Commentary Driving: Step 9 - Commentary Structure
Your commentary should now be starting to develop some degree of fluency. It's now time for a little development using the 'OAP' method to analyse and re-build the structure of your commentary...
The notes below explain the basic framework of a driving commentary.
Continue with your commentary practice, noticing how well (or not) it fits the frame.
Spend about one hour on dedicated commentary driving practise. Split this into 4 x 15 minute sessions, perhaps on different days.
The examples shown below are provided to help you understand the commentary structure; they are not given as examples of a 'desired' commentary style. Build your commentary in a way that feels right for you...
Commentary can be broken down into three basic parts (OAP):
There is no definitive or 'correct' style with which to give your commentary. The important thing to bear in mind is that you should speak clearly and in a way that communicates your actions (and intended actions) to anyone who cares to listen.
If you have a friend or training partner, now would be a good time for them to listen to your commentary and offer constructive comment on what is good and how it might be improved.
Example
Observation: "The road bends to the right ahead"
Assessment "It looks tight. No cross-views. Limited view"
Plan/Act: "On course and holding in to the left, view still closing so reducing speed. Gear, speed and view constant maintaining gentle power for balance."
Observation: "Exit view opening, broken line system ahead, gently increasing speed as I straighten up, conscious of possible dangers hidden to the left."
Example
Observation: "Slow moving box van ahead approaching a left bend. I can see past to the left that the road is clear."
Assessment: "Clear opportunity to overtake starting to close the gap and maintaining position for best view ahead. I should be able to comfortably match speed and overtake at the first safe opportunity."
Plan/Act: "Road clear will now hold speed matching with the van, hold-back and out to the centre line for an early nearside view. Gear for best response. Mirrors. Moving right to confirm view without closing the gap, road clear ahead, accelerating through."
Observation : "Mirror checks ready to pull back in, farm buildings ahead on the left, possibility of mud on the road."
A good commentary simply repeats the OAP routine in the same way that your driving constantly repeats the a hazard routine.
Important: Please contact support to let them know when you are expecting to finish your Driving coursework - you are now just over half-way through. They will then advise you about returning your coursework.
This is the end of the commentary driving unit. Next: Advancing your driving skills.