Driving instructors are asked for information and guidance about all aspects of learning to drive and road safety, but how much advice should they give?
The first question most learners ask is “When will I be ready for test?”. Instructors are often somewhat guarded in answering this question, many turning to the joint TSO and DVSA web page www.safedrivingforlife.info, which advises: “Check out our infographic – a pdf file that opens in a new window.” This states that, “on average you need 40 hours of tuition with a professional driving instructor and 20 hours of private practice before passing your driving test.”
Of course, that is a little confusing if you’ve previously read the advice regarding planning and recording your driving, which suggests that learners should download the Driver’s Record to assist their learning.
The problem is that particular document has 26 spaces to record private practice but only 35 spaces for lessons!
Perhaps the correct answer is the simple one, “when I tell you that you are ready.”
Though whether a test slot will be available at the same time is another matter!
Risk – one day you give definitive advice on the number of lessons needed but having had that exact number, the pupil does not pass!
Clients sometimes also ask “What is the best food to eat before a test?” I recall one ADI who always gave her pupils a banana to eat in the test centre waiting room. All went well – after all, we all know that bananas are an excellent source of slow-releasing energy, perfect for a stressful, focused hour of driving – until a pupil, who was allergic to bananas but ‘didn’t like to say’, ate one and promptly had a massive reaction while on test. Wonder if they teach responding to that at Cardington?
Perhaps the correct answer is “I’m not sur
e there is a best food; perhaps you should check with a dietician.” Risk – beware anaphylactic shock, with all the dangers that could bring.
One instructor I know used to recommend a herbal remedy which, according to the product’s website, is used to relieve irritability, anxiety and the stresses of everyday life. As the tablets are herbal I understand this means there is no scientific evidence that they have any more effect than a placebo. There is also a note that they should not be used by under 18s.
Risk – they don’t work, client still feels nervous and no longer trusts instructor.
I recommend being careful about the advice you give. If it’s a question about how to turn right or rule 160 in the Highway Code there is no doubt that the ADI is the expert. Honest qualified advice is always safe. If the client is seeking advice on something other than driver training then it is probably best to direct them to an expert in that field
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