Coaching the Novice Driver Now that the Beginning Driver has passed his or her Road Test, the role of the Parent / Guardian changes from Supervising Driver to more of a coach. Golden Rules of Coaching: 1) Analyse performance and set goals - let the Novice drive while you spend more time in the passenger seat.  Take mental notes about driving skills that need to be addressed first. 2) Use honest and constructive criticism to address errors - Discuss those driving skills with the Novice.  Be specific about what, where and when, but try to limit discussion to one or maybe two skills at a time.  Ask the Novice what they can do to improve. 3) Be positive about accomplishment - be certain to notice and take mental notes about accomplishments.  Bring these into the discussion about driving skills that need improvement - often accomplished skills can be used to “build on the good” when improving weaker skills. 4) Plan for training - training might be the introduction of new skills (driving after dark, driving in bad weather), or it might be practising skills that need improvement.  Look for opportunities; sometimes it is necessary to make opportunities - “I need to go to the store - would you like to drive?”, (which will take us through that intersection that gave you trouble last time). 5) Provide suggestions, direction and examples of correct behaviour - sometimes you will need to draw the answer out of the Novice, sometimes you will need to explain, sometimes you will need to get behind the wheel and demonstrate.  Always remember that the Novice is watching you when you are driving - set a good example. We all develop bad habits behind the wheel.  Here are some bad habits to watch for in the Novice Driver (and in your own driving).   - forgetting to signal   - forgetting to use mirrors and / or shoulder check before turning or changing lanes   - sudden changes in speed or direction that other drivers cannot anticipate   - attention wandering from the driving task   - wandering in the lane or into other lanes   - not paying attention to other drivers’ actions (not anticipating)   - not reducing speed when approaching a potential hazard   - following too closely / stopping too close behind another stopped vehicle   - sloppy turns that cut across other drivers’ lanes   - backing up without checking all around the vehicle

  - rolling stops at stop signs   - accelerating through yellow lights   - speeding or inappropriate speed for conditions