Behind the scenes of a Senior Driver Coaching Session

“It’s important to keep seniors up to date with any changes and ensure they’re following safe driving practices,” says Philip, who has been delivering the training for AA since 2019. “Most importantly, these sessions are designed to help keep them – and everyone else – safe on the road.”

Joe is a touch nervous about being critiqued, but Philip quickly puts him at ease, explaining that it’s not a test, but rather a relaxed, low-key session designed to be a positive and enjoyable experience. Lessons are customised to suit the unique needs of each driver, kicking off with an introductory chat and car safety check (front and rear indicators working? Tick!), before buckling up and heading out into the traffic.

“It’s horses for courses,” Philip says. “I start off by asking the student where they usually drive, and that’s what guides the session. If they only drive in their local area, then we just stick to that, or if they tend to drive further afield I’ll also take them on the motorway.”

Joe falls into the latter category. As well as driving from his home to the supermarket several times a week, he regularly drives to Manurewa, Kāpiti and around Waiheke Island. Philip puts him through his paces covering off a range of tasks like pulling out from the kerb, making a U-turn in a cul-de-sac, and navigating T-junctions and roundabouts.

We pull into the PAK’nSAVE car park to run through some key dashboard functions (hazard lights, window demisters and windscreen washer symbols), before heading to the motorway to check out Joe’s merging and lane-changing skills. Then it’s back into the local township where we encounter hazards such as pedestrian crossings, jaywalking, double-parked trucks and people reversing out of car spaces.

Joe passes the session with flying colours, but does everybody?

“Yes and no,” admits Philip. “For the most part seniors are pretty good drivers, but some common areas of concern include scanning properly, changing lanes safely, indicating at roundabouts and keeping to the speed limit. And yes, they often speed!”

A lot of seniors are also not checking their mirrors enough. “When it comes to teaching younger drivers we get them to look back when changing lanes or merging, but some seniors may not have that mobility through their neck so checking mirrors regularly is vital.”

Driving with both hands on the wheel is another biggie, but while the two o’clock and 10 o’clock rule was once the norm, these days the dial has shifted to nine and three.

“That’s because cars have airbags now and placing your hands at nine o’clock and three o’clock – with thumbs up, not wrapped around the steering wheel – gives you the best chance of protecting yourself if an airbag inflates.”

The session culminates with a relaxed chat in the car – a chance for Philip to share any feedback and suggestions. Drivers go home with an individualised written report outlining anything they can improve on, and this is followed up with a more detailed email. In Joe’s case, the feedback is resoundingly positive.

“Joe, you’re a good driver,” Philip says. “You know what you’re doing and you’re at the top range of seniors I’ve tested.”

So after sharing just a few nuggets of advice (“Watch your speed! Keep both hands on the wheel!”), the pair head for home.

For Joe, it has been an hour well spent. “I know I get a bit of a lead foot at times but otherwise I think I’m a safe driver,” he says. “What I was hoping for from this session was to find out if there’s anything I’m doing wrong, and what I can do to improve, and that’s exactly what Philip provided.

“The senior driver sessions are a great Member Benefit – I’ll be back in two years!”