Front Seat Driver - Driversity Driving School

Transcription

Front Seat Driver
Front Seat
Driver
Guide for Coaching Any
New (or used) Driver
A little book written for the slightly,
moderately or truly clueless in charge of the
event.
By Rainy Robinson, MBA Co-Founder
Driversity™, LLC
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© Copyright 2007 Rainy Robinson, MBA
All Rights Reserved
Be Advised
Nothing in this text should replace your situational
good judgment.
The author, Driversity™, LLC, and its Subsidiaries
offers no guarantees in the use of this
material and disclaims all warranties, express or
implied, including but not limited to the implied
warranty of fitness for any particular purpose.
Reproduction of this material in whole or in part in any
form or medium without the express written consent of
the author is prohibited.
ISBN Number: 978-1-4276-1891-7 (Print)
ISBN Number: 978-1-4276-1890-0 (eBook)
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Table of Contents
Chapter 0 - Introduction
1
You Are the Coach
What the text is
What the text is not
Chapter 1 – It’s All About You
5
It's All About You. Ok, Maybe Not
You follow me?
Skills Makeover
Working With Driving Schools
The Curriculum
It’s About the Feng Shui
Stepping Into My Shoes
Know Your Audience and Target Them
The Greater Good
Be Realistic
Chapter 2 - The Set Up
A Word About Statistics
Input = Output
The Driving Ego
Learning Styles
A Teenager’s Perspective
A Parent’s Prospective
Setting The Ground Rules
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Give Your Very Best
The Set Up
Know What You Want To Cover
Reducing Anxiety on Both Sides
Sample Script For Giving Direction
Encourage Independent-Thinking
Chapter 3 – 193 Things To Do
39
Fifty Hours and 193 Things To Do
A Couple of Things to Note
Vehicle Orientation
Start Your Engines
Parking
You Are Where You Went
Preparing For An Emergency
Preparing For Rude Drivers
Emotional Driving
Advanced Exercises
One Nice Thing to Say
Chapter 4 - Troubleshooting
59
Grinding Coffee is Good, The Starter is Not
Good
Shifting to Neutral
Driving Too Close To The Right or Left
Lane Changes
Lane Changes at Higher Speeds
Lane Change Tendencies
Driving with One Hand
Looking Prior to the Intersection
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Driving Too Close To The Center
Oversteering / Understeering
Turns Too Wide - Too Short
Tailgating and the Trust Factor
Backing Up – Beep, Beep, Beep
Judging Distance
Dealing With Distractions
Dealing With Errors
Reasons to Pull The Car Over
Reasons To End Any Session
Don't Forget To
Questions To Ask While Out
Under No Circumstances
One Nice Thing To Say – Revisited
Chapter 5 - Prepare for Road Test
75
Testing, Testing, 1,2,3…
Must haves
Must have nots
What’s on the test?
Tips to Help
During the Test
Frame Your Mind
Chapter 6 - Afterglow of Licensing
Houston? We May Have a Problem
What to Expect
Speeding
One Hand On the Wheel
Following too close
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Inside Out
Friends
Distractions
Taking Corners or Curves Too Fast
Depth Perception
Cutting In Front Of Vehicles
Cutting In Front of a Tractor Trailer
Running Stop Signs or Stop Lights
Driving In The Blind Spot of Another
Driving or Allowing Another to Drive While
under the Influence
Allowing Friends To Drive The Car
Quick Stops
What You Can Do
Options
Drastic Measures
Consequences
Chapter 7 – Skillz
95
Updates
Chapter 8 - Signs
102
Signs of the times
Chapter 9 – Diagrams & Logs
Diagrams
Driving Log
Notes
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Chapter
0
Introduction
There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though
nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a
miracle. ~ Albert Einstein
You Are The Coach
T
This book was prepared for the
parent(s),
guardians,
driving
companion, or anyone else who is
interested in coaching a learning
driver. The pages that follow will primarily
focus on the learning teen. However, learning
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is learning and almost everything here (except
some age-specific points) can be applied to
any age group.
The words that follow are written with a bit of
humor and levity. Believe me, you may need
it. Make no mistake — I consider driving a
very serious subject. But it should not be so
overwhelmingly serious that it stifles the
creative learning process or defies a sense of
logic. I am here to tell you that this event can
be fun!
Will it be challenging? Yes it will. Will there be
times you and/or your coachee get frustrated?
Yes, there will. Will you ever think that while
the idea may have sounded good, it probably
wasn’t such a good idea without access to
some sort of stress outreach program? Yep.
Will you feel the urge to warn the neighbors,
warn the authorities, and bring all beloved
pets indoors? Uh huh, you sure will.
Ok, it’s now out in the open Perhaps our
biggest fear are the many things that can go
awry. After all, we’ve had enough time to
contemplate what CAN happen. Having our
parental cards out on the table allows us to
deal with this fear. Understand that this is
very much a life-changing event for you and
your coachee. It is also one of the most
rewarding things you will ever do for your
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teenager, or for any learning driver for that
matter. What you say counts.
What the Text Is
T
The suggestions and ideas that follow
are a nutshell version teaching the
beginning driver. I use the terms
student, teen, protégée, learning
driver, and coachee interchangeably.
The text was written with the assumption that
the coach knows how to drive. It contains
very straight talk, with the realization that this
may very well offend some. So be it.
The book’s sole purpose is to provide insight,
an overview of what to do, suggestions, a sort
of road map of the learning process, skills,
methods, and techniques for successfully
coaching a new driver to driving competency
— and preserving a decent chance of a
continued relationship when all is said and
done.
What the Text Is Not
T
The text is not, nor is it intended to be
used as a definitive guide for teaching
someone to drive. Resources can and
should be gathered from many
sources.
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The purpose of the guide is to provide
direction and inspiration to you, the coach.
Most likely, you’re going to need it and so will
your protégée. Who knows, your protégée
may very well appreciate it.
The text is not a definitive guide for all states.
Rather, it is California specific in terms of laws
and requirements. Check your State’s laws for
state specific information.
The text has not been written to pump up
anyone’s driving ego or to be use as a weapon
against anyone learning to drive. This is not
the spirit of the book. So, go on now, be
happy 
Speed Bump 1
(Answer on page 130)
Who patented an overhead-cam engine and created the
first “muscle car” 1965 GTO?
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Chapter
1
It’s All About You
There is only one -way in which one can endure man's
inhumanity to man and that is to try, in one's own life, to
exemplify man's humanity to man. ~ Alan Paton
It’s All About You. Ok, Maybe Not
I
It is you that can make or break this
deal. Your spoken words have an
enormous impact on those closest to
you, especially your teenager or
anyone that may look to you for guidance.
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This cannot be stressed enough. Your facial
gestures, sighs of disapproval, or using the
imaginary brake never installed on the car will
have an impact too. It is important that you
assess and know your emotions as well as
know your physical limitations. Please keep
any harsh statements, criticisms, character
assassinations, or any demeaning language
out of the vehicle. This is counter-productive,
and not only for teaching. It can be
detrimental to your teen’s spirit, whether
driving or not.
Try to keep your expectations realistic, in line,
and in check. If you become frustrated and
say something harsh, do not hesitate to
apologize. Your teen will respect you for this
and you will respect yourself. Understand that
you both will make mistakes; this can relieve
a stressful situation and help you acknowledge
that you too are very human. You are both
are in the midst of a learning environment.
You both will realize that you may have many
unrealistic expectations. Your learning driver
might think this will be easy. You also may
think it will be easy. Sure, you’ve heard the
stories from other parents, friends, and others
and maybe you thought, “What’s the big
deal?” Oh, if only this were true.
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You follow me?
A
At last count this book names 193
events,
concepts,
instances,
and
situations for the purpose of assisting
you with coaching a learning driver.
Use one, some or all on the list. Certainly do
not hesitate to add your own teaching
circumstance. You will see that opportunities
arise that will create a perfect coaching
situation. You are up close and personal as it
happens on the front lines of driving. Use this
to your advantage.
Take the time to ensure that what you teach
is legal, updated, and current information.
Please distinguish this from what you “think”
is legal. I mean, make sure you KNOW for
sure. It is probable that you will be challenged
on that knowledge later. A cheat sheet has
been provided for you in Chapter 7 of this
book to help you with that very thing.
If you live in a unique area, such as one with
a steep ascent or decent to your home, then
include this in your coaching plan. If you live
in the Sierras, ask your protégée what
happens to the road markings when it starts
to snow. Hopefully, you already know, but let
me include two answers here:
Yes, the road may become slick or icy.
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If the drift is substantial it will cover the
road markings.
Driving is not a spectator sport. Contrary to
popular behavior, it is not an amateur public
roadway sport at all. Get your student to
constantly think and problem- solve while
behind the wheel. Allow them to think their
way out.
* Over 70% of California teens do not receive the
required 50 hours of practice. Source: California Office
of Traffic Safety
Skills Makeover
R
Remember the cash you just shelled
out for driver education? Well, your
teenager has just been inundated with
current knowledge that pertains to
their age group (the provisional licensee under
18). They completed this course, enrolled in
training,
walked
into
your
friendly
neighborhood DMV, tested, passed and
received a permit. It is important that you
make sure the information you recite to your
teen is current — i.e., from this century —,
and NOT from a time when wheels were
square.
I’m positive that you know this — but just in
case, I’ll recite it for you now. Teenager are
savvy, are a virtual repository of all
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knowledge known to mankind since the Big
Bang, and most irritatingly, will point out your
shortcomings with or without provocation. Put
one nickel aside for every “I know” you’ll hear
from your teen while out and about. Try not to
be offended. Just roll those nickels you set
aside and take a nice little vacation when this
is all over.
Know that while you are driving, they are
watching. You are teaching them even when
you may not intend to. Be prepared - your
precious darling may be more than happy to
advise you of virtually every driving flaw you
demonstrate. What would merit such harsh
judgment and criticism from your teen? Well,
your teen just finished a basic course in driver
education. I’m surprised you had to ask. I will
show you how to climb that great wall of
knowledge for a positive output.
*You may find it incredibly helpful to read a
current state driver handbook to bring your
knowledge current and brush up your own
skills. See the back of this book for some
handy information to get you started.
Working with Driving Schools
S
Sadly, this undervalued and oftendisrespected industry is an easy target
for those who believe it is just another
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hoop to jump through for licensing. Some
believe that lessons should be free because it
was free when they took it back when all land
was one continent.
Others believe that
driving schools don’t really do anything; are
nothing more than a “racket”, are useless,
blah, blah, and more blah. Words worthy of
only the extraordinarily clueless.
