Is where we all need to be by the time we have passed our driving test.
There is not always going to be that person sat next to you telling you where to go, you will have to make ALL the decisions by yourself.
And this level of confidence is where we want you to be,
well before you think about taking your driving test.
During the driving test, you will be asked to drive a percentage of the test (anywhere up to 20 minutes) independently. This may be by following a pre-set route on a Sat-Nav that an examiner has programmed before your test into the Say-Nav, or it may be by being asked to follow a set of direction road signs.
When asked to follow a Sat-Nav route you just need to listen to the Sat-Nav and briskly look at the screen to confirm that what the Sat-Nav is asking you to do is where you believe the Sat-Nav wants you to go.
If you are unsure as to the instructions the Sat-Nav has given you , you can ask the examiner to clarify that information.
The Sat-Nav will usually give two verbal instruction, one of them at anywhere between 300yrds before you need to carry out any direction or speed change, and then a second instruction around 90yrds from it.
If you would like the screen zoomed in further or out, you can request the examiner to change it for you.
If you make a mistake following the route do not worry, as long as the correct signal, position in the road, speed etc is good and you do not affect another road user in the process, you cannot be penalised for going the wrong way.
The Sat-Nav or the examiner will get you back on track.
Following road signs, is as simple as following a Sat-Nav. The examiner will ask you to follow a selection of direction signs for a certain amount of time.
It is your responsibility to be looking out for signs throughout the drive and just deal with being in the correct lane and follow the directions as requested.
The examiner will give you one direction at a time and you just need to keep following that direction until they give you the next direction.
As with the Sat-Nav route, if you make a mistake and go the wrong direction, the examiner will get you back on track, but again, if you do go the wrong way, it must not affect another road user in the process.
There tends to be a growing number of learners around the UK, with the attitude of
"let's have a go and see how I get on"
NO, LET'S NOT!
"Having a Go" and thinking you'll get a lucky 40 minute test, an easy route, hardly any traffic to deal with because the time of day you've booked it for, good weather conditions etc is one thing.
BUT! what happens the next day?
Let's just say you manage the pass, you've already got yourself a car, it's all legal, and you want to go out.
Today however, it's raining, it's rush hour traffic time, you're not sure where you are going, and you've never driven your car other than up and down your driveway or on your own.
How confident are you feeling now?
Teaching you to drive totally Independently is possibly the biggest thing any Driving Instructor wants you to achieve.
They will then know that once you have passed your test, you will have a sufficient amount of knowledge to know how to deal with the standard everyday driving.
That knowledge will then grow FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!
It would be impossible for any instructor to prepare you for every eventuality that may arise in your lifetime of driving, but what they should be able to achieve, is to know that your knowledge and experience already gained up to your test day is enough that you will be able to make the correct choices as and when they are needed when you are a full licence holder to remain a safe driver for life and not cause any other road users any concerns.
Now some information to keep you legal!
The use of a mobile phone or free standing Sat-Nav.
It is ILLEGAL to touch your mobile phone or Sat-Nav whilst your engine is ON!
If you want to follow a Sat-Nav either on your phone or a free standing Sat-Nav,
you MUST SET IT UP BEFORE YOU SWITCH ON THE ENGINE!
https://www.gov.uk/using-mobile-phones-when-driving-the-law
By doing so in the first 2 years of passing your test, you WILL have your licence revoked!
It will also come with a £200 fine and 6 points on your licence.