Teaching A Learner To Drive?

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Becoming a driving instructor in the UK is a structured process, clearly outlined on the official GOV.UK website. This episode gives you a quick overview of the key stages, from initial registration through to taking (and preparing for) the three qualifying exams. 

For full, up-to-date guidance, visit: https://www.gov.uk/become-car-driving-instructor

Once you know you meet the eligibility rules, your next step is to get an enhanced DBS check if you don’t already have a recent, valid one for ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) purposes. 

On GOV.UK, you’ll find step‑by‑step instructions on how to apply, which organisation to use, and what documents you’ll need. You must have this DBS check in place before you can apply to become a driving instructor. 

In this podcast, Sarah Hart, Director of Drive Hart Ltd—an official instructor training company based in Salisbury—talks you through the key steps and the three exams run by the DVSA that you must pass before you can become an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI).  

Tune in to learn what to expect at each stage, how long the process can take, and where to find reliable help and resources along the way.  

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Key links

Become a driving instructor - all key steps explained on .Gov

Safe Driving for Life - recommended for Theory Test Part 1

Support the show

Dear Listener,

Thanks for tuning in to the Drive Hart free podcasts – 

To see our full range of resources and support groups,   check out the links below: 

• All links: https://linktr.ee/drivehart (podcasts and support groups for parents, students and Instructors)
  
  
  • Parents’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/524645638669371
    
    
  • Instructors’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/931188437661404
    
    
• Updates and News for learners:  https://www.drivehart.com
• Updates and News for instructors https://www.drivehart-instructortraining.com
  
  

If you have a question or need training support Whats app  Sarah Hart on 07919 488360 or email [email protected]

Sarah Jane Hart & Jac Clayton
Directors, Drive Hart Ltd

Send us Fan Mail

Link to Drive Hart https://linktr.ee/drivehart

Series 2 - Critical Knowledge for PDIs - Mirror Discipline - knowing when and why learners should check their mirrors (3 highest reason for test failure in UK)

This podcast unlocks the secrets of mirror discipline with A Graded Approved Driving Instructors (Directors of Drive Hart) Sarah Hart and Julie Clayton, as they steer you through the essentials of using your mirrors for driving safely and acing your driving test. 

Ever wonder why so many learners fail their road test? It often boils down to one critical yet overlooked skill: checking those mirrors! 

We'll guide you through the simple yet powerful techniques of monitoring your surroundings, adjusting your speed, and changing direction.   Sarah and Julie, with their years of instructing experience, know just how to help you develop the kind of mirror mastery that keeps you safe on the roads and test ready.

In this episode, the directors of Drive Hart  talk about  easy-to-remember tips, including the "rainbow" checking technique, ensuring you'll never forget to scan those all-important mirrors. 

We dissect the moments that demand your attention in the rearview and side mirrors, from signaling turns to adjusting your speed. Whether you're behind the wheel daily or helping a newbie navigate the rules of the road, our conversation equips you with the strategies to maintain flawless mirror discipline. Tune in to transform your driving habits and ensure that your next glance in the mirror reflects a confident, safety-first driver.

Support the show

Dear Listener,

Thanks for tuning in to the Drive Hart free podcasts – 

To see our full range of resources and support groups,   check out the links below: 

• All links: https://linktr.ee/drivehart (podcasts and support groups for parents, students and Instructors)
  
  
  • Parents’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/524645638669371
    
    
  • Instructors’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/931188437661404
    
    
• Updates and News for learners:  https://www.drivehart.com
• Updates and News for instructors https://www.drivehart-instructortraining.com
  
  

If you have a question or need training support Whats app  Sarah Hart on 07919 488360 or email [email protected]

Sarah Jane Hart & Jac Clayton
Directors, Drive Hart Ltd

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Link to Drive Hart https://linktr.ee/drivehart

This is the first introduction to a new series (Series 2 Episode 1 The Introduction to What You Need To Know and How to Teach Driving in a way that ensures learning takes place.  All essential knowledge and skills to become an effective Approved Driving Instructor. 

This introductory  espiode will give an overview of the two core areas which will be broken down as the series progresses.

The What

In short what you need to know to be an effective instructor - the Road Craft, Technical, legal and advisory guidance you need to have mastered - after all "you cant teach what you dont know" The series episodes under "the What" and the "How".

