and doesn't need to be plugged in. I'm guessing the bike at your gym is simply with an adjustable resistance lever, which is perfectly fine.
I have to admit I haven't been on my stationary bike for a little while but will definitely be resuming my regular workouts...whilst watching YT videos.
Hi Ashley, this definitely speaks to me because I still do a lot of the points wrong that you touch on (I'm not smooth at times, I often seem to be 'cramming' everything at the last second etc). My instructor always espouses that anticipation and planning are the biggest part of your driving. I still find it hard to put it all into a fluid, smooth practice. But I will get there some day (and hopefully before my test in April)! 🙂
Thanks for all your great content over the years and I will continue to watch your videos well after I pass 👌
Great great video Ashley, thank you - loads about observation, anticipation and planning as well as moving the feet.👍👍👍
You were going to say something abut why you used the electronic brake rather than auto-hold. You didn't, as you moved on to discuss stopping for the two people crossing the road. Could you elaborate on this because, as mentioned in my earlier comment, I have recently upgraded my car to one with an electronic parking brake and auto-hold (VW).
Using the parking brake instead of also hold stops the brake lights from being illuminated. If you are the last car in the queue leave auto hold on until someone joins behind, you then apply the parking brake.
@@ashley_neal I thought that might be the reason. Because of Auto-Hold, I've got into the habit (in the 3 weeks of owning the car) of relying on that, but I guess, especially when it gets dark, or in the rain, that's going to be uncomfortable for the driver behind in a queue. In my previous manual car, I always used the handbrake if I knew I'd be stationary for any length of time.
I shouldn’t need to watch this either-backing up what another post says, but it’s a brilliant addition….different techniques, danger points and common things we all seem to see, as well as updates such as HC 2022.
My automatic has an overly strong creep when the engine is first started from cold. Only lasts for a couple of mins. Still have to be aware tho. Coming out the garage, etc etc, got to keep my foot on the brake pedal.
As I’ve said many times, most people drive upto the line and Chuck the anchor out. No planning. Personally I don’t do that. I can free run in Drive-Economy a long way upto a stop line or give way line. Maximum economy achieved.
The key here is planning. You need to be able to plan for what you see ahead. If you do this, you may not need to use the brakes…but just take your foot off the gas pedal. And yes there’s subtle variations between cars…so yea, if the traffic is light I can almost do one foot driving…in my petrol car.
This video and the foot position video has made my driving so much easier. Thank you and Happy New Year
Brilliant video Ashley as always. I love the feathering and creeping, ive been doing that alot since watching your videos and a great point at the start about how your grip tightens when both feet are off the fooor, I never thought of it like that. Have a brilliant new year 👍
motorists don't have to wait for damp weather to drive smoothly.
another point about having your right heel on the floor. have a mate help you with this. sit in a rocking chair, with your right heel on the floor, and try to maintain your foot position while your mate rocks the chair. then try it again with your heel off the floor. note how much easier it is with your heel down.
Jumpy when cold caused by E10 petrol. Put E5 Super Unleaded in. Makes a big difference to my Fiat 500L.
Your videos are always superb Ashley but this one in particular knocks it out the park, I should be charged for education this good!
The situation with the van at 25:32, quite often when I am in the position of the van to make best use of the road space but to avoid any conflict or others becoming triggered I hold back so the front of my car is halfway along the other vehicle. This I feel shows that I am not going to push, I am both going to race but slot in behind you. It also shows to anyone behind that I am ready to merge in turn. The actions of the van suggested they wanted to “race” or get in front when in fact they were happily in their own little world of driving
Not only that but I can usually keep an eye on the driver in their mirror as well when we do get moving 👍
Great video, an excellent demonstration. Would you complete your comments on auto hold I’d be interested in your thoughts.
Yes people often overlook the value of lifting off or creeping, both as communication and to maintain good spacing. Pulling away a bit more promptly at lights now it seems, thought only starting to pull away when the car in front had already started moving was a technique for being extra safe or something. But anticipating and moving away at the same time and slowly building a modest gap works better for flow down the queue and with limited safety impact.
When I was learning to drive I used to keep my left heel on the floor too, to find the clutch biting point. Once the car was moving I would then lift my foot up then off the clutch. I wasnt told to, and not sure if my instructor even knew. I just found it kept me balanced in the seat and so much smoother pulling away and smoother gear changes.
