That big, red “L” sign which we all know by now to let other motorists know that a learner-driver is behind the wheel kind of pre-empts something a little different to its intended purpose, doesn’t it? I mean instead of encouraging the other motorists to exercise extra patience and vigilance around the driver who likely just recently received their driver’s licence, it kind of makes the other motorists conduct themselves in a way that has them flexing just how much better drivers they are, doesn’t it?

I’m talking from a place of personal experience, when I forgot that I was driving someone else’s car which had the big, red L on it, only to be swiftly reminded by motorists behind me at the traffic lights, zooming right past me as if we were all taking off from the starting blocks of a street racing line-up. “There’s no way I’m going to drive behind a learner,” is my best guess as to what they were saying to themselves, or to the passengers they were driving with, if there were any.

This brings me to an intriguing thought-what if more experienced drivers channeled their skills into positively influencing the next generation of road users? Imagine the impact if one of these seasoned individuals decided to become a driving instructor, maybe because they need a well-paying job. By sharing their knowledge and experience in a structured, educational setting, they could contribute to shaping safer, more confident drivers.

It could be more than just an opportunity for a career change; it could be a chance to bridge the gap between seasoned drivers and learners, fostering a culture of collaboration and understanding on our roads. Additionally, considering that driving instructors sit in the passenger seat when teaching people how to drive, experienced instructors know better than anyone how to handle aggressive passersby drivers. However, to legitimize their skills and attract more clients wanting to add driving to their skill sets, they should undergo driving instructor training first. This way, they can bridge any gap between their driving skills and the theory of actually teaching someone.

Defensive driving not just about keeping your eyes on the road and following the rules; it’s about embracing the tech that comes with your ride. Modern cars are loaded with fancy safety systems, and here’s the kicker – they’re only as good as their maintenance. And, while regular maintenance is crucial, it can get quite expensive for the average man. Nevertheless, investing in the right tech can be a game changer. That’s where expert ADAS calibration steps in. Trust me, these systems need some attention to stay on top of their game. So, if you’re all about cruising with the latest tech, don’t forget to give your ride the care it deserves. It’s not just defensive driving; it’s making sure your safety gear is ready to rock and roll when you need it most. And learning all these details is one of the most important parts about driving, after all- knowing how to maintain your car to ensure the safety of those around you as well as your passengers.

Speaking of passengers, that’s perhaps the major consideration point for the essence of so-called defensive driving, which is a driving style that considers the safety of other road users and indeed the passengers in your vehicle and others. It’s about being courteous to others on the road, whether it’s other motorists, cyclists, and especially pedestrians.

If none of those consideration points move you, think about the maintenance of your car. When you take your set of wheels into an automotive centre such as Kwik Fit, the trained, skilled and experienced staff probably won’t mention anything about it, but they can tell a lot about the type of driver you are from the manner through which the wear-and-tear of your car parts is manifested.

While there are definitely some unavoidable natural wear-and-tear issues to go with the required maintenance to keep your baby alive and well, the truth of the matter is better drivers have fewer issues such those which require them to take their cars in to contend with.

So being a courteous driver is about more than just respecting the rules of the road for the benefit of others. It’s for your own benefit as well, beyond your safety.