Are we there yet? Managing the preparation time
keys2drive encourages you to aim for six months on P
plates with zero harm as a foundation for lifelong safe driving.
Such a goal requires serious preparation but it's seriously worth
it. Here are some ideas to help you both along:
Set goals and watch for progress
Learning is rewarding when the progress is clear. Try
setting short-term goals together that are attainable but
satisfying.
Also consider keeping a journal of driving notes that you can
look back on as you go. You might be surprised at the progress
your learner makes. Pass on your observations of progress at
regular intervals.
Get strategic with your minutes and hours
If you are having trouble finding the time to provide supervised
practice, try this:
- Consider having trustworthy friends provide practice
opportunities.
- To make practice more efficient, plan the practice drives over
breakfast and debrief over dinner.
- Test the time it takes your learner driver to drive
somewhere and compare it to the time it takes you. It’s likely that
the difference will be smaller than you think.
- If you feel saving a few minutes is important, have the L
plates on and your learner driver ready to drive, before
you get to the car.
- If you have to drive, your learner
driver can still practise most driving skills from the
passenger’s seat. They can also direct you and take some
responsibility for making decisions.
- If you have to drive or feel it’s safer that
you drive, perhaps you don’t have to drive all the way. Build in
time to swap seats and let your learner driver drive when
and where appropriate.