Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi all! We have been experiencing an issue on site where threads have been missing the latest postings. The platform host Vanilla are working on this issue. A workaround that has been used by some is to navigate back from 1 to 10+ pages to re-sync the thread and this will then show the latest posts. Thanks, Mike.
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Now ye're talking - to a driving instructor

2»

Comments

  • #52
    I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep ✭I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA


    The Tetrarch wrote: »
    How quickly can you assess a new pupil?
    Do you get an instant feeling of OMG, WTF, HELP, or the opposite - this person will do well with a little guidance.

    Fairly quickly from scratch. You tend to see who looks quite natural at the controls or the ones who cling onto the wheel as if their life depended on it. It's my role then to calm them down, help them relax and hopefully loosen up. You tend not to worry so much about the natural ones and as you say, guide them.


  • #53
    I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep ✭I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA


    Sabre0001 wrote: »
    What are your thoughts on the belief that test centres have to fail a certain number of people per day?

    Do you recommend trying to get any time slots in particular (easier to drive, if the above is true do you go early or late, traffic considerations)?

    Are there any behaviours that you would like to see people instantly fail their test for - i.e. the testing process isn't strict enough on?

    Would you like to see the introduction of turning on a red light like they have in the States?

    I don't believe there are any sort of quotas. The testers aren't predisposed to failing people. They can only mark on what they see the candidate do...or not do.
    Why people fail they'll often reach for any reason/person to blame rather than taking responsibility for it themselves.

    I generally don't recommend any time slots to apply for but I'd have a good idea about where someone might go at a particular time. As I said earlier, my job is to teach them to be a good, all round driver and not to too test orientated. As I often tell them, they could be the very first person to go a new route....just drive like they know how to and trust their instinct.

    I think the test procedure as it stands is ok. It works. If trained properly, I don't think it's difficult to pass the test.....but it's easy to fail it :D

    I've no personal experience of the light you're talking about so it's hard to give an objective answer tbh.


  • #54
    JP Liz V1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 87,485 ✭✭✭✭JP Liz V1


    I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA wrote: »
    Can you be a little bit more specific about how/when you find yourself coasting?
    If you can answer this I can be a bit more specific

    Slowing down, coming down in gears, coming to stops etc.,
    https://forumofgames.com/




  • #55
    I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep ✭I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA


    JP Liz V1 wrote: »
    Slowing down, coming down in gears, coming to stops etc.,

    Ok.
    Firstly, think about how you speed the car up and how you use the clutch and gears.

    Say you're at lights, it goes green, you move off and accelerate using your accelerator pedal. after you've made the car go faster, you come off the gas, clutch down and go to 2nd and go back on the gas. You repeat the process until you get to whichever gear you want to maintain ie. 4th, 5th or even 6th depending on your car.
    The key thing here is that you've gone up a gear AFTER you've sped the car up. The gear change up accompanies or assists the increase of sped, it doesn't initiate it, that's the job of the gas/accelerator. This is a process I bet you don't even think about.

    Slowing down is the opposite.

    When you want to stop say from 4th gear, after checking your mirror you press the brake gently to reduce your speed. When your drops enough clutch down, change to 3rd and release the clutch slowly as you count to 3. Continue braking gently and when the speed has reduced more clutch down and go to 2nd gear, again releasing the clutch on a count of 3, starting to release on 1 and off on 3. Just before the car stops clutch down again and brake gently to a stop.

    So speeding up you use the gas to increase speed. You clutch down to make a gear change, you physically move the gear stick to that new gear and you release the clutch to engage that gear.
    Slowing, you press the brake to slow the car, you clutch down to make the gear change then you release the clutch again to engage the gear.


    Sometimes, it's not a clutch issue at all. It can just be a timing issue. It might be that you're starting the braking process too late. You physically don't have the time and space to do it all. You therefore might have to brake earlier but gentler to give yourself time to get the clutch pedal down, make the change and release it again. If you find you have been late starting the process you can always block change from 4 to 2 and reduce the number of steps you need to take.

    Don't be too despondent about it. If I had 20 learners and I asked them what they found hard, 18 of them would tell me the timing of how to slow down. It's very common.

    I hope that's helped you somewhat. If you need any more clarification don't be afraid to ask.


