What is a commentary drive?

Commentary is simply 'thinking out loud'.

All the time you are behind the wheel your brain is actively processing information received through the senses. Your eyes, ears, fingertips, the seat of your pants and even your sense of smell will provide the information for your driving decisions. Looking at the picture on the right...

"The sign says go, checking to see if it is safe to proceed..."

Commentary driving translates your mental process into words.

Do I have to be an advanced driver before trying to give a commentary?

Commentary driving is a valuable training tool, it forms part of the process of becoming an advanced driver and lays the 'talking skills' foundation for becoming an instructor.

The ability to give a driving commentary will help you (amongst other things) to improve your concentration level and to drive systematically. These are two of the key areas that need development when learning to drive at the advanced standard required by the advanced driving tests (and Part-Two of the UK driving instructor examination).

Next: Is commentary driving a distraction? Find out in Step 3.