Concept in Definition ABC

To drive motor vehicles, it is mandatory to obtain a certification that certifies knowledge of different subjects. This knowledge is normally acquired in specialized centers, driving schools, where the aspiring driver is trained in automotive theory and practice.

To obtain a driving license, the person must pass some basic medical tests that guarantee their vision, hearing and psychophysical aptitudes in general.

From a pedagogical point of view, these training centers propose several strategies:

1) the teacher explains the different topics that appear in the manual,

2) test simulations are performed before the definitive examination and

3) images and videos of practical cases are projected.

The purpose of these training centers is twofold: 1) to ensure that drivers have the appropriate skill and sufficient knowledge to circulate through the different routes and 2) promote the culture of road safety on the roads.

Theoretical knowledge

The driving school manuals include all the information

normative traffic the state deems necessary. In this sense, a driver must have knowledge about a wide range of topics: types of signals and their meaning, use of lighting, different methods of overtaking, crossing steps, beacon signals and, ultimately, all the code traffic. Likewise, the driver candidate must know a series of rules on other matters, such as the different sanctions, the point system, the transport of goods or the rules of safety at the wheel.

Once the student has assimilated the materials in the manual, he is ready to take a theoretical exam. This test presents the following approach: a set of questions or hypothetical situations have several alternative answers and only one of them is correct.

Practical knowledge

As a general rule, when the theoretical phase has been passed, the practical phase begins. In it, the driver acquires a series of skills driving a vehicle in a real traffic context. In all practical classes, the driving school teacher sits in the passenger seat to indicate to the driver what kinds of actions behind the wheel are appropriate or not. In this sense, the teacher supervises that the student is able to use in practice the theoretical knowledge that he has already acquired.

Apart from the skills of driving, drivers are trained in other complementary skills (possible situations of emergency, drive with rain or how to save fuel).

Finally, the driving school teacher teaches the student the attitudes necessary for the student to be a responsible driver.

Photos: Fotolia - John Takai / Mhaprang

Topics in Driving School