Entry Level for HPC

Entry level requirements are broken down into 5 sections:

1. Attitude and Behaviour
2. Pre-Driving Checks
3. Controls
4. Roadcraft and Driving Plan
5. Car Control

On this page:

• Information and Observation
• Hazard Management
• Cornering and Positioning
• Overtaking
• Multi-Lane Roads
• Concentration
• Maintaining Progress

The HPC driver displays a high degree of advanced observation, seemingly anticipating the threat of potential hazards well before they develop. Through a heightened sense of visual acuity and concentration, all long range and short range hazards are identified and prioritised as a basis of preparing and implementing the driving plan. Observation also includes information gathered from all the main senses of sight, touch, hearing and smell.

• Ability to use long range observation and continual assessment to identify all hazards, assess their threat and prioritise them in order of risk
• An awareness of zones of invisibility
• Display a comprehensive knowledge of the Highway Code and Roadcraft

• The driver will use a continual scanning process, from the horizon back to the car, scanning to the sides and then to the rear in the process. This process is a continual one and this visual sweep is also referred to as 'scanning and planning'.
• In demonstrating long range observation the driver will negotiate all hazards (single and multiple) with the maximum safety margin. The driver can be observed to react appropriately to all hazards in a timely manner, and this may further be demonstrated by comments evidencing anticipated future hazards.
• The driver will identify, and be able to distinguish between, zones of visibility and zones of invisibility and react accordingly.
• The driver will show appropriate reaction to traffic signs and other information.

The Driving Plan, as defined by Roadcraft, should be the foundation of the HPC drive, demonstrating a proactive approach to all hazards whilst minimising risk at all times. The plan should be applied in a logical and systematic manner, in accordance with the System of Car Control as described within Roadcraft, with the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances. The HPC driver will demonstrate early anticipation and assessment, leaving nothing to chance, and will always seek to minimise risk and maximise safety.

• Ability to negotiate hazards with a systematic and logical plan of action, whilst minimising risk at all times
• Ability to maintain an ongoing assessment of risk
• Ability to clearly communicate intentions to other road users in an unambiguous and timely manner
• Ability to create and manage a safe environment
• Always driving within the capabilities of the car and driver

• The car is in the correct position, speed and gear with an appreciation of the prevailing driving environment and hazards.
• The driver displays the ability to anticipate the potential or actual threat from all hazards and continually evaluate 'what if?' scenarios to ensure there is always a contingency plan to respond to changes. The driver never appears surprised or caught out by a hazard.
• The driver would be expected to demonstrate a consistent use of the system of car control in the driving plan, with evidence of separation of the phases of information, position, speed, gears and acceleration.
• Application of brakes to reduce the speed of the car should be made with one progressive braking movement, avoiding multiple braking actions. The appropriate gear should be selected for the speed and hazard, missing intermediate gears where appropriate, providing optimum control to negotiate the hazard whilst having the ability to accelerate away safely and progressively.
• The driver will show flexibility when applying the system of car control: all phases of the system should be considered though not all may be relevant for a given hazard. The driver should be able to react to the need for an immediate change in the sequence of the plan in response to changing or unexpected hazards.
• All signals will be given in sufficient time and be of adequate duration to convey the appropriate message. Signals will be given when there is a reasonable expectation that other road users will benefit from them and the driver will look for a reaction to any signal from other road users before committing to the next action.
• Drivers will have a responsible assessment of their capabilities, and that of the car, and will maintain a reserve to deal with unexpected hazards.

Introduction

The HPC driver is expected to position the car consistently, particularly for bends, in a manner that affords optimum safety and stability, and minimises the threat to and from other road users. There will be an optimum safety position and line for each hazard and this should be demonstrated consistently throughout the drive.

• Ability to position the car, on the open road, for maximum vision, greater stability and increased safety margin
• Ability to analyse the limit point and determine the correct position, line and speed as the limit point moves
• Ability to stop the car on one's own side of the road in the distance that can be seen to be clear, and that can be expected to remain clear Display an understanding of the cornering dynamics of the car and the selection of the most stable line

• HPC drivers will position the car on the approach to any corner for maximum visibility, relative to the limit point of their vision, thus creating a greater degree of stability and increased margin of safety. Drivers will show recognition of the requirements to adapt their positioning to cater for the different hazards presented by blind left hand bends, blind right hand bends, crests and dips, and a sequence of bends. Positioning will take into account the nature of the road (width, edges) and possible unseen hazards, such as pedestrians and overtaking or oncoming motorcyclists.
• The driver should be able to describe the limit point of vision, and be able to apply it such that the entry speed to a bend will be correct in relation to that limit point, with proper use of appropriate acceleration through and out of the bend.
• The driver will always have enough reserve to stop the car safely in an emergency.
• The driver should be capable of balancing the car on the throttle so that no further speed is lost from corner entry to acceleration point and the car remains stable.

