Teaching A Learner To Drive? – Details, episodes & analysis

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This episode is the second of our Open Mic. sessions with Trainee Instructors.

In this conversation, Drive Hart–sponsored PDI Cass chats with Director of Training Ops and A‑graded (ORDIT) trainer Sarah Hart about the DVSA Part 3 exam – what’s expected of you and how to prepare.

They cover:

• What the DVSA examiner is really looking for
• Practical preparation tips and recommendations

Key Read:  check out the Examiners Guide ADI1 - a must for those doing Part 3 and Standards Checks

Most of the links mentioned in this episode can be found in the official step‑by‑step guide on GOV.UK:  https://www.gov.uk/become-car-driving-instructor  

For full details of the Part 2 and Part 3  exam, see:
https://www.gov.uk/adi-part-2-test/what-happens-during-test?step-by-step-nav=80bd32e4-9708-4214-bc0f-50358223bb09

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Dear Listener,

Thanks for tuning in to the Drive Hart free podcasts – 

To see our full range of resources and support groups,   check out the links below: 

• All links: https://linktr.ee/drivehart (podcasts and support groups for parents, students and Instructors)
  
  
  • Parents’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/524645638669371
    
    
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• Updates & news: https://www.facebook.com/DriveHart
  
  

If you have a question or need training support Whats app  Sarah Hart on 07919 488360 or email admin@drivehart.com

Sarah Jane Hart & Jac Clayton
Directors, Drive Hart Ltd

Send us Fan Mail

This episode is the first of our Open Mic. sessions with Trainee Instructors.

In this conversation, Drive Hart–sponsored PDI Cass chats with Director of Training Ops and A‑graded (ORDIT) trainer Sarah Hart about the DVSA Part 2 exam – what’s expected of you and how to prepare.

They cover:

• What the DVSA examiner is really looking for
• Practical preparation tips and recommendations

Most of the links mentioned in this episode can be found in the official step‑by‑step guide on GOV.UK:  https://www.gov.uk/become-car-driving-instructor  

For full details of the Part 2 exam, see:
https://www.gov.uk/adi-part-2-test/what-happens-during-test?step-by-step-nav=80bd32e4-9708-4214-bc0f-50358223bb09

Perfect for brand‑new PDIs who want to understand what’s expected and head into Part 2 with more confidence.

Support the show

Dear Listener,

Thanks for tuning in to the Drive Hart free podcasts – 

To see our full range of resources and support groups,   check out the links below: 

• All links: https://linktr.ee/drivehart (podcasts and support groups for parents, students and Instructors)
  
  
  • Parents’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/524645638669371
    
    
  • Instructors’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/931188437661404
    
    
• Updates & news: https://www.facebook.com/DriveHart
  
  

If you have a question or need training support Whats app  Sarah Hart on 07919 488360 or email admin@drivehart.com

Sarah Jane Hart & Jac Clayton
Directors, Drive Hart Ltd

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Link to Drive Hart https://linktr.ee/drivehart

In this short podcast we talk about poor positioning by learners.  So when we have to hold back for a car, if the student has seen the situation arising early on gives you the advantage in positioning.   

Talks about the optimum hold back position - cars length away from parked and as much to middle or centre line of road - so have an easy moving off senario and avoiding harsh steering, and improved vision.  Good position means cars behind will see that your not parked but your positioned to move around the car.  Consider popping on right signal to emphasis your intention.  

Discusses problems with poor positioning.   

Getting into a gap between two parked cars is discussed and how lack of anticipation can cause learners to be late or too fast in making their decision to pull in.  Slowing the car down means you have greater control. 

Basic rule keep the learner slow, get them to see ahead and plan and anticipate to get right outcome.    

Support the show

Dear Listener,

Thanks for tuning in to the Drive Hart free podcasts – 

To see our full range of resources and support groups,   check out the links below: 

• All links: https://linktr.ee/drivehart (podcasts and support groups for parents, students and Instructors)
  
  
  • Parents’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/524645638669371
    
    
  • Instructors’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/931188437661404
    
    
• Updates & news: https://www.facebook.com/DriveHart
  
  

If you have a question or need training support Whats app  Sarah Hart on 07919 488360 or email admin@drivehart.com

Sarah Jane Hart & Jac Clayton
Directors, Drive Hart Ltd

Send us Fan Mail

Link to Drive Hart https://linktr.ee/drivehart

This podcast is a short explanation that when dealing with meeting traffic with a learner - it is important for them to know in what circumstances they have priority to progress. 

In simple terms - if the blockage is on our side of the road we do not have priority,  If the blockage is on the other side of the road and our lane is clear then we normally have priority.

Blockages are normally parked cars or other obstructions.

When cars on both sides of the road, then have situation called a 50/50 and neither party has priority and you have to look and plan ahead and anticipate what others are doing.

We talk about hills and how this impacts priorities - if its a 50/50 you should give way to traffic coming up a hill because it is difficulty to get going uphill. 

If 50/50 and both approaching the pinch point together have to look and see what others are doing, consider holding back. 

Do not flash lights because it can be misinterpreted by others and pedestrians.

We cannot guarantee others will do what they are expected to do, but sometimes cars don't hold back for you, for whatever reason (misjudge speed and distance or just might be arrogant and push through). 

A good lesson for your learner is to consider:   no matter if you have priority always expect the unexpected and be ready to react and hold back.   
 

Support the show

Dear Listener,

Thanks for tuning in to the Drive Hart free podcasts – 

To see our full range of resources and support groups,   check out the links below: 

• All links: https://linktr.ee/drivehart (podcasts and support groups for parents, students and Instructors)
  
  
  • Parents’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/524645638669371
    
    
  • Instructors’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/931188437661404
    
    
• Updates & news: https://www.facebook.com/DriveHart
  
  

If you have a question or need training support Whats app  Sarah Hart on 07919 488360 or email admin@drivehart.com

Sarah Jane Hart & Jac Clayton
Directors, Drive Hart Ltd

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 Meeting Traffic  - planning and anticipation - key decision making.  Importance of getting your learner to look well ahead.

Discusses the exercise in getting your learner to look ahead and tell you what they are seeing.  Looking at the Horizon exercise introduced. 

Links to Mirror, Signal, Position, Speed and Look - see the problem early on and makes it easier to deal with priorities (blockages) 

Importance of you looking ahead as a supervisor.   

Support the show

Dear Listener,

Thanks for tuning in to the Drive Hart free podcasts – 

To see our full range of resources and support groups,   check out the links below: 

• All links: https://linktr.ee/drivehart (podcasts and support groups for parents, students and Instructors)
  
  
  • Parents’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/524645638669371
    
    
  • Instructors’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/931188437661404
    
    
• Updates & news: https://www.facebook.com/DriveHart
  
  

If you have a question or need training support Whats app  Sarah Hart on 07919 488360 or email admin@drivehart.com

Sarah Jane Hart & Jac Clayton
Directors, Drive Hart Ltd

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Link to Drive Hart https://linktr.ee/drivehart

This is a basic explanation of what meeting traffic is - it is the link to other podcasts which deal with priorities in meeting traffic and planning and anticipation.  

Support the show

Dear Listener,

Thanks for tuning in to the Drive Hart free podcasts – 

To see our full range of resources and support groups,   check out the links below: 

• All links: https://linktr.ee/drivehart (podcasts and support groups for parents, students and Instructors)
  
  
  • Parents’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/524645638669371
    
    
  • Instructors’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/931188437661404
    
    
• Updates & news: https://www.facebook.com/DriveHart
  
  

If you have a question or need training support Whats app  Sarah Hart on 07919 488360 or email admin@drivehart.com

Sarah Jane Hart & Jac Clayton
Directors, Drive Hart Ltd

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Link to Drive Hart https://linktr.ee/drivehart  

In this podcast we cover the process for Emerging left from a minor road into a major one.  We go through the core driving process of Mirrors, Signal, Position, Speed/Gear and Looking, Assessing Deciding and Acting.  

We normally teach emerging (left and right) after a student has mastered turning left and right, as in particular emerging right  involves more skill in terms of :  clutch down, rolling first and more involved in decision making as you are crossing the path of other traffic.  

