Tools for Parents of Beginning Driver Students (Part 5)

From Lloyd Hobbs, Vice-president of Programs, SafetyNL

The contents of these articles are suggestions. Do not attempt any maneuver that you or the student driver are uncomfortable attempting.

Since our last chat, I hope you have been able to get your beginning driver behind the wheel for some practice time. Driving is a skill, so practice will help with improvements.

For some new drivers there is a concern about centering the vehicle in the lane. Being able to do this comfortably comes with familiarity with the vehicle and help from you. If you fear them hugging too closely to the right side of the lane suggest they move closer to the left side of the lane without crossing the line. When in an area where there are park cars on the shoulder of the road, it is better to be a little closer to the center line than the shoulder because other moving traffic can keep a distance from you but parked vehicles on the right are static and won’t move away, so you run the risk of side-swiping a parked car. In any event be prepared to speak up or intervene by moving the wheel if you see a potential incident. Again, use reference points. If the driver has the left foot on the left footrest, which is usually immediately behind the left wheel, that should help them visualize where the car is positioned in relation to the road.

We covered several traffic configurations to this point. We will now look at intersections where you turn into a multi-lane roadway from a single lane. The rule is to turn into the nearest legal lane. This means that if you are turning right you will move into the right lane in the new multi-lane roadway. If you are turning left into a multi-lane roadway turn into the left lane of the lanes on your side of the roadway. Then if you want to be in the other lane, use your signal light, check your blind spot and make the lane change as described in a previous chat.

Passing other traffic is something that will eventually happen. There is no hurry to do this and it is always good to ask oneself, “Why do I want to pass that other vehicle?” If there is no good reason, do not pass. However, if someone is stopped or broken down, you may need to pass and in this case discuss with the new driver using the rearview mirror, looking ahead for oncoming traffic, ensuring the other driver knows they are going to pass by putting on their signal light and giving a quick tap on the horn to ensure the other driver knows their intention. Give plenty of room to navigate around the vehicle safely.

These are basically the same instructions for passing or overtaking a moving vehicle. Check for a broken line indicating passing is allowed, signal, check rear and side mirrors, shoulder check into the blind spot, ensure you have space enough to execute the pass, pull out with increased speed, pass and when safely overtaken the other vehicle and you can see it in your rearview mirror, signal, check the blind spot and pull back in. This is also a good time to discuss the “Move Over Law” which obligates a driver to change lanes where safe to avoid an emergency vehicle parked on the side of the road and to always reduce their speed.

Many new drivers fear parking but with practice it will become a natural maneuver. We recommend backing into a parking spot when angle parking because it is the safest way to park, as you have control of the space you are backing into and you leave the spot headfirst into traffic. Either find an empty parking lot or set up a practice parking spot measuring 9 feet wide and 15 feet long. It is easiest if you have a set of four poles on stands. Place the first two poles, one at each side of the opening of the parking spot and other two on either side, halfway back (7.5 feet). Have the driver pull up to the parking spot, staying 10 to 12 feet out from the opening to the spot and stopping when the rear bumper is about 6 feet past the opening. Turn the steering wheel full clockwise and slowly reverse so the vehicle makes a 90-degree turn. Stop and see if you are lining up to back into the spot. If so, straighten the wheels and move slowly back into the empty space. If not, determine if you need to be further to the left or the right. If you need the vehicle further to the left turn the wheel counterclockwise and slowly move back until you centered to the opening and then straighten the wheels and slowly move into the spot. If you need more space on the right, turn the wheel clockwise and slowly move back until you are centered in the opening and slowly move back. When the poles positioned halfway back in the space are facing the driver when looking out the driver’s or passenger’s side window, the vehicle should be in the spot. Be careful not to move back too far and hit the vehicle or any other object behind you. If on the initial turn you could not adjust the vehicle to get into the spot, don’t be frustrated. Pull away and start the whole approach again and adjust the distance from which you begin the turn into the spot. A simple tip for new drivers wanting to back the vehicle is to steer with their hand on the top of the steering wheel. Turn the wheel left and the vehicle will head in that direction. Turn it right and you will back right. Practice in your practice spot several times before trying it in a real parking spot with vehicles around you.

We have covered a lot in this session. Again, ease your beginning driver into these driving skills at a pace that is comfortable for both of you. Don’t spend too much time at one lesson as people become tired and that is when mistakes happen. Have some great practice sessions with your child. Next time we will explore parallel parking. Until then, stay safe!