The What -Instructors Need to Know to Teach:

• Subjects/Themes that you need to know and be able to brief a student on
• Processes that you will need to know to coach a student
• Priorities, rules/laws of the road and common road craft practice
• What if scenario planning - using the environment 
• Subject Briefings - why these are important for you and the students 
• Student lesson records 
• Directing private practice and working with Parents (Private Practice)      

The How - How to Teach Driving  (ref DVSA teaching and learning)

• Student Centered Lessons & Lesson Planning - setting goals and understanding students needs,  practice areas, adapting & responding
• Risk and Responsibilities - risk understood, instruction, interventions, feedback
• Teaching - Q& A, accurate technical information, fault analysis,  coaching  
• Learning strategies - tools and approaches,  depth of understanding, checking out, 
• Unpacking situations, key events or hazards (ask first, joint understanding, clarity and understand learning points) 
• Lesson Debrief (overlaps with above on unpacking)   

Support the show

Dear Listener,

Thanks for tuning in to the Drive Hart free podcasts – 

To see our full range of resources and support groups,   check out the links below: 

• All links: https://linktr.ee/drivehart (podcasts and support groups for parents, students and Instructors)
  
  
  • Parents’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/524645638669371
    
    
  • Instructors’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/931188437661404
    
    
• Updates and News for learners:  https://www.drivehart.com
• Updates and News for instructors https://www.drivehart-instructortraining.com
  
  

If you have a question or need training support Whats app  Sarah Hart on 07919 488360 or email [email protected]

Sarah Jane Hart & Jac Clayton
Directors, Drive Hart Ltd

Send us Fan Mail

Link to Drive Hart https://linktr.ee/drivehart

This podcast covers some 8 key pointers on managing motorways and concludes with advice on getting professional instruction for learners who are near test-ready on motorways and/or post test motorway instruction. 

The key areas covered are:

1.  what is a motorway

2.  Who can use a motorway - in particular learners use of motorways

3.  Speed

4.  Signs and markings - know your highway code Signs and Signals for Motorways see link to this publication: 

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/519129/know-your-traffic-signs.pdf

5.  Lane use and observations

6.  Overtaking

7.  Joining and leaving a motorway

8.  Emergencies

https://www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk/stopping.html

Conclusion:  Recommendation for Learner Instruction by Professional Approved Driving instructor.

Key links to support your understanding of motorway use can be found on:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/motorways-253-to-273

A useful AA Article also covers key points discussed: 

https://www.theaa.com/driving-school/driving-lessons/advice/motorway-driving

For more information and support please see our public facebook group called  "parents - teaching a learner to drive" where you can ask any questions on driving / teaching a learner https://www.facebook.com/groups/524645638669371

Support the show

Dear Listener,

Thanks for tuning in to the Drive Hart free podcasts – 

To see our full range of resources and support groups,   check out the links below: 

• All links: https://linktr.ee/drivehart (podcasts and support groups for parents, students and Instructors)
  
  
  • Parents’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/524645638669371
    
    
  • Instructors’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/931188437661404
    
    
• Updates and News for learners:  https://www.drivehart.com
• Updates and News for instructors https://www.drivehart-instructortraining.com
  
  

If you have a question or need training support Whats app  Sarah Hart on 07919 488360 or email [email protected]

Sarah Jane Hart & Jac Clayton
Directors, Drive Hart Ltd

Send us Fan Mail

Link to Drive Hart https://linktr.ee/drivehart

This podcasts provides an overview of some key points for dealing with Dual Carriageways, if you want more information, video guidance and assistance, Drive Hart are launching a new resource site called " Drive.Zone for Parents" in September available on low cost subscription basis covering all driving subjects.  

If you need one to one support, we are also launching a new service called "Your Expert on Line" where you can subscribe to the service and get advice and guidance from A Graded Approved Driving Instructor for your private practice and test preparations. Call us if you want to get additional support on 07919 488360 or email [email protected].  

A key question Parents ask us is about the timing of starting instruction on Dual Carriageways for Supervising Parents:

It is key to ensure that you do not tackle dual carriageways too early, otherwise the learner can be overwhelmed and as they are usually faster speeds than other roads require greater car and skill.   We would recommend getting the advice of your Approved Driving Instructor before starting dual carriageways on private practice.   

