Some Good Hints For Instructing Young Drivers

Preparation is important when teaching young people to drive safely. The driving supervisor needs to have an supporting attitude as well as be well aware of current safe driving practices.

Prior to accompanying a learner on the road, there are a few matters you need to organise. Foremost, are you old enough to teach driving? You must be over twenty-one years old. Have you had a driver’s license for at least 3 years?Are learners insured to drive the car you will be using. Coverbox offer great deals on cheap car insurance for young drivers. Read through the latest Highway Code or even take an advanced driving course.

Make sure the driver is fully prepared for the road. Do they have a provisional license. It is advisable that the learner has already had some basic lessons with a qualified driving instructor in a dual control car. They should also understand the first principles of driving. Before venturing out get the learner to help you ensure the lights, brakes and tyres are all safe and working as they should.

Have the training route planned out in advance. To prevent learners getting distracted and tired start with short trips. Gradually increase the route distance and acquaint the learner to a variety of conditions. Experience is needed of driving on a variety of road types – narrow to dual carriageway and in all weather conditions.

The instructor needs to encourage the driver at all times and not get angry with errors. They must try and remain calm whatever happens. The learner should be asked to highlight any hazards that they spot. Remind the learner often to use the rear-view mirror and indicators. Always reinforce good driving habits. If something dangerous happens, pull over somewhere safely and inform the driver what they did wrong but in a constructive fashion. Recap the learners performance after practising, always staying positive.

It is important to teach learners in a way that will stay with them once they are driving unsupervised, and occasionally supervisor a young driver even after they have passed the test.