Driving Lesson Plan
Welcome to the Echo driving Lesson Plan:
First Lesson : Crockpit drill
Clutch Control:
To understand how the clutch works, below there is diagram which illustrates the various stages that is involved in how the clutch works.
It is a good idea to practice clutch control on quite roads and there are roads in south london that will aid your learning with Echo driving school Tooting SW17 or Driving Lesson in SW18 Garratt Lane.
Moving off/Stopping
The lesson plans are there as a guide for all students out there who would like to read up on Moving off and Stopping. If this your second driving lesson than by now you would have been introduced to the cockpit drill routine. Once you have demonstrated to you instructor that you can do the cockpit drill, you need to do the safety precautions before starting the engine, (this is done by making sure that the gears are in the neutral position followed by checking that the handbrake is applied.
You are now ready to start the engine. Once the engine is started you driving instructor will talk you through the POM routine, and explain what each letter means. In the mean time we have tried to explain what POM is used for.
The POM routine (Prepare, Observe, Move)
To prepare, start by clutching down to the floor and select first gear, slowly bring the clutch upwards to the biting point (bonnet of the car may rise up a little, also you may notice that the engine sounds a little quieter (engine revs go down slightly). Once the above is achieved with your right foot progressive gas about the thickness of a pound coin, then keep both feet still. That is the prepare part completed.
Next is the second part of the POM, the observe routine
You need to take effective all-round observation. This is done by starting to look in your centre mirror followed by your directional mirror and finally looking over your right shoulder to cover the ‘blind spot’. Do not forget that you also need to signal to warn other road users of what you intend doing. (Remember a signal is meant to inform and not confuse).
If all is clear and safe press release the hand break, keep the pressure on the gas pedal so you have a ‘lively hum’ sound from the engine, then as you move ease pressure off the clutch but only by the thickness of a pound coin, the car will now start to move, (if it seems to be going too fast then slight pressure on the clutch will bring the speed under control) as the car gains momentum then ease off the clutch a pound coin thickness at a time, once the car is going at around five MPH (walking pace) you can then take your foot off the clutch.
As the car starts to move you should steer to the right into a ‘normal driving position’ (about one metre from the kerb) and point the car in the direction you wish to travel using the ‘push – pull’ method of steering
When the car has straightened up in the direction you wish to travel do not forget to check in your centre mirrors, before gently accelerating if all is safe.
Stopping Routine: This routine should be explained along side the POM routine
Start of by understanding where you are allowed to stop. What you need to think about is choosing a safe, legal and convenient place to stop (not on or near a blind bend or brow of a hill, on double yellow lines or blocking someone’s driveway are a few examples of where NOT to stop)
Use the Mirrors – Signal – Manoeuvre routine Check the centre and left mirrors and indicate left if anyone would benefit from it, this includes pedestrians that you may have to move towards
If all is safe (no cyclists coming up on your nearside for example) begin slowing the car down by coming off the gas pedal and applying the footbrake progressively, if there is a need to lower your gears, you can do so by using the block change technique.
Start Steering the car towards the kerb then steer back slightly in order to position the car parallel to the kerb use quick glances at you left mirror to judge how far you are from the side of the kerb. You should end up about 6 inches or less away from it (your instructor will give you a reference point to help you to judge this)
As the car is coming to a stop REMEMBER to push the clutch pedal down to the floor, and use the breaks progressively and keep you foot on it until the car stops completely.
When the car has stopped completely keep your feet still until you have applied the handbrake and put the gear lever into the neutral position, you can then rest your feet and cancel the indicator
The POM routine (Prepare, Observe, Move) for Automatic Car
To prepare, start by pressing down on the brake padal with your right foot and remember that in an automatic car there is no use for the left foot so just rest it alway from all the padals. Once you have your right foot on the brake padal move your left hand onto the gear lever and move it to DRIVE (D). Make sure you keep your foot on the brake padal until you are ready to move. That is the prepare part completed.
Just like in an manual car you need to do the Observe part so read the above as the stages are the same.
Echo Driving School covers all of the areas below and more please check our Areas we cover page to find out more Balham, Clapham, Earlsfield, Merton, Mitcham, Morden, Norbury, Streatham, Tooting, Wandsworth, Wimbledon & more…
Why not give it a try? Call 0845 644 9405 to book a confidence-boosting trial lesson.
