Reflective Log

Block booking tracker

Lesson 1

02/07/21

Lesson 2

09/07/21

Lesson 3

16/07/21

Lesson 4

23/07/21

Lesson 5

06/08/21

Lesson 6

13/08/21

Lesson Goals

I'd like to focus on my road positions. I'd currently rate it as a 5/10 and would like to improve it to a 7/10. I'll do this by lifting my vision so I'm looking further ahead as opposed to at the road. I also plan to reduce my speed on corners to help me maintain a good road position.

I'd also like to feel more confident. I'll measure this by if I feel anxious about my next lesson.

What am I proud of?

I'm proud of my road position. By lifting my line of sight, looking further ahead and reducing my speed by coming off my accelerator sooner and using my brake I gave myself more time to think. This made me feel less panicked and my road position hugely improved. I achieved my goal of a 7/10.
My steering hugely improved. I've adjusted my hand position so now I can make larger movement of the wheel as opposed to small, shuffled movements.
I feel so much more confident, I can't wait for my next lesson!

What I'd like to improve on?

I'd like to work on my hill starts, sometimes I find it hard to coordinate everything I need to do.
I'd like to work on my gear down changes from 3rd to 2nd. Sometimes I focus so much on my gear down changes I change to early when my speed is too fast for the gear. I need to concentrate first on bringing my speed down by coming off the accelerator sooner and possibly using my brake pedal. I can then lock in my speed with my 2nd gear.

Date: 07/05/2021

Our plan for next lesson

I'd like to focus on my hill starts next lesson, I'd really like to perfect those. I'd also like to continue working on my speed, specifically when turning and changing down gears.

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

I'd recommend researching gears to help widen your understanding, specifically why you need to change to a lower gear, when, why and what impact it has on your engine. This knowledge will help you decide when to change down and fully understand the impact it has on how your car handles.

I'd recommend using any of the intermediate or beginner routes in the learner area and focus on your speed (specifically around corners), your gear changes (focusing on your downward gear changes and appropriate speed).

I'd look at beginner route 5, at all of your junction emerges complete a hill start using your handbrake. If you want to add additional hill starts to this you can pull over on the left and any upward incline.

Date: 14/05/2021

Lesson Goals

I'd like to focus on my hill starts, I'd like to work out exactly how I control the car when moving off from a hill. I'd currently rate my hill starts as a 4/10 and I'd love them to be a 6/10 by the end of todays lesson. I'd also like to work on my speed, specifically my speed before corners and my speed before I change down gears. I'm going to achieve this by coming off my accelerator sooner and then deciding if I need to apply my brake and how much pressure is needed. I'd currently rate my downward gear changes as a 3/10.

What am I proud of?

I'm really proud of my hill starts. I now understand what I need to do and feel comfortable completing a hill start when there's not much traffic around me. I'd now rate my hill starts as a 7/10
My speed before a corner is now ace, this is reflected in my road position as I now find it easier to maintain a good road position.
I'm now bringing my speed down before I change gear, I'm achieving this by apply the brake alongside my clutch when I shift down.
My planning and anticipation has hugely improved this lesson. I'm now reading the road further ahead and becoming less surprised when other road users are doing something as I've already anticipated their movements.

What I'd like to improve on?

I'd like to do some more work on my hill starts, specifically when under pressure. Sometimes the pressure of other drivers waiting causes me to lift my clutch too quickly.
I'd like to do some more work on anticipation and planning and develop further in this area.

Our plan for next lesson

I'd like to focus on anticipation and planning next lesson. I'd like to work on scanning the road, far ahead and planning my actions based on what I anticipate other drivers to do. We'll incorporate hill starts and my use of 4th gear into our lesson plan.

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

I'd recommend using intermediate route 5. There's often a lot of parked cars on this route along with traffic moving quite fast for the road conditions. Try and look as far ahead as you can and let your Jim know what you're looking at and what your plan is to deal with it. This could be as simple as "parked car, I'm stopping" or "parked car I'm going".

