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Reflective Log

Date: 02/08/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to re-cap on what I've done with my previous instruction.

I'd also like to focus on gear changes as this is an area I haven't looked at before.
What am I proud of?
​
  • I'm really proud of my gear use.  I used 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears
  • My use of speed was great, I got up to 30mph on PE Way!
  • I'm really pleased that I remembered how to correctly position my car at junctions.
What I'd like to improve?
​
  • I'd like to be a little softer when using my brake at junctions as sometimes I stop the car quite abruptly. 
  • Sometimes my road position drifts a little as I forget to keep my line of sight ahead of my and raised from the road in front of me.

Our plan for next lesson

I'd like to focus on softer braking next lesson.  I'd also like to aim to not stall the car next lesson.

What can I do before my next lesson to help my learning

I'd recommend focusing on the following in your private practice:

Maintaining your road position and not allowing the car to drift by focusing on where your looking.  Remember to look ahead of you with your vision lifted above the road.  Looking higher will allow your peripheral vision to get all the information you need to your brain which will naturally help you position your car correctly.  When someone else is driving and your in the passenger seat ask them where they're looking.  You could also try (from the passenger seat) looking at the road in front of you and then looking at the higher view point we talked about.  How much more can you see?

Softer braking, you could look at the guide to using your brake pedal HERE to help you understand how the brake works.

If you're looking for routes for private practice you could choose any of the following:

Beginner practice route 1
Beginner practice route 2
Beginner practice route 4
Beginner practice route 6

If you wanted to get a head start before your next lesson you could take a look at the highway code guidance on roundabouts.  You can find this HERE

Date: 19/08/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to work on my braking.  Sometimes I'm a little harsh when I stop and I'd like to work on braking softer and sooner.  I'd currently scale my braking as a 5/10 and would like to improve it to a 8/10 by the end of todays lesson.

I'd also like to work on recovering quicker if I do stall the car.
What am I proud of?
​
  • I'm really proud of my braking, I'd now score it as a 8/10
  • My position on my junctions was great
  • I didn't stall when moving off
  • My speed was great
  • I remembered how to select 3rd gear and smoothly changed into 3rd on PE way
What I'd like to improve?
​
  • I'd like my gear changes to be a little faster by exploring the dead area of the clutch
  • Sometimes my steering is a little slow when straightening up
  • I'd like to focus on returning to a normal driving position after passing parked cars

Our plan for next lesson

I'd like to focus on my road position next lesson.  I'd also like to do some work on changing gears and not looking at the gear stick.

What can I do before my next lesson to help my learning

I'd recommend taking a look at the highway code guidance on roundabouts.  You can find this HERE

If you're looking for routes for private practice I'd recommend sticking to the below practice routes:

Beginner practice route 1
Beginner practice route 2
Beginner practice route 4
Beginner practice route 6

Remember to look ahead of you with your vision lifted above the road.  Looking higher will allow your peripheral vision to get all the information you need to your brain which will naturally help you position your car correctly.  

I'd also recommend focusing on your gear changes.  Try not to look at the gear stick as this will impact on your road position.  Remember before you try to change gears remove your foot from the accelerator and press your clutch down.

If you need any help just shout.

Date: 24/08/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to work on my gear changes.  I'd like to do this by remembering to look ahead as opposed to at the gear stick.  I'd also like to explore the dead area of the clutch to make my gear changes faster.
I'd also like to work on my road position by remembering to keep my vision high so I can get all the information I need from my peripheral vision.
What am I proud of?
​
  • I'm really proud of my gear changes, I'm now looking ahead as opposed to at the gear stick
  • My 1st to 2nd gear changes are far faster as I'm no longer looking at the gear stick.
  • My braking was great this lesson
  • My road position was fab as I'm now remembering to keep my line of vision higher
What I'd like to improve?
​
  • I'd like to work on my 2nd to 3rd gear changes.  Sometimes I raise my clutch a little quickly
  • I'd like to work o increasing the speed of my move off
  • Sometimes I'm a little slow after tackling obstacles such as junctions or roundabouts or when leaving traffic lights.  I'd like to work on this.