The points raised in this podcast cover:

1.  How to identify a dual carriageway and who can drive on it. 

• Any road with physical separation is a dual carriage irrespective of how many lanes it has unless its a motorway.
• Can occur in any location urban, rural, city, signed dual carriageway. 
• Learners can be supervised on dual carriageways by Supervising Driver 
• We would only recommend taking a learner when they have sufficient control and confidence to take on the higher speeds.

2.   Speed on dual carriageways and how this can be different from 70 national speed limit.

• May be first time a learner has driven in higher gears so care, 
• steering can be very sensitive travelling at speed
• safety gaps are imperative 
• Observations and knowledge of your surroundings and other users essential
• Planning and anticipation is key to safety
• normally subject to 70 mph national limit but can also be any specified / signed speed restriction eg  30, 40, 50 60mph so checking what applies is important etc.  

3.  Lanes and the all important observations.

• Always travel on left, unless good reason to be on the right (ie approaching a roundabout where you need right lane, approach to move into slip on right to move across dual carriage, overtaking)
• anticipation and planning and strong observations are key to safe dual carriage way driving.  
• Higher speeds mean that you should always know what is around you and keep safe  gaps from other traffic.

4.  Overtaking on dual carriageways 

• Look well ahead as you close on the vehicle in front of you 
• Use your MSPSL nice and early so do not get too close to vehicle your overtaking
• Wait until you can see the vehicle in your rear view mirror that your overtaking before you move back left.
• Smooth steering at all times but especially when moving around other vehicles.  

5.  Joining a dual carriage & leaving a dual carriageway

• Joining:  various ways to do this - pick up speed on the slip road,  and keep in low gear ie 4th gear so you have some acceleration power.   You still have to be prepared to stop if necessary because you don't have priority.  
• Leaving:  save your braking until you are on the slip, before that plan ahead know where your exit is and ensure your in left lane.

Resources:
https://drivehart.com
Facebook pages - Parents Teaching

Support the show

Dear Listener,

Thanks for tuning in to the Drive Hart free podcasts – 

To see our full range of resources and support groups,   check out the links below: 

• All links: https://linktr.ee/drivehart (podcasts and support groups for parents, students and Instructors)
  
  
  • Parents’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/524645638669371
    
    
  • Instructors’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/931188437661404
    
    
• Updates and News for learners:  https://www.drivehart.com
• Updates and News for instructors https://www.drivehart-instructortraining.com
  
  

If you have a question or need training support Whats app  Sarah Hart on 07919 488360 or email [email protected]

Sarah Jane Hart & Jac Clayton
Directors, Drive Hart Ltd

Send us Fan Mail

Link to Drive Hart https://linktr.ee/drivehart

In this podcast Sarah Hart (ADI) discusses the process of emerging right from a minor road into a major road junction.  

Support the show

Dear Listener,

Thanks for tuning in to the Drive Hart free podcasts – 

To see our full range of resources and support groups,   check out the links below: 

• All links: https://linktr.ee/drivehart (podcasts and support groups for parents, students and Instructors)
  
  
  • Parents’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/524645638669371
    
    
  • Instructors’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/931188437661404
    
    
• Updates and News for learners:  https://www.drivehart.com
• Updates and News for instructors https://www.drivehart-instructortraining.com
  
  

If you have a question or need training support Whats app  Sarah Hart on 07919 488360 or email [email protected]

Sarah Jane Hart & Jac Clayton
Directors, Drive Hart Ltd

Send us Fan Mail

Link to Drive Hart https://linktr.ee/drivehart

In this short podcast we talk about poor positioning by learners.  So when we have to hold back for a car, if the student has seen the situation arising early on gives you the advantage in positioning.   

Talks about the optimum hold back position - cars length away from parked and as much to middle or centre line of road - so have an easy moving off senario and avoiding harsh steering, and improved vision.  Good position means cars behind will see that your not parked but your positioned to move around the car.  Consider popping on right signal to emphasis your intention.  

Discusses problems with poor positioning.   

Getting into a gap between two parked cars is discussed and how lack of anticipation can cause learners to be late or too fast in making their decision to pull in.  Slowing the car down means you have greater control. 

Basic rule keep the learner slow, get them to see ahead and plan and anticipate to get right outcome.    