  • #56
    Ciaranis
    Registered Users Posts: 125 ✭✭Ciaranis


    My driving instructor says it's fine to dry steer when doing a turnabout. An Irish School of Motoring DVD I watched says NOT to do this. Who is right and does it matter for the test?


  • #57
    neris
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,066 ✭✭✭✭neris


    Do you only teach cars or buses and HGVs aswell?


  • #58
    H3llR4iser
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,028 ✭✭✭H3llR4iser


    Hey there, thanks for doing the AMA.

    Just a curiosity - and I don't mean to imply you do this: why on Earth do plenty of driving instructors insist in making trainees do things in impractical and/or outdated ways that will be, at best, useless in day-to-day driving driving? My main reference is to steering by "feeding the wheel" technique - I thought it had finally gone the way of the dodo, but I've recently seen plenty of young fellas doing it and saying "driving instructor said so!". Some where even taught to hold the wheel at "10 and 2".


  • #59
    I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep ✭I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA


    Ciaranis wrote: »
    My driving instructor says it's fine to dry steer when doing a turnabout. An Irish School of Motoring DVD I watched says NOT to do this. Who is right and does it matter for the test?

    If you were to dry steer on your driving test the tester would NOT penalize you for doing so.
    In our job we're supposed to teach "best practice" Best practice is NOT to dry steer. Dry steering can cause premature deterioration of the tyres. There's more friction on the tyres when you turn without the car moving.
    If your instructor advised you to do it whilst he/she was being tested on their Check Test they would be penalized for not teaching "best practice" it happened to a colleague of mine.

    I personally don't like dry steering but there are some times where it has its advantages but it's best kept to a minimum.


  • #60
    I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep ✭I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA


    neris wrote: »
    Do you only teach cars or buses and HGVs aswell?

    Just cars :D


  • Advertisement
  • #61
    I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep ✭I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA


    H3llR4iser wrote: »
    Hey there, thanks for doing the AMA.

    Just a curiosity - and I don't mean to imply you do this: why on Earth do plenty of driving instructors insist in making trainees do things in impractical and/or outdated ways that will be, at best, useless in day-to-day driving driving? My main reference is to steering by "feeding the wheel" technique - I thought it had finally gone the way of the dodo, but I've recently seen plenty of young fellas doing it and saying "driving instructor said so!". Some where even taught to hold the wheel at "10 and 2".

    Hi, what makes you say that feeding the wheel is outdated?
    It's still very much the preferred method of steering and is internationally recognized. Holding the wheel at 10 to 2 or qtr to 3 is also the preferred way. If you held it at 20 to 4 for example you'd be very much risking a mark.

    Some recommended reading when learning to drive is a book called "Driving: The Essential Skills" by the DVSA in the UK. It recommends exactly the above.
    Also, Roadcraft - The Police Driver's Handbook which is used internationally for advanced driving also recommends both methods.


  • #62
    bigar
    Registered Users Posts: 596 ✭✭✭bigar


    Do you ever park illegally: on footpaths, bicycle lanes or loading bays? So many drivers do it so just wondering where they pick up this bad habit.


  • #63
    I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep ✭I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA


    bigar wrote: »
    Do you ever park illegally: on footpaths, bicycle lanes or loading bays? So many drivers do it so just wondering where they pick up this bad habit.

    As driving instructors it's up to us to set a good example to others so no, I tend to stick pretty strictly to the rules. There's always someone around ready to have a go if you don't.
    People pick up bad habits because generally humans are lazy and will take shortcuts or do the easy thing, if they're parking illegally they didn't learn it on the driving lessons


  • #64
    Old Perry
    Registered Users Posts: 1,511 ✭✭✭Old Perry


    Hi, thanks very inciteful.

    How do you market yourself?

    Can you talk about buying a car for work. What car do you drive? How do you decide? Is it beneficial to buy as new as possible with warranty given the mileage you do?

    How does insurance work? Is it a commercial vehicle? Do you have a personal car for out of work driving? Would you give a ball park figure on what insurance costs for you personal/ work?

    Thanks again


  • #65
    bop1977
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,065 ✭✭✭bop1977


    I think there Should be a 13th module to be completed after the test has been passed. A module on entering, driving on and exiting a motorway. What do you think?


