6:54 my rule about overtaking is my "the 20mph rule" - IF IT IS 100% SAFE - I need to be ABLE to go 20mph faster than what I am overtaking. Basically on a NSL road the overtakee needs to be going 40mph or less. On a 50mph road the overtakee needs to be going 30mph or less. For me that means tractors (or really slow vehicles), horses, cyclists and that is about it. Other cars.... nah, it is never worth the risk IMHO (unless they are going really slowly).

The golden rule is that it's a speed LIMIT, when safe to do so, not a minimum speed target!

“Can I stop?” is the most important question anyone should be asking when driving along country lanes. Cyclists, people, horses and wild animals are all potential hazards around the next blind corner not to mention that big pothole that could break the control arm from underneath the car

15:25 Meanwhile the van driver, "What is he beeping for? He beeped at me again! Did he just flip me off?!" 😆

Most STs aren't driven by driving instructors, they're driven by people with more ego than skill. I'm always wary of these types of vehicles.

I agree on the overtaking…99% of the time I’m happy to trundle along behind whilst leaving a gap for anyone who wants to make progress. Myself I find the added risk of overtaking out ways the gain in ‘time’.

3:56, enjoyment from driving. It easy to get pessimistic over the clogged roads full of traffic and think back to the days when the roads seemed to be half empty, except that wasn’t the case, When I think back to the 1970’s I have memories of being stuck in the back seat in stationary traffic queues with dad driving us to holiday spots, uncomfortable seats, windows open because it is hot as hell, everyone getting irritable and bad tempered. And now I think about a 6 hrs journey I did last Xmas, stuck in horrendous traffic on the M25 and then roads chock a block for the rest of the way, and I remember sitting there in a big comfy seat, with air conditioning, nice music playing on an excellent sound system, cruise control, and thinking to myself, this ain’t so bad and arriving at the other end in good spirits and quite relaxed. And then a couple of weeks ago while at work I took a short cut through the South Downs in the middle of the day, the roads were almost empty, it was sunny, and I thoroughly enjoyed the drive Thinking “you know what, I am getting paid to do this”

I used to drive in quite a 'spirited' fashion when I shared a Fiesta with my housemate, but since getting my first Jag (I've had three now), I've driven in a far more relaxed and smooth manner. Then, when I became an executive chauffeur, that driving style solidified in me. Even though I haven't been a chauffeur for many years, I still drive as though I've got a high profile client in the back. Everything's very smooth and deliberate, and if ever it's not, I curse myself like mad, lol!

20:52... amazing... I move out early to see around the corner before committing, but never thought of saying out extra long to let the other car know it's clear.

Nicely done Ashley. I felt for you trying to make progress with those terrible potholes. I think the pleasure that you can get from 'spirited' driving actually comes from exercising restraint - only using the car's performance when it's safe and not exceeding the speed limit or the safe speed (whichever's the lowest). In other words, the satisfaction comes from feeling you're in control and managing risk well, not going hell for leather - that's just stressful. Combine sharp observations and showing restraint with using the controls smoothly and progressively (steering, gears, brakes), reading the road through the limit point and balancing the car as you say. Like you, I don't do this 'maximise safe progress' style of driving very often these days - I prefer to see the mpg climbing rather than the speed. I like your idea that 'with great horsepower comes great responsibility!'

Great to see this drive on my local roads. Live round the corner from where he started off, use those lanes almost every day getting to work. Pot-holes are a nightmare though so never give it too much clout!

Already we have caught up with traffic… One resson I no longer drive spirited on the roads as you eventually catch up with the next vehicle at some point. Not saying I don’t get a move on when needed…I just don’t do it most of the time these days

As someone building a 500bhp hatchback.... You don't get much opportunity to use the power on a public road. I do a lot of motorsport at the weekends so I do get to go flat out (even on public roads at times!), but when I'm driving day to day there's no real opportunity to use a massive amount of power. However, you can go one of two ways - You can drive something that's pretty slow, but hugely engaging to drive. Clio 172, MX5 etc. You can drive it hard without worrying so much about your speed. Most modern hot hatches have moved quite far away from this concept unfortunately. Or with some really fast stuff, the whole feeling of driving normally in something that reminds you constantly that you're only tickling the throttle can be quite entertaining. Walking quietly but carrying a massive stick. One of the most important things I'm thinking about with my big power build is to not ruin the midrange. I tend to find that I can very comfortably sit in 3rd or 4th, always stay nicely in the power band, and add/remove speed as and when my limit point moves in/out. Very entertaining. You should try AutoSOLO or sprinting/hillclimbing, you'll probably find something quite local to have a go at safely and legally exploring the limits of the car.

