Core Subject 2 – Approaching Junctions (Major to Minor)

(Use the ATS lesson plan on Page 4 and Pages 10 and 11)

Introduction

This lesson follows on naturally from moving off and stopping. The pupil, though still a novice, should be able to change gear and have practiced road positioning, acceleration/deceleration sense and passing stationary objects (parked cars) safely.

The pupil would have little or no experience of approaching junctions, your task is to teach the theory and facilitate your pupil’s practice of turning left and right into minor roads and stopping safely at T junctions.

The Lesson

Offer to give a briefing (pages 10 & 11 in the ATS). If accepted, don’t take more than ten minutes and make it interactive. Stress the importance of MSM, PSL routine and dealing with other users safely.

At this stage, you might also offer a practical demonstration of the exercise (some pupils might prefer this to a briefing). If accepted, demonstrate and commentate on how to turn left first around a series of junctions and then turn right. Try to involve the pupil in your demo and discussions.

Practical Instruction

Ask your pupil how much help they would like from you before they approach their first junction. Also discuss the division of responsibility for safety as you are driving around the circuit. be prepared to give plenty of controlling talk to help build confidence and maintain control.

Ensure a slow speed up to junctions (in 1st or 2nd gear) and that the pupil is observing effectively before turning corner. Give assistance with judgement and decision-making when encountering other road users. Stop at all T junctions on the route. Don’t be too ambitious and only emerge when its safe,

Watch for any faults committed by the pupil and go into faults assessment process (identify, elicit, feedback/analysis from the pupil and help with corrective action). Pull in to the kerb regularly to ease any pressure felt by the pupil and allow them to air their views on their progress.

Summary

The pupil will be a relative novice requiring step-by-step instructions following the MSM, PSL routine. Work with your pupil to help them achieve success around a quiet, nursery route. Try to pass responsibility gradually for car control and fitting in with other road users so that your pupil is exercising some independence towards the end of the lesson.

Private Practice

Practice in your own car talking yourself through junctions from major to minor. Say the words first (i.e. “check centre and left door mirrors, signal left” etc.) before carrying out the actions. Consider recording your practice so that you can play it back later and review how effective it was.

Tasks to Complete

  • Watch the above video (Currently in production)
  • Fill in the blanks on the worksheet – Approaching junctions to turn right ( you can download it in word, complete it and upload it to your course for us to forward it to your trainer)
  • Complete the same worksheet in your workbook
  • Send in 10 questions on this subject (Open questions such as who, what, when , why and how) – Again complete it and upload to be forwarded to your trainer)
  • Make a note of those questions in the back of your workbook.
  • Arrange a Webinar / online session with your trainer and deliver them a brief on this subject.

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