I've had automatic cars for 20 years or more and learned that an automatic lends itself to a foot off the brake, then pause before accelerating style of moving off, and this can really aid progress. It also means that the stop-start mode does not kick in at an inconvenient moment. These days when I occasionally drive a manual I find that I use the same creeping technique. It's particularly useful for moving from a side road into slow moving traffic, when creeping can make other drivers more likely to make room for you.
Then there's the polar opposite of creeping: belting up to a give way line as if you're not going to stop and then slamming on the anchors at the last millisecond, stopping 30 cm across the line. For some reason, there are certain aspirational marques that favour this approach.
What you describe is something I experience all too often when on my bicycle, mostly at roundabouts with approaching cars wanting to enter the roundabout, I am forced to slow right down and almost stop because I really am not confident the the car entering is going to give way, I often wonder if it's deliberate.
I have been a car driver for 42yrs, and have been a subscriber of yours for around 9 months. Watching your channel has helped me no end to become a lot more patient whilst driving. Plus your tips and observations have been instrumental in changing my old bad habits. Even before watching you I would say I had a high degree of road awareness, but you have taught me a lot, especially with my attitude toward other road users and pedestrians. My mother was killed by a car when I was only 4 years old and left me orphaned. That is why I have always taken road safety conscientiously, but now, through you, even more so. Thank you so very much for sharing your expertise with us.
There is one scenario when I don't do that until I'm 100% sure I can continue and it's when entering a roundabout. Sometimes you're waiting for your space, creep a bit but you realise there is not enough space so you stop. The car behind you saw you creep and they think you're going to go so they start looking to the right, not to you and if you stop they can hit you. It has happened to me twice already, so no more creeping entering a roundabout 🙈
Yes, something i do myself, actually, if there is a car infront of me waiting to pull onto a roundabout, i do not watch roundabout traffic at all, i only focus on the car in front of me, when he's gone, i move up and then! look for traffic.
My partner and I were chatting about this, we think it's the speed of the creep, if it's really gentle as Ashley showed the driver behind tends to get it. If you set off at a speed to join the roundabout then stop that's when we've seen people rear ended (and to be honest I nearly rear ended somoene who did that). If as Ashley pints out you generally creep in queus and traffic before any roundabouts you establish your style to a following driver.
When I learned to drive the bus, my instructor used the phrase “peep & creep” to give me a chance to have look before committing to moving away. Used this for coming up 15 years and it’s served me well. 😃👍🏻😃
Nice. It has couple more subtle benefit too. 1. Creeping introduces some parallax movement, making it easier to distinguish objects from each other, therefore giving you better perception of your surroundings. 2. It signals your intention to other drivers, helping them make better judgements.
Thank you Ashley. I teach this to my pupils too. I fundementally believe this is how to drive. I have been getting so many of them to watch your videos to back up what I have taught. And you have given me some good phrases to help them, like 'grow the space'. Keep up the outstanding quality videos.
Creeping is really helpful for motorcyclists. When I'm on the bike, one of the things I look for when a car wants to emerge into my path ahead of me is the wheels of the emerging car. If you look at the wheels then detecting movement of the car is really easy. The only thing I would add is don't creep unless you mean it! It really puts the willies up me when a car creeps at a junction ahead of me but really is just waiting for me to pass, this scenario usually results in me slowing down just in case I haven't been seen.
thanks for that spot on whether on my bike or in a car ( The only thing I would add is don't creep unless you mean it! It really puts the willies up me when a car creeps at a junction ahead of me but really is just waiting for me to pass, this scenario usually results in me slowing down just in case I haven't been seen ).
Creeping, when you drive heavy vehicles you have to creep to give yourself that extra space to actually get going. It's that difference between getting stuck and keeping the flow going, sadly too many drivers think you are impatient whereas you are actually helping the whole situation. Nice video, oh a good example of creeping is to watch buses pulling away from the bus stops, often another clue is the front wheels
But i always think that people who drive big vehicles like busses for example sometimes have no choice but to force their way to making someone let you in. Otherwise you would not be able to emerge sometimes. Is this how it has to be sometimes?
@@TheDantheman12121 yes, particularly in busy places, like London, major cities. Another aspect of driving service vehicles is timekeeping. for the actual service.
@@TheDantheman12121 in London, the time limit is 15 minutes for late running. After that, the bus is deemed not to have run and companies can be fined. Obviously, there is leeway within this. and this is why you'll see more bus lanes appearing throughout the country.
@@PondersEndModelRailway As far as the rest of the country is concerned the maximum limits are 5 minutes late, 1 minute early...in theory if you operate less than 90% within those parameters, without really good cause, and as a bus operator you could be up in traffic court risking your licence to operate. The Traffic Commissioner is open to excuses relating to severe RTAs, unscheduled roadworks etc, but not to "unpredictable congestion", level crossings etc...if this means you need to build in extra time, (and wait if not delayed) then so be it (per the Commissioner I was witness to, anyway)
Hello Ashley. I’ve subscribed and watch your videos to improve my driving. It’s amazing and thank you for confirming my thoughts on space and speed. The former never being enough and the latter being too high, especially when approaching. However, I’ve spent today thinking about your creep method, and it works so well. Took me a few junctions to get the hang of it, but it’s brilliant advice. I felt so much safer. Thank you so much. I’m passing this on ...
Creeping is intimidating and leads to being forced to let someone into the traffic stream or get hit. Also demonstrates impatience and should not be encouraged. There’s a bit difference between drawing off slowly and reasonably, and blasting off like a dragster. It always come down to the difference between a thinking, anticipating, driver and a complete Wally who just reacts instead of anticipating.
There are different kinds of creeping. The one you talk about is usually employed by impatient lorry and transporter drivers, but it’s distinctively different and faster than the anticipating creep that Ashley is talking about. Contrary to what you claimed, it actually shows planning ahead. It shows everyone what your going to do next and that’s a wonderful indicator in itself.
One thing my instructor taught me while driving was to do a running commentary of hazards and things happening it kept me aware and I still do it sometimes to help when getting tired
Great video. On not being the front vehicle (6:50). Leaving a good gap is just as sensible when stationary as when moving down the road. If you get punted from behind it lessens the chance of being shoved forward into the vehicle in front, single end damage and more chance of being able to drive away. It also makes it much easier to go round the preceding vehicle(s) should they not move off, perhaps a bump or a breakdown. Perhaps most importantly, the larger the gap, the better the sight lines, especially when behind a vehicle that you cannot see through, such as the van. A larger gap combined with creep is perfect for when the vehicle(s) in front start to move, but then stop. Bump, stall, breakdown, obstruction, pedestrian walking out without "obserbation", light jumpers etc, less likelihood of the common low-speed shunt at junctions. As a driver with pretty flashing blue lights, I leave a large gap because I may want to move before anyone else does, so the gap gives me that room to change road position easily with better lines of sight. Using creep at other junctions, makes joining effectively a moving merge, rather than a more sudden maneuver, more comfortable for passengers, more mechanical sympathy, better fuel economy etc, there are really no downsides.