Really enjoyed that, though still can't picture Ash revving it in 2nd and 3rd despite having watched it 😂

Ashley - you amuse me with your description of these roads as 'country lanes' In Devon those would all be main roads ! To us Devonians, a country lane is a single lane with passing places (and sometimes no passing places at all). And look at all those lovely straight sections - what luxury.

6:57 that was the only minor point when I did the IAM test, that I missed a overtaking 'opportunity'. It was a similar situation, a long line of traffic on a country road and the 'opportunity' was fleeting to say the least; probably only someone familiar with the road would have attempted and it was the first time I'd driven it. Ultimately pointless anyway, not worth the additional pollution.

The last time I drove proper spirited was a few months ago when we got a phone call to say a family member was unwell. I didn’t break any speed limits, I didn’t tailgate and didn’t take unnecessary risks but did accelerate quicker than usual and used more of the lane around corners. The journey was 6 miles and roughly the same journey time as driving normally just with added cognitive loads throughout…hence why I don’t drive that way all the time as it is more tiring than it is enjoyable

I used to drive everywhere on two wheels. I was lucky and have never had an accident (or caused one to my knowledge), but with age, and a job as a trade plate driver that demands I drive long distances, in new cars that don't belong to me, I have found the joy and stress free existence that awaits those who drive defensively and at or below the limit. Generally roads are so busy that the car that tore past you half an hour earlier ends up just in front of you at the next junction. I still enjoy driving, and I still enjoy driving my car fast when conditions allow, but in terms of stress levels, for both the car and driver, it's better to sit back and enjoy the ride!

Ashley might actually get more enjoyment from driving a small "zippy" NA 1.4l car around the country roads, than his wider (and heavier) Ford or Golf GTI. Those are better suited to tracks than country roads (for safe, spirited driving).

I tend not to drive fast to make progress, I more do it for fun since I drive a low power car (less than 100hp) it's quite fun to use all the power and go the grand heights of the speed limit

Excellent narration and explanation again Ashley. Asking the right questions and 'what if' moments that many drivers don't consider.

Excellent video Ashley and noticing more sensible speed limits on country roads. National speed limi no longer makes and perhaps should be 40. Appreciate your reminder about driving to the road not the speed limit keeping alert to all risks.

I passed my driving test several months ago, but I don't have a car. I want to keep learning, and watching good videos helps me a lot to see and learn new things. Sometimes, I send my driving instructor a message and ask for a little drive around just to keep learning and keep things as fresh as possible because I don't want to lose too much.

35:40 My favourite road in my youth was GREENS ARMS ROAD from Chapeltown near Bolton to the A666. It is a mad, bad narrow country road where I used to do 60mph on it most times I drove it. The longer version of the route started at the bottom of Bradshaw Road and took in Bury Road into -[edit] Edgworth. (Obviously I kept the speed down in the 30 limits). It was utterly crazy thing to do now that I think back on it. One corner was a blind off-camber flick with a stone wall to the right..... yep, taken at 60mph... Other corners were of course slower, but one could still hustle through them. Then there was the 60 down to 15 as one crossed over the railway line via two right angle bends..... BONKERS.... I'd still have the confidence to do it now, but only if I knew the road was closed to traffic coming the other way! Check it out on google maps, makes Ashley's road look like a major A-road.

I'm the same nowadays. I used to clock up miles for enjoyment, but now driving is to get me somewhere I need to be.

