Driving Lessons
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Were directions and instructions given to the pupil clear and given in good time?

Risk Management

  What Does The ADI 1 Say

“‘Directions’ should be taken to mean any instruction, such as ‘turn left at the next junction’ or ‘try changing gear a little later’. Any input from the PDI must be sufficient, timely and appropriate. It is important that PDIs take account of the ability of their pupils when giving directions. Directions given late, or in a confusing or misleading way, do not allow the pupil to respond and can make weaknesses worse.
Too many unnecessary instructions from the PDI can both de-motivate the pupil and create a real hazard. Remember it is an offence to use a mobile phone whilst driving because this is known to create a level of risk equivalent to or, in some cases, greater than driving whilst drunk. It cannot, therefore be good practice to constantly bombard the pupil with unnecessary questions.”

Positives the examiner is looking for in this competency.

Clear, concise directions.

For example, “At the end of the road turn left” is a lot better than “turn left here”.

Ensuring the pupil understands what they plan to do and agrees with that plan.

Directions given at a suitable time so that the pupil can respond.

Late instructions, puts pressure on both yourself and the pupil and causes more problems and before you know it you’ve got a handful of issues to deal with and the lesson is on the back foot.

 

What to Avoid

 

Giving directions too late.

Giving unnecessary directions.

Failing to recognise when the PDI’s input is causing overload or confusion.

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