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Reflective Log

Block booking tracker

Lesson 1
Lesson 2
Lesson 3
Lesson 4
Lesson 5
Lesson 6
Date: 16/04/2021
Lesson Goals
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I'd like to feel more confident, I'll measure this by how anxious I feel about my next lesson.  I'd like to be able to move the car
What am I proud of?
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  • I feel really confident and just want to do more driving.  I can't wait till my next lesson
  • My steering was great, even through tight spots
  • I've learnt lots about the peddles
  • I'm not scared to use the accelerator
What I'd like to improve on?
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  • 100% concentration on the road when turning corners
  • Prioritising where I'm  looking, keeping my line of sight a little higher will help me keep my car in the correct position on the road

Our plan for next lesson

​

I'd like to explore gear use and introduce 3rd gear to my driving.  I'd like to look at the turn in the road manoeuvre to help me speed up my steering, this will help me navigate tighter corners.  I'd also like to work on where I'm looking to help me maintain the correct road position.

Date: 23/04/2021
Lesson Goals
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I'd like to explore and practice using gears 2 and 3.  I'd also like to work on my steering to help me turn the wheel quicker on sharper corners​
What am I proud of?
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  • I'm really proud of my use of 2nd and 3rd gear
  • My steering improved greatly when we worked on the turn in the road manoeuvre
  • My left turns have improved greatly​
What I'd like to improve on?
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  • Sometimes I get confused about the order I need to do things when changing gear, I can leave my foot on the accelerator when I push my clutch down
  • I'd like to improve on my turn in the road manoeuvre
  • I'd like to work on my right turns, I need to steer a little later.​

Our plan for next lesson

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Sometimes my instructor has to step in to help me with the peddles, I'd like to be able to take full responsibility for control of the peddles.  I'd like to use the same lesson area to work on my understanding of roundabouts and practice driving them.  I'd also like to do some more work on my use of gears

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

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I'm going to look at the gear positions in the car.  Sometimes I struggle changing from first to second gear.  This is as I don't keep the pressure on the gear stick towards the passenger side of the car so sometimes it springs into neutral.  By feeling the gear positions in a stationary car I'll be more confident that I'm selecting the correct gear in my next lesson.

​

I could read the roundabout section in the highway code which will help me improve my understanding of roundabouts before my next lesson.  This LINK will take you to the relevant page in the highway code.

Date: 30/04/2021
Lesson Goals
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I'd like to work on my roundabouts.  I'm a little unsure about where to position my car on the roundabout.​
I'd also like to do some more work on gears, specifically using 3rd gear more as I really like how the car feels when it's in 3rd.  I'd also like to explore dropping down to 2nd gear for the corners and how/when to do this.  I currently feel my gear use is around a 5/10.
What am I proud of?
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  • I'm really proud of how I turned the car around in the turn in the road manoeuvre.  My use of the steering wheel has greatly improved and this really shows when I turning corners.
  • I'm proud of how my use of gears really improved.  I know when to change up and ended the lesson independently changing up to 2nd and 3rd gears.
  • My left turns at roundabouts were greatly improved, I'm now taking control of my pedals the majority of the time.
What I'd like to improve on?
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  • Sometimes there's so much going on when I'm driving I forget to focus on looking at the road ahead.  I'd like to remember that I need to keep my line of sight on where I want the car to go and also look slightly higher as opposed to directly at the road in front of me.  Doing this will allow my peripheral vision to get lots of information to me which helps me keep the car in the correct road position.​
  • I'd like to work more on using my handbrake on hill starts as this is a new skill I'm learning.
  • Sometimes I use my clutch unneccesarily, I'd like to work on remembering I only need my clutch when stopping, moving off or changing gear.

Our plan for next lesson

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Sometimes I get a little confused when changing down to 2nd gear from 3rd.  I'm really good at getting from 3rd to neutral but sometimes forget to push the gear stick towards the passenger side before selecting 2nd.  The consequence of this is that I sometimes put it into 4th gear.

