Teaching A Learner To Drive?

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In this podcast we cover the process for Emerging left from a minor road into a major one.  We go through the core driving process of Mirrors, Signal, Position, Speed/Gear and Looking, Assessing Deciding and Acting.  

We normally teach emerging (left and right) after a student has mastered turning left and right, as in particular emerging right  involves more skill in terms of :  clutch down, rolling first and more involved in decision making as you are crossing the path of other traffic.  

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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 podcast provides an overview of Roundabouts - their purpose and 5 core aspects which often cause issues in negotiating them.   

The presentation starts with the purpose of roundabouts and then the 5 core aspects which we teach students, covering


1.Approach - Speed / Gear / Positioning  

2.Key Decision Making Process – LADA / Assessing Gaps

3.Lane Selection / Lane Discipline

4.Signals / Timing - On/Off 

5.Strong Observations / Awareness & Discipline 

Extract from our presentation on roundabouts:


Always Discuss the main Purpose of Roundabouts with your Learner - ask what they know!

•Meeting of two or more roads – to keep traffic moving

•Simple and Complex / Multi-lane

•Traffic light controlled and non controlled

•Don’t confuse with mini-roundabouts (separate session)

•Clockwise direction around island

•Give way to right

•Speed and Approach important 

•Assessment of Safe Gaps to Join 

•Method Important (Signals / Lane Selection / Discipline) 

1.  THE APPROACH – MSPSL 

•Mirror, Signal, Position, Speed/Gear – Look and prepare as you approach the roundabout.  

•Slow Down Early – Buy Yourself Time 

•Low Gear (usually 1st or 2nd – depending on situation)

•Look for Signs / Markings – well in advance

•Remember look for exceptions to normal positioning (often by advance signs and markings, examples in Salisbury ring road)

•Position for lane selection – plan and anticipate

•Observations – look well ahead to see what's happening

2.KEY DECISION MAKING PROCESS – LADA! 

●Look / Assess / Decide / Act – The Process

•Move Your Eyes:  Right and Ahead

•Start Assessing Early

•Assess Traffic Speed and Volume from the right 

•Look for Safe Gap (come in slow = better decision) 

•If No Safe Gap,  You Need To Stop!

•Don’t Assume The Driver In Front Will Go! 

•Don’t Follow Other Drivers / Make your own decision!   

3.  LANE SELECTION / DISCIPLINE  

•Look / Assess / Decide / Act  

•Look at signs on approach to guide you

•Observations Critical 

•General

•A:  Turning Left (first exit) – left lane on approach

•B:  Ahead (2nd exit) – left lane (unless directed otherwise)

•C:  Turning Right (3rd exit) – right lane on approach  - Inside / Outside principle 




4.  SIGNALS AND TIMING  

•Signals / Signal Timing = Key To Safety

•Informs what you are doing, so all others know/see

•Visibly shows your intention (to go ahead / or turn)

•Timing is really important, can tells others to hold back

•Poor signals cause confusion and often accidents

In General 

•Turning Left (first exit) •Left signal on Approach

•Ahead (second exit)  •No Signal on Approach, •Left Signal After Passing First Exit 

•Turing Right (third exit)•Right signal on approach •Left signal after passing second exit




5.  STRONG OBSERVATIONS / AWARENESS  CRITICAL   

•Emphasis – Strong Observations / Awareness

•Look well ahead (know what's going on)

•Look and be aware of danger areas

•Expect and be ready for other drivers to do unexpected

•Watch body language of other cars

•Slow down – and observe – keep out of danger

•Beware Long Vehicles (If on inside of them on bend)

•If made a wrong decision on lanes – stay with it.  •No late lane changes 

•Before peeling away, always make sure left wing is safe

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 presented by Sarah Hart, A Graded ADI who is ORDIT registered and director of Drive Hart Limited. 

The session covers some of the main problems associated the learning to drive syllabus from the perspective of the potential or approved instructor perspective. 

Four main areas examined in terms of the problems that can arise with syllabus management and some suggestions on solutions, concluding with some key tips to assist those new to the industry.

