An unusually early start this morning. Emma had a 8.40am test, so I had to set off at 6.45 to pick her up from Lossiemouth. Dark purple clouds were cut by gashes of crimson, so the dawn sky looked like a Cocteau Twins album cover.
Emma has been with me since the Spring and was hoping to pass so that she could get her new business up and running. She has started up a company, ‘Ambience’, which specialises in venue styling, for example, weddings. I am more than happy to plug her business http://www.ambiencevenuestyling.com/ and you should not consider any alternatives if you are in northern Scotland. Anyway, back to the driving: She will probably be happy to admit that she did not deserve to pass 1st time, but was robbed on her 2nd attempt (she crept above the speed limit on a long, clear 30mph road). Therefore, I was probably as delighted as she was when she passed this morning. Very well done Emma. Take care on the roads and good luck with your business.
Congratulations also, to Adam, who passed, 1st time, yesterday. This meant 3 passes and 1 fail this week. Adam has been particularly thorough in continually striving to improve his driving. He learned very quickly and bought himself a car to practice in, but bad habits started to creep in. Extra practice between lessons is usually beneficial, but be careful that increased confidence doesn’t become overconfidence. Anyway, I pointed out these sloppy habits to him and he instantly went back to driving as he was taught.
As always, I am really pleased when my pupils pass but, occasionally, the feelings are slightly mixed. Both Emma and Adam have been great pupils: Funny, polite, keen to learn and good company. But their success means that they are off on their own now and they don’t need me anymore (sob). Adam is keen to undertake the Pass Plus course, so it will interesting to see if his driving changes over the next few weeks (I hope not).
I have three more pupils taking their test next week so, if that week is as successful as this week has been, I will have several vacancies for new pupils. So, if you are half as funny, polite, keen and entertaining as Emma and Adam, I will now consider taking you on as a pupil.
Friday, 30 October 2009
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Autumnwatch
Aviemore is also home to The Cairngorm Sled-Dog centre where you can ride in a sled behind a team of Siberian Huskies. I have not done that (yet), but we have watched the Husky sleds race through Culbin Forest. A thrilling sight (especially for our three dogs), but we were glad we weren't horse-riding at the time; that would have been a bit too exciting.
One creature I haven't yet seen is the Sinistral Haggis. The Dextral Haggis (also known as the Common Haggis) is often spotted on the higher slopes of the mountains. Their right legs are longer than their left, which means it is comfortable for them to graze clockwise around the mountains. The Sinistral Haggis however, has longer left legs. This means it has to face the opposite way (anticlockwise) on the mountain, otherwise it topples over. It's a rare beastie indeed.
Currently in Elgin Test Centre, waiting for Glynn, on his second test. A beautiful cloudless day here, with temperatures predicted to reach 19C; fantastic for this time of year. The trouble is, the low autumn sun can make visibility very difficult; especially after last night's rain. In the lesson before his test, Glynn was struggling to see at one roundabout because the sun was directly in his eyes. I suggested that he invested in a good pair of sunglasses to keep in his car. "I've already got a pair for driving." "Well, put them on then." I replied. "They're in my car at home." Doh!
This is the second test (after Andrew) of quite a busy period for me as far as tests are concerned. Obviously, I want them all to pass, but if they all pass in the next three weeks I lose a third of my pupils. And if they all pass in the next five weeks, I lose half of my pupils. A bit worrying with the festive season on the horizon.
Tonight I can forget about driving for a short while. Jane and I are taking Maggie to see the incomparable Julie Fowlis at Eden Court theatre, Inverness. You may remember that we went to see her a few months back, in Fochabers, but Maggie hasn't seen her before (and it is sad that Robert, Maggie's husband, never did get to see her; he would have loved her). Besides, you can't have too much of a good thing.
