INTRO TO DRIVING COMMENTARY ~ Printable version

The commentary is an important part of your safe, systematic driving. It can assist in raising your level of concentration, observation and assessment. It also provides the examiner with an insight as to how you are compiling your driving plans.

The following is a suggested introduction to your commentary, it should ensure that you are fully aware of the vehicle you are driving, your surroundings, and will help to co-ordinate your thoughts. If a hazard develops during the introduction that takes priority, this can be dealt with and the introduction returned to.
Cars I AM DRIVING A……..(describe make and model)
WHICH IS DRIVEN THROUGH THE FRONT/REAR WHEELS
BY A 5 SPEED MANUAL/AUTOMATIC GEAR BOX ALONG THE……..(road name ) TOWARDS……..(direction )
Bikes
     
  THE ROAD SURFACE IS DRY WHICH WILL AFFORD ME MAXIMUM BRAKING EFFICIENCY SHOULD I REQUIRE IT  
 
 
 
OR
 
     
  THE ROAD SURFACE IS WET AND I SHALL BEAR THIS IN MIND WHEN BRAKING, STEERING OR ACCELERATING.

THE ROAD IS……..(describe type of road )……..e.g., (A SINGLE CARRIAGEWAY SEPERATED BY HAZARD WARNING LINES)

THE ROAD IS SUBJECT TO A 30MPH SPEED LIMIT AND THAT MY IS MY PRESENT SPEED (OR EXPLAIN WHY SPEED IS REDUCED)

LOOKING AHEAD I SEE……..(description of road ahead )
 
     

There should then follow a description of the area, (i.e., residential, shopping, industrial area), with emphasis placed on ensuring that hazards are prioritised as you continue.

Develop quick phrases to cover hazards:
  TOWARDS - general vehicles towards  
     
  EMERGING (left ~ right) (with ~ towards) - vehicles entering road  
     
  FOLLOWING - what's behind  
     
  PRESSING - following too close (may overtake?)  
     
  ORGANIC - Horses about (Horse Shit)  
     
  BEND (left ~ right)

 

     
  ROAD SIGNS ~ Remember the HWC definition (but there are funny names too)  
     

 

Stewart Rivers Chief Observer NET RoADA

Stewart Rivers is a Superintendent with the Metropolitan Police and their most senior practicing Class 1 driver

http://www.netroadar.org