Our plan for next lesson

I'd like to focus on my speed when leaving traffic lights, junctions and other hazards

What can I do before my next lesson to help my learning

I'd recommend spending some time practicing your move off and the speed you leave junctions and roundabouts.  I'd recommend keeping the route simple.  Beginner Practice Route 2 and Beginner Practice Route 6 are great ones to use to get yours and your dads confidence up.

Date: 13/09/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to work on a faster move off from hazards, I'd currently scale this as a 3/10 and would like to progress to a 7/10

I'd also like to make my 2nd to 3rd gear changes smoother
What am I proud of?
​
  • My 2nd to 3rd gear changes were great!
  • My move off is improving, I'd now scale it as a 4/10
What I'd like to improve?
​
  • I'd like to work on driving at an appropriate speed for the road
  • I'd like to work on my clearance around parked cars

Our plan for next lesson

I'd like to focus on my improvement areas

Date: 27/09/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to work on not stalling when moving away in traffic.  Sometimes I panic and lift my clutch up too quickly.

I'd like to achieve a quicker move off by using more accelerator.
What am I proud of?
​
  • I'm proud that I didn't stall as much when moving away from traffic lights
  • My moving off was faster
  • My hill starts were great
What I'd like to improve?
​
  • I'd like to work on decreasing my speed when coming up to things such as corners and increasing it when leaving them.
  • I'd like to work on my road positioning, in particularly on corners

Our plan for next lesson

I'd like to use coronation square to work on my speed at junctions

Date: 04/10/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to work on reducing my speed, when coming up to corners, to help improve my road position.

I'd like to use coronation square to work on this. 
What am I proud of?
​
  • I'm proud of how I reduced my speed into corners, as I was slower I felt like I had much more control and my road position hugely improved
  • My hill starts were so much better!
  • My drive home was great!
  • I didn't stall at all at traffic lights
What I'd like to improve?
​
  • I'd like to work on looking further ahead to help me make a plan to deal with hazards
  • If my instructor needs to take the wheel I'd like to not death grip it!
  • I'd like to work on making more progress along the roads when driving.

Our plan for next lesson

Next lesson I'd like to focus on road progress and hazard perception.

Date: 18/10/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to work on hazard perception.  I'd like to be able to read the road ahead, make a plan and feel confident.
What am I proud of?
​
  • I'm proud of how I dealt with bigger junctions
  • My understanding of bigger roundabouts and where people are going has hugely improved
  • My clutch control was so much better
What I'd like to improve?
​
  • I'd like to work on focusing on hazards behind as well as in front of me
  • Sometimes I'm hesitant at roundabouts and junctions.  This can lead to the cars behind me getting irate.  I'd like to do some work on this.

Our plan for next lesson

Next lesson I'd like to focus on emerging from minor roads to major roads at busy junctions.

Date: 01/11/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to work on junctions, I'd like to be less hesitant.  I often feel concerned that we won't make it which is what drives the hesitancy, I'd like to work on this.

I'd also like to work more on being aware of what's behind me
What am I proud of?
​
  • I'm proud of how much better my position became at the give way lines.  My car is now correctly positioned for the direction I'm going and I'm no longer stopping short of the give way line
  • My rolling first was great
  • I'm far less hesitant at junctions now
  • I'm more aware of what's behind me now
What I'd like to improve?
​
  • I'd like to work more on my use of speed.  My speed is now great in the slower areas, I'd now like to work on increasing my speed where appropriate
  • I'd like to work on being more aware of what's around me

Our plan for next lesson

Next lesson I'd like to focus on all my development areas

Date: 08/11/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to work on increasing my speed where appropriate

I'd also like to work on being more aware of what's around me
What am I proud of?
​
  • I'm really proud of how much my speed increased
  • My 1st to 2nd gear change is a lot quicker
  • I'm really please that I'm using 4th gear more
  • I'm more aware of what's around me and what's in my mirrors
  • I'm now checking further ahead
What I'd like to improve?
​
  • I'd like to make sure I don't stop in the middle of the road
  • I'd like to work on going down the gears when driving to prepare for corners, junctions and roundabouts

Our plan for next lesson

Next lesson I'd like to focus on roundabouts and going down the gears

What can I do before my next lesson to help my learning

I'd recommend researching MSPSL, knowing the correct sequence of when to do things will really help you to prepare for our lesson next week.

