Advanced Driver Training - good or bad?

[lilith]

I want to send my son to advanced driver training. Mentioning it to different ppl has brought up some interesting discussion. A few guys told me it was a bad idea because then my son would have a false sense of security, feel like he can get out of any driving situation, and then drive more recklessly....

Is that how guys think? Really? The courses (and there are several of them) teach ppl -How to do a panic stop, How to use ABS brakes, danger of tailgating, effect of speed on control, Handling a highway emergency, dangers of distractions, emergency lane changes, etc.

[Ninjahedge]

I think they are just making up reasons why they did not do the same for themselves or their family. One way is to criticize what is being done as ineffective or possibly detrimental.

The classic is people w/o a degree calling it "That piece of paper".

So long as your kid knows what is right or wrong I would not worry about it. This does not sound like stunt driving.

[shifty]

Ok, well, let me say (from experience) that I got more driving knowledge and constructive experience out of taking classes that still benefits to this day - all because I got my license suspended twice before I turned 18.

I think there is no such thing as "too much" training when it comes to driving. Too many people are handed a license at 16 and never get tested, never have anyone criticize or impart knowledge after that....and so very few people excel or grow their driving technique and wisdom much after that until it's too late (e.g. wrecks, tickets, etc.)

Little tips that I picked up that are really helpful are things like
- Safe following distances
- Good 'road scanning' practices
- How to react when other people are out of control
- What to do when, say, someone drives at you at night with high beams on (look at the strip on your side of the road and you won't be blinded)
- How to handle ice conditions when you lose control
- " " " with water conditions

Seriously...I learned a LOT. I had to take 5 different courses, one or two of which are also forced on DUI people.

[chrol]

Doesn't sound like a bad idea at all. All of the things you mentioned, lilith, and you too, shifty, I learned in a private driver's school I went to for a couple of weeks before I got my learner's permit. I seriously would not have been as capable as I am today of driving without all the knowledge we were taught and tested on. I'm almost 19 now and have been on the road nearly 4 years without a single stop or wreck (knock on wood) and I can almost guarantee you things would be different had I not gone to that school.

[lilith]

He's already had driver's training... this is the stuff they don't teach you. Well, they might mention it, but this class shows you. So, I guess it was just the guys I was talking to, right? They really had me scared!! :o