The reality is that California driving schools
are required for licensing anyone under 18.
Driving schools must obtain occupational
licensing from the Department of Motor
Vehicles, who has been granted authority
through
the
Department
of
Education
(California).
These occupational licenses are not easy to
obtain. The standards, requirements, licensing
conditions, and training are state-mandated
as part of the occupational licensing process.
As a driving school business, we are required
to adhere to California’s Education Code,
Business and Professions Code, Insurance
Code, Labor Code, Code of Regulations, and
the Vehicle Code statutes. There are other
codes as well.
We deal with vehicle issues, employee issues,
your issues, DMV issues, and your teen’s
issues. We deal with learning disabilities,
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hostile people, vision problems, visionaries,
armchair wish-inaries, soccer, ballet, and
football schedules, and we haven’t even hit
the road yet. Most driving schools will try to
appease and educate the public, teach Jr. to
drive, combat enormous driving egos, and
oftentimes provide direction to DMV staff.
Make no mistake about it; driving schools are
in the business to make money. There’s
nothing wrong with that. And although we
provide a service to the public we are NOT a
public service. Driving schools are not “public”
high schools, components of high schools, or
extensions of high schools. We are businesses
owned by private people who spent a great
deal of cash to buy expensive equipment, and
take on an incredible financial risk so that
people can learn to drive.
Many driving schools began with an altruistic
mission of wanting to change the face of
driving instruction, and some have. Whatever
the reasoning or motivation, the bottom line is
that it is a business that provides a required
service of education for a fee - nothing more
and nothing less.
Because this is a required class for anyone
under 18 who desires a license, make every
attempt to work WITH your driving school –
not against it. Your driving school is a wealth
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of information. I don’t know anyone in the
industry who would not assist you if asked.
The Curriculum
T
The Education Code provides the
curriculum to which California driving
schools adhere. The code does not
suggest or require an exact sequence
for driver training. If you think about this
logically, it would be ridiculous to provide a
sequence - life just isn’t that neat and clean.
How helpful would it be to teach someone how
to parallel park first, if they can’t turn right or
left or back out of a driveway? Of course
logically, the first skills to teach are right and
left turns. Once this is accomplished you can
begin teaching more advanced skills.
It’s About the Feng Shui
S
Some driving schools and instructors
are more rigid than others, and
instructor styles can vary greatly. This
is not an exact science and there are
many ways to conduct this event. Although
you may have a preference, more than one
method does exist and can be correct.
As a business, you can imagine that dealing
with the general public can be slightly
challenging. Now add into the mix the codes
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listed above, plus the insurance cost factor,
the vehicle fleet purchases and maintenance
factor, the employee factor, taxes, and
worker’s compensation. Mix in a few know-italls and testy road rageful drivers. Add a
pinch of schedules and weather and you have
a recipe for hard work.
The majority of teenagers are delightful and
easy to teach. Most adults find this surprising.
Frankly, some of the biggest irritations come
from the parents. Their frustration is firmly
seated in other things. They will say, “This is
not how it was when I was in high school.”
News flash, they are not how they were in
high school. Here’s another, “You’re not going
to let them drive at night, are you?” Um, yeah
we are. My personal favorite is “You’re not
going to put them on the road, are you?” So,
where exactly did you think we were going to
put them?
Some parents will challenge everything about
the instructor or school while standing in the
driveway. The last thing an instructor wants to
hear is how you did it in high school back in
the day or how this was not required then or
that you think the school should… blah, blah,
and more blah.
The reality is that in California, and in many
other states, driver education and training has
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been required since the 1950s for teens that
want a license prior to their 18th birthday.
The industry deals with self-appointed
armchair experts who criticize or make
passive-aggressive comments about the
competence of those they hired - and yet
continue to use that same company. You are
free to change schools at any time.
Driving schools want to hear legitimate
concerns. Most want to know if there are
areas to focus on that are of special concern
to you. The spirit of the lessons should be to
work with the family in unison and not foster a
competition between parent and instructor.
So, for the few that insist on “telling” an
instructor how to do their job in the company
car, know this – driving schools are not a 360minute cure for everything that is wrong in
your world. So, move on to a valid point, or
zip it. Ok, I’m done. 
Stepping Into My Shoes
O
Over the years I have taught literally
hundreds of teenagers to drive. I
absolutely adore them. They are
bright,
energetic,
freethinking,
articulate, and see the world with fresh eyes –
just like we used to see things. You can ask a
teen what they like to do and they will gladly
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share, share, and share! They will happily
teach you the current urban slang or trends.
All you have to do is just ask.
Recite your newly learned vocabulary back to
them and they will laugh when they hear you
say it. Ask them about their favorite band
(you should know this already), ask about the
classes they are doing well in, ask them about
the classes they are not doing well in.
Compare these to something you didn’t do
well in and tell them.
Ask them about
anything they are interested in. If you don’t
know, find out what that is with small talk.
This can be used as a tension reliever and will
help you find threads of commonality with
your teenager. You want them talking about
their favorite subject, event, person, or
whatever, and just watch them relax. Pay
attention to what they say. You may have to
answer a question they ask you! Establishing
many common threads will be helpful to you
and to your teen. You will be able to use this
to your best advantage when you need to.
Know Your Audience and Target Them
I
I must confess that teaching my own
teenage daughters was an entirely
different world than teaching others.
Both
daughters
are
completely
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different learners. The eldest, Mercedes, is
quiet, shy, and reserved.
The youngest,
Royce, is outgoing and vivacious. One
daughter is a visual learner and the other
daughter an auditory learner. One wanted me
to talk and give direction; the other wished I
would just keep it zipped. I happily complied
with both requests.
Both daughters wanted to split their driving
practice time between me and my husband. I
indeed had my struggles with both girls and
he did too. What I found the most difficult
when teaching my eldest was that we taught
her in her own car. Her car was purchased
from a private party and did not have a
training brake installed. Yes, I had to admit
that I had become addicted to the training
brake. I am happy to report we survived even
with my mother / instructor flaw.
With my youngest daughter,
gave her a training car that I
fleet. Yes, I kept the training
and we all kept our sanity.
speak today. 
I wised up and
retired from the
brake in the car
She and I still
Both girls wanted their dad for the final road
test practice and to escort them to the truly
dreaded road test at the DMV. Both girls took
driver’s education and received their permits
exactly on their 15th birthdays. Their permits
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were valid for one year from the date of
issuance.
What this meant at the time was that they
had one chance to pass their road tests,
because the permit expired at the end of the
day on their 16th birthday.
**This law has changed since now requiring
someone to be at least 15 ½ to obtain a permit.
The girls were in good hands. My husband,
their dad and Driversity’s™ other Co-Founder,
has spent more time than I have teaching
teens how to drive. His forte is his easy style,
candor and straightforward talk. Teenagers
relate quite well to this style, not to mention
his uncanny knack for getting teens and new
drivers to score very high on their road tests.
Our own teenagers were no exception to his
long line of successes. Ultimately, both girls
did very well and were licensed on their 16th
birthdays.
I am nagged by the thought that I could have
handled some situations better. I very much
had to face my personal anxiety and fears
about my own babies driving. I realized that I
had unrealistic standards for my own teens
and more realistic standards for other
teenagers. Why was this so? I believe that we
expect more from our own.
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I recall the expression on each of girl’s face
when they thought they had disappointed me.
At times I had let my emotions get in the way
of constructive teaching and learning, and I
hurt some feelings along the way. I apologized
when this happened. They gave me the same
respect. I explained that it was difficult for
me seeing them as my “kids” then handing
the keys over to them to drive. I know what
happens out there and I didn’t want to invite
that to my house. I asked each one of them to
just remain 12 years old forever, we’ll just
skip over the whole driving thing, and I don’t
have to face my fears... “No,” came the
answer suddenly, abruptly and before I could
finish. Well, I guess it’s on with it then!
The Greater Good
K
Know that the greatest advantage to
your teen’s driving success may not be
you. It may be your wife, ex-wife,
husband, ex-husband, partner, older
sibling, cousin, instructor, neighbor, or
gardener. Keep your mind open for the
greatest good. Make it easy for your teen to
choose by removing any emotional baggage
or consequences they perceive as being
inflicted upon them or the fear that they may
suffer by making that choice. It takes a lot of
courage for them to say so. For some, it
takes much courage to allow them the choice.
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Admire their strength and courage. They may
very well have learned this from you.
Concentrate and focus on the incredible task
and responsibility of teaching your teen to
drive. The more time you invest in them, the
higher the chances are that they will succeed
on their road test and ultimately become a
competent and successful driver. Your teen
will remember your words long after they
have been said. They will hear your words
until it becomes a habit. Make your words
constructive and positive, and make them
count.
Be Realistic
T
There is not a manual on the planet
that could by itself adequately prepare
someone to drive. Instead, information
is gathered from a variety of sources.
Nothing written is better than the experience
of driving itself. Will learning drivers make
mistakes? You bet they will. Will they make
mistakes even after taking lessons at a driving
school? You bet they will. Will they make
mistakes after they have received their
licenses? You bet they will. Learning to drive
occurs long after the license is granted. It is a
constant work in progress. The variables alone
make it impossible to become a perfect driver
— regardless of how long you have been
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driving, how many accidents you have been in
or not been in, or how many citations you
have or have not received.
The job of a driving coach and the task you
are about to undertake is often minimized.
You think that it’s not hard, or it’s so easy you
can do it with one eyeball tied behind your
back. Make no mistake; the acts themselves
may not be difficult – to you. Not convinced?
As long-time drivers we don’t think about the
exact steps we take from picking up the keys
(for some of you, finding where you left your
keys will be the first step) to arriving at our
intended destination. Give words to every
action you perform, every decision you make,
every thought you conceive, and every reason
you decided what you decided. Formulate this
quickly and make sure that Jr. understands
what just transpired.
This will take time,
practice, and patience.
We receive 80% of our communication
through visual means. It has been estimated
that a person makes 200 decisions in one mile
of city driving. Now, put words to it. Not quite
as easy as you thought, huh?
Speed Bump 2
Who was the genius behind the original Ford Mustang?
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Chapter
2
The Set Up
Don't look for more honor than your learning
merits. ~ Jewish Proverb
A Word About Statistics
W
We have heard the driving horror
stories. You may know a family or a
friend touched by a traffic tragedy.
But citing scary reasons, scary
factors, fears, conditions, events, and gossip
outside the parameters of actual coaching
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does little except instill fear and anxiety in the
novice driver. One of the most difficult types
of student to teach or coach is the fearful
driver. Fearful and anxious driving in and of
itself is a very dangerous driving condition as
well as a state of mind. This is one factor that
makes teaching adult drivers in particular very
challenging.
