Reviews (12)

Encouraging book
The best thing about this book is that it is very encouraging to fearful drivers.Its message is that you can be happy just being a neighborhood driver, and if careful, you will probably never have an accident near your own neighborhood.This is very good news, however, I'm not so sure how true it is, considering the number of teenagers getting into accidents in my neighborhood.I am a careful driver, but if a maniac teenager hits me, I will get into an accident anyway.The other great thing about the book is its tips for preventing accidents, such as stopping is not always the right thing to do, look in the mirror often, put your car over the black shadow on the road to stay in your lane, etc.From my experience driving with an instructor for over 40 hours, Mr. Klein's tips are valid and useful, and include mistakes I've made.However, his section on steering really confused me.You cannot learn to steer from a book.You need to feel the car and drive to learn to steer.Overall, I am happy with the book's message that I can drive if I tried.

This book is awesome
I am in my late 20's and since I came here in US I have always been scared of learning how to drive. I tried to practice with my husband but oftentimes I get frustrated with myself. I just bought this book a week ago and I started practicing this weekend. I have let go of my fear (which to me a good start). I focus on the road and stop watching the nose of the car and it made a lot of difference. I am going to work on my turns still but I am excited to learn more.
Easy to read, informative
I really liked this book. I'm in my 20's and have been avoiding the task of getting my driver's license. I think I was mostly scared of it out of lack of knowledge. I never knew how I was supposed to steer or turn. Noone ever explained it to me either. My state's driving manual wasn't much help. It's as if it is assumed that everyone knows this to begin with. On the road I would panic because I really didn't know what I was supposed to do. Then I found this book, and the author explains quite a few things! Not only does he go through driving rules in more detail than there would be in a manual, but he also gives instructions for how to steer, whether it be when you are going straight, turning left or right, parking (angular, parallel), or making a k-turn. There is also a diagram to help you identify the parts under your hood, and even a whole chapter about driving stick shift. Even though reading is different from actually driving, just being given that knowledge makes me feel more confident about learning to drive. This author repeats information alot, but I think it is a good way for the reader to really remember the points that he makes. One of those points he stresses is that no matter how scared you are, the only way to get over it is to just do what you are scared of. He says that as scared as you are, he has taught many people who were also scared how to drive, and even the worst drivers were able to get their licenses because of their determination. They may not feel able to use highways, but they are still able to get around locally. There were some people he taught who had more potential but never got their licenses because they gave up. He actually gives several case examples of people he taught. Though the author identifies his audience as being predominantly older females, this book is really for anyone with a fear of driving. So I say, good luck to you and please wish me good luck, because I am going to get some driving lessons soon! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automotive    2. Driver Education    3. Education    4. Personal & Practical Guides    5. Reference works    6. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Reviews (5)

What a joy
I concur with an earlier reviewer.This book will teach you about zen--not what it is, but how to embody it, which is what matters.
The Anti-Road-Rage Manual
Such timeliness for a book first published a dozen years ago!This should be handed out in Drivers' Ed courses across the country.The premise is simple: stay aware of your surroundings, don't let expectations distract you, and enjoy the ride.Stop thinking about driving and just drive.Sound advice in all aspects of life.

Unexpectedly surprised
This book vividly achieves something it probably never intended to do: offer the simplest, clearest explanation of Zen philosophy that I've read yet. While other authors overexert themselves in hopelessly convoluted terms and impenetrable analogies to try to explain the essence of Zen to their readers, Berger lays out its meaning in understandble terms by applying the principles of Zen to something that all of us can relate to--driving. And by not even trying to exlpain Zen at all, he does a masterful job--a true example of wu-wei in action!Read more

Subjects:  1. Automotive    2. Driver Education    3. Eastern - Zen    4. Philosophy    5. Philosophy / General   

Reviews (2)

Great for Beginner's
I have had my CDL for 5 years. If you don't drive for a while, you need refresher training. This book worked great and from what I remember of my original training, this book would have been great for familiarizing beginner's to the entire CDL process. The pre/post tests per chapter help know where your weaknesses are. A lot of the questions were on my original CDL test, so it is up to date. Great job Barron's!

