Route planning plays an important part in any driving lesson.

It should always match both your pupils’ ability and allow for the aims of the lesson to be achieved. If you are not familiar with the area then you should visit it prior to the lesson as part of your planning. With time you will get to know different areas well and will soon develop different training routes you can use.

Often I read on Face book, other social media and on many forums how part 3 is nothing like teaching real learners. You too may have read the same, and this will no doubt be worrying you about that first lesson in the real world. The truth is all of your training will have given you the skills and techniques required in the car. The part 3 test is designed to test those skills also your subject knowledge, and you have passed that so dealing with a learner should be a breeze!

However, take a few minutes to think about that pupil you are about to meet and how nervous or excited they are going to be. Sitting behind the wheel of a car with very little knowledge of what to do will be scary and on top of that, they are going to meet a stranger, you! This first lesson is not just a controls lesson it is your chance to build a rapport with your pupil, break the ice and to leave them wanting to come back for more at the end.

A driving instructor’s diary relies on recommendations so you want every learner to be singing your praises. That is not going to happen if they fail to enjoy the lesson or go away feeling dejected because nothing seemed to go right. Perhaps the most important skillset you have learnt are those Core competences but be warned don’t get that interrogation lamp out and start picking on everything your pupil does wrong. Some of which may well be down to your instruction and those emotions your anxious pupil may be experiencing.

Cut them some slack!

Keep them safe and let them find their feet, going home with a smile and a sense of achievement. Confidence will grow and they will soon be telling their friends what a great instructor they have and your business is off to a fantastic start and the diary can start to fill.

Till the next time.

Chris Deane ADI