Although i agree with what you are saying in principle, leaving gaps can cause problems to people behind in certain scenarios, for me it should be situational, if its causing problems for people clearing junctions roundabouts e.t.c behind then i wouldn't, but its just my opinion.
@@Jonc25 everything in life comes down to context & circumstance. If I cannot move to where I want to without being a greater obstruction, I don't move. Except of course for those times when being a big obstruction is my aim. As a general principle, space and safety are proportionally linked, and it may seem selfish but my safety is somewhat important. It helps that I understand there is a dependency in effect, that my safety requires being safe for others on the highway too.
I was taught to set off in that way by my late father when I started to learn to drive in 1985 (I was 17). He was a farmer, so use to doing it when setting off to avoid wheelspin on soggy ground. It is very useful in ice and snow, but especially when towing a caravan. I never got stuck on a caravan site even when I had two wheel drive cars.
The one and only accident I've ever had was because at a roundabout I tried to go to fast away instead of creeping stalled the van I was driving and a van behind hit me from behind. Had I of done this technique I know I the accident would not of happened, that was about 12 years ago, I've learnt a lot since then and definitely now watching your channel Ashley.
Ashley did not mention this but I think the technique will help you accelerate faster where this is required. Joining a very large roundabout where traffic moves faster. If you contrast creeping using the bite with the gas set. To accelerate faster it is easy to progressively add gas with the clutch through bite. On the other hand if you use the clutch without setting the gas to move off when your right foot finds the gas from scratch you may apply it before the steering is set or suddenly jerk forward unexpectedly.
Another great video as always. I also find that creeping, especially at a crossroads with a stop or give way gives that extra visibility around a parked car or further down the intersecting road so you can get a better view before committing.
I keep learning from you even with my 30+ years experience. My driving (although I have to switch from left to right) is getting much more relaxed. But still making errors. Thanks Ashley 'Johan Cruyff' Neal.
Another excellent video from you Ash. Yes, I pretty much practice the "creep" technique in many scenarios & it's very useful for all the reasons you outlined. For example, at a mini roundabout where there are cars on each of the approach roads, each waiting for someone else to go first. I find I can break the cycle by creeping forward ever so slowly to show all the other drivers I'm intending go but by the same token, I'm ready to revise my plan without drama should someone else suddenly decide to gun it. It's the same back in North America at 4 way stops. Coming out of a side road on an uphill, I might balance accelerator, clutch AND handbrake whilst I creep forward "searching for vision". I realise this doesn't apply to many cars with electronic handbrake buttons / auto hill hold etc but I drive a car with a traditional handbrake. Also, at roundabouts, waiting for a gap with the handbrake applied allows me to transfer my right foot from brake and poised over the accelerator, more ready to take advantage of a gap than if I'd kept my foot on the brake pedal. Excellent point at the roundabout at around 4:25 re: don't wait completely for the gap to appear but start to slide yourself into it earlier. Way back in 1978 my driving instructor referred to this as "start following this last car out". I sometimes also refer to it as a "follow through". Excellent point also about stopping some distance from the vehicle in front. As well as all the other good reasons for this which you've outlined in other videos many times, yes, it actually makes for an early "creep forward" start when cars ahead start to move off. Totally also agree that so many drivers just suddenly take off when the lights turn green (and often when they are still on red and amber), without taking into account the potential dangers. This whole creep forward technique can also be applied when driving an automatic. The only difference is, the creep forward is done by simply easing pressure on the brake pedal and letting the natural "creep" of an automatic do the work of forward creep motion. Hope the new teeth have settled in! Oh and if that's what the weather is like in your area in mid October, I'm moving to Liverpool! (Kidding - I realise you likely filmed this earlier in the year).
Creeping is one of many ways we can "telegraph" our intentions to pedestrians and other drivers. The opposite to the "creep" is the abrupt stop, which I often use as I come to a stop at a junction when there is a car on the main road. When the other driver sees me come to a slightly abrupt stop on the give way line, especially when I reinforce this with a glance in his/her direction, I am making it abundantly clear that I've seen him/her, which removes uncertainty. When I am the driver on the main road and there is a car on the give way line at a side road, if there is space to do so, I tend to move out a bit to show my presence. It makes it far less likely that the driver in the side road has failed to see me, and in the event s/he suddenly pulls out, I've got more space and time to react. I only ever use the horn as a warning in a dire emergency and where it would actually help. So many people get triggered by a horn or any kind of gesture, as many of the road rage videos have shown. (Stopping sharply or moving away from another driver's space can never be interpreted as aggression!
The best advice I was given by my instructor is that there are more signals than just your indicators. Hands, eyes, lights, speed, positioning are all so important. If you aren't letting someone go, don't look them in the eye as they will assume this is a signal to go, and as you say, Ashley, creeping forward lets people know your intentions.
I don't know what your instructor was like, but I've had no problems at all on the roads .. ... For The Force is my ally It binds all living things, even Audi Drivers OOOO, together It informs all of my actions, but also obeys my commands. Hands, eyes ... just potential physical defects ... DON'T TRUST THEM Trust in The Force, and you'll easily be able to navigate even the toughest roundabout using only your mind. Let go of your conscious "self", and act only on INSTINCT. That is the only way to survive rush-hour in Cambridge (I just found out today)
Regarding leaving a gap between yourself and vehicle in front, I used to read a regular column in The Daily Telegraph on Saturdays which discussed observational skills. He always said 'tarmac and tyres' when stationery behind another vehicle. I have used this ever since, ensuring you can see the rear tyres and a section of tarmac in the space in front.
Yes to creep. It means you will give a bit more space on junctions to move forward and are ready to drive away. As a cyclist, I use creep to keep myself in saddle and quickly gain speed to cross busy junctions and roundabouts. But it also shows your intentions to join in and people will notice it. PS: It may not be a mistake, but wanted to point one thing out: The van driver at 9:00 should use indicator to show his intention to join traffic. As a cyclist, I have seen far too many van drivers diving in out of sudden and missing the cyclist that was coming up from behind. Yes, there is double line, so we should expect them to go off, but how many drivers actually respect the double line? The indicator shows their intention of leaving the spot at that moment.
"creeping"... what motorcyclists know as "working the friction zone" - that partially engaged place that allows you the smooth control and ability to move off efficiently when it is clear and safe to do so. it also allows for greater than normal rates of acceleration (at some clutch wear cost) if needed, yet keeps that acceleration smoother than would otherwise be. smooth is good.
Funny you mention this, I was suggesting this to my wife only a few days ago,when we were out and she was driving. you’re not committing but you’re allowing other people to see your intention without being aggressive and risking a collision or impass. There’s a sense of achievement doing it on a motorcycle, no dabs, feet up all the time. And in my landrover, like driving a train, keep it rolling.
I did wonder if the title of the video at 0:04 was a deliberate mistake, to see who was paying attention, but I'm glad that was explained in the video :)
5:00 I once saw a car that had been rear-ended at a roundabout entrance, clearly because the person at the front of the queue made it look like they were going to enter the roundabout, but abruptly stopped, then the R driver behind them wasn't looking ahead of them to see that it wasn't clear, and just drove right into them. It's good to look early before it's your turn, but not looking where you're driving? Bad times.
