I have taught handreds of learners to drive from their very first time in the driver's seat to test time and beyond. If this experience has taught me anything it's that planning is key.
- Plan where they start
- Plan to start with the basics
- Plan the route
- Plan out the objectivies
- Plan to be a good roll model
Where to start
Don't expect them to drive in a busy urban area for their first time, such as drive home from Service NSW after passing the DKT. That's like asking someone who has never played the piano to play Beethoven's piano concerto number 3. Unrealistic! We start with scales. So we should start driving somewhere simple and out of the way of danger, a quite backstreet.
Start with the basics
This means the simple maybe obvious things. Best seating position and how to move the seat and steering column, mirrors, seatbelts, etc. Where is the accelerator and break, lights, indicators, wipers, how to start the car, etc. Don't assume any knowledge.
The route
"Turn here" and "go this way" is not clear and confusing to anyone who has increased stress levels and not sure what they're doing. Instead know where you are going before starting off and maybe drive the route first so they know what to expect. Use the "At", "When", "Do" method. "At the next intersection, When the light turns green, turn left when it's safe". Give as much notice as possible and only one instruction at a time.
The objectivies
The best method of learning any skill is to have a structure and to set objectivies to a session, later you can just drive for the fun of it, initially however, set some objectives and goals. If you're not sure where to start have a look at the learning goals in the logbook.
Driving roll model
Whether you're aware of it or not you are a roll model to your children in every aspect of their lives. If they have a bad habit that grates on you perhaps you should look in the mirror. I recommend adopting low risk driving behavious the moment your children are born (if not before), not just to keep yourself and them safe but it will pay dividends in the future, particularly when they start driving. If you roll through stop signs then so will they!
Engage a driving school
When starting any long term project we all make use of a professional, building a house, renovating, servicing your car or what about tutoring for your children, think about it, Math, English or someother skill your child is looking to master over time. Yes driving IS different to math because your life depends on knowing how to reduce your risks and adopting low risk driving behaviours. Learning to drive is a long term project if your daughter or son start on their sixteenth birthday then it's a 12 month commitment for them and you.
I know you want them to be safe on the road you want to be sure they will get home safely when they borrow the car or when they are out for a drive with friends. It's vitally important that you ROLL MODEL how you want them to drive day to day and show them your committment to this goal.
Get to know a driving instructor, most of us are friendly and easy to talk to, participate in a RIDE ALONG during a lesson or two. I am happy for parents to participate in a few lessons assuming you have the time. Not just to pickup on some coaching techniques but to see what your learner is capable of achieving. I work hard to make sure all my lessons are enjoyable, relavent and useful.
Whoever you engage make sure they have a valid Working With Children check (I DO). Make sure you engage someone who has the relavant Transport For NSW accreditation and is insured and uses best practices when teaching/coaching your son or daughter. I am available to answer questions anytime during a lesson and also between lessons. You may be driving with them and a question might present itself, send me a message or call and I can provide the answer or clarify any points.
As the supervisor you will be driving with your son/daughter more than any instructor so re-enforce what they learn and don't contradict the low risk behavious being instilled, this will support them in the long run and you won't be thowing your money away.
Need help understading the learner log book? My quick tips
Engage with your learner
While teaching my own children I was well aware that once they were able to choose between driving with me or their friends I was going to be the second choice. But until then they were stuck with me and I was going to make the most of it. I had a captive audience and without making it a lecture I tried to bestowe my wisdoms. Either via a dad joke or an abitary story about my youth and growing up. They got to know me better and I got to know them. Get to know your chldren and they will trust and look to you in their future endeavours, that's a good thing. The more you engage with them the faster this time will go, so make the most of it.
Driving is a journey, not a race. Take the time to enjoy it and cooperate with other road users. Didn’t your mother ever teach you to play nice with others? This would include while driving. When we’re happy, we do nice things. When we’re grumpy or annoyed, we retaliate. Building a cooperative driving culture will benefit everyone, including you.
The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status, or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we all believe that we are above-average drivers.
As always let me know your thoughts and how you engage with you learner
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Teaching a Learner how to drive