Hi mate, honestly I felt quite sad when you said you don’t really enjoy driving much these days but I totally understand why you say that, it’s because you’re a driving instructor and you drive day in and day out, it can get very boring and very repetitive doing the same thing day in and day out, I completely agree with everything that you said in the video, just because you have a powerful sports car it doesn’t mean that you can always put your foot down and floor it everywhere, like you said you have to always have safety in your mind and drive to what you can see, reduce your speed when you can’t see and increase your speed when you can see but always thinking in your mind what if there is a pedestrian walking on the road around this corner where I can’t see, I think it’s very important to make as much progress as you possibly can but always have safety in your mind as your number 1 priority and concern, I’m not the perfect driver and nobody is but thank you so much for taking the time to make these videos, honestly they educate us more than you’ll ever know and I’m so grateful and so thankful for that mate. 👍 🙃

Sad but quite expected that 'frustration' appears in so many comments. Basically most mean 'I'm frustrated that others are allowed to use the road I am using'.

Absolutely superb video, Ashley. Chock full of insights and totally rivetting. 12/10 from me. Loads of comments I noted as well. Apologies for long list below, my enthusiasm probably got the better of me. (As an aside, I think FWD is good coming out of corners because you can get the power down earlier i.e. once the front wheels are pointed in the right direction. On a RWD you need to wait until the rear wheels are aligned with the fronts before pressing the loud pedal down. Otherwise you can get trapped into one of those "Oh look, another video showing a Ford Mustang exiting the road backwards" scenarios.) 1) 3:38 (and others) really nice downshift with rev match. Does the car do that automatically or was it you? 2) 3:49 Sad to hear that driving doesn't give you much enjoyment. That drive was a thing of beauty: a mix of artistry, science and education. I guess I can understand given that you do it so much. I am 61 years old, have been driving for 43 years, and still enjoy the challenge of working out how to be better every single time I take a car out. It makes driving fun. Every day a school day. 3) 6:59 you mentioned that the Advanced Driving organisations put too much emphasis on overtaking. I had often wondered about your perception on the importance of making progress and how it differs from the Advanced Driving approach. I can see your point and you made it well. I personally would say I still enjoy making progress SAFELY (the SAFELY has to be the emphasis) but I can also see the point of a more relaxed form of driving. In fact, I used the more relaxed approach today deliberately because I had plenty of time plus passengers who would appreciate a more leisurely journey. That was even before viewing your video. I'd say your point is a fair one. 4) 10:37 I totally agree with your point about the benefits of driving a car with a "bit of poke". In fact, your car's engine sounds great under load: a very nice growl. I'd also point out the ability to accelerate fast is not only useful when emerging from junctions, it's also super useful when merging onto motorways and it's handy for those occasions when overtaking - even if it is a slow moving cyclist. 5) 11:35 Very nice work with the Lexus. Really good flow and intelligent use of car body language (as well as the early right turn signal) to show the other driver your intentions and hence allow them to make best use of the road. When the Lexus moved out to lane 2 at the lights, that truly was an "Ashley moment" - predicting the future yet again! 6) 14:26 "Speed limits do drop for a reason" - absolutely, such a pearl of wisdom. One that all too many drivers don't seem to think about. Nice one. 7) 16:52 The mirror was to the right but the entrance (a driveway) was actually to the left. As you say, however, the mirror is handy. I think it does three things for you. Number 1, it warns you of a hazard (a restricted opening). Number 2, it helps you see if a vehicle is emerging before you could normally see that vehicle. And, number 3, it makes it less likely that a vehicle will emerge just when its dangerous. Another nugget of wisdom worthy to remember. 8) 17:14 "slow in a straight line". 100% yes, best for stability. Yes, you can slow when turning but it's not great for stability even if done gently. Just because your car has ABS doesn't mean you have to use it. 😉 Same for seat belts! 9) 20:53 Help the other guy behind me. 100%. Keeping out shows the car behind that it's safe to overtake as well. Gem. 10) 22:00 Another Ashley moment - predicting the future. Beautiful example of why, after getting good visibility through the corner, you keep to the left hand side going round a left hand corner - the oncoming car was definitely for cutting that corner! 11) 24:50 Change speed at crucial moments. 100% agree. Too many drivers just drive at the same speed regardless of circumstances. An extreme example is the car that does 40 mph in a national speed limity, then stays at 40mph when entering a 30 zone. Smooth variation of speed is the sign of a master driver. 12) 25:22 You cannot drive a sporty car to its fullest potential on roads. 100% agree. And that's a frustrating part of driving, I suppose, when you have something tasty like a Focus ST. But learning that with great power comes great restraint is so important. Again, another gem of wisdom. 13) 29:21 coming up to the dangerous crossroads at an appropriate (reduced speed) and with your foot on the brake. 100% agree. I would add to that: with a finger on the horn button! Absolutely AWESOME video @ashley neal. Thanks for posting it, I enjoyed every minute.