Totally agree with this, lights go green, you Start to creep and the pedestrian who is in a rush running up the footway and about to cross over, then automatically stops without running out in front of you.
If I'm in a queue & wanting to allow someone out of a side road, when the traffic moves I find it helpful to creep slightly & then stop, clearly showing the emerging vehicle that you've positively chosen to allow them to emerge.
Great advice Ashley but tell people to be careful creeping at junctions when emerging in front of bikers as we are hypersensitive to folks pulling out on us, Great channel, love your educational content mate.
Could not agree more. One of the most important skills I used to teaches-pupils was ‘creep and peep’ This depends so much on clutch control and actually knowing where the front of the car actually is…Even as you are emerging I would say keep your head moving and your eyes looking. This is so much easier when people understand about block changing and aren’t focused on stepping down through a range of gears to deal with the emerge.
Funny, yet another thing I do naturally without being tough. I normally find the clutch bitting point twice when pulling off, specially when existing a parking spot. Please continue with the good lessons.
8:30 I never viewed those situations like that before, thanks Ashley. When I am letting a car pass, sometimes I steer towards the kerb and car that is parked, I usually indicate left, but that makes the driver behind me think that I'm parking. I can imagine they are quite confused, when that the driver that I've let pass has gone by, that I have driven on
Good points and also the emphasis on using this creep time to look around and not just fixate on the traffic light changing from red or approaching gap in traffic.
Excellent video that can apply to driving anywhere in the world and every driver should be aware of this topic. For some drivers could be a must see. It significantly improves driving confidence as well, giving time to adjust to the more uncertain situations. Then employ the old adage: 'If in doubt, don't!'
I see now that the apparent typo in the title card was a lead-in to the verbal typo. nicely done. I was expecting, though, that the topic addressed emerging from side streets, which, where I live is complicated by the fact the city planners, in their finite wisdom, have decided they should put crosswalks (zebra crossings) set six feet back from the sidewalk (pavement) and also decided that all new builds must place a building against the sidewalk at each corner of the building lot, so as to obstruct vision from those waiting to emerge from the side street (look like the older cities where the streets have been widened up to the extent existing buildings allows, because they think it looks nifty) thus, it is necessary to creep up across the crosswalk, and get your nose uncomfortably close to the traffic lane, to get yourself far enough forward to see if anyone is coming. but yes, in most cases, it is better all around to set yourself up to creep forward a bit in preparation for committing to moving off. and that includes placing just slightly less stress on the mechanicals.
At red lights, understanding the sequence allows you to creep before the light turns green (remaining behind the line, of course). Same effect, but helping to maximise flow through the junction.
Generally I agree with the points you make and I encourage my learner driver daughter to watch your videos, but I’m really not convinced about this technique for a couple of reasons…the traffic passing in front of you on a roundabout or junction might think you are going to pull out, which might cause them to brake or swerve. Also, if you creep then stop the car behind might run into you! Also, by ‘creep’ you mean to not fully release the clutch, but in an auto you can generally creep by just lifting off the brake pedal which has the same effect. Maybe the point you are trying to make is ‘don’t lurch forward at high speed’ which would make more sense.
At only 2:19 in, you see exactly why you should use this method. If the old lady either crosses or goes around the bonnet to open the passenger door, you have time to respond. Even if you don't have time, you're going to hit her at 10mph and she probably won't be badly hurt. Blasting out just increases the danger to everyone.
Is this not taught by all instructors? I was taught this virtually on the first lesson, and have been using it my entire driving career, makes life soo much easier than fumbling your feet and either stalling or being all jerky
I did an Eco Driving course and one of the challenges on the practical session was to keep rolling, the wheels couldn’t stop. Tell you what Ash, it takes some planning. I wouldn’t recommend it day to day as we where going up to red lights crawling from 5 car lengths back so it only annoyed following traffic but, as an exercise, it doesn’t half lift your awareness.
Good advice, and easy to do with electric transmission, at least on the level, as most of them will just crawl forward automatically. However, if you buy a second hand manual from someone who does a lot of it, you might have a bit of repair work to do! Been there, done that, years ago.
I would love a video on reversing out of bay parking (I know it is not a common thing but near me at shops there is parking like that) or drive ways straight onto a road. Because so many people I see do not wait for a gap they just pull out and expect other people to stop. Obviously you then just have to stop but it seems like you should not be doing something like this. Also i think there is a big lack of videos online about road markings in busy areas. When i first started driving it took me a long time to get the courage to drive places like city centres due to confusing road markings and being nervous i was in wrong lanes etc.
On a similar theme. When I was a driver assessor, a trait I often observed, when turning into another road, drivers would accelerate immediately away into it. I would advise that, it was better to complete the manoeuvre and give them a few moments top observe what was ahead and then, if appropriate, increase their speed.
I see the exact opposite where I live. people will start a turn, and then pause to decide what they want to do next. there are even times where they will almost complete their turn and then brake while they decide what to do.
My instructor used the term "creep and peep" slowly edge forward to further assess the situation as to be as safe as possible. My instructor was a legend might I add.
Having only passed my practical recently I'm still getting used to driving without my instructor and will definitely be using this technique. Thanks for the valuable content as always Ashley!
Another good tip if you're interested, when stopped waiting to turn right, keep your steering straight ahead, many drivers turn the steering right,ready to go, but, if someone runs into the back of you, you get pushed into oncoming traffic.
@@johnthorley8162 Thanks John Any tips are appreciated especially when still getting used to my car which obviously has a different bite point to the car I learned/passed my test in and the brake and clutch pedals are higher up. The clutch pedal especially sits easily maybe 2 - 3 inches higher than accelerator pedal when it's up. Which is awkward at the moment but I'll get there.
I tried to creep on my practical test to get a better view while still behind the white line and the examiner slammed on the break. When I asked why he did it and explained why I did it he threated to cancel the test then and there.
As someone with my test coming up I'd love to know how yours eventually went for you. Would you say some of Ashley's tips, though good, would actually hinder on a test?
@@swolemoth I failed that test then and there because as soon as the examinor "has" to take over you've failed. Tbh i could tell from the second he got into the learner car he was going to be an ass. That "has" mentioned above is totally subjective and some of them will look to fail you or manufacture your failure. They could have been having a bad day or you could look like their bully from when they were younger, could be anything. However, I did pass the second time with a different examiner, who actually seemed to enjoy his job and was a total professional. I think it's totally the luck of the draw, which isn't something that should happen when you pay so much.
Definitely useful to give an opportunity to get a better look and to signal intentions. There's a particular situation I'd like your thoughts on however. When I'm cycling straight on through a multilane intersection, (normally in primary position in the left lane), cars from the opposing direction that are waiting to do an unprotected right turn across my lane of travel will often start creeping after the last car from my direction crosses the intersection, but before I've had a chance to cross it. I find myself having to guess whether a) they're just creeping and will only complete their turn after I've passed, or b) they haven't noticed me, and are about to drive into me/my path. Most of the time it is situation A and if I react to their movement by slowing down they get frustrated at me for making the interaction awkward, and slowing us both down. But I am really concerned about the one time where I don't take evasive actions and that they haven't in fact seen me. Are they trying to communicate or do something useful by creeping their turn before I've passed, or just doing it out of habit/impatience? Any tips for how I should handle it?
