- Listen and look for clues.
Queries can come in many forms, at any time through a driving lesson. It can be difficult at times to actively listen when your senses are being divided and diluted to ensure the car is safe and learning is taking place. If either or both parties are struggling to take on board the information while the car is moving, then consider pulling up as soon as it is safe to enable yourself and your pupil to explore the situation in more detail. Your responses should come from the information that your pupil provides so when they are talking be sure that they know that you’re listening by being open and interested. Nodding, occasionally smiling and repeating words back or summarising their words into a more direct objective, can help your pupil to develop their knowledge and understanding. Whilst you may obtain clues that your client is engaged, or not, concerned, or not, confused, or not by their words, tone or body language.
The DVSA NSDRT states we must be able to:
6.3.2.3. encourage learners to ask questions and, where necessary, repeat or alter your answer so that they understand