Essential Driving School Supplies Every Instructor Should Have

07/11/2023

Teaching new drivers the rules of the road and the intricacies of operating a vehicle is a challenging, but ultimately rewarding, profession. As a driving instructor, you have the responsibility of ensuring your students are well-equipped with the skills they need to become safe and confident drivers. To do this effectively, you need to have the right tools and supplies. This article will highlight the essential driving school supplies that every instructor should have.

What Driving School Supplies Should Driving Instructors Have?

There are a number of handy - and sometimes essential - supplies that every driving instructor should have readily available. To make sure you’re adequately prepared, let’s go over these below:

Dual-Control Vehicles

At the top of the list is the dual-control vehicle. You can install something like the FAST dual controls into most manual and automatic cars, allowing the instructor to intervene whenever necessary. Dual control and mirrors ensure the safety of the student, instructor, and other road users during practical lessons. What’s more, these tools can be adjusted to suit you by changing the pedal height or implementing quick-release pedals.

For a new driver, knowing that the instructor can take control if things get tricky can be a huge confidence booster. It allows them to make mistakes and learn from them without the fear of causing an accident. What’s more, it ensures that everyone in the vehicle is as safe as possible. If a sudden danger emerges on the road, then the instructor has the power to stop the vehicle safely.

Instructional Materials

Every instructor needs instructional materials to support their students' learning. These resources provide students with knowledge about road signs, traffic laws, and driving best practices. Some instructors opt for digital versions, while others prefer traditional printed handbooks. Colourfile is the most popular of these instructional materials, covering all that learners need to know in order to pass their driving test.

Visual aids such as diagrams, posters, and flashcards can be particularly helpful in illustrating complex driving concepts. They can be used in classroom settings or during in-car lessons to help students visualise and remember essential information.

As well as instructional materials, it’s always a good idea for instructors to have promotional materials too. This provides you with ready-made resources that can promote your services and provide contact details to students.

Safety Equipment

Accidents, no matter how minor, can occur during driving lessons. A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for dealing with small injuries immediately. Another useful piece of kit is a small fire extinguisher that is easily accessible in the vehicle. While vehicle fires during lessons are rare, it's always better to be prepared.

Student Evaluation Tools

Record cards allow instructors to document a student's progress over time. This tool can highlight areas where the student excels and where they might need more practice.

Skill assessment checklists provide a clear outline of what a student needs to master before they are ready for their driving test. By ticking off skills as they are learned, both the instructor and student can see at a glance what remains to be covered.

Vinyl and Magnetic Signage

One of the unmistakable traits of a learner driver's car is the signage that accompanies it. Vinyl and magnetic signage serve multiple purposes in a driving school setting. Using vinyl signage on your vehicle isn't just about safety or notifying other drivers; it's also a rolling advertisement. Professionally designed logos and school information can catch the eye and generate inquiries from potential students.

Magnetic 'L' plates are important for any driving instructor's vehicle. These signs alert other drivers that a novice is behind the wheel, encouraging them to exercise additional patience and caution. Since they're magnetic, they can be easily attached or removed based on the lesson's needs.

Car Roof Signs

Car roof signs are among the most distinct and recognisable features of a driving instructor’s vehicle. Positioned on the top of the car, these signs provide visibility from all angles and can be spotted from a distance, ensuring that fellow drivers are aware of a learner's presence on the road.

Car roof signs often display the letter 'L' or the word 'LEARNER' and play a pivotal role in notifying nearby vehicles of a novice driver. This heads-up encourages other drivers to be more forgiving of any hesitations or mistakes, ensuring a safer driving environment for everyone on the road.

Beyond safety, a well-designed car roof sign lends a professional touch to the driving school's image. It sends a message of authenticity and trustworthiness, which can be crucial for attracting new students. It can also be an excellent form of promotion as your signage will be visible when driving.

Make Driving Lessons Better With the Right Supplies

Being a driving instructor requires more than just expertise in driving. To be truly effective, instructors need a range of tools and supplies designed to ensure safety, facilitate learning, and track student progress. By investing in high-quality driving school supplies like dual-control vehicles, comprehensive instructional materials, essential safety equipment, and robust student evaluation tools, instructors can provide top-tier education and set their students on the path to driving success.

If you have any questions about any of the products mentioned in this article, or would like help choosing the right resources for your driving instructor needs, then please get in touch at Grade Six Supplies today.