Route Directions:
Step 2 - Basics
The terminology used when giving directions will affect both your safety and the safety of everyone around you. It will also affect the way that your customers respond to their driving test examiner.
Another important point is that Part-Three examiners are familiar with the style of route directions that they learnt during their own training – your examiner is likely to feel more comfortable if you use that style.
As you watch the video above listen carefully to the words used. In particular notice the words 'Take the next road' as opposed to 'Take the next turning'. This may seem to be a minor point, however, in stressful situations a learner might interpret turning to be an entrance to a property, an 'access alleyway' or a car-park (if you want your learner to turn into places like this you will need to be specific).
While we recommend the DVSA style of directions taught here, it's important not to get too 'hung up' about the exact language that you use – the most important thing to remember is that you need to communicate your message clearly and be aware of the message that your learner is hearing. For example, if you say take the next turning and the learner tries to take a gravel track rather than the road you intended, consider why it might have happened - did you communicate the message well enough?
There is a saying the "The true meaning of any communication can be found in the response that it gets". This means that people might not always hear or understand what you are trying to communicate and respond in an unexpected way (turning up a gravel track!). It's your job to ensure that your communication is effective, if it doesn't get the outcome you want or expect, deliver your message in a different way.
You might have come across the 'ADI Method' for giving directions during your study. In this context ADI Stands for 'Alert, Direct, Identify'. This is an easy way to remember a sequence for giving directions, but be careful...
It might seen odd to introduce a negative point here – what not to do – but this is such an important point we want to make sure that you understand it early on.
The Alert Direct Identify method can be potentially dangerous if misinterpreted.
A common misinterpretation of this method, even by some experienced trainers is:
Alert: "I would like you to..."
Direct: "turn right..."
Identify: "at the end of the road."
A fully relaxed learner who is used to an instructor giving directions in this way might have absolutely no problem with this, however, a nervous learner, or even an experienced learner who is having a moment's stress in a new situation, could start to turn before you have confirmed the location. As soon as they hear the words "turn right" there is a danger that they could start to turn immediately before hearing the end of your message, for example into a car park or other opening – with potentially disastrous results!
This is better:
Alert: "OK John, at the end of the road..."
Direct: "I would like you to turn right ..."
Identify: "It's just around this bend."
In this example the location of the turn is stated clearly as part of the 'Alert' process.
Next: Step 3: Directions when two or more roads are close together...