​

I'd also like to work on turning R at roundabouts.  I'd like to specifically work more on where to position my car when taking a right exit.

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

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During my private practice I'm going to work on:

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  • Moving down the gears from 3rd to 2nd gear. 

  • My road positioning at junctions

  • My move off routine (from a parked position) you can find a guide HERE which will help you remember the order in which to do things.

 

When I'm practicing in Cleeve I can use beginner route 4 to build my confidence and then move on to intermediate route 5 when both my supporting driver and myself feel confident.

Date: 07/05/2021
Lesson Goals
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I'd like to work on my roundabouts.  I'm a little unsure about where to position my car when turning R.  I'd also like to work on my gear changes, specifically moving down from 3rd to 2nd.  I'll do this by ensuring I firstly move the gear stick from 3rd to neutral, then neutral to 2nd.
​
LESSON PLAN ADAPTED
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I was unsure how to use my gears at junctions which resulted in me stalling past a junction.  We changed our goals to focus on rolling 1st at junctions and when to increase the pressure on my accelerator to ensure a rapid move off.
What am I proud of?
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  • I'm really proud of how my 1st to 2nd gear changes have now become established.  I'm very comfortable doing this gear change.
  • The use of my brake hugely improved, I now know exactly when to use my break at junctions and as a result my approach speed has greatly improved.
  • My use of my accelerator, when moving off was great.  My move off is now far more rapid and I'm using the different pedals a lot more.
  • My introduction to rolling first at closed junctions went really well.  I now understand how to effectively use my gears at junctions to allow a safe, considered and rapid move off.
What I'd like to improve on?
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  • Sometimes I don't change from 2nd to 3rd gear early enough.  I'd like to do more work on this.
  • I'd like to continue to work on using my accelerator when moving off.  I'm remembering to use it on most of my move offs but not all.

Our plan for next lesson

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I'd like to revisit our original lesson goal this week in my next lesson.  I'd like to look at my road position, when turning right at roundabout.  I'd also like to work on maintaining a correct road position by focusing on where I'm looking.

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

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During my private practice you could work on:

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  • Rolling into 1st gear at junctions

  • Using more accelerator when moving off

  • Moving up to 3rd gear as soon as the car is ready for 3rd

  • My move off routine (from a parked position) you can find a guide HERE which will help you remember the order in which to do things.

 

When you're practicing in Cleeve you can use beginner route 4 to build your confidence and then move on to intermediate route 4 when both you & your supporting driver feel confident.

Date: 29/05/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to work on the following:
​
Moving off and stopping, I'd like to get my feet moving quicker.

I'd like to do a bit of work on my road positioning on corners.

I'd like to work on my gears, both understanding when to change gears and executing it correctly.
 
What am I proud of?
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  • I'm really proud of my gear work.  I'm now really comfortable and confident changing up and down gears.
  • My moving off and stopping went great.
What I'd like to improve on?
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  • I'd like to do a little more work on my positioning around corners, sometimes I steer a little late and my corners can be a bit wide.
  • I'd like to do some more work on roundabouts.

Our plan for next lesson

I'd like to work on my roundabouts.  I'd like to feel confident when approaching roundabouts.  I'd also like to work on a more rapid move off.

Date: 04/06/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to focus on roundabouts this lesson.  I'd like to work towards feeling less nervous and being able to independantly drive roundabouts.  I'm a little nervous of moving off again, if I need to stop at a roundabout and would currently scale this skill as a 5/10.  I'd like to work towards a 8/10.  Working on a more rapid move off will also help reduce this fear.
 
What am I proud of?
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  • I'm really proud of my move off, I'm achieving a more rapid move off by bringing the clutch swiftly up to bite and then concentrating on moving it slowly.  I'd now rate this skill as a 8.5/10
  • I'm really proud of my roundabouts, I'd now rate them as a 7/10.  I feel more confident and more in control.
  • We started looking at clutch control at the top of hills, I'm really pleased with how that went.
What I'd like to improve on?
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  • I'd like to do some work on using the handbrake when stopped at hills.
  • I'd like to be able to drive this route independently.

