Start teaching before Ls

Your learner driver doesn't need L-plates to start learning about driving. Obviously, they can’t get behind the wheel yet, but there is a lot you can do while they’re in the passenger seat.

With you driving and the learner driver watching and talking with you, this is a safe and effective situation for early learning.

Consider some of the advantages of getting an early start:

• You have a highly attentive and motivated learner.
• It's less stressful for you because you are still in control of the car. 
• Your learner driver is better prepared for when he or she gets behind the wheel of the car.
• You will learn many of the skills of being a good supervisor.
• It shows your learner driver that car control skills are only a small part of good driving.

Here are some practical activities will help your learner build a valuable foundation for learning to drive.

• Practice the road rules
• Learning to think like a driver
• Judging distance
• Judging speed – yours and others
• Judging crash avoidance space
• Detecting hazards
• Developing X-Ray vision
• Steering with your eyes
• Are you visible?

 

PAY ATTENTION TO HOW FEELINGS AFFECT DRIVING

Good drivers notice how they feel and how their feelings are affecting their driving.

As your learner driver practises these activities, encourage them to notice and comment on drivers who look as if they are affected by their emotions. You could ask them:

• How could they be feeling? (Angry, sad, scared, very happy, annoyed, frustrated, tired, wanting to impress and so on.)
• How is it affecting their driving?
• What real benefit do they get out of driving that way?
• Has driving that way increased their risk of crashing or breaking the law?

First activity: practicing road rules from the passenger seat