  • #66
    I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep ✭I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA


    Old Perry wrote: »
    Hi, thanks very inciteful.

    How do you market yourself?

    Can you talk about buying a car for work. What car do you drive? How do you decide? Is it beneficial to buy as new as possible with warranty given the mileage you do?

    How does insurance work? Is it a commercial vehicle? Do you have a personal car for out of work driving? Would you give a ball park figure on what insurance costs for you personal/ work?

    Thanks again

    I use social media mainly. I've over 2500 Likes on my Facebook page and most of my business is generated from that. When someone passes their pic goes up on the Page etc.

    I leased my car for the first few years. It was slightly more costly but included servicing, road tax etc. I bought a car back in 2018. I went with Kia. 7 year/150k km warranty. I'm doing 40k km/year so it should work out only the last 3 months won't be covered by warranty....if I keep it that long. I do spend a lot of time in it so it has to be comfortable.


  • Advertisement
  • #67
    I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep ✭I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA


    bop1977 wrote: »
    I think there Should be a 13th module to be completed after the test has been passed. A module on entering, driving on and exiting a motorway. What do you think?

    That's a very good idea. I do offer motorway lessons to my pupils but tbh the uptake is extremely poor. I did say earlier in the thread I'd like to see learners be allowed on the motorway once they are in a dual control car and are with a driving instructor. This is now the case in the UK.


  • #68
    Ciaranis
    Registered Users Posts: 125 ✭✭Ciaranis


    Is there any rule of the road you strongly disagree with, and if so, why?


  • #69
    ft9
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,408 ✭✭✭ft9


    Is reversing around a corner still a test requirement? I always wondered why, as I imagine if a guard saw me reversing around a corner I would be pulled over


  • #70
    I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep ✭I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA


    Ciaranis wrote: »
    Is there any rule of the road you strongly disagree with, and if so, why?

    No, not really. I think they're fairly logical and straight forward


  • #71
    I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep ✭I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA


    ft9 wrote: »
    Is reversing around a corner still a test requirement? I always wondered why, as I imagine if a guard saw me reversing around a corner I would be pulled over

    Yeah, reversing around a corner is still a requirement.
    The only reason you might be pulled over by a guard is if you were reversing FROM a side road ONTO a main road, that's illegal. Reversing from a ain road into a side road isn't.

    The whole purpose of it is to demonstrate that you've good control over the speed of the vehicle, using clutch control, whilst avoiding an obstacle and at the same time doing it safely by observing correctly and giving right of way to any approaching road users/pedestrians. It forms the basis of reverse parking etc

    People seem to think it's pointless but it's far from pointless and you'll use those skills more than you think. It's like a football coach getting you to do a drill on the training ground. He/she is looking for you to bring that into a game situation.


  • Advertisement
  • #72
    Bobtheman
    Site Banned Posts: 2,799 ✭✭✭Bobtheman


    Do you think they are making the driving test too complicated? Considering most people would not pass it again a year later ? After the test


  • #73
    Wellyd
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,046 ✭✭✭Wellyd


    Any tips for observations in the driving test? Failed a few weeks ago on observations. I really thought I was an observant driver but clearly not!


  • #74
    I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep ✭I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA


    Bobtheman wrote: »
    Do you think they are making the driving test too complicated? Considering most people would not pass it again a year later ? After the test

    Tbh, I don't think the test is complicated at all. Like I said earlier, humans are generally lazy and will do the bare minimum to complete a task. They might not pass the test if they had to resit it down to taking shortcuts, being way too impatient and not applying what they were taught. There's very often a mentality of "I'll do this until I pass my test then I'll do what I want"


  • #75
    I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep ✭I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA


    Wellyd wrote: »
    Any tips for observations in the driving test? Failed a few weeks ago on observations. I really thought I was an observant driver but clearly not!

    Sorry to hear that! Which aspects specifically did you pick up marks for observation? If I know that I might be able to be a bit more specific. Did the tester give you any feedback about the lack of observation after the test?


  • #76
    rameire
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,183 ✭✭✭rameire


    Mobile phones I think are ruining peoples concentration on roads, its crazy the amount of lap or handle watchers there are on the roads.
    Have you every had a person during the test try to pick up their phone and start playing with it?

