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I think some people benefit from courses and others don't. Personally I am quite happy to learn through trial and error and reading whatever is available. That's how I've learnt virtually all I know.

In my job I have to learn new things every day. I couldn't do a course every time something new comes along, I'd be permanantly on a course.

How do the teachers on courses learn. I think the best ones are those that have learnt through experience.

Quote: Originally posted by Dreadnought on 23/2/2010

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Quote: Originally posted by wendywinblos on 23/2/2010

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Quote: Originally posted by Dreadnought on 23/2/2010

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I wonder how long it will be though,before the Government makes it compulsory for everyone wishing to tow,to partake in one of these courses.Watch this space...

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Well in the interests of road safety lets hope its really soon. Novices going out and learning from experience cannot be a good way forward otherwise all driver training would be on that basis

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I understand your concerns regarding novices wishing to tow but how do you define a novice and how could a law like this be policed?A person who has towed caravans for 40 years and a 'novice' who has driven a car for 40 years but has never towed so much as a 3x3 trailer will in effect have the same driving licence.Are you saying that you agree that the caravanner of some 40 years standing will have to take a towing course side by side with someone who has never towed just because the law changed?I  can see that going down very well with some of the more 'seasoned' caravanners amongst us for sure.

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Have you read the linked recommendation on surfer01's post??

40 years experience could sometimes equate to 40 years of the same old mistakes. And if you track everyone's driving experience over their lifetime the first 15 years is probably still learning, the next 15 is benefitting from the learning and the next 20 is deteriorating.

I am all for testing all drivers more than just once sometimes over 40 years ago.

I have done 43 years now. I was tested about 10 years ago (driving instructor). Although my car control skills were excellent I'd be first to admit my total driving/road skills were lacking through complacency.

Quote: Originally posted by wendywinblos on 23/2/2010

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Quote: Originally posted by Dreadnought on 23/2/2010

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Quote: Originally posted by wendywinblos on 23/2/2010

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Quote: Originally posted by Dreadnought on 23/2/2010

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I wonder how long it will be though,before the Government makes it compulsory for everyone wishing to tow,to partake in one of these courses.Watch this space...

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Well in the interests of road safety lets hope its really soon. Novices going out and learning from experience cannot be a good way forward otherwise all driver training would be on that basis

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I understand your concerns regarding novices wishing to tow but how do you define a novice and how could a law like this be policed?A person who has towed caravans for 40 years and a 'novice' who has driven a car for 40 years but has never towed so much as a 3x3 trailer will in effect have the same driving licence.Are you saying that you agree that the caravanner of some 40 years standing will have to take a towing course side by side with someone who has never towed just because the law changed?I  can see that going down very well with some of the more 'seasoned' caravanners amongst us for sure.

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Have you read the linked recommendation on surfer01's post??

40 years experience could sometimes equate to 40 years of the same old mistakes. And if you track everyone's driving experience over their lifetime the first 15 years is probably still learning, the next 15 is benefitting from the learning and the next 20 is deteriorating.

I am all for testing all drivers more than just once sometimes over 40 years ago.

I have done 43 years now. I was tested about 10 years ago (driving instructor). Although my car control skills were excellent I'd be first to admit my total driving/road skills were lacking through complacency.

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Quote: Originally posted by Patches on 23/2/2010

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My OH did the C&CC course (only one day and cost about £65 I think). He says he found it very useful, especially reversing! There was also lots of advice about loading, hitching up etc., which if you are a complete beginner is very good. Even if you have towed other trailers, it's still handy to know all the dos and don'ts when it comes to towing a caravan.

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I have towed a small trailer,trailer tent and a folding camper.We then bought my parents caravan from them when I sadly lost my dad.I was worried about the reversing aspect side of having a caravan so I went on the caravan club course.Although I was familiar with most of the information provided I did enjoy meeting the other people on the course and exchanging stories.The practical side of the course was the best bit leaning how to reverse and getting used to the caravan.I did wish we could have had more time practising reversing but then again I think i'd have been there all day! I think the course gave me a bit more confidence when towing the caravan although I do sometimes still get in a pickle when reversing but luckily I haven't had to do it too many times.

Quote: Originally posted by Dreadnought on 23/2/2010

Just read surfers link Wendy.Great news is'nt it everybody? Looks like we've all got to have a towing test now because Rospa thinks we're all imbeciles towing deathtraps on wheels.Another victory for the minority over the majority. Another load of rules,regs and paperwork to spoil our little holidays away.I can imagine the local traveller site drinking itself into oblivion worrying about this latest facet of information.

Suggest a reading refresher before you do that towing test readnaught - I quote

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Quote: Originally posted by Dreadnought on 23/2/2010

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Ahh thanks for that Windy.I did read through it in haste believing that the do gooders and their ilk of this country were trying to meddle with a law thats been perfectly acceptable for years and make everyone take a towing course,and not just those who feel less competent,and those who obtain their license after 2013.Still,you cant blame me for thinking that because we all know thats what do gooders do best.

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Quote: Originally posted by wendywinblos on 23/2/2010

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Quote: Originally posted by Dreadnought on 23/2/2010

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Ahh thanks for that Windy.I did read through it in haste believing that the do gooders and their ilk of this country were trying to meddle with a law thats been perfectly acceptable for years and make everyone take a towing course,and not just those who feel less competent,and those who obtain their license after 2013.Still,you cant blame me for thinking that because we all know thats what do gooders do best.

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Sorry I spelt your name wrong in my last post - a slip of the finger. Middle one I think !

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Quote: Originally posted by Dreadnought on 23/2/2010

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Quote: Originally posted by wendywinblos on 23/2/2010

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Quote: Originally posted by Dreadnought on 23/2/2010

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Ahh thanks for that Windy.I did read through it in haste believing that the do gooders and their ilk of this country were trying to meddle with a law thats been perfectly acceptable for years and make everyone take a towing course,and not just those who feel less competent,and those who obtain their license after 2013.Still,you cant blame me for thinking that because we all know thats what do gooders do best.

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Sorry I spelt your name wrong in my last post - a slip of the finger. Middle one I think !

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apology accepted windy,we've all got to get old sometime.arthritis of the brain is horrible they tell me.

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I did the course as I was terrified about towing, my OH doesn't even drive.  I would just say that it is worth the 2 of you going on the course as you learn to help each other during the manouevres.  My OH is bloody useless and would quite happily watch whilst I reverse the van into a wall!!  Now I just use the mover despite being desperate to have a go at reversing round corners.  But I have to say I am excellent at reversing in a straight line and was used as an example on the course on how to do it correctly.  That went down well with all the fellas - ha ha.

Ax

Quote: Originally posted by wendywinblos on 23/2/2010

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Well I enjoyed the banter. Hope to have a discussion with you again. you might be wrong but you are a cheeky sod!

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