An adult driver is usually filled with fear and
anxiety – they’ve had more time to hear the
stories and may have been involved
personally. Getting over this hurdle can be a
painstaking process. I have often mentioned
this in driver education class: every time I
was almost maimed or seriously injured
during a driving session has been with an
adult student with the fear factor. They look
grown up, they act grown up, but their fear
makes them behave irrationally. They are
hands down the most difficult to teach.
Input = Output
W
We cannot expect anyone to
become a competent driver without
support from his or her coach.
Currently, fifty hours of practice
time with a parent, guardian, or anyone over
the age of 25 with a California license is
required. Ten of the fifty hours are required to
occur at night. To some, fifty hours may feel
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like a lifetime. To others it may seem
inadequate. Fifty hours of practice time is
used as a guideline. Some learning drivers
may need more. Under no circumstances
should they receive less. This is one instance
where more is better.
You are the critical factor in preparing your
teenager
to
drive.
It
requires
your
participation – you must be fully present to be
effective. Leave the office at the office, leave
the soccer schedules at home, be front and
center and 100% available to your teen. You
will get out of this what you put into it and so
will your teenager. It is unrealistic to expect
him or her to be a good driver without your
participation. You can be their biggest
cheerleader! Tell them as many times as it
takes that they CAN do this!
The Driving Ego
C
Check this at the door. Some may view
their driving skills as unmatched. They
are not alone. If you are like many,
you
probably
have
antiquated
information. Your information is based on old
laws, education, and technology. Check your
driving inventory right now. Do you use the
phrase “car lengths” when describing an
appropriate following distance? For example,
do you think that for every ten miles per hour
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of speed you travel, you must keep at least 1
car length distance between you and the car
ahead? So 50 miles per hour would result in 5
car lengths of space? If you said yes, you are
so busted! This was retired many years ago.
In California the 3–second rule is used and
has been used for more than a few years.
Take a quick glance through the current driver
handbook available at any DMV or online and
update your information.
Keep in mind that you are not coaching for a
competitive sport, contrary to an apparent
popular driving style here in the Golden State.
Amateur competitive driving can be witnessed
on any road and certainly it is not exclusive to
California. Nonetheless, regardless of where it
occurs, driving on public roadways it is NOT a
competitive sport. There is an interesting
state of being that can occur between coach
and coachee and that is when the coach
competes with his or her coachee. There is no
doubt that if you have taken on the task of
coaching, you are most likely a better driver
than your protégée. You will not need to
prove it.
One final sincere word on this topic: please be
kind and respectful to your coachee. The
words you say with kindness and humor will
be remembered and the solutions you provide
will be implemented if understood. Even
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Front Seat Driver
though you may think your teen is in an openeyed coma (it may appear as such when you
talk to them) know that they do hear you.
Conversely, know that the mean, terrible, or
rude words you may say will stay with them
for life. You will know how your words affect
them just by looking at their face when you
speak. Remember that they do not want to
disappoint you. Make sure that you don’t
leave them with this impression. It matters.
Even if you think it doesn’t it really does.
Learning Styles
N
Not surprisingly, some students take
longer than others to get the hang of
it. What seems obvious to you can
escape
the
learning
driver.
Psychologists have identified seven specific
types of learners. The seven styles are
identified as linguistic, logical, spatial,
musical,
bodily,
interpersonal,
and
intrapersonal. It is possible to have more
than one style of learning. Below, I will briefly
describe each style. You can find additional
information, including assessment tests, on
the web to identify you or your student’s
style.
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Front Seat Driver
Linguistic – Learns best by hearing, saying,
and seeing. Good at memorization and loves
to read.
Logical – Mathematically inclined. Likes to
know how things work.
Spatial – Daydreamers. They have artistic
abilities and may have trouble expressing it.
They are good working with pictures and
color.
Musical – Does your kid have an iPod stuck
to their head? Chances are you have a musical
learner. How are your rap skills?
Bodily – These kinds of learners are always
on the move. They have a preference for
interacting with things rather than reading
about it.
Interpersonal – Can adapt easily to social
situations. They have many friends and make
good leaders. This kind of learner does best in
group situations.
You will notice that some are more responsive
to voice instruction. Some are more visually
stimulated. Thus, providing visual instructions
makes more sense for them. For example, if
visual
learners
will
have
a
better
understanding if you draw a picture or
26
Front Seat Driver
diagram, then do so. Use a blank sheet of
paper or use the sample diagrams here in
Chapter 9 of this book and yes, draw them a
picture. Another type of visual learner will do
very well if they see you do the maneuver
first. Once you’ve done it, have them emulate
the maneuver.
Some do very well with a combination of some
or all of the above. Ask them how they think
they learn best. Then observe them to see if
this is true. If it’s not exactly on target, make
the necessary modifications to your coaching
style. Keep adjusting this style until your
coachee understands the concepts you are
teaching.
Some learning drivers will want you to provide
feedback while they are driving. Some only
want feedback with direction. It is up to you
to know the difference. Ask them what they
prefer. Hopefully, they know and can tell you.
If they don’t know, try it both ways to see
which is the better fit. Watch for signs of
stress.
Choose the path that keeps them calm,
decisive, and confident. Recognizing the type
of learner you are coaching will avoid one
argument or twenty. It may also retard gray
hair growth and/or hair loss. It certainly will
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Front Seat Driver
make the
involved.
process
less
stressful
for
all
A Teenager’s Perspective
T
The thoughts a new driver may have
are
not
very
complicated
to
understand and are certainly justifiable
once you do understand. You do not
need to be a Yale dropout to figure out why
they want you, the keys, and the car all in the
same place at the same time. Most likely it’s
because this time is required, because they
want to learn, and partially because they
enjoy your attention.
Accepting instructions, however, can be
difficult if it’s coming from you. The reasons
can be many. One reason, I believe, is that
they become so used to our voices that the
first word, the words in the middle, and at the
end all sound like one word of nagging to
them. How many of us have seen that
“glazed” look come over the faces of our teens
when we’ve spoken to them about something
for the umpteenth time? We feel that they
don’t exactly seem to have a firm handle on
the GRAVITY of what we are telling them. And
that’s my point exactly.
They may not grasp it. With respect to
driving, remember that they (most likely)
28
Front Seat Driver
have no history, no backdrop, and very little
or no experience to draw upon. They are
gaining this now. It will make sense to them
as you go along. The hope is to minimize this
effect. I believe this goal can be achieved
primarily through the proper setup.
A Parent’s Perspective
S
So, here you are. You knew this day
was coming and here it is.
Some
parents look forward to this and some
dread the thought. Weigh your
particular situational pros and cons. Only you
can decide if this is something you want to do
or something you want them to do.
Depending upon your parenting style, there
are really only three outcomes. They will learn
to drive well, they will learn to drive not so
well, or they will not learn to drive at all. If
you have emotional baggage stored up, check
it at the garage door along with egos and
competition. Insist that they do the same.
Try to see your teenager with different eyes.
Respect them for accomplishing what they
have accomplished thus far. It has been well
established by behaviorists that positive
reinforcement is key to learning positive
behaviors. At the opposite end of that scale,
and
just
as
important,
is
negative
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Front Seat Driver
reinforcement. This usually leads to negative
behaviors.
Before, during, and after each
driving event, ALWAYS find one nice thing to
say. Even if the entire event was hair- raising,
compose yourself and find one nice thing to
say. If you are struggling with finding
something nice thing to say, you will find
some suggestions in Chapter 4.
Setting The Ground Rules
E
Every time you go out on a driving
excursion, you will want to set the
ground rules. Setting the ground rules
does many things. For one, you set the
tone of the coaching experience. You will tell
your coachee what you need to have from
them and what they can expect from you in
return. They want to trust you and want you
to trust them and keep the both of you safe.
Eventually, you will trust them behind the
wheel. You will trust the decisions they make.
Remember that this takes time. For some it
may take more time than others.
Give Your Very Best
W
When driving with someone holding
a
learner’s
permit,
you
are
considered officially in control of the
vehicle. To control the vehicle you
must be in the front passenger seat. Napping
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Front Seat Driver
in the back seat doesn’t count. Even though
you are in the right side of the vehicle, you
are still in control and can control the vehicle.
Most of the control will be accomplished with
voice instruction, by taking control of the
steering wheel, and (depending upon the
vehicle) the emergency brake, if it is between
you and your teenager. The dialogue in the
next section is what I call the set up. This will
give you an idea of what to say to set the tone
of the event. Use this or create your own.
One final word here before I move on. Make
sure the car you use is safe. Make sure you
can see out the windshield. It is crack-free,
and that it’s clean inside and out. Make sure
you can see out the back and side windows
too. Don’t leave the house without making
sure valid proof of insurance and registration
is in the vehicle. Lastly, make sure you have
your license with you and that Jr. has his or
her valid permit.
The Set Up
B
Begin every driving event with what
we call the set up. Start with the
ground rules you want to establish.
Tell your teenager what you expect
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Front Seat Driver
from them. Don’t spend very much time
telling them what you don’t want. Rather, tell
them what you do want from them.
The following are sample scripts of what I
have said to a student prior to moving the
vehicle. The initial topics you will want to
cover include the possibility of assisting with
the wheel. This usually takes them by surprise
when you do take control, even if you are
headed for a tree – go figure. So tell them
first.
I also explain that I will help them start the
car until they get the hang of starting it. I tell
them that I may use the brake and to not take
this personally or be alarmed if I do. Perhaps
the most important topic to cover is voice
commands. This is critical. Take some time to
define what you need your student to do so
that you have an open channel of
communication. Feel free to use these scripts
and/or modify them to suit your needs.
“I want you to know that it is my ultimate goal
to keep you safe. In doing so, I may take the
wheel and assist you. I also may use the
emergency brake. This is not to offend you or
scare you - it is to keep you safe. There will
be times I see something you don’t or you see
something I didn’t see. You need to trust me
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Front Seat Driver
in that keeping us safe while teaching you is
the ultimate goal.”
And I will add…
“I will give you direction with enough time for
you to prepare for the maneuver. Then, at my
direction, begin the maneuver I have asked
you to do. If I ask you to do something and
you don’t feel it is safe to do so at that
moment – say so out loud. I will talk you
through it or we will abandon the idea and
move on to plan b.”
Here is a very common dilemma:
Oftentimes when you tell a learning driver to
make a left or right they believe you mean
immediately. That is why you always want to
preface it with saying something like, “at the
next light,” or “at the corner.”
