helping someone learn to drive
Discussion
My partner is currently learning how to drive she has had about 12 hours of lessons now and is on the insurance for driving our Fiesta.
However I don't seem to be the greatest at giving instructions and I am very wary of contradicting the instructors tuition and it's causing some serious arguments. What's the best way to walk people through helping them at points like Roundabouts and junctions as my inability to walk through what she should be doing is hampering her confidence a lot. I've driven for 11 years so describing what I do is very difficult as it's just second nature to me!
She is perfectly fine and confident driving out in the open road and doing maneuvers. it's just trying to explain in a helpful way to a beginner when to start slowing down and changing gear for approaching a junction/roundabout.
However I don't seem to be the greatest at giving instructions and I am very wary of contradicting the instructors tuition and it's causing some serious arguments. What's the best way to walk people through helping them at points like Roundabouts and junctions as my inability to walk through what she should be doing is hampering her confidence a lot. I've driven for 11 years so describing what I do is very difficult as it's just second nature to me!
She is perfectly fine and confident driving out in the open road and doing maneuvers. it's just trying to explain in a helpful way to a beginner when to start slowing down and changing gear for approaching a junction/roundabout.
With my kids, I felt the lessons were for passing their test while their time with me was to get seat-time and also to drive in places their instructors were unlikely to take them, so they got more varied experience.
I also used it to point out how to spot hazards, how to spot or cope with an idiot, some ideas of defensive driving. All thing they would need once they pass their test.
I stayed away from what the instructor had taught them, other than asking why they would do certain things.
I also used it to point out how to spot hazards, how to spot or cope with an idiot, some ideas of defensive driving. All thing they would need once they pass their test.
I stayed away from what the instructor had taught them, other than asking why they would do certain things.
My guidance would be to wait until she is confident with all of the manoeuvres and then focus on giving her a lot of practice - driving through cities, A roads, night time, etc for the weeks up to the test. Make her plan routes (not on sat nav) and have her commentate on the road ahead and why she is making the moves she is making, road positioning, etc. Lots of quiet side roads for the turns, parking, etc.
She will know what is right by then, she will just need time behind the wheel?
She will know what is right by then, she will just need time behind the wheel?
Edited by Vaud on Thursday 26th February 12:08
Utterly agree with the above. Daughter number one is learning right now. I have told her that I will help her learn to drive, but only after the instructor has helped her learn to pass her driving test 
that way, she doesn't get any of my filthy habits. It's odd how she can already tell me off because hands are not at ten to two.
that way, she doesn't get any of my filthy habits. It's odd how she can already tell me off because hands are not at ten to two.
When I was an ADI years ago, my worst nightmare was Husbands, Boyfriends etc "helping" their Partner to drive.
It usually took several lessons to get them back to where they were before. The worst one was when I had a lady who was just a few weeks away from her test.
Her Husband told her that I had been teaching her how to use the gears incorrectly and she would fail her test. Her driving became unsafe, as she was becoming confused with whether to believe me or him.
I calmly asked her how many people he had taught to drive compared to my 200.
the penny dropped and she passed first time soon after.
Tim
It usually took several lessons to get them back to where they were before. The worst one was when I had a lady who was just a few weeks away from her test.
Her Husband told her that I had been teaching her how to use the gears incorrectly and she would fail her test. Her driving became unsafe, as she was becoming confused with whether to believe me or him.
I calmly asked her how many people he had taught to drive compared to my 200.
the penny dropped and she passed first time soon after.
Tim
I gave my wife, son and daughter practice time, once they were safe enough to not need the use of dual controls. and that is the key for me.
I rarely gave instruction, and everything I wanted to teach them I'd phrase it in a question. I'd often ask, "what would your instructor say about..........?" and then explain why he was telling them that. I never ever questioned what the instructor had said, although I did say a couple of times, "that is a new one on me. Can you ask him why that is the way we do it..........? " I actually learnt a few things.
We just did lots of miles, and lots of set pieces - Mainly reversing into spaces 100 times. I did remind them about mirrors, road positioning and vision.
BEST bit though was when they passed, and I taught them all how to overtake safely. Something that you don't need to pass your test it seems.
I rarely gave instruction, and everything I wanted to teach them I'd phrase it in a question. I'd often ask, "what would your instructor say about..........?" and then explain why he was telling them that. I never ever questioned what the instructor had said, although I did say a couple of times, "that is a new one on me. Can you ask him why that is the way we do it..........? " I actually learnt a few things.
We just did lots of miles, and lots of set pieces - Mainly reversing into spaces 100 times. I did remind them about mirrors, road positioning and vision.
BEST bit though was when they passed, and I taught them all how to overtake safely. Something that you don't need to pass your test it seems.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff