The most asked question by a driving instructor

One of the most common questions I get asked by driving instructors who are undertaking driving instructor training is:
“How should I start my driving lessons?”

The reason why this is such a central thought in the mind of the instructor is that it paves the way for the rest of the session.  I can gather a great deal of information about an instructors' needs just by observing how they start a training session.

Instructors quite understandably want to start off correctly, and they are acutely aware that how one begins a training session can affect its overall effectiveness.

In the mind of the instructor is this tension where they want to take control and dictate to the pupil what is about to happen.  But they know, they just do, that is not professional training.  And therein lies the rub.  Do you go with your gut instinct and do what very likely happened to you when you took driving lessons years ago, or do you invest time and effort in doing your job efficiently?  Now that's a hard choice for your average driving instructor.  The good news, however, is that because you are taking the time and trouble to read this blog, you, are not "your average driving instructor".  If you had no desire to adapt and improve, you would not have made it this far through this article.  Happy days, keep going.

A "starter for 10" tip that I offer my instructors in the BIG TOM Foundation Block > driving instructor training  < is to consider for a moment what your pupil will be thinking about when they initially sit in your driver's seat.  Without thought, your pupil is not learning, so it stands to reason to gravitate the start of your sessions around the feelings of your pupil.  They might have got into your car with expectations, questions, concerns, trepidation.  My point is, you will not know unless you start asking them questions based on their thoughts.

Try not to consume your thoughts with mind-boggling questions that inevitably tie you and your pupil up in knots, instead write the word "THOUGHTS" on your clipboard and have a 5-minute discussion around the thoughts of your pupil.  THAT should set the path of the session.

I encourage you to give it a go.  

To conclude.  How are you maximising the quality of your training sessions?  It is a SKILL to ask meaningful questions based on your pupil.  It is a TECHNIQUE to transfer the responsibility for learning outcomes to your pupil.  It is a SKILL to listen intently to your pupil as people think by talking and your active listening will contribute to the learning.

Develop your 'learning' skills and techniques, call 0800 689 4174