I got the Driving Line Blues...

  • Thread starter Thread starter ALB123
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The suggested gear indicator tells you when to brake? Gotta turn it off then so I don't start looking at it.

I used the driving line for a few weeks in GT5 because I was just coming back from a 2 year break from racing games. I stopped using it because I noticed how little I used it except for braking points. I became a much better driver after turning it off and felt much more comfortable in races with other people since the huge distracting line was no longer present.

edit: meant to say "turning it off" instead of "using it"
 
It seems to me that the OP seems to be lacking basic race craft fundamentals, this is common for beginners. As others have posted finding braking points are one of the first things you should concentrate on. The limit of grip of any given car is the first thing you test when you hop in a car. If you overshoot a corner then brake sooner, if you under steer brake later etc.

The problem with racing lines is that you focus too much on it and don't use your eyes to actually evaluate what the actual layout of the track is really like. Things like rumble strips help also yard markers are obvious things to watch out for.
 
Earlier I mentioned using a natural range (nautical term) as a reference mark. Below are 2 examples that I use to lift only at Brands Hatch Red Bull Junior Challenge. The first is marked up to illustrate.

IMG_20140624_091208_306.jpg IMG_20140624_091400_364.jpg
 
I would have thought the best tip would be to try and trace the straightest possible line through the corners. It's a principle that's worked for me ever since the days of ToCA Race Driver 3. Once you've got that in your head you can then start messing about with braking and steering with the pedals and seeking the optimum level of steering input for any given corner.

EDIT: Using the rubber that sits atop the surface of the road as a reference helps too. I do it all the time and it sometimes feels like a dirty way of doing it, it's so helpful.
 
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I can drive any track I have never driven before without driving lines (and every track I have driven before) I won't get fast laps immediately, but it isn't that difficult. Just take it slow at first (or as fast as you dare). Get to know the track and see where you can speed up/improve.

The first thing in GT5 (and GT6) when starting the first race was turn off driving lines. I have used the driving line to see what is the "optimal" line for that track when doing time trials or that sort of stuff, but I tend to find places where I can be faster by not following the line. Most of the time the driving line is just a distraction, it makes you look at the road while you should be looking at the next corner up ahead. Just like in real traffic, don't look at the road, look ahead. (yes, I have license)

In races with opponents there is really no point for the line for me.
 
spencer7x7
I typically use the Driving Line since I like to cruise online with it, plus I personally play GT to relax not crash into the walls or rage quit. But everyone has their own reasons for playing I suppose.
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Why do you need a driving line for cruising? It's not like you're racing...

Personally it only annoys me, I turn it off at the first opportunity.

@ALB123 You'll be quicker without it once you learn, and you won't look back, trust me.

It's like those people using automatic gearing, and SRF etc.

These aids make the game easier and more forgiving, but they slow you down and take away the realism.
 
I dont really get how you CANT drive without the racing line. :confused:
All the players who have been playing GT since the PS1 (or driving games in general since many years ago) learnt to drive without racing line (because there wasnt in the games) and it was perfectly fine. It seems nowadays gamers want all the possible aids its ridiculous.
There's a thing called braking, or lifting the gas, or basically, going slowly in order to learn. :rolleyes: Try going at slow speeds first and then when you learn the track you begin to increase your speed... 💡
 
I didnt read any of the previous posts, but do yourself a favor and turn the line off!

You are really not helping yoursrlf, but only to create and reinforce a dependency!!

If you overshoot a corner, it means you didnt brake soon enough, simple as that! ... just try again until you get it...

By doing so, you are learning more about the track and the car, than just relying on a line...

Learn to drive by looking around and taking referrnce points.... breaking points vary for each corner for each cars...

Pretty soon, you will get a feel...

I mever drive with the line, i fund it more of an annoyance...

Sorry to sound proud, but i am...
 
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Finding the braking point by practicing. I usually start slow in new tracks and progressively go faster until I get it right. Some tracks take more time though since they are bigger than others. I remember how much of a pain it was to learn the Nurburgring when it came out in GT4.

I find the driving line to be somewhat useful if you don't want to spend too much time in License Tests or TT Seasonal Events, but I feel like it's a bit intrusive. Like some above me say, I've also been playing since GT1 when driving lines were something nonexistent so I'm used to not having it.
 
NixxxoN
I dont really get how you CANT drive without the racing line. :confused:
All the players who have been playing GT since the PS1 (or driving games in general since many years ago) learnt to drive without racing line (because there wasnt in the games) and it was perfectly fine. It seems nowadays gamers want all the possible aids its ridiculous.
There's a thing called braking, or lifting the gas, or basically, going slowly in order to learn. :rolleyes: Try going at slow speeds first and then when you learn the track you begin to increase your speed... 💡
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I know what you mean. With all the aids you might as well just watch someone else play. Slow down here, turn now, now go this way, press the throttle now. You're not actually doing much of anything. Don't get how it's even fun.
 
