Part 2 Driving Instructor Training

Part 2 Driving Instructor Training with the Part 3 test of driving instructional ability in mind .

As an experienced driver you will be able to practise the following techniques at any time. Improving your communication skills will automatically improve your driving and help you understand how the way you drive will affect how you teach. 
 
You may well have heard of commentary driving, where a driver talks about what they are seeing on the road. You can use this technique to build your use of instruction on the move. 
 
Step 1 Simply call out the information you see by starting with road signs and markings, 'Bend warning sign' 
Step 2 Explain why it is an issue or a hazard - or why you have mentioned it, 'Bend sign, I will need to assess the bend to consider the control I need'  
Step 3 Say what you are doing in response to the signs, for example, 'Bend sign, I will need to assess the bend to consider the control I need, so I check my mirrors and slow down.' 
 
That part of giving a commentary is based on what is happening outside of the car and the resulting action you need to take. You also need to develop your attention to detail so that you can focus on the specific actions you take inside the car. Start with developing your commentary (which will later become instruction) around moving away. 'With my left foot I push the clutch down all the way to the floor; using my left hand I palm the gear lever towards the passenger door and then push it up towards 1; I set the gas to a nice steady hum at around 1.5 rpm; then slowly and steadily I ease the clutch upwards until I find the biting point and then keep my feet still.' 
 
Continue this exercise for all the manoeuvres - add detail and get pedantic and see if you can follow your own instructions. 
 
Finally, to develop questions, use the techniques above for spotting road signs, road markings and other road users and have a go at asking yourself questions, such as: Why is it important to check my mirrors on approach to this bend? What can I anticipate is around the bend? How can I judge the best position to take on approach to the left hand bend? What speed will be appropriate? Which gear do I need to select?  
 
By putting into practice giving a commentary, talking through what you are doing and asking questions about your actions you will be in a good place to develop your instructional techniques.
 

 'Develop your commentary driving skills.' 

All the best from the Tri-Coaching team and if you want to contact us for a no-obligation chat to see how we can help pick up the phone and speak to one of our friendly team now: 0800 058 8009. ​​