In fact quite a few times my instructor thought I was coasting and had to check or ask. He got to know after while.
I was taught
'car sympathy' not to stress brakes, steering, bolljoints, bushes etc and
'passenger comfort' smoother gear changes = smoother ride
Really enjoyed this one, l learn a lot watching your videos. I used to live in Liverpool so its nice to recognise some of the roads around Maghull!
Ps: whens your next driving fail video out? They're my favorite, shocking how many poor drivers you meet!
As a driver of 50 years, I find these lessons of yours enlightening.
I do have a problem with the observation of multiple sigñs around traffic change points. Especially if I am trying to navigate for the first time. I use a Sat Nav and read the maps before any unknown areas, but often they dont include everything. Please help, I have often missed 30 signs looking for direction signs on that 50 metres before a junction. Any ideas would be great thank you.
Ignore the floor marks and look at the signs and the layout of the junction you're approaching more. The floor markings tell you much later and should only really be used for clarification most of the time.
@@ashley_neal Thank you. I will try that strategy next time. Going slower helps, but I worry I will cause problems for those behind me, "slow pensoner driving
Really interesting video Ashley. Even though I've been driving for a very long time, It's good to hear and be reminded of how we should all drive. I've enjoyed your content over the last couple of years so Happy New Year and look forward to more in 2024. 👍
The blue car behind at 20:00ish would 100% have gone through if you'd gone through, even if it was red, or I'd eat my hat.
I don’t know if you have the same issue in your Focus Ashley but something I have got used to over the last 8+ years, my left knee will have an imprint of the centre console after a long journey as it gets used as an unintended rest. My car before this one did have a left foot rest for the clutch foot which made it more comfortable but I still found the relaxed position to be resting against the console
I am one of those vertically challenged people you talk about , so don't need to rest my knee on the console 🙂
My last few cars have had a left foot rest but I have had exactly the same issue previously, although I can't remember which vehicle.
@@thomaselliot2257 It is only in the two Ford Focus cars I have had where I have found I do it and possibly the Ford Fiesta from 18 years ago as well (been to long since I had that car it is difficult to remember). All others appear to have space in the drivers seat. Almost as if Ford design their cars for left hand drive with extra room and then just move the pedals and steering wheel for UK models.
I hope you aren’t offended by the phrase I use, it is part of my humour 👍
@@smilerbob did not occur to me to be offended when you were not even addressing me.🙂
I checked it taking the wife and dogs to the beach, and i rest my left knee against the door. My right is in contact with the center console if I'm on the gas, didn't check to see if i lift it when i switch to the brake.
23:30 I suspect that 30 limit isn't a pointless speed limit change. It's most likely because you are entering a village and there are residential buildings alongside the road. It's not just for safety that speed limits are reduced through populated areas, but also for noise reduction.
The 40 was pointless
@@ashley_neal ah, fair enough - it was a bit of a short stretch of 40mph, you've only just got up to speed before you're braking again. If you think that's bad, come to Milton Keynes, where you've got 70mph between closely spaced roundabouts! If you want to hit the speed limit, you're either accelerating or braking the whole journey!
Any how, Happy New Year :)
Happy New Year to you also! 👍
One thing I would say about cars not swinging out when turning. It is true if the driver doesn’t perform an opposite turn of the steering wheel to get a better racing line into the corner rather than take the turn slower. I have seen more drivers doing that in the last week than during the rest of the year…almost as if they are feeling rushed or pressured to get things done quickly 🤔
With the bus, the famous junction from my collection where the pedestrians were crossing…I always hold back from the buses turning left when I go straight 👍
many thanks for all the great videos, Happy New Year to you and your subscribers
Same to you!
Hi great and informative video. I just have a question about downshifting, is it ok to lift the clutch while still braking to engage the new gear? Or should you be off the brake when lifting the clutch to go down gears?