    🌞 3.8kwp, 🌞 Split 2.28S, 1.52E. 🌞 Clonee, Dub.🌞



  • #77
    I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep ✭I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA


    rameire wrote: »
    Mobile phones I think are ruining peoples concentration on roads, its crazy the amount of lap or handle watchers there are on the roads.
    Have you every had a person during the test try to pick up their phone and start playing with it?

    I don't do the tests, I instruct but a couple of times people have reached for their phone if it's rung or an alarm has gone off. It happened last Thursday or Friday. I just ask them to leave it alone and then get them pulled in and ask them to turn it off. I make sure it's off on on airplane mode for test.


  • #78
    cloudatlas
    Registered Users Posts: 3,709 ✭✭✭cloudatlas


    I'd like to learn but I'm afraid that I'd be way too nervous at my age. Being in the yellow box on my bicycle is nerve wracking enough and you get the full blast of people's horns. What is the best way to approach or think about nerves?


  • #79
    Bobtheman
    Site Banned Posts: 2,799 ✭✭✭Bobtheman


    I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA wrote: »
    Tbh, I don't think the test is complicated at all. Like I said earlier, humans are generally lazy and will do the bare minimum to complete a task. They might not pass the test if they had to resit it down to taking shortcuts, being way too impatient and not applying what they were taught. There's very often a mentality of "I'll do this until I pass my test then I'll do what I want"

    But every year or so they add a new requirement and for what ? Within months people are ignoring what they learned from the test.So exactly what is the point ? More jobs for driving instructors ? Testers. There is hardly a traffic cop on the road but somehow the RSA thinks improving the test will stop accidents or people driving like lunatics ??


  • #80
    murpho999
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28,536 ✭✭✭✭murpho999


    I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA wrote: »
    That's a very good idea. I do offer motorway lessons to my pupils but tbh the uptake is extremely poor. I did say earlier in the thread I'd like to see learners be allowed on the motorway once they are in a dual control car and are with a driving instructor. This is now the case in the UK.

    I agree with this, I did my test in The Netherlands (why do we always compare ourselves to the UK?) and was thought properly to drive on a motorway.

    Build up speed on entry lane to match motorway traffic speed. Lane management, exiting etc.

    People here join motorway at any speed the want, think in terms of fast and slow lanes therefore leading to people sitting on middle lane on M50 and M7 and it drives me crazy.

    Also people think the the hard shoulder is for motorbikes, resting, peeing or mobile phone use.

    I don't understand why motorway driving is not part of the curriculum.


  • #81
    clelia!
    Registered Users Posts: 2 ✭clelia!


    Doing my test on Wednesday for the first time in tallaght and just have a quick q

    Do I need to check my blindspot when turning right or coming off roundabouts?
    At the moment I've just been checking blindspot when moving off and changing lanes.

    Any other helpful tips appreciated

    Thanks in advance!


  • Advertisement
  • #82
    Flesh Gorden
    Registered Users Posts: 1,301 ✭✭✭Flesh Gorden


    Do instructors and testers still insist on the 'threading the rope' steering style?

    With your hands never moving from the 10 and 2 positions?


    I can understand that technique the days of no power steering and with young nervous drivers holding on for dear life.

    But it never proved practical when moving onto large vans, forklifts and the likes where space and visibility are at a minimum and you need to feel every small adjustment, coming back through the wheel.


  • #83
    Scarinae
    Hosted Moderators Posts: 11,362 ✭✭✭✭Scarinae


    I tried learning to drive when I was 17 and found the whole thing immensely stressful, looking back I think most of it was because of my instructor. He got me to go out on the roads on my first lesson but I didn't feel safe at all, I didn't feel prepared and he was constantly texting which just added to my anxiety (although he told me it was fine because he could multitask). I'm not exaggerating when I say I was in tears I was so scared during that first lesson. He also used to drink an entire 2L bottle of Coke during each lesson and would make me pull into an Esso station towards the end so he could use the loo, while still on the clock. It really put me off driving and I never sat the test (I'm 33 now).

    Do you ever get stories like that from people who have transferred to you from another instructor, or what would be the main reasons for people changing instructor?