1.  Goals/Aims of syllabus delivery - what outcomes are being sought for your training:  the podcast examine the problem of being rigid in syllabus delivery, inflexible to students needs or goals, or becoming over-focused just on test preparation.  We advocate a clear aim/goal on preparing learners to be safe and competent drivers, who are also properly prepared for the UK Driving Test  before presentation to test.  A focus on safety and competency ensures a wider breadth of knowledge and skills which keep young drivers safe when they take on independent driving.  The National publications (syllabus, standards for driving and teaching) set by the Government (Department of Vehicle Standards Agency, make it clear that the focus should be on safety and competency and link to these can be found below).

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-standard-for-driving-cars-and-light-vans-category-b

2.  Knowledge and understanding of the syllabus - the breadth of the National Syllabus,  as well as knowledge of each subject, need to brief students and taking a step by step approach to delivery.   We recommend that you get detailed understanding of the DVSA Essential Skills booklet and the highway code as well as the national standards and syllabus mentioned above.  But more than that, use your ADI trainer / coach to provide detailed professional knowledge of teaching the driving syllabus and get really familiar with how each subject is taught (step by step).   A useful DVSA sponsored site is the safedriving for life site a link to which is provided below, which provides software for PDI revision on Part 1/Part 2 as well as a shop with the main text you will need to help you in your role, in particular the essential skills. 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code
https://www.safedrivingforlife.info/shop/official-dvsa-guide-driving-essential-skills/

3.  Delivery of the syllabus - client centered, detailed subject knowledge and breakdown for delivery in realistic steps, clear briefings before practice etc.  Ensure you have this detailed understanding of each subject, its breakdown, how to brief your student initially and then how to walk them through the key steps.   

4.  Syllabus progression - needs to be logical and at the same time client/student centered and responsive to their needs. 

In respect of the last two subjects is it really important to get a close understanding of what the DVSA expect of you in your key examinations to become a Driving Instructor and we strongly recommend you read the Guidance To Examiners publication (ADI1) for an insight into what they are looking to see in terms of competency:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-driving-examiners-carrying-out-instructor-tests-adi1 

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

Preparing and Planning Private Driving Practice with a learner driver can save you time, money and stress.  The Government Department responsible for Driving Tests estimates that around 70 hours tuition/practice is required to get a student ready for test of which around 45 hrs is taught and  22 hours it is assumed would be private practice with family or friends.   

Focused and well planned practice can save you professional instruction costs and reduce the stress inherent in supervising a learner in car.

This podcast, hosted by Julia Ann Clayton (retired Assistant Chief Officer of Police, A Graded Approved Instructor and Director of Training Company Drive Hart Ltd) covers ten key issues / preparations that supervisors should consider before setting off on private practice supervision including:

1.  Appropriate Car for the Learners Practice

2.  Insurance and legal costs to cover the learner driving, also consider wider aspects eg does the insurance provider have any terms or conditions regarding supervising drivers, does the policy in place provide cover for any legal (civil or criminal) proceedings and costs.

3.  Communication between you and your Approved Driving Instructor - Practice what has been taught by the ADI, if you don't have an ADI the onus will be on you to know the national driving syllabus and the skills that will be tested in the driving test.

4.  Knowledge of the supervisors role, Road Traffic  law and Highway Code, plus  key driving processes is essential to prepare a learner for test.

5.  Refresh your own driving skills and knowledge, and avoid passing on bad habits!

6.  Adopting the "Right Approach" to practice (right subject, right place and right time), speak with your ADI on when to start practice, and what to practice, get regular updates on the learners progress on the syllabus.

7.  Calmly review/debrief your practice - record your practice times and discuss any issues with your ADI.
 
8.  Keep driving  practice calm and as stress free as possible,  Agree the plan with your learner and how your going to deal and debrief any events during the practice.  If all else fails stop and cool things down!
 
9.  Give Clear, concise, and well timed alerts, direction and instruction, slow practice down!  it really helps the learner and you to manage the practice.
 
10.  Learn how to identify and put right common driving faults and discuss them with your learner.  Look on line, get advice and talk to your ADI, fault identification is what they do every day, and they should be able to give you advice on any specific recurrent faults to look out for with your learner.


Many of the points covered are further unpacked in other podcasts in our series.  We hope this resource is of use to parents and prospective instructors alike. 


Some Key links mentioned in this podcast:

Parents - Teaching a Learner to Drive (free group for parents on facebook)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/524645638669371

Government advice on learning to drive
https://www.gov.uk/driving-lessons-learning-to-drive

ROSPA advice on private practice
https://www.rospa.com/resources/hubs/young-drivers/learning-to-drive/private-driving-practice

NB:  regarding Insurance issues - there are many insurance companies who also provide advice on insurance for learner drivers but to avoid recommendations we simply advise a google search on learn

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 provides an overview of the Supervising Drivers Role; the podcast is delivered by Julia Clayton, who is a retired Assistant Chief Constable (police), Director of Drive Hart (Government Approved Instructor Training Company) and qualified Grade A Instructor with some 30 years experience of law (criminal and civil).  

The podcast looks at the legal aspects of your supervision role, outlining the rules and responsibilities involved in the  role and provides some practical advice on what to do and advice to seek before setting off to conduct private practice with a learner driver. 

Key pointers:

• Ensure you understand what your role requires you to do - you need to be active not passive in ensuring driving practice is kept safe.

• Check your/learners insurance cover properly.  Ensure it fully covers the learner and you for practice driving.  Some insurance companies are putting additional requirements on supervision of learners (eg increasing the age of the supervisor is just one)  so speak to them, don't just assume it will cover you or the learner - check!   

• Ask whether the insurance cover in place also provides for funding for  legal cover should the learner or your actions as supervisor be subject to criminal or civil proceedings and costs.   Do not underestimate how important this can be, civil  cases where compensation/damages are being sought can be very costly.

• Ensure you vehicle is fully legal, tax, insurance, MOT and display L Plates as required when taking a learner out.

• Speak with your Approved Driving Instructor on when to start private practice and what subjects to cover, where and when - the principle:  practice was has been taught by the Approved Driving Instructor where possible. 

• Understand that the law expects you to be active in your role, ensuring practice is kept safe (for you and all other road users), if you are found not to have given instruction or made an intervention in the event of an accident, you may find yourself liable for criminal or civil proceedings as well as the learner driver. 

• The standard expected of a learner driver is that of a competent experienced driver, if they fall below that standard, as supervisor you are expected to keep practice safe and may be asked to account for what you did or did not do to rectify careless or dangerous driving by the learner  in the event of proceedings. 

• There is a wealth of case law which underpins these points, before you set off supervising driving practice we recommend taking advice from an approved Driving Instructor and where possible to work in conjunction with an ADI so that you practice what has already been taught by the professional.   

For further information and support for Parents and Supervising Drivers see our facebook page and our public facebook groups for parents and those who want to become instructors, links below: 

 "Parents - Teaching a Learner To Drive"
https://www.facebook.com/groups/524645638669371

national Standards referred to in the podcast can be found on:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/car-and-small-van-driving-syllabus

"Driving Instructor Training - Information and Advice"
https://www.facebook.com/groups/931188437661404


A link to our Drive Hart facebook page is provided below, which provides regular u

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

Introduction to what a blind spot check is and an short overview of when you should check blind spots and when you should restrict it to a simple shoulder check.  

Dont forget we have lots of other resources on our facebook group for parents called:  parents - teaching a learner to drive 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/524645638669371

and if you are a trainee instructor on our group for instructors called: Driving Instructor Training:  information & Advice (public page) 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/931188437661404

or check out our website
https//www.sarahhartdrivingschool.com

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 6th element of the MSPSLADA process - Look.  This podcast looks at the need to look and observe from two perspectives, the learners observations and your role to observe the learner and checking out what they see, register and what they intend doing about what they see.   

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 the 5th element of the MSPSL routine where we are talking about speed and gear element.  The key to success is discussed, covering plan and anticipate - early instruction, slow speed down and lower gear and give your decision making time (so you can look, assess decide and act).   

We have a e-book which covers this in more detail which is currently available to read free on Kindle amazon...see link below 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Supervising-Learner-Driver-Successful-Practice-ebook/dp/B08GSRNVHS

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

Positioning is a key element of the core driving process MSPSL, and is mentioned twice in the Governments top 10 reasons for learners failing their driving test, hitting number 4 and number 7 in respect of positioning when turning right and normal driving position.  

Dont forget to check out public facebook site we sponsor for Parents - ask questions, loads of advice and materials to help you, videos on the driving test and more......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 short podcast talks about the final key decision making element of the core driving process - Assess, Decide and Act.  it is key to give time to this final decision making element and slowing it down on approach enables this.  

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