Driving Instruction Check Test Criteria – Risk Management

Shared responsibility between instructor and pupil for the management of risk is an important part of teaching people to drive. This new client centred approach will instil a more mature attitude in the pupil though the instructor remains responsible for overall safety. After passing the test new drivers will have sole responsibility for safety so need to be fully prepared for this. Input from both instructor and pupil will be required in setting the agenda for the lesson with the aims of the lesson made transparent. Discussion with the learner about any driving mistakes will enable them to consider why it happened and help them draw their own conclusions on how to put it right. This will reinforce the learning process.

It is important that the instructor does not create faults through late or inadequate instruction. All verbal instruction should be given in good time whether this be route directions or talk through of driving procedure. Late intervention will give insufficient time for a learner to react and may cause a distraction if the pupil is concentrating on something else, actively adding to the risk factor.

In order to achieve this the instructor must be aware of both the actions of the pupil and the immediate environment. If too much attention is focussed on the road ahead then physical actions made by the pupil can be easily overlooked. Being aware of mistakes is essential but also take note and comment on any positive progress made. An instructor must be willing to give positive feedback and help build on the learners achievements to create a sound learning environment. No one responds purely to negative criticism.

Early intervention is necessary in times of danger. Do not let a situation develop to the point where physical intervention is necessary when an earlier verbal prompt would have prevented the danger in the first place. There is a balance that needs to be struck by driver trainers between safety and achieving the learning goals. Choosing a suitable area for practice will be a big help in getting the balance right.

The final part of risk management is feedback. When taking driver training the learner must be included in the discussion of what was achieved. Input from a pupil can be a valuable teaching resource and help a driver trainer to structure further training according to the pupil's stated needs. The pupil is then sharing responsibility not only for risk management but also for the overall setting of learning goals.