Giving useful directions as a learner's supervisor

A supervisor's words add to the learner's workload.

A supervisor's words add to the learner's workload. Clear directions given early let the learner keep observing rather than trying to decode a rushed sentence. Agree on the communication style before the car moves.

Understand the situation

Check that you meet the current NSW supervision requirements and understand the learner's licence conditions. Choose a route that suits the learner's present skills. Keep route directions distinct from feedback and avoid several competing instructions at the same time. An instructor can help you align home practice with lessons.

Before you practise

• Agree on how to request a safe stop or clarification
• Give ordinary route directions with enough time
• Save detailed discussion for a parked debrief

A focused practice session

Before the drive, choose one skill and a short suitable route. Afterwards, ask the learner which directions were clear and which felt late. Adjust the next session using that feedback. The aim is calm, consistent support rather than narrating every movement of the car.

A situation to discuss

The supervisor says turn here just as the learner reaches the junction. The learner should not rush a turn to rescue the direction. Continue safely, then re-plan. In the debrief, discuss whether earlier wording would have left more observation time. Supervisors can improve the session by changing their own communication as well as correcting the learner. A calm route adjustment models the decision-making you want the learner to develop.