You should teach your learner driver the basics somewhere without traffic at first. The next step is to practise basic driving skills on a quiet road.

Helpful hints

  • You’ll need to be patient with your learner when they’re driving on the road for the first time. Take it slow and work up from the basics to more complex driving tasks.
  • If you need to explain something in more detail, ask them to pull over and stop so you have their full attention.
  • The rear-view suction mirrors used by professional instructors can be great for coaches too. You can get one at an automotive shop. Use the mirror to see your learner’s face and check where they’re looking while they're driving. A second mirror gives you a rear-view for yourself as well. Make sure these do not restrict your learner’s field of vision.
  • While on the road, talk about things that are ‘must-knows’ and ‘should-knows’. Leave the ‘could-knows’ until after the session.
  • Ask your learner to describe what they’re doing. This is a good way to check they understood all your instructions and haven’t missed anything.