Date: 22/11/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to work on roundabouts.  In particularly I'd like to work on my timing, what to look for and when I can go.
What am I proud of?
​
  • I'm really proud of how I developed my steering and can now park in tighter spots
  • My roundabouts improved.  My timing is better as I'm looking further ahead and understanding what other cars are doing.
  • I'm using my speed to my advantage and slowing down or speeding up dependant on the road conditions
  • My hill starts were great as I'm not anticipating them and starting from the beginning each time
What I'd like to improve?
​
  • I'd like to work on harder, more challenging roundabouts
  • I'd like to be more aware of my own actions and not stopping if it's not needed.

Our plan for next lesson

Next lesson I'd like to focus on more challenging roundabouts and look at the racecourse roundabout.

Date: 29/11/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to work on more challenging roundabouts such as the one by the racecourse.
What am I proud of?
​
  • I understand roundabouts a lot more now
  • How I drove my roundabouts improved throughout my lesson.
  • My speed on Hyde lane improved
  • My use of second gear was great
What I'd like to improve?
​
  • Sometimes I still struggle with hill starts.  I lift my clutch up too far before releasing the handbrake which causes my car to stall.

Our plan for next lesson

Next lesson I'd like to focus on hill starts, in particularly the more challenging ones around Cleeve

Date: 6/12/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to work on my hill starts.  I'd like to feel confident that I'm not going to stall.  To achieve this I'm going to make sure I don't rush my hill starts even when I'm under pressure.
What am I proud of?
​
  • The brutal hill starts went so well!  I feel so much more confident, I didn't rush and my hill starts were independent.
  • My speed on NSL roads was great
  • I really enjoyed looking at new roads
  • Slowing down and dropping to 2nd gear before turning into new roads went really well.
What I'd like to improve?
​
  • Sometimes I rush when going up to hill junctions or turning off roads

Our plan for next lesson

Next lesson I'd like to start working on parallel parking

Date: 13/12/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to work on parking

Firstly I'd like to work on my bay parking to improve my cutch control and then I'd like to move onto parallel parking.
What am I proud of?
​
  • My bay parking went really well, I feel much more confident
  • I made a good start on my parallel parking
What I'd like to improve?
​
  • Sometimes I get a bit confused when parallel parking about which way the wheels are going.  I'd like to work on this

Our plan for next lesson

Next lesson I'd like to work on parking for half the lesson and then general driving for the rest.

Date: 03/01/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to work firstly on my bay parking and parallel parking.  I'd like to feel like I understand what I'm doing and be able to do it.

I'd then like to look at general driving
What am I proud of?
​
  • My bay parking went really well.  I'm now stopping before I'm choosing a place to park in.  This has meant my park is more accurate and the speed is slower.
  • I understand far more what I'm doing when parallel parking and it's really starting to improve.
  • My hill starts were awesome!
What I'd like to improve?
​
  • I'd like to improve on how I communicate what I'm doing to other drivers by putting my brake lights on sooner and indicating sooner
  • Sometimes I'm a little slow when leaving junctions
  • I'd like to get into 3rd gear quicker

Our plan for next lesson

Next lesson I'd like to focus on my mirror use and communication with other drivers

Date: 10/01/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to start working on my use of mirrors.  I'd like to understand why and when I need to use my mirrors and start embedding this skill.
What am I proud of?
​
  • I'm starting to understand when I need to use my mirrors
  • My hill starts were great
  • I handled meeting other traffic in narrow streets really well
What I'd like to improve?
​
  • I'd like to start using my mirrors more
  • Some times I prioritise the wrong thing which means I increase my danger of having a collision with another car.  I need to focus on where I'm going.
  • Sometimes I'm a little hesitant at junctions and hold up the cars around me

Our plan for next lesson

I'm going to practice the route we looked at this lesson and I'd like Tasha to see how I'm getting on in my next lesson.  We'll build our lesson plan from there.

