Warning – this unit was last revised in 2007

Unit 13 – Guided, Full talk through.

Research Material:
The Driving Instructor’s Handbook

Simply put, this is telling someone exactly what to do – guiding them through the process. This is used under 2 distinct circumstances

1. Teaching someone how to do something they have never done before.
   This is what you will do for example during your phase 1 teaching.
   Once you have completed your briefing, you will then guide them through the process, eg: “Set the gas to 1500 revs, hold that foot still, then bring your clutch up 1/3rd of the way quickly, then gradually until you hear the engine revs dip. Now hold both feet still” – would be your guided instructions for someone to find the bite point.
2. Helping someone to complete an action under stressful or dangerous circumstances.
   This can be necessary when a student has been pushed out of their comfort zone. It is easy for them to forget exactly how to set off smoothly at a give way, when there is a truck beeping from behind them. You may need to use guided instruction exactly the same as above to prevent stalling or dangerously fast moving off.

Discussion Points:
Clear concise and effective talk through
Leaving nothing out

Examples of talk through:
Move off from the side of the road
Changing gear

Commentary driving as a practise tool for talk through
Head it off at the pass
Talk through before dual controls

Exercises:
Using your commentary driving experience, practice talking through the whole routine necessary for moving away from the side of the road. Write a script if necessary, and practise this on your trainer, who will listen and react ONLY to your instruction. Remember if you miss anything out, it will not be done – it is all well and good giving a perfect description of finding the bite, but if your customer hasn’t selected first gear it will never work!

Your customer can set off independently in a quiet area, but is very nervous about setting off at traffic lights – you realise the car behind is driving impatiently and may run into you if you stall. Notice the warning signs and swing back to guided if you feel it is necessary.