Another issue that sometimes confuses
new drivers is hearing left from right. When
you give direction for example; “at the next
light, we will make a right.” When you are
saying this, use your hand to point in that
direction.
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Front Seat Driver
I also include…
“I promise I will not purposely put you in
situations that are over your head. You need
to know that driving can be unpredictable so
be prepared to act. If we get into a situation I
need you to hear me and respond when I give
you direction.”
Saying what I mean
I
I use the following scripts to tell them
what I mean when I say a certain
thing.
What I will say about slowing down
“When I tell you to ‘slow down’ – what I mean
is take your foot off the gas and adjust your
speed to where we are or in response to
current events.”
“When I say ‘slow down, there is a car, a kid,
a stop sign, brake lights, elephant’ or
whatever, I need you to use the brake to slow
down.”
“If I need you to slow down quicker than we
are I will repeat the word ‘slower’. This means
step on the break a bit harder than you are
doing in that moment. I may say this more
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Front Seat Driver
than one time. If I do, I will continue to say it
until I feel you are at the right speed.”
What I will say about speeding up
“When I tell you to speed up, go with the flow
of traffic or close the gap – I mean to
gradually increase your speed.”
“If we are merging and I say speed up, and
repeat that phrase, I mean to increase your
speed more each time I say it. This is so we
match the flow and speed of the traffic.”
This gives you a general idea of the set up.
People generally do better when they know
what is expected of them.
Know What You Want To Cover
P
Prior to setting out for the driving
event, know in advance what you want
to cover. Know where you want to go
and what types of situations you want
to introduce to or practice with your coachee.
Your coachee may know what they would like
to practice as well, so ask them. Come to an
understanding so that they feel like they are
participating in their own education; you can
formulate how you will teach this. Choosing
what you would like to cover before you set
out on your adventure will be very useful.
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Front Seat Driver
Reducing Anxiety On Both Sides
You must remain calm throughout this process
- and believe me, at times it will be a
challenge.
If your new driver (or you)
becomes anxious, nervous, or shows any
other signs of stress, if possible, talk them
through it. If it’s too stressful a situation or
something occurs that they must have time to
absorb, pull the car over and let them collect
their thoughts. Give them this space. Calm
communication is key to reducing stress on all
sides.
Sample Script For Giving Direction
A
Always give clear direction in a calm
voice. Think about what you’re going
to say before you say it aloud. Never
take your eyes off the road when the
vehicle is moving. When you give instructions,
look in the direction as if you are the one who
is driving. Do this prior to giving instruction.
For example, let’s say you are going to tell
your coachee to make a lane change to the
right when it’s safe. Prior to giving the
direction, look over your right shoulder to
make sure it really is safe to do this. You
must see what they will see. Then give the
direction. Once it’s given, follow the same
steps to make sure they are responding
correctly.
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Front Seat Driver
Consider this example: Below is a right turn
event. Here is what you can say, what they
should do, what you should do, and what you
both should be prepared to do.
Event - right turn.
You say:
“When it’s safe, at, the next light, I want you
to make a right turn.”
What they should do:
Within 100 feet of the signal, check rear view
mirror, left and right mirror. Look over right
shoulder into the blind spot, and when it’s
safe, begin to merge into the bike lane or to
the right. Slow to about 10-12 mph (if green
light or no stop) to make the turn. Do a quick
scan for pedestrians in all directions, hand
over hand steering around the corner. Halfway
through the turn, begin to accelerate out,
allowing the wheel to slide through the
fingers.
What you should do:
After giving direction, check your right mirror,
look over your right shoulder, and watch the
signal light. When safe, allow the merge into
the right turn lane. Pay attention to where you
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Front Seat Driver
are in relation to the curb. If you don’t have to
stop for the corner (no red light) make sure
they slow down enough for the corner prior to
the corner, and then accelerate out of the
turn. Time the acceleration half way through
the turn.
What you should be prepared to do:
Always be prepared to take over. If it is not
safe, tell them why. But, see if they
acknowledge
it
first.
Then
take
the
appropriate action or evasive action if they
need help.
Speed Bump 3
Where does the car name Cadillac originate?
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Front Seat Driver
Chapter
3
150, 175, 184
At Least 193 Things To Do
A gentle hand may lead even an elephant by a hair.
~Iranian Proverb
Fifty Hours and 193 Things To Do
I
In my experience I have learned that
the more you write and speak, the less
is read and heard. The question I often
hear when teaching a concept is: “Will
this be on the road test?” I’ve always said, “If
you don’t need it for the road test you will
39
Front Seat Driver
need it for real life, and sometimes both.”
Nonetheless, I’m happy it’s asked. It means it
matters.
A Couple of Things to Note
T
The list of things to do assumes that
you understand the driving concepts
that
are
listed
and
discussed
throughout this book. The events are
named and may contain brief descriptions of
what to cover and why you need to cover it.
Some are self-explanatory and will not include
a “why.” Keep in mind that this is NOT an
exhaustive list. Be creative and make up some
of your own. Chapter 5 discusses what is on
the road test.
Vehicle Orientation – From The Carport
The events or items below are not in a
particular order. Use one or all in the order
that makes sense to your specific situation.
1.
2.
Before entering the car: Walk around
the car to see that all tires are inflated
and nothing seems out of the ordinary.
Show them how to check the tire
pressure.
Make sure all the windows are clean. If
not, clean ‘em inside and out.
40
Front Seat Driver
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Unlock the door and have your coachee
sit in the driver seat. Demonstrate how
to control the seat settings.
Show them where to place their right
foot on the accelerator and where to
rest their heel on the floorboard. Show
them how to pivot or place their foot on
the brake. Do this (accelerator to brake
and back) a couple of times.
Show your teen where to place their
hands on the wheel. Never grab inside
the wheel. This is a huge no-no for the
road test.
Show them where the airbags are, how
they will deploy and the dangers of
them.
Show the location of the features of the
car you are using. Go through this every
time you use a different car, prior to
starting the car.
Explain the ignition starter positions.
Show what features work and what
features do not work in each position.
Explain what features work and what
doesn’t work when the car’s ignition is in
the “on” position.
Explain what doesn’t work when the
car’s ignition is in the off position.
As simple as this sounds, there is text in the
driving handbook that specifies that one
should never turn the car “off” because the
steering wheel locks, etc.
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Front Seat Driver
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
Warning or “idiot” lights and their
meaning.
Show where the gas tank open switch is
located and which side of the car the
tank is on.
*Pull out the registration and insurance
card from where it’s stored and show
the documents to your coachee. Explain
why a driver needs to know where these
documents are, what they signify, and
why you need them.
*Setting the mirrors and seat – adjust
the seat and mirrors prior to starting the
vehicle. Show how to position their foot
on the accelerator. Show them where to
put their foot when using the brake and
when not using the brake.
*Windshield wipers – Show them all
speeds, intermittent, regular, and fast,
and explain under what conditions these
would be used.
Window washer – this is part of the fluid
system. Keep it filled and tell them why
they would use this and when to use
this.
*Defogger rear window – show them
how and when to use this. If the road
test is scheduled in the winter or it is
raining and wet, then keep this on to
keep the window clear.
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Front Seat Driver
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
*Defroster – forced air for front and side
windows. Explain when and how to use
it.
Heater – show them how this works.
Usually there is a setting for forced air
by floor, through the air vents, or vents
for the window.
A/C – show them how their air works
and how to adjust the temperature.
Most defogger/defrosters will turn on
the A/C to clear the window.
Recalculating air – tell them why they
would use this feature.
Fresh air intake – tell them why they
would use this feature.
Headlights – 30 minutes before sunset
and 30 minutes before sunrise.
Low beams, high beams, marker lights
(parking).
Vanity lights – these lights are on the
visor.
Map lights – not all makes and models
have this feature.
Fog Lights – explain that every car does
not have these – if yours does, explain
what they do and show them where the
lights are on the front of the car.
Signals – turn signals – you stay in the
car and have them see front and back
exactly which side it lights when the
signal is activated.
Left marker light and right marker light.
43
Front Seat Driver
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
Emergency flashers – tell them why
they would use this. Tell them what it
signifies to other drivers when this is
flashing.
Emergency brakes – tell them this is an
independent brake not connected to the
other braking system. Tell them under
what circumstances they would use this.
Releasing brake. New drivers struggle
with the e-brake in between the seats
because is usually set too tight for them
to release. Show them how to release.
Setting the parking brake. Show them
how to set the e-brake.
Brake pedal. Tell them about the
sensitivity of the brakes, if so, or not if
so.
Show them where the glove box is.
What is in the glove box? Move all of the
napkins and ketchup packets from your
drive-through adventures and show
your teen where you keep the book that
came with the car.
Carry a disposable camera in the event of a
photo op or in the event of a collision. Your
insurance company will love you!
37.
38.
Sun visors – show how and when to use
these.
Describe the space "bubble" around the
car. This is the space required to move
the vehicle through a space. For
44
Front Seat Driver
39.
40.
41.
example, how much space do you need
for the front and back of your vehicle to
maneuver around a corner?
Explain the blind spots. Show them
where their peripheral vision ends. Just
beyond this point is where the blind spot
begins. Anything that obstructs the view
of the vehicle and its path is considered
a blind spot.
*Know the distance for scanning the
roadside for hazards - 10 to 15 seconds
ahead of the vehicle.
*Know the distance from the curb when
parking the car. It’s no more than 18
inches. Show them what this looks like
from the driver’s seat.
Start Your Engines
42.
43.
The driveway. When backing out of the
driveway, new drivers often get
confused on which way to turn the
wheel. I tell them to turn the wheel in
the direction they want the back of the
car to go.
Backing out of the garage. Unless the
drive is curved, direct them to not steer
until they have cleared the building or if
there is an obstruction in the path. In
the case of a movable object, if possible,
move the object first.
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Front Seat Driver
44.
45.
*Backing up. Here is the procedure.
Left hand on the top of the steering
wheel, right hand on the top of the
passenger seat, turn body slightly to the
right, check rear view mirrors, then look
over right shoulder and look out the rear
window.
*Backing up in a straight line. Find a
straight road. Pull over next to the curb.
Keep the wheels within 18 inches of the
curb. Use the distance between the curb
and gutter and where the asphalt begins
as your space. Creep forward enough to
make the car straight. Front and back of
the car are aligned with the curb. Next,
straighten the front wheels; you may
have to creep forward just a bit. Next,
straighten the steering wheel. Left hand
on the top of the steering wheel, right
hand on the top of the passenger seat,
turn body slightly to the right, check
rear view mirrors, then look over right
shoulder and look out the rear window.
Do not steer and use the car’s natural
idle speed to pull the car back in a
straight line.