Move of Uphill, down hill and at an angle from behind a parked vehicle,
Once you have mastered the basic skills of moving off on a level road and your driving instructor has given you a full talk through on when to change gears (gear ratio), and talked about the pull-push steering. You can now move onto slightly more complex maneuvers such as moving off uphill, down hill and at an angle from behind a parked vehicle.
In this section we will discuss how to move of Uphill, down hill and at an angle from behind a parked vehicle,
Moving off from an angle from behind a parked vehicle:
By now you should have a clear idea of how to do the POM routine. Up hill start is no different in the POM routine apart from the fact that you are on a steep hill therefore you will need to use more gas when setting the gas, this will give you the power needed to move away uphill slowly and smoothly. Remember that you will need to bring the clutch higher than normal until you see the front of the car rise. Your car is now ready to go, once you have made the necessary observation and signalled to warn other road users of your intention; you are now ready to release the handbrake gently. The car should not roll back but if the car rolls back, bring the clutch up a little more.
Down hill Start:
Down hill start is slightly different in that you need no gas; allow gravity do the hard work for you. However, remember you need to control the speed with your foot brake bringing the clutch up gently as soon as possible as this will allow engine braking. As a general rule the steeper the gradient the higher the gear you should start in.
Moving of at an Angle
When moving of at an angle use clutch-control to keep your speed down until you have straightened your wheels. Also do not forget you need to signal even if you think there is no-one to benefit as it is harder to see and be seen. Remember because of the angel you should at least check your blind spot twice
Turning Left : Major to Minor
The next step is to learn how to take a turn from a major road to a minor road. The skills needed for this excerise is one of carefull obersvation and not just in one direction, for example when turning left do not forget to check your left mirror to see if there is a cyclist in your blind spot.
The DSA has recommanded to follow this general procedure know as the MSPSL.
*Mirror:
Start by checking your mirrors in good time as you approach the junction, remember to check your interor mirror followed by your left mirror.
*Signal :
Give a left signal in good time so that other road users will benefit from your signal.
*Position:
Remember to position your car to the left of the road (about one metre from the kerb). Make sure you do not move too far to the left as this might give driver behind you the wrong message and they could think that you are pulling up and not turning.
*Gears :
slow down and select the appropriate gear, remember to reflect how sharp the corner is and make sure you can clearly see round the corner. For example if it is a sharp corner then it is best to do it in first gear as a general rule.
*Look
check your mirrors again, especially your nearside mirror in case a cyclist or motorcyclist is passing on your nearside. Look in the direction of travel to make sure the road you are turning is clear. You must stop and give way to any pedestrians crossing the road.
Pedestrian’s crossings
Pedestrian’s crossings have been designed to help pedestrians find a safe way to cross through busy junctions without causing danger to themselves and other road users. It is essential that leaner drivers know how to identify different types of pedestrian crossing and be able to deal with any crossing safely.
Below we will talk about the main types of pedestrian crossings and explain in detail how to identify them. The main pedestrian crossings are as follows: zebra crossings, pelican crossings, Toucan crossings and Puffin crossings.
Zebra Crossings –
As the name suggests those can easily identifiable by black and white stripes across the road. Also you will find zig-zag line on both sides of the road and there may be flashing yellow beacons on poles on both sides of the road. There is also White give way making across the crossing, which advise drivers to wait behind the line until the crossing is clear.
Pelican Crossings -
These can be identifiable by traffic lights on both sides of the road, there will also be zig-zag lines on both side of the crossing. The light sequence of pelican crossing are different from normal traffic lights, there is a flashing amber light which means that drivers should not proceed if a pedestrian is crossing. There is usually a solid white where drivers should stop behind the line when the lights turn red. Finally, traffic lights are activated when a pedestrian pushes the button on the yellow box.
Puffin Crossings -
These are similar to a pelican crossing in that they can be identifiable by traffic lights and have the same markings as pelican crossings. However, the main difference is that puffin crossings are more pedestrian friendly. Puffin crossings have an electronic sensor on top of the traffic lights which detects when a pedestrian is on the crossing and when the crossing is clear. When the crossing is clear, the electronic sensor will change the traffic light sequence and allow the traffic to flow again.