Great stuff as always. I've always been conscious of braking (in particular) needing a certain deftness of touch, always but especially in slippier conditions. 👍👍👍
I second Ashely's statement about people not knowing that cars don't use any fuel with the gas pedal released and a gear engaged. If a car company markets this as a feature, I swear people are going to be blown away by this, and it may bump up their sales. 😅
I have size 8/42 feet and I find that most modern cars have pedals that are too high for good control. IMO you cannot finesse any pedal movement with your foot in the air and having your heel on the floor helps that finesse allowing micro movements. Also, if the vehicle hits a bump or pothole the control of the pedal movement is lost if your foot is in the air. Some years ago I noticed that some of my mates' competition cars had raised floors and without fail, when quizzed they all said it was to improve their pedal control by allowing their feet to stay on the floor whilst they operated the pedal with the ball of their foot, which is the strongest part, even those with size 10+ feet. I have a Beetle with floor pivoted pedals and their action, especially with the long pivot ratio normally means that both feet are off the floor when operating the clutch and the brake, reducing control of both. I have raised the floor by 2"/50mm that has made the world of difference. If you have ever driven a truck or heavy plant you will notice that the clutch action is heavy and the air brakes super sensitive without any vehicle load. As the clutch is floor/chassis mounted the movement is upward meaning your foot is naturally airborne to operate it although its not necessary to have finesse with a heavy truck or plant. The brake however is an issue because without finesse braking with any load is accomplished as a series of on/off stops.
I often / usually challenge myself to try and make as few brake applications as possible, within reason of course & via acceleration sense. However, I also try to spot the need to to brake nice and early and commence my braking early too so that I can spread it out over a longer distance nice and gently.
Probably easier to do in an electric car that regenerates energy when slowing down. I hear that regeneration can slow a vehicle down quite significantly but have never had the experience of this. Good that all that wasted energy is reused though. I wonder if the brakes lights come on when energy is being recovered?
@@cactusbase3088 Ah yes, I've heard a little about that and the fact that an EV can slow quite significantly just by releasing the accelerator. My understanding is that because of that, the brake lights do indeed come on but I'm willing to be corrected. All this highlights the fact that with EV's, there are all kinds of new things to consider when driving them.
I would like to hope that most, or all of the incompetent drivers watch your videos, there is far too many on the roads today, here in Dorset they drive at 40mph everywhere!
27:50 See how the box van isn't getting any smaller? The box van is not escaping, getting away or winning. The person driving the van behind thinks that they are. There's no excitement and drama if you're going to go at the speed limit and not risk anyone's life or at least injury. Maybe it ties into the same instinct as gambling. I don't know but some people genuinely seek that element of spice. It's the difference between driving emotionally (the van behind) and using your brain to drive (Ashley) so your heart rate and bank account can stay nice and stable and your body in one piece.
I find some people just have to close the gap and follow someone whether on single carriageway up to motorways.
I had one car speed up behind me in lane 2 while I wad overtaking a lorry on a 4 lane motorway. They left ~1 second gap to me and slowed…didn’t overtake just stayed behind. I finished the overtake and moved into lane 1 when they sped off again to catch up with a lorry overtaking another lorry…where they stayed in lane 2.
I proceeded to overtake all of them in lane 3, moved back and a couple of minites later the same car went zooming passed in lane 2.
I also see them on the approach to towns and cities. Zooming up to cars behind until they turn off and then continue zooming up to the next car thinking it is getting them there quicker
I suppose it uses effort to not use the vehicle in front to work out when to brake 🤷🏻♂️
Although you didn't say it, you showed it - don't wear hard clunky boots, cowboy heels or stillettos for driving. Light soft shoes let you feel the pedal pressures a lot better, but flip-flops can get hooked up on the pedals.
Twice, twice.... (a long time ago) I have managed to get my shoelaces around the gas pedal....not a nice sensation. Fortunately I was only going slow and could stop on the handbrake.
My driving shoes (well, trainers) are also my daily use footware as well. On the occasions where I need to have steel toecaps, or wellies, or they will go into the boot of the car and I will change when I arrive at my destination. I will then change out of them when heading back home.
I have made the mistake of keeping my work boots on once and kept getting stuck between the pedals as they were quite wide. It was at that point I vowed never again…
Most important thing is CELTIC 2 Rangers 1
I'll say this, having just been put through a course to get my class C/E my driving had changed quite a bit. I wouldnt be so big headed to say I was a fantastic driver, only been driving a few years but I was atleast observant. then I learned to drive a truck, actuallty "seeing and reacting" to what I see in my mirrors is all the more important (not to mention forward planing). and one thing has become WAY more obvious to me and more irritating, is that a LOT and i mean a LOT of car drivers are only looking at front of their car and are only worried about getting to where they are going reguardless of anyone else.
