If your usual techniques or methods don't appear to be working, you should discuss the matter with your pupil, and explore alternative ways of getting the point across.

Detailed instruction should decrease as the pupil's ability increases. An instructor shouldn't be controlling the pupil all of the time. This takes the initiative away from the pupil and could be considered over-instruction.

Simply telling a pupil that they're driving too fast isn't sufficient. Explanations need to be given, highlighting what may occur if they repeat the fault. More importantly, they need to know what to do to prevent it from happening again.

Learning isn't always a continuous upward process. Sometimes pupils simply need time to consolidate learning before moving on. On other occasions there may be something blocking progress. You should work with the learner to understand what's happening and decide how to proceed.

Any medical condition that would affect your driving must be reported to the DVLA Drivers Medical Group or, in Northern Ireland, the DVA Drivers Medical Section. If you have any condition or you have to take any medication that you think might affect your driving, it's worth checking the information available on www.gov.uk

To design an effective programme of learning, it's important to understand what a pupil brings to the process. This will enable you to decide the level at which instruction can begin. It will also encourage the pupil to engage with the learning process if they're not forced to go over material they already know.

Everyone learns at a different rate, so you'll need to adapt your teaching to the ability of each pupil. Building confidence is an important part of teaching someone to drive. This can be hard to build but easy to lose, so be realistic in your expectations of a pupil.

An interested pupil is likely to be well motivated and should retain information better than one who has lost interest. Everyone has different abilities, so instruction needs to be varied to suit the individual.

Always check the label on any medication you take, as some medicine can make you feel drowsy and slow your reactions. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to give you advice about possible side-effects of both prescribed and over-the-counter medicines.

Learning targets should be realistic and attainable; reaching a learning target will reinforce a pupil's progress. Setting objectives that are too ambitious or too complex is more likely to demotivate pupils.

Always start the Mirrors - Signal - Manoeuvre (MSM) routine well before you intend to change lanes. On motorways, vehicles are travelling at much higher speeds, so they may come up behind you very quickly. By checking the mirrors early, you'll have a chance to plan and give any necessary signals in plenty of time, so that other drivers have advance warning of your intended actions. In turn, they'll have more time to expect a change in traffic pattern and be able to prepare and act accordingly.

Red rear reflectors show up when headlights shine on them. These are useful when you're parked at night but will only reflect if you park in the same direction as the traffic flow. Normally you should park on the left, but if you're in a one-way street you may also park on the right-hand side.

If your vehicle is stationary, only sound the horn if you think there's a risk of danger. Don't use it to attract attention. This causes unnecessary noise and could be misleading to other road users.

The extended test takes about 70 minutes and is assessed to the same level as the standard driving test for learner drivers.

Anyone who accompanies a learner car driver must hold a full EC/EEA licence for the category of vehicle being driven, and they must have held it for at least 3 years. They must also be at least 21 years old. This applies even if they're just helping a friend and no money is exchanged.

It's the driver's legal responsibility to ensure that all passengers under 14 years old wear a seat belt, or are fastened in an approved child restraint. However, it's good practice to ensure that all other passengers wear seat belts as well.

A category B driving entitlement is normally valid until a person's 70th birthday. The new photocard licence needs to be updated every 10 years; this is to keep the photograph up to date.

You must inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), or the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) in Northern Ireland, about any health condition likely to affect your driving. They'll investigate your condition and how it affects your ability to drive; they may not take away your licence.

Alcohol remains in the body for several hours; this may make you unfit to drive a long time after having an alcoholic drink. If you know you'll be driving, the safest course is to avoid drinking any alcohol.

Tyres must have enough depth of tread to give them a good grip on the road surface. The legal minimum for cars is 1.6 mm. This depth should be across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire circumference.

Fog lights will help others see you, but they must only be used if visibility is seriously reduced. You must turn fog lights off when visibility improves, to avoid dazzling other road users.

Bright fog lights can dazzle other drivers, so you must remember to turn them off when the fog lifts and visibility improves. Be prepared for patchy fog: you may need to turn the fog lights on again.

The lowest level of insurance cover you must have to drive on public roads is third-party liability. The third party is anyone you might injure or whose property you might damage. With this minimum level of insurance cover, you're not covered for any damage to your vehicle or injury to yourself.

