Congratulations to Steven on passing his test, first time, in Inverness this morning. About time too! Steven started with me waaaayyy back, several years ago when I was a mere boy with BSM (ok, 'mere boy' may have been a slight exaggeration). Changes of address, forgetting to take his licence to his Theory Test (not clever) and other reasons have caused his lessons to be sporadic, to say the least. I have to be honest, when he called me in November to ask if he could resume his lessons, I did wonder 'how long for this time?'. It's irrelevant now, he went off in the wrong direction in the independent driving section, but otherwise passed with ease and it was nice to hear the examiner compliment him on his drive.
He was looking forward to getting home in time to watch his team, Rangers, play Hearts, for what he hoped would add to his enjoyment of the day, but Hearts had other ideas. My day continued to improve, however, as Liverpool finally began to show a bit of form in beating Wolves 0 - 3. I know you're probably not interested, but, this season, all wins are a bit of a relief.
Showing posts with label Independent driving.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Independent driving.. Show all posts
Saturday, 22 January 2011
Saturday, 15 January 2011
Cruel to be kind
Horrible, horrible, horrible.
Following on from my last post, where I talked about "Zoe's" troubles, today was the day where we had to decide whether she should postpone her test, which is booked for next week.
Obviously, when someone starts a course of driving lessons, it is because they want to pass their driving test and gain that wonderful freedom to drive wherever they want, when they want. Because driving lessons cost money, it is understandable that most people want to pass as quickly as possible. In 'Zoe's' case, she has been patient and taken years (and several driving instructors). I will take immense pride from being the instructor that finally gives her the ability and confidence to drive solo and pass her test. 'Drive solo' - That is what the examiners are, ultimately, asking themselves, "Do I think this person will be fine driving on his/her own, in all situations?" It is the same question I ask myself when I consider whether a pupil should apply for their test. I have said before, I sometimes ask myself 'would I be happy for this person to drive my granchildren around?'
Today I simply told 'Zoe' that she was on her own, but I would give directions (i.e. test conditions). If she got into a problem, she would have to get herself out of it.
At the end of the lesson I knew that she was not yet ready. Our respective work commitments meant that we probably would not be able to fit in more than one more lesson before her test, which was not enough in my opinion. Usually this is not a problem, we simply postpone the test for a few weeks. Unfortunately, 'Zoe's' theory test pass was nearly two years ago and a postponement would mean that her theory test would be invalid. Either way she was going to lose money: If she cancels her test, she would have to retake her theory; but if she went ahead and took her test, I thought it would be unlikely that she would pass, therefore, a waste of money. Besides, the examiners would take a dim view of me if I put someone forward for a test who I did not think would pass.
She was naturally very upset and berated herself for all the hours (and money) she had spent on her driving. Her initial reaction was to say that 'she was going to give up driving, she is obviously not a 'natural driver', and she was going to spend her money (that she would otherwise spend on lessons) on holidays, clothes and things that make her feel good'. Now, I'm not going to give up on anyone, but, at the same time, I'm not going to bully them when they least feel like it. I tried to emphasise all that is really good about her driving and to remind her that she is actually very close to being ready to drive solo or, if you prefer, 'test-ready'. She got out of the car, still very upset, and we agreed that she would take a few weeks break, see how she felt after that, then work on any aspects of her driving that were lacking in confidence.
Several hours and a few other lessons later, I still feel bad about telling her to cancel her test. She has text me to apologise for getting upset, but I told her not to be daft and to enjoy her few weeks away from driving (or from me). It was an horrible feeling, as we neared the end of that lesson, knowing that I would have to advise her against taking her test, but, it is my responsibilty to make sure my pupils are safe drivers. I couldn't honestly say that 'Zoe' is a safe driver............. but she will be one day.
(Thinking of the title for this post has got me singing this all afternoon - not out loud you will be relieved to hear.)
Following on from my last post, where I talked about "Zoe's" troubles, today was the day where we had to decide whether she should postpone her test, which is booked for next week.
Obviously, when someone starts a course of driving lessons, it is because they want to pass their driving test and gain that wonderful freedom to drive wherever they want, when they want. Because driving lessons cost money, it is understandable that most people want to pass as quickly as possible. In 'Zoe's' case, she has been patient and taken years (and several driving instructors). I will take immense pride from being the instructor that finally gives her the ability and confidence to drive solo and pass her test. 'Drive solo' - That is what the examiners are, ultimately, asking themselves, "Do I think this person will be fine driving on his/her own, in all situations?" It is the same question I ask myself when I consider whether a pupil should apply for their test. I have said before, I sometimes ask myself 'would I be happy for this person to drive my granchildren around?'
Today I simply told 'Zoe' that she was on her own, but I would give directions (i.e. test conditions). If she got into a problem, she would have to get herself out of it.
At the end of the lesson I knew that she was not yet ready. Our respective work commitments meant that we probably would not be able to fit in more than one more lesson before her test, which was not enough in my opinion. Usually this is not a problem, we simply postpone the test for a few weeks. Unfortunately, 'Zoe's' theory test pass was nearly two years ago and a postponement would mean that her theory test would be invalid. Either way she was going to lose money: If she cancels her test, she would have to retake her theory; but if she went ahead and took her test, I thought it would be unlikely that she would pass, therefore, a waste of money. Besides, the examiners would take a dim view of me if I put someone forward for a test who I did not think would pass.
She was naturally very upset and berated herself for all the hours (and money) she had spent on her driving. Her initial reaction was to say that 'she was going to give up driving, she is obviously not a 'natural driver', and she was going to spend her money (that she would otherwise spend on lessons) on holidays, clothes and things that make her feel good'. Now, I'm not going to give up on anyone, but, at the same time, I'm not going to bully them when they least feel like it. I tried to emphasise all that is really good about her driving and to remind her that she is actually very close to being ready to drive solo or, if you prefer, 'test-ready'. She got out of the car, still very upset, and we agreed that she would take a few weeks break, see how she felt after that, then work on any aspects of her driving that were lacking in confidence.
Several hours and a few other lessons later, I still feel bad about telling her to cancel her test. She has text me to apologise for getting upset, but I told her not to be daft and to enjoy her few weeks away from driving (or from me). It was an horrible feeling, as we neared the end of that lesson, knowing that I would have to advise her against taking her test, but, it is my responsibilty to make sure my pupils are safe drivers. I couldn't honestly say that 'Zoe' is a safe driver............. but she will be one day.
(Thinking of the title for this post has got me singing this all afternoon - not out loud you will be relieved to hear.)
Friday, 19 November 2010
Intense
A few months ago someone contacted me to ask if I do 'intensive courses'. They said that they wanted to learn as quickly as possible. This set alarm bells ringing in my head; learning to drive should not be something to 'get over and done with'. I tried to steer him towards a more conventional course, or even a semi-intensive course. He then explained that he was busy at work and college, including evenings and weekends, annd would rather take a week off work to learn to drive. Hmmmm..... Ok then, I agreed and explained the plan: I said he would have to study for and pass his Theory Test, then go ahead and book his test the week after his intensive course. He wanted to have the test in the same week, but I explained that he would have to pass a mock test at least one week before his driving test, or else I would advise postponing the test.
I have had a couple of enquiries like this before, but never heard anything from them after. So it was with slight surprise that, last month, he called me to say that he had passed his theory and had booked his test for 10.44am on Friday 19th November, in Inverness. He then said he would like to book a 20 hour course the week before. 20 hours? Had he already had some lessons then? No. Will he be able to get extra practice with friends of family? No. Well, in that case, 20 hours will not be enough. I have got some of my Ullapool pupils through their test in less than 20 hours (without any other driving experience), but never in Inverness. Ullapool has no roundabouts, dual-carriageways or even a traffic light, so 20 hours is feasible. But Inverness has it all: multi-lane roads, fiendishly complex roundabouts, plenty of traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, 70mph dual-carriageways, buses, cyclists etc.... in short, everything you would expect to find in a city. I was thrilled, a few years back, when Catriona passed in Inverness, first time, after only 23 hours with me, from scratch. But she was exceptional. So I suggested that we start with a 20 hour course, and see how that goes, but I would not make any promises and repeated my warning that he would have to pass a mock test with at least a week to spare.
