A young persons first intro to motoring

johnos1984

Hi guys,

as some of the regulars here know I like to think that I'm some sort of teacher in the real world. Anyway I've been asked by the TY co-ordinator to device a 40-60 minute introduction to motoring for 15-16 year old girls. the course needs to cover basic safety and maintenance of a car.

The idea behind it is to give them a good introduction to basic safety and knowledge before they reach the minimum age to drive.

So far I have been advised it must include a demonstration of checking fluids and topping them up, basic safety and how to change a wheel properly. Sadly I have a budget of ZERO and therefore can't take them this year to the specific course in Mondello for this sort of thing.

I hope to include the following:

• checking oil level and topping it up
• checking window cleaning fluid
• checking all other levels
• what coolant/antifreeze does (basic principles)
• checking tyre treads
• checking tyre pressure
• changing a wheel
• what to do after an accident
• personal safety in a car and if the car breaks down on a motorway
• changing a wiper blade
• cleaning a windscreen

Anyway, has anyone any other suggestions as to what should be included?

I'd like to keep it relaxed, practical and hands on to keep their attention.

Also would anyone have a suggestion of companies which provide safety equipment as I'd like to give them something to take away, high viz vest in case of breakdown, a crash kit, tyre pressure gauge anything like that. I was considering contacting the RSA for this type of stuff but maybe other companies may be approachable.

thanks for any help,

also anyone with an opinion or experience of something like this would be great

dgt

Don't tell em where you got your ideas from :pac:

Simple stuff like mirror positioning, comfortable driving positions, what to bring in adverse weather conditions (blanket, hi vis, entrenching tool, ice scraper etc) a quick introduction into servicing and maintainance, what the lights on the speedo mean etc could be added in

johnos1984

dgt wrote: »

Don't tell em where you got your ideas from :pac:

Simple stuff like mirror positioning, comfortable driving positions, what to bring in adverse weather conditions (blanket, hi vis, entrenching tool, ice scraper etc) a quick introduction into servicing and maintainance, what the lights on the speedo mean etc could be added in

Thanks

Basic guide to the different colours of warning lights would be a good idea.

• Green/blue can mean lights
• orange a warning light of some description
• red.....STOP

Plus some of the basic symbols

166man

At the end of the course you could always organise an outing to somewhere like the Leinster driving campus, where they (the students) can actually get to drive a dual control car with others in the car for about 30mins each, with an approved instructor on a private track.

Did it in fourth year in our school and t'was great craic. Well worth it.

Marcin_diy

teach them that car is not achrismas tree and there is no need to use rear fog light in the dark or sunshine. also let them know that it is a good habit tohave lights switched on at all times

johnos1984

166man wrote: »

At the end of the course you could always organise an outing to somewhere like the Leinster driving campus, where they (the students) can actually get to drive a dual control car with others in the car for about 30mins each, with an approved instructor on a private track.

Did it in fourth year in our school and t'was great craic. Well worth it.

I'm hoping to do that next year (if I still have a job)

I'm trying to make the point to school management that most schools start these courses as a reaction to a tragedy in the school rather than as a prevention. Sadly it all comes down to the budget available and the fact that parents will be asked to pay for it

johnos1984

johnos1984 wrote: »

...............

I hope to include the following:

• checking oil level and topping it up
• checking window cleaning fluid
• checking all other levels
• what coolant/antifreeze does (basic principles)
  checking tyre treads
  
• checking tyre pressure
• changing a wheel
• what to do after an accident
• personal safety in a car and if the car breaks down on a motorway
• changing a wiper blade
• cleaning a windscreen

..............

I'd concentrate on the bits in bold, you'll bore the arse off them with checking all fluids and the wiper blades What coolant and anti freeze does would have been covered in junior cert science so perhaps link it back to the relevant bits of that syllabus, the nerds there will like that :pac:

Maybe print off some details on how to apply for a provisional licence as well for them or at least a speel on what is required these days.