What can I do before my next lesson to help my learning

I'd recommend focusing on meeting other traffic in narrow spaces and your use of mirrors within your driving.  I'd advise you to focus on the route we used today and repeat this route until you are confident and competent with it.  You can find the route below.

Experienced practice route 7A

Remember any time you change speed or direction you need to be checking your centre mirror and the side mirror that corresponds with the direction change you're taking.

At the moment establishing your mirror use and working on effectively meeting traffic in tight spaces are the biggest things you can work on to get your driving at test standard.

Date: 17/01/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to work on my mirrors

I'd also like to work on the more narrow roads by the test centre and more complex roundabouts
What am I proud of?
​
  • I thought the roundabout by the test centre went well, my speed was good and it was a good first attempt
  • I now understand how the McDonalds roundabout works
What I'd like to improve?
​
  • At roundabouts I'm still hesitant, I'd like to improve on this
  • When driving I sometimes position myself too close to parked cars
  • On times I need to slow down a little and relax

Our plan for next lesson

I'd like to continue to work on the roundabout by the test centre

Date: 24/01/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to be less hesitant at roundabouts.  I'd like to be more confident, know when to go and at the correct speed, in the correct lane and with the correct indicator.

I'd like to work on reducing my speed when the road conditions warrant it.

I'd like to continue working on my mirror use
What am I proud of?
​
  • I'm really pleased with my roundabouts, I'm now less hesitant and more confident
  • I'm slowing down when I need to slow down
  • There's a huge improvement in my mirror use
  • My turn in the road was fab!
  • My clutch control didn't cause me to stall once this leasson
What I'd like to improve?
​
  • At roundabouts I'm still sometimes a little hesitant, I'd like to work on this
  • Sometimes my speed is a little slow on bigger, wider roads
  • I'd like to work on remembering to always move off in 1st gear

Our plan for next lesson

We're going to start working on the Prestbury double roundabout.  I'd recommend focusing on roundabouts when driving before your next lesson.

Date: 31/01/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to work on the Prestbury double roundabouts

I'd also like to work on selecting 1st gear as I come to a stop
What am I proud of?
​
  • My rolling first was great this lesson
  • I felt really confident driving the Prestbury double roundabout
  • My turn on the road was fab
  • My 3rd to second gear has greatly improved.  This is as I'm starting to slow my speed before selecting 2nd gear
What I'd like to improve?
​
  • Sometimes I'm pressing my brake and then attempting to find my bite when my brake is pressed.  This means sometimes my car stalls and I'm unable to put any acceleration on resulting in a slow move off
  • Sometimes I'm a bit fast when driving around corners

Our plan for next lesson

Next lesson we're going to focus on the pull up on the right and reverse manoeuvre.  We're also going to have a look at the Prestbury roundabouts coming from Southam

Date: 28/02/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to work on my manoeuvres, specifically my parallel park and bay park

I'd also like to work on my forward planning
What am I proud of?
​
  • My parallel park really improved.  Now I understand what to do and when
  • I'm far more confident driving the Kingsditch double roundabout
  • My general driving is far better and I'm following my MSM procedure
What I'd like to work on?
​
  • Now I understand the process of parallel parking I need to build in my observations
  • My position when turning left on the kingsditch double is a little wide

Our plan for next lesson
 
Next lesson I'd like my instructor to check the work I've done on my bay park and parallel park.  I'd also like to work on the Prestbury double roundabout.

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