Lesson Structure

The first stage of learning to drive is all about handling the vehicle properly and in a safe manner. You will be taught how to:

 

Understand and use the vehicle controls

Move off & stop at the side of the road

Steer the car correctly

Turn left and right through corners

Emerge from a junction safely

Move off from an uphill or downhill position

Perform an emergency stop (in a controlled situation)

Recognise and approach crossroads and junctions

 

Manoeuvres

During your training you will also be taught how to perform a number of manoeuvres including:

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Reverse parking at the road side,[parallel park]

Parking on the right hand side of the road, reverse 2 car lengths before driving on safely.

Reverse parking into a car park bay

Drive forward into parking space and reverse out safely

You will normally be asked to perform one of these manoeuvres correctly for your driving test and may also be asked to perform an emergency stop exercise. You need to be able to perform these safely without any assistance from the examiner.

Dealing with Traffic

Since 1997 the overall volume of traffic on UK roads has increased by over 50% with little or no expansion of the road network. For new drivers this has meant that they have to be much more aware of the traffic and respond quickly and appropriately to developing situations.

 

As you continue through your lessons you will be dealing with increasingly complex traffic situations and will have to make decisions based upon your knowledge of the road, what you can see and the actions of other drivers and road users.

 

You will make better and more confident decisions as you gain experience. During your driving test you will be expected to show that you can deal with the various traffic situations that occur while making reasonable progress and without being unduly hesitant.

 

In the course of your lessons you should be able to:

 

Recognise & respond to road signs and road markings correctly

Respond appropriately to oncoming traffic situations

Use your mirrors defensively in response to the road ahead

Use your own signals and respond to the signals of other road users correctly

Approach and deal with roundabouts correctly

Anticipate traffic lights

Make reasonable progress given the traffic, weather and road conditions

Position correctly for your intended action

Approach more complex and unusual junctions correctly

Your driving instructor will teach each skill separately and gradually build your ability to handle multiple situations that can occur while driving.

Planning Ahead & Anticipation

One of the hallmarks of a good driver is the ability to anticipate potential hazards on the road ahead. New drivers will only be able to manage this level of competency once they have mastered the skills of vehicle handing and can deal effectively with various traffic situations.

 

Drivers who are able to anticipate likely situations and plan for them accordingly are less likely to be involved in an accident. They tend to be more alert of their speed and are able to prioritise their response to observations of the road ahead.

 

These skills become particularly important when driving at higher speeds for example on dual carriageways and country roads. Learner drivers should be introduced to handling higher speeds during their training however these skills are not always tested upon and can sometimes be overlooked by pupils taking their test too soon.

 

The DVSA will be introducing an assessment of a candidate's ability to demonstrate eco-driving from September 2008. This will include smooth control of the vehicle with particular attention to moving off, accelerating, using gears, and driving at an appropriate speed. Forward planning will also be considered where pupils reduce emissions by acting in good time to developing hazards, using engine braking and stopping the engine where appropriate.