Drivers must be able to read a modern vehicle number plate from a distance of 20 metres. If you need glasses to do this, then you must wear them at all times when you're driving.

The details on your motor insurance certificate show who, when and what's insured. You'll have to produce the certificate if you've been involved in an incident and when requested by the police.

If there are double white lines along the centre of the road and the line nearest you is continuous, you mustn't cross or straddle the line, except in specific circumstances. These include to enter premises or a side road, or to pass a stationary vehicle. You may also overtake a bicycle, horse, or road maintenance vehicle, provided they're travelling at 10 mph or less. You mustn't park on such a road, but you may stop to pick up or set down passengers.

If a driver accumulates 12 or more penalty points within a three-year period, they must be disqualified. This will be for a minimum period of six months and may be longer if the driver has previously been disqualified.

An amber flashing light on a vehicle indicates that it's slow-moving. Mobility scooters used by disabled people are limited to no more than 8 mph. On dual carriageways, they must display an amber flashing light.

When leaving your car, take all valuables with you, if you can. Otherwise, lock them out of sight.

It's advisable to use headlights when visibility is poor, but they must be used when visibility is seriously reduced. This is generally when you can't see more than 100 metres (328 feet). Front and rear fog lights may also be used, but you must switch them off again when visibility improves.

A new driver must hold a valid provisional driving licence before they drive on the road. When they receive their licence, they should check that the details are correct.

When renewing your vehicle tax, you must have valid insurance cover for the vehicle. It's illegal to drive or keep a vehicle on public roads without insurance cover.

Using a hand-held mobile phone while you're driving is illegal. Driving requires all of your attention, all of the time. Any distraction, however brief, is potentially dangerous and could affect your control of the vehicle. Even using a hands-free system will distract you. The only safe way is to switch your phone off and make or pick up calls when you stop for a rest break.

The lights that control the crossing show to both directions of traffic. If a pedestrian from either side is still crossing when the amber light is flashing, you must wait.

Traffic signs and continuous red lines painted along the edge of the road identify a Red Route. Parking is banned along these routes and enforcement officers have powers to remove any vehicle that's illegally parked. These powers are in place to ensure the route remains unobstructed and so help the free flow of traffic.

Although cars are the least likely to be affected, side winds can affect anyone, especially
- after overtaking a large vehicle
- when passing gaps between hedges or buildings
- on exposed sections of road.

Reflective studs are placed along the edges and between the lanes on motorways. The colour of the stud can help you identify your position on the road when visibility is reduced; for example, when it's foggy. Between the lanes, the studs are white. Red studs are used between the left-hand edge of the carriageway and the hard shoulder. Amber studs are used along the right-hand edge of the carriageway, and green studs are used where slip roads enter or leave the motorway.

Pedestrians and cyclists can both cross at a toucan crossing; cyclists are permitted to ride across.

As you approach traffic lights that have been on green for some time, anticipate that they'll soon change. Check your mirror so that you know what traffic is behind you and how far away it is. If the lights change to steady amber, you should stop behind the stop line. If you're so close to the stop line when the lights change that to stop may cause a collision, you should continue. You'll only know the risk from traffic behind if you use your mirrors as you approach the lights.

Be aware that other traffic might still be clearing the junction. When the green light shows, make sure the way is clear before continuing.

The flashing amber lights are switched on to warn you that children may be crossing near a school. Slow down and take extra care, as you may have to stop.

Use hazard warning lights when your vehicle is stationary, to warn that it's temporarily obstructing traffic. Never use them to excuse dangerous or illegal parking. You may also use hazard warning lights while you're driving on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway if you need to warn traffic behind of a hazard ahead.

You may only stop on the carriageway of a motorway
- when told to do so by the police
- when a red cross with flashing red lights shows above every lane - in a traffic jam
- in an emergency or breakdown.

If your tyre pressures are lower than those recommended by the manufacturer, there will be increased rolling resistance. To overcome this, the engine will have to work harder, resulting in increased fuel consumption. Check your tyre pressures at least once a week.

You should always assess the depth of the water and avoid driving through deep or fast-flowing water. There's a risk that water may stop the engine if it enters the combustion chamber via the air intake, obstructs the exhaust pipe or short-circuits the ignition system. In addition, there's a risk of the vehicle being swept away by fast-flowing water. To drive through shallow water, you should drive slowly, because this will prevent a wave from washing over the engine. To ensure the exhaust pipe doesn't become flooded, the engine speed should be kept high, which may require you to slip the clutch.