Do not strike the curb. This is considered an
instant fail on the road test.
Speed Bump 4
What was the price of a gallon of gas in 1972?
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Front Seat Driver
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
Advanced. Backing up a hill. Coach this
procedure when they are more
competent.
Advanced. Backing down a hill. Coach
this when they are more competent.
*Pulling away from the curb. The
procedure is: signal, look over the
shoulder into the blind spot to check
traffic, turn signal off.
*Pulling next to the curb – signal, look
over the shoulder into the blind spot to
check traffic, stop car, turn signal off.
*Hands at 10 and 2 or 9 and 3 – at all
times while moving forward.
Hand over hand steering to the left.
Right hand at 12 and left hand at 9.
Pull the hand at 12 to 9, remove 9 and
put on 12. Repeat twice or as many
time to complete the turn without
cutting any corners.
*Hand over hand steering to the right.
Left hand at 12, right hand at 3, pull the
hand at 12 to 3, remove the right hand
at 3 and place at 12. Repeat these steps
twice or as many as needed to complete
the turn.
*Right turn residential. This largely
depends upon what type of vehicle you
have. Assuming no cars are parked on
the road, get close to the curb (within
18 inches) to make that turn. Line
something up visually on the car and the
47
Front Seat Driver
54.
corner to allow for clearance around the
corner.
*Left turn residential. From the starting
position, the street you will turn onto is
on your left. Have your coachee move
the vehicle forward into the intersection.
Do not steer until the front wheels line
up with the center yellow line to your
left. This should be visible out the driver
window. When the front wheels and
centerlines on the left meet at 90degree angles, use hand over hand to
make the left turn. It is nearly
impossible to cut the corner using this
technique.
Care must be taken, as cutting the corners can
be an instant fail on the road test.
55.
56.
Signs. The majority of drivers read only
33% of the road signs. Pass one, and
then ask your student what the sign said
that they just passed.
*Yield. Even though this sign is red,
you are not required to stop. However,
everyone has the right to go before you.
This may require stopping the vehicle to
let that happen. The majority of yield
signs are placed where your lane is
joining another lane already filled with
other traffic coming from a different
direction.
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Front Seat Driver
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
*Stop sign. You will know you have
stopped when the natural forces of the
car slightly tip your head back and the
vehicle is not moving.
*Crosswalk. The bumper must be at the
first line. Not in it, over it, or 2 yards in
back of it, just simply at it. Get it?
*Limit lines at a stop sign. At a
crosswalk the first line closest to the car
is the limit line. With one line, that is the
limit line. With no lines, the corner is
where you stop.
*No limit lines at a stop sign — stop at
the corner.
Speed bump. Depending upon the
slope, have the coachee adjust their
speed prior to the bump. Tell them why
someone would do this BEFORE you
have to pull over and pick up your oil
pan, front bumper, and or your radiator
off the road.
Dip. Same process as a speed bump
above.
Speed limits. In the absence of a sign,
ask them at what speed should they be
traveling. Business district is 25 mph (if
no sign), residential is 25 mph, school
zone is 25 mph (unless there is a posted
slower limit), and so on.
Administrative per se (implied consent)
Intersections – slow speed to 15 mph.
Blind uncontrolled intersections
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Front Seat Driver
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
76.
77.
78.
79.
80.
81.
82.
83.
84.
85.
86.
87.
88.
89.
90.
91.
92.
Four people come to a stop sign. Who
goes first?
Lane position
Lane change to the right
Lane change to the left
End each right and left turn in the
correct lane. That is the lane that is
closest to you.
Drive in city traffic
Left turn in city traffic
Right turn in city traffic
Dealing with a merge sign
Dealing with a yield sign
Lane change in city traffic to the right
Lane change in city traffic to the left
Pedestrians in city traffic
Rural pedestrians
Motorcycles
The mergee and merger
Merging bike lane
The meanings of paint by colors: white,
yellow, blue, green and red.
Merge beginning and ending left-turn
lane
Freeway exit ramps
Freeway on-ramps
Changing lanes
Slowing on off-ramps
Metering lights
Complicated on-ramps (cloverleaf)
Complicated off-ramps.
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Front Seat Driver
These kinds of on-ramps and off-ramps can
cause the most anxiety, not only for the teen
but for the coach as well. Any off-ramp that
merges with another lane of traffic moving in
the same or ultimately in another direction is
complicated. Take one event at a time. Move
through that and go on to the next.
93.
At every crossroad or intersection, look
left and right and left again. Why?
Because things on your left will hit you
first.
73% of all collisions occur in intersections.
Parking
94.
95.
96.
97.
98.
99.
100.
101.
102.
103.
104.
Street parking
Angle parking
Perpendicular parking
Parallel parking
Parking down hill
Parking uphill
Parking next to a curb
Parking with no curb
Parking on a curve
Parking on the left side of the street
Double parking
Speed Bump 5 (Answer on page 130)
What year did the first electric door locks appear?
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Front Seat Driver
You Are Where You Went
105.
106.
107.
108.
109.
110.
111.
112.
113.
114.
115.
116.
117.
118.
119.
120.
121.
122.
School Zone
Hospital Zone
Safety Zone
Fire Station
Parking lots
Multiple level parking lots
Gaited parking lots
Left turn only lane
Right turn only lane
A one-way street
In a cul-de-sac
A court with parking
A beginning and ending left turn
Bike lane
Construction zone
Bridge
Tunnels
Bridges with a tunnel (Treasure Island –
Bay Bridge)
Prepare For or Prevent An Emergency.
Tell them how to respond to each event
below. Do this in such a way that it is safe for
your coachee, and provide them options to
solve these situations.
123. Flat tire
124. Running out of gas
125. Village idiot lights and which villager it is
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Front Seat Driver
126.
127.
128.
129.
130.
131.
132.
133.
134.
135.
136.
137.
138.
139.
140.
141.
142.
143.
144.
145.
146.
147.
Cracked windshield
Broken windshield
Driving in the rain
Using the cell phone
Being aware of their surroundings
Spray from other vehicles
What to do with the camera. Pictures of
the collision scene, people, things, etc.
How to change the wiper blades
Finding the flares and first aid kit
Create a procedure to deal with an
emergency
What to do if they get pulled over
Keeping safe if vehicle is disabled
Where to park
Where NOT to park
Think of parking options
Staying in the vehicle
Strangers who pull over to help
Strangers who pull over to help at night
Driving in heavy traffic
Driving in rural areas
Driving in dark rural areas
Driving by a carbeque **A carbeque is a
vehicle that has caught on fire usually because
of deferred maintenance
148. Driving with animals – Driving near
animals
149. Preparing for wild animals
Speed Bump 6
Goodyear Tire Company was named after whom?
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Front Seat Driver
Prepare For Rude Drivers
150.
151.
152.
153.
154.
155.
When another driver cuts them off
When another driver is aggressive
When another driver manipulates
When another driver antagonizes
When another driver tries to intimidate
Preparing them for the inevitable salute
with the international “bird” from an
emotional driver
Emotional Driving
156.
157.
158.
159.
160.
161.
162.
163.
DWE - Driving while emotional
Driving angry
Driving while daydreaming
Driving fatigue
Driving while changing the radio
Driving while finding a cd
With an iPod
When another person has car issues
Advanced Exercises
164. Give direction to another town several
towns over, and then have them find
their way home with no assistance from
you.
165. Give them a destination and have them
get there with no assistance from you.
166. Pump the fuel at a gas station
167. Drive through a car wash
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Front Seat Driver
168.
169.
170.
171.
172.
173.
174.
175.
176.
177.
178.
179.
180.
181.
182.
183.
184.
185.
186.
187.
188.
Drive through a fast food restaurant
Drive through a toll plaza
Drive through a drive-up bank or ATM
Drive through a covered parking garage
Drive through a tunnel
Get the oil changed in the car
Check depth of the tire tread and know
when it’s time to change or rotate the
tires.
Check the tire pressure
Have them select a destination, get
directions using a map and then drive to
the destination using their own
directions.
Have them escort you to run your
errands
Have them shop for insurance
Have them shop for tires
Have them drive a multi-lane one-way
street and make a left onto a one-way
street
Drive up a very rural hilly mountain
road, at night
Drive in the fog
Drive in hail
Drive west with the sun at mid
windshield
Drive in snow
Drive in wind
Drive in wind across a bridge
Drive in the fog at night
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Front Seat Driver
189. Find an address (you pick the address in
advance). Do not tell them what you are
looking for. Pick a mall or business, or
residential address.
190. Pull over and read a map
191. Log every cost associated with your
vehicle for one month. Fuel, oil, tires,
insurance, payment, everything for one
month
192. How to use the call boxes
193. Have them drive the next summer
vacation trip
*The events marked with a star may be on
the road test.
One Nice Thing To Say
At least one time during any outing, try and
find one compliment to give. Remember that
we are giving them a steady stream of
directions, instructions, and at times criticism.
They may not say it but they will appreciate
that you made this effort to compliment them.
Here are some examples of what to say:
You did a great job:
With parking the car
Maintaining your lane position
Choosing the correct lane
Merging into a lane
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Front Seat Driver
Scanning the road for hazards
Thinking ahead
Parking on a hill is tough, you did a great
job
Using the correct procedure though an
uncontrolled intersection.
Slowing for that school bus
Stopping for that school bus
Yielding to emergency vehicles
Knowing you couldn’t make it through the
yellow light
Not entering the intersection knowing you
couldn’t get through
Keeping a space cushion and leaving an
escape
Anticipating another driver’s actions
Acknowledging that driver
Acknowledging that pedestrian
Checking your mirrors frequently
Looking over your shoulder before moving
Using your directional signals
Taking the right of way
Yielding the right of way
Merging onto the freeway
Exiting the freeway
Pulling over
Parking in the garage
Getting close enough to the curb
Bringing the car to a smooth stop
Stopping behind the limit line
Decreasing your speed
Accelerating nicely
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Front Seat Driver
Adjusting your speed
Not engaging in road rage
Seeing the brake lights far ahead
Anticipating a hazardous event
Not driving on the sidewalk
Parking in the driveway as opposed to the
neighbor’s lawn
Not scaring the pedestrians
Stopping to pick up the hubcaps
Not scaring me
Get the idea?
Speed Bump 7
What was the original cost of the 1965 Shelby GT 350?
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Front Seat Driver
Chapter
4
Troubleshooting
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in
overalls and looks like work. ~ Thomas Edison
B
Below is a short list of common
problems and some possible solutions
for new drivers. Keep in mind that your
view and the coachee’ s view may be
different. It’s also worth noting that is the size
of the driver and the size of the vehicle play a
role in the solution.