(An hour later) Sadly, Glynn didn't pass. Of all the pupils I have up for test over these few weeks, Glynn was one I would have been tempted to bet money on him passing. In the last few minutes of the lesson before his test he came up to a T-junction, stopped to wait for a gap in the traffic, then, just before he went to move off I had to remind him to select 1st gear (he was in 2nd). Perhaps that should have set alarm bells ringing in my head, but it was nothing I have ever had to remind about before (at least, not for a long time). Of course, he did exactly the same thing in the test, forgot to select 1st gear, tried to pull out of a T-junction in 2nd and stalled. There was no other traffic, but the examiner obviously thought it was potentially dangerous, so she failed him. Perhaps the sun was too bright and he could not see which gear he was in (I am joking). Bring your sunglasses next time Glynn.
Monday, 26 October 2009
Happy Days
Of course, there was also the tiny matter of Liverpool beating Man Utd 2 - 0. Admittedly, I have kept very quiet about my support for Liverpool recently; cowardly, I know. Selling Xavi Alonso has left a huge whole in our midfield, which has resulted in 6 defeats already this season - four of them in the preceding four games. Hard to imagine even the most optimistic of Liverpool fans betting large sums on the reds beating Manchester United on Sunday, despite the fact that we beat them twice last season. Anyway, I won't wobble on too much because you won't care (unless you are also a Liverpool fan) but, you have to admit.... Torres is a god (and Richie Foran, Inverness' Hat-trick hero is an apprentice god... at least this week).
I am now parked up in Aviemore, with ten minutes to spare before Andy's lesson. I have just come from Inverness Test Centre where Andrew passed, first time, with five minor faults. Very well done, Andrew. I had the impression you didn't think you could do it, but the test really isn't so bad, is it? Just like another lesson, really.
Time to go. Here's hoping your week is as wonderful as the start of mine.
Friday, 23 October 2009
Gravity sucks
I got home the other day to see a Post-It note on the fridge, ‘Martin - Abseil - Raigmore?’ Apparently, my step-daughter, Anna, thinks its would be a good idea for me to abseil from the top of the Raigmore tower for charity (not sure which charity yet). Curious that she doesn’t think it would be a ‘good idea’ for her to do it. A few years ago I would have found the words “Yeah, sure” leaving my lips quicker than Fernando Torres turns Nemanja Vidic. Now, however, I get my adrenaline fixes from teaching people how to drive, so I may need some gentle cajoling to do this.
Although I have never abseiled, and the idea does appeal, I just can’t see it providing as much of a thrill as parachuting. Somehow, one night in The Cross Keys, our barmaid, Sam, and one of the regulars, Terry, thought that, as part of our annual charity fund-raising, the three of us should do a parachute jump.
We travelled up to Sibson airfield, near Peterborough (and bordering the A1, which was a tad worrying). After a day and a half of training, the time had come. We strapped our chutes on and clambered into the Islander aeroplane. We were doing a ‘static-line’ jump, which meant that the tops of our packs were connected to the plane by a line. When you jump the line goes taught and opens the chute automatically (hopefully). We were equipped with a spare chute, which would have to be operated manually if the first chute had not deployed within four seconds of leaving the plane.
There were seven of us jumping and, so that everyone could be dropped in roughly the same place, the plan was that the first person would jump, the plane would circle round to the same place and drop the next two, then circle round again and drop two more etc. I was No.2. As the first person got ready to jump the plane slowed to almost stalling speed, Cornelia, the jump-master gave the command, ‘Go’, and he dropped from the plane, counting “One thousand - two thousand - three thousand - four thousand” as he went.
As the plane circled round to the drop point, I had to shuffle forward to the open door. I will never forget the feeling when I heard the engine slow down and I had to swing my legs outs the door and perch, with just my right bum cheek and my hands in the plane. You are warned not to look down, but I couldn’t help it. It was only about 2,500’, but the Earth still looks a very long way down at that height. Before I could gulp Cornelia shouted ‘Go’ and I flung myself out from the plane. I assumed the ‘starfish’ position and began my count. Unless you have done a parachute (or bungee) jump, you have no idea how quickly you accelerate and plummet to Earth. Later, Sam told me my count changed from a shout to a scream - “One thousand - two thousand - THREE THOUS - FOOOOOUUUUCCCKKKKK!!!!!!” I looked up and watching my parachute billow out above me was such a blissful sight. The gentle float down was all very nice and my much-rehearsed landing was textbook, but the most vivid memory was of that drop in the first few seconds.