At the start of their training, a pupil needs to understand why the seating adjustment is important. They should familiarise themselves with all seat adjustment controls; without assistance, pupils should be able to move the seat into a position where they can reach all of the important controls comfortably.

A mirror with convex glass gives a wide field of vision. This makes everything appear smaller and further away than it would look in a flat mirror.

The lane under a gantry signal showing a red cross with flashing red lights is closed to traffic. You shouldn't proceed past that point in that lane. Should other lanes be open, move to a different lane and proceed with care. If red signals are shown above all lanes, then all lanes are closed: you must stop and wait for the lights to change or until you're directed to move.

A vehicle fitted with an automatic transmission usually changes to a higher gear as its speed increases and to a lower gear as it falls. It will also change down to a lower gear going uphill, as the load on the engine increases. However, there are times when you need to stay in a low gear even if the speed is constant and the load is light - for example, when going down a steep hill. The system normally tries to change to a higher gear in these situations; the driver is usually able to override the system by using the gear selector to stay in a low gear.

There's no better protection against skids than driving in a way that will avoid them; drivers cause skids, not road and weather conditions. When steering to correct a skid, be careful not to overcorrect with too much steering, as this may lead to another skid in the opposite direction.

You may use hazard warning lights when you slow suddenly on a motorway or unrestricted dual carriageway, to warn traffic behind of a hazard ahead. Never use hazard warning lights to excuse dangerous or illegal parking.

A circular sign with a red border tells you what you mustn't do. If the circle contains a speed limit, you mustn't exceed the limit, whether the sign is temporary or not.

You're responsible for making sure that anything you carry on your vehicle is fastened securely. The safest way to carry items on the roof is in a specially designed roof box. This will help to keep luggage secure and dry. Roof boxes also have less wind resistance than exposed loads carried on a roof rack, and this helps to reduce fuel consumption.

Check the vehicle handbook: this should give you guidance on the correct tyre pressures for your vehicle. There may be recommendations to increase the tyre pressure when carrying heavy loads or when travelling continuously at higher speeds, such as when using a motorway.

If you drive at speed in very wet conditions, your steering may suddenly feel lighter than usual. This means that the tyres have lifted off the surface of the road and are skating on the surface of the water. This is known as aquaplaning. Reduce speed by easing off the accelerator, but don't brake until your steering feels normal again.

You should carry out frequent checks on all fluid levels. The brake-fluid level will fall as the friction material on your brake shoes or pads wears down. If it falls below the minimum mark on the fluid reservoir, air could enter the hydraulic system, and this will lead to loss of braking efficiency.

You should always do your best to make other road users aware of your intentions. If you think your indicator might not be seen, or your intentions might not be clear, then giving an arm signal as well may be helpful.

The level of electrolyte in a battery may fall below the level of the plates. If this happens, you'll need to top up the electrolyte with distilled water. Make sure that the plates in each battery cell are covered, but don't overfill the cells.

Using a lower gear will allow the engine braking to assist the brakes in keeping the vehicle's speed under control. Avoid coasting with the clutch held down or rolling in neutral, as there will then be no engine braking.

If it's safe to do so, you may cross a solid white line to pass a road maintenance vehicle, pedal cycle or horse, if they're travelling at 10 mph (16 km/h) or less. When safe, you may also cross the solid line to enter a side road, access a property or pass a stationary vehicle.

You must obey signals given by police officers, traffic officers, traffic wardens and signs used by school crossing patrols. When a police officer signals to you to stop, you should stop safely on the left and switch off your engine.

Catalytic converters are designed to reduce toxic exhaust emissions by up to 90%. They have a high normal working temperature and for this reason are inefficient when the engine is cold.

The flashing amber lights are switched on to warn you that children may be crossing near a school. Slow down and take extra care, as you may have to stop.

Reflective studs on the motorway are there to help you in poor visibility. Different colours are used so that you'll know which lane you're in. These are
- red on the left-hand side of the road
- white between lanes
- amber on the right-hand edge of the carriageway
- green between the carriageway and slip roads.

The slip road should be used to allow you to accelerate until your speed matches that of the traffic already on the motorway. By doing this, you can join the motorway without affecting the progress of the traffic. At busy times, you may have to slow down to merge into slow-moving traffic. Always give way to traffic already on the motorway.

