ADI Part 3 - Using the correct terms

The Vital Role of Accurate Words and Phrases

Are you on the journey to becoming a driving instructor in the UK? If so, buckle up, because one of the most critical aspects of your training is understanding the significance of using precise terminology when teaching individuals how to drive.In the dynamic world of driving instruction, the words you choose can make all the difference between a safe, effective lesson and a confusing, potentially hazardous one.

Let's explore why mastering the correct terms is paramount in your quest to passing the adi part 3 and adi standards check and becoming a good driving instructor

    "Drop the clutch": This phrase might be interpreted by a learner as really hard to understand. But I’m not carrying a clutch? Instead, instructors should emphasize simple phrases like “Clutch Down” “Press the clutch down”

    "Squeeze the brake": This phrase could be misunderstood as Literally getting the brake pedal and somehow squeezing it.  Instructors should teach learners to brake gently and progressively, - slightly or fraction more or less - maintaining smooth deceleration.

“Go straight across the roundabout”: Really? Is that really what you want me to do? – This is one of my favourites when training people for the ADI Part 3 or ADI Standards Check! – Of course very few pupils will actually try this, BUT that is because they are having to interpret what you are saying!! – So your pupils are in effect filling in the blanks.

It is much better to say “At the roundabout, Go straight ahead/Follow the road ahead 2nd exit/ 3rd exit…….

Steer / Turn / Steer Back / Drop the wheel back / Lock the wheel left / Lose the steering: When turning or emerging a pupil may not turn enough, or turn too much, or not turn back early enough. Very often trainee driving instructors may say “Turn, turn, turn!!” or “Steer Back!”

However this is very vague and to be honest if you say turn the wheel and the pupil oversteers, it is not there fault, they are doing exactly what you have said. Your natural response will be to say “I didn’t mean that much!” – Well in that case, tell me what you do mean!

It is much better to be exact, so it is much better to say  “When we turn right into a minor Road, we need to turn the wheel one full turn to the right. As the car comes round into the 11o’clock position, we need to turn one full turn to the left to straighten the wheels.”

Or, when pulling off from the side of the road. “Think of the steering wheel as a clock face. I want you to steer 2 o’clock,10 o’clock then12 o’clock and that will put us in the correct position.”

Then you just need to say that to them at the exact points they need to do it.

    "Lug the engine": This phrase could be misunderstood as driving at low speeds in high gears, which can strain the engine and lead to poor fuel economy or engine damage. Instructors should emphasize the importance of selecting the appropriate gear for the vehicle's speed and load.

    "Stop": When you don’t need your learners to stop instantly try not to use this phrase. Learners might interpret this phrase as forcefully applying the brakes, which can cause the wheels to lock up and the vehicle to skid. Although you mean stop at the junction or stop at the traffic lights, you need to say at the Junction we are going to come up and stop. Instructors should teach learners to brake smoothly and progressively to maintain control.

    "I want you toTurn Left/Right ": Think how your sat nav would give directions. “Take the next road on the left”, “At the end of the road, turn right” – Otherwise if the pupil takes you literally then you are in danger of going into someone’s driveway.

“Pull Up on the Left / Right:” – This one is a bit of fine tuning, If you say to the pupil “pull up on the left” and they do it – What have they done wrong? They presume that you mean now… so they do. It is much better to say “When it is safe to, please pull up on the left” or “I would like you to find somewhere that is safe, legal and convenient to pull up on the left”

“Nudge Forward": In driving parlance, "nudge" might be used to describe gently tapping or nudging the vehicle forward or backward to adjust its position. However, learners might perceive it as a forceful action, potentially leading to collisions or unsafe driving situations

"Rolling stop": This phrase is sometimes used to describe a situation where a driver slows down but does not come to a complete stop at a stop sign or junction. However, learners might interpret it as a permissible driving manoeuvre rather than recognizing the importance of fully stopping at designated points.

Standardization Enhances Understanding

In the realm of driving instruction, consistency is key. By adhering to standardized terminology, you ensure that your students receive uniform guidance, regardless of who their instructor may be. This consistency not only simplifies the learning process but also facilitates better communication among instructors and learners alike. Whether it's signalling a turn or adjusting mirrors, using standardized terms creates a common language that transcends individual teaching styles.