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 Besides
an interest in driving, the starting point is having an even temperament
and a personality to suit the work. Some instructors find it easier
than others to be understanding, supportive and be capable of
developing a good rapport with customers.
Learner drivers do not make deliberate mistakes.
They are likely to make fewer errors where the instructor is fully
in control of the learning environment by giving the correct level
of tuition.
Route
Planning
Instructors
plan routes before lessons, making sure to include or avoid certain
road and traffic conditions. Learners are instructed in use of
the controls; driving procedures and responsible attitude.
Learner
Observation
Learners'
actions and responses have to be watched closely, the instructor
being able to not only identify, correct and remedy errors, but
also gain and build their confidence. Skills in assessment of
the learners' strengths and weaknesses are needed to determine
when they will be ready to take the Theory / Practical Driving
Test.
Effective
Communication
Professional
instructors have to communicate information and directions clearly
and concisely while the learner is driving, ensuring the safety
of all road users. A good ADI will fully prepare candidates for
the test by teaching in stages up to the level of 'independent
driving'. This takes plenty of tuition and practice to achieve
a standard where the new driver can drive in complex and demanding
road and traffic situations without needing any help.
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Core
Competencies
The technical merit of a driving lesson is determined on:
Fault/skills recognition. Clearly identify all the learner's
driving faults that require correction / Gain and build learner's
confidence.
Fault analysis. Having identified a driving fault, correctly
analyse what caused the fault.
Remedial action. Solutions ! Constructive instruction to
resolve problems.
Lesson
Structure
Every driving lesson needs to have a start, a middle
and an end. The usual ingredients include:
Recap at start. Concise accurate summary of the previous
lesson.
Aims & Objectives. Setting realistic and attainable
targets.
Level of Instruction. Dialogue and technique varied to
suit learner's knowledge, experience and competence.
Planning. Organised method and sequence of tuition.
Control of lesson Anticipate and protect learner from danger.
Time management.
Communication. Clear and simple instructional terminology
and explanations.
Question & Answer Technique. Relevant questions, correctly
timed.
Feedback & Encouragement. Best response to learner's
performance and achievements.
Instructor's Use of Controls. Learner must be aware of
why the instructor has used any of the car's controls.
Recap at end. Concise accurate summary of the lessons 'learning
points'.
The DSA produces a booklet 'Your road to becoming
an Approved Driving Instructor' (ADI 14) that details precisely
the skills required; technical formalities and procedures.
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Learning
Resources
'A
picture speaks a thousand words', so it's important for instructors
to have a personal Resource Pack that includes plenty of clear
illustrations.
Instructors need to have a good working knowledge
of 'The Highway Code' and the DSA Driving Skills publications,
specifically the 'Driving Manual' and both 'Driving
Test' books (Theory Questions and Practical Test).
Reference resources include the booklet 'Know
Your Traffic Signs'; the driver licensing information contained
in 'What you need to know about Driver Licensing' (D100);
the Provisional Driving Licence application pack (both available
from Post Offices) and the application forms for theory / practical
driving tests (available from Driving Test Centres).
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