I'd also recommend going for a general drive and where appropriate using 4th gear. To select 4th gear from 3rd, let the gear stick spring back to neutral with a gentle tap and then pull it down towards the back of the car. Remember if you need to go back down to 2nd gear, from 4th gear, first allow the gear stick to spring back into neural and then move it towards the passenger side of the car and then back, towards the rear of the car into 2nd gear.

Date: 28/05/2021

Lesson Goals

I'd like to focus on my braking. I often press too hard on my brake and press it all the way to the floor. I'd currently scale my use of the brake as a 3/10 and would like to improve this to a 6.5/10. I'm going to achieve this by pressing gently on the brake and not pressing it all the way to the floor.

I'd also like to work on my anticipation and planning.

What am I proud of?

I'm really proud of how my braking improved. I'm now easing onto my brake pedal and slightly reducing the pressure as my car comes to a stop. I'd now scale my braking as a 6.5/10.
My anticipation and planning was great. I'm now looking at cars further up the road and reacting to what they are doing as opposed to solely focusing on the car in front of me.
My move off was far smoother and more rapid.
My hill starts were great this lesson.

What I'd like to improve on?

I'd like to do some more work on moving off smoothly and rapidly, especially when under pressure.
I'd like to work on slowing my approach speed, up to closed junctions and using a rolling first gear to give me time to scan my junction for vehicles.

Our plan for next lesson

I'd like to work on slowing my approach speed, up to closed junctions and using a rolling first gear to give me time to scan my junction for vehicles.

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

I'd recommend continuing using intermediate route 5. I'd use this route to primarily focus on slowing your approach speed down at all emerging junctions and selecting 1st gear. Once you have first you can scan the junction and decide if you're able to emerge.

I'd also recommend going for a general drive and working on the awareness and planning progress we made today. I'd recommend choosing your own route, based on the traffic around you. Look out for hazards that may cause you to have to stop, or change direction. You could ask your supporting driver to jump in with directions, if they feel your heading towards an area, above your current capability. Choosing your own route will encourage you to look further ahead and make decisions based on what you see.

Date: 04/06/2021

Lesson Goals

I'd like to focus on my choice of gears at junctions. I'd like to know when to choose a rolling first. Currently I'd rate my knowledge as a 5/10, I'd like to improve it to a 7/10.
I also like to work on a rapid move off. I think I'm quite good at this but I'd like to make it consistent.

What am I proud of?

I'm really proud of how my plan for a junction improved. I now know what gear to choose. I'd now rate my knowledge as a 7/10.
My braking has hugely improved
I'm so much more confident when choosing when to gear down.

What I'd like to improve on?

I'd like to do some more work on moving off smoothly and rapidly, especially when under pressure. I'd like to this in a quiet environment and test it under pressure.
Sometimes I don't react to my instructor saying slow down. This is because I have so many other conflicting priorities to deal with. I'd like to work on this.

Our plan for next lesson

I'd like to work on roundabouts.

Since our last lesson I've talked to my instructor and our plan is to do a mock test.

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

I'd recommend working on the following routes, to help prepare you for your mock test

Intermediate route 3
Intermediate route 6
Experienced route 7

I'd also recommend working on meeting situations.

Date: 11/06/2021

Mock Test Results

The following are your serious faults:

When exiting the junction at Eldon Rd there was a vehicle approaching the junction. You were correct to exit the junction however you then stopped midway through entering the new road.
You overtook a cyclist on a bend, when you couldn't see if there was any oncoming traffic.
On two occasions you drove over the speed limit.

Your driver faults:

You mounted the kerb leaving Carlton Street
On a few occasions you selected the wrong gear which resulted in a rapid decrease in speed or a stall at the junction
On one occasion you should have waited for the oncoming traffic as the gap was a little too tight
On two occasions you were a little hesitant at a roundabout or junction
Your turn when entering Southam Lane was a little wide
When changing up to 5th gear your road position drifted to the right

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

I'd recommend working on the areas highlighted in your mock test.

I would focus working on your understanding of gears and the appropriate gear for the road condition, in particular when approaching roundabouts.

Date: 22/06/2021

Lesson Goals

I'd like to focus on my use of speed, I think I've been doing a lot better on this in my private practice and I'd like my instructor to assess this.

