Confessions of a Driving Instructor

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!

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!

Since the last lesson, I have being doing some more practicing of the manoeuvres, and I am now confident I have most of the reference points sorted out.

Today we drove mostly around the Brighton & Hove area, which is quite hilly and has a lot a variety in the width and type of road. I am very pleased that my turn in the road manoeuvre is now up to test standard - I just need to improve everything else up to the same standard

During the reversing around a corner manoeuvre, I have noticed that I am now cutting the corner - not enough to mount the kerb and fail the test, but enough to require a bit more practice. Today we also learnt a new reverse parking technique, which should make our reverse parking more consistent.

What does concern me is how easy it is to build up enough minor faults to be in danger of failing the test. Simply not indicating correctly when leaving a roundabout, and then taking a while to accelerate up to a suitable speed could be enough to leave only one or two more minor faults before the test is over

Today we again practiced in the Reigate and Redhill areas, to get used to the roads we will be driving on during the Part 2 test.

Today we did some more reversing around a corner (to the left and right) – I am now beginning to find the reference points I need, so I can accurately follow the curve of the pavement when reversing. My turn in the road is getting better, but I need to find my reference points for this manoeuvre, to avoid hitting the kerb.

Things are slowly coming together, but I think I need more practice in the BSM car (which I will use for the Part 2 test), so I can be comfortable with all of the manoeuvres.

The trainer must have read my mind from the last lesson, as this time we headed north through Crawley and Gatwick and on to Redhill and Reigate, which is where the Part 2 tests are performed. Unfortunately, there was an accident on A23, which meant we spent about half an hour stuck in a traffic jam. Note to self: do not take both hands off the steering wheel when slowly moving in a traffic jam

It appears that as I improve on some things, other things start to go wrong – this week my position in my lane was all wrong – I was too far to the right of my lane. The trainer said this was a common habit for experienced drivers, as it affords you more visibility on the road (but it is still wrong).

We practiced doing a turn in the road and left reverse, but I have found that after doing the manoeuvres for a little while, I take longer than normal to accelerate when driving normally (I’m driving like a learner, according to the trainer). Another thing to work on!

Since the last lesson I have been out for a practice drive with my co-trainee, during which we attempted the manoeuvres again (but this time with more accuracy!)

This lesson I found I have improved on all of the points from the first lesson. The observation part of manoeuvring I was better at this time, but I still panic when other vehicles approach (such as when doing a turn in the road). I am now approaching situations more carefully, but I am still a bit too eager to accelerate with the flow of traffic, rather than allowing a safe gap to build. My steering is better (well, I didn’t get any negative comments from my trainer, so I think it is better).

We again drove around Burgess Hill and the surrounding towns, which helped because I am beginning to recognise some of the roads and junctions, so I am beginning to know what to expect.