A Guide To Dual Controls: Dual Control Car Kits For Driving Instructors

21/05/2021

Are you thinking about becoming a driving instructor? Are you looking for more advice about using dual control kits for your lessons?

Did you know, in the last quarter of 2020, there were over 240,000 driving tests in the UK alone? All those students would have learned from some form of instructor.

Allow us to briefly cover the options to consider when buying dual control fittings. Read up on dual control kits and maintenance tips in this guide.

What Are Dual Control Kits?

Dual controls cars are a popular option amongst driving instructors. They are an extra set of pedals that are implemented into the passenger side of a car. The pedals are connected much in the same way that the drivers pedals are. They can allow the instructor to stop the car if the need arises. 

The instructor will have the ability to take control of the car. From gaining this control, they can react to any potentially dangerous situations. 

Dual Control Car for a Driving Instructor

The primary role of a driving instructor is to teach their students to drive in a safe and controlled manner. But, when it comes to teaching something as hands-on as driving, verbal teaching may not be effective. 

Students will make mistakes. That's a big part of learning. Or, you will have those roads users who forget what it is like to be a learner. No matter who is to blame, an instructor will need to ensure they can keep the situation as safe as possible. It also gives the learner a certain level of security, knowing the instructor can step in if need be. 

Are They Compulsory?

The government doesn't state that dual pedals are legally required. But, you will struggle to find an instructor that doesn't use them. They may not be legally binding, but it makes much more sense to have them.

Imagine you were teaching a student who is judging the speed of a car at a junction. Without being able to stop them, you could end up in a difficult situation.

Are They Easy to Use?

If you connect the pedals to your car correctly, they will work exactly like the driver's pedals. However, there aren't any set rules for their usage. Most do's, and don'ts are pretty self-explanatory. 

How Are They Used?

The main reason for dual controls is to keep everyone safe. They are there for an instructor to use in emergency situations. 

A prime example would be the one mentioned above. Let's say your student misjudged the speed of an oncoming vehicle and started to cross its path of travel. An instructor could prevent this by slamming on the brakes to stop the two cars from colliding. 

The student would have put everyone in a dangerous situation. The instructor then took control of the car using the pedals. By doing this, they ensured everyone remained safe and secure. 

What Shouldn't You Do?

Student drivers have the potential to make many minor mistakes during lessons. As you may know, they will need to learn how to get themselves out of these problems. 

If you take control of the pedals each time the student makes a mistake, they will begin to rely on you too much. Teaching the student to solve the situation themselves is the strongest teaching tool. This way, when they pass their test, they will know what to do if they are alone. 

Mistakes are there to be made. Repeating the mistakes is when they turn into a problem. Students need to learn from their mistakes. 

Different Dual Control Fittings

As you know, there are many variations of car styles. Therefore, there are also different styles of dual controls. 

Static Dual Controls

Static dual controls are a set of pedals for the passenger side of the car. They remain static whilst the student is using their set of pedals. They have their positives and negatives. 

With static pedals, the instructor won't have to worry about where their feet are and they won't run the risk of getting them trapped underneath the pedals. Having this ability means the instructor will remain in a better-controlled position. 

However, the instructor will have more of a struggle to see if the student is using the pedals correctly. 

Passive Dual Controls

Passive dual controls are a set of pedals like the static set. The main difference between the two is that these pedals will move. As the student uses the driver's pedals, the instructor's pedals will mirror them. Again, they have their pros and cons. 

With passive controls, the instructor can understand precisely what the student is doing. If the student begins to coast the car, the instructor can tell them to stop and teach them how to do it properly. This is a definite advantage when it comes to night-time driving. 

There is a chance the instructor's foot becomes trapped beneath the pedals. If this happens, they will lose control. Say an emergency was to arise whilst the instructor's foot was stuck. They wouldn't be able to stop before it grew dangerous.

Right/Left Hand Drive

Another key difference between types of pedals is whether the car is right or left-hand drive. 

A right-hand-drive car will need a set of pedals designed for the left-hand passenger side. Whereas a left-hand-drive car will need pedals for the opposite side. The size and shape of the car don't matter. Most pedals will be designed to fit them all.

Take Control of Your Lessons

Now you have a better understanding of dual control kits. Which one will you choose? 

Contact us now to enquire about your new set of drive control pedals.