I'd like to work on my gears.

I'm going to remember to look out for cyclists

What am I proud of?

I'm really starting to master my speed, I'm much slower on corners and much more in control
I made really good choices with my gears approaching and driving roundabouts
My hill starts were great, Harp hill was hard but I dealt with it well
I'm much less hesitant
I'm starting to anticipate what other road users will do.

What I'd like to improve on?

I was a little unsure how to deal with All Saints Rd. My speed was a bit fast.

Our plan for next lesson

I'd like to look at my reversing manoeuvres.

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

I'd recommend working on driving through the narrower roads, by the test centre, on your private practice. Look for things out of the ordinary and experience as many different situations as you can.

Date: 02/07/2021

Lesson Goals

I'd like to focus on my manoeuvres today. Specifically my forward bay park and parallel park

What am I proud of?

I'm really proud of my bay parking. I went much slower and worked on my technique. I'd rate this a 5.5/10
I'm very proud of my parallel parking, I'd now rate this as a 7.5/10

What I'd like to improve on?

I like to work on adding all around observations when completing a parallel park or bay park.

Our plan for next lesson

I'd like to do another mock test next week

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

I'd recommend working on completing your manoeuvres with full all around observations. Think about all the places you need to look? These will be the same places you check when you move off however you'll need to check them more frequently as the road conditions can frequently change. Try to pick slightly busier roads to parallel park on to help you understand the importance of good observations.

I would also recommend revisiting your faults from your previous mock and working on these in private practice. You can use any of the experienced test routes to do this.

Date: 09/07/2021

Mock Test Results

The following are your serious faults:

When changing lanes on the McDonalds roundabout you failed to check your blind spot.
When approaching the Kingsditch double roundabout you were straddling two lanes
There was a lorry stuck on the second of the Kingsditch doubles. You needed to stop the car to allow them to complete what they were doing

Your driver faults:

You failed to use a right indicator twice when turning right at traffic lights
You missed one right mirror check
You stopped in the cycle box at traffic lights
You scuffed the kerb on lower high street
Your road position drifted on Tewksbury Rd
Your road position drifted to the left on Church Rd
You rolled back at the traffic lights on Hyde Lane

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

I'd recommend focusing on blind spots when changing lanes on roundabouts. The McDonald's roundabout is a great one to practice this on.

I'd also recommend focusing on the other development areas highlighted on your mock test.

You can use all the experienced routes to practice this.

Date: 16/07/2021

Lesson Goals

I'd like to work on checking my blind spots, on the move, when my mirrors don't cover everything around me.

I'd also like to work on my anticipation and planning

What am I proud of?

I'm really proud of how I used my blind spots. This has given me an extra line of sight
I'm looking further ahead which is allowing me to anticipate any hazards
When I see a developing hazard I'm now reacting to it sooner

What I'd like to improve on?

I like to work on my speed in narrow spaces. Sometimes I approach parked vehicles to fast and then try to squeeze through a tight gap.

Our plan for next lesson

I'd like to work on narrow roads again to help me judge my speed

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

I'd recommend looking for areas where there's lots of traffic and vehicles doing unpredictable things. Car parks are great for this! I'd also recommend looking at larger multilane roundabouts and work on keeping you car within your lane

Date: 23/07/2021

Lesson Goals

I'd like to work on driving narrow roads and regulating my speed

What am I proud of?

I'm really proud of how I'm now dealing with narrow roads. I'm now looking ahead, anticipating any hazards and reacting appropriately
There was a huge improvement in my speed this lesson.

What I'd like to improve on?

I like to work on using clutch control on hills
Sometimes I'm a little late to press my brakes when approaching stationary cars

Our plan for next lesson

I'd like to work on clutch control on hills

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

I'd recommend finding quiet, gentle hills to work on holding your car stationary on the bite point, either at a junction or by the side of the road. The road outside Springbank School is great for this.

Once you're comfortable with this I'd recommend testing the skill at busier junctions.

Date: 06/08/2021

Lesson Goals

I'd like to work on using clutch control on hill starts

What am I proud of?