Our plan for next lesson

I'd like to work on hill starts.  I'd also like to start working towards being more independent in my driving.

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

​

You work really well when challenged.  I'd recommend planning a route that you'd love to drive.  We can then look at this in your lesson, either in part or in it's entirety, and work towards you driving it independently.

Date: 09/06/2021
Lesson Goals

I've planned my own route for my lesson this week.  The main challenges I see on my route is the junction onto Evesham Rd as this is a really busy road so I'll need a rapid move off.  I'll also need to match my speed to the road conditions as I'll be driving faster roads than I'm used to.  I'd like my instructor to help my by using prompts.
 
What am I proud of?
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  • I'm really proud of how in control I felt.
  • My use of gears was great, I used 4th and 5th gear for the first time.
  • My speed on the faster roads was really good.
  • My move off is getting far more rapid.
What I'd like to improve on?
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  • I'd like to do some more work on my rapid move off.  Sometimes I struggle to guage how much accelerator I need to use.  I'd like my move off to be smoother.
  • I'd like to do some more work on using 4th and 5th gear.
  • Sometimes my focus can drift from the road ahead, I'd like to make sure I'm focusing on the road at all times.

Our plan for next lesson

I'd like to work on the same route as this week to try and become more independant.  I'd also like to add some hill starts into my route.

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

If you get the opportunity to practice before your next lesson I'd recommend looking at your hill starts.  The junction at the top of Two Hedges Rd is great for this.  You can use Intermediate Route 8 for this.

I'd also recommend continuing to work on your roundabouts.   You can use Intermediate Route 4 for this.

Date: 02/07/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to work on busier roads today.  In particular main roads with more traffic on them
 
What am I proud of?
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  • I'm really proud of how I dealt with the McDonald's and kingsditch roundabouts
  • I was proud of how confident I felt on busier roads.  I wasn't at all bothered by the traffic
What I'd like to improve on?
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  • I'd like to do some more work on my gears.  Sometimes I struggle to get the correct gear, especially at roundabouts and on corners
  • Sometimes I'm pressing my clutch down when I don't need to.  This results in the car coasting.

Our plan for next lesson

I'd like to spend some time working on my gears and use of the clutch

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

I'd recommend spending some time working on the hill start at the top of two hedges rd and selecting the correct gear.  It would also be great to work on meeting traffic.  You can use Intermediate Route 8 to do both of these.

I'd also recommend continuing to work on complex roundabouts such as the Kingsditch Double.  You can use Intermediate route 10 for this.

Date: 09/07/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to work on using the correct gear.  Currently I leave my car in 1st gear for longer than is neccessary.

I'd also like to work on my use of the clutch.  Sometimes I press the clutch when I don't need to which results in the car speeding up.  Fir example when going around corners.
 
What am I proud of?
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  • I'm really proud of my use of gears.  I'm using the correct gear, at the correct time and am no longer leaving the car in 1st gear for prolonged periods of time
  • My use of the clutch has hugely improved
  • I'm much more confident when driving roundabouts which has resulted in me being less hesitant
What I'd like to improve on?
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  • Sometimes I still press my clutch when it's not needed which results in me coasting
  • I'd like to do some more work on roundabouts.  I struggle to select 2nd gear at the correct time and sometimes I am still hesitant when entering the roundabout

Our plan for next lesson

I'd like to focus on roundabouts, use of mirrors and use of my clutch

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

I'd recommend focusing on the following this week.  Try and do a couple of practice sessions focusing on these areas.  Prioritising the areas you focus on will help you be ready to take a practical test in October.
 

Roundabouts, working specifically on selecting 2nd gear at the appropriate time and only stopping if there are vehicles preventing you from entering the roundabout.  Intermediate Route x is great for this.