I love you use of 'Spirited' . Been a long time since I could find a low / no traffic place where I felt I could safely let the needle creep up. Your emphasis on reading the road surface is lacking by most drivers here in the USA (blame Automatics for some of that, as there is little reason to anticipate a gear change)

When I was young, I probably took some chances with overtaking that I shouldn't have, to get past drivers that I really didn't need to pass. In most cases, overtaking makes a very marginal difference to your journey time, but adds a lot of extra stress and risk. If the vehicle in front is traveling significantly below the speed limit, it can be worth overtaking, but even then it's often not worth stressing over, because they are often things like farm vehicles moving between fields, and will often turn off a couple of minutes later anyway.

We need to make sure we share this one. Ashley drove in a spirited way on British roads and now needs new suspension. 😆

Thank you for this Ashley. Was a good watch 😊

I have not driven in a "spirited way" for many years. I get more satisfaction from driving as safely as possible now. Truth is that driving for me is an occasional necessary evil, I'd rather be on my bicycle, the mental and physical health benefits to me are huge, i also like the social interaction that i get from cycling.

35:07 I am pychic this time as the word PRIDE had popped into my head much earlier in the video. A lot of people don't have pride in what they do these days, driving, working, hobbies etc. Having PRIDE in what you do - and DISCIPLINE too - makes doing anything that much better and enjoyable. It all starts with how one leaves the car unattended - is it straight and centred in the space, both from the kerb and from vehicles front and back. On the move there are a million things to be proud of, (or not as the case maybe)..... Try and cut out of daily life doing anything you are not proud of.

Exactly. What i am missing on UK motorways is drivers of vans and cars which can safely build up and use a legal DIFFERENTIAL speed to not make me worried how to stop for their spine or skull in an emergemcy . 😅

I think most people drive or have driven spiritedly and/or aggressively, especially in their younger days. It's just human.

Thanks Ashley. A nice relaxing drive through the beautiful Lancs countryside.

I drive spiritedly pretty much every time it's safe to do so but I also don't drive all that much. I work from home a lot so I usually only drive my car twice a week so when I do I like to enjoy it a bit. I find I get most of my enjoyment from the sound of my car, so like you showed here I like to put my foot down a little and run through the gears to get up to speed but I don't go over the speed limit because my insurance is already high enough without getting points or worse losing it - just isn't worth it for such little gain. I actually quite often find my self slowing down more for a corner then I know I need to just becuase it gives me more head room to then put my foot down a litte on the exit while still being nice and safe

Drive to your ability and the conditions, (road, and weather). Respect other road users. That way, you'll reach your destination safely, and so will everyone else.

I did a lot of driving today….for economy. 56.8mpg average on E10 Petrol Beat my previous record for the tank range too. So the complete opposite. But….i was still doing 55-57 in a 60mph, and 30 in a 30 etc. What I find as happened today, a faster car accelerates away…..and then I catch them at the next major roundabout or lights. I’ve seen it happen before but today the car in question disappeared for about 5 mins (yes it was the same car - custom plate) Also I note I drive more consistently, so I went a long way without using the brakes or stopping….btw keeping moving is more efficient than stopping even when idle-stop is working. Like flowing from corner to corner….imagine your in a Toyota Prius but cheaper and that’s how it mostly feels. So my 84PS shopping car-automatic-can rev to 8,000……(VETEC) can you imagine how that looks from a shopping car 😂 Btw the end of dashboard view makes me feel sea sick 😂 I should have said also, I have noticed over the last year, a number of compact SUVs seem unable to keep up with me as a flow thru the bends. I don’t know wether it’s down to said budget compact SUV using the chassis from a Vauxhall Astra or wether it’s the human behind the wheel….and remember, I don’t have a fast, sporty handling car…it’s a bit jelly in the corners, so what’s happening.

