Its interesting how learners differ. The most extreme cases are when you meet an 'experienced' learner for the first time.
Let me explain what I mean...
An experienced learner is someone who has been driving for a while - in some cases, years!!! They may have been 'learning' all this time, others have been 'driving', such is the need to get on and get work that some have just learnt on the job!
It is often these drivers that are the hardest work. The first category, the 'Learners' can often be incredibly timid or self conscious about their driving and it takes some time to get it out of their heads that they CAN drive and drive well.
The second category, the 'Drivers' may already have bad habits such as speeding or not looking in mirrors or other road signs. It is these people I find the most challenging. The main thing I find is trying to convince them that they do NOT already know everything and that what I am saying to them may be of some use if they want to pass the test. I often try to explain that they are actually 'good' drivers (to a certain extent), but the test does not look to pass good drivers. The test is designed for NEW drivers, and they need to try to remember how they were when they first started driving.
My most extreme case was a chap, who was in his 50s, who had decided that now he was effectively retired, he would finally get his driving licence. He had been driving for work for over 30 years and had definitely got into LOTS of bad habits. It took a long time and some serious talks about what was required to get him up to test standard. I remember that we only did 1 hour lessons, basically because he found it such a strain to remember what he needed to do. I am very happy to report that he passed his test first time and was chuffed to bits at what he was able to achieve.
To find out more about how to pass your test, whether you are a new learner or an experienced 'driver', please go to the GT Driving School website at http://www.gtdrivingschool.net or call 07906 302910
Friday, April 23, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Pass Predictions
I have had one of my most unpredictable passes today!
Over the last four weeks I have had the dubious pleasure of teaching a chap in Tunbridge Wells. We have had 4-6 hours of lessons each week, with this week culminating in a 3-hour lesson on Wednesday and 2 hours before his test today.
On Wednesday, we had a Mock Test to see what he could remember and then to polish up on the one or two things that may be a little under par. Well, within the first 10 minutes of the 'test', I had recorded about 5 reasons why he would fail. By the time we finished, I had written down over 12 different major problems with his driving!!!
Afterwards, I pulled him over and asked him if he thought he had done a good job and he thought he had! I talked to him, saying that the test was a disaster and we should seriously consider not wasting each other's time and not turn up for the test as I didn't want his confidence knocked or my own humiliation of having to face the examiner afterwards.
He promised me that he would seriously consider everything I had told him overnight and would let me know the following day what he had decided.
We met again today for the two hours before the test to hear what his decision was. He had decided that he would go for it but I said that I would still not take him to the test if I did not see any improvement in his driving in the next two hours. In those preceding hours, I saw a little improvement and decided that I would agree to his taking of the test in my car. I did consider going with him, if for no other reason other than when the examiner had decided that he could cope with no more poor driving and was going to walk back to the centre, I would be there to take my pupil home. My pupil decided that he did not want me to come with him saying that he would be more nervous with me in the back of the car.
Needless to say, the 40 minutes of the test was one of the most agonising I have had to endure, wondering if my car would come back in one piece at the very least.
When the car came back, I hovered nervously around the rear of the car, waiting for the inevitable beckoning of the examiner to come and listen to the list of disasters that he had had to endure. Instead, my pupil appeared to reach to the rear seat of the car to give his provisional licence to the examiner - he has PASSED !!!!!!!
I think he was as amazed as I was at the result and all he wanted to do was cheer and jump in the air. He had passed with 10 driver faults (6 more and he would have failed). He had indicated incorrectly at a roundabout, stopped badly before conducting a left reverse manoeuvre and had not checked his mirrors correctly! It appears that the examiner had taken pity on my pupil and decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.
As a result, I cannot now say that I know who is likely to pass and who is likely to fail - it is entirely in the lap of the gods (and the benevolence of the examiner).
I'll make sure to have a box of chocolates and a bottle of wine for the examiner next time I have a questionable pupil taking the test!
For more information, please go to http://www/gtdrivingschool.net
Over the last four weeks I have had the dubious pleasure of teaching a chap in Tunbridge Wells. We have had 4-6 hours of lessons each week, with this week culminating in a 3-hour lesson on Wednesday and 2 hours before his test today.
On Wednesday, we had a Mock Test to see what he could remember and then to polish up on the one or two things that may be a little under par. Well, within the first 10 minutes of the 'test', I had recorded about 5 reasons why he would fail. By the time we finished, I had written down over 12 different major problems with his driving!!!
