Here are some of the things your driving instructor will watch for while you are driving:
- Speed
Excessive speed is a leading cause of traffic accidents. Your instructor will observe and note your speed throughout the drive. If you are nervous or hesitant, they will make sure you are going fast enough. They’ll also help you learn how to gauge your speed in different types of traffic or weather. This will help you become comfortable and safely build advanced driving skills.
- Merging
Merging is another skill your driving instructor will watch out for. They will monitor whether you are merging in a timely manner, from the proper lane, and with the appropriate speed. They will also watch out for safety when merging. This includes checking your mirrors, signaling when necessary, and looking both ways before merging.
- Parking
When you are learning to drive, one of the biggest challenges is perfecting your parking skills. Your instructor will watch to make sure that you are parking safely. This includes checking for proper clearance from other cars and sidewalks and properly using your mirrors to back in. They will also watch to make sure that you are not blocking any driveways or intersections.
- Following Distance
Your driving instructor will observe how far away you keep your car from the vehicle in front of you. This helps them determine if you are paying attention to your surroundings, including traffic density and visibility. Following from the proper distance gives you enough time to react safely in case of a traffic issue. It also allows you to have enough time to respond to unexpected changes in the weather.
- Proper Stops
Your instructor will also be looking to make sure that you can safely approach and come to a complete stop at signs, lights, and other designated areas. This includes coming to a complete stop for the correct amount of time and leaving enough space between you and the car in front of you. Stopping correctly helps increase safety for you, pedestrians, and other drivers on the road.
- Emergency Situations
Your instructor will watch if you can take necessary and appropriate action in emergencies without panicking or making wrong decisions. This may include slowing down when visibility is limited, checking for cyclists before turning, and knowing how to react when forced off the road. As part of the learning process, instructors may play out an emergency scenario to teach through demonstration.
- Using Signals
Your instructors will pay close attention to see if you are using your signals when turning or changing lanes. This is a necessary safety measure as it allows other drivers to identify your intentions and helps to prevent any potential accidents. The instructor will make sure that you signal before turning and when switching lanes. Your instructor will guide you to make sure that the signals are activated in a timely manner. This will allow other drivers around you sufficient time to adjust their driving accordingly.
- Awareness of Blind Spots
Your driving instructor will pay close attention to make sure you understand the importance of blind spots and how to handle them while driving. They will look closely at how attentive you are in making sure you check these areas before changing lanes, turning, or merging. Knowing the size and location of your vehicle’s blind spots can prevent severe accidents while on the road. This may also help keep yourself and other drivers safe.
Get Your Drivers’ License From the Best Seattle Driving School Today!
Learning to drive is a process that requires focus and dedication. All Seattle Driving School instructors are there to help you learn the skills you need to become a safe driver. With their guidance, you can be sure to master the rules of the road and develop good driving habits. Knowing the key skills that instructors watch for can help you be successful during driver’s ed and while you’re on the road.
