Moving off and stopping
By the end of this section, you should be able to move away and pull up smoothly and safely to an advanced standard.
The videos are designed for learner drivers but all of the principles apply to ADI Part-Two. In fact, as the ADI test is longer and allows fewer errors it's essential that you are following the information shown in the videos. The videos will also start to prepare you for teaching this subject.
Note: The examiner will be expecting you do drive as an experienced driver (not a good learner!) but will want to see appropriate and correct driving practice.
Some things seem so basic that we often don't give them a second thought, but with a permitted maximum of six driver errors during Part-Two of your exam and similar standards for other advanced tests you need to pay attention to the basics in order to qualify.
If the thought of re-learning how to move off and stop seems almost patronising to you it is worth remembering that many experienced drivers have accidents pulling away from the side of the road – on fast roads these can prove fatal for the car occupants, in town it's all too easy to kill or injure a cyclist or motorcyclist.
Part-Two candidates have also been known to fail for basic moving off and stopping mistakes.
Some drivers consider 'advanced driving' to be all about screaming tyres and loud exhaust notes, and that's great fun in it's place (on the track). To drive fast and safe (or slow and safe for that matter!) on the road you must adopt (and teach) a defensive culture – with all the 'other idiots' out there trying to kill you, you can't afford to do anything else if you want to stay safe.
As a driving instructor you also need to set a good example - if people see you driving like a maniac it will not be good for business...
Problems
The most common problems noticed in experienced drivers when moving off and stopping, relate to observation and smoothness. This section is designed to help you overcome any issues that you might have in these areas.
Read, and familiarise yourself with the information in Steps 2 to 5 and then go out and practise the exercises as directed in Step 6.
If you have not already done so, print and complete your Training Outcomes Worksheet for this unit - you might wish to revise your outcomes before doing the practical exercises.
Next: Read the notes in Step 2 for a general overview of moving off...