Sam and Terry landed safely, about a minute later. “WWOWW!!” was the agreed reaction (it was in the days before OMG!! was invented). We all wanted to get back up there and do it again.
Terry and I continued to go regularly over the next year, or so. I progressed to freefall jumping, with higher altitudes and increasingly longer delays before pulling the ripcord. This meant faster speeds and longer thrills, but that very first jump remains my favourite memory.
I can see the Raigmore tower from where I am currently parked. After writing about parachuting, it doesn’t look very high, although I am sure it will look high enough when I go up there…. if I go up there.
Although I have never abseiled, and the idea does appeal, I just can’t see it providing as much of a thrill as parachuting. Somehow, one night in The Cross Keys, our barmaid, Sam, and one of the regulars, Terry, thought that, as part of our annual charity fund-raising, the three of us should do a parachute jump.
We travelled up to Sibson airfield, near Peterborough (and bordering the A1, which was a tad worrying). After a day and a half of training, the time had come. We strapped our chutes on and clambered into the Islander aeroplane. We were doing a ‘static-line’ jump, which meant that the tops of our packs were connected to the plane by a line. When you jump the line goes taught and opens the chute automatically (hopefully). We were equipped with a spare chute, which would have to be operated manually if the first chute had not deployed within four seconds of leaving the plane.
There were seven of us jumping and, so that everyone could be dropped in roughly the same place, the plan was that the first person would jump, the plane would circle round to the same place and drop the next two, then circle round again and drop two more etc. I was No.2. As the first person got ready to jump the plane slowed to almost stalling speed, Cornelia, the jump-master gave the command, ‘Go’, and he dropped from the plane, counting “One thousand - two thousand - three thousand - four thousand” as he went.
As the plane circled round to the drop point, I had to shuffle forward to the open door. I will never forget the feeling when I heard the engine slow down and I had to swing my legs outs the door and perch, with just my right bum cheek and my hands in the plane. You are warned not to look down, but I couldn’t help it. It was only about 2,500’, but the Earth still looks a very long way down at that height. Before I could gulp Cornelia shouted ‘Go’ and I flung myself out from the plane. I assumed the ‘starfish’ position and began my count. Unless you have done a parachute (or bungee) jump, you have no idea how quickly you accelerate and plummet to Earth. Later, Sam told me my count changed from a shout to a scream - “One thousand - two thousand - THREE THOUS - FOOOOOUUUUCCCKKKKK!!!!!!” I looked up and watching my parachute billow out above me was such a blissful sight. The gentle float down was all very nice and my much-rehearsed landing was textbook, but the most vivid memory was of that drop in the first few seconds.
Sam and Terry landed safely, about a minute later. “WWOWW!!” was the agreed reaction (it was in the days before OMG!! was invented). We all wanted to get back up there and do it again.
Terry and I continued to go regularly over the next year, or so. I progressed to freefall jumping, with higher altitudes and increasingly longer delays before pulling the ripcord. This meant faster speeds and longer thrills, but that very first jump remains my favourite memory.
I can see the Raigmore tower from where I am currently parked. After writing about parachuting, it doesn’t look very high, although I am sure it will look high enough when I go up there…. if I go up there.
Monday, 19 October 2009
Ruby Ruby Ruby Ruby..... RUBY!
Aaaarrrrrrrgggggghh! Ruby had her 4th attempt at the driving test today. The title of this blog, and the opening word immediately ruins the suspense and tells you that she failed... again.
I was so confident about Ruby; but then, I was confident on her previous three attempts too. I have had plenty of pupils pass who were good drivers, but a bit.....'raw'. When Ruby drives it is like being in the car with a friend who has been driving for years. Perhaps this is a bad thing. Perhaps I need to intensely scrutinise every minute aspect of her driving to a greater extent. The problem is, during her lessons, she just doesn't make mistakes. But, when it comes to the test, something happens and she makes silly mistakes.
This time she came up to a STOP sign, almost stopped, but saw it was clear and immediately drove off. Unfortunately, you have to demonstrate to the examiner that you know it is a 'stop' and not a 'give way', regardless of whether you can see it is safe to proceed.