• Overtaking is probably the most difficult skill to master and is potentially the most dangerous manoeuvre undertaken when driving. The subject is therefore covered in greater depth than other topics within this document.
• The ability to judge and execute a safe, courteous and systematic overtake is an essential requirement of the HPC driver. The driver will be able to gauge whether an overtake is appropriate within the purpose of the journey, and the resultant successful overtake is the product of good long term planning, excellent observation and driver discipline. The driver should be aware of how others might perceive overtakes, and allow for how they might react to the driver's actions while an overtake is still being planned.

A typical overtaking manoeuvre comprises three stages:

1. The Following Position
2. The Contact Position
3. The Overtake

The Following Position

The car is positioned at a safe distance from, and at a similar speed to, the 'target' vehicle(s) whilst ensuring:

• ability to stop within the distance that is clear ahead
• not intimidating or pressurising the car in front
• the optimum vision ahead to allow the decision to be made as to when to move into a 'Contact' or potential 'Overtaking' position

This position is used to determine the optimum overtaking strategy and, by using the driving plan, to anticipate moving to stage 2 as any potential overtaking opportunity emerges. This decision to move to the Contact position will be influenced by, among other factors, the prevailing hazards, the action of other road users and the proximity of speed restrictions ahead.

The Contact Position

Good forward planning and long observation is used to judge when a potential overtaking opportunity may emerge. At that point the gap with the target vehicle will be closed to a contact position some two to three car lengths behind the target vehicle. The close is timed in relation to existing and anticipated hazards, with particular reference to side hazards and zones of restricted view. The contact position is inherently more risky as the safety margin is reduced and the move to this position should be circumspect and judged with precision.

If the vision ahead and the situation behind allows, the car is positioned to the offside of the carriageway to obtain an uninterrupted vantage point of the road ahead; only then can the decision be made to overtake. This extended vantage point should be used judiciously; many other road users will be unfamiliar with this positive positioning and the driver should be aware of the potential reaction of other road users, both that of the target vehicle and any vehicles behind that may attempt to close the gap just vacated. A driver should display complete all around awareness and plan for such eventualities, and consider using indicators to inform other road users of intention as appropriate.

From the extended vantage point all potential hazards can be evaluated from the uninterrupted view ahead. If hazards prohibit an overtake for the foreseeable future then the driver will return to the Following Position; if an overtake is decided upon then stage 3…

The Overtake

Before committing to the overtake, the driver needs to be satisfied on certain essential issues:

• Can the overtake be completed within half the distance that has been checked as free of hazards, including those which may cause the target vehicle to change course?
• Is it reasonable to expect that distance to remain free of hazards for the duration of the overtake?
• Is the driver of the target vehicle aware of the intended overtake?
• Is the target vehicle stable, and likely to remain so?
• Is a warning signal required for the target vehicle, and what reaction is needed?
• Is a signal required to convey intentions to other road users?
• Could any signal be misinterpreted?
• What speed differential is required to complete the overtake safely, without causing problems to the driver of the overtaken vehicle and to other road users?
• What contingencies are needed and available?
• The HPC driver will always demonstrate self discipline and restraint; if there is any question of doubt the decision will be made not to overtake.

Once a decision is made to overtake the manoeuvre can now be completed promptly and in as straight and stable a line as possible. Speed and distance should be judged to allow adequate clear visible road to pass before returning to the nearside, in order to avoid causing inconvenience either to the target vehicle by 'cutting in', or to other road users.

If appropriate the driver should consider the courtesy of acknowledging the cooperation of the overtaken driver.

Finally, if there is any doubt, don't go!

Overtaking multiple vehicles

In assessing an overtake of more that one vehicle a driver would additionally consider:

• How many vehicles can safely be overtaken?
• Is there a sufficient gap to return into after the overtake without heavy braking, or causing other cars to brake?
• If part of a multi-stage overtake is there a sufficient 'stop-over' gap to fall back into in case additional hazards may emerge?
• Is there a contingency plan if the existing 'stop-over' gap disappears?
• The actions and position of all other road users - for example is the driver of one of the target vehicles likely to move out or change course as the overtake is being executed?

• Understand when an overtake is appropriate in the context of the planned journey
• Ability to safely, consistently and accurately assess overtaking opportunities.
• Ability to accurately assimilate all relevant hazards in making a decision whether to overtake, with particular attention to side hazards and driving into zones of invisibility.
• Able to demonstrate a systematic overtaking technique.
• Able to position the vehicle for optimum vision and safety margin in the preparation and execution of the overtake.
• Understand the increased risks of multiple overtakes and plan accordingly.
• Always be prepared for changing situations and to abort an overtake if necessary.