Use of mirrors.  Whenever you're turning right remember to check your middle and then right side mirror.  When turning left remember to check your middle and left side mirror.  This includes when exiting a roundabout.  Any time you change speed or direction mirror checks should be completed.

Date: 16/07/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to work on my roundabouts.  I'd like my progress to be smooth, with no hesitancy.  I'd currently rate my roundabouts as a 5/10 and would like to improve them to a 9/10.

I'd also like to work on my mirrors and only using my clutch when necessary.
What am I proud of?
​
  • I'm really proud of my roundabouts, I'd now scale them as a 8.5/10.  I achieved this by increasing my confidence to listen when my head was telling me it was safe to go.
  • I worked really hard on only using my clutch when needed and this really improved
  • I'm very proud of my use of gears
What I'd like to improve on?
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  • Sometimes I still press my clutch when it's not needed which results in me coasting
  • I'd like to do some more work on harder roundabouts within the test areas
  • I often forget to check my mirrors, this is one of my main development areas

Our plan for next lesson

I'd like to focus on the harder roundabouts that I may need to drive on my test.

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

I'd recommend focusing on the following this week.  

Use the roundabout route around Cleeve, Intermediate Route 4.  Try to use this as a practice area to focus on your use of mirrors, stopping smoothly and stopping at the correct place at traffic lights, give way lines and stop lines.  Sometimes you stop a little early which can confuse the car behind you.

Once you're comfortable with the above I'd recommend looking at Experienced Route 8.  This will help you get to grips with some of the more challenging roundabouts that you will need to do on your test.

Date: 23/07/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to work on harder roundabouts similar to those that I'll need to be able to drive on my test.

I'd also like to work on my hill starts.
What am I proud of?
​
  • I'm really proud of my roundabouts, I'm getting really good at judging the gaps I can take.
  • I'm really proud of how I drove the Prestbury double roundabout, I now understand it!
  • I worked on changing how I steer when taking left turns this lesson and I'm really pleased with the improvements.
What I'd like to improve on?
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  • Sometimes I lift my clutch a little quickly when changing gears, I'd like to improve on this
  • Sometimes I forget to go back into 1st gear when moving off
  • I struggle to remember to check my mirrors, this is my biggest development area at the moment

Our plan for next lesson

I'd like to focus on harder roundabout's, such as the Pres, in particular going right.  I'd like to do some work on my mirrors as I find it daunting to check these as well as everything else.

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

I'd recommend focusing on your mirrors this week.  Try to pick quieter roads where your primary focus can be your mirror work.

If you'd like to revisit the Prestbury double roundabout you can use Intermediate Practice Route 3

Date: 30/07/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to focus on getting my mirror checks correct this week, I'd like them to feel subconscious.  I'd currently rate them as a 4/10 and would like to improve to a 8/10 this lesson.  Sometimes I indicate before I remember to check my mirrors.
What am I proud of?
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  • I'm really proud of my mirrors, they feel established and I'd rate them as a 8/10
  • I love how smooth my roundabouts feel now
  • My position when I turn left is greatly improved
What I'd like to improve on?
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  • Sometimes I drift over the give way line when I'm looking to check if I can emerge.  I'd like to work on this
  • I'd like to work on not pushing my clutch down when I don't need to as this results in me coasting
  • I'd like to do some more work on my mirrors to really establish them

Our plan for next lesson

I'd like to do some work in the quieter estate focusing on my use of the clutch and my mirror use.

I'd also like to look at stopping in the correct place at give way lines and my parallel park.

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

I'd recommend continuing to focus on your use of mirrors.  I'd also recommend doing some work on not overshooting the give way line on roundabouts.

In preparation for looking at parallel park next lesson you could use a car park to complete the below exercise.  Park your car facing forward, into a bay.  Then try to reverse your car into the bay diagonally behind you, like the diagram below.

pp_edited.jpg
Date: 06/08/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to focus on getting my mirror checks correct this week, I'd like them to feel subconscious.  I'd currently rate them as a 5/10 and would like to improve to a 8/10 this lesson.  

