Top Safety Measures for In-Car Driving Lessons You Should Know

Learning to drive a car is one of those milestones that many of us look forward to—it represents freedom, independence, and the ability to explore many places on our own terms. Driving puts us in control and gives us a sense of responsibility. More than a skill, it constitutes a great stride toward maturity or individual development.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 94% of critical crashes are caused by human errors. Driving lessons have safety protocols for accident prevention and the assurance that new drivers can learn safely and soundly.

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Dual-Control Cars

Among the top safety features included in driving schools are dual-control cars. These cars have been specially engineered to make it much easier for an instructor to seize control at any moment. 

A dual-control car would have extra pedals, such as a brake, with an instructor’s dual controls located on his side. In this way, if the student makes a mistake or is entirely unsure what to do, the instructor can stop or slow down the car.

Benefits of dual-control cars:

• Instructors can respond on time and ensure accidents do not happen.
• Students are more confident knowing that the instructor maintains control.
• Mistakes can be corrected without putting the car or passengers in jeopardy.

Instructor Training and Certification

Driving instructors undergo special training that equips them with the proper ability to teach new drivers efficient and safe driving techniques. They also undergo extensive artistic training in defensive driving and how to manage nervous and incompetent drivers. They say this training helps them remain calm and teaches students on the roads how to make safe decisions.

Instructors are qualified by certification and must meet specific qualifications. Such certification prepares them to handle any situation during a lesson. They can handle emergencies, contracted hazards, and roads with different conditions. The student gets the best if a qualified instructor is in the car.

Vehicle Routine Check

The vehicles used for driving are routinely checked to ensure students have the best quality. Safety features such as brakes, tires, lights, and signaling are checked periodically to ensure everything functions. With a highly maintained car, driving schools can reduce the occurrence of mechanical failures during a lesson.

Also included, before every lesson, the instructor ensures that all safety systems in the vehicle are functioning correctly, including seatbelts, airbags, and all side and rear mirrors. These pre-lesson checks will indicate any possible problems before the student takes up the wheel.

COVID-19 Safety Precautions

In recent years, driving schools have included additional measures: sanitizing the car before and after each lesson, wearing masks, and limiting the number of people in the vehicle. These precautions ensure the security of both the instructor and the student.

Emphasize Defensive Driving

Defensive driving is one of the significant highlights of in-car driving lessons. The instructor teaches his pupils to be anticipatory on the road to avoid dangers and always be ready for any move if something surprises them. 

This includes following distances, scanning the road for possible dangers, and always remaining alert. Instructors equip students with defensive driving skills necessary for handling real-life driving situations.

Communication Between Student and Instructor

This would involve clear communication between the student and instructor for a safe driving lesson. The instructor will guide the students through each step, from explaining what maneuvers to giving directions on what to do next. When at a loss or nervous, the instructor would clearly explain what was happening and helpfully offer advice.

Instructors also use their experience to predict when a student might need extra guidance. For example, if a student pauses at an intersection, the instructor should intervene by clearly instructing him on what to do next. In this way, communication helps build the student’s confidence while guaranteeing safety.

Conclusion

In-car driving lessons are meant to be as safe as possible. This includes essential safety measures like dual-control cars, well-trained instructors, frequent vehicle checkups, and driving lessons to learn to drive safely on the road. 
If you are a beginner and have low confidence in your ability to learn to drive, Northwest Driving School is the place for you. Guided by our expert instructors, safety-equipped vehicles, and comprehensive safety protocols, we will help you build your driving skills to become a confident and responsible driver.