Before Practice Sessions
Schedule short, frequent
lessons during daylight hours until you feel confident the student can drive at
night.
Choose one driving skill to review and practice at each
session.
Use the In-Car Checklist provided by the driver education teacher to
find out the proper maneuvers for the driving skill.
Review the procedures
and discuss with the student.
Find a large, open parking lot for the first
few sessions, and then find a quiet residential area once you feel confident the
student is ready.
During Practice Sessions
Sit in
a position that allows you to place your hand on the steering wheel quickly if
necessary.
Drive at a low speed during the first few sessions.
Give
directions quietly, clearly, and well in advance of the situation. Give
"Where-what" commands (e.g., "At the next corner turn left.").
Have the
student "read the traffic picture" aloud (e.g., "I think the parked car might
pull out.").
Try to be calm, patient, and relaxed to instill confidence, and
speak in a relaxed manner.
Make positive remarks frequently to encourage the
student. Remember that mistakes and lack of confidence are a natural part of
learning.
Tell the student immediately when an error has been made and calmly
suggest how to correct it.
Look and think well ahead of the student to
anticipate problems and inform the student well in advance.
In an emergency
situation, give a short, precise command in a firm, controlled voice. Be
prepared to take steering control, reach across the car with your foot to apply
the brakes, or reach across the car with your foot to depress the
accelerator.
You might want to use a hand-held mirror to keep track of
traffic conditions to the rear and to check the eye movement of the
student.
After Practice Sessions
Review and
evaluate the skills that have been practiced in the lesson.
Make comments as
brief and positive as possible.
Make a tentative plan for the next lesson -
its time and content.
Repeat the lesson if you feel it is necessary or if the
driver education teacher suggests further practice.
Set a good example for
your teenage driver to imitate while you are driving.
