Notes for Supervising a
Learner
"I learned to drive in just 10 lessons and passed first time"
Unfortunately this is not a realistic view of
modern
driving.
The sheer volume of traffic, the complexity of
junctions, the speed of traffic and other drivers’ lack of
consideration, signals or basic understanding of the highway
code make
learning to drive extremely difficult for today’s learners.
Private practice for all pupils should be enjoyable as well as
constructive.
Here are some tips to help make private practice
more
enjoyable and rewarding.
Supervising a Learner, The Law:
- You must be over 21 and have held a full licence for the
category
of vehicle for at least 3 years.
- The car must have insurance cover for the learner driver.
- The car must display L plates (to the correct legal
standard) to
the front and rear and should not restrict the driver’s vision
through
the windows.
- You or your learner must not use a mobile phone whilst
driving..
- The supervising driver and the learner must not exceed the
drink
drive limits. So you can't use them to drive you home from the
pub!
- Fit an additional suction mirror so you can see what’s going
on
behind you. Available at good car accessory shops for a few
pounds. For
example
Halfords
- Sit in the front seat and be ready to steer the car.
- Don't put yourself or your learner in a dangerous situation,
plan
out your route.
- Each lesson with an ADI is designed to develop independence
in an
area of the pupils driving
- Private practice should reflect the level of the pupils
ability
so that they can "practice".
- The supervising driver may need to drive the learner to the
location , allow the practice then drive home again. I am
happy to give
guidance on what to practice and where to practice it.
- Modern cars should be driven differently to those of 20
years
ago. As vehicles have evolved, the methods used to drive them
have also
evolved. (For example block gear changing up and down the gear
box
should be encouraged, where in the past this was not )
- Driving should be smooth and unhurried. You should be aiming
towards a "limo ride" rather than a late night Friday taxi
ride.
- These methods should reduce wear and tear and help improve
fuel
economy. The current DSA test reflects these methods.
Your Instructor will be happy to discuss methods of
supervision or any
aspect of the DSA test with supervising
drivers to ensure that pupils gain the most benefit from their
private
practice.
Please see
http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/environment/roadsafety/trainingp/perfect.asp to order a CD-ROM with a
lot of
relevant information
for supervising drivers.
also http://www.helpingldrivers.com/index.htm
Provisionalmarmalade Learners insurance
Learnerstuff Insurance
NFU Mutual Motor insurance