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Front Seat Driver
Grinding Coffee is Good - Grinding The
Starter is Not
The first few times your coachee climbs into
the driver’s seat, they may very well turn the
key and leave it turned thus, grinding the
starter. There is a simple solution. Start the
car for them the first few times until they get
used to it.
Shifting to neutral in a moving vehicle
T
The vehicle should remain in gear
while in motion and while stopped. The
only reason to shift gears in an
automatic is to go in reverse, park, or
for reasons that relate to a mechanical fix,
such as a jump-start. For some reason folks
use the neutral (N) position to “pretend” they
have a stick shift. The vehicle should never be
taken out of gear while it’s moving. It’s
dangerous, unnecessary, and will earn a big
phat zero on the road test.
Driving too close to the right or left
New drivers tend to hug the right or left side
of the road. This is usually caused by them
looking to the right while driving. Tell them to
look up and out through the center of the
windshield. The very best way to do this is to
demonstrate it. Pull the car over in a safe
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Front Seat Driver
place. Put the car in park, or first gear, and
turn engine off. Get out of the car, leaving the
student in the driver’s seat. Stand in front of
the car. Place yourself just off center toward
the driver’s line of eyesight.
(Figure 4.1)
(Figure 4.1) The crosshairs mark where to look
Find their line of sight and walk it to the
windshield. Point out where on the windshield
this is. Have them choose something on the
horizon to look at. This will give them the
general area in which to gain the best view of
everything.
Speed Bump 8
What road was referred to as the mother road in John
Steinbeck’s novel, The Grapes of Wrath?
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Front Seat Driver
Lane Changes
S
Some learning drivers take directions
so well that they will immediately do
what you ask. This can have a
dangerous
or
unexpected
result
without the proper setup. Prior to giving
direction for a lane change, give them a
warning first. Begin with something like “after
the next intersection, I want you to make a
lane change to the right.” Better yet, read
Chapter 3, The Set Up.
Lane Changes at Higher Speeds
When traveling at higher speeds or on the
freeway, giving direction for a lane change will
take less effort in terms of how much to turn
the actual steering wheel. The best way to do
this is to show the learning driver the effects
prior to needing to use this maneuver.
Without frightening them, see that they
understand that this is one of the situations
that can cause a loss of control of the vehicle.
Lane Change Tendency
Newer drivers tend to take the wheel with
them when they look over their shoulder. Just
make them aware of it and tell them to loosen
their grip while they look. Take a look at the
next page figures 4.2 and 4.3.
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Front Seat Driver
(Figure 4.2) New drivers take the wheel with them
when they look over their shoulder.
(Figure 4.3) Once you make them aware of this it
tends to happen less often. Keep an eye out.
Speed Bump 9
In 1953 the base price of a Corvette was?
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Front Seat Driver
Driving With One Hand
N
Newer drivers try very hard to become
comfortable behind the wheel. While
doing this they will drop their hands to
the bottom of the wheel or steer one
handed. Discourage this behavior.
Twohanded driving is needed for the DMV road
test and in real life. A driver has more control
with two hands. Even racecar drivers use two
hands. 
Looking Prior to the Intersection
Your learning driver should get used to
looking left, right, then left again at every
intersection prior to crossing it. This is part of
defensive driving. It is also part of the road
test — not to mention (but I will) needed for
real life.
Driving Too Close To The Center
Tell them to look up and out through the
center of the windshield at the level of the
horizon – 10 to 15 seconds ahead. All will
come into their peripheral vision.
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Front Seat Driver
Oversteering / Understeering
I
In simple terms, oversteering and
understeering are effects related to
the handling of a vehicle. Other than
human
input,
several
sources
contribute to the cause and effect, specifically,
traction, suspension, and aerodynamics.
Understeering occurs when the front tires
have lost traction. The down force in the front
of the car while in motion prevents front tire
traction. Simply put, the tires follow a larger
area than that to which the wheels are
pointed.
Oversteering is the condition that involves the
trajectory path of the front tires. The tires do
not follow the path that the driver is intending
to go in. Oversteering occurs when the rear
wheels do not track behind the front wheels.
Turns Too Wide or Too Short
The good news is the vehicle will follow where
they look. The bad news is the vehicle will
follow where they look. Tell them to look
where they want to go. Don’t look where they
don’t want to go. Their hands will turn the
wheel, and vehicle will follow. *Watch the rear
tires (curbs) for close turns.
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Front Seat Driver
Tailgating and the Trust Factor
T
Tailgating or driving too close to
another driver or vehicle is dangerous.
A driver who that tailgates is placing
trust in the person in front of them.
Remind them that they do not know this
person, and even if they did, your teen cannot
see what that driver sees. The closer you
drive to any vehicle the less you see, and the
less time you will have to react to a significant
event. The majority of rear end collisions are
a result of following too close. And in the
majority of situations that results in a
collision.
Backing Up – Beep, Beep, Beep
This is on the California road test: Pull the
vehicle to the curb using the 18-inch rule.
When you pull the vehicle to the curb, roll
forward enough that the vehicle is pointed
straight, then straighten the front wheels
while creeping forward, and then make the
steering wheel straight. With foot on brake,
turn your body to the right, right hand / arm
on the back of the passenger seat, left hand
at the top of the wheel. Remove foot off
brake, and do not steer and barley accelerate.
The result? The car should have traveled in
reverse in a straight line. If it didn’t, the
student should practice it until it does.
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Front Seat Driver
Judging Distance
T
This will vary depending upon the
vehicle. Tailor your coaching for the
specific vehicle they are driving. Here
are some markers. To stop a car
traveling at 55 mph, a driver will need about
300 feet of braking distance. At highway
speeds, in 10 to 15 seconds you will cover
about a quarter mile. Ten to 15 seconds in the
city is about 1 city block. If you need to, pull
the car over and show them when the car is
not moving.
Dealing With Distractions
Let them listen to the radio if it relaxes them
and if you think it is ok. Keep the volume low
so they can hear your instructions. If you
decide to allow music set prior to moving the
car. They are not allowed to change it while
driving unless they pull over. Make them turn
the cell phone off, and no eating, drinking,
etc. Again, insist that they drive with two
hands on the wheel. You may have to remind
them a few times.
Speed Bump 10
The first 3 color 4 way traffic signal was installed when
and where?
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Front Seat Driver
Dealing With Errors
I
If they recognize the error, ask them
what they could have done to prevent,
evade, or minimize the situation. Do
not overreact to the situation. Let
them think their way out. These will be the
decisions they will have to make with no
assistance later on.
Reasons To Pull The Car Over
The following are some reasons to pull the car
over and take a break.
An over- or under- reaction. They may
need this time. You may need this time to
regroup.
There are times when a learning driver can
become so overwrought about making a
mistake that they create more mistakes.
Watch the sparks fly and try not to add to
it. Under the above scenario, your teen is
assimilating what just happened. Let them
absorb this and sort it without interference
from you. Once they can articulate what
just happened, let them tell you – if
needed, coach them to the solution. Help
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Front Seat Driver
them by providing words to describe the
event and sort it out.
To reduce any stressful situation and
provide
enough
time
to
recover.
Discourage dwelling on an issue. Remind
them that learning takes time. They are
going to make mistakes. They will get this.
No one was born with the gift of driving.
We learn it by doing it.
While practicing, they can’t seem to get the
maneuver down.
Something dangerous just happened and
you need to stay where you are so that you
can explain the event. Use the blank sheets
at the back of this book if you need.
They see their friends or their friends see
them, and all of a sudden they become
embarrassed, overconfident, or completely
forget they are on this planet in this car
with you.
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Front Seat Driver
When you, the coach, are feeling stressed.
For any reason you think it would not be
wise at the moment to go on.
Who’s in Control? Reasons To End Any
Driving Session
Purposely ignoring the instructions you
have given
Arguing in the car
Anger or frustration on the part of driver or
coach or anyone else in the car.
Disrespect of parent, coach, vehicle,
themselves or another driver
Lack of interest in driving
Tired / Anxious / Distracted
Extreme fear of driving
Obsessing about something other than
driving
I am positive you can think of a few more.
Whatever the reason, make it a valid
reason and non-punishing.
Don’t Forget To:
Have a sense of humor
Don’t take yourself too seriously
Check your own level of frustration, fear,
and impatience often.
Try not to dwell on every little thing
Do not demand or expect perfection
Do NOT yell at your teenager
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Front Seat Driver
Always prepare for the road test
Always, always find something nice to say.
Questions To Ask While Out
What is the speed limit on this road?
What happens to your speed when you go
up hill?
What happens to your speed when you go
down hill?
What happens to your windows when you
get into the car with wet clothes and it’s
cold?
What do you do if you miss your exit?
What do you do if you miss your turn?
How do you find the center of a town?
How do you find your way back to a
freeway?
How do you deal with bumper-to-bumper
traffic?
What’s the difference between highways
that end in an even number and ones that
end in an odd number?
What was the last road sign we passed?
Speed Bump 11
When did the first U.S toll road opened?
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Front Seat Driver
Under No Circumstances Should You…
Take your eyes off the road while the car is
moving.
Not have your hands available while
coaching.
Teach them to break with the left foot.
Exhibit, teach or encourage them to
engage in road rage
Exhibit, teach or encourage them to
engage in exhibition driving
Engage, encourage, or exhibit aggressive
driving
Ever compare them negatively to a sibling
or another driver
Frighten them in the vehicle.
Teach them to coast in neutral – yes, even
in a manual transmission
Baby them too much in the vehicle.
Ignore or punish them in the vehicle
Allow them or yourself to talk on the cell
phone while coaching
Allow sandals, flip-flops, or high heels.
Allow passengers in the beginning. If you
do, ask them to be quiet.
Not wear a seatbelt or allow them to not
wear theirs.
Speed Bump 12
Tire chains were introduced when?
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Front Seat Driver
One Nice Thing To Say - Revisited
Here are twenty additional examples of what
to say.
Thank you:
For being patient
For paying attention
Helping me run my errands
For listening to my directions
For keeping your wits about you
For not over-reacting
For not under-reacting
For yielding the right of way
For accepting the right of way
For giving that person enough time to
complete their turn
For taking enough time to study the
material
For wanting to practice
For keeping your sense of humor
For being my kid
For not engaging that angry driver
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Front Seat Driver
For knowing your limitations
For knowing my limitations
For accepting the responsibilities of driving
For respecting me
For respecting those around you
I’m positive you get it now 
Speed Bump 13
What year was the speedometer introduced?