Toucan Crossings -
These are also identifiable by traffic lights and have the same markings as pelican crossings. However, these crossings are shared by both pedestrians and cyclists and are commonly found near cycle routes.
Crossings with central reservations –
Lets start with a Zebra Crossing which can be divided by a central reservation, one should treat each half as two separate crossings. This means if pedestrians are on the other side of the crossing, the driver can continue if it is safe to do so. If a Pelican Crossing is STRAIGHT and is divided by a central reservation, each half should be treated as the same crossing. This means that even if there is someone on the other side of the crossing, the driver must wait until the whole crossing is clear. If a Pelican Crossing is STAGGERED and is divided by a central reservation, each half should be treated as two separate crossings. This means if pedestrians are on the other side of the crossing, the driver can continue if it is safe to do so.
Traffic Light Sequence – As mentioned earlier the light sequence for pedestrian crossing are different from normal traffic lights and you need to be able to differentiate what type of crossing you are approaching therefore it is important you know the light sequence and what each colour means:
Pelican Crossings
Green – Go. (still check to ensure there is no-one on the crossing)
Amber – Stop, if is safe to do so.
Red – Stop.
Flashing Amber – Go, if the crossing is clear.
Green – Go. (still check to ensure there is no-one on the crossing)
Puffin/Toucan Crossings
Green – Go. (still check to ensure there is no-one on the crossing)
Amber – Stop, if is safe to do so.
Red – Stop.
Steady Amber and Red on together – Prepare to go.
Green – Go . (still check to ensure there is no-one on the crossing)
Approaching a crossing
Identify the crossing as early as possible.
Having identified the crossing, check your mirrors, particularly your centre and right mirrors. You may need to slow down so you will need to know how close vehicles are behind and what their movements are.
Check the crossing itself and look both ways to make sure the crossing is clear.
Is there anybody on the crossing? Is there anybody walking towards it? Are parked cars blocking your view of the footpaths?
If the answers to the above questions are yes, you may have to slow down or even stop just before the crossing. How much brake pressure you will have to apply will depend on what speed you have to slow down to. If it is a zebra crossing you may consider giving a slowing down ‘arm signal’ to assist vehicles in front and behind you to let them know you are going to slow down. This will not be required approaching crossings with traffic lights, as other road users will be able to see the lights for themselves.
Before moving off at a crossing, check the footpaths of either side of the crossing. Ensure nobody else is likely to step onto the crossing. Check both outside mirrors before moving off. Ensure it is safe to move off and that you are not being passed on either side by cyclists or other vehicles. At pelican crossings, when the light is ‘flashing amber’, you may move off when the crossing is clear and the pedestrians are on the footpath. At zebra crossings, you do not have to wait until the pedestrians are on the footpath. You may move off when it is safe to do so.If the answer to the above questions are no, you should be able to maintain your speed.
Rules
Never beckon a pedestrian to cross – you may inadvertently cause them to step out when it is not safe.
Do not park on zig-zag lines – it is illegal and makes it more difficult for the driver approaching to see if a pedestrian has stepped onto the crossing.
Do not overtake the leading vehicle – the leading vehicle will block your view and make it more difficult for you to see if a pedestrian is crossing.
Do not rev your engine when waiting at a crossing – it only intimidates pedestrians on the crossing.
Roundabouts
Roundabouts are seen by many learner drivers to be a waste of space and are deemed to be difficult to understand the principles of how to negotiate them. Before we discuss how to deal with roundabouts a recent survey found that roundabouts are safer than both traffic circles and traditional intersections—having 40% fewer vehicle collisions, 80% fewer injuries and 90% fewer serious injuries and fatalities (according to a study of a sampling of roundabouts in the United States, when compared with the intersections they replaced). Roundabouts also reduce points of conflict between pedestrians and motor vehicles and are therefore considered to be safer for them.
If you are starting to do roundabouts, than by now you driving instructor should have explained the MSPSL (mirror, signal, position, speed, Look) routine. Also you should be reading the Highway Code where the rules of roundabouts are explained.
When approaching a roundabout make sure you start your MSPSL routine early so that you can decide which lane you need before you get to the roundabout, also it is a good idea to look early so that you can anticipate the most appropriate gear to negotiate the roundabout.