Streeto
Why do you need a driving line for cruising? It's not like you're racing...
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Sometimes I do race a bit in free run and I don't wanna crash. Unless it's a easy track or I'm driving a slow car. Having to turn off the drving line to then turn it again it's a pain.
 
NixxxoN
I dont really get how you CANT drive without the racing line. :confused:
All the players who have been playing GT since the PS1 (or driving games in general since many years ago) learnt to drive without racing line (because there wasnt in the games) and it was perfectly fine. It seems nowadays gamers want all the possible aids its ridiculous.
There's a thing called braking, or lifting the gas, or basically, going slowly in order to learn. :rolleyes: Try going at slow speeds first and then when you learn the track you begin to increase your speed... 💡
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You should've stopped after the first line. You admitted that you don't understand the issue, so why did you then attempt to contribute, particularly in such a demeaning way?
 
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SCER
You should've stopped after the first line. You admitted that you don't understand the issue, so why did you then attempt to contribute, particularly in such a demeaning way?
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I understand the issue, what I dont understand is why he seems to think he can't fix the issue, where I think its a simple one and only requires more practice.
 
So, I've been practicing lately with keeping the driving line turned off. I'm definitely faster with the thing turned on, but that gap has shrunk considerably. In fact, tonight on the Nurburgring I was faster, occasionally, usually until after the Carousel when all goes to hell. Even with driving line on I struggle with the last one-third of the track. Yet, I am plugging along. I have to get over this dependence on the darn thing.
 
I use parts of the track as braking markers pr parts just off the track like a lamppost or piece of fencing etc.

It's all fine till you're playing online, wheel to wheel and they obscure my view of my markers and I miss it and plough off the track:/ Happens.
 
Instead of playing GT like you play Rock Star or Guitar Hero... play GT by memorization and try to anticipate, especially online...

Driving is more about anticipation rather than reaction... if you drive in reactive mode, you will always be slow...

I myself am still working on it... i am not fast but i try to learn...
 
@ALB123 congrats on removing the line it is freeing in a lot of ways. Its odd how much that little blue line influences us without even realizing it aint it.
 
Crzyrazr
@ALB123 congrats on removing the line it is freeing in a lot of ways. Its odd how much that little blue line influences us without even realizing it aint it.
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Thanks. I've been following your thread too, and I wish you continued luck in your advancement as well! 👍
 
ALB123
So, I notice that a LOT of Online Rooms do not allow use of the Driving Line.
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I haven't played any GT games online, but with Forza I always force the line off with extreme prejudice. It's one of the first things I force off, along with steering assist and brake assist. At least TCS and ABS exist in the real world, although I also force those off, too. The only thing I'm forgiving with is the transmission, as I run manual but allow folks to use automatic. I don't normally force a camera, but have forced cockpit before.

Needless to say, I'm fine with online lobbies forcing the line aid off. I'm fine with you beating me, as long as it's your skill besting mine rather than aids helping you win.
 
IceMan PJN
Needless to say, I'm fine with online lobbies forcing the line aid off. I'm fine with you beating me, as long as it's your skill besting mine rather than aids helping you win.
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Well, this is the strange thing...Almost everybody (not just here, but in a multitude of threads I have read discussing the Driving Line) has universally agreed that having the Driving Line turned ON makes you slower, in the long run. I tend to believe that because when you look at the best of the best times in online events the best times ALWAYS have Driving Line turned off!!!

Now, I will concede that using the Driving Line definitely will make a rookie better than had he turned it off. The reason I'm shocked that online rooms force it to be turned off is: If the Driving Line makes you slower, which is almost universally agreed that it does, then why would you care if I use the Driving Line or not? Wouldn't you hope that the Driving Line might hinder my performance so you can beat me? But, on the flip side of that coin, If I made an online room, I wouldn't want to force n00bs and r00kies to drive with the Driving Line turned off, because chances are that's just going to make them reckless and all over the place with their braking.

I have a very hard time that anyone actually uses the Driving Line as an actual map through the course, except for the newest of new players. What I always see, and what my problem has been is, I've grown dependent on the Driving Line as a BRAKING aid. No, I do not hit my brakes when the line turns red. That is obscenely early. But I do know that I'm going to have to hit it in .5 seconds on this turn, or sometimes not even at all if the red marker is tiny.

Again, I do see the point in turning it off. Please don't take my last few statements as me defending the continued use of the Driving Line, but rather the reason I got hooked on it in the first place.
 
ALB123
Well, this is the strange thing...Almost everybody (not just here, but in a multitude of threads I have read discussing the Driving Line) has universally agreed that having the Driving Line turned ON makes you slower, in the long run. I tend to believe that because when you look at the best of the best times in online events the best times ALWAYS have Driving Line turned off!!!

Now, I will concede that using the Driving Line definitely will make a rookie better than had he turned it off. The reason I'm shocked that online rooms force it to be turned off is: If the Driving Line makes you slower, which is almost universally agreed that it does, then why would you care if I use the Driving Line or not? Wouldn't you hope that the Driving Line might hinder my performance so you can beat me? But, on the flip side of that coin, If I made an online room, I wouldn't want to force n00bs and r00kies to drive with the Driving Line turned off, because chances are that's just going to make them reckless and all over the place with their braking.

