How to Teach Someone To Drive

Learning to drive can be stressful for learners. It can be just as stressful teaching a learner driver. Following these simple steps will make the process smoother for both the learner and the teacher. That way, more focus can be paid to the road and skills at hand, leaving the journey an enjoyable one for all.

This guide will provide a comprehensive checklist on how to teach someone to drive. For those looking to support the teaching efforts of professional driving instructors, this guide will align with the expectations of Australian driving exams.

What are the Rules for Teaching Someone to Drive?

Before you start teaching someone to drive, you’ll want to ensure you adhere to the rules. This means that you’re creating the best teaching environment and avoiding any potential fines. 

For any person hoping to teach someone to drive, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must be at least 21 years old
• Have held a full driver’s licence for 1-4 years (state dependent)
• Be qualified to drive the same type of vehicle as the learner
• Meet minimum eyesight standards
• Verify the learner is at least 16 years old and holds a valid learner’s permit.

Additionally, you can’t use your mobile phone while performing supervised driving. The vehicle must also display L-plates front and rear to acknowledge that the learner is the one driving.

How to Prepare the Vehicle

Preparing the vehicle for a learner driver will give them the best chance of succeeding. While it might be the car you drive every day, it’s best to make it as easy as possible for the learner. 

Here’s a simple yet comprehensive checklist for preparing the vehicle for a learner to drive in: 

1. Start by ensuring the vehicle is roadworthy and meets all the necessary safety standards.
2. Check that the vehicle has a valid registration and is in good working condition. 
3. Make sure all lights, tyres, brakes, and other safety features are functioning properly.
4. Remove any distractions, such as loud music or rubbish, to create a safe and focused learning environment.

Where’s Best to Teach a Learner Driver?

If you’re ready to start taking the role of a teacher in driving, the next aspect to consider is where the best surroundings for both you and the learner to begin lessons in.

You’ll want to start in quiet, familiar areas with light traffic, allowing the learner to get used to the vehicle and basic driving skills without feeling overwhelmed. Empty car parks are great for the first few lessons as you teach the learner how to control the car.  

As the learner’s skills improve, you can progress to busier roads, introducing them to different conditions like night driving and wet weather. Avoid complex intersections and motorways initially, as these can be challenging for new drivers.

How to Teach Someone To Drive Step By Step

Now that you’ve chosen a suitable location to teach someone to drive, it’s time to break down the learning process into manageable steps.

Understanding the Basics

The car controls, pedals, and dashboard indicators should be explained to the learner. This includes the accelerator, brakes, gears, and warning lights. Make sure they know what the most important lights and symbols mean as they may change between vehicle models and brands. 

The basic road rules and signs should be covered, such as the speed limit, traffic lights, and pedestrian crossings. Discuss the importance of obeying these rules and signs to guarantee safe driving.

The learner’s seating position and mirror should be adjusted to their preferences. Show them how to adjust their seat and mirrors for maximum visibility and comfort.

First Driving Experience

As the learner becomes familiar with the vehicle’s controls and basic road rules, it’s time to put their knowledge into practice with a first driving experience. Again, it’s best to begin in a quiet, controlled environment.

Choose a quiet area like an empty car park where the learner can practice without distractions or hazards. Demonstrate starting, stopping, and basic steering to help them understand how the vehicle responds. 

Then, let the learner take the wheel and practice at low speeds. Guide them through the process, providing clear instructions and feedback. Keep the first driving experience short and positive, focusing on building their confidence and comfort behind the wheel. This will help them feel more at ease and prepared for the next steps in the learning process.

Develop Core Driving Skills

Start by practising starting and stopping smoothly, using gentle acceleration and braking. Teach them proper use of the handbrake, especially on inclines.

Clutch control and gear changes are some of the more challenging aspects of learning to drive. So make sure you spend a good few lessons letting the learner get comfortable with these in a safe space. 

When you start driving on quiet roads, emphasise the importance of indicating and lane positioning. This keeps the learner and other drivers safe. 

Road Rules and Driving Safely

Review the driver’s handbook with your learner to reinforce key rules. This will help them understand the basics of safe driving and reduce the risk of accidents.

Practice safe driving habits and following distances, teaching them to leave enough space between their vehicle and the one in front. This will give them time to react to unexpected situations.

Also, teach proper observation and hazard perception skills, such as checking mirrors and blind spots regularly. By focusing on these essential skills, you’ll help your student driver become a more confident and competent driver.

