Was the technical information given comprehensive, appropriate and accurate?
As noted above giving incorrect or insufficient information, with the result that a safety critical situation might occur, will result in an automatic fail.
Remember that good information is:
- accurate
- relevant
- timely
Failure to meet any one of these criteria makes the others redundant.
Most sessions will require some technical input from you to help your pupil solve problems or to fill a gap in their knowledge. This input must be accurate and appropriate.
Information given must be comprehensive when associated with a recurring weakness in your pupil’s driving. Simply telling your pupil that they have done something wrong is unlikely to help them overcome the problem.
Any practical demonstration of technique must be clear and suitable. Your pupil should be engaged and given the opportunity to explore their understanding of what they are being shown.
Information given unnecessarily may not be helpful, for example continually telling your pupil what to do and not allowing your pupil an opportunity to take responsibility.
Unclear or misleading advice should also be avoided. Comments such as ‘you’re a bit close to these parked cars’ could be used to introduce coaching on a weakness but are of little use on their own as they are unclear. How close is ’a bit’ and is it significant?
Indications that all the elements of competence are in place could include:
- giving clear, timely and technically accurate demonstrations or explanations
- Checking understanding and, if necessary, repeating the demonstration or explanation
- finding a different way to demonstrate or explain if your pupil still does not understand
Indications of lack of competence include:
- providing inaccurate or unclear information, too late or too early in the learning process
- failing to Check understanding
- failing to explore alternative ways of presenting information where your pupil does not understand the first offering
Was the information you gave relevant, meaningful and useful?
Common mistakes here are ADI’s saying things like “green means go” or trying to bluff their way through a good question from the learner that they clearly don’t know the answer to.
The key is to ensure that the information we give is accurate (carry driving the essential skills and the Highway Code with you always) and if we don’t know the answer to a question to be honest and look it up. Don’t try to kid your way through it, the examiner will spot that instantly.
Always be sure that the information you have provided is correct and makes sense to the learner and if necessary confirm such by asking relevant questions or reaching for the relevant reference materials. You must have a good working knowledge of the Highway Code and Driving Law.