Ruby knows this, just as she knew not to exceed the speed limit in her second test, but some little devil sat on her shoulder and told her "What are you stopping for? It's clear to go."
So, a new record for me; a pupil now going for their 5th attempt. At least she has moved past the 'upset' stage. She is now quite philosophical about it all and joking that she wants to get to know the examiners well enough so that she can send them Christmas cards.
It won't happen. She WILL pass next time. I just need to find a way of keeping those little devils off her shoulders.
Driving away from dropping Ruby off I was cheered by Fearne Cotton playing this track http://open.spotify.com/track/6ACPfkfDfJfGGE4oKfbiRY on the radio. How refreshing, in a Louis Prima, King of the Swingers, kind of way.
I was so confident about Ruby; but then, I was confident on her previous three attempts too. I have had plenty of pupils pass who were good drivers, but a bit.....'raw'. When Ruby drives it is like being in the car with a friend who has been driving for years. Perhaps this is a bad thing. Perhaps I need to intensely scrutinise every minute aspect of her driving to a greater extent. The problem is, during her lessons, she just doesn't make mistakes. But, when it comes to the test, something happens and she makes silly mistakes.
This time she came up to a STOP sign, almost stopped, but saw it was clear and immediately drove off. Unfortunately, you have to demonstrate to the examiner that you know it is a 'stop' and not a 'give way', regardless of whether you can see it is safe to proceed.
Ruby knows this, just as she knew not to exceed the speed limit in her second test, but some little devil sat on her shoulder and told her "What are you stopping for? It's clear to go."
So, a new record for me; a pupil now going for their 5th attempt. At least she has moved past the 'upset' stage. She is now quite philosophical about it all and joking that she wants to get to know the examiners well enough so that she can send them Christmas cards.
It won't happen. She WILL pass next time. I just need to find a way of keeping those little devils off her shoulders.
Driving away from dropping Ruby off I was cheered by Fearne Cotton playing this track http://open.spotify.com/track/6ACPfkfDfJfGGE4oKfbiRY on the radio. How refreshing, in a Louis Prima, King of the Swingers, kind of way.
Sunday, 18 October 2009
The Iceman cometh
It was a different story first thing this morning, though. I had to scrape ice off my windscreen and, as I drove over Dava moor, on my way to meet Verity in Aviemore, the temperature dropped to -2C. So, only halfway through October and already we have had snow on the mountains and minus temperatures.
I suspect that this is going to be the first of several reports of icy conditions. I just hope it doesn't get as bad as last January, when the temperature dropped to -18C in Grantown-on-Spey. On of BSM's instructors missed two days work because the diesel in his tank froze. Bizarrely, despite the freakish temperatures last winter, I only had one test cancelled due to poor weather, and that was due to snow.... in October!
My main worry is my wife, Jane. She has a part-time job collecting/returning schoolchildren from Glen Ferness and other areas the coaches cant reach. A job she enjoys during the warmer months, but it gets a bit scary during the winter. Last year there were days when the snow by the side of the road had been ploughed higher than her minibus. I have to commend the local authorities on how efficient they usually are at gritting the roads around here, but Jane often has to drive along roads which remain untouched by gritters.
I hope to post some advice for driving in snow/icy conditions over the next few weeks but, until then, the simplest advice I can give is 'don't drive in such conditions unless it is absolutely necessary'.
So, until the weather gets too silly, I look forward to my trips over the moors to Aviemore, especially if they are as spectacular as this morning. My choice of CD was Four Calendar Cafe by The Cocteau Twins. Elizabeth Fraser breathing her vocals all over me while the lightest of mists lay draped over the Spey glen added a cinematic quality to the drive. http://open.spotify.com/track/6FtcMwa3UsYCKFYTJ1kW04
(p.s. No, the photo is not of the Highlands. Actually, I don't know where the photo was taken, I just think it is an incredible scene - click on the photo to emlarge it)
Saturday, 17 October 2009
Mirror SIGNAL Maneouvre
Drivers, do you ever use hand signals, or do you know how to use them? Learners, has your instructor taught you hand signals? Instructors, do you teach hand signals?
