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Using Reference Points Goal-Focused Driving Instruction

A Real-Life Application

In driving instruction, balancing practical skills with real-life applications is crucial for developing competent drivers. This article explores the importance of teaching manoeuvres like reversing around a corner without over-reliance on reference points, using a real-life scenario with a learner driver named Kim.

The Scenario with Kim

Kim, a new pupil, had been taking driving lessons with another instructor before moving house and starting lessons with me. During her initial assessment, I asked her to perform a left reverse. She hesitated, explaining that she couldn't do it without the reference stickers she had used with her previous instructor. These stickers helped her maintain a straight line and identify the point of turn.

As driving instructors, we understand the significance of building trust and maintaining a professional relationship with our pupils. My goal was to ensure Kim continued her driving lessons with me despite the different teaching styles. While her previous instructor used stickers, I aimed to teach her to judge space and distance using real-life reference points like the curb, hedge, or wall.

Teaching Real-Life Application

We agreed on the goal: to reverse around the corner accurately. I started by discussing the process with Kim.

"Kim, let's talk about how we can approach this without using stickers," I suggested. "When you look over your left shoulder, can you see where the curb cuts into the bottom of the rear windscreen?"

Kim glanced over her shoulder and nodded, "Yes, I can see it."

"Great," I continued. "Keep the curb in that position while reversing in a straight line. Aim to have it back in the same spot once you've straightened up around the corner. Now, as you look at the line of the curb, where do you think the point of turn is?"

Kim hesitated, then said, "I think it's where the curb starts to curve."

"Exactly," I affirmed. "And which part of the car needs to be in line with that first curved curbstone?"

"The rear wheel," she responded confidently.

"Right," I said. "Let's reverse in a straight line until you think you're at that point, and then we'll stop and check."

Practising and Reflecting

We reversed together, and Kim judged the point of turn. She mentioned, "This corner seems quite sweeping. I think I might only need about a quarter of a turn initially."

"Good observation," I replied. "Now, let's go through the manoeuvre, and I'll guide you if needed. Remember to stay calm and manage the traffic around you."

Throughout the reverse, I encouraged Kim to judge for herself how much or how little she needed to turn the wheel. After the first practice, we pulled up to reflect on the experience.

"How did that feel?" I asked.

Kim smiled slightly, "It was a bit tricky, but I think I got the hang of it. My speed and steering felt okay, but I could improve my observations."

"That's a great start," I reassured her. "Let's try again, focusing on your observations this time."

On the second attempt, Kim improved her observations. We pulled up again to reflect.

"That was much better," I said. "How do you feel now?"

Kim beamed, "I feel more confident. My observations were better, and I managed the speed and steering well."

The Impact of Real-Life Learning

By the third practice, Kim's performance was nearly perfect. She felt a strong sense of achievement and expressed her newfound confidence.

"I've learned so much more today than I ever did with the stickers," Kim said enthusiastically. "I can't wait to practice on my own car."

This approach not only built her confidence but also prepared her to handle real-life driving situations more effectively. Kim realised that she could judge space and distance without relying on artificial aids, making her a more competent and independent driver.

While reference points can be helpful, teaching learners to rely on real-world cues and their judgement is far more valuable. This method helps them develop the skills necessary to navigate safely and responsibly when driving independently. By focusing on goal-focused driving instruction, we can better prepare our pupils for real-life driving challenges, ensuring they become safe and confident drivers.

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