Geared to Go A Workbook for Coaching New Drivers

Coaching InstructionsControl the situation• The first rule when helping someone to develop driving skills is to practise in a safe setting. Newdrivers may be overconfident, insisting that they are ready to take on peak hour traffic after a coupleof lessons. Others may lack confidence, wanting to avoid even the simplest driving activities. Theoverconfident driver needs firm guidance to prevent risky situations. For the less confident driver, bepatient and encouraging. Use diagrams and demonstrate the activities to increase both understandingand confidence.• In the early sessions, controlling a situation often means getting the vehicle in position for the studentto drive. For example, before the learner has learned to back up, it may be necessary for you to backthe car out of the driveway and position it to drive straight ahead.• Early practice sessions should take place during daylight hours in an area of low traffic such as a quietstreet or empty parking lot. Move into moderate traffic only when the learner can perform the basicskills smoothly and with control. Moderate traffic would be ordinary street traffic at non-peak hours.• Practise for a minimum of one hour but not more than two hours at a time. After that, the learnermay stop learning effectively. Shorter practice sessions are best at first. If the learner becomes tired orfrustrated during practice, take a break.• Don’t move on to the next skill until the learner is performing well and is confident about thepresent task.• Always plan driving routes in advance, making sure they aren’t too difficult. The best way to makedriving practice safe is to be sure the driving situation does not place unrealistic demands onthe learner.• Once the learner is skilled and confident in moderate traffic, it is time to move into higher risk settingssuch as driving in the dark, on the highway, or in poor weather.Demonstrate the skillsAn effective method for teaching a driving skill is to demonstrate it correctly first.• Explain each step as you go.• Describe what you are doing and why you are doing it.• Let the learner copy what you have done.• Help teach safe habits by emphasizing the see-think-do habit:See Help the driver watch for possible hazards."What do you see ahead?"Think Help the driver to think about what might happen and possible solutions."See that bicycle? What could happen here? What should you do?"Do Help the driver to decide what to do.8