Confessions of a Driving Instructor

Today I had my first experience of a real driving lesson since I passed my test all those years ago!

I was allowed to sit in the back of a lesson, so I could get some experience of what really happens, and how to deal with different situations. This lesson involved performing the reversing around a corner to the left manoeuvre. After a drive to a quiet location, the procedure was explained before the pupil had a few attempts at the manoeuvre, each time needing less assistance from the instructor. Another drive back to the pupil’s house, followed by a recap on what was learned during the lesson, and two hours is surprisingly quickly over.

This lesson has confirmed my decision to become a driving instructor - this is DEFINATELY the right job for me

The second-to-last lesson

We did a bit more work on “Phase 2″, which is where the pupil is quite experienced (i.e. near to their test), and my role is to identify any faults, analyse what causes them, and then remedy the fault. It is very important to identify faults as quickly as possible, as every time a fault is not remedied, it is encouraged (the student assumes it is not a fault).

We also practised instructing on the emergency stop, which was good fun It felt very good to rectify any errors made by the pupil, for them to then perform the manoeuvre correctly (especially something as important as the emergency stop).

One more lesson to go!

My newly-completed lesson plans were put to use today, as I was asked to give a full lesson on emerging from junctions. Needless to say, it didn’t go quite as expected

It started badly when I gave the briefing for approaching junctions, not emerging from them - I only realised this about 10 minutes later, which was quite embarrassing. After a few practise junctions, it became apparent just how soon instructions need to be given, so that all instructions can be given before reaching the junction.

After practising emerging from junctions, we went for a general drive around, with me giving instructions as appropriate. This was very tiring, and it is surprising just how much effort it takes when you have to think about everything you do when you drive. A number of times we overshot roundabouts, where I hadn’t instructed the trainer (acting as my pupil) to slow down soon enough - I was thinking at the speed I normally drive, which doesn’t allow enough time to instruct a pupil how to perform the manoeuvre safely - I need to start preparing for junctions a lot sooner.

There are only two more lessons left until I can apply for my Trainee Driving Instructor licence - and start taking real pupils out

Since the last lesson, I have been working on my lesson plans and briefings.

During today’s lesson, we looked at the turn in the road and left reverse manoeuvres, and teaching the basics of steering, braking and clutch control. The manoeuvres really showed how quickly things can get out of control, and how important it is to use the correct terminology, so as to minimise “waffle”.

I took lots of notes this week, because I want to practise what needs to be said, to make sure I don’t miss anything out

To finish the lesson off, the trainer took on the role of pupil, and I had to identify any faults in his driving. I managed to see 0 out of the 3 faults I really need to practise this before I have some real pupils (and before my Part 3 test), as this seems to be my major weakness.

The first “Part 3″ (teaching a pupil) lesson was today. To ensure we get through the required 40 hours training relatively quickly, these lessons are going to be all-day affairs (whereas the previous lessons were only half a day each). This is going to be quite intensive!

We started out by going through the cockpit drill, which involves right the way from basics of opening the doors safely, through to getting the seat/steering wheel/mirrors adjusted correctly. I took on the role of pupil, while the trainer took on the role of instructor, to show the correct way of describing the controls and teaching the necessary knowledge.

Then we went on to the simplest of all manoeuvres - moving off and stopping. Again, I was in the role of pupil, and it was very difficult for me not to drive automatically, but to wait until instructed to do something! Then it was my go at teaching for the first time I think I was ok with the initial introduction (if a little verbose in my explaining - I need to be more direct). Once the car started moving, it all went to pieces Things happen so fast, that you really must be direct with your instructions - any verbose “I would like” or “Could you please” soon results in the car heading off in completely the wrong direction! This is going to take some getting used to

After lunch we tried some more advanced driving, simulating what it would be like teaching a pupil who is near to test standard. This is a completely different skill to what was learnt in the morning session, as you have to constantly watch the pupil for any errors, as well as watching the road ahead and behind in case you need to take control of the vehicle. This certainly won’t be a relaxing job The main thing I learnt from this afternoon is that the instructions need to be given very early, to ensure all of the information is given in time.

I can’t wait for next week’s lesson!

Today I visited the Brighton office of BSM, to arrange my start date and what hours I will be working. My official (tentative) start date is 8th August 2008, but this could be subject to change depending upon if I get my Trainee Licence through in time, and if there are sufficient pupils for me to train.

I also provisionally booked my working hours, which are as follows:

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Yes, that’s right - I could (potentially) be working 60 hours a week! If I find these hours are too much or not suitable, they can be re-arranged at a later date. It looks like I’m going to be busy when I start training!

When I got home after passing my Part 2 Test, my 5-year-old daughter Jazmine presented me with this card, complete with orange BSM car!

Today was the Part 2 test - a test of my driving ability

My test was due to start at 10am, so I left home at 8am for the hour’s journey. I arrived in the area just after 9am, so I spent a little while having a final practice of the left and right reversing manoeuvres. Happy that I was up to standard (and needing a wee!) I parked up outside the test centre.

I was sure I was more nervous for this test than I was when I first learnt to drive 14 years ago! After a half hour wait it was time for my test. I met the examiner and we went through the “Show Me, Tell Me” questions. Then we set off, and I was quite happy until about 45 minutes into the 1 hour test. We were on a national speed limit (60MPH) road when I suddenly spotted a 40MPH sign, just as I was about to pass it! I quickly applied the brakes, and apologised to the examiner, as he peeled his face off the windscreen

After that, I didn’t expect to pass, but I carried on to the best of my ability. At the end of the test, the examiner turned to me and said he was pleased to report I had passed I was over the moon, as I was sure I had blown it with the speed limit change. In the end, I had 5 minor faults (observation and control during a reverse park, coasting up to a junction, not indicating when changing a lane and not seeing the speed limit sign until late) - you are allowed up to 6 minor faults before failing.

Now the real work begins - learning to teach pupils to drive!

I have had a couple of practice sessions since the last lesson, where we practiced the manoeuvres and took a look at some of the routes around Reigate used by examiners.

Today’s lesson started in Reigate, and we went through Epsom and Leatherhead. The lesson was going well until I made the fatal mistake of changing gear whilst letting someone cross infront of me - in other words, I took both hands off the steering wheel From then on, my driving went steadily downhill. I must remember to concentrate during the test, to ensure things like this do not happen!

There are no more lessons now until my Part 2 test in two weeks. I hope to get the practice car the weekend before my test, so I can completely familiarise myself with the car and the manoeuvres. Not long now!

I was supposed to have a practice session this weekend, but due to me stepping on one of the children’s toys and cutting my foot I was unable to walk, let alone drive.

For this lesson I had a mock Part 2 exam. This started out well enough - the trainer even said he was getting excited, it was going that well Then it all went wrong

I got in the wrong lane at one junction, and then getting flustered after that I made a number of other silly errors I pulled out from one junction without looking both ways, and other silly mistakes. My turn in the road (which has been perfectly acceptable recently) went completely wrong when I didn’t realise I would need 5 “points” to the manoeuvre (rather than the usual 3). I ended up looking out of the wrong window when reversing, and almost hit a tree It can’t really get much worse than that.

I’ve got one more lesson booked before my Part 2 test, so I think plenty more practice is required between now and then!