Support the show

Dear Listener,

Thanks for tuning in to the Drive Hart free podcasts – 

To see our full range of resources and support groups,   check out the links below: 

• All links: https://linktr.ee/drivehart (podcasts and support groups for parents, students and Instructors)
  
  
  • Parents’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/524645638669371
    
    
  • Instructors’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/931188437661404
    
    
• Updates & news: https://www.facebook.com/DriveHart
  
  

If you have a question or need training support Whats app  Sarah Hart on 07919 488360 or email admin@drivehart.com

Sarah Jane Hart & Jac Clayton
Directors, Drive Hart Ltd

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Link to Drive Hart https://linktr.ee/drivehart

This podcast provides an overview of Roundabouts - their purpose and 5 core aspects which often cause issues in negotiating them.   

The presentation starts with the purpose of roundabouts and then the 5 core aspects which we teach students, covering


1.Approach - Speed / Gear / Positioning  

2.Key Decision Making Process – LADA / Assessing Gaps

3.Lane Selection / Lane Discipline

4.Signals / Timing - On/Off 

5.Strong Observations / Awareness & Discipline 

Extract from our presentation on roundabouts:


Always Discuss the main Purpose of Roundabouts with your Learner - ask what they know!

•Meeting of two or more roads – to keep traffic moving

•Simple and Complex / Multi-lane

•Traffic light controlled and non controlled

•Don’t confuse with mini-roundabouts (separate session)

•Clockwise direction around island

•Give way to right

•Speed and Approach important 

•Assessment of Safe Gaps to Join 

•Method Important (Signals / Lane Selection / Discipline) 

1.  THE APPROACH – MSPSL 

•Mirror, Signal, Position, Speed/Gear – Look and prepare as you approach the roundabout.  

•Slow Down Early – Buy Yourself Time 

•Low Gear (usually 1st or 2nd – depending on situation)

•Look for Signs / Markings – well in advance

•Remember look for exceptions to normal positioning (often by advance signs and markings, examples in Salisbury ring road)

•Position for lane selection – plan and anticipate

•Observations – look well ahead to see what's happening

2.KEY DECISION MAKING PROCESS – LADA! 

●Look / Assess / Decide / Act – The Process

•Move Your Eyes:  Right and Ahead

•Start Assessing Early

•Assess Traffic Speed and Volume from the right 

•Look for Safe Gap (come in slow = better decision) 

•If No Safe Gap,  You Need To Stop!

•Don’t Assume The Driver In Front Will Go! 

•Don’t Follow Other Drivers / Make your own decision!   

3.  LANE SELECTION / DISCIPLINE  

•Look / Assess / Decide / Act  

•Look at signs on approach to guide you

•Observations Critical 

•General

•A:  Turning Left (first exit) – left lane on approach

•B:  Ahead (2nd exit) – left lane (unless directed otherwise)

•C:  Turning Right (3rd exit) – right lane on approach  - Inside / Outside principle 




4.  SIGNALS AND TIMING  

•Signals / Signal Timing = Key To Safety

•Informs what you are doing, so all others know/see

•Visibly shows

Support the show

Dear Listener,

Thanks for tuning in to the Drive Hart free podcasts – 

To see our full range of resources and support groups,   check out the links below: 

• All links: https://linktr.ee/drivehart (podcasts and support groups for parents, students and Instructors)
  
  
  • Parents’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/524645638669371
    
    
  • Instructors’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/931188437661404
    
    
• Updates & news: https://www.facebook.com/DriveHart
  
  

If you have a question or need training support Whats app  Sarah Hart on 07919 488360 or email admin@drivehart.com

Sarah Jane Hart & Jac Clayton
Directors, Drive Hart Ltd

Send us Fan Mail

Link to Drive Hart https://linktr.ee/drivehart

This podcast presented by Sarah Hart, A Graded ADI who is ORDIT registered and director of Drive Hart Limited. 

The session covers some of the main problems associated the learning to drive syllabus from the perspective of the potential or approved instructor perspective. 

Four main areas examined in terms of the problems that can arise with syllabus management and some suggestions on solutions, concluding with some key tips to assist those new to the industry.

1.  Goals/Aims of syllabus delivery - what outcomes are being sought for your training:  the podcast examine the problem of being rigid in syllabus delivery, inflexible to students needs or goals, or becoming over-focused just on test preparation.  We advocate a clear aim/goal on preparing learners to be safe and competent drivers, who are also properly prepared for the UK Driving Test  before presentation to test.  A focus on safety and competency ensures a wider breadth of knowledge and skills which keep young drivers safe when they take on independent driving.  The National publications (syllabus, standards for driving and teaching) set by the Government (Department of Vehicle Standards Agency, make it clear that the focus should be on safety and competency and link to these can be found below).

