- New research from Allianz Australia has revealed that the learning-to-drive experience is equally as stressful for learners (66 per cent) and individuals teaching them (65 per cent)
- Minimising stress has a big impact on passing driving tests with 76 per cent of learners who had a stress-free experience passing on their first attempt
- 60 per cent of those surveyed who were doing the teaching admit they didn’t read up on road rules before teaching and 56 per cent didn’t reflect on their own bad habits. Many learners agree, with 41 per cent saying their teachers didn’t always set a good example when driving themselves
- With a proven correlation between less stress and test success, Allianz Australia has partnered with Angelo Russo, a Driving Instructor for EzLicence to provide helpful tips for individuals teaching someone to drive – Tips for the Teaching Seat
New research from Allianz Australia has shown learning to drive is a stress-test, surprisingly not just for those learning, but for those teaching them too. Allianz has revealed two thirds of both learners and teachers surveyed were stressed by the experience. The findings also exposed that minimising stress is crucial, as three quarters (76 per cent) of learners surveyed who had a stress-free experience, passed on their first attempt.
In response, Allianz has partnered with Angelo Russo, a Driving Instructor for EzLicence with almost thirteen years’ experience, to develop Tips for the Teaching Seat – a helpful guide for supervising someone learning to drive. The guide’s release follows the new research revealing 76 per cent of surveyed learners pass their driving test on their first attempt when it’s stress free.
Allianz Australia’s Chief General Manager, Consumer, Michael Winter, said, “Learning to drive can be a stressful situation for everyone involved, so we feel it’s important to provide those in the teaching seat with readily available educational resources. At Allianz, we’re aiming to better prepare both learners and those sitting alongside them as they embark on this important milestone in so many young Australians’ lives and make them feel more secure in the process.”
Key to feeling secure is to ensure you’re properly insured for learners, however Allianz’s research shows 26 per cent of those surveyed who were doing the teaching didn’t check their existing insurance policy at all, while 15 per cent checked and had to arrange a new policy.
“As we approach the festive season and school holidays, when we often see more cars on the road, we encourage Australians to conduct a policy health check; and for those using the time off work to teach, check the vehicle has the correct cover for learner drivers before heading out on the road. Having this security is a sure-fire way to reduce the stress of the situation,” concluded Winter.
So, what’s causing this stress? Beyond the natural tension of being in an unfamiliar and intimidating situation, the Allianz research has revealed it’s often their teacher’s behaviour, with some of the most stress-inducing habits of teachers being a visibly tense posture (20 per cent), impatience (15 per cent) and raising their voice (9 per cent).
Interestingly, teachers are much harsher on themselves, with those surveyed admitting that they were visibly tense (52 per cent), had raised their voice (29 per cent) and grabbed the door handle (14 per cent). Despite these moments of tension, the research also showed that learners and parents are understanding, with a third wishing they were more appreciative, empathetic, and patient with their teacher’s/student’s efforts.
EzLicence Driving Instructor Angelo Russo is passionate about teaching young Australians to be confident on the road and knows first-hand the impact of teaching behaviour on test success.
“The Allianz research findings have shone an important light on how ill-equipped many teachers are before stepping into the passenger seat. However, through good preparation, a lot of the stress-factors the research identified can be addressed, making learning to drive a much smoother and successful process for all.”
Unfortunately, many teachers aren’t properly prepared, with 60 per cent of those surveyed admitting they didn’t read up on road rules, and 56 per cent not reflecting on their own driving to eliminate bad habits, the result: learners often felt their teachers didn’t always set a good example when driving.
“I’m thrilled to have partnered with Allianz and develop my Tips for the Teaching Seat as most Australians have only a working knowledge of the road rules and often have developed some bad habits over the years. Do you always signal when leaving a roundabout? These poor driving behaviours are easily passed on to your learner when they’re in the passenger seat and are enough to see them fail on their driving test. I encourage all teachers to lead by example,” concluded Russo.
Learn more about Tips for the Teaching Seat, with information, insights and tips to support individuals teaching someone to drive.