    Do you think it is harder for people to learn to drive when they are older?

    What are the most common bad driving habits you see in your students?


  • #84
    I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep ✭I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA


    Bobtheman wrote: »
    But every year or so they add a new requirement and for what ? Within months people are ignoring what they learned from the test.So exactly what is the point ? More jobs for driving instructors ? Testers. There is hardly a traffic cop on the road but somehow the RSA thinks improving the test will stop accidents or people driving like lunatics ??

    Hi, sorry for the delay in reply, I was away for a few days.

    I'm not sure what changes to the driving test are that you refer to tbh. I deal with Cars only. The only changes to the test or how it's been conducted in the 10 years I've been an ADI is that they now use iPads when marking the test rather than a sheet of paper and a pen.


  • #85
    I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep ✭I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA


    clelia! wrote: »
    Doing my test on Wednesday for the first time in tallaght and just have a quick q

    Do I need to check my blindspot when turning right or coming off roundabouts?
    At the moment I've just been checking blindspot when moving off and changing lanes.

    Any other helpful tips appreciated

    Thanks in advance!

    Sorry I didn't get back to you before your test, I was away!
    Hope you passed


  • #86
    I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep ✭I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA


    Flesh Gorden wrote: »
    Do instructors and testers still insist on the 'threading the rope' steering style?

    With your hands never moving from the 10 and 2 positions?


    I can understand that technique the days of no power steering and with young nervous drivers holding on for dear life.

    But it never proved practical when moving onto large vans, forklifts and the likes where space and visibility are at a minimum and you need to feel every small adjustment, coming back through the wheel.

    I answered this question here:

    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=112676792&postcount=61


  • #87
    I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep ✭I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA


    Scarinae wrote: »
    I tried learning to drive when I was 17 and found the whole thing immensely stressful, looking back I think most of it was because of my instructor. He got me to go out on the roads on my first lesson but I didn't feel safe at all, I didn't feel prepared and he was constantly texting which just added to my anxiety (although he told me it was fine because he could multitask). I'm not exaggerating when I say I was in tears I was so scared during that first lesson. He also used to drink an entire 2L bottle of Coke during each lesson and would make me pull into an Esso station towards the end so he could use the loo, while still on the clock. It really put me off driving and I never sat the test (I'm 33 now).

    Do you ever get stories like that from people who have transferred to you from another instructor, or what would be the main reasons for people changing instructor?

    Do you think it is harder for people to learn to drive when they are older?

    What are the most common bad driving habits you see in your students?

    Pupils do change from other instructors, yeah. I had one recently where an instructor asked them regularly to pull into a supermarket to get "a few bits" and was gone for 15 mins at a time which wasn't added onto the lesson. IMO that's a complete joke. We're in the car all day so sometimes toilet breaks are needed. On occasions such as those the time should ALWAYS be added on.

    It is perfectly normal for an older pupil to find it harder to drive. In general a 27 year old will find it harder than a 17 year old and a 37 year will find it harder/tae longer than the 27 year old. I the last year I've had a couple of pupils in their 60s pass so my advice is find a good instructor and give it another go!


  • #88
    Gloomtastic!
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,616 ✭✭✭Gloomtastic!


    How many hours a week do you usually work?


  • #89
    twirlagig
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,374 ✭✭✭twirlagig


    I’m only after noticing this thread and am trying to catch up so I may have missed a few bits, sorry!

    Have you a good sense of humour?

    When I first took lessons I went with a recommendation from a neighbour... I practically froze for that first lesson and the one after.
    Nearly put me off actually, but I went to another guy and the minute I sat behind the wheel, i was so at ease that it did me the world of good. Had a coffee with him before the test (which I passed!) and anytime I meet that man now, we have a pint! :)


  • #90
    funkey_monkey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,408 ✭✭✭funkey_monkey


    1. Do you think advanced driving cert is worth it?

    2. Why are emergency stops only done at low speeds? There is a massive difference between standing on the brakes at 30 and 100.

    3. Have you ever had a pupil who you knew in your heart would be a 'racer' when on their own and did any of them 'exceed their talent'?

