learn to drive using computer

[raguvun]

Does any of you intellegent people out there know of any programme or cd that teaches you 'simulation' driving using your computer. Is there anything on the market whereby you could use the computer steering and footpedal to learn to turn the car round a corner etc. Ofcourse this is only to get the feel of seeing how well you can handle the car for this sort of purpose before you take real lessons through driving school.

[ugly_bob]

I'm not aware of any programs that do this, and I don't think they would be any good. You can't simulate driving on a computer, there is just no way to simulate the pedal control, steering etc. You can't get a 360deg view on a computer.

You're best bet is to find an open space to practice in a real car. Supermarket carparks are good, unfortunately they don't seem to close much anymore.

[fo3nix]

I don't know of any software like this that exists either, bar racing games. But whatever, there's no point in them because they wouldn't be anything remotely like proper driving.

There does exist software for practicing your theory test, including the hazard perception test, which can be useful.

I agree with ugly_bob; practice in a real car. Note though that on supermarket car parks, since it's private properly, a lot of insurance cover doesn't adequately cover you. If you live near any large industrial estate, they often have large areas of tarmac that are also good for this sort of thing. My local industrial estate has a truck testing ground, which is quite handy for some, though I never used it.