I was going to say i hope you encounter farm traffic as it does cause stress for both parties ,the tractor and trailer on the bend was a good example of 2 very aware drivers sorting out a potential risk you slowed to make the tractor aware you had seen him and that he was already emerged from the road , the tractor driver had good vision being high up to see in the opposite direction that the road was clear which is why he felt he could emerge from the junction into traffic , i think most will think ,he put vechiles coming the other way at risk , but it was good situational awareness .

Having a performance car does end up just being frustrating a lot of the time as you can’t progress and enjoy it. Think the way to go is having something comfortable but quick enough to overtake safely.

3:06 Already at this early point in the video I am thinking how I am so similar in my approach to those sharp bends. Partly natural ability (as in I know my own isn't like a racing driver) but also understanding the limits of the car. When I was learning to drive, my mum told me to expect an idiot around every corner. That was nearly 25 years ago and the other road users haven't improved.

Great video as always Ashley. I cant remember the last time i drove a car in a spirited way, i just dont get chance now to go out on my own and have fun in a car and i definitely would not drive like that with my family with me, im definitely more constrained now a days than i was 20 years ago before kids arrived, but im not saying if the conditions was perfect and i knew the vehicle i was driving was up to the job id definitely drive in a spirited way, i still love driving it gives me great pleasure just driving normally, but just every now and then why not.

One thing that I think a lot of people don't appreciate (or forgot, or don't know) on roads like this is that all the corners are different shapes and that affects how fast (or indeed how slow) you can go through them. I suspect most incidents are caused when the corner changes shape halfway through.... AND also the shape of the corner is different from the other direction. A case in point (if one misjudged it) is a right hand bend that tightens half way through. Traffic coming the other way has an opening left hand bend so will be potentially accelarating out of it quite quickly. We on the other hand have gone in too quickly and are checking up on the exit.

I have not driven since 2010 for medical reasons as I felt that I would be a danger to myself and other road users, though I miss it terribly and kept my driving licence as a form of I.D until surrendering it 2017.

Nice to see you doing your advanced driver training 👍😄

The last - and only(?) - time I have seen a spirited drive on here was in your BMW M3. I seem to recall that traction control was permanently on. I've come to the conclusion that you can have more fun driving a slow car quickly as opposed to being forced into driving a performance car slowly. Admittedly the line is drawn at a Citroën 2CV....... That would be torture 😮. I prefer rear wheel drive. Why is that? Several reasons. 1) Better balance in general [50:50 front/rear weight]. 2) Less chance of suffering from understeer. Granted - oversteer is a risk. 3) No "torque steer". With reference to point 3 @Ashley - do you get this under heavy acceleration? I'm aware that some cars do have a Limited Slip Diff that helps to negate this but it is not always offered. Stay safe out there.

Hi & thank you Ashley

Great to hear you talking limit points, not heard it mentioned since being taught it in the 70s on an Ambulance/ Police course. Do you teach it for standard test? Great if you do and the pupils grasp it. 😊

Take it to the nürburgring and let Misha take a crack at it, if spirited driving is something you're interested in, no one does it better than Misha!

10:48 Good to hold back, even if you could have got out and going. Just because you could, doesn't mean oncoming car knows/expects that, and may take pre-emptive evasive action and potential knock on effects

How many go for full acceleration upon emerging in situations like 10:37 and end up spinning the wheels due to the steering being turned and reduced grip on the drive wheels? Good use of emerging in first gear and accelerate in second gear. The most under used gear changes are 2nd -> 4th 2nd -> 5th 3rd -> 5th

Nah, nowadays, I like to take it easy. Spirited drives can be fun but I need to be a 100% sure it's safe and worth it. + I don't really like the added fuel consumption and wear on components of my car.

Love to see you on a track day one day!

