On the previous page we discussed how the lesson is structured. Now we will explore the lesson content. This will cover all the various topics you will need to learn to show the examiner that you are a safe, competent and courteous driver. Not all lessons will be taught in the same order as different pupils excel or struggle in various topics. (Every pupil no matter how well they progress eventually have an awkward spell in their learning curve so when it happens to you don’t go away thinking that you’re useless and beat yourself with a big stick because I can assure you that it happens to thousands of learners every day.)
On first meeting I shall ask you to read a vehicle number plate with standard lettering at a distance of 20.5 metres (about 67 feet). Don’t worry about bringing a tape measure – it’s not rocket science and you should wear glasses or contact lenses if usually worn. I shall also need to see your driving licences.
Whether or not you are a complete novice or joining me with some experience, your first lesson will start with an introduction of how I teach. If you have some driving experience we shall discuss what you have learnt, have a driving assessment, and then pitch your entry to suit your requirements.
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However as most pupils are complete novices I shall start at the beginning – what a bright cookie! You will start with what is known as the cockpit drill, getting yourself comfortable with the driving position (seat and steering wheel). This is followed by the safety set up with laws relating to seat belts and setting up of mirrors. This is when I prove my fitness by running around the car showing you the blind spots – not so pleasant in the pouring rain but needs must! Next we shall discover the foot controls – those three pedals hiding in the foot-well. How to use the handbrake and how to steer could be useful. To finish the cockpit drill I will run through whatever other controls are needed at this stage – if it’s a bright, clear sunny day then pointing out windscreen wipers and lights is rather pointless. Believe me you will have more than enough to remember by the end of the lesson. (Don’t forget though you will have the crib sheets to take home with you.)
Time to start the engine, find the bite, (is there anyone out there who hasn’t heard that mysterious phrase?) and move the car those first few metres along the road. Sometimes smoothly and often with kangaroo petrol but whichever way it goes you can’t beat the first thrill of moving off. So we’re off and running – I know you haven’t done all the mirror checks, plenty of time for those later, I am your eyes and ears. Oops – corner coming up. Don’t worry, you’re in safe hands. Ah, we got round safely. Time for more stopping and setting off. Next corner. Oh, that didn’t go so badly did it? Time permitting we shall now progress to moving off and stopping at the side of the road except that now it will be you doing all the necessary safety checks.
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Next lesson will be a recap, practice what you have learnt and introduce MSPSL– vitally important even for the most basic of manoeuvres. Hello. What’s ahead? Looks like a hill. Better learn uphill and downhill starts. You may find it quite beneficial!
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Turning left and right from major roads into side roads. On our previous lessons we were getting around corners but time now to learn about all the problems and how to negotiate them safely.
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T junction coming up. A whole new set of problems. Must I stop or give way? Is the junction open or closed – what can I see? Time for a talk through and practice.
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Roundabout ahead. (Your cue to say ‘Oh no!) Just as well then that we’ve already run through how to tackle them.
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Since you first set off from the side of the road you have been meeting traffic i.e. anything coming towards you. One of the main reasons that pupils fail their driving test is poor judgement in this situation. Time to get to grips with all the associated problems and lessen the chance of failure.
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There seem to be a lot of pedestrian crossings about. You’ve driven over quite a few in your previous lessons and with common sense and careful observation have performed very well but do you really understand all the nitty gritty? What are they all called? What are the differences? Time to find out!
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By now we have covered most of the basics of driving on local roads. You have gained a good insight into the numerous problems that jump up and bite you in the … all of which will have helped in the understanding of theory questions and the hazard perception test. With encouragement and usually a little nagging you should be well on the way with your theory study. Perhaps it’s time to think seriously of booking the test.
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Time to venture onto dual carriageways. (Your cue for another ‘Oh no’.) Don’t worry. We will keep it simple to start. Quieter roads, just busy enough to get you used to higher speeds. We will cover turning left onto, entering by slip roads, and turning right across the carriageways.
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Of course we mustn’t forget the 4 manoeuvres:- Turn in the road, reversing left around a corner, parallel parking, and reversing into a bay in a car park. You will normally start with the first. Next lesson, practice the first and learn the next and so on so that after four lessons they are all covered and we will be able to work on the ones that you find most awkward.
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The emergency stop. (My announcement of this is always greeted with horror. When completed everyone says –‘that wasn’t so bad, not as bad as I thought it would be.’)
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Complex roundabouts and dual carriageways are on the agenda which by now you will be able to manage - maybe not with authority but certainly without the initial worries.
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At this stage if all is going to plan booking your test is on the horizon. You may not be 100% perfect in all departments, there are bound to be weak areas but we can work on these. Booking the test usually 5 weeks ahead has a habit of focussing the mind and you will be pleasantly surprised at your progress. Of course during the few days immediately before your test that little man sits on your shoulder and whispers in your ear – 'You’re useless, you can’t drive, you’re not ready, remember that terrible lesson last week?’ It happens to everyone – just tell him to clear off – if you weren’t properly prepared then Trev wouldn’t be allowing you to take the test – at least not in his car!
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All the above lessons are only listing the basic content. Depending on experience each lesson will also include a selection of town centre driving, one way streets, one way systems, congested housing estates, rural roads, adverse weather conditions, dealing with emergency vehicles, and lots more. The list is endless!
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I covered the first lesson at some length because most pupils are initially apprehensive, not knowing what to expect. I hope that by keeping you well informed you will come to your lessons relaxed and a relaxed driver makes for a safer driver.
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