The reason I ask is because another instructor recently had a pupil fail their test because they did not know hand signals. A vintage car (without indicators) in front of them gave the hand signal to indicate that they were slowing down. They then gave the appropriate hand signal to indicate that they were stopping. The pupil did not understand what was happening and sat behind the stopped car, thus causing an obstruction. The examiner told him the car was parked and the pupil got a serious fault for 'Response to signs/signals - Other road users'. Apparently the pupil's instructor disagreed with decision, claiming that "No-one teaches hand signals anymore."
This information came from BSM's instructor forum, where the question was asked, 'Do you teach hand signals?' I have to confess, the number of pupils I have taught hand signals are probably in the minority. As a result of this story, I will now ensure I teach every pupil hand signals. Ok, ok, it is not every day that a vintage car stops in front of you, but there are plenty of other times when hand signals are useful: To confirm a right turn soon after indicating to overtake an obstruction; when you indicators are faulty; when approaching a pedestrian crossing to confirm to vehicles/pedestrians ahead that you are stopping; to emphasise your signal if you think your indicators may be obscured by other vehicles; and when cyclists and horseriders want to indicate their intentions are some examples.
And that is the key phrase, 'to indicate your intentions'. I'm not just talking about hand signals now. If I had a penny for every time someone failed to signal correctly I would have more money than a politician with an imaginative expense account. Your indicators are there for a reason. They are there so that every other road user knows what you are about to do. How often do you see cars turning right at roundabouts with NO right signal? And Taxis! What fear do taxi drivers have of indicating? You would think that, with all that practice, taxi drivers would be the BEST drivers on the road. Before anyone leaps to their keyboard, frothing with fury because their dad is a taxi driver and his driving is perfect, I will happily concede that there some good taxi drivers out there, just as there are some good Audi drivers.
Once you can drive, keep asking yourself 'How can I improve my driving?' Anticipation and planning are essential skills, but correct use of signals is equally important and demonstrates consideration for other road users.
Otherwise, you may find other drivers giving you hand signals that you will certainly not find in the Highway Code.
The reason I ask is because another instructor recently had a pupil fail their test because they did not know hand signals. A vintage car (without indicators) in front of them gave the hand signal to indicate that they were slowing down. They then gave the appropriate hand signal to indicate that they were stopping. The pupil did not understand what was happening and sat behind the stopped car, thus causing an obstruction. The examiner told him the car was parked and the pupil got a serious fault for 'Response to signs/signals - Other road users'. Apparently the pupil's instructor disagreed with decision, claiming that "No-one teaches hand signals anymore."
This information came from BSM's instructor forum, where the question was asked, 'Do you teach hand signals?' I have to confess, the number of pupils I have taught hand signals are probably in the minority. As a result of this story, I will now ensure I teach every pupil hand signals. Ok, ok, it is not every day that a vintage car stops in front of you, but there are plenty of other times when hand signals are useful: To confirm a right turn soon after indicating to overtake an obstruction; when you indicators are faulty; when approaching a pedestrian crossing to confirm to vehicles/pedestrians ahead that you are stopping; to emphasise your signal if you think your indicators may be obscured by other vehicles; and when cyclists and horseriders want to indicate their intentions are some examples.
And that is the key phrase, 'to indicate your intentions'. I'm not just talking about hand signals now. If I had a penny for every time someone failed to signal correctly I would have more money than a politician with an imaginative expense account. Your indicators are there for a reason. They are there so that every other road user knows what you are about to do. How often do you see cars turning right at roundabouts with NO right signal? And Taxis! What fear do taxi drivers have of indicating? You would think that, with all that practice, taxi drivers would be the BEST drivers on the road. Before anyone leaps to their keyboard, frothing with fury because their dad is a taxi driver and his driving is perfect, I will happily concede that there some good taxi drivers out there, just as there are some good Audi drivers.
Once you can drive, keep asking yourself 'How can I improve my driving?' Anticipation and planning are essential skills, but correct use of signals is equally important and demonstrates consideration for other road users.
Otherwise, you may find other drivers giving you hand signals that you will certainly not find in the Highway Code.
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