DVSA National Driving Syllabus,
Unit 2: Guide and control a vehicle.
I believe learning to drive is hugely complex, if it was that easy the pass rate for learner drivers would not still be sitting below 50%.
Driving is complex because it involves taking in loads of information and acting on that information appropriately. To do this, the driver must be able to scan the environment; then constantly and immediately sift through the information while travelling at various speeds; and then interpret the information to decide how to act, whilst understanding the possible risks and hazards the whole time they are driving.
This requires lots of concentration and drivers are bombarded with distractions, which make this task all the more difficult.
We driving instructors often become one of those very distractions to our learner drivers.
In our quest to help, we sometimes overload the client with too much information and treat the whole lesson as one long hazard perception task. This is fine if that is the goal of the lesson but if you are an inexperienced driver just imagine the information overload that is going on.
We need to understand that new drivers will learn in spite of us so we need to know clearly what information and help we are giving on each lesson. Dividing up your lessons into smaller, goal-focused sections and using the DVSA Syllabus to create an ongoing learning experience is also beneficial to your own development as an ADI.
Unit 2 of the DVSA Driver Training Syllabus ‘Guide and control a vehicle’ provides the information for you to cover on your driving lessons.
Unit aim
This overall aim of this unit is that the driver should be able to guide and control their vehicle safely and responsibly, taking into account road, traffic and weather conditions.
This unit is based on the understanding that driving is a complex task; it involves taking in a large amount of information and responding to it appropriately. To be able to do this a driver must be able to constantly scan the world around them, understand what is happening and identify possible
hazards and risks.
A key part of being able to manage this complexity is the ability to master basic driving skills, such as steering and coordinating the use of controls, so that the driver does not have to think about doing them.
Acquiring these skills will provide a driver with the basic blocks on which they can then build. It is important, therefore, that they work through any factors or issues that are getting in the way of their learning. It is also important that they get as much supervised practice as they reasonably can.
Accompanying drivers can play a vital part in this process.
Although a learner may not experience towing a trailer or caravan while they are learning they will be able to do so when they pass their test (within the restrictions of the licence category). It is important, therefore, that they understand the principles.
As ADIs, it is imperative that we keep our skills and knowledge up to date and make sure that we offer a comprehensive training package that is about safe driving for life and not just passing a test.
Making the lessons real in focusing on post-test potential experiences can help bring your training to life.
If you are interested in how to enhance your skills and put yourself ahead of your competition then I can help you.
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