“What Why & How” ... Your Driving Lessons Explained

Explaining a Little of, What We Do and How We Do It, by Sass Kridichart RSA ADI...
We realise that learning to drive can be a bit daunting for some and exciting for others, However you come to us we will build upon any experiences you have ... or none at all. Our first aim, after our introductions (depending on your experience or preference) is to take you away from your immediate locality. For total beginners, we would offer a "car control lesson" essentially, pointing out each control in turn and briefly explaining, its use and function. For others, it may consist of recapping at the beginning of a previous lessons or on your experience you may have had.

We plan the lesson in hand and set our lesson objective with you to proceed with this lesson. Throughout the lesson we will endeavour to improve your skills and knowledge and will debrief at the end of the lesson and discuss any events that may have happened and offer fault analysis and remedial action, if required. We, make time for any questions you may have and will answer to the level of your abilities or progress. We will normally, end lesson with a summary of your performance then make plans for your next lesson. In case of EDT lessons, we, will write comments and upload your lesson on daily basis through the RSA portal on your behalf. Please see RSA.ie -My EDT. The following is a likely breakdown of the lesson process, it may not be the same for all, as we teach at your pace, not ours... So, that you are relaxed at all times and never placed in any position that we feel, you are not ready for. The following should only be used as a general guide to learning to drive as we don't all learn at the same pace!. Thank You.

1.DSSSM.
Short for Doors, Seat, Steering, Seatbelt, and Mirrors. Ensuring that you are comfortable in the correct seating position, able to reach all controls easily, use of the steering wheel mirrors and all vehicle controls. We ensure that all is in order before driving away, little point in doing so, if all is not correct.  

2. In order to understand the basics of a car, and how it works, we will briefly explain the main controls and their basic use and function, in order of importance and use. if you understand why, it will makes more sense!!!. Initially at a controls lesson, we teach the use and function of all the main controls and throughout the course of lessons we will teach the  basics of mechanical priniciples, showing and explaining aspects of engine components such as opening the bonnet, checking, water, oil, fluids, levels and the need to topping up ...

3 At AutoStar, we teach in "Manual" transmission vehicles, depending on your tuition choice we, will explain the gear positions and use e.g., the gear shift. In the case of manual transmission, we will explain, gear positions, including the starting neutral position, its correct use, holding /use positions and when and where etc.,  

4. At AutoStar we also teach in "Automatic" transmission, depending on your tuition choice we, will explain the gear positions and the use and function of the gear shift. What is the format for a driving test in an automatic The format is exactly the same as in a manual car. You'll be asked the same driving test questions and signs before you begin, plus your driver tester will not know that you're using an automatic car until s/hes accompanies you to your car and sits in it for the first time.

5. In the case of a "Manual" transmission, the driver selects the correct gear for the speed essentially, using the floor pedals, these can be remembered easily by the A_B_C method or Accelerator, Brake and Clutch. In relation to these pedals A, B, C (we will explain in a simple term, how and when to use each pedal/s) 

6. We will explain in a clear and simple manner, how the clutch actually works in conjunction with all gears). Essentially in basic terms, the clutch becomes an open door when depressed, to allow you to change to a selected gear. When depressed it is in an open position, when released slowly, it closes and engages the selected gear for the speed of the vehicle.  

7.  In order to maintain a steady course and direct the vehicle in your intended course, you will steer the vehicle, however before moving away we must ensure that we do not impede any other road user that might have a right of way. Moving away safely and under control with due regard to other road users is our theme.

8 In moving away safely on the level or a hill, we will explain how to balance the pedals with the use of the correct gear in moving away... example the differences between, on the level, uphill, or indeed downhill, in an easy to remember step by step routine and the correct use of the handbrake/ parking brake.

9 If you wish to change speed, course or direction then mirrors play an important part of knowing what's around you. We will explain how and when to use mirror, signal, position, speed and look routine. We will teach you the basic sequence of the MSPSL routine and on how to approach junctions, roundabouts, traffic signals stopping safely and in a few easy steps.

10. Driving is an ever-changing environment, as such we may have priority over others...
but not always, We, will explain the rules of priority, e.g. who should wait or go and how to read certain situations, obvious examples would be a green light. However, we must always "expect the unexpected" when driving and be aware that not all situations are safe, or priority taken for granted.

11. When driving it may be necessary to overtake, for example... even a parked car?
We will teach you how, where, and when you may overtake safely, using our traditional P-S-L (position-speed-look) then M-S-M (mirrors-signal-manoeuvre) routine. Some examples of prohibited areas to overtake are, crossing a solid white line, near a school or crossings, and others, etc., etc.,  

12. We will explain to great depth about all types of signalling being mechanical or hand/arm signals, reversing lights or brake lights, timing of signals, how and why we should or should not use them. Signals offer other road users to know our intent, however, a signal does not confer a right of way...

13 As already stated mirrors play a major part in road safety. Mirrors gives a view to the rear and sides of the vehicle That said, mirrors and indeed cars have blind spots, so checking mirrors regularly along the way is important.  We will explain the correct use of mirrors, how, when and why and the differences in views from the interior and exterior mirrors.

14 We will teach you the simple technique on how to do all manoeuvres, for example...
a). reversing round corner, b). turning in road, c). reverse parking and of course d). parking bay for example ...at shopping centre car parks, etc.,  e) reversing to the left or to the right,
f) turnabout in the road, etc. etc., 

15. There are many different types of pedestrian crossings you will come upon when driving,
Additional caution is always advised when on approaching any form of crossing. We will explain different types of crossings, Zebra, Pelican, Toucan, Puffin, even areas that are not covered by a crossing, where and when to watch out for people crossing, for example behind a bus, a truck, on a bend or a corner, between traffic lanes, etc. Remember we teach. Watch our pedestrians about!!!

16. In addition to the above, we will also explain other areas where pedestrians cross, controlled and uncontrolled, lollipop crossings, including advance warning signs, school crossing signs and pedestrian crossing flashing warnings, we will talk you through all various types of advance traffic signs, so you know...

17. Even as a pedestrian, you may have come across a blue sign indicating a "contra flow bus or traffic lane". These contra flow lanes travel in the opposite direction to the flow of traffic in one-way systems. We will explain fully, all aspects of these contra flow lanes, signage, and road markings,together with all traffic lanes, one way systems and more...

18 Once, you have learned how to drive and have completed your EDT process, and have got a lot of practice with a sponsor or your ADI and become a competent driver, we will proceed to your driving test, we will pre-test in similar circumstances to a "real driving test" and give an honest appraisal of your driving standard and if it is up to driving test standard we will recommend you proceed to a driving test.

• Please Note: The above is simply to explain, certain aspects of learning to drive, you would not be expected to retain this knowledge straightaway. We teach in bite-sized manageable chunks, we build upon previously learned experiences, we, answer all your questions along the way, at the same time, explain and demonstrate the rules of the road, so that you can become a more confident and competent driver for life... and not to simply pass the driving test.
  
  We, look forward to teaching you a life skill, we take road safety and the safety of our learner drivers and all other road users seriously. Remembering that a driving licence is not a right, but a privilege!!!
  
  
• Kind Regards
  Sass Kridichart RSA ADI...