As an example if you are going left and taking the first exit you should indicate left and approach in the left hand lane, keep to the left and maintain the left signal throughout, as you exit it is advisable to check your left mirror for any cyclist that could be turning.
To take the second exit one should again stay in the left hand lane using the MSPSL routine, however, you should not signal on approach to the roundabout and only give a left signal as you exit the roundabout, (it is very important that you check your left wing mirror before you signal).
To turn right (third exit) approach in the right hand lane using the MSPL routine, give a right signal, maintain your lane until you have passed the second exit at this point look at your left wing mirror and give a left signal to inform other road users that you intend to leave at this exit.
There are various roundabouts that your driving instructor will take you on, for example if you are taking your driving lesson in Tooting than you would use the Church Lane roundabout. If you live in Earlsfield than your instructor will use mini-roundabout on Garratt Lane.
Echo Driving School covers all of the areas below and more please check our Areas we cover page to find out more Balham, Clapham, Earlsfield, Merton, Mitcham, Morden, Norbury, Streatham, Tooting, Wandsworth, Wimbledon & more…
Why not give it a try?
Call 0845 644 9405 to book
a confidence-boosting £10 * trial lesson.
Do you value your Driving Licence?
Having spent a lot of money and time to pass the UK driving test, it is amazing that people are throwing it all away by getting their new licenses revoked under the new driver act! Which states that if you get 6 points on your driving licence than you have to take the theory and practical driving test again? There is no excuse for being caught speeding or failing to stop at a traffic light 2 of the most common reasons for points being added to licenses. So unless you wand to pay for more driving lesson with another driving lesson in your area, i.e. tooting, Balham or even Wandsworth. THINK BEFORE YOU SPEED!
Aurthor: A Driving Instructor since 1996.
Are you Ready to Pass the Practical Exam?
Many learners ask me when they will be ready to take their practical test. The simple answer is; when a learner driver can demonstrate that they can drive according to the DSA Standard and not what they feel right!
Passing the UK driving test is not hard but requires students to know what the DSA examiners are look for. In this section we will be looking at what happens on a typical Car driving test. The Driving Test will begin from the Test centre where an examiner will ask you to read a number plate from about 20.5 metres away from you, (with or without glasses, so make sure you get you eyes tested). Once it has been established that you can read a number plate you will be asked to do some ‘Show me/tell me question which are basic car safety and maintenance checks, for example open the bonnet of your car and state where you would check the engine oil. If you require more information either ask your Echo instructor or visit the DSA website at www.direct.gov.uk. You will be able to download all of the questions likely to be asked.
Your test will approximately run for about 45 minutes where you will be to require to do two reversing exercises which could consist of either:
Turning in the road
Reverse parking
Left reversing round a corner
Also usually you can be required to do an emergency stop and drive on dual carriages. During your exam the examiner will ask you to turn into roads, pull up on the side of the road and roundabouts, they’ll be looking for an overall safe, alert and consistent standard of driving. You are only allowed to commit 15 driver faults, however, if you commit one serious or dangerious fault than you have failed.
Author : Echo Driving instructor & driving lesson in Balham, Mitcham, Tooting, Colliers Wood, Clapham Junction
Inconsiderate road users
It is a shame that on a driving lesson which I was conducting in and around the tooting and Balham area I was appalled to see that there are so many inconsiderate road users out there that would show aggressive behaviour towards learner drivers who are trying to gain experience and pass their driving test. However, being able to deal with this pressure is all part of the learning process. it should be noted that no matter what the car behind you is doing, you should not emerge into a junction to turn right if it is not safe (even if you have missed a safe gap which you might have been given a hesitation driving error for) on both sides. If it is not safe DON’T GO FULL STOP. The examiner will not expect you to do something dangerous to please the car behind you.
Author: Echo Driving School based in South London, covering areas such as Tooting, Tooting bec, DSA code of conduct: All instructors must abide by a code of conduct that has been agreed between the Driving Standards Agency and ADI representative bodies and part of it states: “Personal Conduct: The instructor will at all times behave in a professional manner towards clients. Clients will be treated with respect and consideration. The instructor will try to avoid physical contact with the client except in an emergency or in the normal course of greeting. Whilst reserving the right to decide against giving tuition, the instructor will not act in any way which contravenes legislation on discrimination.”