I'd try and keep it free really as they're parents are probably under enough pressure financially these days.

slickmcvic

go to the junior cert metalwork and LCA engineering courses....


Do a few classes on what to look out for when buying a car.

Car electrics,how to jump start a car, the alternator,starter motor, fuses changing light bulbs etc.

operation and layout of the cooling system

Pre-NCT preparation etc.

the operation of the 4 stroke cycles and get some worksheets from past papers

show a few service videos, changing oil filters plugs etc.

Car tyres how to read markings, identify wear etc.

you could go into more detail depending on time available

johnos1984

RoverJames wrote: »

I'd concentrate on the bits in bold, you'll bore the arse off them with checking all fluids and the wiper blades What coolant and anti freeze does would have been covered in junior cert science so perhaps link it back to the relevant bits of that syllabus, the nerds there will like that :pac:

Maybe print off some details on how to apply for a provisional licence as well for them or at least a speel on what is required these days.

The under bonnet stuff sounds longer than it is, it's less than 5 minutes to show them how to open a bonnet and check the levels and where the oil goes.

A wiper takes two minutes to remove and replace on most cars.

Personal safety is certainly something I'll spend a bit of time on as it's the one piece that I really want them to take away. I'm also hoping to get a few wrecked tyres from the local tyre center to show them the differences in wear and how to spot it easily

johnos1984

slickmcvic wrote: »

go to the junior cert metalwork and LCA engineering courses....


Do a few classes on what to look out for when buying a car.

Car electrics,how to jump start a car, the alternator,starter motor, fuses changing light bulbs etc.

operation and layout of the cooling system

Pre-NCT preparation etc.

the operation of the 4 stroke cycles and get some worksheets from past papers

show a few service videos, changing oil filters plugs etc.

Car tyres how to read markings, identify wear etc.

you could go into more detail depending on time available

WAAAYYYYYYY to advanced for what I'm trying to do.

Literally I have a small group for one class and I want to give them a brief on safety and very basic car maintenance

dr.fuzzenstein

Turn on the ignition, check all lights go on and off again.
Explain what each light is for.
Explain what each dial means (basic maybe, but still, not all may know)
Operation of all switches and knobs.
Quick guide on how brake, clutch, gas and gearstick work together, take the car through all the gears (with engine off and standing still, of course)
Basically a crashcourse in what everything in the driver's seat is for.

dar83

Just make sure to show them individually the back seat... :pac:

(Yes I know, so wrong and I'm going to hell... I apologise)

johnos1984

dar83 wrote: »

Just make sure to show them individually the back seat... :pac:

(Yes I know, so wrong and I'm going to hell... I apologise)

Repeat this 100 times

I shall not make inappropriate comments to JOHNOS1984:pac:

TestTransmission

dar83 wrote: »

Just make sure to show them individually the back seat... :pac:

It's grand, we were all thinking the same.

johnos1984

TestTransmission wrote: »

It's grand, we were all thinking the same.

Child locks FTW................shyte I'm going to hell aren't I

B00MSTICK

I think the jump-starting might be useful and quick to do.

johnos1984

B00MSTICK wrote: »

I think the jump-starting might be useful and quick to do.

I'd normally agree but I can't see it being a good idea letting them play with electricity using my car ............ and I'm sure it wouldn't be covered y insurance

B00MSTICK

I think even just showing them where to connect the cables would be something.
(Only use one car with the engine off and you demonstrate the correct method while they watch?)

NewApproach

Tbh it doesn't matter what you say because none of them will listen!

johnos1984

NewApproach wrote: »

Tbh it doesn't matter what you say because none of them will listen!

Actually I'd disagree strongly with that. Give them something informative, entertaining and practical and they will gladly listen and learn.

