Safer Driving Skills

Overview

This 45-minute one-to-one driver training session is designed for a 17-year-old learner driver, aligned strictly to the National Curriculum for England and the DVSA National Standard for Driver and Rider Training (NSDRT). The session supports the learner’s progression towards independent, safe driving by focusing on personal goals, relevant theory knowledge, practical skills, and interactive reflection. The lesson plan integrates DVSA ADI Standards Check competencies to maximise the instructor's effectiveness and the learner's success.

---

Learning Objectives

By the end of the session, the learner will:

• Understand and articulate the key responsibilities of a driver concerning road safety and risk management (National Curriculum: Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education – managing risk and responsibilities).
• Demonstrate safe vehicle control techniques at low speeds with heightened awareness of environmental risks (NSDRT – Control and Observation).
• Analyse their driving actions critically, recognising areas for improvement and positively responding to instructor feedback (NSDRT – Effective Teaching and Learning).
• Set personal learning goals aligned with further skill development requirements, using SEDSS scaling (Skills, Experience, Development, Support, Success).

---

Session Structure

Time (mins)	Activity	Purpose	Competencies Addressed
0–10	Initial Assessment and Goal Setting	Establish prior experience, learner’s driving aspirations, specific concerns or difficulties. Clarify session goals collaboratively.	Goal Identification, Effective Communication, Student Inquiry, Reflection
10–35	Practical Driving with Focused Guidance	Controlled driving exercises on quiet roads emphasising steering control, observation, and hazard perception. Discuss the roles & responsibilities of the driver in managing risk. Use real-time feedback and corrective interventions.	Safety/Relevance, Shared Responsibility, Proactive Teaching, Controlled Interventions, Safety Awareness
35–43	Tutor-Pupil Review & Theory Talk	Reflect on learner’s performance using SEDSS scaling (0-10) for each skill aspect. Explain relevant theory elements linked to observed practice. Address any questions.	Reflection, Constructive Feedback, Clarity, Teaching Style
43–45	Future Planning & Safety Reminder	Agree on next steps and personal targets. Stress importance of continuous safe practice and compliance with UK Highway Code.	Adaptation, Safety Compliance, Professionalism

---

Detailed Lesson Breakdown

0–10 minutes: Initial Assessment and Goal Setting

• Activities:
  • Discuss learner’s previous experience and perceived strengths/weaknesses.
  • Explore their understanding of road safety responsibilities through targeted questioning.
  • Set 2-3 specific, measurable goals using SEDSS scaling (e.g., Control – 4/10, Observation – 5/10).
• Instructor Notes:
  • Use open-ended questions to foster learner reflection.
  • Document goals visibly to revisit throughout and at session end.
• Alignment:
  • Meets Goal Identification and Effective Communication standards (NSDRT 2.1, 3.3).

10–35 minutes: Practical Driving and Risk Management

• Activities:
  • Begin with slow manoeuvres and steering control exercises—links to NSDRT Competency 5 (Vehicle Control).
  • Gradually introduce hazard perception scenarios on low-risk roads (NSDRT Competency 6 - Observation and Anticipation).
  • Prompt learner to verbalise potential risks and driving choices in real-time (Shared Responsibility).
  • Provide immediate, calm feedback. If safety concerns arise, take control appropriately (Controlled Interventions).
• Safety Measures:
  • Pre-brief route with learner, highlighting expected hazards.
  • Maintain consistent dialogue about surroundings to increase situational awareness (Safety Awareness).
• Instructor Techniques:
  • Adapt feedback style to learner’s personality (e.g., supportive encouragement vs. direct correction).
  • Use positive reinforcement for correct actions to build confidence.
• Alignment:
  • Fully complies with DVSA safety competencies and National Curriculum objectives for practical risk management.

35–43 minutes: Review and Theory Discussion

• Activities:
  • Conduct a structured debrief using the SEDSS scale to assess learner’s performance and progress against initial goals.
  • Clarify common theory related to observed behaviours (e.g., stopping distances, driver responsibilities).
  • Address learner’s questions, encouraging curiosity and reinforcing key safety principles.
• Instructor Notes:
  • Encourage learner self-assessment first, then provide professional insight.
  • Use clear examples to highlight impact of correct/incorrect actions.
• Alignment:
  • Meets Teaching and Learning Strategy competencies including Reflection and Constructive Feedback.

43–45 minutes: Planning & Safety Compliance

• Activities:
  • Agree on personalised targets for next sessions with clear practice instructions (Adaptation competency).
  • Reinforce the need for ongoing adherence to Highway Code and vehicle safety checks (Safety Compliance).
  • Close session professionally, maintaining encouragement.
• Alignment:
  • Embeds DVSA requirement for ongoing safe learning environment maintenance.

---

Assessment & Evidence

• Continuous formative assessment by instructor throughout practical session using SEDSS 0-10 scale.
• Final review discussion benchmarks progress related to National Standard descriptors to prepare for ADI standards check.
• Written note of goals and progress shared with learner for transparency and motivation.

---

Additional Notes for Instructor:

• Use empathetic communication to build trust and encourage honest self-evaluation.
• Be ready to modify lesson pace or focus based on learner’s responses and comfort level.
• Maintain a calm, professional demeanour respecting the unique needs and aspirations of a 17-year-old learner.
• Emphasise legal responsibilities and lifelong safe driving habits beyond the test.

---

Summary

This lesson plan combines structured assessment, practical skills, risk awareness, and reflective learning in accordance with the National Curriculum and DVSA ADI requirements. It is carefully scaffolded to deliver an outstanding, candidate-centred education experience maximising learner engagement and success potential for new drivers aged 17+.