Newslink February 2021

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Towards your CPD First steps on the M-ways can be daunting – but fun! As we approach the second anniversary of learner drivers being allowed on motorways with ADIs, Steve Garrod draws up a lesson plan As ADIs up and down the country think of the days when we could get out and teach, it may be time to reflect and plan some lessons after lockdown. It will be two years in June since learner drivers in England, Scotland and Wales have been be able to take driving lessons on motorways. The aim was to help to make sure more drivers know how to use motorways safely but, following some recent phone calls and emails, it appears many ADIs are still not confident with conducting motorway lessons. It maybe worth re-capping a couple of key facts: • Only ADIs in Category B vehicles fitted with dual controls are allowed to teach learners on motorways • It is a voluntary scheme and there are currently no plans to conduct [learner] driving tests on motorways I am regularly asked questions about the content and how to cover the subject and about suitable magnetic roof boards for motorway use, so this month I thought I’d share some of the things we have been discussing including lesson planning, risk management, content and selecting routes. Many of us have conducted Pass Plus lessons on motorways with newly qualified drivers, but it is clear that the vast majority have not. This is understandable, because very few will have been trained to teach on motorways or even dual carriageways due to the old pre-set test format of the now defunct Part 3 Test of Instructional Ability. Having said that, many ADI Part 2 routes cover national speed limits on dual carriageways, and some on motorways, so if you have a think back to your training, think about the changes you may have had to make to your own driving and how this was covered by your trainer. Your own risk management Before teaching learners on motorways it is essential that you make sure that your instructor’s insurance includes comprehensive cover on motorways and that your magnetic roof sign has a strong enough magnet to cope with high speed. Most good roof boards are tested in wind tunnels to above 70mph but you should also consider the effects of strong winds and perhaps postpone the motorway lesson if you feel there may be a danger of the board being blown off. If in doubt it may be better to change your top box because magnets do lose their power over time, or use adhesive L-plates front and rear. As a general rule, it is best to change your roof box when you change your car. Lesson planning When planning, you will need to give consideration to the content, route and the structure of your lesson. Although the lesson content and structure needs to be agreed with your pupil, you do have to have a plan and know what needs to be covered if the lesson is to be effective. You will also be able to identify what can be covered practically and what will need to be covered by questions and answers, eg, motorway features that may not be readily accessible in your training area, such as crawler lanes, smart motorways and contraflows. The duration of the lesson will depend on where your pupils are located, therefore it may be more suitable to consider a two-hour lesson. Longer lessons will also help pupils appreciate the effects of fatigue when driving for longer periods, therefore journey management is an important element of this training. Under normal circumstance you could decide to take two pupils in the same session to enable them to travel further and share the driving. Driving with a passenger prepares them for the real world (additional risks) and is useful if you intend to accompany them on their driving test. Until the end of this pandemic, and when we are allowed to get back out on the road again, it is probably not a sensible option, but it is a thought for the future. Element 3.1.4 from the National Standards for Driving and Riding and The Highway Code (rules 253-273) will also help you plan for this lesson. This national standard has conveniently planned this subject for us and is an excellent lesson for a Standards Check, if you have access to these types of roads. The lesson content can be broken down into Show me and Tell me headings, such as: Show me (skills that must be shown) • join and leave a motorway/dual carriageway safely from the left or the right • drive in the most suitable lane • allow for others to join or leave the 20 NEWSLINK n FEBRUARY <strong>2021</strong>
For all the latest news, see www.msagb.com “In reality this could be the first time pupils get the chance to overtake something moving quicker than 15mph, save for the occasional MAMIL out for his weekly cycle...” carriageway • change lanes safely • good anticipation • overtake other vehicles safely • maintain a safe following distance Tell me (know and understand) • safe use of hard shoulders • how to react to emergency vehicles and Highway Agency Officers • how to plan a journey and how to reduce the effects of fatigue • the rules relating to dual carriageways and motorways • Active Management Systems (eg, variable speed limits) • the need to scan well ahead on approach to junctions • the correct use of the hazard lights • dealing safely with a breakdown • the risks posed by drivers of lefthand drive vehicles, particularly large goods vehicles. Risk management Part of the planning for this lesson naturally includes risk management. This could mean identifying potential problems and finding suitable solutions to reduce the risk and making sure the lesson is built up step by step, for example, allowing pupils to build up their speed gradually on route to the motorway. If you live near to an area that has Active Management Systems, such as ‘hard shoulder running’ (where traffic is allowed to travel on the hard shoulder to reduce congestions a certain times of the day) or variable speed limits where mandatory speed limits are shown on overhead gantries at busy times, then it is worth the effort to build extra time into the lesson so that your pupil can experience it (though obviously be careful not to run over time in a Standards Check!) Recap The recap should link to any home study which may have been set, and previous lessons dealing with dual carriageways or national speed limit roads. Pupils must be able to recognise the national speed sign, know the maximum speeds for their own vehicle and also of others vehicle types, eg, LGVs, cars towing trailers. Once they pass their test they will be entitled to tow a trailer or may be asked to drive a mini-bus, so knowing these limits is important. Main points The main points should include the bullet points under the ‘knowledge and understanding’ section. For example: • dealing with an emergency or breakdown • how to recognise Active Management Scheme (AMS)* (if applicable) • speed limits • lane discipline • motorway road signs • how to join and exit motorways The above are also good examples of risk management. The responsibility should be shared in all driving lessons and pupils need to know what is expected of them before they enter the main carriageway of a motorway. Continued on page 22 www.msagb.com 21
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Page 6: News L-test tuition exemption grant
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Page 14 and 15: News DVSA rejects plan to let ADIs
Page 16 and 17: News ADI numbers are down, down, de
Page 18 and 19: Towards your CPD Can I just go back
Page 22 and 23: Towards your CPD First steps on the
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Page 28 and 29: Regional News Starting the year wit
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