Driving instructors are the base of driving education, shaping new drivers to become skilled, confident and responsible drivers. However, their success in developing their students’ skills depends a lot on how they handle the students’ mistakes and provide them with opportunities to learn and grow. Whether you’re a new learner in a Driving Instructor Course or a seasoned driving instructor, you should know how to handle accidents or near-miss situations. Completing an accredited course like TLI41222 can teach instructors how to stay calm even when dealing with unforeseen challenges. Here are some strategies to help driving instructors teach students in a calm, controlled, and constructive manner:
Stay Calm and Composed:
As a driving instructor, you must stay calm and collected, especially in case of accidents or near-miss situations. Instead of reprimanding them, you should calmly ask them to find a safe spot to pull over and discuss what happened and why. Students are bound to make mistakes, but as their instructor, you are the one they would look up to in such situations. So, if you panic, they will also panic. But if you stay calm, they will be reassured and remain composed. Not only does it help students to stay relaxed, but it also allows them to think over their mistakes and learn from them.
Ensure Immediate Safety:
Safety should always be the priority for every driver and instructor. Even if you find yourself in an accident or a close call, your first thought should be of safety. Instead of panicking, you should ask the students to pull over safely, stop the vehicle, and turn on the hazard lights if necessary. Next, you should check if everyone is okay and if they have sustained any injuries. And if it involves another vehicle, teach them to follow proper accident protocols. Once the situation is handled, you should point out the students’ mistakes and ask them to always check their mirrors and their surroundings at intersections.
Reassure the Learner:
Mistakes are a part of the learning process. But students may not understand this initially. As instructors, you should know when the students need reassurance and let them know that they’re doing a good job despite the mistakes and should stay motivated yet alert while driving. Even while pointing out their mistakes, try to add a positive note or a compliment to boost their morale and build confidence. A good driving instructor course can teach you the right ways to offer constructive feedback.
Discuss the Incident in a Constructive Way:
When discussing their mistakes, it’s normal for people to get defensive. So, instructors should try to discuss the incident in a way that does not put blame on the students and makes them feel safe and comfortable enough to open up. Instead of asking about their mistakes, ask them to focus on what they did wrong that led to the mistake and where they can improve or change. Along with making them feel reassured, this approach also helps them think about their actions and make decisions based on rational thinking, thus developing their decision-making abilities too.
Teach Stress-Reduction Techniques:
New learners will feel more nervous about accidents and close calls than experienced drivers. So, it’s possible that they might get panicked and anxious. Help them reduce their panic or relieve anxiety by teaching them easy methods to cope with stress and panic attacks. These methods can include breathing techniques, mindfulness exercises, positive self-talk, reassurances, etc.
Incorporate Emergency Protocols:
It’s an instructor’s job to teach students the common emergency response procedures. And what better time than after an accident or a near-miss while learning? A lesson in such moments will stay with them for a long time and remind them to drive safely. Instructors should teach them to call emergency services, exchange details with the other party, take photos for documentation, or report the incident to relevant authorities. Learning these steps can help prepare them for driving in the real world.
Resume Driving When Ready:
If learners stop driving after every close call, they’ll never learn to drive. So, even if the student is afraid or apprehensive, encourage them to get back behind the wheel as soon as they feel comfortable. If they wait for too long, they may forget some skills or find it hard to get over their fears. Instead, start by driving in low-risk areas first and move on to regular traffic.
Provide Feedback After the Lesson:
At the end of the lesson, offer them advice and feedback on their mistakes and what they can do to avoid making the same errors. Boost their confidence by appreciating their skills and offering constructive feedback positively.
Staying Cool Under Pressure
Driving instructors must have the skill to stay calm in handling accidents and near-miss incidents. They should learn to stay composed, put safety first, and turn even unfortunate incidents into opportunities to reflect and learn. Driving instructor courses like TLI41222 from reputed institutes like the Academy of Road Safety can help instructors to stay calm and composed when handling accidents or close calls. By developing this attitude, they can help boost the students’ confidence, build trust, and help create safe and responsible drivers.
If you’re a budding instructor looking for ways to improve your teaching skills, consider joining the various courses offered by the Academy of Road Safety.Our expert teachers and professional approach ensure you are well-prepared to teach with confidence and make the roads a safer place!
