Driving tip for teaching learner drivers

Ray from Right Turn Driving School is a local and very experienced driving teacher who volunteers his time to present on our FREE Young Driver Information Nights we hold every few months here at Sunshine Toyota.  

We asked Ray if there was any important information we can relay to our guests who are teaching their kids to drive. Ray’s first tip was a simple one, but perhaps one that many of us would not be aware of!

Here is the tip and why it is so important:

When we teach adolescent drivers, we must consider that their younger brain is not yet fully developed (not until 25-30yrs old). This means that they cannot process information as quickly as a mature driver and hence need more time to make decisions. What is vital is considering what we call 'Thinking Distance'.
 

Thinking distance is the amount of time it takes for you to decide to hit the brakes, and then actually hit them. When you see a potential threat, sign, or traffic control on the road, you don’t break instantaneously. You may need a second or two to move your foot to the brake pedal. The reaction time of a younger driver is slower to that of an experienced driver. This means they need more time for decision-making, which can only happen by slowing down.

In a nutshell, your child should not be driving as fast as you.

For more driving tips from Ray, register your child for our next Young Driver Information Night at Sunshine Toyota, Wednesday 27th February.