Too much fluff; use state manual instead
I started out with the New York state CDL test prep book that you get free from DMV. It seemed a little stodgy with older illustrations. I ordered this book thinking it would be much clearer, better illustrations, and more up-to-date. I was wrong. This book is WAY too much fluff, full of info you don't need to know, overmentions law numbers as if that's important, and is basically a big disappointment. Please, Barron's EDIT this training manual...it's full of inconsistencies and poor writing. I have wasted ~10 precious hours trying to get through this. Now I'm back on the NY manual and, boy is it ever straight-forward. I will probably use the Barron's book for the practice tests, but I'm sorry I ordered it originally and then wasted study time trying to get through it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Driver Education    2. Examinations, questions, etc    3. Licenses    4. Professional - General    5. Study Aids    6. Study Guides    7. Test Prep    8. Truck drivers    9. Truck driving    10. United States    11. Vocational    12. Study Aids / Vocational   

Reviews (14)

Great book to learn about car care.
Recently I attended a Saturday auto clinic that was held by a local repair shop. The technicians went over the basics of how to change a tire, inspect belts, check oil, and other general car care tips. At the end of the session I asked if they had any recommendations for a good book to continue learning about how to take care of my car. They suggested Auto Upkeep: Basic Car Care, so I bought a copy. I like how this book sticks to the basic things that I need to know. It is definitely a good resource to have.

Well worth the money
I am a high school tech teacher. I purchased this book as a resource for my junior classes. I am very impressed with the time and effort that as been spent on this book. If you are just starting out and want to learn more about your car than I suggest this book, you will not be disappointed. Perfect for anyone curious about cars.
I bought this book with my 16-year-old daughter in mind. Since she used half of her own hard earned money to make her first car purchase she is interested in knowing how to maintain it properly. She started asking me questions and I didn't know all the answers, so I decided to buy Auto Upkeep: Basic Car Care. I didn't want a book so mechanically complex that she wouldn't read it, so I'm glad I found this book! The pictures and illustrations are excellent. The author of Auto Upkeep simplifies complex automotive systems in a way that keeps her attention and mine. My 14-year-old son has also begun reading it! Read more

Subjects:  1. Automotive - Repair & Maintenance    2. Consumer Guides    3. Driver Education    4. Reference / Personal & Practical Guides    5. Transportation    6. Transportation / Automotive / Repair & Maintenance / General    7. Handbooks, manuals, etc    8. Insurance, Automobile    9. Personal & Practical Guides    10. Reference   

Reviews (3)

Outstanding, A Must-Have for Any New Driver
Driving physics and psychology are a passion of mine because many motorists out there simply don't know what they are doing. Finally, someone has both the writing ability AND the driving skill to tell new drivers so much of what I wish I could.My problem is that, as a driver of 28+ years, I don't like speed limits.Mr. Smith has given me, a veteran driver and one who thought he knew everything about driving, dozens of reasons outlined in 'Crashproof Your Kids' to slow down more often.I ameven working on a driving book of my own.Tim's expertise is clearly evident in the almost 300 pages of this excellent non-fiction work--way better than the mushy and drippy psycho-babble road rage books of the late 1990's.Tim, I want to party with you, brother.You really know your stuff.
Look Out! He just got his liscence!
Teaching one's teenager to drive is one of the most unnerving experiences a parent will go through. Fraught with conflict, fear and tension, it's no wonder so many of us pass-on this task to others. But one of these days you are going to have to get in the car with your teenager at the wheel. To prepare yourself for this frightening fact-of-life read Tim Smiths' thoughtful and informative"Crash-Proof Your Kids".His approach is organized, practical, concise and often humorous. Even your teenager won't mind reviewing this book. And believe me, when it comes to giving instruction on parallel parking or highway merging or parking lot safety it's reassuring to be able to refer to what the expert says on the subject. This kind of information allows the frazzled parent to impart useful tips before they're needed, and often without shouting! The information in this book was very helpful to me and my son as he approached his driver liscencing exam. I wish I had it 5 years ago when my daughter had me clinging to the dashboard and whispering profanity.

It will make the difference!
Tim's book is an excellent book written with the express view of keeping your child alive for longer. Remember, driving is the most common reason for under 25 year old deaths.
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Subjects:  1. Automobile driving    2. Automotive    3. Automotive - General    4. Driver Education    5. General    6. Life Stages - Teenagers    7. Parent And Child    8. Parent and teenager    9. Teenage automobile drivers    10. Transportation    11. Transportation / General   

Reviews (1)

Okay for the Younger Driver, But Definitely Not 'Everything'
'The Driving Book' by Karen Gravelle with illustrations by Helen Flook is a book with young drivers in mind.While the directions might be common knowledge to the driving veteran, it covers a wide variety of topics over the 161 pages of the main text.Much of this information, however, can be found in the local driver's guide, so this book was written probably because the author couldn't _not_ write it.
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Subjects:  1. Anecdotes    2. Automobile driving    3. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 7-9)    4. Driver Education    5. Education / Teaching    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Personal & Practical Guides    8. Popular works    9. Reference    10. Reference - General    11. Social Issues - New Experience    12. Transportation - Cars & Trucks    13. Juvenile Nonfiction / Transportation / Cars & Trucks   