    4. Have you ever heard of a pupil who passed their test having a serious accident?

    5. We hear on the news with depressing frequency about the number of serious and fatal accidents on the roads. However, rarely do we ever get to hear the investigators report into what actually was the cause of the crash. so everyone carries on regardless. Do you think that there should be some improved methods of communication informing us of how and why these collisions occur - even if it means the blame being assigned to a deceased person?
    How can we learn/improve if we are not being made aware of the root cause analysis?

    6. Are you living in fear of driverless cars making your job redundant? :D

    7. Are you a petrolhead?

    8. Do you think that all newly qualified drivers should have those sensors on the cars which monitor their driving? Indeed - should all drivers have it?

    9. Is the standard of driving on our roads getting worse?

    10. With the plethora of gadgets and infotainment systems on modern cars are they becoming more dangerous - have you any stories to back up this if you agree?

    11. What is worse - overconfidence or underconfidence?

    12. Have you ever encountered an ex-pupil driving and thought 'WTF!?!'

    13. What car do you currently use for lessons?

    14. Does it get frustrating when your lesson encounters heavy traffic? Does the pupil pay for the time regardless of the traffic conditions or if it was abysmal would you discount for them next lesson?


  • Advertisement
  • #91
    Beagslife
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 310 ✭✭Beagslife


    I just had a very interesting conversation with a Bulgarian lady who recently passed her driving test there.

    For the theory test they have to go through a series of photo and video scans using their official ID before they enter the exam area.

    For the driving test itself it always takes place in the instructors car. The instructor sits in the back usually alongside another of his/her students taking the test that day. The car has to be rigged up by the tester with a video camera and gps device and everything is recorded during the test. Everything is entered into the testers tablet.

    How would you feel about that level of scrutiny coming in for Ireland in the future?


  • #92
    funkey_monkey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,408 ✭✭✭funkey_monkey


    I think one of his pupils has crashed the car...:confused:


  • #93
    I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep ✭I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA


    funkey_monkey wrote: »
    I think one of his pupils has crashed the car...:confused:

    Nope, didn't happen :D

    I'll reply to the unanswered posts on Friday evening. Wednesday Thursday were extremely busy days so I just didn't have time to reply as I'm sure you can appreciate.


  • #94
    I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep ✭I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA


    Gloomtastic! wrote: »
    How many hours a week do you usually work?

    About 40hrs Monday to Friday


  • #95
    I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep ✭I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA


    twirlagig wrote: »
    I’m only after noticing this thread and am trying to catch up so I may have missed a few bits, sorry!

    Have you a good sense of humour?

    When I first took lessons I went with a recommendation from a neighbour... I practically froze for that first lesson and the one after.
    Nearly put me off actually, but I went to another guy and the minute I sat behind the wheel, i was so at ease that it did me the world of good. Had a coffee with him before the test (which I passed!) and anytime I meet that man now, we have a pint! :)

    Yeah I think I have a pretty good sense of humour tbh. I'm quite sarcastic too but at times that can break the ice and take the tension out of a situation that develops or happens.
    Learning to drive should be fun, pupils should look forward to their next lesson. I like having a bit of craic during the lessons but at the same time I'll be deadly serious when it warrants it.


  • #96
    I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep ✭I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA


    funkey_monkey wrote: »
    1. Do you think advanced driving cert is worth it?

    It's not for everyone but I'm heading towards doing an Advanced Diploma. Time is my biggest enemy at the moment.

    2. Why are emergency stops only done at low speeds? There is a massive difference between standing on the brakes at 30 and 100.

    Emergency Stops aren't carried out as part of the Irish Driving Test. They are in the UK and I can only imagine it's for the reason that if the candidate makes a balls of it the consequences will be less severe

    3. Have you ever had a pupil who you knew in your heart would be a 'racer' when on their own and did any of them 'exceed their talent'?

    You get to see signs, yeah. You also know the ones who are driving their own way between lesson as it takes 15 mins to crack them back into shape each time. Fortunately I haven't heard of any of my pupils having serious RTCs

    4. Have you ever heard of a pupil who passed their test having a serious accident?

    As above


    5. We hear on the news with depressing frequency about the number of serious and fatal accidents on the roads. However, rarely do we ever get to hear the investigators report into what actually was the cause of the crash. so everyone carries on regardless. Do you think that there should be some improved methods of communication informing us of how and why these collisions occur - even if it means the blame being assigned to a deceased person?
    How can we learn/improve if we are not being made aware of the root cause analysis?

