Quote Originally Posted by craig View Post
I was an ice rally driver (and instructor, and organizer, and steward, and...). Studs depends on the jurisdiction - so none in Ontario, for example. Spikes are for ice racing (off-road) - and there is only one venue in Canada that allow unrestricted spikes AFAIK (at Sherbrooke).

In any case, past the beginner, what are usually thought of as driver skills/talents, for example, car control, have little to do with whether one is actually a 'good' driver on the road. It isn't like one is going to deliberately drive sideways in traffic, or anywhere near the limits of the vehicle on public roads.

Anybody can concentrate only on driving while driving. Anybody can be considerate of other vehicles (including bicycles) and pedestrians. Anybody can drive conscientiously - always aware of their surroundings - other vehicles, road conditions, etc.

The "three C's" define a good driver. Concentration-consideration-conscientiousness. If one doesn't have them, then that person is a bad driver - maybe he is just a bad driver that day, or that drive - but it doesn't matter what one's skills are.

However, if one wants to look at skills, etc., then yes, I agree with Kevin, (good) professional rally drivers are the 'best' drivers. Look at it this way - a fighter pilot can fly a light plane, but a light plane pilot can't fly a fighter jet (for very long :-) )

Kevin didn't say ice rally drivers are the "best" drivers in snow. He said, "unless you are a ice rally race driver nobody is an excellent snow driver"

And I disagree completely with that statement. It's no different than saying, "Unless you're a formula 1 racer, nobody is an excellent driver"

I am an excellent driver on snow. I know many people who are excellent drivers in snow. Everybody knows that the way to get good at anything is to practice, practice, practice. And you know damn well that out here on the prairies, we have a lot of snow every single year and get lots of practice driving in it.........LOL

I'm not saying we're all good drivers. My mom for example is terrible! No confidence at all. She's ok as long as the road is clear and dry but come winter time, she hates driving.

I have one thing to add to your 3-C's above.........Patience. To be a good driver in any inclement conditions (rain, snow, sleet, hail, ice etc) one must also be patient as well.