I'm really proud of how I controlled the car using my clutch on hills
I completed a turn in the road in a very narrow road
My driving in general was great
I dealt with cyclists really well

What I'd like to improve on?

I like to continue to work on my clutch control on hills

Our plan for next lesson

I'd like to complete 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 to prepare for your mock test next lesson

Date: 13/08/2021

Mock Test Results

The following are your serious faults: 1

When moving off in traffic, on Tewksbury Rd you stalled as you didn't apply enough accelerator. This held up the cars behind

Your driver faults: 10

Your car rolled back twice when leaving a junction
You stalled the car twice when moving off
On 2 occasions you missed a left mirror check
You were hesitant when entering the race course roundabout
When decreasing your speed from NSL to 40mph you left your planning very late resulting in a harsh brake
When pulling up on the left your car hit the kerb
When moving off from a pull up on he left you forgot to indicate

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

I'd recommend focusing on moving off from junctions and the side of the road. Make sure you're applying enough accelerator to help your car move off. I'd also recommend focusing on your left mirror checks.

Date: 27/08/2021

Lesson Goals

I'd like to work on my move off and not stalling. To achieve this I'm going to use more accelerator.

I'd also like to work on decreasing my speed when the speed limit drops.

What am I proud of?

My move off was great, I'd scale it as a 7/10 as I feel there is still room for improvement.
I was great at decreasing my speed in line with speed limit decreases.

What I'd like to improve on?

No development areas stood out this lesson.

Our plan for next lesson

I'd like to focus on general driving, my manoeuvres and using the sat nav.

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

I'd recommend continuing doing what you've been doing as this was a brilliant lesson!!

Date: 11/11/2021

Lesson Goals

I'd like to work on my parallel park. I'd also like to have a look over all driving areas that could come up in my test.

Areas I'd recommend focusing on before your test:

Try to focus on your approach speed. On times you approach static hazards, such as junctions, or moving hazards, such as meeting situations, too fast. This can cause other drivers to hold back as they're unsure of your intentions. It can also man that you don't have time to adequately prepare and respond to developing hazards.

If you find yourself in the wrong lane try to practice safely and rapidly changing into the correct lane. Currently you often leave it too late to change back which can result in cars undertaking you if you're in the right hand lane.

I'd spend some time looking at your parallel park. Before your move your car, in any direction, remember to carry out full, all round, observations. Try to keep your reversing speed slow to allow you to make any adjustments. Remember if you're reversing your main direction of sight should be over your left shoulder as this is the direction your car is moving in.

Spend a little bit of time driving around the industrial estate by Travis Perkins

The above should give you enough to focus on today, I'll add some more routes on for you this evening.

Reflective Log

Lesson 1

02/07/21

Lesson 2

09/07/21

Lesson 3

16/07/21

Lesson 4

23/07/21

Lesson 5

06/08/21

Lesson 6

13/08/21

Lesson Goals

​

I'd like to focus on my road positions. I'd currently rate it as a 5/10 and would like to improve it to a 7/10. I'll do this by lifting my vision so I'm looking further ahead as opposed to at the road. I also plan to reduce my speed on corners to help me maintain a good road position.

​

I'd also like to feel more confident. I'll measure this by if I feel anxious about my next lesson.

​

​

What am I proud of?

​

I'm proud of my road position. By lifting my line of sight, looking further ahead and reducing my speed by coming off my accelerator sooner and using my brake I gave myself more time to think. This made me feel less panicked and my road position hugely improved. I achieved my goal of a 7/10.

My steering hugely improved. I've adjusted my hand position so now I can make larger movement of the wheel as opposed to small, shuffled movements.

I feel so much more confident, I can't wait for my next lesson!

What I'd like to improve on?

​

I'd like to work on my hill starts, sometimes I find it hard to coordinate everything I need to do.

​

​

Date: 07/05/2021

Our plan for next lesson

​

I'd like to focus on my hill starts next lesson, I'd really like to perfect those. I'd also like to continue working on my speed, specifically when turning and changing down gears.