So, Saturday 6th November, I met Calum for the first time for a three hour lesson: Cockpit drill; controls; Moving off/stopping; Basic junctions. That was the plan, but everything was going well, so I decided to push him and we covered crossroads and roundabouts.
Sunday 7th November: Recap of yesterday's lesson. More complex junctions and roundabouts. Use of signals. All going well, so time to introduce reversing and the manoeuvres (Turn in the road, reversing to the left, reversing to the right - important for him as he will need to drive a van at work - parallel park and bay park).
Monday 8th November: Recap of everything so far. Meeting and crossing traffic. Traffic lights, Pedestrian crossings, Emergency stop. Rural roads.
Tuesday 9th November: Recap. Making progress (not holding up traffic). Dual-carriageways. Overtaking. Independent driving.
Wednesday 10th November: Recap everything.
Thursday 11th - Friday 12th November: Days off.
Saturday 13th November: Practice, practice, practice. MOCK TEST. Hmmmm. Not too bad. Getting a little ahead of himself on gear selection - changing down before he had sufficiently brought the speed down - and being a bit too hasty to select 2nd and 1st gears. We analysed the possible consequences of this. However, he failed his mock test because he indicated left on approach to a roundabout when I had asked him to 'turn left, taking the second exit'. We had used 17 of his 20 hours. Options: Postpone his test, take more lessons, or work damn hard in the last three hours to iron out all wrinkles...... We chose the third option as he would be going back to work and not have much time, and I was fully-booked in Elgin, Gairloch and Ullapool in the days before his test.
So, this morning, I set off from Ullapool at 6am to pick Calum up at 7.30am for three very concentrated hours before the test. He had not driven for the six days since his mock test and, though fine to start with, nerves started to creep in, causing silly mistakes with the gears. To make matters worse, the morning sun was very bright and me cleaning the car yesterday had been a waste of time as, in 24 hours, the car and the windscreen were already covered in spray, making visibility difficult. Time to swap seats.
I explained that I would give him a break from his driving. I would drive to a drive-through car wash, giving him a commentary drive as I did so. An instructor may often demonstrate a technique, or manoeuvre, when teaching it for the first time; it is a useful tool. Occasionally, I have found it helpful to use a demonstration when the pupil can already do what is being asked, but is not quite getting it right. I demonstrated how much easier driving is when I use the brakes to give me plenty of time to decide which gear to select. Whilst in the car-wash we re-capped all the 'show me/tell me' questions and then I drove for another few minutes. "Now, I want you to drive like that."
It worked a treat. He stopped rushing for the gearstick and used his brakes to give him more time to assess hazards and junctions. His driving became much more relaxed and I hope he went into his test a little less nervous.
Nervous or not, Calum passed with 6 minor faults. I was particularly impressed when he described his route, as the independent driving section had involved him following signposts to Aberdeen, taking in several dual-carriageways with very careful lane-planning required and deceptively low speed limits.
Would I take on anyone else for an 'intensive course'? Yes. I would still recommend a more traditional, gradual course, but, there is no denying, it worked for Calum and it completed a successful week for me with 5 passes in 7 tests.