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Front Seat Driver
Chapter
5
Prepare for the Road Test
There cannot be a stressful crisis next week. My schedule is
already full. ~ Henry Kissinger
Testing, Testing, 1, 2, 3…
W
Where is the road test taken? The
road tests are taken at the
California Department of Motor
Vehicles. The most up- to- date
information can be obtained at their website
http://www.dmv.ca.gov. An appointment is
required for the road test.
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Front Seat Driver
Must haves
An appointment (write the confirmation
number down)
About 1 to 2 hours time
A vehicle in good working order.
All signal lights, brake lights, headlights are
in working order
Windshield wipers in good working order
Good tread and properly inflated tires.
Windows that roll up and down
A working horn
Working door handles
Proof of insurance
Valid permit
Eye glasses if required
Sun glasses if needed
If a minor is testing, the parent that is
taking responsibility for the minor must
sign their permit. The signature certifies
that 50 hours of practice has been
completed.
Proof of driver training completion
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Front Seat Driver
A permit that is at least 6 months old
Must Not Haves
Open- toed shoes
No music
No cell phone
No passengers
No music
No pets
Smiles are optional and fun is kept to a
minimum 
Speed Bump 14
What U.S. city and year reported the first auto theft?
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Front Seat Driver
What will you be tested on?
H
Here are the areas that you may be
tested on. The last two testing areas
are parallel parking and freeway
driving. These are rarely if ever part of
the test. But, who knows? This could be your
lucky day!
There has been much debate over the years
making these two areas mandatory. The rule
has changed several times. It truly depends
upon the administration. Finding a suitable
place to do parallel parking is always a
concern. Thus, it may be the first procedure to
be eliminated. Nevertheless, prepare for all of
it. The more prepared the driver, the more
successful the outcome of your test and the
more successful the driver.
You will see in the list that follows are the
areas that may be on a typical road test. Keep
in mind that the time of the year is critical to
take into account. In addition, the list does
not contain specifics; it is assumed the coach
is familiar with each one listed.
Speed Bump 15
The 1959 Cadillac was how long front to fin?
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Front Seat Driver
Before starting the vehicle
Adjust mirrors
Fasten safety belts
Locate the controls
Horn
Flashers
Heat / defogger
Wipers
Emergency brake
Headlight - high, low, parking
Starting the vehicle
Park or neutral
Foot on brake
Starts vehicle
Moving Forward
Signal
Look over shoulder
Hands at 10 and 2 or 9 and 3.
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Front Seat Driver
Stop
Stops at limit line
Uses correct foot on brake
Stops smoothly
Turning
Signals and slows
Begins and ends in correct lane
Yields right of way
Accepts right of way
Sees and reacts to hazards
Backing
Looks over right shoulder while backing
Checks mirrors and blind spots
Changing Lanes
Signals
Checks mirrors
Checks over shoulder
Changes lanes safely
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Front Seat Driver
Parking on a hill
Signals
Curbs wheel
Sets parking brake
Signals and looks over shoulder upon
leaving
Defensive driving
Checks mirrors before braking
Checks mirrors - 2 - 5 seconds
Checks signal lights and signs
Keeps eyes moving
Keeps a space cushion – leaves an out
Follows at a safe distance
Entering the Freeway
Checks traffic flow
Signals
Merging from onramp
Looks over shoulder and checks mirrors
Adjusts speed to driving conditions
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Front Seat Driver
Exits the freeway at right speed, lane, etc.
Parallel Parking
Signals
Uses mirrors and checks over the shoulder
Yields
Helpful Tips
Make your appointment for early week
Make your appointment for early in the
day, say 10-ish.
Plan to arrive early and be ready.
Keep in mind what time of the year the test
will occur. Winter months take more
planning. It takes longer to complete and
you may have to use more vehicle
equipment.
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Front Seat Driver
Be familiar with the area.
Don’t focus on “knowing” the route DMV
may take you on. Rarely if ever do
instructors or anyone else know what the
routes are. In addition, the routes change.
Focus rather on knowing HOW to drive.
This way you can go anywhere and know
how to respond to the unique environment.
During the Test
T
The test should last between 10
minutes to 30 minutes, depending
upon how busy they are and if you are
a confident and competent driver. You
will begin the test with 100 points. A passing
grade at this time is 85. There are things you
might do that will lower your score. For
example, cross a limit line and you’ll lose 3
points. Continue to do it and you could fail the
test. Doing anything dangerous or illegal will
end the test.
Frame Your Mind
Before, during and after your test, don’t take
anything personally. The examiner doesn’t
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Front Seat Driver
know you (or shouldn’t know you) and you
don’t know them. They are the examiner and
this is their job. Most likely they take their job
very seriously, considering that they are about
to enter a vehicle with a perfect stranger, who
thinks that they can drive. Yeah, they’ve
heard that before. This will be determined
shortly.
For some reason teenagers, in my view, are
often overlooked, discounted, disrespected
and not as valued as they should be. Yes,
there
are
some
who
are
disruptive,
disrespectful, careless, etc. The very same
thing can be said about any age group. You’ll
find the same kind of behavior across the
board. I’ve seen bigger temper tantrums,
worse rudeness, and disrespectful behavior
that came from the parents of a teen rather
than the teen. These are just some of the
issues teenagers face. It is important that we
are supportive and that we provide everything
we can to make this a successful transition.
After all, you will be driving next to them! 
Speed Bump 16
What was the most expensive U.S. car ever produced?
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Front Seat Driver
Chapter
6
The Afterglow of Licensing
I try to learn from the past, but I plan for the future
by focusing exclusively on the present. That's where
the fun is. ~Donald Trump
Houston? We May Have a Problem
M
Most of us can remember what it
was like to finally get our license.
There it is, right in front of us —
laminated proof that we have now
joined the ranks of a privileged class. We are
a licensed driver.
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Front Seat Driver
Remember what it really meant? It meant
being away from our parents. We were free to
make
our
own
decisions
and
think
independently. We could go where we wanted,
drive on any road we chose. We could go visit
our friends in our “ride,” and hopefully look
cool doing it. Perhaps the most long-awaited
bonus was being a very comfortable distance
from the watchful eye of our parents. Nothing
has changed. It means the same today as it
did then.
What to Expect
You may be able to prevent some of these
behaviors prior to actually seeing them used.
Try bursting this bubble well before any
exhibition.
Speeding
Common. In fact, speeding is very common.
Fifty percent of new drivers receive a speeding
ticket in their first year.
One hand on the wheel
Remind them that one hand doesn’t give them
adequate control.
Speed Bump 17
Tubeless tires were introduced in what year?
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Front Seat Driver
Following too close
This is a very common behavior and a bad
habit to pick up. Do everything in your power
to put an end to it. As you know, most rearend collisions are a result of following too
close. In the insurance world, nearly every
rearend collision is considered the fault of
the driver that did the rear ending.
Inside Out
S
Steering from the inside (wrist up) also
doesn’t allow for adequate control of
the car. In addition, if the hand is
inside the wheel, in the event of a
collision, the hand will follow the same path as
the wheel, often times breaking bones in the
process.
(Figure 6.1) Steering wrist up is dangerous.
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Front Seat Driver
Friends
T
The first year of licensing does not
allow the transport of passengers,
except
under
certain
conditions.
Chances are your kid will either try to
bend this rule with your permission or simply
do it anyway, taking the chance they won’t
get caught.
\Recent studies have shown a dramatic
decrease in fatal collisions of new drivers
(teens specifically) by restricting passengers
and implementing a driving curfew. This is
part of the graduated licensing process that
most states have adopted.
Distractions
You handle this in the way that makes sense
to you.
Friends
Music
Cell phone
Drinking beverages or anything that takes
both hands off the wheel
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Front Seat Driver
There are a thousand more of these but
I’ve listed the primary ones above to give
you a reference point.
Taking Corners or Curves Too Fast
This is dangerous and does not allow one to
know what exactly is on the other side of the
curve or corner. You may have to revisit this
again and coach them through this.
Depth Perception
T
The
learning
curve
on
depth
perception is as individual as the as
the person. Knowing the vehicle will
cure much of this. Practice cures
more. Use objects to measure. For example,
you want your student to know what the
depth looks like when you pull over to park.
Once you do this have them find something in
the vehicle (usually a symbol on the hood of
the car works) to line this up with the curb.
When they bring the two points together they
will know that they have arrived.
Now, get them out of the vehicle so they see
what it looks like from outside the vehicle. You
can set up virtually any scenario to create a
learning example. Be creative!
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Front Seat Driver
Cutting in Front of Vehicles
You must be prepared. Many underestimate
the distance the vehicle requires starting from
behind their head. You may have to cover this
a few times.
Cutting in Front of Tractor Trailers
T
This is critically dangerous. Tractortrailers need much more distance to
stop than a car. Cutting in front of
them places them in a very vulnerable
position. Tell them to go behind, miss the exit,
or whatever, but never cut in front of them.
Running Stop Signs or Stop Lights
Many just blow by these. Depending upon
where you live this can be a $300 or more
traffic citation. Of course, other things can
happen. However, you may need to remind
them to pay close attention.
Driving In The Blind Spot of Another
Do not allow them to drive in the blind spots
of other vehicles. Assume that every other
driver will not signal, will not look over their
shoulder, and does not see them. Speed up,
slow down, or change lanes to cure the
situation.
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Front Seat Driver
Driving or Allowing Another to Drive
While Under the Influence.
S
peak to them about this very difficult
topic. None of us want to think of our
kids being exposed to this, let alone
doing it. If they haven’t been exposed
to drugs and alcohol, chances are they will be.
That is the reality. I know for some it is an
uncomfortable topic. Get right on over it and
quickly. It will be far more uncomfortable to
shop for a coffin to bury them in. Arm them
with the truth.
Come to an understanding with your teen.
Without giving permission to behave this way,
acknowledge that they most likely will, if they
haven’t already, be introduced to this by their
peers or other sources.
Do whatever you can to prohibit this. Some
kids are good just knowing that you know.
Some will test the limit and try it. Some will
allow their friends to drive in the same
condition. Therefore, not disappointing you
that although they maybe under the influence
they didn’t drive. Acknowledge this too. There
are several other avenues. One is to create a
contract.
There are several contract type
agreements available on the Internet. Simply
Google search teen driving contract and see
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Front Seat Driver
what you come up with. Some contracts are
free however most charge.
I have written an example contract and have
made it available for download free of charge.
You are free and encouraged to use as is or
modify it as you see fit.
The contract is available here:
www.driversity.com/FrontSeatDriver.html
Allowing Friends To Drive The Car
D
Discourage this by warning them first.