I'll also add I think everyone who drives at least needs to have atleast one lesson in a truck, would be a massive reality check for them.
and anyone who is getting triggered at being out accelerate when they are in a van, needs to go get their head examined
On the subject of pedals, I will say that clutch pedal operation in modern cars is much lighter and smoother than those of decades gone by. As an example, the clutch on my mum's classic 1978 Mini is noticeably heavier than that on my 2009 Ford Focus. On a related note, when parking, the non assisted steering on mum's classic Mini is so much heavier than that of my servo assisted Focus.
Don't remind me of the Ford Escort Mexico I learnt to drive in. That clutch was brutal.
@@cactusbase3088 Wow, that's almost a rally car you learned to drive in! I often wonder how some of the so-called "supercars" are like to drive in slow moving traffic. I'd imagine a heavy clutch which combined with the low slung driving position, could be quite uncomfortable. Add all that power, could be quite sensitive to control at low speed. Plus, many of these supercars will not have the best visibility, especially to the rear.
@@ibs5080 I can say from the parade driving I've done, that driving an old vehicle in heavy traffic is horrible. after every parade, I've driven in, my clutch leg has felt like I've bicycled for miles uphill. heaviest steering I've experienced barring malfunction, was the 1985 Ford Escort (US) my school had for a driver training car. and the instructor said it was better than the previous year, in which she would have to reach over and help some of the smaller students have the strength to turn it.
I drove my late Grandad's old car round the block a month or so ago. 1998 Ford Escort.... OMG it was almost undriveable. Rock hard clutch with a bite point 0.5cm up from fully down, what felt like 1cm of brake travel and completely useless and the gas pedal was no good either. The mirrors were tiny and totaly useless too.
@@chrisl1797 sounds like a US model.
people are weird Ashley, I wouldn't have set off from my house BUT either way really informative video, it does give you some brain food for the whole processing of foot movement based on road conditions/flow etc, it's also good to see for those of us who ride the clutch :p
All he best for 2024 pal :)
I have learned so much from you,
after 32 years of driving.
You've made me so much safer,
and my mileage per gallon has improved,
Thanks, Ashley.
Great to hear! Thank you!!
12:50 I do manage the gap in front of me with a bit more space if someone is driving close behind. I drop back to where they should be were I keeping a normal distance and they were keeping a normal distance. Often you'll find people who tailgate to be more, let's call it "emotional" than your average Hollyoaks character and not very bright. If they were bright they wouldn't be tailgating but I don't think we can educate these people, honestly. Apart from smoking, it's probably the most dangerous thing people do regularly and they don't understand why. Unlike smoking, people can get away with driving badly until the one time they don't. Personally, I think cars should have anti tailgating built in with an adaption to the cruise control system and it should be unmodifiable. Attack position for an overtake is fine but only for as long as needed to pick the moment. If people can't drive properly then automated systems will have to do it for them and that will take the joy of driving away from many of us. It's a shame.
At 25:43 Swiftly and with style, to quote 'Allo 'allo!
Educational video
As we round out the year, just to say that amongst the very many useful things I've learned from Ash about driving, I've also learned two new wonderful expressions from him:
1. "And there seems to be a bit of 'Afters' with these two".
Meaning there continued to be some aggro between the two drivers, "after" the main incident was over and done with.
2. "And it's "handbags"
This was from a clip involving a Bentley and a Ford, after the Bentley attempted a poor lane change in the Maidstone one way system. I got the meaning straight away, the image of two women fighting it out with their handbags. I've since learned that "Handbags at dawn" is also an expression.
Of course, in 2023 there's also been liberal use of that other Ashley-ism "There's no way in the world". Including in this latest video.
Not from Ash (though I can totally imagine him saying it) in 2023 I also learned of another expression: "Having a bit of a barney". Never heard that before. I think I've spent too much time in Canada.
"Thanks a lot for reading...and I'll see you all soon".
"There's no way in the whirled" you mean.
@@cactusbase3088 Well that was a "world-wind" comment.
At the lights as an EV driver with all that acceleration, I am guilty I hold my hands up, you get the "haha boy racer thinks he's going to tear ahead of me, I'll show him!". I grew it of it so to speak (I'm off enough to know better) but it's something to be aware of
Would love to know what area of Liverpool your, me and my partner enjoy 👀 your videos, we are in Dorset but frequently visited the area of wavertree this year..