    You won't hear about these things in the news as there's always something going on somewhere else. Information can, however,be found in this link https://www.rsa.ie/en/RSA/Road-Safety/RSA-Statistics/

    6. Are you living in fear of driverless cars making your job redundant? :D

    NOPE :D

    7. Are you a petrolhead?

    I've always loved cars. From about 8 years old I was mad to learn to drive and I passed my test 2.5 months after turning 17. I've never had flashing high end cars or anything like that. I couldn't fix one mechanically either so maybe that rules me out from being a petrolhead

    8. Do you think that all newly qualified drivers should have those sensors on the cars which monitor their driving? Indeed - should all drivers have it?

    Good question. I don't think I'd be for a carte blanche approach where everyone has to have GPS boxes fitted after passing. I suppose I'd prefer newly qualified drivers to just be responsible on their own accord.

    9. Is the standard of driving on our roads getting worse?

    As traffic numbers increase people are definitely becoming more impatient and that can impact on driving habits. However, the levels of training for new drivers have never been higher in this country.

    10. With the plethora of gadgets and infotainment systems on modern cars are they becoming more dangerous - have you any stories to back up this if you agree?

    The obvious distraction is the phone. Most cars these days have integrated help like Apple CarPlay etc. this makes it easier to keep your eyes on the road. My car will read my texts out and allow me to dictate a reply. I still see people holding the phone in their hand at least 1 hour a day.

    11. What is worse - overconfidence or underconfidence?

    It can depend entirely on the circumstances and the decisions that are made/not made.

    12. Have you ever encountered an ex-pupil driving and thought 'WTF!?!'

    Once or twice and yes, I did text them afterwards!

    13. What car do you currently use for lessons?

    Kia Cee'd

    14. Does it get frustrating when your lesson encounters heavy traffic? Does the pupil pay for the time regardless of the traffic conditions or if it was abysmal would you discount for them next lesson?

    I generally try to work against traffic to try and keep the lesson flowing as best as possible. Sometimes it's unavoidable and that's life. It can then mean a lesson shifts to a focus of clutch control, providing adequate clearance behind the vehicle in front etc. A good instructor will make a positive learning outcome from most situations.
    I have also phoned a pupil to ask them if they'd like to reschedule the lesson if say, traffic was gridlocked and the lesson was about them being able to pick up speed etc.

    Sorry for the delay in replying. Between work and my 2 1/2 year old I've been mad busy. Answers after each question


  • Advertisement
  • #97
    I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA
    Company Representative Posts: 46 Verified rep ✭I'm a Driving Instructor, AMA


    Beagslife wrote: »
    I just had a very interesting conversation with a Bulgarian lady who recently passed her driving test there.

    For the theory test they have to go through a series of photo and video scans using their official ID before they enter the exam area.

    For the driving test itself it always takes place in the instructors car. The instructor sits in the back usually alongside another of his/her students taking the test that day. The car has to be rigged up by the tester with a video camera and gps device and everything is recorded during the test. Everything is entered into the testers tablet.

    How would you feel about that level of scrutiny coming in for Ireland in the future?

    I can't see it happening tbh. I've front and rear cameras fitted in my car meaning I can review, with my pupil, an incident which occured within a minute of it happening to help them learn from it. I have to disconnect the cameras for test. I genuinely feel have cameras recording during the test would be a god send in terms of allowing pupils to make sense of things which cost them their test, in particular. Often, they hear the bad news that they weren't successful, they don't take in the feedback and it's difficult for us to advise them, we're trying to piece it together.


  • #98
    Boards.ie: Niamh
    Boards.ie Employee Posts: 12,597 ✭✭✭✭✭Boards.ie: Niamh
    Boards.ie Community Manager


    Thanks so much for all of the questions and answers in this thread and particularly to OP for taking the time to answer them all so thoroughly. How much has changed since the AMA started - OP I hope your business will weather this storm and you will be giving driving lessons again before long. All the very best.

    How can I? User's guide to some features on the new site



This discussion has been closed.
Advertisement