G'day Ash from Tasmania 🇦🇺

I’d be interested to see how you drive on the Isle of Man and national speed limits over there

0:15 sorry mate, I almost forgot to ask, is it ok to stop on the yellow zigzag lines if you’re in a stationary queue of traffic? Some driving instructors say yes and some say no but I think it’s the same with all clearways, don’t stop unless it’s outside of your control, like last year for example, I was driving home from work on a 24 hour clearway but I had to stop because there were roadworks and a stationary queue of traffic and a red traffic light, please correct me if I’m wrong but I think all no stopping clearways are the same, don’t stop except for reasons outside of your control.

At 31:26 when Ashley brakes heavily for the tractor I was expecting a very quick check in the centre mirror.

so do you use the viofo a139? i thought you used the a229 haha

Ashley, have you completed your IAM training? I’ve noticed some of your terminology such as limit points is something you’re taught on an advanced driving course

09:58 - would you say that's a risky join from the van? Surely the van turning in will have blocked the view somewhat. Just because someone is turning off a dual carriage does not mean the way is clear enough to emerge without impeding traffic.

I drive for fuel economy these days. With the price of petrol being what it is, I can't afford to drive like a lunatic, even if I wanted to 😋 As for speed limits, I do try to keep to them as much as I can, but the ridiculous over-use of 20mph limits makes me angry sometimes. There is a *_dual carriageway_* in London that is 20mph, WTF is *_that_* all about..? 🙄

Ashley have you heard of a channel called "Mick Drives Cars"? He essentially does videos on safe spirited driving, quite similar to what you were doing on the B road at the start of the video. I would be interested to hear your thoughts about his driving

Seemed to be about 5 miles that drive and I don't recall seeing a single cyclist, let alone being held up by one for 5 miles; which is what usually happens according to some commenters on here! Well, maybe here's an idea for a video - a half-hour drive where you tally up all the time spent waiting for other drivers (sat at traffic lights, waiting at give ways, following slow moving motor vehicles etc.) and all the time spent waiting behind a cyclist (if you can find one!). Then compare the results.

The speed bumps you went over... My Focus ST's engine tray seems to scrape along the top of them. 😂 Do you seem to have that issue, by chance? Mine's a 2020 model, so I've pretty much got the same chassis.

I used to drive everywhere on two wheels too.. in my xr3i 😂

When driving quickly, it is best to keep both hands on the wheel and not wave them about Ashley!

"Balanced" throttle, bear in mind the last car I drove was a 1.2 Nova. Is balanced a feel thing? I can't fathom balanced.

Can we see you do a track day, be fun to see you going to the limit and maybe beyond.

I am an advanced driver / motorcyclist and I always drive to make progress do I sometimes break the speed limit yes do, I ever drive reclessly no ,

You don’t want to meet yourself coming the other way. So on lanes with limited visibility you need to be able to stop well before the distance you can see to be clear as the obstruction will 99% of the time, be moving and coming towards you. And they may be going too fast and not paying enough attention.

It will soon be time for a similar video on your motorcycle. Hopefully, you'll enjoy that more. There's no way you are going to be able to stick to "riding for the channel only". Sadly I find that safe smooth riding doesn't look exciting for the KZfaq audience and it looks really slow. Do I drive/ride in a spirited fashion? Yes, all the time, but it is calm and relaxed. No hurry, just taking opportunities where they develop. Progress isn't just about MPH.

Christ they need to sort that 30 sign out at 23:00.

Responsibility

That camera’s pretty crap, overheated twice if not more times in the 2 videos I remember

You’ve just reduced your DriveScore points 😊

Just stop oil warriors will not be watching this!😂😂😂😂😂

😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁

11:13 *Poor lane discipline* 🙄

6:22 the camera may distort, but IMHO that is a little close to tailgating.

Didn’t watch all of this. Got bored. But saw enough to confirm that “performance” cars are a waste of time. I don’t watch Ashley Neal videos to see silly racing about.

The authorities should ban the bang and popping exhausts and heavily fine people found using a vehicle with them fitted. Black boxes should be compulsory on all vehicles too, so any erratic, dangerous driving and speeding can be flagged up to the insurance companies.

Driving instructor admits to speeding 🫣🤷🏼‍♂️!?!?