Should driver training be in car price? - Page 3 - Ford Forums

**plonky** · 10-27-2002, 03:46

The idea to pitch the courses at the upper end of the market is to influence the people who are in positions that can influence Govt.

I totally agree that this type of training should be for younger drivers but we have to start somewhere.

I must say I'm disappointed though in some people on the forum who don't believe that they should have defensive driver training and it is for the "other guy". In a combined effort, a collaboration of car clubs could influence insurers. If it is that hard to get a voluntary commitment to a course, then how hard will it be to compel retrospective and compulsory defensive driver training.

It is attitudes that some of us have that will NEVER see compulsory defensive training for drivers and a continuing saturation of stationary cameras and incerased penalties.

Mr Jucy · 10-27-2002, 03:55

I think it would be a good idea for the FPV range part of the idea with the previous FTE concept was total ownership experience & I think this would fit into that catagory a beneift of ownership that adds to brand loyalty.
PS Doesn't the GTS come with a driver training day?

Lightning · 10-27-2002, 04:14

Hiya,

Rather than quote heaps, let me just say that I agree with JR.

I attended an Advanced Driving day that was paid for by my employer at the time, a few years ago. Was very worthwhile and I got a lot out of it.

So, on that note, I agree with the sentiments expressed by Plonky, but I think that it should be a subsidised option. I will be reattending such a day soon, but don't think it should be included in the price of the vehicle, as I may end up not needing it, due to already having done one.

Though, on the other hand, running round a 'skid pan' in a Camry on outrigger wheels wouldn't quite be the same as in my XR :s3

Ford doesn't need to outlay anything (other than some brochures and Page Ranking perhaps), the 'accredited' agency will more than make up the dollars in quantity.

Simon....

blackout · 10-27-2002, 05:40

i know for sure my dad would say "i know enough about driving" when buying a GT falcon. it's irrelevant what he DOES know, and i know a lot of people would think the same about this issue.

compulsory driver training? you want people to buy the car, not rethink buying the car. you dont want to make buying a car a chore, and you want to make buying a car as enjoyable as possible.

i know at 35, when i have driven for 15+ years, i will definately think i know enough about driving then to require compulsory driving courses before buying a hi po car.

and i wouldnt want to be pressured into doing something boring like that, if i believed i wouldnt get anything out of it (dont get me wrong, you probably would get something out of it), but thats the general attitude.

Barra_4_Eva · 10-27-2002, 09:10

im just gonna say what i think, and if it overlaps with someone elses comments, i apologise.

i beleive that driver training is essential, because people can suprise themselves when driving a car. Someone who drives a stock standard car, lets say, a AU Falcon, and then jumps behind wheels of a GT Falcon, hes knows that there a difference in performance, but because he doesnt know how much of a difference, he could suddenly suprise himself, and do something stupid out on the public road (IE floor it to accelerate around someone, and not realise how powerfull the car was, and slam into the back of the car ahead). I think Ford shouldnt offer the defensive driving course, but also a section that teaches how to drive your newly bought GT Falcon safely on the public roads. That way, people can be confident in there driving skills.

HO HO HO! · 10-27-2002, 16:08

I think the take up rate would depend on how it is sold to the punters. If you call it a defensive driving course to increase your saftey, most people would, pass. especially if they had to pay for it. However, if you sell it as a high speed track day with expert tuition, ie unleash the beast then I think more people will perk up. After all, a lot of people spending that amount on a car will be considering a track day any way, so probably won't complain if the cost of a good one is added to the price of their car.

blackout · 10-27-2002, 16:20

how about they just offer a free day trip to a race way to understand the real power behind the car?

**plonky** · 10-27-2002, 19:25

I would certainly think that a defensive driving course would enable a number of things: car control, characteristics of the car, road craft and attitude.

To suggest that a day at a race track is the ideal way to abuse a car wihout getting caught is very immature. A good driver can drive incredibly fast and be very gentle of the car - that is difference been use and abuse! A poorly skilled and bad driver uses a track day to fulfil their fantasy world about their ability and puts themselves, their car and other track day users at risk.

To really get a full appreciation of the car (and I know that a family sedan such as an SS and and XR8 can be driven far beyond it's design ability) the defensive driving course would be ideal. For those that have done a good course can appreciate that it is not a course fro driving like Grandpa's and Grandma's.

I still can't understand that some people on this forum whinge about getting tickets for speeding and other stupid driver behaviour, whine that the speed limits are set too low and complain about non skilled drivers and STILL declare that a defensive driving course should be optional to themselves but mandatory to everybody else.

No wonder a skilled driver complains when they get booked for speeding in a car suited for it because the laws are set for the lowest common denominator.

I really have to wonder........does anyone really want to try and be constructive and change things?

Falchoon · 10-27-2002, 19:47

Good idea. I reckon the Govt should pay the majority of the cost from all the speed camera revenue. It should be for all people as part of their licence test, not just for hi-po cars. How many average Joes (and Joannes) do you see that are driving Falcadores around the carpark that have no clue.

EADan · 10-27-2002, 20:53

I agree that in buying a hi-po car there should be offered a driver course (or vehicle familiarisation), either paid for or offered by FoMoCo. I think that even if you have been driving for 30yrs, jumping into a new car with so many new features, there will be certain re-learning required. I'd rather learn them in a controlled manner so that you can predict what the car will do and know what to expect then waiting for a roo to jump out.
There are a few points I would like to see as part of the course:

a) It should be model specific and run by a Ford approved company (or Ford), ie. I wouldn't want to go around in an Excel when I own a GT.

b) I would like an explanation of the various systems, ie ABS, Traction Control etc. and what their effect is, again model specific. I want to know how my car works. I would like an under bonnet inspection and point out the important bits.

c) Must include a bit of track work :) to allow you to get to know the limits of the vehicle and how the systems feel when they operate (ABS etc.).