Bottom of our road….the road which we join has parked cars left + right…. Visibility dreadful. The giveaway marker is effectively moved out to the far edge of the cars. All we can do is creep and look, creep and look, before committing to pulling away. Btw, the parking on that road only got worse since the installation of a road calming island further up, robbing parking spaces. My old polo with DSG auto (automated manual) didn’t creep very well. More on/off. The Astra auto I had (proper auto) was perfect for it, and the Honda jazz cvt auto I have now is also fine.
I always creep forwar to ensure I'm in the correct gear - my previous car was a manual and badly designed, so reverse could be engaged by mistake instead of first (there was no collar). Therefore the creep ensured I did not accidently engage reverse and rear end the car behind, as it was easy to commit to muscle memory. Now I drive a DSG, I creep for the same reason (D And R are close to each other), and also to prevent a jerky start by enabling stop/start to kick in and for the DSG clutch to engage.
There is a round about, local to me, where people habitually indicate right despute coming off at the exit before I usually get on. They domt change signal to show they're leaving. It's led to me waiting ages to get on despite no cars passing me, and shamefully, chancing it and getting on, only to experience a near miss of a car almost hitting the side of me. Because the round about is local, I can't avoid it. I will try this creep method...safely! (Learnt my lesson)... to move into gaps smoothly when I see cars a definitely leaving at the exit.
At the start of the video you seem to be parked in a one way street. At @2:00 in your rear view mirror there is a car which is parked facing the wrong way. He’s going to need more than creeping to get out of there if it is a one way street!
This is what i do. I perform my checks then start going very slowly while doing final checks. Weird actually cus when i was taking my lessons i had already clicked on that this was the best thing and i remember one time i was waiting to emerge and i could see a car coming and i was gonna go after it so when it was going past i moved to start creeping so i could go after and my instructor slammed the brakes on.
Another good informative video, I love how you have a little wording issue but sort it with humour rather than retaking the footage, so natural and it’s like being on a real lesson with you. Dodgy looking footwear though mate.
I hate it when I make obserbing mistooks. Great lesson and naturally finding myself doing this now I've switched to an electric vehicle as they naturally creep (as I presume auto's do).
Starting to drive the new electric, and hybrid cars that start on the electric motor, and find it easier to 'creep' to warn pedestrians that the car is moving! Pedestrians seen to listen, rather than look at a car, as they walk past/in front of/behind it. Needs more than usual amount of checking for pedestrians than usual, and then creep! Pedestrians are really going to have to learn to LOOK for moving cars as more of them are on the road.
What most learners do is notice what's happening _now,_ rather than anticipate what's going to happen in the next few seconds, so when I tell them to start creeping forwards, they ask: "What, now?" Even after I've explained a few times that we're looking at the situation developing, and how a space is going to be available within the next few seconds.
Creeping is also a great technique when you might not be able to see out at a junction. If other cars spot you crawling out they can beep to warn you of there presence and you can stop in time to let them past.
Sometimes you have no real choice other than to creep out of a junction. Several round my way are almost completely blind, meaning you cannot see further than a few feet for on coming traffic.
The Law of Sod, when you are in a hurry every traffic light will be red, when you have all the time every traffic light will be green. Conclusion, plan, give yourself time, so you have contingency. The law also known to technician engineers, if it can go wrong, it will go wrong.
I tend to do this anyway because of the need to continue checking as I'm pulling off, especially being the first off the line at traffic lights, although I hadn't thought about what it's communicating to other road users. Then there's the other creeping where people creep towards red lights as if the lights will see them and hurry up, or those who fill the gaps in traffic queues after they've already stopped. Those are annoying creeps.
I hold back at roundabouts (half car length) just to give me the creep/acceleration space. That way when you are actually on the roundabout you are at a usable speed but not to fast that you can't stop if needed.
I’ll be honest, I had to watch this video twice. The second time was to get the key point as the first time I was mesmerised by the footwear! Loving that style!
I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on moving to a HGV when it comes to roundabouts. As this creep technique is probably the most vital thing I've developed as being a driver for a couple months now. That momentum is so important to not emerge in good time but still cause inconvience due to speed pick up
Like you I always keep a gap from the car in front - it serves three purposes - I can see more - I can go around the car in front should it break down, without reversing (you can guarantee the car behind you is sitting on your bumper) and should I get hit from behind, hopefully I wont hit the car in front.
Makes a lot of sense. I’ve driven automatics that start rather quickly though, and I’m just wondering what effect this has on the cars wear when the driver isn’t as experienced and may hold down the clutch a little longer? Great video, so handy having all of these tips!!!
all this techniques are good life advice to, if you make some analogies (also I loved the fact that you prayed for a red light and didn't get it, soul laughter)
I've had automatic cars for 20 years or more and learned that an automatic lends itself to a foot off the brake, then pause before accelerating style of moving off, and this can really aid progress. It also means that the stop-start mode does not kick in at an inconvenient moment. These days when I occasionally drive a manual I find that I use the same creeping technique. It's particularly useful for moving from a side road into slow moving traffic, when creeping can make other drivers more likely to make room for you.
Then there's the polar opposite of creeping: belting up to a give way line as if you're not going to stop and then slamming on the anchors at the last millisecond, stopping 30 cm across the line. For some reason, there are certain aspirational marques that favour this approach.
What you describe is something I experience all too often when on my bicycle, mostly at roundabouts with approaching cars wanting to enter the roundabout, I am forced to slow right down and almost stop because I really am not confident the the car entering is going to give way, I often wonder if it's deliberate.
"certain aspirational marques" love it.
Too right. How many times have you had to brake on a main road because you were sure that person was going to shoot out of a junction?
@@ShedTV Too often - and almost always receiving a mouthful of abuse for doing so.
And it's on the increase too.
I have been a car driver for 42yrs, and have been a subscriber of yours for around 9 months. Watching your channel has helped me no end to become a lot more patient whilst driving. Plus your tips and observations have been instrumental in changing my old bad habits. Even before watching you I would say I had a high degree of road awareness, but you have taught me a lot, especially with my attitude toward other road users and pedestrians. My mother was killed by a car when I was only 4 years old and left me orphaned. That is why I have always taken road safety conscientiously, but now, through you, even more so. Thank you so very much for sharing your expertise with us.
Thank you so much for your kind words. They mean a lot 🙏
There is one scenario when I don't do that until I'm 100% sure I can continue and it's when entering a roundabout. Sometimes you're waiting for your space, creep a bit but you realise there is not enough space so you stop. The car behind you saw you creep and they think you're going to go so they start looking to the right, not to you and if you stop they can hit you. It has happened to me twice already, so no more creeping entering a roundabout 🙈
Exactly.
I only creep out of parking spaces, where there is no one behind me.
Yes, something i do myself, actually, if there is a car infront of me waiting to pull onto a roundabout, i do not watch roundabout traffic at all, i only focus on the car in front of me, when he's gone, i move up and then! look for traffic.