Support the show

Dear Listener,

Thanks for tuning in to the Drive Hart free podcasts – 

To see our full range of resources and support groups,   check out the links below: 

• All links: https://linktr.ee/drivehart (podcasts and support groups for parents, students and Instructors)
  
  
  • Parents’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/524645638669371
    
    
  • Instructors’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/931188437661404
    
    
• Updates and News for learners:  https://www.drivehart.com
• Updates and News for instructors https://www.drivehart-instructortraining.com
  
  

If you have a question or need training support Whats app  Sarah Hart on 07919 488360 or email [email protected]

Sarah Jane Hart & Jac Clayton
Directors, Drive Hart Ltd

Send us Fan Mail

Link to Drive Hart https://linktr.ee/drivehart

This podcast is a short explanation that when dealing with meeting traffic with a learner - it is important for them to know in what circumstances they have priority to progress. 

In simple terms - if the blockage is on our side of the road we do not have priority,  If the blockage is on the other side of the road and our lane is clear then we normally have priority.

Blockages are normally parked cars or other obstructions.

When cars on both sides of the road, then have situation called a 50/50 and neither party has priority and you have to look and plan ahead and anticipate what others are doing.

We talk about hills and how this impacts priorities - if its a 50/50 you should give way to traffic coming up a hill because it is difficulty to get going uphill. 

If 50/50 and both approaching the pinch point together have to look and see what others are doing, consider holding back. 

Do not flash lights because it can be misinterpreted by others and pedestrians.

We cannot guarantee others will do what they are expected to do, but sometimes cars don't hold back for you, for whatever reason (misjudge speed and distance or just might be arrogant and push through). 

A good lesson for your learner is to consider:   no matter if you have priority always expect the unexpected and be ready to react and hold back.   
 

Support the show

Dear Listener,

Thanks for tuning in to the Drive Hart free podcasts – 

To see our full range of resources and support groups,   check out the links below: 

• All links: https://linktr.ee/drivehart (podcasts and support groups for parents, students and Instructors)
  
  
  • Parents’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/524645638669371
    
    
  • Instructors’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/931188437661404
    
    
• Updates and News for learners:  https://www.drivehart.com
• Updates and News for instructors https://www.drivehart-instructortraining.com
  
  

If you have a question or need training support Whats app  Sarah Hart on 07919 488360 or email [email protected]

Sarah Jane Hart & Jac Clayton
Directors, Drive Hart Ltd

Send us Fan Mail

 Meeting Traffic  - planning and anticipation - key decision making.  Importance of getting your learner to look well ahead.

Discusses the exercise in getting your learner to look ahead and tell you what they are seeing.  Looking at the Horizon exercise introduced. 

Links to Mirror, Signal, Position, Speed and Look - see the problem early on and makes it easier to deal with priorities (blockages) 

Importance of you looking ahead as a supervisor.   

Support the show

Dear Listener,

Thanks for tuning in to the Drive Hart free podcasts – 

To see our full range of resources and support groups,   check out the links below: 

• All links: https://linktr.ee/drivehart (podcasts and support groups for parents, students and Instructors)
  
  
  • Parents’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/524645638669371
    
    
  • Instructors’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/931188437661404
    
    
• Updates and News for learners:  https://www.drivehart.com
• Updates and News for instructors https://www.drivehart-instructortraining.com
  
  

If you have a question or need training support Whats app  Sarah Hart on 07919 488360 or email [email protected]

Sarah Jane Hart & Jac Clayton
Directors, Drive Hart Ltd

Send us Fan Mail

Link to Drive Hart https://linktr.ee/drivehart

This is a basic explanation of what meeting traffic is - it is the link to other podcasts which deal with priorities in meeting traffic and planning and anticipation.  

Support the show

Dear Listener,

Thanks for tuning in to the Drive Hart free podcasts – 

To see our full range of resources and support groups,   check out the links below: 

• All links: https://linktr.ee/drivehart (podcasts and support groups for parents, students and Instructors)
  
  
  • Parents’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/524645638669371
    
    
  • Instructors’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/931188437661404
    
    
• Updates and News for learners:  https://www.drivehart.com
• Updates and News for instructors https://www.drivehart-instructortraining.com
  
  

If you have a question or need training support Whats app  Sarah Hart on 07919 488360 or email [email protected]

Sarah Jane Hart & Jac Clayton
Directors, Drive Hart Ltd