With our world in a state of crisis at the moment, our daily lives have been thrown into chaos. Our children are learning via long distance for at least term two.  Most of our kids, as well as VCE kids, are struggling to engage remotely and teachers aren’t always available.  Our internet will struggle and, our year 12 kids have had their final year of high school highly disrupted in many areas, more than just academically. So learning to get back to basics and driving within our own suburb is the way forward at the moment.

Things we take foregranted have changed

We also know that going for a drive away from our home has also changed dramatically in the last few weeks.  We’ve taken foregranted that we can pop in the car when the weather is wet, or dark and practice certain things when it suited us.

How can we support them during restrictions?

So, what can we do to support our learners now that our driving practice has been heavily restricted? Whilst stage 3 is still in play there are things you can do to support them.  Remember those first few days or weeks when your learner started driving?  Why not refresh their memory to ensure bad habits haven’t crept in.

Take it back to basics!

1. Driving in your residential streets, are you tucking the car into the left hand corner and looking both ways before proceeding left?
2. Are you checking your rear vision mirror before you brake to ensure no one is going to hit you up the rear?
3. Have you learnt how to use the front and rear demisters whilst controlling the car at the same time?
4. Do you know how to put petrol in the car in a safe manner?
5. Can you safely park the car at the shops between the lines?

Left turns the correct way

Do you wonder why it helps to tuck the car into the left-hand corner before you turn into another residential street?  The reason is if there is a car coming towards you from the left, your turn will result in you finishing on the correct side of the road, rather than ending up wide.

Rear vision mirror

Why do I have to check my rear vision mirror before I brake? The reason is, if you don’t check and a car is tailgating you and you brake suddenly, you’ll end up with a lovely new dent in your car.

Front and rear demisters

With the weather now turning cooler, if you don’t have a car in the garage, you may have noticed Mum and Dad having to take time to clear the rear window before they can drive away.  Or the rain has caused the front windscreen to fog up and front demister gets turned on to help clear it. That is what they are there for.  Take the time to learn to use them whilst you are driving.

How to put fuel in the car

Have you had the chance to fill up the car whilst learning yet?  Get Mum and Dad to show you how.  Also make sure they show you what type of fuel.  Don’t assume you know as every car is different.

Shopping centre car parking

Have you had much practice shopping at the centre car park in between two cars or are you still looking for three empty spaces and winging it?  Learning to nail it can be fraught with anxiety, but it doesn’t have to be.  Practice makes perfect.

Need further help?

If you answered no to any of the above, touch base with me for help. I may be off the road, but I’m still able to help remotely. I’m offering help in your local area via phone whilst you’re in the car (hands free of course)!

How much do you ask?  This special fee for the first five who call will be $20 for 20 minutes of my time.  Price after offer ends will be $25 per 20 minutes.  So, what are you waiting for?  Touch base today at https://driveskills4life.com.au/contact-us/

Until next time, stay safe and wash your hands…Sarah