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

​

I'd recommend researching gears to help widen your understanding, specifically why you need to change to a lower gear, when, why and what impact it has on your engine. This knowledge will help you decide when to change down and fully understand the impact it has on how your car handles.

​

I'd recommend using any of the intermediate or beginner routes in the learner area and focus on your speed (specifically around corners), your gear changes (focusing on your downward gear changes and appropriate speed).

​

I'd look at beginner route 5, at all of your junction emerges complete a hill start using your handbrake. If you want to add additional hill starts to this you can pull over on the left and any upward incline.

Date: 14/05/2021

Lesson Goals

​

What am I proud of?

​

I'm really proud of my hill starts. I now understand what I need to do and feel comfortable completing a hill start when there's not much traffic around me. I'd now rate my hill starts as a 7/10

My speed before a corner is now ace, this is reflected in my road position as I now find it easier to maintain a good road position.

I'm now bringing my speed down before I change gear, I'm achieving this by apply the brake alongside my clutch when I shift down.

My planning and anticipation has hugely improved this lesson. I'm now reading the road further ahead and becoming less surprised when other road users are doing something as I've already anticipated their movements.

What I'd like to improve on?

​

I'd like to do some more work on my hill starts, specifically when under pressure. Sometimes the pressure of other drivers waiting causes me to lift my clutch too quickly.

I'd like to do some more work on anticipation and planning and develop further in this area.

Our plan for next lesson

​

I'd like to focus on anticipation and planning next lesson. I'd like to work on scanning the road, far ahead and planning my actions based on what I anticipate other drivers to do. We'll incorporate hill starts and my use of 4th gear into our lesson plan.

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

​

​

Date: 28/05/2021

Lesson Goals

​

​

I'd also like to work on my anticipation and planning.

What am I proud of?

​

I'm really proud of how my braking improved. I'm now easing onto my brake pedal and slightly reducing the pressure as my car comes to a stop. I'd now scale my braking as a 6.5/10.

My anticipation and planning was great. I'm now looking at cars further up the road and reacting to what they are doing as opposed to solely focusing on the car in front of me.

My move off was far smoother and more rapid.

My hill starts were great this lesson.

What I'd like to improve on?

​

I'd like to do some more work on moving off smoothly and rapidly, especially when under pressure.

I'd like to work on slowing my approach speed, up to closed junctions and using a rolling first gear to give me time to scan my junction for vehicles.

Our plan for next lesson

​

I'd like to work on slowing my approach speed, up to closed junctions and using a rolling first gear to give me time to scan my junction for vehicles.

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

I'd recommend continuing using intermediate route 5. I'd use this route to primarily focus on slowing your approach speed down at all emerging junctions and selecting 1st gear. Once you have first you can scan the junction and decide if you're able to emerge.​

I'd recommend continuing using intermediate route 5. I'd use this route to primarily focus on slowing your approach speed down at all emerging junctions and selecting 1st gear. Once you have first you can scan the junction and decide if you're able to emerge.

Our plan for next lesson

I'd like to work on roundabouts.

Since our last lesson I've talked to my instructor and our plan is to do a mock test.

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

I'd recommend working on the following routes, to help prepare you for your mock test

Intermediate route 3
Intermediate route 6
Experienced route 7

I'd also recommend working on meeting situations.

Mock Test Results

The following are your serious faults:

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

I'd recommend working on the areas highlighted in your mock test.

I would focus working on your understanding of gears and the appropriate gear for the road condition, in particular when approaching roundabouts.

Lesson Goals

I'd like to focus on my use of speed, I think I've been doing a lot better on this in my private practice and I'd like my instructor to assess this.

I'd like to work on my gears.

I'm going to remember to look out for cyclists

Our plan for next lesson

I'd like to look at my reversing manoeuvres.

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

I'd recommend working on driving through the narrower roads, by the test centre, on your private practice. Look for things out of the ordinary and experience as many different situations as you can.

Lesson Goals

I'd like to focus on my manoeuvres today. Specifically my forward bay park and parallel park

Our plan for next lesson

I'd like to do another mock test next week

Mock Test Results

The following are your serious faults: