Summer holidays are great for novices to learn and practice driving. The driving schools are busy in this phase, where those carrying learner’s license prepare to lock 120 hours in their driving logbook. The learners need supervision driving practice and it is a challenging experience for their parents.
It is a challenging experience for parents, especially if they are new to teaching learner drivers. The role can be very stressful as they have to sit in the passenger seat of their car with the steering wheel in control of a learner driver. Stress is normal because it keeps you alert and aware of things happening. Excessive stress is not good.
You will plan your learning session and work as a team. Increase the difficulty level when the learner is prepared. There will a lot of exchange of questions, suggestions, and advice. You can take support from professional instructors from LTrent Driving School, at any time.
You can even choose professional driving lessons and sit in the backseat as the instructor teaches the learner driver defensive and safe driving skills. It ensures the learner is a safe driver when they get their Ps. It is a good way of getting a license because new drivers are at high risk of accidents than experienced ones.
Stages of learner driver’s sessions
- Controlling the car – The learner concentrates on start, steer and stop the car features in some non-traffic zones. The learner can take a 5 to 7 hours refresher driving course as soon as they get their Ls under systematic and professional instructor before enduring their practice with parents.
- Progressive control skills – Now, the learner applies progressive car control skills in low traffic roads with low-speed limits. It ensures that the learner learns and nurtures the correct driving habits.
- Tries driving skills on busy roads – Learner takes step towards becoming a real driver. What is learned in the 1st and 2nd stage gets used on busy roads and more difficult situations? They get familiar with how to handle traffic varied driving situations and upcoming hazards. It is the stage where they learn to become a defensive driver. It is a stage, which is lengthy and needs plenty of good practice under supervision.
- Solo driver practice – It doesn’t mean the learner goes alone on a driving practice with the L-plate. It involves an elder in the supervision seat, but the majority of the decisions are made by the learner. The purpose is to build abundant of different experiences as a solo driver.
Tips for crashes to avoid during practice
There are some crashes like running into another vehicle’s rear, getting hit by a vehicle turning right, turning right at the intersections, and single-car crashes. The learners need to practice a lot to avoid them.
- Leave a safe space or distance when they follow a vehicle in front.
- Choose a safe gap, while merging and turning in traffic.
- Adjust speed control to match the road environment and traffic situation.
Tips for supervisors driving with learners
- Driving for you is easy, but a challenge for the learner, so have realistic expectations. They will make errors and find it hard to handle challenging driving situations.
- Calmly tell the learner that it will take plenty of practice to learn safe driving. Frequently discuss that nurturing skills takes plenty of effort and practice. It will help them maintain their confidence level and not get overconfident.
- Take over driving, if conditions change like in storm and rain. Never allow the learner to drive beyond their competence.