I'd like to look at my parallel park

I'd also like to focus on not going over the give way line
What am I proud of?
​
  • I'm really proud of my mirrors, they feel established and I'd rate them as a 8/10
  • My parallel parking went really well
  • My give way lines were great
  • I'm really proud of how I deal with roundabouts
What I'd like to improve on?
​
  • I'd like to carry on working on my mirrors
  • I'd like to do a bit more work on my parallel park

Our plan for next lesson

Next lesson I'd like to do a mock test

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

I'd recommend looking at any of the experienced routes in the learning area to help prepare you for your mock test

I'd also recommend practicing your parallel park to perfect it

Date: 13/08/2021
Mock Test Results

The following are your serious faults: 1
 
  • When moving off on the roundabout at the end of All Saints Rd (GL52 6AJ) you failed to look to the right to check if there was a car you needed to give way to.​​
  • When taking a right turn from a section of one way road you positioned your car in the left hand lane
  • When parallel parking you positioned your car too far from the edge of the road
 
Your driver faults: 10
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  • On two occasions you forgot to signal left to leave the roundabout
  • On three occasions you forgot to check your left mirror when leaving the roundabout
  • On two occasions you drove over the kerb when taking a left turn
  • On one occasion your speed was too slow as you were doing 29mph in a 40mph zone
  • When turning right at a roundabout you positioned your car in between the left and right lanes
  • On one occasion you stopped short of the give way line

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

I'd recommend focusing on the above roundabout faults identified in your mock test.

I'd also recommend focusing on your parallel park

Date: 13/08/2021
Mock Test Results

The following are your serious faults: 3
 
  • On lower high street you squeezed past a parked vehicle which caused an oncoming van to slow down
  • As a result of the van slowing the pedestrian crossing was partially blocked, you failed to slow down to make effective observations.  If someone had been crossing you wouldn't have had time to brake for them
  • There was a vehicle parking, you needed to hold back to assess the situation however you proceeded through
  • ​
Your driver faults: 4
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  • When changing lanes you failed to check your mirror
  • On the McDonald's roundabout you positioned your car across 2 lanes
  • Your speed on Hyde Lane was too slow
  • You passed a stationary car on Hill Court Rd when you should have held back

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

I'd recommend revisiting the route we did on your mock test and focusing on the above faults.  The route was Experienced Route 1

Date: 03/09/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to work on my clearance around parked cars and when I need to stop for the oncoming traffic

I'd also like to look at pedestrian crossings
What am I proud of?
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  • I'm really proud of I developed my driving coming up to pedestrian crossings
  • I'm proud of how calm I kept in town
  • I'm please with the work that we started doing on stopping me coasting
What I'd like to improve on?
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  • I'd like to do some more work on roundabouts, in particular my road position.  Sometimes I'm in the wrong position for the exit I want to take
  • I'd like to work on my coasting, pushing your clutch down before a corner will make your car speed up which results in a wider left turn
  • I'd like to do some work on meeting traffic

Our plan for next lesson

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

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

I'd recommend really focusing on not coasting.  When you press your clutch you disengage your engine.  This means you significantly decrease the control you have of you car which can sometimes result in it speeding up around corners and altering your road position.

I'd also recommend working on your roundabouts.  Focus on making the decision if you can go or not, before you enter the roundabouts.  Also think about your road position before the roundabout and on it.

If you'd like to drive the route we worked on today your can use experienced route 9.

Date: 17/09/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to work on my roundabouts, in particular where I'm looking, when I can go and my road positioning.

