Teaching New Drivers: A Step-By-Step Guide

 Proper education and training in road safety are important to prevent accidents and promote safe driving. The Driving Instructor Course is crucial in shaping the future of modern driving, one driver at a time. Research by AIFS shows that more than 10% of teens without a driver’s license or learner’s permit engage in risky driving behaviors while driving or riding a motorcycle. Such reckless drivers endanger everyone’s lives on the road. Driving instructors teach new drivers about road safety and the rules and responsibilities of safe driving.  

Steps to Teach Driving to New Drivers

Most youngsters believe that becoming a good driver is all about passing a driving test. However, it also involves learning to drive safely and responsibly. You save so many lives by teaching a newbie to be a safe, skilled, and responsible driver. In Western Australia, if you have a Certificate IV in Driving Instruction or an equivalent certification, you’re qualified to be a driving instructor. You can get this certification or complete a similar driving instructor course Perth and become a certified driving instructor in no time! 

You can start teaching as soon as you get your instructor’s license from the Department of Transportation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan your driving lessons carefully.

Introduction to the Basics

Knowing the basics is always the first step in learning any new skill. Before you start driving lessons, familiarize them with all the controls and systems of their vehicles. Teach them about steering wheel, pedals, gearshift, etc., and how they work. Show them what different dashboard indicators mean, how to check and adjust rear-view and side-view mirrors, and the importance of proper seating and mirror adjustments.

Traffic Rules and Signs

The next step is telling them about the significance of traffic rules and different road signs. Explain traffic lights, road signs, and speed limits. Teach them more about specific Australian road rules like keeping to left lanes, speed limits, maintaining a safe following distance, navigating roundabouts and intersections properly, merging lanes, etc. Having a good understanding of traffic rules and road signs can help them stay safe while driving.

Understanding the Road Environment

Most road accidents occur due to driver mistakes caused by failure to accurately read or respond to road conditions. A driver should understand the various factors that constitute the road environment such as the type of roads, road signs, adverse weather conditions, and other road hazards, and respond accordingly. In this step, driving instructors should instruct the new drivers on interpreting the road and responding properly while following all the necessary driving rules.

Basic Driving Maneuvers

The next step is enabling them to drive on the road. Teach them basic driving maneuvers like starting and stopping, changing lanes, taking turns and U-turns, handling T-junctions and Staggered junctions, and parking. Here, you can instruct them on using signals and checking for blind spots while driving. Talk to them about the importance of reading and using signals properly.

Defensive Driving Principles

For the next step, you can introduce the concept of defensive driving. Teach them basic defensive techniques when facing adverse weather conditions or challenging road situations. Show them why staying alert and maintaining a safe distance is essential. Teach them to understand and anticipate potential hazards and handle them appropriately.

Practice in Low-Traffic Areas

In this step, you should begin the hands-on driving practice in low-traffic areas. You can start with low-traffic residential streets or empty parking lots. Let them become comfortable driving on a real road, handling their vehicle controls, practicing basic maneuvers, and navigating road signs in a controlled environment. It will help develop their confidence, sharpen their driving skills, and develop good driving behavior.

Gradual Introduction to Traffic

The obvious next step here is progressing to more complicated traffic situations. Introduce them to moderate traffic areas and teach them how to navigate in different situations. Teach them more about multi-lane roads and navigating between lanes. Practice merging into highways and other trickier scenarios.

Night Driving and Adverse Conditions

Driving at night is very different from day-driving. For example, driving on a wet or icy road at night is more difficult than doing the same in daylight. Introduce driving at night and highlight the importance of staying cautious and adapting to changing situations. Teach them how to adjust to reduced visibility, glare from the headlights, and adverse weather conditions at night. 

Advanced Driving Skills

Now your drivers are quite ready to move on to advanced driving skills. In this step, you can teach them parallel parking, taking three-point turns, and handling busy intersections. Once, they’ve learned these techniques, regular and dedicated practice is necessary to build confidence and improve their driving skills.

Understanding Basic Vehicle Maintenance

Teach the new drivers what is basic vehicle maintenance and why it is important. They should learn basic vehicle maintenance tasks like checking fluid levels, tire pressure, changing tires, etc.  Also, impress upon them the benefits of regular servicing.

Simulated Driving Scenarios

When you feel that the newbie drivers are skilled enough to drive in the real world, you should introduce them to simulated driving scenarios. It includes simulations of potential hazards and emergencies. Here, the drivers can practice decision-making in a safe environment. They can also learn to handle potential hazards.

Practice Driving and Road Test Preparation

Now that your drivers are road-ready, you can start preparing them for the driving test. Start with practice driving tests to familiarize them with the test format. Focus on areas that need improvement. Once they’ve gained confidence, start preparing for the actual driving test. Cover common testing areas, potential challenges they might face, and tips to improve their performance.

Explain the Graduated Licensing System

Introduce them to the graduated licensing system and explain why it is important to get a driving license. Explain in detail about the requirements at each stage of the process and the restrictions involved.

Encouraging Responsible Driving Behavior

Once your drivers are ready to actively prepare for the driver test, there’s not much left to teach. They should now practice driving under your guidance and make improvements in their driving skills wherever necessary. You can also take this time to underline the importance of driving responsibly. Emphasize the need to adhere to speed limits, avoid getting distracted, and cultivate safe driving practices.

Conclusion

Professional driving instructors from reputed schools like the Academy of Road Safety understand the importance of teaching safe driving and promoting responsible driving behavior in new drivers. Teaching beginners how to drive is as nerve-wracking as it is exciting. With this step-by-step guide, you can teach new drivers the essential skills and knowledge needed to become safe and confident drivers.

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