Emerging left - Emerging issues

Typical emerging left issues

The following information relates to basic errors and their correction and assume that the errors are caused directly by the actions of the learner. However, you must always be certain that you are not contributing to the error by late or unclear instruction or direction or by not offering sufficient information or feedback.

The list is by no means exhaustive, however, if you can notice and sort out these problems you should be well on your way to delivering an effective emerging lesson. Remember that ideally the only thing you are watching for is a perfect drive... Anything else is a problem!

Many of these errors are common to other junction situations.

Not starting the MSM routine with mirrors

There are really only two reasons for this:

1. Insufficient instruction, prompting or questioning where required. Make sure that you give enough help and support; in some situations this might mean giving a full talk-through for mirror use.

2. Lack of understanding. Ask questions to ensure that your learners understand why it is important to start the MSM routine with the mirrors. The answer, of course, is to check for risks behind and ensure that it is safe to carry out the intended manoeuvre.

Too fast on approach leading to unnecessary stops and hesitancy

There are several reasons why the learner might be going too fast. Perhaps the most common reason is that he/she is unable to judge and appropriate speed.

Start by checking understanding - does he/she know how fast to approach?

Next, if necessary give prompts on the move. Note that often saying things like, "go slower" or "slow down" might not be enough, especially with an early-stage learner. You might need to be more specific "Press the footbrake to slow down to about 5 miles an hour". You might also need to add extra instruction such as "brake a bit harder".

Explain that when approaching too fast there is not enough time to make proper observation - this means that safe and appropriate opportunities to proceed might be missed. Another real danger is that vehicles behind are more likely to bump into your car if the learner approaches quickly and then stops. The following driver might be expecting your car to keep going.

Coasting on approach (insufficient braking)

Many new instructors get paranoid about coasting - they insist that the clutch must be kept up until the last possible moment with the inevitable result that the car judders or stalls.

For most T-junctions the clutch will be pressed down a couple of car lengths before the line. The important thing here is that when the clutch is pressed down the speed must be fully controlled with the footbrake. If the car is fully under control, then it is not coasting (technically a car is coasting any time the clutch is pressed down, however, it is only considered a fault if it is for an excessive distance and/or if the car is not under full control).

Failure to stop at a Stop line

Make sure that your customers understand the legal requirement of a Stop line.

Make it a simple rule that at Stop lines it is not appropriate to approach with a controlled role. Both hands should stay on the steering wheel until the car has come to a complete halt.

Related problems include confusion between Give-Way, Stop and unmarked junctions- ensure that your customers understand the correct action that each of these.

Non-use or over-use of the parking brake

A simple rule to use when deciding whether or not to use the parking brake is:

"After looking both ways, if you can see the gap you are going to take, the parking brake will not generally the necessary; however, if there is no clear gap, use the parking brake."

Of course, the parking brake will be necessary on uphill gradients (unless the car has a 'brake hold' function). On downhill gradients use of the footbrake will be acceptable, however, the parking brake should be used if the car is stopped for a prolonged period to protect against impact from behind.

If the driver insists on applying the parking brake at every single junction, explain that this can and will lead to missed opportunities to proceed. The parking brake is designed to secure the car while waiting - at junctions you want to (safely) minimise the wait as much as possible.

Failure to look both ways before emerging

Firstly, the only way if you will know whether or not your driver is making proper observation is by watching closely - make sure you follow our 'watching the learner' guidelines.

Ensure that your customers fully understand the importance of checking each direction twice as a minimum. Perhaps the most common error here is looking to the left while driving to the right and vice versa.

Be careful about situations where you are entering a one-way street. Your pupil might argue that traffic is only approaching from one direction and so it is only necessary to look in one direction, however, this argument is bogus! Sometimes cars drive the wrong way along one-way streets and it's quite common to see cyclists travelling the wrong way.

Emerging in front of approaching traffic

This is either a judgment or an observation problem.

Make sure that the driver is actively looking to the right and left, not just 'going through the motions'.

If it's a judgment problem, Discuss the approaching traffic and how much time is available - determine how they are making the judgement. Offer comparisons with being a pedestrian or cyclist to draw on their experience.

As with other problems, be prepared to assist if necessary.

Timing of steering - too soon or late - when turning

Apart from the very early stages of learning where the learner is getting used to the gearing of the steering (how much the wheel needs to be turned in order to make the car turn a specific amount) all steering errors are linked to observation.

If the steering is too soon, make sure that the pupil is 'scanning' an not 'fixing' their observation as they approach. If the steering is too late make sure that they are looking in the direction in which they want to travel before moving.

Non-use of door mirrors immediately before emerging

The risks from neglecting the door mirrors immediately before emerging come from bicycles and motorcycles. This is perhaps most pronounced after a long wait at a busy junction where a pedal cycle could come up the inside. Make sure that the driver understands the dangers and prompt to alert and/or correct action as required.

Failing to look in the mirrors and/or make progress after emerging

If the driver has emerged safely this should be an easy one to fix by simply explaining the dangers of not making progress. You can often do this on the move coupled with active prompting to press gas-pedal and get up to the speed limit where safe to do so.

Next: Emerging to turn right...