It is a scenario beloved of sitcom writers and the cause of numerous real-world bust-ups, but for all the potential hazards involved, extra-curricular driving practice with a parent, friend or sibling can prove a valuable and rewarding experience for both parties. To make the most of this extra driving time, however, it is crucial that the learner and practice partner work together and know just what they are letting themselves in for.
Advice for Amateur Driving Instructors
Know the Law: To supervise a learner driver you must be at least 21 years old and in possession of a full driving license for at least three years.
Things will have changed since you learned to drive. With ever-increasing traffic on the roads, the pressure on learner drivers and tutors is rising year-on-year. Growing numbers of road signs and changing speed limits have made the experience of learning to drive more intimidating than ever. When helping a child or friend to practice, there’s a risk that you’ll feel just as unnerved.
As a practice partner, your role is to give the learner time to consolidate the skills and knowledge they’ve acquired from their driving instructor, providing guidance and instruction as and when it is required. Essentially, you are there to provide the learner with as much time as possible behind the wheel.
It’s important to recognize that you’re in a powerful position. The learner will absorb your habits and attitudes, and these will be reflected in their driving. Driver attitude is an important element of safe and competent road use, so you should make sure you display the appropriate levels of attention, anticipation and courtesy at all times.
How to Steer Clear of Trouble
Observe the following golden rules and avoid the pitfalls of helping a loved-one learn to drive.
1)Put Some Thought into the Practice Sessions
Plan where you intend to go, what roads you are going to take and what driving skills/ manoeuvres you would like to cover. If the learner is very raw, start off in car parks or similarly large, empty areas, progressing to quieter roads as they begin to get to grips with the car.
2)Take Things Slowly
Frequent, shorter sessions are probably in the best interests of both parties, at least in the early stages when both you and the learner are likely to be nervous. Give yourselves a chance to get used to each other by building up the length and intensity of the practice sessions gradually as you begin to grow in confidence. Introduce different skills / manoeuvres / scenarios one-by-one so as not to overwhelm the learner. Don’t try to practice everything at once, and certainly not from the word ‘go’.
3)Treat the Learner with Respect
The learner driver needs to feel confident and in control at all times. Avoid doing anything that will increase their stress levels or lower their self-esteem. Nagging and scolding are major no-nos. As difficult as this may be, it is important to keep your temper in check and try to give instruction in an even, natural tone. If you ever feel like shouting, call a time-out and take a 5-minute break.
4)Don’t Accept Passengers
Other occupants of the vehicle will only distract the learner driver and restrict their view from the back window.
5)Suppress Bad Driving Habits
Chances are you’ll have picked up some bad habits in the years since you passed your driving test. The learner may well be more technically correct in their driving. Remember the important details that examiners always look for: Hold the steering wheel properly, check you mirrors and NEVER forget to indicate.
6)Communicate!
Ensure that the learner understands exactly what you mean when you give a certain instruction. Limit their stress by allowing them plenty of time to prepare for the next move. “Turn right after the next traffic lights” is much better than “Turn right now”.
7)Ask Questions of the Learner
The best teachers do more than just instruct! Increase the learner’s focus and awareness by asking them to explain what they think they did wrong before you point out an error.
8)Stay Vigilant at all Times
Never forget how inexperienced the learner is in the ways of the road. You must be their second pair of eyes. Don’t allow yourself to be lulled into a false sense of security, no matter how well the learner is progressing.
9)Lend a Hand in Common Problem Areas
Keep an eye out for the kind of mistakes that are often made by new and, especially, young drivers. These include insufficient use of the mirrors, failure to slow down in complex road situations and general overconfidence. Learners are frequently confused by the number of controls and settings in modern cars, so help out if and when they get flustered.
10)Debrief after each Practice Session
It’s always valuable to discuss the positives and negatives of a practice session once you get home. Offer the learner encouragement when they’ve done well and give them a chance to consider what wasn’t so successful. Be mindful not to clash with the driving instructor’s teaching. It’s worth consulting him or her to make sure you’re on the same wavelength.