Should you have to learn to operate a new vehicle?

Should operator training be required on modern cars?

Yes
1
10%
No
6
60%
I would like an argument (TM mik)
1
10%
You wot m8?
2
20%
 
Total votes: 10

V8Granite
Posts: 5392
Joined: Fri Apr 13, 2018 11:57 am

Re: Should you have to learn to operate a new vehicle?

Post by V8Granite »

DeskJockey wrote: Tue Jul 15, 2025 11:25 am @V8Granite in my area look no further than AI. Generally technology outpaces regulation, and we all end up paying the price. There are plenty of ideas and frameworks for how to govern AI, but precious little actual regulation that can curb/control what companies are doing.

There's an interesting proposal from Denmark that each of us should own the copyright of our likeness to restrict what can be done without our permission. It is early stages, and will be a challenge to implement, but it could be the beginning of the end of the data free-for-all that certain companies rely on to monetise that which isn't theirs. You can also look at the ongoing lawsuits and challenges from "traditional" media organisations who find their content (ab)used without permission or compensation.
I actually agree with you on this, but this is a new industry/ technology that is finding its place. Not an add on for something we have done happily for the last 50 years.

Dave!
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mik
Posts: 14648
Joined: Wed Apr 11, 2018 6:15 pm

Re: Should you have to learn to operate a new vehicle?

Post by mik »

We absolutely need regs and standards. I see these as completely distinct from H&S however - where risk assessment is part and parcel of the process, and that subjectivity allows people to land on levels of control that can feel massively excessive to others - including those performing the tasks. *

For cars - I do feel there are specific controls that should have mandated locations for safety reasons. It's a really short list - probably only horn, hazards & wipers, but whilst that would obviously restrict designers, I do think it is necessary. Disco3 and Disco4 used two long strips for the horn either side of wheel centre. More than once I missed them and smacked the centre of the wheel ineffectively. I've already mentioned the Tesla model3 wipers. They are - IMHO - dangerous. In saying that I bought a VXR8 knowing that it had an Australian stalk configuration - with the wiper on the left stalk and indicators on the right. It was also dangerous until you were familiar!

Image

Any talk of H&S always reminds me of this equally awesome and terrifying old vid. Apparently the claim that OSHA allow free climbing was actually false, and the bloke should be tethered..... I have no idea how he would do that without a significant workload increase. And that's (one reason ;) ) why @V8Granite isn't an antenna tower climber folks.

V8Granite
Posts: 5392
Joined: Fri Apr 13, 2018 11:57 am

Re: Should you have to learn to operate a new vehicle?

Post by V8Granite »

If I’m a few hundred feet up, yeah strap me in.

If it’s 1.4 metres, jog on.

Dave!
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Rich B
Posts: 11513
Joined: Wed Apr 11, 2018 4:22 pm
Currently Driving: T6.1 VW Transporter combi
S1 Lotus Elise

Re: Should you have to learn to operate a new vehicle?

Post by Rich B »

DeskJockey wrote: Tue Jul 15, 2025 7:39 am I'm sure you're the very pinnacle of human skill, but a lot of other people can't climb all the way to the top of your pedestal, so perhaps for all our sakes they could get some training?
My pedestal is getting quite crowded now - plenty of room on the “yes” level down there…
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Gavin
Posts: 2002
Joined: Wed Apr 11, 2018 4:27 pm
Currently Driving: Audi S5, R56 Cooper S

Re: Should you have to learn to operate a new vehicle?

Post by Gavin »

If selling a car, showing the buyer where lights, wipers nd hazards seems a sensible idea TBH. BUt that would suffice. I agree many drivers seem to struggle with most aspects of driving, and I suspect getting into an EV or somthing similarly techy, I would take a moment to find stuff
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jamcg
Posts: 5178
Joined: Wed Apr 11, 2018 5:41 pm

Re: Should you have to learn to operate a new vehicle?

Post by jamcg »

I wonder how many car thefts could be prevented by this in new dealerships? I found in the manual for a Skoda I had years ago that if you press the key to lock and then press the keyless button on the handle it disables the keyless entry. I was never shown that by the dealer, but did have the satnav explained. I’d rather have the basics explained and be left to find out about the gadgets myself
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