Published
During one lesson, an unexpected police operation left my student driving with two flat front tyres. It was an unusual situation, and a reminder of why observation and calm instruction matter.
As a driving instructor, I have encountered plenty of things that do not appear in a lesson plan. On this occasion I was scanning ahead, saw something unfolding and asked my student to slow down. We were approaching a police operation.
Responding when the situation changed
Before we could fully understand what was happening, road spikes were deployed directly in front of our car. Both front tyres went flat. It was unlike anything I had experienced before.
I was able to guide the student as they pulled over safely to the side of the road despite the flat tyres. In that moment, clear instructions and attention to the immediate situation were what mattered.
Supporting image from the original article.
Road-spike image retained from the original account; it is not identified as a photograph of this incident.
The everyday skills behind an unusual event
Looking further ahead, noticing changes and responding without a sudden movement are skills learners can work on in ordinary lessons. Professional instruction gives you time to discuss those decisions and practise them with feedback.
Supervised practice with family or friends is valuable too. If an unexpected event has left you unsure about what to do, bring it up with your instructor. You do not need to have every answer before the lesson begins.
Our driving lessons focused on observation and judgement support these everyday habits. No lesson can prepare a person for every possible emergency, but there is value in practising how to notice a developing hazard and give yourself time to respond.
You can read more about my teaching approach on Allesha's instructor profile. Check the current profile and diary for lesson availability.