Geared to Go A Workbook for Coaching New Drivers

8The first practice sessions with a new driver should be during non-rush hour traffic or a time whenhighway (refers to urban and rural high speed roadways) traffic is light. This allows the new driver tobecome familiar with acceleration and deceleration lanes, and entrance and exit ramps without havingto deal with the added pressure of heavy traffic. Lighter traffic will be less daunting. The followinginstructions can help the new driver learn safe driving on highways.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.Coach’s TipPlan a route that allows for getting on and off the highway several times.Entering a highwayInstructions for entering a highway must emphasize the proper use of the entrance ramp and accelerationlane in order to merge safely into traffic.• Check the traffic flow on the highway while still on the entrance ramp and approaching theacceleration lane.• Use the side view mirror and do a shoulder check to find a gap (the entry point) in traffic.• Turn on the signal light as the vehicle enters the acceleration lane and adjust speed to match that ofthe traffic on the highway.• Do a shoulder check again when the vehicle is about halfway along the acceleration lane to locate thepre-selected gap. Maintain speed and merge with the traffic into the first lane of the highway.• Check that the signal light is off.Stay Safe – Solid and Broken LinesIt is against the law to cross over a single solid line that divides the acceleration lane from the trafficlanes on the highway. Merge only where there are broken lines.66