Only about 15 mins North of Wavertree
@ashley_neal thank you, lovely to see reminders of the streets etc ❤️
What may have also been very useful as a learning tool is to have your speed displayed on screen, in order to demonstrate all those little adjustments in speed for a given situation. Could that perhaps be a new feature for your "Drive like a driving instructor" videos in 2024? Or would that open things up to criticism re "Ashley you went 1 mph over the limit". Either way, excellent video, which I may have to leave for now and resume later.
Let the engine do the work. Another good lesson.
I was sent here by Nessa the mother trucker! Looks like I could learn a thing or two here! 👌🏼 will check out your videos. Subbed too 😁
For those of you that have a car with the accelerator pedal that's pivoted from the bottom rather than top, what's your opinion on it? I've always been curious about that.
I love it and would not want a car without it.
It's comfortable and I feel safer knowing I won't ever get my shoe caught on it when coming off the brake.
@@Dr3Mc3Ninja That's very interesting to hear. I know quite a number of German cars have this arrangement, purely from seeing photos and videos of them.
I've driven a few things with the bottom hinged pedal, and I like it. you plant your heel just back of the hinge, and it usually gets your foot in the right place to rock to the brake as needed.
I've one car with a top pivot and another with a bottom pivot. I can't say I notice the difference between them at all.
13:34 you've stopped and not got a foot on any pedal and I didn't see you engage the handbrake, What's going on here?
Auto hold
I am having a problem with when you’re putting the clutch in. It seams your coasting although you’re on the brake. I teach in western Australia and find your video’s very helpful
When do you declutch?
@@ashley_neal I de clutch after I start braking and about 1000 rpm depending on the gear. It is difficult to judge distance on your video’s and speed when you’re putting the clutch in.
Happy new year to you and your family thanks again for all you do for road safety. Do you teach in Manchester my daughter could do with a few more lessons
I tried that lifting of the feet thing (before hearing what was supposed to happen). It made no difference to my hands or arms.
Happy New Year
I'm Scottish, therefore I have simple terms for this kind of driving. Fuel costs money and the harder you press the go pedal the more fuel you use. Also brake pads cost money, the more you press the slow pedal the more brake pads and discs get used. So it costs more money to drive fast or even just change your speed much and because of that it costs more money to slow down too. For, like, a daily commute or going to the shops to get stuck in the same traffic further down the road? Get lost, I'm no doing that. These people have zero sense.
SUV at the circle, triggered or reducing risk?
I've seen way too many times people doing 60mph or so on the motorway, so I overtake them since normally I do 70mph, but then we get an exit to a B-road and they overtake me back because they still do 60mph, and probably they have been tailgating me until they overtake... Does anyone know what they have in their brains? Because I don't understand that behaviour at all 😅
I have been stuck on country A roads with a 60 limit behind a driver doing 50. Just too fast to have enough room to overtake safely. Limit reduces to 40 and they maintain 50. Into the village at 30 and they slow to 25, then guess what? Limit reduces to 20 but they stick to 25. Nightmare.
London is practically a 20 mph zone now, I wonder what your thoughts are? I find people are becoming more impatient and are dangerously overtaking, there's also the problem of what gear do you choose to drive at that speed. I know it's ridiculous, maybe a 25mph speed limit would be more practical.
I’m fine with 20. What people don’t realise is that when it is a 20 limit all the lights are programmed for the traffic travelling at that speed and going any faster will often mean you just sitting at the next red light for longer.
Ah yes the subject of gear choice in a 20 mph limit. Lately I have tried doing so in 2nd gear in order to assist me to comply with the limit. Same principle as using 3rd gear for a 30 mph limit. However, depending on the situation, I might try 3rd gear for 20mph limits and 4th gear for 30 mph limits.
@@ashley_neal Really? I doubt the Welsh road authoritys went through all the effort of reprogramming all their urban lights when they imposed the blanket 20mph limit recently.That would have negated the amount of money they make from penalty fines! I am not against the 20mph limit where risk is increased. Perhaps it means it is more likely that most drivers will actually be closer to 30mph that they should have been adhering to.
I'm of the opinion that if you set the limit too low, people stop paying attention. I periodically have to drive in a community where the limit is 18 MPH, and it definitely leads to careless driving.
