Back To School - Crash Course

Horn Ok Please, Keep Distance, and elaborate usage of hand gestures combined with a verbal assault seem to be the only driving skills that work on our streets. Let me enlighten you, such is not the case. Driving is actually a skill that can be taught and that is just what Maruti has set out to do.

Story and Photography Vikram Gour

The first Maruti Driving School (MDS) in the NCR region was inaugurated by Mr. Jagdish Khattar earlier in April. In a quest to learn more and to see what a difference a driving lesson can make, I decided to do a crash course (pun intended)!

Lesson 1: Theory Class: 7 Hours
The Theory class is divided into four lessons. These interactive sessions are supplemented by visual aids and cover all the aspects related to driving. Topics covered include the following: Safe Driving Skills, Road Signs and Traffic Signals, Road Rules, Vehicle Control and Mechanisms, Maintenance and Fuel Consumption, Handling Emergency and Difficult Situations, Accidents and First Aid.

Let me add that it is impossible to know everything. There are so many rules that even the best driver you know might break some rules and there are some situations that we do not face on a daily basis therefore we tend to forget that such situations can arise. The Theory classes leave no stone unturned and is a great refresher course even for a competent driver.

Lesson 2: The Simulator: 2 1/2 Hours

Now to keep things safe, especially with first time drivers MDS has a simulator. Designed for Maruti, each simulator costs about 25 lakhs! Just about any driving condition that you can imagine (keep it real) can come alive on the screens. I first decided to drive in the city drive cycle, high traffic and broad daylight.

I started driving and soon there were all sorts of messages flashing up on the screen. This was not something that I really hadn't expected as I was driving with a fair amount of caution. The second attempt at the simulator was done in an even more cautious and responsible manner. I was driving properly, giving all the signals and following all the rules that I could remember. I did manage to drive for quite some time without any warning signals flashing up on the screen.

However, like everything based on artificial intelligence there exist some drawbacks and in this case the simulator is no different. The simulator has been customized for India in the sense there are DTC buses on the streets, CNG auto rickshaws and Maruti Gypsies driving around. Unfortunately they all drive perfectly and it is left to you to also perform on a perfect level.

It is a good place to start driving though and gets you accustomed to how the vehicle functions and you can practice all the knowledge you picked up in the theory sessions. The biggest plus point is that on the simulator all the mistakes are forgiven. In real life this is not even an option.

Lesson 3: Practical Driving Skills: 10 1/2 hours

All Maruti Driving School training vehicles are fitted with AC , power steering and dual controls for the brake and clutch. You can choose between an Alto, Esteem and Wagon R to train in. Accompanying you on your drive is a highly qualified trainer and MDS also has lady instructors for women who wish to learn how to drive.

Anyways, I set out on my final lesson. Before getting in the car, the instructor first briefed me on proper vehicle care. He took the time to open the hood and point out all the checks that should be carried out by a responsible vehicle owner. After carrying out all the checks, we headed out onto the training route. Depending on the level of the student, the instructor chooses between a variety of driving conditions and makes him perform a range of driving maneuvers. I did a bit of each.

The Test: 2 Hours

A written test and a practical test. A total of two hours of time is stipulated for the test. It is a comprehensive test that checks just about everything you have learned in this 20 hour course. If you fail the test, the instructor at MDS suggests that you either repeat the course or appear for the refresher course before attempting the test again!

In conclusion I would like to say that going back to driver's education was worth it. If one day has left an impression, imagine the effect of the entire course. Unlike other local driving schools that 'teach' you how to drive just so you can get your license, MDS focuses on making you a better driver. There is no reason why you shouldn't pass the driving test at your local RTO office after completing the MDS course. The attention to individual needs, the courtesy and the fact that the students actually learn how to drive also justify the premium price that you pay to attend MDS. Every penny is worth it because at the end of the day we are talking about learning more than just driving. We are learning how to be responsible, mature, and safe in addition to improving the overall environment on our roads.

Source: Car India September 2006.