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“LCHS DRIVER EDUCATION GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS WHEN PROVIDING SUPPLEMENTARY PRACTICE DRIVING”

In the first 2 or 3 lessons:

1. The car should be driven by the experienced driver to a quiet residential area. It is best to select a level and lightly traveled area for the first few practice sessions.

2. Before driving, the student should become familiar with the operation of all controls and safety devices since these differ from car to car. Require the study of the car owner’s manual in advance.

3. To begin with, the car should be started, moved forward a short distance and then stopped a few times so that there is an opportunity for the student to adjust to this particular car. Each car has its own “set of feels” and control pressure points.

4. A good system of communication and/or method of instruction should be established at the outset so each person knows what to expect of the other.

5. Practice easy left and right turns on level streets at first. Then progress to various kinds of turning situations. Emphasize good timing and coordination, especially during the “unwinding” stage.

6. Practice pulling parallel along a curb to within six inches for the development of lateral judgment.

7. Good land control will result from practicing “high aim” steering. The main point of concentration should be down the street toward the center of the path or lane the car is to be driven. Lightly traveled rural blacktops are excellent for such practice and the development of good speed control.

8. Stress good visual habits at all times using the IPDE Process

a. Identify clues that lead to potential hazards.

b. Predict what those hazards are going to do that could make them a real hazard.

c. Decide what the best course of action is to avoid conflict

d. Execute that action by using any or all of the three vehicle inputs, (Steering,Braking and/or Acceleration.)

9. Practice adjust speed control to: (a) road conditions, (b) traffic conditions, (c) vehicle limitations, and (d) driver condition or proficiency.

10. Progress into traffic gradually as the student becomes proficient in the manipulative skills and visual habits. Cross through streets, turn onto and off of them; then travel on them.

11. “Read the traffic picture” well in advance and “cue in” the student when necessary. At times have the student “read the traffic picture” aloud to you.

12. If a hazardous traffic situation, for which the student is not ready to cope with, appears imminent, then it would be best to pull over to the side and wait for the situation to clear up before proceeding.

13. Sit in such a position as to be able to place your left hand on the steering wheel quickly if need be. If an emergency be ready to place the selector lever in neutral or to turn off the ignition.

14. A few short practice sessions (25 to 35 minutes) are better than one or two longer sessions. After considerable practice, a long drive on the highway may amply demonstrate the effect of fatigue and tension at the wheel.

15. We believe it is best for beginning drivers to become proficient with the use of the automatic transmission automobiles before learning to drive the manual shift car. Research now indicates that the late model automatictransmission is the safest car to drive under all conditions.

16. At intersections, beginning drivers usually need to take more time to see and evaluate what they see. They should not have to be embarrassed because of the need for extra caution or an experienced driver’s lack of patience or understanding.

17. We believe that most new drivers should spend a minimum of 20 to 25 hours of supervised practice behind the wheel before they are granted the privilege to "solo". The student will usually receive 6 to 7 hours practice behind the wheel, or its equivalent, in the school driver education car, and simulator. Four hours of simulation is equated as 1 hour of BTW driving.

18. The best learning takes place under conditions where patience, sympathetic understanding and mutual respect abound.