Warn them that their friends will ask to
drive their car. Often times they lend
it and the person they allow to drive it
is unlicensed. California has specific penalties
for allowing an unlicensed person to drive. It
is a big no-no.
Quick stops
They approach a stop sign, intersection, or
anything else that requires a stop and do not
allow enough room to stop smoothly. This not
only wears out the tires, but it wears out the
brakes, and frightens the people ahead of
them. You may have to revisit this again too.
Speed Bump 18
Who was the first car company to introduce side airbags?
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What You Can Do
Options
Give warnings
Retraining (accompany them again)
Restricting the use of the car
Drastic Measures
Prohibiting use of the car for a short
duration
Require they take a defensive driving
course
Take their license away from them
Cancel their license. California DMV Form
DL142.
Please note that canceling a provisional
license does not mean they will have to
complete driver education or training
again. The certificates of course
completions do not expire. They will
however, be required to retake the permit
and road tests.
Sell the car and buy a bike like the good
ole days.
E-Bay them and rent their room out 
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Front Seat Driver
Financial responsibility
Y
You are financially responsible for your
children, or anyone under your control,
who you signed for, that is under the
age of 18.
If you sign the application for the permit and
or the license it states that you are
responsible for $35,000 in damage. Be aware
that this is the MINIMUM not the maximum.
You will be responsible for the damage they
create.
Speed Bump 19
The first drive in restaurant was introduced in what year?
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Front Seat Driver
Chapter
7
Skillz
When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could
hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be
twenty-one, I was astonished at how much the old man had
learned in seven years. ~ Josh Billings
L
Listed below is a short list of current
laws pertaining to driving in California
as of 1/1/07. The spirit of the list is
to bring your knowledge current so
that you can echo what is taught in driver
education as well as documentation from
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Front Seat Driver
other official sources such as California
Department of Motor Vehicles. The definitive
guide is the California Vehicle Code. This code
is available online at www.dmv.ca.gov.
Must report a car purchase within 10 days,
5 days if you sell one.
Notify DMV within 10 days if you move.
Post office does not forward DMV mail.
Collision Reporting. Report if $750 or more
in damage or anyone was injured.
Failing to make the report results in
administrative action.
Make report to CHP (or local jurisdiction)
and notify DMV (can sometimes be done
through your insurance agent.).
Make the report whether or not you
created it.
Make the report even if it occurs on private
property
Speed Bump 20
The price of a Ford in 1924 was how much?
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Front Seat Driver
Minimum amounts of insurance are
$15,000 – Injury / Death one person
$30,000 – Injury / Death two or more
$5,000 – Property Damage
Class C is the class of license that allows
one to drive a car.
Minors permit requirements (Minimums)
At least 15.5 / under 18
Have completed driver education and have
proof (certificate)
Enrolled in Driver Training
Parent’s sign minor’s application
Present proof of legal birth and name
Pass written test (46 test questions – 8
error factor)
Pass eye exam
Speed Bump 21
What year did Driver Education become part of the
curriculum in high schools?
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Front Seat Driver
Minor’s license requirements
Be at least 16
Proof of completion DE and DT
Parent’s sign permit
Pass road test
Adult process is essentially identical
except as noted below.
No education requirements
36 test questions
No parent signature 
Right of way rules are essentially the same.
Please note that pedestrians are priority.
Traffic signals:
Green arrow – you are not required to stop
first.
Traffic signal blackout. Reverts to an all
way stop.
Speed Bump 22
What car was air conditioning introduced?
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Front Seat Driver
Speed Limits:
Basic Speed Law (as fast as safe)
Maximum is 65, sometimes 70, sometimes
lower.
Special places:
Blind uncontrolled intersections – 15 MPH
Alleys – 15 MPH
Rail Road crossing – 15 MPH
*Business or residential – 25 MPH unless
posted higher or lower.
*A business district can be defined by
access and not necessarily by location of
businesses. A business district does not
provide continuous access to the other
side of the road because an island or
other barrier prevents this. A driver
must wait for a two way left turn lane, a
left turn lane, or u-turn access.
Two way left turn lane. Maximum travel
length is 200 feet.
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Front Seat Driver
Bike Lane – You must merge into if you’re
going to make a right.
Bicyclists are not supposed to ride against
traffic. Be aware – they still do.
Motorcycles can go in between traffic.
Must use headlights 30 minutes prior to
sunset and keep them on 30 minutes prior
to sunrise.
Must use headlights when you can’t see
1000 feet ahead.
Scan ahead 10 to 15 seconds
Check rear view mirrors every 2-5 seconds
Signal no more than 100 feet before the
corner
Signal
5
seconds prior to exiting the
freeway
Following distance is the 3 second rule
High beams are turned off:
500 feet when following someone
300 feet from oncoming traffic
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Front Seat Driver
Air bags:
Make sure they are 10 inches away from
the air bag.
Children under 12 should not sit near an
airbag. Check the vehicle’s book or
detail regarding your specific car.
Under no circumstances should any child
1 year or under sit in the front seat with
an airbag.
Rear facing safety seats should never be
in the front seat.
If you smoke – refrain from doing this in
the vehicle.
Double Fine Zones
Move Over and Slow Down (1/1/07)
Collisions and moving violations remain on
a driving record for a minimum of 3 years
Zero Tolerance Law
This is not a definitive list. It is meant to
provide quick reference to some of the
significant changes. Checking the DMV
website will provide detailed information.
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Front Seat Driver
Chapter
8
Signs of the times
Remember, today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday
~ Dale Carnegie
Road Signs
R
Road signs are ever present and
provide
critical
information.
Unfortunately, most drivers only read
1 out of 3 signs they pass.
Knowing the difference between a regulatory
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Front Seat Driver
sign and a warning sign matters. You may
have to do this many times until learned.
Remember to have fun with this. The more
sign exposure a new driver has the better
equipped he or she will be without you in the
front seat.
Regulatory Signs
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Front Seat Driver
More Regulatory Signs
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Front Seat Driver
Warning Signs are typically yellow and black
Warning Signs
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Front Seat Driver
Warning signs can also be yellow, black, and
red.
More Warning Signs
106
Front Seat Driver
Orange and black signs are warning signs too
Look! More Warning Signs
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Front Seat Driver
And More…
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Front Seat Driver
And More!
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Front Seat Driver
Chapter
9
Diagrams and Logs
And in the end it's not the years in your life that count. It's the
life in your years. ~ Abraham Lincoln.
I
Included in this chapter you will find
pictures and diagrams. The asphalt
pictures depict right of way, paint,
lanes, turns, etc.
The primary purpose of this section is to
describe to create visuals for your learning
driver. The best way I’ve found to describe
the meaning of paint marking is to consider it
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Front Seat Driver
a language. Whether dashed, solid, double,
single, yellow, white, etc. each color and
shape has significant meaning.
You will find 4 common type road markings on
the next pages. In addition, you will find 4
generic intersections. Use these in the event
you need to draw it out.
Lastly, you will find a table to document your
student’s learning.
Help your student learn the language of lines.
Use figures 10.1 – 10.4 to help illustrate the
language of painted lines. Ask who can pass,
make u-turns, and turn left or pass?
Figure 10.1
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Front Seat Driver
Figure 10.2
Figure 10.3
112
Front Seat Driver
Figure 10.4
Notes:
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Front Seat Driver
----------- Generic Intersections -----------
114
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115
Front Seat Driver
116
Front Seat Driver
Document what you’ve covered.
Date
Total Time
What we covered
________
117
Time
Front Seat Driver
More Stuff We Did…
Date
Total Time
What we covered
________
118
Time
Front Seat Driver
And More Stuff We Did…
Date
Total Time
What we covered
________
119
Time
Front Seat Driver
And Even More Stuff We Did…
Date
Total Time
What we covered
________
120
Time
Front Seat Driver
The Fun Continues…
Date
Total Time
What we covered
________
121
Time
Front Seat Driver
And Look, Even More Fun…
Date
Total Time
What we covered
________
122
Time
Front Seat Driver
And it goes on…
Date
Total Time
What we covered
________
123
Time
Front Seat Driver
And on…
Date
Total Time
What we covered
________
124
Time
Front Seat Driver
And on…
Date
Total Time
What we covered
________
125
Time
Front Seat Driver
Look! Two hands…
Date
Total Time
What we covered
________
126
Time
Front Seat Driver
Notes:
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Notes:
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Front Seat Driver
Notes:
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Front Seat Driver
Answers to Speed Bumps
1. John De Lorean was behind the 1965 GTO using his
patented overhead cam. (Page 4)
2. Lee Iacocca created the original Ford Mustang. (Page
20)
3. The name Cadillac comes from Antione de la Moithe
Cadiliac - the founder of Detroit. (Page 38)
4. The price of a gallon of gas in 1972 was .38 cents.
(Page 46)
5. Electric door locks were introduced in 1956 (Page 51)
6. It was named after Charles Goodyear the inventor who
accidentally discovery how to vulcanize rubber. (Page
53)
7. The original cost of a 1965 Shelby GT 350 was $4,428.
There was 521 produced. One recently (2005) sold at
auction for $325k. (Page 58)
8. Route 66 (Page 61)
9. 1953 the base price of a Corvette was $3,250 (Page 63)
10. The first 3 color 4 way traffic signal was installed in
Detroit in 1920.
11. Pennsylvania to Connecticut 1792. (Page 71)
12. Tire chains were introduced in 1905 (Page 72)
13. Speedometer was introduced in 1908 (Page 74)
14. Saint Louis and 1905. (Page 77)
15. The car was over 16.5 feet. (Page 78)
16. 1968 5.5 ton Lincoln for U.S. Presidents at a cost of
$500,000 (Page 84)
17. 1948 (Page 86)
18. 1995 Volvo (Page 92)
19. Dallas 1921 (Page 94)
20. $290 without a starter (Page 96)
21. 1947 (Page 97)
22. 1938 Nash (Page 98)
130
About the Author
The author is a Co-Founder of Driversity, LLC
and its subsidiaries. She has earned an MBA
and two undergraduate degrees, one in
Criminal Justice and one in Business
Psychology.
For the past two
decades she has owned
a variety of businesses
including a chain of
driving schools in
California. A driving
instructor for 13 years,
she has clocked literally
thousands of hours
teaching.
Perhaps her most challenging and rewarding
and experience was coaching her own teenage
daughters. In many ways she feels that
teaching one’s own children is much more
difficult. Citing, “…often times our
expectations are higher for our own children
than our neighbor’s children…”
Having experienced the coaching process from
both sides, she hopes this book will provide
useful tools to help accomplish the job.

Front Seat Driver - Driversity Driving School

Transcription

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