Basic Car Control Skills
These are not just “learner skills” — these are Part 3 assessment foundations.
Foundation Skills & Knowledge
Why Basic Skills Matter?
If car control is weak, observation collapses. If observation collapses, risk management collapses.
If car control is weak, observation collapses. If observation collapses, risk management collapses.
Common Part 3 Teaching Errors
- Instructor talks too much instead of questioning.
- No clear responsibility split for safety.
- Teaching clutch control without linking to hazard awareness.
Cockpit Drill
DSSSM routine and reasoning.
- Why adjust before engine start?
- What happens if mirrors are wrong?
- Who is responsible for safety before moving?
Moving Off
Observation → Decision → Control
- What is the biggest risk when moving off?
- How do you check blind spots safely?
- When should I help you?
Stopping
MSM routine and smooth braking.
- Where is safe to stop?
- What mirror first and why?
- When is it unsafe to stop?
Steering
Vision controls direction.
- Where are you looking?
- Why does the car follow your eyes?
- What happens if you look too close?
Instructor Insight
Basic skills teaching is not about clutch or gears. It is about developing:
- Risk awareness
- Shared responsibility
- Independent decision making
Part 3 Reminder:
If you are “explaining everything”, you are probably over-instructing. If the pupil is thinking, answering and reflecting — you are scoring.
If you are “explaining everything”, you are probably over-instructing. If the pupil is thinking, answering and reflecting — you are scoring.