Safety First Teaching Defensive Driving as a Core Skill
                     Safety First: Teaching Defensive 
Driving as a Core Skill
Safety First: Teaching Defensive Driving as a Core 
Skill
• In a world where the pace of life is matched only by the speed of your vehicle, mastering the art of defensive 
driving isn’t just an option — it’s a necessity. Today, the roads have transformed into bustling corridors of 
constant motion, where split-second decisions can mean the difference between reaching your destination 
safely or facing a potential disaster.
• As you slide behind the wheel, the responsibility to safeguard your own life and those sharing the road with 
you rests heavily on your shoulders. Thus, as a driving instructor with a Certificate IV in Driving Instruction, it 
is essential to teach the learners the significance of defensive driving.
• But now you may be wondering what defensive driving is, why it is a core skill and why you should teach it. 
To answer all these questions, you must read this article till the end. So, let us begin!
What is Defensive Driving?
• Defensive driving is a set of techniques and strategies to reduce the risk of accidents and promote safe 
driving behaviour. The primary focus of defensive driving is to anticipate and react to potential hazards on 
the road proactively, thereby minimising the likelihood of collisions and maintaining the safety of all road 
users.
• Why is it Important to Teach Defensive Driving Skills?
• A driving instructor must teach defensive driving skills is important for several reasons. A few of the factors 
contributing to this are:
• 1. Avoiding Accidents
• Defensive driving is a crucial skill that enables drivers to anticipate and prevent accidents. By practising, 
drivers can enhance their ability to identify potential hazards on the road and take appropriate action to 
ensure their safety. This not only helps them avoid dangerous situations but also contributes to making the 
roads safer for everyone.
Why is it Important to Teach Defensive Driving 
Skills?
• 2. Protecting Yourself and Others
• Driving defensively is a crucial practice that not only safeguards learners’ well-being but also contributes to 
the overall safety of everyone on the road. It involves adopting a proactive approach to driving, anticipating 
potential hazards, and taking necessary precautions to prevent accidents.
• 3. Dealing with Bad Weather
• Defensive driving helps learners avoid accidents in difficult weather conditions. Learners can drive safely in 
rain, snow, fog, and other bad weather by maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles, managing their 
speed, and following the signals. This reduces the risk of collisions and improves road safety.
• 4. Handling Mistakes
• Everyone makes mistakes while driving. Defensive driving teaches learners how to handle these mistakes and 
what to do if others make them. This makes accidents less likely and keeps everyone safer on the road.
Top 4 Defensive Driving Skills to Teach Your 
Leaners
• A Driving instructor must teach learners about defensive driving skills to drive safely and confidently. Some 
defensive driving skills to teach are:
• 1. Always Stay Alert
• Encourage learners to maintain constant vigilance while driving, focusing their undivided attention on the 
road. Minimising distractions such as mobile phones and loud music enables them to respond to unexpected 
situations, enhancing overall driving safety promptly.
• 2. Keep a Safe Following Distance
• Tell the learners to leave enough space between their vehicle and the one in front. By taking this action, the 
drivers get sufficient reaction time if the leading car abruptly applies brakes. This preventive measure 
minimises the risk of rear-end collisions and provides a crucial margin for safer braking and manoeuvring.
Top 4 Defensive Driving Skills to Teach Your 
Leaners
• 3. Watch Out for Blind Spots
• You must help learners understand the significance of being aware of blind spots while driving. Guide them 
to use their mirrors effectively and also glance over their shoulder to eliminate any potential presence of 
vehicles that might be hidden from their view. This proactive approach minimises the risk of missing other 
cars and contributes to safer lane changes and manoeuvres on the road.
• 4. Obey Speed Limits
• Teach the learners about the importance of speed limits. The speed limits exist to ensure the safety of all 
road users. Moreover, fast speed reduces the driver’s ability to react effectively to unexpected events, such 
as sudden stops, obstacles, or pedestrians. Adhering to speed limits allows drivers more time to process 
information, make decisions, and avoid accidents, ultimately enhancing road safety.
Common Mistakes to Teach Your Learners to Avoid 
While Learning Defensive Driving Skills
• Helping your learners avoid common mistakes is essential to teaching defensive driving skills. Some of the 
mistakes they should be careful to avoid are:
• 1. Tailgating
• Tailgating, or following the vehicle in front too closely, is hazardous because it leaves insufficient space for 
reaction time. If the leading car applies brakes suddenly, the trailing car might not have enough distance to 
stop safely, potentially leading to a rear-end collision. You must inform the learners to maintain a safe 
following distance, which provides the necessary time to react and avoid accidents, contributing to overall 
road safety.
• 2. Distracted Driving
• Engaging in activities like using phones, eating, or distracted driving diverts the driver’s attention from the 
road. This significantly increases the risk of accidents, as split focus impairs reaction time and awareness of 
potential hazards. Thus, tell the learners to stay focused solely on driving, which ensures quick response to 
unexpected situations and helps prevent dangerous collisions caused by distractions.
Common Mistakes to Teach Your Learners to Avoid 
While Learning Defensive Driving Skills
• 3. Not Using Turn Signals
• Inform your learners to use turn signals is crucial for road safety as they inform fellow drivers about your 
intentions, reducing the risk of accidents. Neglecting this simple action can lead to confusion and 
unexpected manoeuvres, endangering everyone on the road.
• 4. Road Rage
• Allowing road rage to take over can escalate situations and jeopardise safety. Thus, you must tell learners to 
remain composed and patient behind the wheel. This helps in preventing potential accidents and conflicts.
The Bottom Line
• By using these tips and techniques highlighted above, learners can enhance their driving skills and play a 
crucial role in road safety. Moreover, being their driving instructor, ask them to practice diligently and remain 
vigilant. Moreover, you must make them realise that defensive driving significantly contributes to the well-
being of all.
• How can AORS Help you Become a Skilled Driver?
• If you want to become a driving instructor Canberra, Melbourne or any other part of Australia, consider the 
Academy of Road Safety (AORS). They can resolve all your queries about becoming a driving instructor. They 
offer various courses, such as Certificate IV in Driving Instruction, designed to support your journey. From 
foundational lessons that instil a deep understanding of road safety principles to advanced programs 
focusing on effective teaching methods, AORS provides a holistic learning experience.
• Through hands-on training, interactive simulations, and guidance from experienced instructors, you will be 
equipped with improved driving prowess and the expertise to impart crucial skills to others. AORS is a 
dependable ally, empowering you to navigate roads and contribute to a safer driving culture.
Contact
• E Mail:  [email protected]
• Phone No:  1300 967 467
• Website: https://academyofroadsafety.edu.au/