The Principles of Adapting Lessons to Take Your Grade from a B to an A

Knowing how and when to adapt the session to meet the driver’s needs is essential for achieving a high grade when assessed by the DVSA.

Keeping your focus on the driver and the environment will help you recognise when and what to adapt.

During the session, Andrew will discuss how to recognise driver errors using all of your senses and identify the root cause of what has happened, shaping the new needs throughout the session.  Once the root cause has been established, help the driver recognise that the skills they have already gained can be used to overcome the current error.

During training sessions, it’s crucial to focus on transferable skills. For example:

1. Spatial Awareness, demonstrated in parking or lane discipline, is a skill that can be used to navigate tight spaces or anticipate the actions of other road users.
2. Speed Control and Judgement: Developed in residential areas, this can later be safely adapted for highways or overtaking.
3. Observation and Hazard Perception: Built through structured scanning techniques, which can be applied in high-stress situations like intersections or adverse weather.

The 5 takeaways from the session are:

1. Recognising foundation driving skills
2. Understanding how to chunk skills down into the essential components
3. Develop those skills by applying them in new situations
4. Creating thinking drivers
5. Developing the driver’s self-evaluation skills