Teaching the basics
So you’ve decided to be a driving supervisor. Well done!
Helping someone to become a safe driver is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Remember the freedom of getting your licence? You’ve got the chance to help someone else feel that excitement.
It’s also a big responsibility.
When your learner driver earns their licence and is driving by him or herself, they’ll be using habits that started while they were learning from you.
Learning to drive can be stressful. A learner driver will make mistakes, and when they do, you might feel panicked or upset. As the supervisor, it’s important you remain calm and try not to let emotion take over.
The best way for a learner driver to learn good habits is for them to feel supported, so being able to work well with your learner driver is essential.
A supervisor can be a parent, relative, friend or a licensed professional driving instructor. Legally, the supervisor must be at least one of the following:
- a person who holds an instructor licence issued under the Motor Vehicle Drivers Instructors Act 1963
- a person who is an instructor in a youth driver education course conducted or supervised by a body authorised by the Department of Transport for that purpose
- a person who is authorised to perform the type of driving in which the instruction is to be givenand has had authorisation for a period of, or periods adding up to:
- at least two years, in the case of driving of a moped
- at least four years in any other case.
Being a supervising driver is like being a coach. Your role is to give your learner driver opportunities to practise driving under your supervision.
Even if you fulfill the legal requirements, ask yourself whether you are right for the job of teaching someone to drive? Do you have a good driving record? Do you have a good relationship with the learner? Remember the most effective way for a learner to learn is through a good partnership.
When supervising, try to:
- Set aside enough time to allow for discussion before and after the drive
- Describe to your learner what they’ll be doing.
- Encourage them to think about every step in the driving task before doing it.
- Demonstrate the driving task to them. Ask them to explain to you how they will do it Let them try the task, making sure you talk them through it.
- Discuss how they went, giving positive feedback.
- Demonstrate the driving task again.
- Have them practise the driving task until they can do it well.
- Discuss how they felt when doing the driving task.
- Leave time at the end of the driving session for review and to discuss the next session. This will give you time to give your learner feedback about the things that they did right and wrong.
- Remain positive and encourage them to talk over any concerns that they may have.
- Reassure them (especially when starting out) that it takes a lot of experience and practice to learn how to drive.
Run through this checklist first:
- Have a read of the Drive Safe booklet and make sure your learner driver has done so too.
- Is the car safe and roadworthy?
- Are the L plates clearly displayed on the front and back of the vehicle?
- Is your licence current?
- Think about your driving habits and how they may impact the learner.
- Revise the road rules to ensure you have current knowledge.
- Make sure your learner is sitting correctly. If your learner is seated properly, they will have better control of the car.
- Eliminate distractions- switch off the radio and your phone
Remember, blood alcohol content restrictions for licensed drivers also apply to you as the supervisor.
As you get started, it’s important to keep it simple. If you give your learner too much information, they may have trouble remembering everything.
So before you and your learner start to tackle the roads, spend some time on the fundamentals, including:
- Starting the engine
- Indicating
- Brakes
- Seat belts
- Lights
- Clutch
These things may sound very straightforward, but it’s still a lot to remember for a learner. The location is also important. Find a big empty car park or go to an industrial estate on the weekend when it’s empty. Your learner will appreciate practising in an environment where there is less worry about having an accident.
Avoid giving detailed feedback while your learner is driving. Instead, wait until the car is parked and then talk.
Be patient and don’t lose your temper. Stay alert. And when your learner is ready, encourage them to drive in different conditions and situations.
If you need help supervising your learner, try a qualified driving instructor. We recommend your learner have another lesson with a professional driving instructor after gaining experience with you. This will make sure they are developing the right driving habits that meet the assessment standard.