• The driver should be able to explain the circumstances under which overtaking might or might not be considered in relation to the purpose of the journey and the prevailing environment. If there is no likelihood of overtaking opportunities on a section of the journey, the driver should display a relaxed attitude to the situation.
• The driver should show an understanding of when safe overtaking opportunities are likely to arise in relation to the nature of the road, reacting to factors such as signage, road markings and exits from bends.
• During the planning process the driver should show reaction to all hazards, and factors that would become hazards if the car was positioned for an overtake.
• The driver should be able to explain the concept of, and be able to consistently demonstrate, the three stage approach to an overtake as described above. There should be clear evidence of distinction between the stages, such that a passenger is aware of when the decision to overtake is made.
• The driver should be able to place the car for the optimum view, whilst maintaining a safe and constant following distance.
• When considering overtaking a number of vehicles, the driver should show an awareness of the increased, and potentially changing, hazards presented by the situation. The driver should be able to state how many of the vehicles it is safe to overtake, and what the contingencies are if the situation should change.
• The driver should always demonstrate an attitude that safety is paramount, and be prepared to abort an overtake if safety is compromised for any reason, including misjudgement by the driver.

Motorways and other multi-lane roads present additional hazards with typically high traffic density moving at high average speeds. The HPC driver should be constantly aware of the knock-on effect that the actions of a driver in one lane can have on traffic in other lanes, adopting a questioning attitude to variations in traffic speed, and always maintaining a safety zone around the vehicle. The driver should understand the importance of managing concentration levels according to the conditions, and the effects of tiredness creeping in.

• Awareness of increased risk factors from high average speed and traffic density
• Ability to monitor and assess the risks from all lanes, including from the opposing carriageway
• Awareness of on-slips, hard shoulder vehicles etc, and adopting a safety line
• Adopting a defensive position and managing space around the vehicle
• Ability to join, move across and leave carriageways smoothly and seamlessly
• Knowledge of the Highway Code applicable to motorways and dual carriageway systems

• The HPC driver will be aware of the higher average speeds on multi-lane roads and the need for extended observation and more advanced planning, both ahead, behind and to the sides. The driver should be able to describe the additional hazards likely to be encountered, and show evidence of reaction to these.
• The driver will react appropriately where the actions of other drivers can be predicted to affect the current driving plan, either directly or by the effects on other traffic.
• The driver will how evidence of predicting and observing other traffic joining or leaving the road, and react accordingly. The driver will also react appropriately to the presence of vehicles on a hard shoulder. Where crossings or other hazards exist on dual carriageways, the driver will show evidence of awareness of the hazard by managing position and speed of approach.
• There will always be a safety zone around the vehicle, and that zone adjusted to reflect the position of changing hazards.
• The driver will accurately judge speed and position when joining motorways and dual carriageways, maintaining forward space in order to join the flow of traffic safely and seamlessly without causing inconvenience to other road users. When leaving, the driver will observe the nature of the exit, particularly on dual carriageways, and give appropriate signals and adjust speed in good time so as not to cause inconvenience to others.
• Drivers will show good lane discipline, using the overtaking lanes for their intended purpose. Lane changes should be executed with good observation and planning, effective use of signals as appropriate, and with minimal inputs to steering and speed.
• The driver should be able to describe, and show appropriate reaction to, the signs and surface markings used on these types of road.

The ability to manage concentration levels is essential and HPC drivers will plan the drive to ensure they remain alert and focused throughout. This topic also forms an essential part of the Attitude and Behaviour section.

• Possess a self-awareness to monitor personal concentration levels with an understanding of the factors that adversely affect concentration
• Be able to manage concentration levels, and apply mindful attention according to the situation

• HPC drivers will be aware of their levels of concentration during the drive and should display self awareness of factors that may lower concentration such as fatigue, physical discomfort, mental attitude, stress, low blood sugar or timing of meals, and the effects of food on the brain's functioning.
• The average prolonged concentration period will vary amongst individuals but a driver should be aware of the need for regular rest breaks when planning a drive.
• The driver should show the ability to manage levels of concentration and awareness according to the prevailing risks, and not to be distracted by focusing attention on factors that are not relevant to the immediate and potential hazards.

• HPC drivers should seek to maintain their chosen level of progress in a manner that is consistent with, and determined by, the environment and all prevailing conditions. They should recognise that they may have a higher skill level and possibly be driving a higher performance car than the majority of other road users, and with that comes an increased burden of responsibility to drive with discretion and consideration.
• HPC drivers will have the ability to cooperate unobtrusively and blend with other road users and though their average speeds across country may be higher, all interactions with other road users will be courteous and considerate.

• Ability to judge safe progress, appropriate to the prevailing driving environment and conditions
• Ability to merge with traffic flow unobtrusively and discreetly
• Display acceleration sense to consistently and accurately match speed with available vision, relevant hazards and the Driving Plan

• At their chosen level of progress, HPC drivers will always drive at a speed such that they can comfortably stop the car within the distance they can see to be clear ahead. This maxim will always dictate the maximum speed for any given hazard, though the actual speed may be much less.
• The driver will show recognition of changes in the nature of the road and the prevailing conditions by appropriate variation in speed.
• HPC drivers will always interact with other road users unobtrusively and ensure that any speed differential of their vehicle and other road users never creates a hazard or is a cause for undue concern.
• The driver will recognise that a safe speed is determined by the prevailing hazards, and will demonstrate an attitude that safety is always the overriding consideration.