If you want to turn left and there's a cyclist in front of you, hold back. Wait until the cyclist has passed the junction and then turn left behind them.

If you're turning into a side road, pedestrians already crossing the road have priority and you should give way to them. Don't
-wave them across the road
-sound your horn
-flash your headlights
-give any other misleading signal - other road users may misinterpret your signal and you might lead the pedestrian into a dangerous situation.
If a pedestrian is slow or indecisive, be patient and wait. Don't hurry them across by revving your engine.

Be aware that elderly people might take a long time to cross the road. They might also be hard of hearing and not hear you approaching. Don't hurry elderly people across the road by getting too close to them or revving your engine.

Large vehicles can hide other vehicles that are overtaking, especially motorcycles. You need to be aware of the possibility of hidden vehicles and not assume that it's safe to emerge.

Never overtake unless you're absolutely sure that it's safe. Ask yourself, 'Can I see far enough down the road to complete the manoeuvre safely? Are there junctions ahead? Is it legal to overtake here?' If you have any doubt, then wait until you can overtake safely and legally.

Sometimes road markings can be obscured by queuing traffic, or you may be unsure which lane you need to be in. If you realise too late that you're in the wrong lane, don't cut across lanes or bully other drivers to let you in. Follow the lane you're in and find somewhere safe to turn around if you need to.

You should normally overtake on the right, but there are some occasions when you may overtake on the left. These include when you're driving on a dual carriageway or motorway and the traffic is moving slowly in queues, or when a vehicle ahead is positioned to turn right and there's room to pass on the left. On dual carriageways or motorways, don't overtake on the left if traffic is flowing freely.

In some situations, you may feel that your indicators can't be seen by other road users. If you think you need to make your intention more clearly seen, give the appropriate arm signal.

On a quiet country road, always be aware that there may be a hazard just around the next bend, such as a slow-moving vehicle or pedestrians. Pedestrians are advised to walk on the right-hand side of the road if there's no pavement, so they may be walking towards you on your side of the road.

If your view of the road ahead is restricted because you're being dazzled by approaching headlights, slow down and, if you need to, stop.

When driving in traffic, keep within your lane. Driving in the centre of your lane ensures there's as much space as possible between you and the traffic on either side. You should always follow the lane markings, which are there for two reasons: they make the best possible use of road space and they guide the traffic.

When leaving a motorway, your judgement of speed may be affected: 40 mph may seem more like 20 mph. Check your speedometer: it will give you an accurate speed. Motorway slip roads and link roads often have sharp curves that require accurate judgement of speed.

You need to understand how your headlights are designed to operate. The main beam is aimed far ahead and to the left, while the dipped beam is aimed a short distance ahead and to the left. On the road, this means that on left-hand bends your headlights are aimed directly at the approaching driver, so you need to dip early to avoid dazzling them. Similarly, if you stop on the offside at night, even your dipped beam will dazzle oncoming drivers, as it's now aimed directly at them; using parking lights will avoid any dazzle.

As you approach a left-hand bend, control your speed so that you can deal with any hazard safely. Don't move out to the centre of the road to improve your view. This could put you too close to oncoming traffic. A vehicle coming the other way might be positioned on the crown of the road.

If there are no speed-limit signs, street lights usually indicate a 30 mph speed limit.

If a vehicle is taking a long time to overtake, you should try to help the situation by slowing down. Your safety and the safety of other road users could be at risk if you maintain speed and prolong the time it takes for the overtaking manoeuvre to be completed.

Always stay in the middle of your lane until you need to change course. This is even more important when in narrow lanes; for example, at roadworks. Be aware of large vehicles that may have to straddle more than one lane.

The right-hand lane of the motorway is for overtaking. Once overtaking is completed, you should return to the lane on your left. Sometimes you may be directed into a right-hand lane as a result of roadworks or an incident. This will be indicated by signs or officers directing the traffic.

It's important to be seen as well as be able to see. In conditions of reduced daytime visibility, you should switch on your dipped headlights. This increases your visibility without the risk of dazzling approaching drivers.

In good conditions, one useful method of checking that you've allowed enough room between you and the vehicle in front is the two-second rule. To check for a two-second time gap, choose a stationary object ahead, such as a bridge or road sign. When the car in front passes the object, say, 'Only a fool breaks the two-second rule'. If you reach the object before you finish saying this, you're too close.

