Advance Driver and Motorcycle Training

04/10/2026

My last defensive driving course in Timaru this year is starting on Tuesday Oct 20th at 7pm-9pm. More details in the advert below.

Contact me now on 027 688 3748 to book a space

25/09/2026

Just made a commitment to run a Twizel course in Oct/Nov dates for rural students. Some spots still available. Driving lessons are also possible while I am in the Mackenzie.....

02/09/2026

We still have space on our defensive driving courses in September and November. Contact me now for more details. 027 688 3748

26/08/2026

There are traffic lights around Timaru that are only activated by your vehicle being over the sensor in the road.

Sometimes motorcycles, scooters and cycles are not able to activate the lights as too small a mass of metal. If you have found this to be the case, report the location to the local council road safety officer, or tell me if you get no response so I can follow up.

Stop at the white line at traffic light intersections, not far back like in this example. It’s so the traffic lights work.

Many traffic lights across the country work using sensors in the road, in the area directly behind the white line.

If you’re waiting at the lights but you’ve stopped too far back from the white line, the sensors under the road behind the white line won’t know you’re there – so the traffic lights won’t ever switch to green to let you continue.

While you shouldn’t ever go over the white line, in this example you can see the person in the silver car has left a large gap between themselves and the line. It's not necessary to be that far back – they should go right up to the white line, like the person in the lane to their right has.

This is exactly the kind of thing that seems small or like no big deal… until you're caught in a queue because the person at the front has stopped too far back from the white line. It's one of the ways traffic builds up.

For you land transport aficionados out there, yes – the white line is technically called a “limit line” – one for us all to remember in case it comes up at the next quiz night!

25/05/2026

Manual gearbox or auto? Depends on the experience you want to have from driving......

https://www.facebook.com/100090850945079/posts/953257777712578/

An automatic transmission focuses on convenience, smoothness, and effortless driving, while a manual transmission focuses on control, involvement, and mechanical connection. Even though both perform the same basic job of transferring engine power to the wheels, the feeling they create behind the wheel is completely different.

An automatic transmission changes gears by itself without requiring the driver to use a clutch pedal. This makes driving much easier, especially in traffic and crowded cities. The driver only needs to control acceleration and braking while the transmission handles gear selection automatically. Because of this, automatics feel calmer and less stressful during daily driving. Long commutes become more comfortable because the driver does not constantly shift gears or press the clutch repeatedly.

A manual transmission requires the driver to control every gear change manually using a clutch pedal and gear lever. This creates a much more physical and interactive driving experience. Every shift depends on timing, coordination, and driver skill. Many enthusiasts love manuals because they make the driver feel connected directly to the car’s behavior. Acceleration, downshifting, and cornering feel more engaging because the driver controls exactly how the engine delivers power.

Automatic transmissions feel smoother during acceleration because modern systems shift gears extremely quickly and seamlessly. Advanced automatics can predict driving conditions, adapt to driving style, and optimize fuel efficiency automatically. In luxury cars especially, automatics create a refined experience because gear changes are nearly invisible to passengers. The car feels relaxed and sophisticated even at high speeds.

Manual transmissions feel more emotional and mechanical. The driver can hold gears longer, downshift aggressively, or control engine RPM exactly as desired. This creates stronger involvement during spirited driving. On mountain roads or empty highways, manuals often feel more satisfying because the driver actively participates in every part of the driving process instead of letting software control the car.

In modern performance cars, automatic transmissions are often faster than manuals. Dual-clutch and advanced automatic systems can shift in milliseconds with almost no interruption in power delivery. This improves acceleration times and track performance. Many supercars no longer offer manual gearboxes because automatic technology now performs better objectively in pure speed and efficiency.

Manual transmissions still feel more rewarding emotionally for many drivers despite being slower in some situations. Successfully executing smooth shifts, rev-matched downshifts, and perfect launches creates satisfaction that automatics often cannot replicate. Manuals turn driving into a skill instead of simply transportation.

Traffic strongly favors automatics. Constant stop-and-go movement becomes tiring in manual cars because the driver repeatedly operates the clutch pedal. Automatic cars remove this effort entirely, which is one reason automatics dominate modern urban markets around the world.

Fuel economy used to favor manuals in older generations because automatic systems were inefficient and heavy. Modern automatics changed this completely. Today many automatic transmissions deliver equal or better fuel efficiency because computer-controlled gear management keeps the engine operating more efficiently.

Learning to drive a manual transmission requires patience and practice. Beginners often struggle with stalling, hill starts, clutch balance, and smooth shifting. Automatic transmissions are far easier to learn because the car handles gear selection independently. This simplicity makes driving more accessible for casual drivers.

Maintenance experiences can also differ. Manual transmissions are usually mechanically simpler, but clutch replacements become necessary over time. Automatic transmissions are more complex internally and repairs can become expensive if failures happen. However, many modern automatics are highly durable when maintained correctly.

Driving personality changes dramatically between the two systems. Automatic cars feel more refined, comfortable, and technologically advanced. Manual cars feel more raw, engaging, and skill-oriented. Some people see manuals as part of automotive passion and driving culture, while others prefer the convenience and ease of automatics for daily life.

The future of the automotive industry clearly favors automatic transmissions because hybrid systems, electric vehicles, and advanced safety technologies integrate more effectively with automatic drivetrains. Manual transmissions are becoming increasingly rare, especially in luxury and high-performance segments. Still, manuals continue to survive because many enthusiasts value the feeling of control and connection they provide.

Emotionally, automatics feel effortless and modern. Manuals feel personal and immersive. Automatic transmissions reduce workload and increase convenience. Manual transmissions increase involvement and driving satisfaction. Neither is universally better because the ideal choice depends entirely on whether the driver values comfort or engagement more.