Real-Life Driving Experience

When the learner has more experience and can control the car, it’s time to give them more common driving scenarios. Start by introducing busier roads with varying speed limits, such as city centres and highways. 

As the learner gains confidence, include more complex traffic situations like busy intersections, large roundabouts, and multi-lane highways. Make sure they’re also prepared to make safe lane changes and practice merging techniques.

Manoeuvres and Advanced Skills

The learner will need to practise the manoeuvres to prepare for their driving test. 

• Reverse parking
• 3-point turns
• Hill starts
• Parallel parking
• U-turn

As they become more confident, it’s time to take them out for a night drive, where they can get used to the different conditions and reduced visibility. 

Build Confidence

Providing constructive feedback is important in helping create a confident driver. Be specific with your feedback, highlighting what they’re doing well and what needs work.

Celebrate their improvements and milestones, no matter how small, to keep them motivated. As their skills improve, gradually reduce the number of verbal instructions you give. This will help them develop their decision-making skills and become more independent behind the wheel.

Get Exam Ready

Learning to control the car is one thing, passing a driving exam is another. Conduct mock tests to simulate exam conditions, helping your learner driver get comfortable with the test format and timing. Review the test requirements and common reasons for failure to identify areas for improvement. 

If possible, practice test routes to familiarise learners with the roads and junctions they’ll encounter. Consider hiring a professional driving instructor to provide driving lessons and get them exam-ready. An accredited driving instructor can give a new driver knowledge about test routes and the exam experience.

Tips for Teaching Someone to Drive

Driving can be stressful even for experienced drivers. Learner drivers have this pressure and the pressure of learning on the job. Here are some tips to make the process smoother: 

Give Clear Instructions

When teaching someone to drive, you’ll get the best results by giving clear, concise instructions that the learner can easily follow. This helps build trust and reduces anxiety.

Use simple language that’s easy to understand, avoiding technical jargon or complicated phrases. Be specific about the actions required, telling the learner exactly what to do, such as ‘Turn left at the next intersection’ or ‘Indicate to change lanes.’

Give directions well in advance, allowing the learner time to process the information and react. For example, say ‘In 150 meters, turn right’ to give them enough notice. Avoid using vague phrases like ‘Drive safely’ or ‘Be careful.’ Focus on specific instructions that guide the learner’s actions. 

Keep Calm

Keeping calm is important when teaching someone to drive, as it helps create a positive learning environment and reduces the learner’s anxiety. When you remain patient and composed, you’ll be better equipped to handle any mistakes or unexpected situations that may arise.

Avoid raising your voice or showing frustration, as this can make the learner feel uncomfortable and less confident. If you or the learner start to feel stressed, take a break and come back to the lesson when you’re calmer. 

Plan Lessons Beforehand

To get the most out of each driving session, plan lessons beforehand by setting clear objectives and breaking them down into manageable chunks. This will help you structure each session and guarantee you’re covering all the necessary skills.

When planning, consider what you want to achieve in each session and prioritise the most important tasks. Make sure to progressively increase the difficulty of the tasks as the learner becomes more confident and competent.

Looking For an Experienced Driving Instructor?

If you want to learn to drive with an experienced driving instructor then search for one with EzLicence. Simply choose a time that suits you and we’ll show you expert instructors in your area. Get ready for your driving test with EzLicence. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you teach an anxious person to drive?

You approach the anxious learner with empathy and patience, understanding their fear is normal. Break down lessons into smaller steps, provide clear guidance, and encourage them to share their concerns, making them feel comfortable and confident.

How do you first learn to drive?

You start by getting comfortable behind the wheel, feeling sensitive pedals, and practising basic driving skills like steering, accelerating, and braking in a quiet, open area, building confidence before progressing to more complex tasks.

Can anyone learn to drive?

Yes, most people can learn to drive with proper instruction and practice. Patience, persistence, and a good, professional driving instructor are keys to overcoming challenges and building confidence behind the wheel.

What is a good first driving lesson?

A good first driving lesson should cover the basics: adjusting the driver's seat and mirrors, understanding the controls, and practising in a quiet, empty area. Focus on simple tasks like starting, stopping, and steering to build confidence.

Is it hard learning to drive?

Learning to drive can be challenging, but it's manageable with consistent practice and a good driving instructor. The difficulty varies for each person, but patience and practice make the process easier over time.