driving lessons

[camper]

Since subscribing I am seriously beginning to be tempted by mh's bigger than I've considered before. I've just seen this. .

This looks fab but I'm nervous about driving such a big vehicle.Any suggestions where I could find tuition/advice?

 

[mikebeaches]

I believe both the Camping and Caravanning Club and the Caravan Club offer tuition - normally in the form of one-day courses - especially for motorhome drivers. Worth checking with each of the clubs to find out more. :thumb:

Looks a nice van, by the way.

Hope you find what you're looking for.

Mike

 

[Heyupluv]

Since subscribing I am seriously beginning to be tempted by mh's bigger than I've considered before. I've just seen this. .

This looks fab but I'm nervous about driving such a big vehicle.Any suggestions where I could find tuition/advice?

They are no different than driving a car.....just a little wider and a longer so adjust to it, more room when turning, at junctions, and roundabouts use your mirrows all the time when turning or reversing...have a colour camera fitted at the rear will help you ...and after you have driven for a few miles it will seem like you always have...But never forget the tail end, on some with a large overhang its like a fish tail coming round after you have turned :thumb:

 

[knokinonabit]

You will probably be pleasantly surprised how easy they are to drive, but a one day course with one of the afore mentioned clubs would set your mind at ease.
If it is under 3.5t you wouldn't need to worry about licences either.

 

[Reallyretired]

Its alldown to confidence. It may seem large (its actually a metre shorter than mine),, take a test drive, after ten minutes youll wonder what you worried about. Just use your mirrors and give a bit of extra space on corners as the back will cut the corner a bit.:thumb:

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[15edward]

When we got our LHD A class I did a surf for likeLy sounding local driving instructors. Phoned two- one did all the minibus training for the local authority and the other had his own MH. I did 2 hours with him and, as has been said, it is all about confidence. That persuaded me that it isnt really very different at all to other driving. I could still do with more manouvering in tight places practice though!!

 

[hilldweller]

Nice van. Not big enough to cause you problems apart from learning the overhang.

But it is a prime example of how a fixed bed eats up the inside. Pretty poor for lounging about in on a rainy day, unless you use the bed. Criminally poor kitchen.

 

[WynandJean]

I would agree whith what has already been said but particularly with Heyupluv's mention of a rear view camera. I was driving ours for 2 years and the only real difficulty was reversing. Although I had been considering getting a camera I was finally pushed into it after reversing into a car which was behind me, unnoticed, on a country road. Only after having the camera fitted did I realise just how much you cannot see using mirrors alone (I really appreciate the signs on the back of lorries: "If you can't see my mirrors then I can't see you)

Now I often notice that looking in my mirrors the road behind may seem empty but in my camera I can see a couple of cars or even a transit van which is otherwise unseen!

Not only is it useful for reversing, however, the camera also acts as a rear view mirror which gives much more information about the situation before lane changes or overtaking. I wouldn't be without one now. :thumb:
Wyn

 

[Chris]

But it is a prime example of how a fixed bed eats up the inside. Pretty poor for lounging about in on a rainy day, unless you use the bed. .

That's exactly the problem with ours.

 

[Goldenoldies]

Since subscribing I am seriously beginning to be tempted by mh's bigger than I've considered before. I've just seen this. .

This looks fab but I'm nervous about driving such a big vehicle.Any suggestions where I could find tuition/advice?

Dont be nervous about the size. As already been said try CCC or CC see what they offer. I trained London bus drivers and 95% of those had only driven a car before. Youll get the hang of it after about 45mins, good luck and happy motorhoming.

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[camper]

rainy day living

Nice van. Not big enough to cause you problems apart from learning the overhang.

But it is a prime example of how a fixed bed eats up the inside. [HI]Pretty poor for lounging about in on a rainy day, unless you use the bed.[/HI] Criminally poor kitchen.

can you suggest any of similar or smaller that are good in this respect - ta

 

[aba]

get to lincoln this weekend and have a good look around it really is the only way to get a real idea of whats out there.

if you miss this show the caravan club do courses at the NEC show in october.