Subjects:  1. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    2. Driver Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Transportation - Cars & Trucks    6. Education / Driver Education    7. Roadcraft, driving & the Highway Code   

Reviews (27)

Few as good as this one
"Going Faster" is surely one of the best books ever written about the fundamentals of driving.While focusing on handling a car at speed on a track, each of these lessons applies to general handling in all situations.Situational awareness, looking ahead, picking the best line through a corner, understanding the car's grip and why smooth inputs matter so much.Everything is here.
Excelente Libro
Creo que he contado con suerte al seleccionar este libro como mi primer libro sobre conducci�n deportiva. Existen muchos libros que tratan el tema pero me dej� llevar por el buen nombre que tiene la Skip Barber Racing School y creo que hice muy bien. El libro cubre, creo yo, todo lo que en teor�a se deber�a saber a cerca de como correr en un auto de carreras, despu�s del libro s�lo queda poner en pr�ctica todas las cosas que se aprendieron, algo que obviamente es muy complicado, pero por lo menos al haber leido el libro ya te sientes con confianza de que no est�s actuando como un ser irracional al frente del volante de un auto de carreras. Yo aconsejo que lo compren y adem�s si tienen la opci�n de hacer el curso (yo no la tengo) lo hagan, creo que es uno de los m�s completos que hay en el mundo, lo digo porque he investigado el asunto por largo tiempo.

an exceptional book.a must read for any serious driver.
This book is amongst the best I have ever read in terms of driving.It covers a tremendous amount of detail.This is a most read, is it not only from one of the top racing schools in the country, is allot cheaper.The information in this book is like having ten other books put together.Although this book covers almost everything it is not the only one to read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automobile Racing    2. Driver Education    3. Motor Sports    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Car racing    7. Road & motor vehicles: general interest   

Subjects:  1. Automobile Driving    2. Automobile drivers    3. Driver Education    4. Education / Teaching    5. General    6. Medical    7. Medical examinations    8. Occupational & Industrial Medicine    9. Truck drivers    10. United States    11. standards   

Reviews (2)

Off-roader driving
This is an excellent 4wd manual. In fact, it is probably the best basic 4wd user book currently in publication. From the first look at the index on the cover flap, to the quality paper and colour pictures, you know that this book is different from most. One of the best
A fantastic book for both beginning and experienced off-road drivers. Sheppard knows his stuff and he knows how to teach us. His British perspective is different from most of what you read in the US. Most of the technical information and the photos are specific to Land Rovers, but that's no reason to stay away. The lessons learned and the theory behind them apply no matter what you drive. He explains the basics like approach angles and driving gently then goes so far as telling us how to prepare for a trip across the Sahara. You will learn from this book and enjoy reading it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automotive    2. Driver Education    3. Education    4. Motor sports    5. Roadcraft, driving & the Highway Code   

Reviews (6)

Using Aviation Safety Skills on the Roadways
We have all read text books, instructional publications or technical manuals that are just plain boring.This author's style of intermixing stories from his flying experience keeps the book entertaining and makes it easy to relate to real life experiences.This is not the standard dry, preachy, recitation of the same old driving rules.This book should be manditory reading not only for new drivers but anyone with a less than stellar driving record regardless of age.

What could be more important?
As parents of five young children, my wife and I have decided to make this book required reading prior to allowing our kids to get their permits.These pilot awareness concepts and training techniques are a perfect application for helping all drivers stay safe while on the road.

What could be more important?
This book offers easy to follow advice on how to keep our kids ALIVE behind the wheel.Today's teens have more distractions than ever while driving.And they think they're invincible. We grown ups know better.I loved the examples and descriptions.Really useful information. Your kids should read this the month BEFORE they get their permits.
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Subjects:  1. Adolescence - General    2. Automobile driver education    3. Automobile driving    4. Driver Education    5. Education    6. Education / Teaching    7. Family & Relationships    8. Family/Marriage    9. General    10. Life Stages - Teenagers    11. Parenting - General    12. Secondary    13. Study and teaching    14. Teenage automobile drivers    15. Family & Relationships / Teenagers    16. Roadcraft, driving & the Highway Code   

Reviews (1)

Help me find Tomorrow's Drivers
I would love to read and review. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Driver Education    2. Education    3. Automobile driver education (Secondary)   

Reviews (1)