I've stopped the vid at 8 mins in and i'll have to hold my hands up. I'm one of those that raises my foot off the ground when i'm switching between accelerator and brake as i've never been able to keep my heel in one place and move between the two effectively, and i've been driving for 18 years without incident.
My issue seems to be that no matter my seating position, whenever i come to raise or pivot my ankle to move from accelerator to brake, the bottom of my shoes, trainers converse, whatever i'm wearing that day, hit the side of the brake pedal and I can't seem to pivot high enough to switch between the two and for me is a more hazardous way to drive. Luckily over time my body has adapted to the driving style that I can fingertip steer whilst having both feet in the air so-to-say. (No not wrapped around my head. If i could do that I'd have no problem with my ankle 😅)
I'd be intereted if anyone else suffers the same issue I do when driving and how it's effected them.
Accepting no liabilty here for my suggestion.... but ones foot should be able to move in three direction. 1) pivot up and down, 2) twist side to side 3) rotate away from vertical... So sometimes I find rotating my foot so it moves towards the brake pedal on an angle helps with this issue. Sometimes even I won't cover all the brake pedal either.
Taxi and PCV drivers should be the ones who pay the most attention to the smooth driving style, as difference between a taxi driver getting a tip or not from me is driving with passenger comfort in mind. If I getting lurched around vehicle in the journey, then No tip! Urber folk take note!
Looking at the title of this one, are you sure you're a driving instructor and not a choreography instructor?
I thought similar actually!
@@ibs5080not much difference
you cut ya self off about the auto hold ? have the same system on my car but have gotten into the habbit of just letting it sit on auto hold instead of hand break... unless I think am dazzeling someone behind me.... which lets be brutallty honest isnt as big of a thing as people make out, except maybe those obnoxious LED things in when its dark.. and maybe rainy.
and as for getting rear ended, end of the day the full breaking system is much more capable of stopping sudden movment than just the rear breaks (or the parking break if its seperate pads), and the cars after crash(or pre crash if it has it) will deal with keeping the car stopped after
I did notice that you were *NOT* invited to the New Years Honours list ceremony this year. Maybe the Birthday Norours list will be your day.
I know you've got your class 2, why not get your class 1 C+E and document that?
Driving a 44t truck is an eye opener and you are commander of the road. Block where needed etc... Because any accident is deemed your fault!
Have you ever seen an Amazon van with no damage on it? They must employ people who've got no licence or experience!
On the contrary. It's pressure those guys are under. Not an excuse for bad driving, I know.
What they're dealing with is 200-300 parcels; 20 parcels per hour in 8.5 hours, dealing with traffic jams, awkward roads to park on, farm tracks, country lanes, almost impossible addresses to find, traffic jams, bad weather, managers breathing down their necks, etc, etc.
At Christmas time... amplify everything!
Again, not an excuse for bad driving. Let's just say that it's not a job that is what they describe!
Not sure, but I think I have both heels on the floor the whole time.
in my Acura, I could go through gears with my left heel down, but I would lift it to change to the footrest once I was in my cruising gear. you should be aware if you aren't moving your foot off the clutch, because using it as a footrest will cause premature wear.
@@kenbrown2808
Yes, I know - that footrest habit has been a past, bad one of mine! Now that you've mentioned this, I recall that I consciously try to keep my left foot flat on the floor, next to the pedal, nowadays - so I probably do lift my heel to reach the clutch, after all. It's funny, though: I can't remember what I do, without being in the car to try it out!
Inconsequentially to any of that, I worked with a Ken Brown in the nineteen seventies.
@rogerkearns8094 I've met four other iterations of me, including one who shared my birth date and career path.
I learned about not using the clutch as a footrest before i learned to drive, because my dad's pickup had a defect that didn't bring the pedal all the way up. That meant hooking a toe under the pedal to lift it, when he hit cruise, until another defect led to replacing the clutch.
Driving instructors for the most part aren't even good drivers.
Well watched the video and yes I try to communicate with other drivers in the way I drive, but there's always some wombat who causes problems
My driving instructors drives like a made man, used to go up to 40mp in gear 2 in a 30mph
Driving instructors are, when not with a student, the worst drivers that there are.
Driving Instructors are not given any specialist driving lessons.
They are normal drivers.
Most drivers are very poor at driving!
@@nearlyretired7005 they tell you to check mirrors and do some safety stuff, but at soon as they go on the driver side, they turn in to a nascar racer