I have a very hard time that anyone actually uses the Driving Line as an actual map through the course, except for the newest of new players. What I always see, and what my problem has been is, I've grown dependent on the Driving Line as a BRAKING aid. No, I do not hit my brakes when the line turns red. That is obscenely early. But I do know that I'm going to have to hit it in .5 seconds on this turn, or sometimes not even at all if the red marker is tiny.

Again, I do see the point in turning it off. Please don't take my last few statements as me defending the continued use of the Driving Line, but rather the reason I got hooked on it in the first place.
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As a motel chain says " We'll leave the light on for you." I can agree with this. :lol:
 
If you're online or offline, sit behind your opponents and watch/ learn when they brake.
we know the AI is stupid, but if you use them to start to learn braking points to ensure a slow-in, fast-out style you'll get much less reliant on them.

If i'm on a track I don;t know so well yet (Matterhorn, Ascari) you can rely on following the AI cars VERY closely and just stay a little wider or tighter (I prefer wider if possible) and wait for them to brake, then you brake.
your reaction time will have you brake slightly deeper and be able to turn in and overtake (or undertake) them, power out and chase down the next one.

But I've been joining and hosting a few random Free Run lobbies and really enjoy following around another reasonable driver to watch their lines and braking points.
 
If you want to be a really good driver then forget the gear indicators and other things like that.

First of all you should learn the basics. Take a track with many different corners (not the Nordschleife, there are not many braking points) and start driving a few laps, you can use the driving line too it doesnt matter. After that drive without the driving line and try to remember where you braked while you was driving with the driving line. If you braked to early, brake a few meters later in the next round or if you braked too late then brake a bit early... After 10-20minutes you should be good to go. Then try to remember how long the braking distance is at certain speeds, it will help you on other Tracks/corners. You can look out for the 100/200... Meter signs too. But its more important that you start to remember - FEEL how Long the braking distance is, thats very important if you want to be an good driver.

Before we go to the next step you need to practice many many hours to get the feel for the cars. I would recommend to drive with Sport hard tyres even with comfort hard tyres. Dont use racing tyres.

After that You will hopefully be able to drive the cars with a feeling for them and not just like by looking to the red line or gear indicators.

For example braking into the last corner on Suzuka. Iam driving always with tyre wear On so the tyres loose grip and therefore the braking point changes all the time. The last corner of suzuka is a good example for that. If iam driving i can feel how the tyres loose grip, and every lap i change my braking Point automatically without thinking about it. It just happens because i feel how bad or good the tyres are. If you reach this point then you will be a good driver.

I hope my english was good enough to explain it for you. And again dont start to practice with gear indicators or other things like that!

An other example :
Last week i had an Kart Race on a Track where i never was before. I walk over the track once and than the Practice session started. After driving out of the pits, there is a fast right corner followed by a ~300m long straight and then heavy braking for an 180 degree corner (hairpin). Remember i never drove on the track , i started my first lap and checked my brakes in the pit. Through the first corner i drove flatout till the braking Point and i immidiatly hit it perfectly. Thats because i have the "feel" for it. Thats why i say that you shouldnt use gear indicators...
 
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The key to pace on every track is to "be smooth" (which I am sure everyone has heard).

What it means is that you have to find the flow of every track. You are connecting the dots of entry point, apex, and exit point, then flowing into the next set. One thing that will help is to turn the braking force down. That will do a few things.

You will scrub speed off more progressively and upset the car less. Check out some of @Ang-hell videos. He tends to have his brakes set to 1 or 0
 
ALB123
So, I notice that a LOT of Online Rooms do not allow use of the Driving Line. I've been playing Gran Turismo for 7 months and I do alright here and there, but I can't drive worth a damn without the driving line active. I don't need it to show me the proper "driving line", but to show me braking zone intensity. So often I will turn off the driving line in Arcade Mode and go out onto a track that I know well and I'm continually overshooting chicanes and plowing into corners because I'm carrying too much speed.

I don't know how the heck so many of you can play this game with Driving Line turned off. Without actually feeling the sensation of movement in your body, how did you learn to drive without it?
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I have started using it for time trials. It is very useful but the line is not the fastest way. But still a nice reference and I am improving my times. You have to memorize the track and get the reference braking points. Nurburgring and some other track like ascari it takes lots of practice so yeah even I use it to drive to do good times and drive consistently
 
Before I joined GTP about a year ago I used driving line all the time for braking points, when I entered my first race here(August 3rd) I ran it as it was allowed but after then I never used it in a race. I used it offline for a bit longer though but in September I stopped for good and it feels much better.
 
This thread seems to have evolved into a general racing technique thread so it seems like a good place to post this video:


It's long, but it covers a lot of basics that a lot of people struggle with (including myself!)
 

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