I passed my driving just a couple of weeks ago, and got a car soon after.
I'm still a little nervous and inexperienced, so I've tried to go for a little drive every day, even if it's just around the block.
But one thing I've noticed in this short time is that people get REALLY angry when you drive at the speed limit. I've also noticed a few comments on here, in different threads, about people getting annoyed with this.
So what's the deal? At the moment, I'm not driving above the speed limit, because it's the law, and that seems sensible to me. But just last night, I was going at 20mph on a 20mph road and had someone overtake me.
Is this the sort of thing where, after years of driving these roads, I'll be able to say "Come on, it's clear ahead, there's no speed camera, you don't need to drive that slowly here" ?
Another example I remember is someone (sorry, can't remember who or where) saying on here that even though the speed limit was 50 on one road, they expected everyone to drive closer to 60.
To be honest, the attitude I'd like to have is to simply say "forget it, I'm driving safely and within the expectations of the law, if they want to drive up close behind me or overtake, that's their problem, I don't need to care." But that's easier said than done.
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Some but not all speed limits are set too low which frustrates people but really you can't be blamed for observing them. Authorities are well aware that mucking about with speed limits and especially mobile cameras raises loads of lovely money for them to waste on other projects. If you are careful you won't be the one coughing up.
The more you drive on the roads, the more you will see that there are so many dickheads driving around as well.
Ignore them, drive how you feel comfortable driving and if someone is being impatient, well, like you say, that's their problem.
Driving sensibly doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong, it means you're staying safe and obeying the law.
Oh yes---congrats on passing your test.
My advice is drive in accordance with the limit at all times. If someone else wishes to speed or make crazy overtaking manouveres, let them. Don't get dragged into conflict.
There are exceptions however. People know that there are precious few black rats around now. So, if the roads are clear and there are no scameras, drivers will take the risk. In a similar way, on major roads people know that (except in variable speed/average speed sections of motorways and where there are road works) the scameras are set for a speed a little over the limit. What with that and many speedometers reading over optimistically, travelling at an indicated 76mph on a motorway is not going to get you into trouble.
One thing though - are you driving an older car - which is likely to have a less accurate speedo or has your vehicle got non-OEM wheel and tyre sizes which can lead to a speedo misread? Even worn but still legal or under-inflated tyres have a small effect.
Can you check your speedo accuracy against a sat nav or a mobile 'phone GPS app? You might think you are travelling at 30mph but in reality its maybe only, say, 27mph.
Unusually my car is slightly pessimistic it thinks 72mph is 70mph. Most tend to read the other way.
As for tailgaters. It's boring and however tempting it might be to brake-test them, if you feel uncomfortable the best thing to do is pull over and let them pass.
Finally keep doing the daily trips - practise makes perfect as they say!
Thanks for the encouragement everyone, it is very helpful. I think where I'm still so inexperienced, I can't help but take other drivers' ire towards me as a harsh criticism. Looking forward to a day when I just won't care!
I drive 25K miles a year, much of it on motorways, and I am increasingly seeing this.
So annoying! Do you sit there or go completely against the grain and under take?
Congratulations on passing your test. One of my daughters also passed last week. Drive so that you are comfortable, with the proviso that you are within the law and highway code of course, you have as much right to be on the road as anybody else!
Keep to the speed limits it's safer. They're there for a reason/
And remember that the actual speed limit isn't compulsory - you should drive at the appropriate speed for the conditions - which of course should never be more than the speed limit but very often should be substantially less. For example, to take a blind corner at 60mph on a country lane with National Speed Limit applied is madness.
Which is sound advice, thank you.
My plan, when I eventually build up the courage to drive on a motorway, is to pretty much stick to the left-hand lane.
...right?
We should have freeways like the USA and be able to over take either side.
Seriously, they probably have no idea that it is now an offence to lane hog, 3 points and £60 fine, yet they will moan like hell about someone going a little over the speed limit, when both are breaking the law.