Must Have
This is very excellent book. I recommend that you should read it so you can have an idea when the bad saturation comes. The book contains about 100 scenarios. Most scenarios presents with the to-the-point photos. So, you can easily follow the author situations. The book divides into 4 parts. First, nature and weather -related part shows you such as how to get stuck from mud. Second, saturation emergencies demonstrated how to steer out of skid. Third, mechanical emergencies gave an idea such as how to jump-start your car. Last, worst-case driving emergencies shows you the saturation that rarely faces like how to jump from a moving car (except you are a stunt professional). I gave it five stars. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automotive    2. Automotive - Repair & Maintenance    3. Driver Education    4. Education    5. Safety    6. Transportation / Automotive / Driver Education   

Reviews (7)

Want to pass the California Drivers Test?
Alice Syman's book is wonderful -- full of useful tips and clear explanations of the California laws. You WILL pass the written test if you study this book. Highly recommended!

Thes *BEST* and the only place to go for the California Driver's Test
I purchased the original "Califonia Drivers Test Made Easy" several years ago when I took my first CA driving test and again 5 years ago when my wife came down from Canada. In both cases it was an essential tool to make sure that we were ready for the test. Alice updates her book constantly and this is really needed because the CA driving laws change all the time.
The book is just wonderful!
I�m going to study in California next year and I don�t have a drivers license yet. But thanks of this book I am sure I will get it easily!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Driver Education    2. Education    3. Reference    4. Reference / Problems & Exercises    5. Study Aids / Tests    6. Automobile drivers' licenses    7. Automobile drivers' tests    8. Automobile driving    9. California    10. Problems & Exercises    11. Questions and answers    12. Study Aids - Test Preparation    13. Tests   

Reviews (9)

drive right
I thought this was a fairly good choice, I live in a rural area and some of the things they talked about didn't always seem pertinent to us but, it is always good to read all the material. Overall I would say read this but, always check your state drivers manual if you aren't shure about things.

Boring but useful
I must admit, this book is pretty lame in its organization and all.But there was still a load of stuff that I wouldn't have known, so there is some useful content here.(Heh...I couldn't have passed my test without it...)

Great for drivers awareness
I have read some of the reviews and it appears to me that the ones who don't like this book are the children who had to read it. First of all this book is not written for each state, so you will have to check on your own state or county laws along with this book.As for this book not helping you pass the "TEST".Responsible drivers know that their is much much more to driving then passing the "TEST", which this book goes into great detail letting its readers know. I've been A police officer for almost 9 years and now work at a school and deal with children all the time and a lot of thing seem boring to them. But we as adults must continue the teach, and hope that some of what they read sinks in. When dealing with driving a vehicle, learning by experience a lot of times ends up to late. This book doesn't teach you how to pass the "TEST" it teaches you how to be a better driver, something we all need to be... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children: Kindergarten    2. Driver Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. Juvenile Nonfiction    5. Transportation - Cars & Trucks    6. Transportation - General   

Reviews (3)

Great book, potential A?
I sure hope so, this book was great and helpful.As a third year law student writing a paper examining road rage this was a great first step towards understanding road rage...this book led to other sources as well, but all in all a great starting place to create a good foundation for a paper. I'm OK, It's OK
If you like self-help books, this one will appeal to you. It has all the usual checklists, self-assessments, and affirmations. The book is useful in picking apart what's at work in a one-on-one situation of "road rage." However, I disagree with Larsen's notion that otherwise well-adjusted people just turn into monsters when they are behind the wheel. The author needs to write another book in which he probes more deeply into the life situations of road-ragers. He has also proposed, in this book, a "report card" system for drivers, that has postively Orwellian overtones. On balance, the book is well written, with lots of real life examples to keep it readable. One of these examples contains a glaring omission on the author's part; see if you can find it.

Good for those with and without road rage.
An easy read.The book contains insight for those of you who are not prone to rage, helping you to understand those who are, and aids in avoiding those who are.The high-blood pressure types who act out on theroad can get some tips on correcting their poor habits, perhaps savingtheir own lives, and at least preventing a heart attack! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aggressiveness    2. Anger    3. Automobile drivers    4. Driver Education    5. General    6. Physiological Psychology    7. Psychology    8. Road rage    9. Self-Help    10. Stress Management    11. United States    12. Self-Help / General   

Reviews (12)

Good Information
This book has some very useful information and is very easy to understand. I thought that the extra equipment/gear lists were a bit long and for myself some is not realistic to carry. If the information in this book is combined with other publications a good list of gear to carry on a 4 wheel adventure could be developed. The additional resources listed in this book werealso very helpful. For new and experienced off-roaders this book is a useful tool.

