CORRECT DRIVING INSTRUCTION.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 28 April 1928, Page 14

CORRECT DRIVING INSTRUCTION.

In the first place, it must be borne in mind that a pupil can never become a first-class driver unless he or she thoroughly, understands the functioning of the engine and various controls. In other words, the would-be driver must understand what he. oi she is doing , and why. It is possible to teach driving by making the pupil learn every action in parrot fashion, but this is” a very discouraging process to both instructor and instructed. It is prelerable to begin at the very commencement, and: outline slowly and clearly, in as simple terms as possible, the functioning of the petrol engine. Do not pass on from these topics until you are sure that the pupil has grasped what has been explained. If you are not assured as to this, explain again and again. Next describe carefully the functioning of the clutch, and then that of the gears and transmission generally. When the pupil has mastered these details, but not before, he may begin to drive. If proper attention be paid to the points already mentioned, in all probability the instructor will be pleasantly surprised at the ease with which the novice acquires the first principles of driving. Do not talk to the pupil more than is absolutely necessary, or in any case shout at him, especially if the would-be driver is of a nervous disposition, or he will only become confused. This applies with equal force to men and women. The first point to demonstrate, of course, is how to start and stop the car. The pupil should be made to carry out Roth actions several times until the separate processes are absolutely familiar. Almost every novice depresses the accelerator instead of the brake pedal the fiist few times. Guard as far as possible against this. If practicable, dual brake and clutch control should be arranged. If the pupil makes a mistake, stop the car and quietly point it out to him. Then demonstrate the right way of carrying out the action in question, and do not proceed until the pupil has mastered the right method. Gear-changing, particularlp “down,” is usually the novice’s bugbear, but this operation can be greatly simplified so far as teaching is concerned if the car be stopped and the engine switched off. Induce the pupil to carry out all the movements of gear-changing, both up and down, ni their proper synchronised order. Then make him try the various actions on the road. Double-clutching should not be attempted at first; wait until some degree of confidence and ability has been gained, and then proceed at first as in ordinary gear-changing, with the I car at rest. As soon as the principle of the necessary movements has been learned, make the pupil put his knowledge into practice.