Afterwards, I pulled him over and asked him if he thought he had done a good job and he thought he had! I talked to him, saying that the test was a disaster and we should seriously consider not wasting each other's time and not turn up for the test as I didn't want his confidence knocked or my own humiliation of having to face the examiner afterwards.
He promised me that he would seriously consider everything I had told him overnight and would let me know the following day what he had decided.
We met again today for the two hours before the test to hear what his decision was. He had decided that he would go for it but I said that I would still not take him to the test if I did not see any improvement in his driving in the next two hours. In those preceding hours, I saw a little improvement and decided that I would agree to his taking of the test in my car. I did consider going with him, if for no other reason other than when the examiner had decided that he could cope with no more poor driving and was going to walk back to the centre, I would be there to take my pupil home. My pupil decided that he did not want me to come with him saying that he would be more nervous with me in the back of the car.
Needless to say, the 40 minutes of the test was one of the most agonising I have had to endure, wondering if my car would come back in one piece at the very least.
When the car came back, I hovered nervously around the rear of the car, waiting for the inevitable beckoning of the examiner to come and listen to the list of disasters that he had had to endure. Instead, my pupil appeared to reach to the rear seat of the car to give his provisional licence to the examiner - he has PASSED !!!!!!!
I think he was as amazed as I was at the result and all he wanted to do was cheer and jump in the air. He had passed with 10 driver faults (6 more and he would have failed). He had indicated incorrectly at a roundabout, stopped badly before conducting a left reverse manoeuvre and had not checked his mirrors correctly! It appears that the examiner had taken pity on my pupil and decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.
As a result, I cannot now say that I know who is likely to pass and who is likely to fail - it is entirely in the lap of the gods (and the benevolence of the examiner).
I'll make sure to have a box of chocolates and a bottle of wine for the examiner next time I have a questionable pupil taking the test!
For more information, please go to http://www/gtdrivingschool.net
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Dance Pupils and their Ability to Learn
I met a new pupil last week for her first lesson and was very impressed as to how well she took to learning to drive and it made me think about different types of pupils and their initial ability to pick things up quickly.
The new student had had no previous experience other than 'helping' to change gear whilst in the front passenger seat with her Dad. We found a quiet, straight part of road to start off in and I went through the usual 'Cockpit Drill' routine and then talked about Moving Off and Stopping.
She was able to understand almost immediately what I was trying to say and then complete the actions in the way required. As a result, we were driving through Maidstone, checking mirrors and changing gears in the correct way at the correct time. She was then able to drive to school and amaze all her friends as to how much she had been able to achieve.
This has not been the first pupil to be able to do this but there does seem to be a common denominator, namely, she was a dance student. Other girls in her position I have taught have also been dancers or involved in drama in some way. It seems that their ability to quickly understand and interpret new instructions and routines is something they need to do in class on a regular basis.
This observation should not discourage other existing or potential pupils as this is not a sure-fire way of learning and passing their test in a record time. I also recall that these same pupils often dip when it comes to practising and perfecting their driving skills. They may be good at picking up the basics, but perfecting their skills is another matter. This is where other 'normal' pupils often score better.
It will be interesting if my current 'dance student' will fall into the same category.
For more information, call GT Driving School on 07906 302910 or go to http://www.gtdrivingschool.net.
The new student had had no previous experience other than 'helping' to change gear whilst in the front passenger seat with her Dad. We found a quiet, straight part of road to start off in and I went through the usual 'Cockpit Drill' routine and then talked about Moving Off and Stopping.
She was able to understand almost immediately what I was trying to say and then complete the actions in the way required. As a result, we were driving through Maidstone, checking mirrors and changing gears in the correct way at the correct time. She was then able to drive to school and amaze all her friends as to how much she had been able to achieve.
This has not been the first pupil to be able to do this but there does seem to be a common denominator, namely, she was a dance student. Other girls in her position I have taught have also been dancers or involved in drama in some way. It seems that their ability to quickly understand and interpret new instructions and routines is something they need to do in class on a regular basis.
This observation should not discourage other existing or potential pupils as this is not a sure-fire way of learning and passing their test in a record time. I also recall that these same pupils often dip when it comes to practising and perfecting their driving skills. They may be good at picking up the basics, but perfecting their skills is another matter. This is where other 'normal' pupils often score better.
It will be interesting if my current 'dance student' will fall into the same category.
For more information, call GT Driving School on 07906 302910 or go to http://www.gtdrivingschool.net.
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