 

[Southampton]

The C&CC definitely run MH manoeuvring training. There are dates and venues on their website for the rest of 2012 but their 2013 calendar is not out yet.

I am upgrading to a bigger van (8.7m) and my wife wants to go on one to give her confidence.

 

[Heyupluv]

I would agree whith what has already been said but particularly with Heyupluv's mention of a rear view camera. I was driving ours for 2 years and the only real difficulty was reversing. Although I had been considering getting a camera I was finally pushed into it after reversing into a car which was behind me, unnoticed, on a country road. Only after having the camera fitted did I realise just how much you cannot see using mirrors alone (I really appreciate the signs on the back of lorries: "If you can't see my mirrors then I can't see you)

Now I often notice that looking in my mirrors the road behind may seem empty but in my camera I can see a couple of cars or even a transit van which is otherwise unseen!

Not only is it useful for reversing, however, the camera also acts as a rear view mirror which gives much more information about the situation before lane changes or overtaking. I wouldn't be without one now. :thumb:
Wyn

Just to add to the rear view camera, is the built in mike....you can hear in the cab:thumb::thumb:
....As the vicar said every little helps:thumb:

 

[hilldweller]

That's exactly the problem with ours.

Talk yourself into an old Hymer ( they all seem old and yet like new ) and you'll realise what they based the tardis on.

If we ever changed it would be to one of those.

Some of the u-shaped lounge designs are good loungers but you pay by making up the beds every night.

You've got to hand it to the RVs, even 23 foot ones, slide technology delivers the goods.

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[Minxy]

Size isn't the only thing to consider with a large motorhome, but the restrictions that it will place on you in use. As you have a small camper at the moment you will certainly notice the places you won't be able to get to anymore and the difficulty of parking such a large beast. I'm not saying don't go for it, but just consider all of the implications very carefully.

 

[pappajohn]

if you are determined to drive a larger motorhome but, as you say, are too nervous then consider sending Rick (Motor roamin') a PM.

Broken Link Removed

He runs a large vehicle/HGV driving school in Leicestershire and i'm sure he runs short courses on driving and manouvering using your own vehicle.
he'll explain what you need to know and give you the confidence to do it.
a couple of days and he'll have you driving like a pro :thumb:

 

[camper]

thanks

Thanks everyone , this is very helpful!

 

[simsy56]

Confidence and calmness, that's all you'll need. After all it is only an overgrown Transit. It will take a few hours to become confident, and a driving course could help you overcome your fears.
As for limiting you to where you can go, only you will know. If you want something that can get you anywhere, buy a scooter.


Craig

 

[motor roamin]

if you are determined to drive a larger motorhome but, as you say, are too nervous then consider sending Rick (Motor roamin') a PM.

Broken Link Removed

He runs a large vehicle/HGV driving school in Leicestershire and i'm sure he runs short courses on driving and manouvering using your own vehicle.
he'll explain what you need to know and give you the confidence to do it.
a couple of days and he'll have you driving like a pro :thumb:

Yes we do......we do many of them for any thing from car and caravan to Articulated lorrys most people require no more than 4 hours it's all about understanding the charicteristics of a larger vehicle and gaining cofidence with a qualified instructor who isn't going to let you get in trouble.

If your interested pm or call me 07974 758989 or look at our website dataacademy.co.uk plenty of feedback on there or look at our face book page (not that I have a clue about that ) it's done by one of directors

All the best Rick

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[pappajohn]

my first motorhome was a mere 20ft long...not much longer than my car.

my second and third were both 24ft long...absolutely no difference driving them.

my current motorhome is 34ft long and 7.5 tons

first couple of trips had me on the edge of my seat...not because of the size but because its left hand drive.....30 odd years since i drove left hand drive.

2 years down the line its second nature to jump in it and drive without even thinking about it.

experience and practise instills confidence :thumb: (sometimes overconfidence :Blush