Core Subject 5 – Meeting Vehicles and Adequate Clearance

Use ATS lesson plan on page 4 and pages 22 and 23

Introduction

These two topics ought to be together, especially meeting and clearance when passing obstructions in the road. The pupil should have a firm understanding of the MSM, PSL routine and have practiced approaching and emerging from junctions. They will be driving in busier, residential areas where there will be plenty of parked vehicles and oncoming traffic.

The Lesson

Its is probably best to carry out both briefings together taking no more than 10 minutes. Be prepared to carry out a short demonstration drive, with a commentary, to help bring these subjects to life whilst explaining the principles involved. Show how far you look ahead to prepare to meet oncoming traffic safely.

Practical Instruction

Firstly help the pupil judge how to maintain a 1m gap between their vehicle and obstructions (parked cars on the left). Reinforce why this gap is important (pedestrians, doors opening). Ensure the pupil applies the MSM routine, is prepared to take control of meeting situations and doesn’t rely on oncoming drivers. Explain the likely meaning of flashing headlights and what to do when oncoming traffic drivers do this. Practice the hold-back position and teach an awareness of following traffic prior to moving off again.

When opportunities present themselves , teach how to judge and maintain a safe following distance when driving along and in traffic queues. Maintaining the 2 -second gap (4 seconds on wet weather) is vital to create time to think, plan, brake or even stop. If the pupil is conscious of, or even worried about tailgaters, explain what practical steps can be taken to deal with this problem; easing off the gas to create a bigger gap ahead, pulling over to the left, going full circle around a roundabout, for instance.

Try to pass more responsibility to the student for making their own decisions as the lesson develops Early Q & A technique on the move tends to keep the pupil focused and alert.

Summary

There are difficult forward planning exercises for any new driver to master. They are likely to be still be thinking about controlling the vehicle whilst you are teaching the higher-level judgments needed to carry out these subjects safely. So, it is probable that some previously-taught topics may need to be worked at as the pupil is dealing with the complexities of these topics.

Private Practice

Practice talking yourself through these exercises in your own car and in your own time – words before actions, remember!

Tasks to Complete

  • Watch the above video (Currently in production)
  • Fill in the blanks on the worksheet – Meeting Vehicles ( 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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