Always start the Mirrors - Signal - Manoeuvre (MSM) routine well before you intend to change lanes. On motorways, vehicles are travelling at much higher speeds, so they may come up behind you very quickly. By checking the mirrors early, you'll have a chance to plan and give any necessary signals in plenty of time, so that other drivers have advance warning of your intended actions. In turn, they'll have more time to expect a change in traffic pattern and be able to prepare and act accordingly.

Advise a pupil that they should never overtake on the approach to a junction. The driver they're following may decide to turn right at the last moment. Other vehicles may arrive quickly at the junction and turn left into your road without taking effective observation.

All-round observation is essential throughout any manoeuvre in the road. A pupil should be trained to look particularly in the direction in which they're moving, to look out for vulnerable road users and to check their blind spots.

When teaching your pupil the turn-in-the-road exercise, you should explain that having the car under control is only part of the procedure. They also need to be aware of other road users and know how to deal with them safely.

At junctions where the view is restricted, you need to make sure your pupil has time to assess the situation. Teach them to approach slowly and get a good look at the traffic situation before making a decision.

You may need to check your pupil's understanding by asking questions. If they offer a partially correct answer, you should confirm the correct parts and, to complete their understanding, give them feedback on where they went wrong.

If your pupil's driving is below the required test standard, it's your responsibility as a professional instructor to advise them not to take the test. As soon as you become aware of a possible problem, you should discuss this with your pupil and positively encourage them that, in their interest, and for other road users as well, it would be far better to postpone the appointment. If you can't dissuade them, then you should withhold the use of your vehicle. Ultimately, it's the pupil's test and an instructor can't prevent them from taking it in someone else's vehicle.

The safest rule is never to drink and drive. Alcohol seriously affects judgement and concentration. It will reduce driving ability, give a false sense of confidence and slow down reactions.

If you have to leave valuables in your car, always lock them out of sight. If a thief can't see anything of value to steal, they're less likely to break in.

If a medicine you need to take is making you feel drowsy, get advice from your doctor before driving.

The key attitude to develop in driving is active responsibility. For most pupils, and adolescents in particular, responsibility needs to be learnt. You should encourage learners to practise taking responsibility at the earliest opportunity.

Any medical condition that would affect your driving must be reported to the DVLA Drivers Medical Group or, in Northern Ireland, the DVA Drivers Medical Section. If you have any condition or you have to take any medication that you think might affect your driving, it's worth checking the information available on www.gov.uk

You should agree a plan with your pupil at the start of a lesson. However, as the lesson progresses it may become clear that the plan needs to be adapted - for example, if there's a gap in the pupil's knowledge that needs to be filled before they can proceed. You should agree with your pupil how to deal with that gap, even if it means changing the original lesson plan.

All-round observation is essential throughout any manoeuvre. Drivers should use their mirrors and pay particular attention to the direction in which they're moving, to vulnerable road users, and to what might be happening in any blind spots.

If a serious incident occurs that requires you to use the dual controls, it's vital that the pupil fully understands what happened and how they could have avoided the situation or dealt with it better.