Naturally, as you can imagine, as part of my day-to-day operations I speak to prospective clients concerning a number of driving related topics.
Recently I have been asked, on a number of occasions, the following question:
“Will you teach me the actual driving test routes?”.
Now then, while I do believe that covering some of the more ‘tricky’ local hot-spots, in order for the student to have a certain familiarity with the area, is a sensible thing to do, I can honestly say that I personally and purposely do not teach them turn-for-turn. From a students perspective however, knowing the driving test routes may actually appear as the sensible thing to do! When I enquire as to why they feel that knowing the test routes would be so beneficial to them, the reply I invariably receive is that they feel that if they know where the test route will take them next, then it would reduce the chances of them making a serious mistake and will greatly increase their chances of the much sought after first-time pass.
Valid point I hear you say! However, this approach could be a costly one…
There are a couple of reasons that I personally do not teach them.
Firstly, my duty as a driver trainer is to teach a craft and develop an understanding and experience which can be drawn upon regardless of the given situation or location. As a competent driver, the confidence gained from this approach is vital, as if the student had only driven on the roads which were likely to be used during the driving test, when they eventually find themselves on an unfamiliar road in an unfamiliar area, the nerves and uncertainty will creep in which in turn can vastly affect their safety on the road… this is not good.
Furthermore, picture the scene…
You have learned the driving test routes turn-for-turn, and you positively set out on test with the driving test examiner by your side. You approach a given junction and, because you have been taught the test routes, you naturally expect to turn left; however, the examiner asks you to turn right…
Oh dear, what now..!
You have not turned right at that particular junction previously. You don’t know what to expect along this particular route. Sadly, at this point, chances are your confidence will crumble and uncertainty will rear its ugly head, which will likely lead to costly mistakes.
Furthermore, the possibility of the examiner taking your test off-route is a good one in the event of heavy traffic or road works.
So, in closing, whilst the initial question of “Will you teach me the actual driving test routes?” is a perfectly valid one of which I am more than happy to answer, a learner driver experience with a focus on learning the actual test routes is, in my opinion, likely not a productive one.
Just a thought…
Stay safe folks!
Chris
http://www.chrischambers-som.com
https://www.facebook.com/drivingschoolssunderland/posts/652657908108244