Good introduction
This book is a basic introduction to driving off-road. If you don't know what a locker is, how it works or why you might want one for off-road use, you'll find the answers in this book. On the other hand, if you've decided to save money on a locker by welding the spider gears together in your garage, this is not the book for you. An excellent addition to any personal library
recently purchased a Jeep with the intention of doing more 4x4 off-road exploration in the upcoming months. In my search for information I stumbled upon Brad DeLong's 4-Wheel Freedom: The Art of Off-Road Driving. This book clearly and confidently spelled out all that I needed to know to begin my adventures in a safe (individually as well as environmentally), respectful and confident manner. I was so pleased to find the author's compassion and sound respect for the environment and how he simply challenges his readers to have the integrity to do the same. Read more

Subjects:  1. All terrain vehicle driving    2. Automotive    3. Driver Education    4. Martial Arts & Self-Defense    5. Outdoor Skills    6. Sports    7. Sports & Recreation    8. Combat sports & self-defence    9. Roadcraft, driving & the Highway Code    10. Sports & Recreation / Outdoor Skills    11. Transportation    12. Sport utility vehicles    13. Four-wheel drive vehicles    14. Automotive - Trucks   

Reviews (10)

A fine book with the wrong title
I've purchased this book for the second time after my first copy (signed by Vic himself) was lost by a friend. As other reviewers have noted, the book might not deliver quite what one expects. The title may be at fault, and it was possibly chosen by the publisher more than the author. But if you read the book for its insights into 1960s and early 70s sports car racing and rallying, you won't be disappointed.Elford brings an unusual blend of technical expertise, first-hand knowledge, and good writing skills to the task. It can be inspirational to know that the source of this driving advice was the real deal, someone who thundered around the 'green hell' of the Nurburgring fast enough to win it twice, and who earned the nickname 'quick Vic' while dragging around the slowest car (Cooper) on the F1 grid.
Sad Disappointment
The title is a misrepresentation.This is not a handbook for driving a Porsche quickly or professionally.I bought this book because in 2 months I am going to drive my rear engined 993 on a F1 circuit.I have no circuit experience, and cannot get any coaching or any circuit experience in the country I live in.Since this is a rear engined car which I have little experience with I was particularly wanting some tips particular to rear engined cars.There is nothing in the whole book which is particular to driving Porsches or rear engined cars.The only reason I will not throw this book out is because it has some interesting 1960's and early 19970's Porsche racing pictures (poor quality black and white though).Also to be fair there are some good racing stories. He is undoubtedly a very impressive driver having been successful at the highest levels in rallying and sports prototype endurance racing.A better title would be "My Porsche Racing History".If you want a book on fast driving I would highly recommend Ross Bentley's "Speed Secrets" in place of this book.

Save your money
This is more of a "Vic is the greatest driver in the world book" than a "How To" book on high performance driving.If you're looking to read boastful stories about the author then this is the book for you.If, however, you're looking to learn about high performance driving look elsewhere. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automobile driving    2. Automotive    3. Automotive - General    4. Driver Education    5. Foreign Automobiles - History    6. Motor Sports    7. Porsche automobiles    8. Sports    9. Sports & Recreation    10. Automotive technology    11. Road & motor vehicles: general interest    12. Transportation / Automotive / General   

Reviews (12)

I lost count how many times I re-read this book.
I first got this book with I was only a kid doing DE's and track days. At that time I found the book to be helpful but way too advanced for me. Now 2 years later with karting races and Skip Barber I often find myself re-reading sections of the book and understanding more. I won't be surprised to re-read it again as I get deeper into the skippy school race series. This guy decreased my lap times an average of 2-3 seconds!
Very important reading for anyone who claims to know anything about race car driving.From going through and understanding what was said (and I was helped immensely by reading a couple of the more technical volumes Mr. Smith has written), I was able to increase my ability to consistently drive closer to the edge. I love this guys attitude!
Carroll Smith does an excellent job of laying everything out on the table in this book. He does a great job of giving insite to less glories sections of racing. Highly recommend. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automobile Racing    2. Driver Education    3. Motor Sports    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Car racing   

Reviews (1)

An excellent text and "must have" for Driver Ed students!
As the preface says, "this book speaks to you, not at you".Driving is a challenge and this text simplifies the learning to a level that does not intimidate the beginner driver. Whether you're a teen or an adult needing "brush up tips", this book is an excellent investment.Each chapter has a separate "Objectives" page, a "Key Terms" page, self tests, chapter reviews-great for the classroom!Read more

Subjects:  1. Automobile driving    2. Automotive    3. Automotive - General    4. Business & Economics    5. Career/Job    6. Careers - General    7. Counseling - Vocational Guidance    8. Driver Education    9. Drivers' licenses    10. Education / Driver Education    11. Roadcraft, driving & the Highway Code