Practical! signed by the Stig ( )

For drivers old and young. It is everything that it says it is on the jacket. Can't add to that without sounding hyperbolic. I wish I had read this long ago ( )

"How to Drive," by Ben Collins, was a first for me on two fronts: this was the first book I have read by Collins, and the first instructional book on driving (excluding my high school driver's education course from ages ago!). In surprisingly witty prose, Collins is able to convey a wealth of tips, hints, and concepts, all designed to improve driving. Additionally, I was particularly pleased with the inclusion of hints that make driving safer, such as which product to apply to the windshield to repel rain. The book is brilliantly organized, which, as a reference text, is a grand asset. Personally, I felt my own driving has improved since I had the privilege of reading the book, and I cannot recommend it enough! ( )

I gave this book on how to drive to Matthew, my sixteen your old son, to read. Here is Matthew's review:

How To Drive, written by Ben Collins, breaks down the fundamentals of driving and explains the science behind those fundamentals, as well as how to master them. The book covers everything from the basics: checking your blind spots, how to pass, how to brake and corner, to the advanced, such as how to eat like a Les Mans driver, and how to drive like James Bond. He introduces the concepts, provides charts like one showing comparisons of braking distance between different cars and diagrams on topics such as how to take a corner flawlessly. Most of the information can be practically applied to everyday driving, and I find myself trying to see just how well I can make that turn, or how smoothly I can double clutch. Included at the end of the book is a section on stunt driving for people who don’t mind spending money on a new set of tires and potentially blowing a transmission. While it may not be recommended to try these techniques, it’s nice to know how to do them just in case you get the urge and find the time to practice them. ( )

I was looking forward to this book to learn tips and techniques on becoming a better driver and I have to say I was disappointed. Ben Collins no doubt has an impressive resume when it comes to driving experience and credentials. He has raced circuits and is an accomplished Hollywood movie stunt driver. The problem I had in his presentation here is that many of the topics he delves into I was aware of his advice and technique, he just didn't add much. I also found his writing style annoying as he jumps back and forth to his racing and movie escapades and seems to be trying to impress you or jazz things up.

The production of the books is good. The graphics are nicely done and the cover is kind of unique in that it has flaps on the cover that can double as book marks. Also some of the background information he puts forward on the evolution of driving and some historical topics was well done. On balance though I thought he could have done a lot more in conveying how we all could become better and safer drivers and he missed the mark on this. ( )