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-standard-for-driving-cars-and-light-vans-category-b

2.  Knowledge and understanding of the syllabus - the breadth of the National Syllabus,  as well as knowledge of each subject, need to brief students and taking a step by step approach to delivery.   We recommend that you get detailed understanding of the DVSA Essential Skills booklet and the highway code as well as the national standards and syllabus mentioned above.  But more than that, use your ADI trainer / coach to provide detailed professional knowledge of teaching the driving syllabus and get really familiar with how each subject is taught (step by step).   A useful DVSA sponsored site is the safedriving for life site a link to which is provided below, which provides software for PDI revision on Part 1/Part 2 as well as a shop with the main text you will need to help you in your role, in particular the essential skills. 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code
https://www.safedrivingforlife.info/shop/official-dvsa-guide-driving-essential-skills/

3.  Delivery of the syllabus - client ce

Support the show

Dear Listener,

Thanks for tuning in to the Drive Hart free podcasts – 

To see our full range of resources and support groups,   check out the links below: 

• All links: https://linktr.ee/drivehart (podcasts and support groups for parents, students and Instructors)
  
  
  • Parents’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/524645638669371
    
    
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• Updates & news: https://www.facebook.com/DriveHart
  
  

If you have a question or need training support Whats app  Sarah Hart on 07919 488360 or email admin@drivehart.com

Sarah Jane Hart & Jac Clayton
Directors, Drive Hart Ltd

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Link to Drive Hart https://linktr.ee/drivehart

Preparing and Planning Private Driving Practice with a learner driver can save you time, money and stress.  The Government Department responsible for Driving Tests estimates that around 70 hours tuition/practice is required to get a student ready for test of which around 45 hrs is taught and  22 hours it is assumed would be private practice with family or friends.   

Focused and well planned practice can save you professional instruction costs and reduce the stress inherent in supervising a learner in car.

This podcast, hosted by Julia Ann Clayton (retired Assistant Chief Officer of Police, A Graded Approved Instructor and Director of Training Company Drive Hart Ltd) covers ten key issues / preparations that supervisors should consider before setting off on private practice supervision including:

1.  Appropriate Car for the Learners Practice

2.  Insurance and legal costs to cover the learner driving, also consider wider aspects eg does the insurance provider have any terms or conditions regarding supervising drivers, does the policy in place provide cover for any legal (civil or criminal) proceedings and costs.

3.  Communication between you and your Approved Driving Instructor - Practice what has been taught by the ADI, if you don't have an ADI the onus will be on you to know the national driving syllabus and the skills that will be tested in the driving test.

4.  Knowledge of the supervisors role, Road Traffic  law and Highway Code, plus  key driving processes is essential to prepare a learner for test.

5.  Refresh your own driving skills and knowledge, and avoid passing on bad habits!

6.  Adopting the "Right Approach" to practice (right subject, right place and right time), speak with your ADI on when to start practice, and what to practice, get regular updates on the learners progress on the syllabus.

7.  Calmly review/debrief your practice - record your practice times and discuss any issues with your ADI.
 
8.  Keep driving  practice calm and as stress free as possible,  Agree the plan with your learner and how your going to deal and debrief any events during the practice.  If all else fails stop and cool things down!
 
9.  Give Clear, concise, and well timed alerts, direction and instruction, slow practice down!  it really helps the learner and you to manage the practice.
 
10.  Learn how to identify and put right common driving faults and discuss them with your learner.  Look on line, get advice and talk to your ADI, fault identification is what they do every day, and they should be able to give you advice on any specific recurrent faults to l

Support the show

Dear Listener,

Thanks for tuning in to the Drive Hart free podcasts – 

To see our full range of resources and support groups,   check out the links below: 

• All links: https://linktr.ee/drivehart (podcasts and support groups for parents, students and Instructors)
  
  
  • Parents’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/524645638669371
    
    
  • Instructors’ group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/931188437661404
    
    
• Updates & news: https://www.facebook.com/DriveHart
  
  

If you have a question or need training support Whats app  Sarah Hart on 07919 488360 or email admin@drivehart.com

Sarah Jane Hart & Jac Clayton
Directors, Drive Hart Ltd