Excerpt from "Building a Good Driver" by Leonard Hunter

Author Leonard Hunter has written a manual for driving instructors and for parents of teenage drivers. Mr. Hunter's book not only deals with the "how-to" of teaching teens to drive. But, the manual also focuses on the physical skills involved in operating a vehicle. 

Go HERE to read a Question-and-Answer post with Leonard Hunter.  

Read an Excerpt below from Chapter 2 of Building a Good Driver by Leonard Hunter. 

Chapter 2 - First Things First (Inside the Student’s Head)

A. What State of Mind is the Student In?

What state of mind is the student in? Calm and confident, or the other extreme- nervous with anxiety? Whatever the state of mind is, you must evaluate and adapt your communication system to guide them to something towards normal. Usually, a friendly direct tone with an explanation of the reason why will accomplish this.  However, you may fluctuate from this pattern as more rapport is developed.

B. What State of Mind Should the Student Be In?

What state of mind should the student be in?  Being calm, alert and ready for instruction is the ideal state of mind for a student.  However, you will need to prepare yourself for the less than ideal state of mind student.  I recommend questions about favorite sports teams or subjects. Ask about what you believe the student knows about, with open-ended questions, so you can evaluate the student’s state of mind.  If there is any question of the state of mind proceed cautiously.

C. How to Get the Student in the Right State of Mind

How to get the student in the right state of mind.  Try to greet all students with a smile, because smiles are known to disarm people. You want to set a positive tone for your relationship with the student. Make statements from the start like “A safe driver is a good driver”, and ask students how they feel about the idea. Be an example by exhibiting good communication and courteous manners to students and parents. Make sure driving safety is the standard in your vehicle.

Want more information on Building A Good Driver? Go here to visit the book's page on the MarketingNewAuthors.com website.