Top 10 Tips on

Parental Control

Unless one (or both) of your parents is an ADI, they're almost certainly not the best choice for driving instructors - but don't avoid using their help altogether. Use time with them as a supplement to paid - for time with a professional instructor.

Don't take anything a parent tells you as gospel: it's your instructor you must listen to. If you do practice with a parent, here's how to ensure you spend that time as effectively as possible:

1. Parents should read a current copy of the Highway Code and work with you on the theory exam.

2.Plan before you set out. Choose a suitable area and driving route, and know what you want to achieve before you set out.

3.Use quiet roads until you're confident, especially in traffic.

4. Stay below the level you've reached with your driving instructor.

5. Avoid carrying passengeres: they're a distraction you don't need.

6. Work with a professional instructor who tells your parents what you're being taught and what techniques are being used. Then you won't get conflicting advice.

7.You're not readyfor all the challenges of the road, so your parents must be aware of all hazards at all times: they must be constantly anticipating the moves of others.

8. Your parents should be sparing with their comments, but problems must be identified while still fresh in the memory. Confidence needs to be built first.

9.Keep calm: parents shouting instructions isn't effective where calm communication is better understood.

10. Make learning enjoyable. Your parent must keep their cool so you both enjoy the process: you shouldn't be dreading getting into the car each time you go out.