I have had a couple of enquiries like this before, but never heard anything from them after. So it was with slight surprise that, last month, he called me to say that he had passed his theory and had booked his test for 10.44am on Friday 19th November, in Inverness. He then said he would like to book a 20 hour course the week before. 20 hours? Had he already had some lessons then? No. Will he be able to get extra practice with friends of family? No. Well, in that case, 20 hours will not be enough. I have got some of my Ullapool pupils through their test in less than 20 hours (without any other driving experience), but never in Inverness. Ullapool has no roundabouts, dual-carriageways or even a traffic light, so 20 hours is feasible. But Inverness has it all: multi-lane roads, fiendishly complex roundabouts, plenty of traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, 70mph dual-carriageways, buses, cyclists etc.... in short, everything you would expect to find in a city. I was thrilled, a few years back, when Catriona passed in Inverness, first time, after only 23 hours with me, from scratch. But she was exceptional. So I suggested that we start with a 20 hour course, and see how that goes, but I would not make any promises and repeated my warning that he would have to pass a mock test with at least a week to spare.
So, Saturday 6th November, I met Calum for the first time for a three hour lesson: Cockpit drill; controls; Moving off/stopping; Basic junctions. That was the plan, but everything was going well, so I decided to push him and we covered crossroads and roundabouts.
Sunday 7th November: Recap of yesterday's lesson. More complex junctions and roundabouts. Use of signals. All going well, so time to introduce reversing and the manoeuvres (Turn in the road, reversing to the left, reversing to the right - important for him as he will need to drive a van at work - parallel park and bay park).
Monday 8th November: Recap of everything so far. Meeting and crossing traffic. Traffic lights, Pedestrian crossings, Emergency stop. Rural roads.
Tuesday 9th November: Recap. Making progress (not holding up traffic). Dual-carriageways. Overtaking. Independent driving.
Wednesday 10th November: Recap everything.
Thursday 11th - Friday 12th November: Days off.
Saturday 13th November: Practice, practice, practice. MOCK TEST. Hmmmm. Not too bad. Getting a little ahead of himself on gear selection - changing down before he had sufficiently brought the speed down - and being a bit too hasty to select 2nd and 1st gears. We analysed the possible consequences of this. However, he failed his mock test because he indicated left on approach to a roundabout when I had asked him to 'turn left, taking the second exit'. We had used 17 of his 20 hours. Options: Postpone his test, take more lessons, or work damn hard in the last three hours to iron out all wrinkles...... We chose the third option as he would be going back to work and not have much time, and I was fully-booked in Elgin, Gairloch and Ullapool in the days before his test.
So, this morning, I set off from Ullapool at 6am to pick Calum up at 7.30am for three very concentrated hours before the test. He had not driven for the six days since his mock test and, though fine to start with, nerves started to creep in, causing silly mistakes with the gears. To make matters worse, the morning sun was very bright and me cleaning the car yesterday had been a waste of time as, in 24 hours, the car and the windscreen were already covered in spray, making visibility difficult. Time to swap seats.
I explained that I would give him a break from his driving. I would drive to a drive-through car wash, giving him a commentary drive as I did so. An instructor may often demonstrate a technique, or manoeuvre, when teaching it for the first time; it is a useful tool. Occasionally, I have found it helpful to use a demonstration when the pupil can already do what is being asked, but is not quite getting it right. I demonstrated how much easier driving is when I use the brakes to give me plenty of time to decide which gear to select. Whilst in the car-wash we re-capped all the 'show me/tell me' questions and then I drove for another few minutes. "Now, I want you to drive like that."
It worked a treat. He stopped rushing for the gearstick and used his brakes to give him more time to assess hazards and junctions. His driving became much more relaxed and I hope he went into his test a little less nervous.
Nervous or not, Calum passed with 6 minor faults. I was particularly impressed when he described his route, as the independent driving section had involved him following signposts to Aberdeen, taking in several dual-carriageways with very careful lane-planning required and deceptively low speed limits.
Would I take on anyone else for an 'intensive course'? Yes. I would still recommend a more traditional, gradual course, but, there is no denying, it worked for Calum and it completed a successful week for me with 5 passes in 7 tests.
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