I get that - I DO creep and haven't been hit in 30 years, perhaps I'm lucky.
ashley i'd really appreciate your view on this comment, as I 100% agree with javi.
My partner and I were chatting about this, we think it's the speed of the creep, if it's really gentle as Ashley showed the driver behind tends to get it. If you set off at a speed to join the roundabout then stop that's when we've seen people rear ended (and to be honest I nearly rear ended somoene who did that). If as Ashley pints out you generally creep in queus and traffic before any roundabouts you establish your style to a following driver.
When I learned to drive the bus, my instructor used the phrase “peep & creep” to give me a chance to have look before committing to moving away. Used this for coming up 15 years and it’s served me well. 😃👍🏻😃
I got arrested for that....
Nice. It has couple more subtle benefit too.
1. Creeping introduces some parallax movement, making it easier to distinguish objects from each other, therefore giving you better perception of your surroundings.
2. It signals your intention to other drivers, helping them make better judgements.
Yes, the vision thing definitely!
Perhaps more importantly, it moves blindspots too.
Thank you Ashley. I teach this to my pupils too. I fundementally believe this is how to drive. I have been getting so many of them to watch your videos to back up what I have taught. And you have given me some good phrases to help them, like 'grow the space'. Keep up the outstanding quality videos.
Creeping is really helpful for motorcyclists. When I'm on the bike, one of the things I look for when a car wants to emerge into my path ahead of me is the wheels of the emerging car. If you look at the wheels then detecting movement of the car is really easy. The only thing I would add is don't creep unless you mean it! It really puts the willies up me when a car creeps at a junction ahead of me but really is just waiting for me to pass, this scenario usually results in me slowing down just in case I haven't been seen.
thanks for that spot on whether on my bike or in a car ( The only thing I would add is don't creep unless you mean it! It really puts the willies up me when a car creeps at a junction ahead of me but really is just waiting for me to pass, this scenario usually results in me slowing down just in case I haven't been seen ).
Creeping, when you drive heavy vehicles you have to creep to give yourself that extra space to actually get going. It's that difference between getting stuck and keeping the flow going, sadly too many drivers think you are impatient whereas you are actually helping the whole situation. Nice video, oh a good example of creeping is to watch buses pulling away from the bus stops, often another clue is the front wheels
But i always think that people who drive big vehicles like busses for example sometimes have no choice but to force their way to making someone let you in. Otherwise you would not be able to emerge sometimes. Is this how it has to be sometimes?
@@TheDantheman12121 yes, particularly in busy places, like London, major cities. Another aspect of driving service vehicles is timekeeping. for the actual service.
@@PondersEndModelRailway Oh yeah that never even occurred to me.
@@TheDantheman12121 in London, the time limit is 15 minutes for late running. After that, the bus is deemed not to have run and companies can be fined. Obviously, there is leeway within this. and this is why you'll see more bus lanes appearing throughout the country.
@@PondersEndModelRailway As far as the rest of the country is concerned the maximum limits are 5 minutes late, 1 minute early...in theory if you operate less than 90% within those parameters, without really good cause, and as a bus operator you could be up in traffic court risking your licence to operate. The Traffic Commissioner is open to excuses relating to severe RTAs, unscheduled roadworks etc, but not to "unpredictable congestion", level crossings etc...if this means you need to build in extra time, (and wait if not delayed) then so be it (per the Commissioner I was witness to, anyway)
Hello Ashley. I’ve subscribed and watch your videos to improve my driving. It’s amazing and thank you for confirming my thoughts on space and speed. The former never being enough and the latter being too high, especially when approaching. However, I’ve spent today thinking about your creep method, and it works so well. Took me a few junctions to get the hang of it, but it’s brilliant advice. I felt so much safer. Thank you so much. I’m passing this on ...
Great job!
Creeping is intimidating and leads to being forced to let someone into the traffic stream or get hit. Also demonstrates impatience and should not be encouraged. There’s a bit difference between drawing off slowly and reasonably, and blasting off like a dragster. It always come down to the difference between a thinking, anticipating, driver and a complete Wally who just reacts instead of anticipating.
There are different kinds of creeping. The one you talk about is usually employed by impatient lorry and transporter drivers, but it’s distinctively different and faster than the anticipating creep that Ashley is talking about. Contrary to what you claimed, it actually shows planning ahead. It shows everyone what your going to do next and that’s a wonderful indicator in itself.
One thing my instructor taught me while driving was to do a running commentary of hazards and things happening it kept me aware and I still do it sometimes to help when getting tired
Great video.
On not being the front vehicle (6:50). Leaving a good gap is just as sensible when stationary as when moving down the road. If you get punted from behind it lessens the chance of being shoved forward into the vehicle in front, single end damage and more chance of being able to drive away. It also makes it much easier to go round the preceding vehicle(s) should they not move off, perhaps a bump or a breakdown. Perhaps most importantly, the larger the gap, the better the sight lines, especially when behind a vehicle that you cannot see through, such as the van.
A larger gap combined with creep is perfect for when the vehicle(s) in front start to move, but then stop. Bump, stall, breakdown, obstruction, pedestrian walking out without "obserbation", light jumpers etc, less likelihood of the common low-speed shunt at junctions. As a driver with pretty flashing blue lights, I leave a large gap because I may want to move before anyone else does, so the gap gives me that room to change road position easily with better lines of sight.
Using creep at other junctions, makes joining effectively a moving merge, rather than a more sudden maneuver, more comfortable for passengers, more mechanical sympathy, better fuel economy etc, there are really no downsides.
Although i agree with what you are saying in principle,
leaving gaps can cause problems to people behind in certain scenarios, for me it should be situational, if its causing problems for people clearing junctions roundabouts e.t.c behind then i wouldn't, but its just my opinion.
@@Jonc25 everything in life comes down to context & circumstance. If I cannot move to where I want to without being a greater obstruction, I don't move. Except of course for those times when being a big obstruction is my aim.
As a general principle, space and safety are proportionally linked, and it may seem selfish but my safety is somewhat important. It helps that I understand there is a dependency in effect, that my safety requires being safe for others on the highway too.
Thank you .. my lad is learning and I'm always sharing your uploads with him, I've also picked up tons of ideas to add to my driving... thanks Ashley.
I was taught to set off in that way by my late father when I started to learn to drive in 1985 (I was 17). He was a farmer, so use to doing it when setting off to avoid wheelspin on soggy ground. It is very useful in ice and snow, but especially when towing a caravan. I never got stuck on a caravan site even when I had two wheel drive cars.
The one and only accident I've ever had was because at a roundabout I tried to go to fast away instead of creeping stalled the van I was driving and a van behind hit me from behind. Had I of done this technique I know I the accident would not of happened, that was about 12 years ago, I've learnt a lot since then and definitely now watching your channel Ashley.
Creeping also can improve your visibility as a moving car draws attention and signals intention more than a stationary one
I was taught this when I was learning to drive and I apply it still to this day. You are right it will help other road users significantly.