I'd also like to work on eliminating coasting
What am I proud of?
​
  • I'm really proud of my roundabouts, I'm now looking at all entrances onto the roundabouts to help me know when I can go.  It's really helped understanding that I can still stop if another drivers indicator is incorrect.  Commentary driving has also really helped
  • My road position was great
  • Coasting has hugely improved
What I'd like to improve on?
​
  • I'd like to do some more work on roundabouts
  • I'd like to do some more work on eliminating coasting

Our plan for next lesson

Next lesson I'd like to focus on making my parallel parking independent.  I'd also like to work on all other manoeuvres

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

I'd recommend continuing to focus on not coasting.  When you press your clutch you disengage your engine.  This means you significantly decrease the control you have of you car which can sometimes result in it speeding up around corners and altering your road position.

I'd also recommend revisiting your manoeuvres and working on establishing these with full, all around observations.

Date: 27/09/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to work on using the sat nav and making sure it doesn't distract me when driving
What am I proud of?
​
  • I'm really proud of how I used the sat nav, we used challenging roads to test it and my driving was great
  • My forward bay park was great
  • My parallel park really improved, I was concerned about getting too close to the car in front however I now understand where I need to position my car
What I'd like to improve on?
​
  • I'd like to do some more work on my parallel park
  • I'd like to work on my hazard perception.  In particularly spotting potential hazards earlier.

Our plan for next lesson

Next lesson I'd like to take a mock test.  I'd also like to work on my parallel park and emergency stop if we have time.

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

I'd recommend focusing on your parallel park, try to make sure you're including all round observations.

Date: 07/10/2021
Mock Test Results

The following are your serious faults: 4
 
  • On your bay park you didn't keep control of the car which resulted in you overshooting the bay.  You also failed to carry out any observations
  • You stalled on Evesham Rd as a result of trying to move off in 2nd gear
  • You attempted to move lanes on Tewksbury Rd without checking your mirrors, there was a car in the lane you were moving into which resulted in me taking control of the steering to prevent a collision.
  • ​
Your driver faults: 9
​
  • Twice you failed to check your mirrors when moving around parked cars
  • When passing a parked car you didn't allow adequate clearance
  • On one occasions you failed to check your left mirror
  • On 3 occasions your car rolled back as you failed to lift your clutch to bite before releasing your handbrake
  • You were hesitant when entering the race course roundabout

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

I'd recommend focusing on your gear use, you often move off in 2nd gear which has the potential to cause a stall.  I'd also focus on your mirror use, remember anytime you change speed or direction you need to check your mirrors.

After prioritising the above I'd recommend working on your forward bay parking and all development areas identified in your mock.

Date: 08/10/2021
Lesson Goals

I'd like to work on my manoeuvres, emergency stop and making sure I move off in first gear

ADDITIONAL GOAL

I'd like to complete a mini mock test
What am I proud of?
​
  • My manoeuvres went really well
  • My emergency stop was great
  • See below for mini mock test results
What I'd like to improve on?
​
  • See below for mini mock test results
Mock Test Results

The following are your serious faults: 1
 
  • On Southam lane you were driving faster than the legal speed limit, your were driving around 34mph in the 30mph zone and 44mph in the 40mph zone​
  • ​
Your driver faults: 9
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  • One one roundabout you stopped when the roundabout was clear, I've marked this as a driver fault as there was no one behind you, had there been a car behind you this would have been marked as a serious fault.
  • On the Prestbury double roundabout you were hesitant
  • You stopped significantly short of the give way line on one occasions
  • You hit the kerb leading up to the Prestbury double roundabout
  • You rolled back significantly on 2 occasions
  • Your approach to the TL on Evesham Rd was unnecessarily quick, this could cause another driver to change what they're doing
  • Your road position going into Millham Rd was significantly to the left as opposed to a normal driving position
  • You pulled away in 2nd which meant your car struggled to make a rapid move off

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

I'd recommend focusing on all the serious and driver faults identified in your mock tests.  Remember a driver fault has a strong possibility of turning into a serious or dangerous fault depending on the circumstance.

I'd also recommend practicing all of your manoeuvres before your next lesson

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