TBH I know most of it will go over their head but if it makes sure they wear their seat belt or stand behind a crash barrier if the car breaks down on the motorway I'll be happy

There are two types of manager/teacher........Theory X and Theory Y. Now if someone was listening in school they'll know what I mean

Cedrus

• The jump start could be theoretical
• Bump start theory (after spending 20 minutes trying to bump a young fellas first car on a gravel car park before we discovered he didn't know the bit about letting the clutch engage when we got it rolling)
• I'd second the above suggestion of 4 stroke and transmission principles (in brief analogies)
• Wheel change
• Braking theory trad & ABS
• Show them a tyre that's been used for doughnuts/burnouts and and one with under-inflation wear
• Out of spec tinted windows

Marcusm

johnos1984 wrote: »

There are two types of manager/teacher........Theory X and Theory Y. Now if someone was listening in school they'll know what I mean

I hope you're not teaching anything to do with management; MacGregor's views are not so well regarded these days and were regarded as a bit prescriptive even from the 1970s (before your time). I think your university lecturers should have started on Beyond THeory Y and moved on from there.

IrishZeus

Possibly show them bigger items like the timing belt/water pumps etc and explain the importance of keeping these in check?

Essentially anything that will cause their car to blow up should they ignore it...

MadsL

Include basic safety security for girls - don't freak them but simple stuff...

Get keys out of bag before walking to car
Lock doors when driving
Don't leave handbag on passenger seat when driving
Look into the car before unlocking (back seat especially)
Keep the rear wheels of the car in front in sight when stopped in traffic
US cars have a safety release in the boot - might be worth fitting
Think about where you park in daylight if you are returning to the car at night
One of those safety hammers could be useful

The US DUI/DWI training is good too, could steal/adapt...include something on never getting into a car with someone who has been drinking, and not drinking themselves and driving.

Fiona

Sounds like a great course i wish there was something like that for me when i was in school. The only thing i can add to this is to teach them to respect their car and speed when driving. Its a wonderfull invention but they need to realise that every morning they sit behind the wheel as a driver or even as a passenger could be their last. Encourage them perhaps to discuss what they learnt at home with their parents. Who knows they might even teach them a thing or two.

R.O.R

I'd definately contact one of the tyre fitting places to see if they have any freebies which will help. Advance / Fast Fit / Atlas usually have depth guages they'll send out. If they are feeling especially generous, they might even send an expert down to give a brief talk on tyre safety.

I think it's a very good idea and would have loved something similar when I was at school, but I'd keep to the very basics of lights/levels/tyres and personal safety. Much more than that and you'll probably lose them in the technicality's.

meoklmrk91

Driving in Icy/Snowy Conditions!

dr.fuzzenstein

The one introduction we had was a banger from the knackers' yard, a bunch of sledgehammers and go nuts!
Yes, at school! Can't see that happening these days, where a scraped knee can mean a €20k claim against the school.

johnos1984

Marcusm wrote: »

johnos1984 wrote: »

There are two types of manager/teacher........Theory X and Theory Y. Now if someone was listening in school they'll know what I mean

I hope you're not teaching anything to do with management; MacGregor's views are not so well regarded these days and were regarded as a bit prescriptive even from the 1970s (before your time). I think your university lecturers should have started on Beyond THeory Y and moved on from there.

It's a good intro to the theory's of motivation. I'm also limited by what the department puts in the course

johnos1984

IrishZeus wrote: »

Possibly show them bigger items like the timing belt/water pumps etc and explain the importance of keeping these in check?

Essentially anything that will cause their car to blow up should they ignore it...

Please tell me you didn't ignore the water pump?

ciotog

Could you also include some content on other road safety items like:
- Different road conditions and appropriate changes to driving style (speed, braking, handling, visibility, etc.); wet, windy, icy, snowing, etc.
- Safety of others; sharing the road with pedestrians, cyclists, slower moving vehicles, animals (not sure if they're city/rural based but lots of drivers seem to have no idea what to do when they encounter horses/sheep/cattle on roads - it does happen).