Same and over 35 years ago, modern cars allow you to creep just lifting the clutch I find :)
@@shardlake exactly jus lifting the clutch allowing the car to creep, it makes me laugh when you hear people rev a lot when doing it 😂
Ashley did not mention this but I think the technique will help you accelerate faster where this is required. Joining a very large roundabout where traffic moves faster. If you contrast creeping using the bite with the gas set. To accelerate faster it is easy to progressively add gas with the clutch through bite. On the other hand if you use the clutch without setting the gas to move off when your right foot finds the gas from scratch you may apply it before the steering is set or suddenly jerk forward unexpectedly.
Another great video as always. I also find that creeping, especially at a crossroads with a stop or give way gives that extra visibility around a parked car or further down the intersecting road so you can get a better view before committing.
I keep learning from you even with my 30+ years experience. My driving (although I have to switch from left to right) is getting much more relaxed. But still making errors. Thanks Ashley 'Johan Cruyff' Neal.
Another excellent video from you Ash. Yes, I pretty much practice the "creep" technique in many scenarios & it's very useful for all the reasons you outlined. For example, at a mini roundabout where there are cars on each of the approach roads, each waiting for someone else to go first. I find I can break the cycle by creeping forward ever so slowly to show all the other drivers I'm intending go but by the same token, I'm ready to revise my plan without drama should someone else suddenly decide to gun it. It's the same back in North America at 4 way stops.
Coming out of a side road on an uphill, I might balance accelerator, clutch AND handbrake whilst I creep forward "searching for vision". I realise this doesn't apply to many cars with electronic handbrake buttons / auto hill hold etc but I drive a car with a traditional handbrake. Also, at roundabouts, waiting for a gap with the handbrake applied allows me to transfer my right foot from brake and poised over the accelerator, more ready to take advantage of a gap than if I'd kept my foot on the brake pedal.
Excellent point at the roundabout at around 4:25 re: don't wait completely for the gap to appear but start to slide yourself into it earlier. Way back in 1978 my driving instructor referred to this as "start following this last car out". I sometimes also refer to it as a "follow through".
Excellent point also about stopping some distance from the vehicle in front. As well as all the other good reasons for this which you've outlined in other videos many times, yes, it actually makes for an early "creep forward" start when cars ahead start to move off. Totally also agree that so many drivers just suddenly take off when the lights turn green (and often when they are still on red and amber), without taking into account the potential dangers.
This whole creep forward technique can also be applied when driving an automatic. The only difference is, the creep forward is done by simply easing pressure on the brake pedal and letting the natural "creep" of an automatic do the work of forward creep motion.
Hope the new teeth have settled in! Oh and if that's what the weather is like in your area in mid October, I'm moving to Liverpool! (Kidding - I realise you likely filmed this earlier in the year).
Good advice and something to think about. Also I chuckled at @5:31 given the last word on your title page! 🤣
Creeping is one of many ways we can "telegraph" our intentions to pedestrians and other drivers.
The opposite to the "creep" is the abrupt stop, which I often use as I come to a stop at a junction when there is a car on the main road. When the other driver sees me come to a slightly abrupt stop on the give way line, especially when I reinforce this with a glance in his/her direction, I am making it abundantly clear that I've seen him/her, which removes uncertainty.
When I am the driver on the main road and there is a car on the give way line at a side road, if there is space to do so, I tend to move out a bit to show my presence. It makes it far less likely that the driver in the side road has failed to see me, and in the event s/he suddenly pulls out, I've got more space and time to react.
I only ever use the horn as a warning in a dire emergency and where it would actually help. So many people get triggered by a horn or any kind of gesture, as many of the road rage videos have shown. (Stopping sharply or moving away from another driver's space can never be interpreted as aggression!
The best advice I was given by my instructor is that there are more signals than just your indicators. Hands, eyes, lights, speed, positioning are all so important. If you aren't letting someone go, don't look them in the eye as they will assume this is a signal to go, and as you say, Ashley, creeping forward lets people know your intentions.
I don't know what your instructor was like, but I've had no problems at all on the roads ..
... For The Force is my ally
It binds all living things, even Audi Drivers OOOO, together
It informs all of my actions, but also obeys my commands.
Hands, eyes ... just potential physical defects ... DON'T TRUST THEM
Trust in The Force, and you'll easily be able to navigate even the toughest roundabout using only your mind.
Let go of your conscious "self", and act only on INSTINCT.
That is the only way to survive rush-hour in Cambridge (I just found out today)
Regarding leaving a gap between yourself and vehicle in front, I used to read a regular column in The Daily Telegraph on Saturdays which discussed observational skills.
He always said 'tarmac and tyres' when stationery behind another vehicle.
I have used this ever since, ensuring you can see the rear tyres and a section of tarmac in the space in front.
Yes to creep. It means you will give a bit more space on junctions to move forward and are ready to drive away. As a cyclist, I use creep to keep myself in saddle and quickly gain speed to cross busy junctions and roundabouts. But it also shows your intentions to join in and people will notice it.
PS: It may not be a mistake, but wanted to point one thing out: The van driver at 9:00 should use indicator to show his intention to join traffic. As a cyclist, I have seen far too many van drivers diving in out of sudden and missing the cyclist that was coming up from behind. Yes, there is double line, so we should expect them to go off, but how many drivers actually respect the double line? The indicator shows their intention of leaving the spot at that moment.
"creeping"... what motorcyclists know as "working the friction zone" - that partially engaged place that allows you the smooth control and ability to move off efficiently when it is clear and safe to do so. it also allows for greater than normal rates of acceleration (at some clutch wear cost) if needed, yet keeps that acceleration smoother than would otherwise be. smooth is good.
Funny you mention this, I was suggesting this to my wife only a few days ago,when we were out and she was driving. you’re not committing but you’re allowing other people to see your intention without being aggressive and risking a collision or impass.
There’s a sense of achievement doing it on a motorcycle, no dabs, feet up all the time. And in my landrover, like driving a train, keep it rolling.
I did wonder if the title of the video at 0:04 was a deliberate mistake, to see who was paying attention, but I'm glad that was explained in the video :)
These videos are great. They supplement my driving lessons brilliantly
5:00 I once saw a car that had been rear-ended at a roundabout entrance, clearly because the person at the front of the queue made it look like they were going to enter the roundabout, but abruptly stopped, then the R driver behind them wasn't looking ahead of them to see that it wasn't clear, and just drove right into them.
It's good to look early before it's your turn, but not looking where you're driving? Bad times.
However long we've been driving Ashley still has something to teach us!
Totally agree with this, lights go green, you Start to creep and the pedestrian who is in a rush running up the footway and about to cross over, then automatically stops without running out in front of you.
If I'm in a queue & wanting to allow someone out of a side road, when the traffic moves I find it helpful to creep slightly & then stop, clearly showing the emerging vehicle that you've positively chosen to allow them to emerge.
Great advice Ashley but tell people to be careful creeping at junctions when emerging in front of bikers as we are hypersensitive to folks pulling out on us, Great channel, love your educational content mate.
I like the fact that "Good Observing" was mis-spelt at the beginning of the video. Good observation is key to good driving!
Could not agree more. One of the most important skills I used to teaches-pupils was ‘creep and peep’ This depends so much on clutch control and actually knowing where the front of the car actually is…Even as you are emerging I would say keep your head moving and your eyes looking.