When driving on snow or frozen surfaces, your tyres will have very little grip. To avoid losing that grip, you'll need to accelerate, steer and brake very gently.

When parking on a hill, there's a risk of the car rolling if the parking brake fails. To reduce this risk, turn the front wheels towards the kerb. This will allow the kerb to act as a chock, preventing any forward movement of the vehicle.

If you're reversing into a side road and see a pedestrian crossing the road behind your vehicle, wait until the pedestrian has passed before continuing. Don't forget that you may not be able to see a small child directly behind your vehicle. Be aware of the possibility of hidden dangers.

Using your hazard warning lights in addition to your brake lights will give the traffic behind you an extra warning of the hazard ahead. Only use them for long enough to ensure that your warning has been seen.

If you're driving along a main road and find you need to turn around and drive in the opposite direction, you'll have to find a safe place to turn. Don't attempt to turn around on the main road but find a quiet side road. Choose a place where you won't obstruct an entrance or exit. Look out for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, as well as other traffic.

If you're on the motorway and have to call the emergency services, the operator will need to know your exact location. Look for a number on the nearest marker post beside the hard shoulder. Give this number to the operator and be ready to describe where you are. For example, tell the operator the last junction or service area you passed. This will help the emergency services to reach you as quickly as possible.

If you have to travel when it's foggy, allow more time for your journey. If someone is expecting you at the other end, let them know that you'll be taking longer than usual for your journey. This will take the pressure off you, so you don't feel you have to rush.

Always drive defensively. If a vehicle cuts in after overtaking, it's important to re-establish a safe separation gap. Check the mirrors and drop back to maintain your safe gap.

Always use the Mirrors - Signal - Manoeuvre routine before turning at junctions. Just before turning right, make a final check for any traffic that may be overtaking you on your right, as the driver or rider may not have seen your signal.

If your vehicle breaks down, switch on your hazard warning lights. The lights will draw attention to the position of your vehicle, so other road users can avoid it. Only leave the vehicle when you can safely get clear of the carriageway.

Always use your headlights at night on a motorway unless you've stopped on the hard shoulder. If you have to use the hard shoulder, switch off the headlights but leave the parking lights switched on to help other road users see your vehicle.

The right-hand lane of the motorway isn't the 'fast lane'; it should be used only for overtaking. Sometimes you may be directed into a right-hand lane as a result of roadworks or an incident. Be guided by the signs or officers directing the traffic.

When someone is injured, any movement that isn't absolutely necessary should be avoided, as it could make injuries worse. Unless it's essential to remove it, it's generally safer to leave a motorcyclist's helmet in place.

If you feel drowsy while driving on a motorway, find a safe and legal place to park as soon as you can. This will mean either leaving the motorway at the next exit or pulling in at the next service area.

If a casualty is bleeding heavily from a limb, raise it to a higher position - so long as it isn't broken. This will help to reduce the blood flow and so reduce the bleeding.

Diagonal stripes or chevrons are painted on the road to help separate traffic lanes or vehicles turning right. When bordered by a solid white line, you shouldn't enter the area except in an emergency. If the line is broken, you shouldn't enter the area unless it's necessary and you can see that it's safe.

When someone has stopped breathing, their airway should be checked and unblocked if necessary. Gently tilting their head back will ensure it's kept open.

The motorcyclist is in a vulnerable position, exposed to further danger from traffic. You need to warn approaching traffic without putting yourself or anyone else at risk. Use your hazard warning lights and, if you have one, a warning triangle to alert other road users.

People who appear uninjured may be in shock and need professional treatment. Avoid unnecessary movement, reassure them, and keep them comfortable and warm. Don't leave them on their own and don't give them anything to eat or drink. Make sure the emergency services are called if necessary.

As you approach a left turn, maintain your normal driving position on the left. Don't swing out before you turn, and make sure that you've reduced your speed and are in the correct gear. Look into the road before you turn and give way to any pedestrians who are crossing.

Large, long and heavy vehicles will need more time to pass you than a car, especially uphill. If necessary, be prepared to slow down to let them pass.

Windscreen pillars can block your view, particularly at junctions. Those road users who are most at risk of not being seen are cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians. Never rely on just a quick glance.