Geared to Go A Workbook for Coaching New Drivers

1Learning to drive is exciting. It may even be a little nerve-racking for some new drivers. Before starting outon the road, it’s critical to take the time to teach and reinforce good habits inside and outside the vehicle.Coach’s TipBefore the first practice session, check the expiry date and condition codes on the new driver’slicence. For each exercise, make sure you and the new driver have your driver’s licences with you,as well as the vehicle insurance and registration.Review and discuss the information in the following sections. Review each section at home or in thelegally parked vehicle and then practise the required skills.Pre-driving habitsCertain activities should become habits by having them practised every time a driver gets into a vehicle.Entering and exiting a vehicleExplain how to enter a vehicle parked on a street. The driver should always approach the driver’s doorfrom the front of the vehicle. This way the driver can keep an eye on approaching traffic to determinewhen it is safe to open the vehicle door. When exiting a vehicle parked on a street the driver should alwaysdo the following.• Check the inside and outside rear view mirrors for traffic.• Make a shoulder check left before opening the door.• Open the door at a safe time.• Exit walking to the rear of the vehicle facing traffic.Procedures before startingDemonstrate the following basic procedures before putting a vehicle in motion. These can be done beforeor after explaining the vehicle’s instruments and controls.With the learner in the driver’s seat and the vehicle parked, teach about door safety. Explain how to adjustand properly position the seat, head restraint, seat belt and mirrors. Be thorough in your explanations. Thefollowing instructions will help the driver follow correct procedures.DoorsMany people don’t think about locking the vehicle doors when they are inside, but this should become ahabit. Lock the doors to:• prevent unplanned openings.• keep unwanted persons out of the vehicle.• reduce the chance for doors to open in a collision.12