This is so much easier when people understand about block changing and aren’t focused on stepping down through a range of gears to deal with the emerge.
My instructor taught this over 35 years ago, had similar experience on a motorcycle course, all about the slow stuff :)
Only Ashley Neal shares important tips on learning to drive.... Quality Driving Instructor....Outstanding 🤗
I like the ‘ control other traffic’ something I’m always doing, with position, speed, braking etc
Funny, yet another thing I do naturally without being tough. I normally find the clutch bitting point twice when pulling off, specially when existing a parking spot. Please continue with the good lessons.
8:30 I never viewed those situations like that before, thanks Ashley. When I am letting a car pass, sometimes I steer towards the kerb and car that is parked, I usually indicate left, but that makes the driver behind me think that I'm parking. I can imagine they are quite confused, when that the driver that I've let pass has gone by, that I have driven on
I do this subconsciously and thinking about it, for all the reasons mentioned.
Good points and also the emphasis on using this creep time to look around and not just fixate on the traffic light changing from red or approaching gap in traffic.
Excellent video that can apply to driving anywhere in the world and every driver should be aware of this topic. For some drivers could be a must see. It significantly improves driving confidence as well, giving time to adjust to the more uncertain situations. Then employ the old adage: 'If in doubt, don't!'
I see now that the apparent typo in the title card was a lead-in to the verbal typo. nicely done.
I was expecting, though, that the topic addressed emerging from side streets, which, where I live is complicated by the fact the city planners, in their finite wisdom, have decided they should put crosswalks (zebra crossings) set six feet back from the sidewalk (pavement) and also decided that all new builds must place a building against the sidewalk at each corner of the building lot, so as to obstruct vision from those waiting to emerge from the side street (look like the older cities where the streets have been widened up to the extent existing buildings allows, because they think it looks nifty)
thus, it is necessary to creep up across the crosswalk, and get your nose uncomfortably close to the traffic lane, to get yourself far enough forward to see if anyone is coming.
but yes, in most cases, it is better all around to set yourself up to creep forward a bit in preparation for committing to moving off. and that includes placing just slightly less stress on the mechanicals.
At red lights, understanding the sequence allows you to creep before the light turns green (remaining behind the line, of course). Same effect, but helping to maximise flow through the junction.
Generally I agree with the points you make and I encourage my learner driver daughter to watch your videos, but I’m really not convinced about this technique for a couple of reasons…the traffic passing in front of you on a roundabout or junction might think you are going to pull out, which might cause them to brake or swerve. Also, if you creep then stop the car behind might run into you! Also, by ‘creep’ you mean to not fully release the clutch, but in an auto you can generally creep by just lifting off the brake pedal which has the same effect. Maybe the point you are trying to make is ‘don’t lurch forward at high speed’ which would make more sense.
At only 2:19 in, you see exactly why you should use this method. If the old lady either crosses or goes around the bonnet to open the passenger door, you have time to respond. Even if you don't have time, you're going to hit her at 10mph and she probably won't be badly hurt. Blasting out just increases the danger to everyone.
Is this not taught by all instructors? I was taught this virtually on the first lesson, and have been using it my entire driving career, makes life soo much easier than fumbling your feet and either stalling or being all jerky
Top Video Ashley...great practical and situational advice for all drivers, not just learners. 👍
I was taught by my driving instructor to creep years ago and it is a helpful pravtice!
I did an Eco Driving course and one of the challenges on the practical session was to keep rolling, the wheels couldn’t stop. Tell you what Ash, it takes some planning. I wouldn’t recommend it day to day as we where going up to red lights crawling from 5 car lengths back so it only annoyed following traffic but, as an exercise, it doesn’t half lift your awareness.
Can't tell if the "good obserbing" at the start is a typo or a test.
definitely a test
Good advice, and easy to do with electric transmission, at least on the level, as most of them will just crawl forward automatically. However, if you buy a second hand manual from someone who does a lot of it, you might have a bit of repair work to do! Been there, done that, years ago.
I would love a video on reversing out of bay parking (I know it is not a common thing but near me at shops there is parking like that) or drive ways straight onto a road. Because so many people I see do not wait for a gap they just pull out and expect other people to stop. Obviously you then just have to stop but it seems like you should not be doing something like this.
Also i think there is a big lack of videos online about road markings in busy areas. When i first started driving it took me a long time to get the courage to drive places like city centres due to confusing road markings and being nervous i was in wrong lanes etc.
On a similar theme. When I was a driver assessor, a trait I often observed, when turning into another road, drivers would accelerate immediately away into it. I would advise that, it was better to complete the manoeuvre and give them a few moments top observe what was ahead and then, if appropriate, increase their speed.
I see the exact opposite where I live. people will start a turn, and then pause to decide what they want to do next. there are even times where they will almost complete their turn and then brake while they decide what to do.
@@kenbrown2808 Keep your eye on them Ken, and stay well clear 😁
@@rjones6219 problem is the person who knew what he was going to do after turning is usually stuck in the street waiting for them to figure it out
I would have appreciated this as a learner, this is definitely one of these habits I had to figure out I liked to do
My instructor used the term "creep and peep" slowly edge forward to further assess the situation as to be as safe as possible. My instructor was a legend might I add.
Having only passed my practical recently I'm still getting used to driving without my instructor and will definitely be using this technique. Thanks for the valuable content as always Ashley!
Another good tip if you're interested, when stopped waiting to turn right, keep your steering straight ahead, many drivers turn the steering right,ready to go, but, if someone runs into the back of you, you get pushed into oncoming traffic.
@@johnthorley8162 Thanks John Any tips are appreciated especially when still getting used to my car which obviously has a different bite point to the car I learned/passed my test in and the brake and clutch pedals are higher up. The clutch pedal especially sits easily maybe 2 - 3 inches higher than accelerator pedal when it's up. Which is awkward at the moment but I'll get there.
I tried to creep on my practical test to get a better view while still behind the white line and the examiner slammed on the break. When I asked why he did it and explained why I did it he threated to cancel the test then and there.
As someone with my test coming up I'd love to know how yours eventually went for you. Would you say some of Ashley's tips, though good, would actually hinder on a test?
@@swolemoth I failed that test then and there because as soon as the examinor "has" to take over you've failed. Tbh i could tell from the second he got into the learner car he was going to be an ass.
That "has" mentioned above is totally subjective and some of them will look to fail you or manufacture your failure. They could have been having a bad day or you could look like their bully from when they were younger, could be anything.
However, I did pass the second time with a different examiner, who actually seemed to enjoy his job and was a total professional. I think it's totally the luck of the draw, which isn't something that should happen when you pay so much.
@@Max-lf3tx Cheers for the reply. Definitely confirms my fear that it comes down to the specific examiner 😆 Luck of the draw indeed
I have drove like that for years now it just comes natural good advice to other drivers mate 👍
"Hopefully these lights will be on red" I never thought I would have ever heard that from a driver...
Definitely useful to give an opportunity to get a better look and to signal intentions. There's a particular situation I'd like your thoughts on however. When I'm cycling straight on through a multilane intersection, (normally in primary position in the left lane), cars from the opposing direction that are waiting to do an unprotected right turn across my lane of travel will often start creeping after the last car from my direction crosses the intersection, but before I've had a chance to cross it. I find myself having to guess whether a) they're just creeping and will only complete their turn after I've passed, or b) they haven't noticed me, and are about to drive into me/my path.
Most of the time it is situation A and if I react to their movement by slowing down they get frustrated at me for making the interaction awkward, and slowing us both down. But I am really concerned about the one time where I don't take evasive actions and that they haven't in fact seen me. Are they trying to communicate or do something useful by creeping their turn before I've passed, or just doing it out of habit/impatience? Any tips for how I should handle it?
I always make sure to do my obserbing.
Bottom of our road….the road which we join has parked cars left + right….
Visibility dreadful.
The giveaway marker is effectively moved out to the far edge of the cars.
All we can do is creep and look, creep and look, before committing to pulling away.
Btw, the parking on that road only got worse since the installation of a road calming island further up, robbing parking spaces.
My old polo with DSG auto (automated manual) didn’t creep very well. More on/off. The Astra auto I had (proper auto) was perfect for it, and the Honda jazz cvt auto I have now is also fine.
I always creep forwar to ensure I'm in the correct gear - my previous car was a manual and badly designed, so reverse could be engaged by mistake instead of first (there was no collar). Therefore the creep ensured I did not accidently engage reverse and rear end the car behind, as it was easy to commit to muscle memory.
Now I drive a DSG, I creep for the same reason (D And R are close to each other), and also to prevent a jerky start by enabling stop/start to kick in and for the DSG clutch to engage.
There is a round about, local to me, where people habitually indicate right despute coming off at the exit before I usually get on. They domt change signal to show they're leaving. It's led to me waiting ages to get on despite no cars passing me, and shamefully, chancing it and getting on, only to experience a near miss of a car almost hitting the side of me. Because the round about is local, I can't avoid it. I will try this creep method...safely! (Learnt my lesson)... to move into gaps smoothly when I see cars a definitely leaving at the exit.
At the start of the video you seem to be parked in a one way street.
At @2:00 in your rear view mirror there is a car which is parked facing the wrong way.
He’s going to need more than creeping to get out of there if it is a one way street!
This is what i do. I perform my checks then start going very slowly while doing final checks.
Weird actually cus when i was taking my lessons i had already clicked on that this was the best thing and i remember one time i was waiting to emerge and i could see a car coming and i was gonna go after it so when it was going past i moved to start creeping so i could go after and my instructor slammed the brakes on.
I'm wondering how many viewers spotted the typo in the title card. Still can't resist to proof my good obserbation skills. 😃
That’s not a typo. It’s related to the video 👍🏼
I drive for a living delivering so I’ll try doing this and see if it helps looks like it’ll give u plenty of time at roundabouts to go
Another good informative video, I love how you have a little wording issue but sort it with humour rather than retaking the footage, so natural and it’s like being on a real lesson with you. Dodgy looking footwear though mate.
I think the shoes are a matter of fashion preference 😉
I do this naturally because I'm quite slow with moving off😅
"Come on lights, change onto red"
Said no-one, ever(!) driving a car... 😜
Great videos and channel Ash.
I hate it when I make obserbing mistooks.
Great lesson and naturally finding myself doing this now I've switched to an electric vehicle as they naturally creep (as I presume auto's do).
I like the irony in your comment.
blind junctions esp pulling blind on to a 60mph road, windows down too and nudge out slowly a bit by bit. get lots bad junctions on countryside roads
Starting to drive the new electric, and hybrid cars that start on the electric motor, and find it easier to 'creep' to warn pedestrians that the car is moving! Pedestrians seen to listen, rather than look at a car, as they walk past/in front of/behind it. Needs more than usual amount of checking for pedestrians than usual, and then creep!
Pedestrians are really going to have to learn to LOOK for moving cars as more of them are on the road.
What most learners do is notice what's happening _now,_ rather than anticipate what's going to happen in the next few seconds, so when I tell them to start creeping forwards, they ask:
"What, now?"
Even after I've explained a few times that we're looking at the situation developing, and how a space is going to be available within the next few seconds.
I find this technique especially useful on roundabouts with my 1L Picanto. It doesn't have the oomph to pick up speed for some gaps from a dead stop.
Creeping is also a great technique when you might not be able to see out at a junction. If other cars spot you crawling out they can beep to warn you of there presence and you can stop in time to let them past.
Sometimes you have no real choice other than to creep out of a junction. Several round my way are almost completely blind, meaning you cannot see further than a few feet for on coming traffic.
The Law of Sod, when you are in a hurry every traffic light will be red, when you have all the time every traffic light will be green. Conclusion, plan, give yourself time, so you have contingency. The law also known to technician engineers, if it can go wrong, it will go wrong.
I tend to do this anyway because of the need to continue checking as I'm pulling off, especially being the first off the line at traffic lights, although I hadn't thought about what it's communicating to other road users. Then there's the other creeping where people creep towards red lights as if the lights will see them and hurry up, or those who fill the gaps in traffic queues after they've already stopped. Those are annoying creeps.
As a motorcyclist I learnt to creep-before-going a long time ago. Cagers often don't see motorcyclists, so you need to be careful.
This was very helpful thank you.
I hold back at roundabouts (half car length) just to give me the creep/acceleration space. That way when you are actually on the roundabout you are at a usable speed but not to fast that you can't stop if needed.
This is a great tip! Never thought of it, but it makes a lot of sense.
I’ll be honest, I had to watch this video twice. The second time was to get the key point as the first time I was mesmerised by the footwear! Loving that style!
Me too .. I was going to point out how ace the shoes looked 🤣.. glad it's not just me 🥴🤗
I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on moving to a HGV when it comes to roundabouts. As this creep technique is probably the most vital thing I've developed as being a driver for a couple months now. That momentum is so important to not emerge in good time but still cause inconvience due to speed pick up
Wow! I find it really interesting how creeping can be used as a signal. Car body language, sort of speak.
Like you I always keep a gap from the car in front - it serves three purposes - I can see more - I can go around the car in front should it break down, without reversing (you can guarantee the car behind you is sitting on your bumper) and should I get hit from behind, hopefully I wont hit the car in front.
Thanks for the advice Ashley. 👍
new word learnt today as well as creeping "abserbing"
1:57 Cute little Daihatsu Copen!
Makes a lot of sense. I’ve driven automatics that start rather quickly though, and I’m just wondering what effect this has on the cars wear when the driver isn’t as experienced and may hold down the clutch a little longer? Great video, so handy having all of these tips!!!
When stopping behind a car, I want to be able to see the back tires, if i can see the tires i can get out if i need to if they breakdown.
Very informative, I'd say this technique makes driving much safer.
At least you then only have to worry about everybody else
all this techniques are good life advice to, if you make some analogies (also I loved the fact that you prayed for a red light and didn't get it, soul laughter)
i feel like "prayed" was a bit stronger of a word then what i was aiming for
A creep before you go can also give another driver a chance to avoid you should you had failed to see them (we all make mistakes some times).